tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73400535193202745062024-03-05T00:26:37.662-08:00SimplicityFinding simplicity in a hectic worldTabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-64624417049149325302015-01-28T23:51:00.000-08:002015-01-28T23:51:09.578-08:00Living a Life of Passion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Where is your passion?<br />
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As I mentally prepare myself for Passion 2015, I can't help but think of this word. Passion. What does it mean?<br />
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After a quick google search, I found it to define passion as a "strong and barely controllable emotion". I find myself to be a relatively calm person. Few things excite me. Few things bring me to rage. (Mom, if you're reading this, I know you're probably laughing! Those teenage years were hormonal. LOL) Because of this, I have been blessed with clarity in finding my own passion.<br />
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As a young adult, I begin to question my life.<br />
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What am I even doing? Is this going to benefit me in the long run?<br />
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Am I even being productive?<br />
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Where did all of my friends go? Where did my social life go?<br />
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While most adults laugh at the small amount of stress we have to juggle, it's still a lot to us. We're not in high school anymore. For some of us, we're about to graduate college. We aren't allowed to say we're "still figuring it out" because "you're about to graduate college, so you better figure it out quick". Knowing that we have to find a career that we could spend the rest of our lives in is overwhelming (especially for those of us who spend a lot of time just deciding if we want a blueberry or a chocolate muffin for breakfast).<br />
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So, how do you remain focused?<br />
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Life is difficult. Life is stressful. But life doesn't have to be ALL stressful. We are allowed to have fun. Instead of planning your life around how you're going to work, we should plan our life around how we are going to enjoy it, get the most of it.<br />
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I love my parents, so don't misread anything in these next paragraphs. I grew up with parents who have amazing work ethic. I credit them for my work ethic now. I'm constantly thinking about work: how I can get more hours, how many hours I'll clock out with at the end of the day/week, if I can go in on my off days to get more hours, how I can improve at work, etc. My father was always working. He's a farmer. He's super dedicated. I once asked my mom how many hours of sleep he gets because I hardly ever saw him sleeping. He came in late and woke early. So, I grew up around that. My mom quit her job to stay at home with my sister. Then she stayed at home to homeschool my sister (and later, me). She was also constantly working. Anyone who discredits homemakers can go talk to my mom (or my grandma and aunt) and ask for their to do list. I guarantee it's more than most get done in a regular work day. <br />
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Occasionally my dad would ask what I accomplished that day. If we didn't get much done, he'd make a small comment on that. We weren't in trouble, but both of my parents tried to motivate us to make the most of our time. Because of this, I developed a fear of wasting any days. Even now, if I don't get much done in a day, I instantly allow guilt to cloud my mind. So, instead of sleeping at a decent hour, I'll stay up to "compensate" for time lost. Even when I have to spend sick days in bed, I feel guilty. I feel as if I must be accomplishing something. I became obsessed with quantity of accomplishment, rather than quality.<br />
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Is that what life is all about? Ask anyone who is in their older years. Most will say quality of life is more important.<br />
<br />Going back to the beginning, consider your passions. What creates "strong and barely controllable emotion" for you? Is it ending human slavery? Is it ending child abuse? Is it finding a cure for cancer? Is it spreading your knowledge in a classroom environment? Whatever that passion is, whatever motivates you, use that to develop your future career. Allow God to take full reign of your future life. Don't allow the numbers in potential salary to determine your decision of career.<br />
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Don't live a life of regret. I strongly doubt that choosing a life that is full of something you have a passion for will lead you to a life of regret. Life isn't about money, how many titles you have in your name, how much college or experience you have. Life is about how you're using your talent to serve God. Don't you want to tell God you used everything you had to serve Him? That you used every possible talent He gave you in order to bring glory to His kingdom? To bring others to Him? I want to be able to say that. I don't want to live a life of regret. I want to live a life full of passion. Passion for serving Christ and His people.<br />
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God bless. </div>
Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-72354540030273085342014-10-06T20:40:00.001-07:002014-10-06T20:40:56.064-07:00The Power of Prayer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow. I haven't written in forever. I mostly write on my Tumblr account.<br />
<br />
I have something that has been on my mind lately and I felt the need to write on it.<br />
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What happened to my prayer life? It's withering, and with it so is my relationship with Christ. I remember feeling a closeness to Christ, knowing He was listening and always humbly waiting on a reply. I recognized the need for give and take in the conversations. So many times we fail to allow Christ to speak because we doubt He will speak to us anyway. Lately, I've been throwing up one-liners and "calling it good".<br />
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I can blame it on my busy life. I work full time hours. I'm a full time student. I volunteer in my "spare time". However, I still have free time where I find myself catching up on the latest book or movie rather than contributing to my relationship with Christ. I have done terrible at this. No wonder I feel like I'm in a desert with my spiritual life! It's my own fault. I can't blame anyone else. It's all about priorities.<br />
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You know, when I was little I used to kneel beside my bed in prayer. Every night. There was no exception, no matter how exhausted I felt. I'd kneel because that was the truest form of dedication I knew. And I wasn't even in middle school yet. I showed more dedication as a child than I am as an adult. How sad is that?<br />
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A small part of me knows what happened. Why I stopped kneeling. I was going through a rough patch in life and started to become overwhelmed with thoughts that God doesn't care. So I continued praying every night. But I was no longer kneeling. Those long prayers of confessing sins, talking about how awesome my day was (or how bad), how beautiful His creation is, etc. turned into quick "Lord, whatever I have done wrong today, I'm sorry. Amen." as if that was any consolation.<br />
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What a terrible relationship! Can you imagine that being all your spouse/mother/father/daughter/son/sister/etc says to you all day? There is no "Hey! How was your day? Mine was fantastic. Let me tell you about it." With this there comes an inevitable decline in the relationship. Communication is vital.<br />
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So this week (and always) I'm going to challenge myself. Instead of crashing after doing homework, I'm going to spend the last moments before bed kneeling, praying, and praising God. Even if it's for a moment.<br />
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"Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually." (1 Chronicles 16:11)</div>
Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-11658712059551859272014-02-10T23:25:00.000-08:002014-02-10T23:25:25.297-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven't written in forever! I feel so deprived of writing. Writing sets a fire in my soul that nothing else besides Jesus and music can do. Even when no one else reads my blog, I will always write here! As I read somewhere, we should write blogs because "we'd die if we don't" not because other people are reading them.<br />
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I've been thinking a lot about quality of life lately. I'm always so busy. I'm taking six classes, volunteering as a CASA worker, and I'm also working almost full time (and volunteering for events for the store). I can't help but wonder if I should have set more free time aside for myself. Is life about rushing through it? Or is it about enjoying the ride, learning as much as you can as you make the travel?<br />
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Jesus has been stressing the fact that I need to seek peace so I can prepare myself for the next trial that comes my way. While I don't want another trial, I must be emotionally prepared because there will undoubtedly be another trial on this side of heaven. Until then, I'm focusing on quality of life. There is beauty in everything: in business, in trials, in peace, etc.<br />
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"Who can tell what will happen on the earth after we are gone?" (Ecc. 6:12)</div>
Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-39004942045662714802012-08-18T10:03:00.002-07:002012-08-18T10:03:17.994-07:00What Does Your Sacrifice Look Like?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven't written in a while! My goodness.<br />
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(I've been using Tumblr quite a bit. If any want to follow me, search for 01tabithanicole.)<br />
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I've been thinking a lot about the promises we make to God. Whether it be in tithing, service, or even little everyday activities.<br />
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Sometimes I promise God that I'm going to give Him a certain amount from my paycheck. Then when I begin to add everything up, I notice that I will barely have enough to get by.<br />
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And I panic.<br />
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God wants to know, to see if I really trust Him completely.<br />
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That happened to me again a couple weeks ago. I felt God leading me to give to a friend who is traveling to Europe to spread God's love. I wrote the check out for the amount God led me to. Then I begin calculating the things I needed, bills I needed to pay and I froze.<br />
Panicked again. <br />
But I sent the check anyway. God looks at our heart. "Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High." (Psalms 50:16)<br />
God looks at our heart. He sees our obedience. And for that, we will be rewarded. He doesn't look at the AMOUNT we have given but at the condition of our heart as we gave, the obedience, the struggle in knowing that it was tough to obey but in love, we do it anyway.<br />
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How does your heart look as you give?</div>
Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-80956877525958142912012-04-16T22:56:00.000-07:002012-04-16T22:56:44.515-07:00Significance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" 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" /></div><br />
Lately I've been pondering my life. What have I done to make an impact on someone's life? What have I done to increase the kingdom of God? Surely my life isn't simply about working and school. There has got to be more to life than work and school. I know there is. Why? Because we were made for more.<br />
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I love this picture of the palm tree on the beach because it reminds me of the impact I can have on someone's life. Will I leave behind a legacy? Do others see the light of Christ shining through me? Is my shadow of light falling on those around me?<br />
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Life isn't about the materials you possess. It isn't about how many friends you'll have. Don't regret the things you do but the things you haven't done. Take hold of your salvation and live in faith. Don't put things off until tomorrow. "This is your life. Are you who you want to be?"<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA2CpQWg2pA<br />
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</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-90165852483173895802012-04-13T12:14:00.001-07:002012-04-13T12:14:12.954-07:00Be Set Apart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Goodness I haven't written anything in a while. It's kind of depressing. <br />
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I've been thinking a lot about how Jesus calls us as Christians to be set apart. So often I find myself justifying my aactions because i see my other Christian friends doing the same. Should I allow them to be my example? Ultimately, Jesus should be the one leading and guiding me. <br />
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Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8) Am I pure in heart? Am I even seeking to be pure in heart? Does my heart want to see God? "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with <em>all </em>your heart and with<em> all</em> your soull." (Deuteronomy 4:28) (Emphasis, mine) Am I seeking Him with all of my heart and soul?<br />
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God is searching over all the earth for someone who is fully dedicated to Him. Will His eyes be pleased as they land on my heart? Will He see dedication? Or will He see a lukewarm heart, pulled by a desire to seek the world while attempting to serve Him? He wants us to fully dedicate not only our lives, but our hearts, souls, and minds as well to Him. <br />
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He has a greater purpose for our lives than this world can comprehend or offer. He has our best interests at heart. He knows our weaknesses, and puts up with us anyway. What greater love than this? What greater patience? He deserves our dedication. He lived His life and <em>died </em>for us, how much more can we give to Him but our hearts and lives? He deserves it. <br />
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As the end times grow closer, it will become incredibly necessary to set ourselves apart from the world. We need to stand up for Christ now. If we can't now, how will we be able to when the issue of persecution is stronger? We have to be ready. Prepare your hearts. Purify your hearts. Be set apart. Dedicate your hearts and lives to Him, the author of your very soul. <br />
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Here's a challenge to help purify yourselves:<br />
I've recently given up listening to secular songs that discourage me. Not all secular songs are bad. Some uplift me. The Fray are on my list of inspiring bands. I'll put up a list of recommended songs later. My challenge to YOU is to go through your iPod and write down a list of songs you have that don't encourage you. Party songs are great, but do they edify your spirit? That should be our ultimate goal. I'm throwing away a few CD's that I feel aren't edifying. (Such as my Florence + the Machine CD and yes, Foster the People, unfortunately. But, I've made myself a promise.)<br />
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Also, I've been carefully digesting the movies I watch as well. Oh be careful little eyes what you see. What you see can forever be embedded in your mind, memories, and affect how you view things in the future. Don't watch things that glorify the devil.<br />
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Watch your speech as well. It's easy to talk like everyone else but do you realize that claiming you are a Christian automatically sets you up for being placed under a microscope? People will want to see where you are different. This includes how you speak, how you encourage others, and even how you joke.<br />
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Be careful with your thoughts as well. Soon, your thoughts become your words and your words become actions.<br />
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</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-51940027937087560692011-11-23T21:30:00.000-08:002011-11-23T21:30:03.826-08:00What Makes You, You?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">What makes you, you? We're all unique. What do you like to do?<br />
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I work almost everyday. I go to school Monday through Friday. In my spare time, I study. Friends text me asking if I want to go out. I can't. It's depressing, but it's reality. <br />
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I can't find time for a "Girls' Night Out", but why can't I set aside at least an hour a week for myself? An hour to allow myself to strengthen the talents I have. Sometimes I groan to God, "What talents do I have? What makes me special? I don't feel special." It's an insult to Him. He's give me so much and what do I do with what He's given me? They seem to go to waste because instead of using my time wisely to glorify Him, I'm lying around doing things that don't even benefit myself, others, or (ultimately) God. <br />
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I really wanted to write mainly about this tonight because I've been feeling so dry. I know it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm not praying as much as I used to, but it also has a lot to do with the fact that I'm not using the talents God has given me. I used to play the piano everyday. I haven't played in months. I think that when we allow ourselves to thrive in the areas God intended us to, we thrive on the inside as well. True joy is found in Christ. When we are allowing His love to pour out through us into the abilities He has bestowed on us, true joy will flow through us and others will most certainly see it. <br />
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I love drawing. I love playing guitar. I love song-writing. I love piano. I love writing. These are the things I plan on trying my best, my everything to make time for because when I allow time for myself, I can pour more of myself (and Christ) into everyone else. Then, I won't be doing it out of obligation. I'll do it because of the joy in my heart. I truly do believe that thriving in your talents will bring you joy.<br />
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What do I enjoy? I love hanging out with friends, but when events in life don't allow for that to happen, there are other things I enjoy just as much. I love walks in the evening. Most people don't know that because I never take time for it. I love staring up at the stars. I discover things about myself when I'm outside. I feel closer to God. <br />
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God knows you. Even when you don't know who you are, He knows you. He knows what thrills you. He knows what upsets you. Trust Him. He gave you the talents and abilities for a specific purpose. What are you doing with what He's giving you? He made you unique. Are you attempting to discover what those particular unique qualities are? Are you allowing your spirit within you to thrive? Or are you silently pushing it down because you're "too busy" or afraid of the unknown? <br />
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Don't let amazing opportunities slip from your grasp because you aren't looking. You're only in the race if you're running. Where are you? Are you in the sidelines, or are you running this race? Are you afraid to attempt to run because you think you're not good enough? Where will that get you? What's the worst that can happen when you try? You're not a loser. You're a winner because of Christ. He's already won this race for you. The victory lives within you. Are you living out the victory? Are you living a fulfilled life?<br />
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</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-40541200940507369522011-08-30T19:23:00.001-07:002011-08-30T19:23:54.780-07:00Personal Commission<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">This article ties on with my previous article, “I Am More than a Conqueror”. If you want to get the most out of this subject, I strongly suggest reading them in order.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If you’re a child of the King, where do you live? If you want to make a big impact for your kingdom, you go into the city, right? Remember the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette? She was so oblivious that when the citizens complained that they had no bread, she exclaimed, “Let them eat cake!” As children of the King of Kings, we are called to go out and bring news of His Kingdom to those who haven’t seen or heard of it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">He commissions us out to do unique tasks especially created for us to do. God has commissioned you to something while you are here on earth. Are you doing what God has commissioned you, or are you commissioning yourself? Sure, you may want to be a pastor, but what if God doesn’t want you to do that? Sometimes we see things that we want to do and we do it without asking God what He wants us to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">If He hasn’t equipped you to be a leader, then don’t step up for a leadership position. You may need training before you step up for a leadership position. Effective leaders are those who are humble. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">(Side note) If you feel God calling you to be a leader, you may go through a stage of humbling. I know I have! I have known for a while that I’m naturally a leader. However, a couple years ago when I wanted to step up to leadership positions, there was always something blocking the way. I was frustrated. However, I am so glad God showed me that I needed to mature and be trained before I stepped up for a leadership position! Now, I can be a more effective leader because He has brought me to a place of humbling and He has taught me who I’m really living for: Him. Therefore, don’t be discouraged if you don’t have leadership opportunities right now. God is preparing you for the future so you will be able to step up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We all have our places especially made for us. He is calling you to have BIGGER dreams. You will see your dreams fulfilled if you will have faith. Hebrews 11 is full of the heroes of faith. They stepped out in faith and did great things for God’s Kingdom. He has reserved a place just for you and no once can take that place unless you refuse to take it. Then God will send someone else.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Here’s an activity I’d like you to participate in. Grab a piece of paper and a pen. Now, I’m going to ask you a question: What do you think Jesus’ mission was while He was here on earth? We know He came to save us, but what do you view His personal mission was here on earth?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Did you write it down? If you’re a bit confused, let me explain what my answer was: to heal the hurting and defeat the devil. Whatever your answer is, most likely it is the passion God has placed upon your heart. Maybe this is what God wants you to do with your life. I have always had a passion to help the hurting. I also have a passion to kick the devil’s butt. [I apologize for those of you who aren’t allowed to say the word butt. ;)] Think about what you answered. Pray about it. See where God may be leading you with your passions and desires.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(By the way, a girl at AFLBS asked this question during devotions, so do not credit this question to me. She said someone asked her this question, so I don’t know who to credit it to. Let’s just credit it all back to God!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Matthew 28:18-20 explains the Great Commission, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">This is the commission for all believers. We are to have a passion for the lost. Jesus wants to take us a step further than our comfort zone. He wants to push us further than what we have dreamed of for our lives because He knows what we are truly capable of. He loves the lost. Do we? Do we love them enough to desire to go out and desire to help the lost get found? Are we allowing Jesus to show us what He has commissioned us to do? Or are we too scared that He will push us too far outside of our comfort zone? </div></div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-73152568497526814002011-08-30T18:37:00.003-07:002011-08-30T18:37:43.968-07:00I Am More than a Conqueror<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Romans 8:37 says “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” This verse seemed to pop out at me as I read it last week. I have always been perplexed by it. Don’t we all desire to be conquerors? It isn’t a bad thing to be a conqueror! However, we are MORE than conquerors! If it is a fantastic thing to be a conqueror, think of how amazing it is to be more than one!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">So, what is more than a conqueror? I asked this question a while back. God revealed the answer to me this summer but He re-emphasized it last week. We are children of God: children of the King of Kings. Don’t stop short of just being a conqueror; know that you are a child of the most high God. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">When we think of a conqueror, we think of praise and adoration. Perhaps the King showers them with gifts. However, a child of the King is brought in. Not only are they praised, but they are also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loved.</i> A conqueror has to work to earn approval from the king; a child of the king already has it. A child of the king is part of the family no matter what he does. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Romans 8:14-17, “because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">How are we living? Are we living as children of God or merely conquerors? Or are we living as slaves? We don’t have to earn approval from God. As His children, we already have it! Christianity is about the DONE, not about the DO. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">John 15:15 says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” When a servant asks the king what He’s doing or where He is going, do you think the king goes into detail? No. Most likely he says, “Why do you have to know? You’re only my servant. You do as I say.” However, if it is a friend of the king, he will reply with more detail. Jesus calls us friends! Do you consider yourself as merely a slave? You are a friend of God! He wants you to know Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Don’t try so hard to earn your Father’s approval. He loves you just as you are. Nothing you do can make Him love you any more or any less. He loves you just as much as He loved Mother Teresa. He loves the murderers and thieves just as much as He loves you. We cannot begin to understand His love for us because it is infinite, unconditional, and unexplainable.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">One day God gave me a vision. I was about three years old and I was playing on the beach in a white dress. I was twirling around and dancing. I turned around to say, “Daddy, watch me!” As I turned around in the vision, it was Jesus standing there. He said, “I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">am </i>watching you.” How wonderful it is to know He cares! I always felt like my biological dad didn’t care what I was doing (unless it was something that deserved punishment). Jesus let me know that He cared for me all along. Children need affirmation. Jesus gives that. He showed that to me in the vision. Are you listening to the voice of Jesus? He is speaking to you. He speaks words of love. Even if He rebukes, it is all done in love. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Don’t underestimate yourself. You are a child of a powerful God. Don’t put yourself down. You don’t have to work for His love. You are more than a conqueror. You are more than a slave. You are His child. You are His friend.</div></div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-51684550305768448582011-07-04T17:25:00.001-07:002011-07-04T18:07:29.949-07:00Prodigal Father<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> I'm planning on doing a series on the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-31). I love this parable. It's full of meaning, promise, and forgiveness! There's so much to this story than meets the eye. I hope you're blessed by my study and work. I've been blessed and I've just started digging deeper. I attended a church here in Washington, Pennsylvania. I believe it's called Covenant Life Fellowship Church. I don't know the pastor's name, but much of my discoveries and articles will include insights I received from the sermon in church Sunday! Just giving credit where credit is due.<br />
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One of the definitions of prodigal is "lavishly abundant; giving or yielding profusely." In the Parable of the Lost Son, the prodigal son was lavishly abundant with his spending. He spent his inheritance on worldly things. To pain the picture a bit more clearly, I'm going to define lavish and abundant in case anyone is unclear about the definitions. (Yes, I know a lot of you know the definitions but just in case. Besides, when I'm doing a word study or research, I look up 1293812093810298310 words after I look up one just to be 100% clear on the subject. By the way, that was just a rough estimation.--^ ;))<br />
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Lavish means "Using or giving in great amounts; to expend or give in great amounts or without limit." Example: The prodigal son was lavish of his money. He spent most of it.<br />
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Abundant means "Present in great quantity; more than adequate; oversufficient; well suplied, abounding; richly supplied." Example: The prodigal son had an abundant amount of money. Putting the two words together: The prodigal son had an abundant amount of money and he chose to be lavish of his money. Hope you're all clear on the two words, now!<br />
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Have you ever considered that the term "prodigal" can be used in a positive way? Have you ever considered calling Jesus, "the prodigal Father"? No, it doesn't compare Him to the prodigal son. It means he is "lavishly abundant" with His grace. He gives it profusely! (By the way, profusely means "spending or giving freelin and in larege amount, often to excess; made or done freely and abundantly".) <br />
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When you stop and consider His mercy, it's completely overwhelming! He grants us forgivness and mercy unconditionally. It's neverending! We always have the oppurtunity to turn back to Him. We're not "too far off the path" or "to far down the hole". Chris Tomlin sings, "Our God is a God who saves" in his song, <em>Let God Arise. </em>Don't give up. Don't drown in shame because you think you can't be saved. It's never too late to turn back around. (Well, you have to turn around while you're still alive... I'm not justifying leaving His path because you can always turn back. You have to make the most of your time. There may not be a tomorrow. My point is to show you His mercy. You're not past the point of saving."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3dM9o3eE2hB6j222y5pkF43fHl-OqT0nmT9Hr1l3YdtE60HMbuGDUPmCiWp1tKHq8PgiX3E61v25P6UA7guAaHhNgHJSTUxVe_os-JRomN8-G-HZyQhV2VAZzc1P2YO3Nq3qP0I6FmI/s1600/Love+written+in+sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3dM9o3eE2hB6j222y5pkF43fHl-OqT0nmT9Hr1l3YdtE60HMbuGDUPmCiWp1tKHq8PgiX3E61v25P6UA7guAaHhNgHJSTUxVe_os-JRomN8-G-HZyQhV2VAZzc1P2YO3Nq3qP0I6FmI/s320/Love+written+in+sand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Remember when the disciples were in the boat during a storm and Jesus was asleep? The frantically begged Him to do something. What did Jesus say? "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40) He completely calmed the storm with three words. This may seem completely irrelevant but I do have a point!<br />
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When we choose to walk back to His path, we may encounter pits trying to turn us around. We'll become completely engulfed in shame and we may refuse to accept His mercy. Just as Jesus said to the disciples, He says to you, "Do you still have no faith?" Have faith that He gives His mercy to you. He died for every single one of your sins before you were born, before you even knew what sins you would commit. He forgives you. <br />
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His forgiveness is a gift. You can choose to leave it unwrapped, on the shelf, and collecting dust or you can unwrap and receive His gift. You can't do anything to earn it. You'd have to be perfect just as Christ was. That's impossible. Receive His grace, mercy, and forgivness. He loves you.<br />
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I encourage you to read Psalms 136. The phrase "His love endures forever" is repeated twenty-six times. (The NIV, however, says "His love endures forever." Love shows mercy. I encourage you to look this chapter up in several versions. I like the New Kings James Version. I find it more accurate.) <br />
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Luke 1:50 says, "His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation."<br />
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"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." (Romans 9:16)<br />
"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incopmarable riches of his grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-7)<br />
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Dear Jesus, <br />
Thank you for Your mercy! I didn't do anything to deserve You or Your forgiveness, yet You give it anyway. I'm sorry for wandering off Your path. I see now that Your path grants more freedom. You hurt when I walk away. I'm sorry. I love you and I'm so thankful for Your love and mercy. It's new everyday. <br />
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Praise Your Merciful and Forgiving Name,<br />
Amen.</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-36745483850712571332011-07-04T16:28:00.001-07:002011-07-04T17:59:16.981-07:00FREE to Choose (The Prodigal Son)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Well, today is July 4th. Anything significant about this date? Well, I hope you answer yes! July 4, 1776, very brave men chose to take a step towards freedom. They chose to risk their lives for a hope of a better future for generations to come. They proclaimed freedom from England. <br />
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Our past relationship with England is a great example of a band and unrealistic idea of love. England wanted to force us to "love" them. They wanted us to remain 100% loyal to them. What happened when we decided not to "love" them anymore? They went to war with us! Simply because we chose not to "follow" or be under their rule anymore. They wouldn't have rebellious happening. Forget free will. We had an obligation to follow them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9WHB9AId-oE3_sQ4DAoguA1eOyb-IAeYCwmfJ6ObnjHFTudf3P_o4SqnOpxPhpcUwrzlsoZmAe58-ow0r-726BAug2ueb_Yo0h6UbxTWYn6OZq4TgH1G9n3thg2HX4R7OJviUUSA9kg/s1600/Nicole+in+her+red+headband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9WHB9AId-oE3_sQ4DAoguA1eOyb-IAeYCwmfJ6ObnjHFTudf3P_o4SqnOpxPhpcUwrzlsoZmAe58-ow0r-726BAug2ueb_Yo0h6UbxTWYn6OZq4TgH1G9n3thg2HX4R7OJviUUSA9kg/s320/Nicole+in+her+red+headband.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> God gives us free will to determine whether or not we want to follow Him. He gives us <em>freedom. </em>God is most definitely not like the King of England was. He extends free will to us and love regardless of whether we choose to love Him or not. God allows us to walk away from Him. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-31), it is obvious that the father's ehart was brokent because of his son's rebellion. This is proven by the joyful reunion. If he were stoic about his son's departure and absence, he wouldn't have RUN to meet him. (Luke 15:20)</div><br />
Many think this parable is about an unbeliever who has never been saved. However, many points in the story cause me to believe it is about a returning Christian who has wandered from the Faith. We are allowed to break fellowship with God. He won't force us to stay with Him. Many times people blame God for their "stepping off of the path". Just as the father in the parable, God doesn't stop us. He allows us to <em>choose</em> who we want to be with and what we want to do. <br />
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If we were all foced to love Him, we'd be rovots, mindlessly expressing our love for Him. God doesn't want that. Do YOU want that? If you love someone, you want them to love you because they <em>chose </em>to, not because they were <em>forced </em>to. When you love someone, you extend freedom to them. God wants us to serve and love Him <em>freely, </em>because we <em>wanted </em>to.<br />
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In the parable, the son left his father's presence and favor. Did it change the relationship? Yes. Did it change the fact that he was still his son's father? No. The father hurt to see his son go but gave him the freedom to choose. He was his father <em>regardless</em> of his son's choices. Their relationship was (of course) hurt but knowing that no matter what the son chose to do, his father was still his <em>father </em>changes perspective and might have even helped him to turn around easier. If his father had told him, "Well... you can leave but I won't be your father anymore," I'm sure it would have been more difficult to return. <br />
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When we love someone <em>greatly, </em>our pain is multliplied when we are hurt by them. The pastor at Covenant Life Fellowship made a great comment this Sunday, "The greater the capacity to love, the greater the capacity to hurt." What is God's love like? It's <em>perfect</em> and far greater than any human can imagine. Consequently, His pain is also greater. It grieves His heart to watch us walk away. He wants you. He desires you. When you run back to Him, He will run to you. <br />
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He loves you more than you can ever realize. We can't grasp His love. It's perfect and we can't grasp perfect. It's unconditional and neverending. It's freely given. He gives us the choice: "Do you want to love me? If so, I'm right here. If not, I'm still here. I love you."<br />
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We take our freedom for granted. We aren't truly appreciative of the freedom we have that brave men were willing to sacrifice their lives for. "It's always been like this and always will," we think. However, it hasn't always been like this. Times are changing. Our freedom can be taken away from us. Are you ready for that? Even if freedom on earth changes, know that freedom with God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) </div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-90211456545744534392011-06-03T06:57:00.000-07:002011-06-05T21:37:47.092-07:00Loved by the King I wrote this in 2009. I know I have a testimony already up here, but I thought this was worth reading!<br />
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Who am I? Do you wonder that about yourself sometimes? Recently, I have found a peace in my heart that I have not known before. I have placed my efforts on speaking and thinking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good </i>about myself, rather than bad. Negative thoughts can destroy a person’s relationship with people and, ultimately, God. <br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Have you ever stopped and thought that when we speak badly about ourselves, we are actually insulting God? He created each of us individually and special. Would you stop and criticize a piece of art in front of the artist? It took me a while to realize that not only am I bringing myself down when I criticize myself, but I am also bringing God down.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
We are also bringing God down when we dwell on our mistakes. He gave His life for our sins. He gave up His throne. We have been washed clean and yet we act as if we are still unclean. Wasn’t His death enough for us? Isaiah 53:3-5 says, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God knows we cannot be perfect. He offers His Son to us, who is perfect, to erase our imperfection. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death, but the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gift</i> of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God offers us eternal life for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">free</i>, no matter where we have been or what we have done. This verse does not say that there are exceptions to the gift. It is everyone’s gift. Our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only</i> part in this gift is receiving it. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Ephesians chapter one is an incredible chapter. It reminds us who we are. Ephesians 1: 4-8 says, “For He chose us in Him <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before the creation of the world</i> to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His pleasure</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i>- to the praise of His glorious <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">grace</i>, which He has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">freely given</i> us in the One He loves. In Him we have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">redemption</i> through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Emphasis mine.) God knew who we would be before creation. He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chose</i> to create us, fully knowing the mistakes we would make. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
When our mind is consumed with negative thoughts about ourselves, we find that our life is extremely miserable. Our mind is truly a battlefield. We battle negative thoughts every day. We are so afraid of what others think about us, but we don’t realize that we think worse of ourselves than anyone else does. I have started feeling better about myself and have noticed a change in my heart towards <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">others</i>. When we think horrible thoughts about ourselves we automatically think that everyone else thinks that about us too. We distance ourselves from people, thinking they dislike us for our imperfections.<br />
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My childhood was full of abuse. I thought that my behavior was the reason I was being beaten. I did not realize that there was something wrong with my<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> parents</i>, not me. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
I grew up having a guilty conscience, thinking everything was my fault. I was not very happy. I was living in agreement with Satan, who was, and still is, feeding me lies about myself. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
One of the biggest steps I had to take towards healing was to stop tormenting myself. I am God’s precious child. I am loved and redeemed. I have been saved through His sacrifice. I understand that no man alive can ever be perfect. God accepts us with our imperfections. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
I encourage you to write your own creed of who you are. Here’s an example:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Creed</b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loved</i> by God. I am not perfect, but I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">accepted</i> anyway. It does not matter what I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i>, but it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who I am in Christ</i>. I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">precious</i> in God’s eyes. I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">free</i> from the bondage of sin. I am His <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unique creation</i>. I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pleasing</i> to Him. I have been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saved</i> from sin through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. When He was tormented, He persevered because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He loves me</i>. I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">redeemed</i>. I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pure.</i> I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s child</i>. I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s child, </i>child of a King, THE King. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I look in the mirror, automatically bad thoughts about myself start popping up. However, I can replace these thoughts with godly thoughts. I can say out loud, “God created me unique. He loves me no matter what I’ve done, where I’ve been, or what I look like. I am acceptable and pleasing to Him because of His Son.” I know it may seem silly to say it out loud at first, but you would be amazed how much it helps. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
We cannot understand His perfect, unconditional love, but we can accept it. While we are speaking words of hatred toward ourselves, God is speaking words of love. Nothing we do will ever make Him love us anymore, or any less. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-40946539466777070122011-05-26T18:32:00.000-07:002011-06-05T21:36:07.888-07:00Peripheral Vision <style>
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So, a lot of you know I went to Ecuador for spring break in April. Ecuador…so much to say about such a small (yet awesome) country. Did I experience culture shock? Well, I adapt to my surroundings pretty well (thus, my current residence in Minnesota) because I’ve moved around so much. However, it was quite an experience and I still learned more in the two weeks I was there. I learned more about the culture than rice and bananas. <br />
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In America, we think we’re big shots. We think we have to convert everyone to our customs. “This is the way to live,” we think. However, we can’t go to a country with this mindset. Just because we eat with forks, knives, and spoons, it doesn’t mean eating with chopsticks is wrong and ungodly. The only thing we need to bring to another country is Jesus and the gospel. Customs and religion doesn’t get us into heaven. Only Jesus can save us. Only Jesus can save them. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Another thing I learned was how the people worshipped God. In America, we care so much about what people think. When we sing, we have to “sing well” in order to sing out. I sing like a dying duck sometimes and when I make mistakes, I wonder if someone heard. In Ecuador, I noticed no one cared how they sang. I remember telling Andres, my host “brother”, that he sang horrible (just as a joke). He didn’t react like most of my friends would, in embarrassment. They don’t care what people think as much as we tend to. They worshipped God because they loved Him. They didn’t worry about putting on a show for other people because it wasn’t for them and they knew it. Their love for Christ was made evident as they held nothing back in their worship.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Their love of family was also amazing. Family came first. They ate breakfast, lunch, and supper together. On Sundays, my family eats with their mother’s side of the family. Every Sunday. That amazed me because most families only see each other on holidays, if that. What if we respected our parents like they do? What if we included our siblings in our lives? Would life here change?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Time is extremely valued here in America. If you’re a minute late for a bible study, you’re stared at. In Ecuador, relationships with people are more highly valued. It’s not such a big deal if you’re late for an event. What if we stopped caring so much about time and valued relationships above it? I’m not saying we should all be late for school or work tomorrow (even though I’m late for class pretty much everyday…) but we need to stop being on constant edge because “I have so much to do”. God didn’t intend for us to be so busy all the time. Shouldn’t we value people and relationships first and make the most of our this life Christ has given us?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Ecuadorians love their country. Sure, they complain about the government occasionally, but their passion for life and their country is made evident. What if we loved our country and each other as they do? We don’t have to like everything about our government. We don’t have to like our president. Nonetheless, we are called to respect him. When we fight the battles within ourselves, within our country, then we will be equipped to fight the battles outside. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Random fact: Ecuadorians don’t like to be called Mexicans. It’s not that they hate Mexicans. They are Ecuadorian. Ecuador is an entirely different country than Mexico. We aren’t English just because we look English. Also, Spain Spanish is different than Mexican or Ecuadorian Spanish. As an Ecuadorian told me, “Spain Spanish is to our Spanish as England English is to American English.” Ecuadorian Spanish is also a bit different than Mexican Spanish because they’re close to Brazil, where Portuguese is spoken. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
The hospitality in Ecuador was amazing. I’m from Texas so I constantly hear the term, “Southern hospitality”. However, in Ecuador, I was still surprised. My host mom kept saying, “Two weeks isn’t a very long time to learn about Ecuador. You need to come back.” My host dad said, “Come back anytime! Even if you’re married, bring your husband.” They didn’t even know me and yet they were so quick to offer their hospitality to me. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
I bought gifts for my host family. I didn’t know how old the kids would be or if they were going to be girls or boys. Among the gifts were spider-man socks. Andres was the only son and he was 20 years old. It was the only gift I bought for him. However, he appreciated them. It made my day when he wore them the morning I left. They value gifts given more than Americans seem to. They don’t take their possessions for advantage. Most families work hard to keep food on the table. While we had fun comparing Ecuadorian prices to American prices, we have to realize that they don’t make quite as much as we make here in America. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
All in all, the main thing I learned in Ecuador was that Christ doesn’t just dwell within us in America, but He dwells within everyone around the world who accepts Him as their Lord and Savior. God is everywhere. There’s a world much bigger than America. We need to open our eyes to see the hurting, the lost, those who need Christ. Tomorrow everything could change and our country could belong to someone else. Life isn’t all roses. We need to face up to reality. Life isn’t perfect and never will be. We can change our outlook on life and our attitudes. There’s a world outside of our peripheral vision.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Go out of your comfort zone. Always do the thing your scared of. Trust Him and let Him lead you to unexpected places. You may be surprised at how you can impact the world through Him and for Him. You may be surprised at how much you can be changed by something you wanted to change. Don’t live life thinking you’re way is right and everyone else should follow. Follow Christ and let them follow Christ. </div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-64193583476390194222011-05-11T11:01:00.005-07:002011-06-05T21:35:08.899-07:00Love Languages<div class="MsoNormal"> I’m not completely done analyzing the love languages, but I wanted to put these up now. I’m not completely educated in these love languages, but I wanted to express what I know and think right now. I’ve been analyzing these for a while. However, that doesn’t mean I’m entirely correct on everything. Feel free to comment if you disagree.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Physical touch</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"> For those who have been abused- they may not like hugs or when someone touches them. You assume their love language is most definitely not physical touch. However, when you take a deeper look into the reasons they react the way they do, you may have second thoughts. Why is it that some come out of abuse loving hugs, touch, etc. while others come out seeming to hate it? When your love language is physical touch, every time someone makes physical contact with you, that touch means commitment. It’s saying, “I love you.” One girl asked me why, if her love language was physical touch, did she seem to hate hugs so much. I, knowing exactly how she felt, responded with something that struck her with amazement. If you have ever been hurt physically or emotionally, you stop to trust people. Therefore, when you stop trusting people, you don’t want to commit or give your love to them right away. If physical touch represents commitment, then you don’t want physical touch. If you’ve been hurt countless times by those you loved unconditionally, your trust factor breaks down. With that, comes your inability to follow through with commitment. Those who fall in this category seem to be passionate people. They analyze, therefore analyzing every received physical touch as commitment to love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
These people love giving hugs to show their love or appreciation. If someone doesn’t want to accept it, they may be hurt. Sometimes we have to do things we aren’t comfortable with to show love to those we truly do care for. We are all unique and express love in different ways. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Quality time</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"> It is extremely important to understand those whose love language is quality time. These people hate being ignored. They feel especially loved when you spend time with them, one-on-one. When you focus on them, they feel loved. Therefore, when you ignore them (on purpose or accidentally) they get hurt easily. You have to make sure that you are including them in things. Otherwise, they will feel unloved. This may seem ridiculous and you may think they need to toughen up. However, as I stated before, God has given us each our own love languages. This is what makes us each different. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
These people love spending time with the ones they feel close to. They feel left out when friends don’t invite them somewhere. When making a list of people to invite to a particular event, they may feel overwhelmed because of the desire to have all of the people they care most for there at the event. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Words of Affirmation</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"> These people also seem to be easily offended. They feel especially loved when you shower them with compliments. You don’t have to necessarily tell them how gorgeous they are or how nice they look that day. Sure, that makes their day, but that’s not all they appreciate. When you take them aside and let them know how much they are appreciated and that their work is being noticed, then they feel loved and wanted. They may not seem to take teasing to heart, but it carries with them throughout the day. They wonder if what they said is true. “Am I really a ditz?” Therefore, we need to watch our tongue so we don’t bring them down. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Acts of Service</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"> When you do something, without being told, for someone whose love language is acts of service, they feel loved. For example, if you wash their dishes after noticing they need to be done, to them, it expresses your love or appreciation for them. They deeply appreciate random acts of kindness. They show their love for others by performing “random acts of kindness” for their friends and family. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Unfortunately, there is a down side to this love language as well. When they need help, they think people should be aware of their need for help. If you don’t notice or choose not to help, they think you don’t love them. It seems bizarre, but very true. For example, imagine your mother goes grocery shopping. She comes home, exhausted and with the car loaded with groceries. If she’s struggling to open the door because her hands are full and you’re just standing there, she may get mad. Not because she necessarily thinks you’re worthless and unsympathetic, but because to her, when you help her out with small things like opening the door or carrying her groceries, it expresses your love and appreciation for her. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<strong><u></u></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Gifts</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"> From first glance, you may think this person is materialistic. However, the gifts they appreciate do not have to necessarily be something they can “use”. Maybe it’s just something random and silly to let them know that you’re thinking about them. They feel loved when they receive tangible gifts. They express their love for you by giving you random gifts. They put deep thought into the gifts they give you. When you don’t appreciate a gift they give you, they may feel unloved or unappreciated.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <br />
If everyone is given a gift but them, they’re not selfish and greedy because they pout. It’s because they don’t feel loved. If you ask them what they want for Christmas and they don’t receive it, they’re not necessarily selfish because they’re hurt. They feel like you didn’t put the time and thought into them. If you get them the wrong color in something (a color they don’t like), they’re not sensitive because they’re hurt by that. They take that as you not knowing them well enough or not caring enough to put thought into it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Everyone has a love language. Some are harder to discern; some you pick up on right away. (One thing to keep in mind is that when I say they express their love through these things, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re in love with you. It may just mean they highly appreciate you and your friendship.) By digging in deeper to the cause and effect of actions with each love language, we can come to understand each other better. It may save a friendship; it may build a friendship. So next time you’re in any of the above situations, think about it before you accuse them of being a sensitive, heartless, ungrateful person. While some people truly do struggle with these mentioned, there are some instances where it is simply because they don’t feel loved or cared for. Next time, we should contemplate our actions and words before we go through with them. </div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-81620890164518272442011-05-04T06:49:00.000-07:002011-06-05T21:31:45.041-07:00Struggles Makes Us Stronger<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Many people refuse to believe in a God who would create such a suffering world. It was not in God’s original plan for us to suffer! He desires the best for us. He wanted us to have the best, therefore He created the best. However, we sinned against Him, bringing the consequences of sin on our own heads.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
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God is all good. Therefore, how can anything bad come from Him? We are living through the consequences of our own sins. When your parents punish you for something you’ve done, is it correct to turn around and blame them for the consequences? You can let God use traumatic events to strengthen you. However, know that nothing bad comes from Him.</div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sometimes our eyes need to be opened. Satan wanted to tempt Job to prove to God that Job was only a servant of Christ because of the many blessings God had bestowed upon him. God allowed Satan to put Job to a test. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” We can allow our struggles to be used for His glory.<br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2 Corinthians 12:7 explains why Paul was given the thorn in his flesh. “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” He was given this “thorn” in his flesh in order to serve as a reminder that he was merely a man. This “struggle” (or whatever it was) was used to glorify Christ. NASB translates it as, “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in my flesh…to keep me from exalting myself!” CEV says, “…so that I would not feel too proud.”<br />
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<span class="textexposedshow2"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: none;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span>I’ve heard countless people ask, “Well why is there so much pain and suffering in the world then? Is God just sitting back and watching it happen?” Have we not seen countless miracles in our day? We can’t honestly say that God “sits back, letting this all happen”. He is watching over us! When we decided to eat of the tree, the world became corrupt. (I say we, because anyone of us most likely would have done the same thing when placed in the situation.) This was our fault, not God’s. His world was perfect, and we destroyed it because of our vain attempts to become like Him! The world started its aging process then and even now continues to age. World catastrophes are a result of our sin. Some catastrophes are even foretold in the Bible, but I won’t get into that right now.<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><br />
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Another question that some may ask is, “Well…why did God allow us to choose to eat from that tree, anyway?” God gave us free will to decide if we would eat of the tree. “Why did God give us free will?” With free will to sin came the free will to love. If we had not been given free will, we would all be mindless robots, loving Him just because it’s “programmed in us” to do so. God desires our heart. He doesn’t want us to go “through the motions”. We have free will to decide if we want Him not. No one wants anything stuffed down their throat. He is the true gentleman; He knocks and does not enter unless we invite Him. <br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Genesis 50:20 is a popular verse, visited by me many times: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” This verse does not imply that God intended their harm for good. However, God used the circumstances that Joseph was placed under to save many lives. He didn’t enjoy seeing him suffer. It is not God’s will that any of us perish. He desires that all be saved. He doesn’t choose who He wants to go to Hell. He doesn’t sit in Heaven, planning the next bad day that you’re going to have. Rather, He’s up there, helping us through the day as we continue to go about our daily existence on this earth that has been corrupted by our own fault, not His. </div><br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Imagine you build a beautiful house (Barbie size, of course, haha). Next, you create a village for the house to reside in. Your final touch is complete after you make the dolls to go in the village. Now, one of the dolls decides, “I’m going to rob the bank.” Before this, no one else knew anything but how to live pleasantly. They weren’t expecting anything bad. They couldn’t even imagine anything bad happening. However, the day “Steve” robs the bank, their eyes are opened to what crime really is. The scales on their eyes fall as they come to ponder all of the sins that they themselves can commit. The whole town begins to become corrupt as you watch, sadly. You intervene, trying your best to make things better. It’s not your fault. You created with good intentions. Your creation simply decided to go against your will and ultimately, your plan. Was it not like this in the Creation?</div><br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s not God’s will for us to be hurt but because of the consequences of our sins, this world has been corrupted and we face the consequences of it. If we don’t go through any trials in this life, our faith wouldn’t be quite as strong, would it?</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-86881033509686606622011-05-04T06:23:00.000-07:002011-05-04T06:23:03.064-07:00Colossians 2:19<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I was completing a worksheet the other day on the book of Colossians and found a question mark by this verse: “He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.” (Colossians 2:19) I’m guessing I didn’t quite understand this verse. When you think of this in the strictest sense, of course it won’t make sense.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However, is Christ not the head of the Body? We cannot rightly say we are the head. We do not control the rest of the body. What does it mean for Christ to be the head of the Body? </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When we think of the head, what immediately comes to our mind? Well, the brain comes to my mind. The brain controls much more than we sometimes give it credit for. The brain tells our arm to move it when we accidently touch the stove. It protects us from harm. It saves some of our memories; it protects us from some of our memories. Even when we hate to admit it, the brain is extremely vital to our existence. We can’t go on without it. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Have you ever seen a chicken with its head cut off? It runs around, aimlessly, not really going anywhere: just running. The church would truly be like this without Jesus at the head. He knows what He’s doing. We have to trust Him. He saved us from the ultimate death: eternal death. Without Him, we are lost, alone, afraid, and we run aimlessly. He is our reason for survival. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are supported by Him. As we continue to grow in Him, He strengthens us to become wiser and stronger in our faith. He uses us to accomplish His great deeds. Just as the brain tells the fingers to move when playing the piano, Jesus is the one who truly supports us as we go out into the world, a light for Him. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There have been great churches and great men and women who have forgotten where God’s place is. They put themselves on the throne and they place God aside. How long does this usually last? It usually doesn’t last very long. Just as we cannot survive without our head, the Church cannot survive without Him as the head. He is our life and our salvation.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Glory to God!</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Amen and Amen</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-29458631193392071132011-03-03T10:49:00.001-08:002011-06-05T21:30:24.890-07:00We Are Not Hopeless <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Romans 11:11</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">“Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
How many times have we caught ourselves falling back into the same sin over and over again? It’s easy to do, isn’t it? We repent, sin, repent, sin and repeat this cycle over and over again. Sometimes we think that our trials and sins are too much for God to handle. We don’t say it out loud. Sometimes we don’t even allow ourselves to consciously think it. However, it’s there, in the back of our minds, nagging at us, telling us, “God can’t save you. You’re too helpless, too pathetic.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Nothing we do can ever erase His love for us or make Him love us any less. Nothing we do can make Him love us more. He is capable of saving us, of healing us. All we need is faith. How can we think God can’t save us? How can we think God can’t heal us? Didn’t He create the world? Doesn’t He do what is conceived as impossible? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
My senior year of high school was a pretty rebellious time. I pointedly rebelled against my parents rules. I ignored calling my sin rebellion and said I was actually just trying to be independent. I thought I was past the point of saving. Not that I had done anything that most parents would consider horrible, but rebellion is like witchcraft in God’s eyes. It doesn’t matter what level of rebellion you’re at…It’s still rebellion. I decided I didn’t want to come here. I thought it would be a waste of time, of money. God changed my heart and I’m glad He did because I’ve honestly learned so much, not only about myself and what He wants me to do with my life, but about Him. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Sometimes we are so caught up in the web of lies that we don’t know how or where to start the pathway to get out. We begin to feel like everything is hopeless. Nothing is impossible with Jesus. He can save you. Allow Him to heal your heart. Have faith that He can. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Next time you find yourself in a situation that you think you can’t get yourself out of, look above. He is the Healer; He is our Savior.</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-68052484402313920042011-03-03T10:41:00.001-08:002011-06-05T21:29:14.074-07:00He is Love<div class="MsoNormal"> How many of us have given our hearts away? I’m not asking how many of us have been in relationships, that’s a completely different question. Giving your heart away is something that can take place without being in a relationship. How many of us have had our hearts broken? Again, I’m not asking how many of us have been through a break up. I’ve never even had a boyfriend and I’ve had my heart broken before. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
When we give our hearts away so easily, it is easily broken. One night, I don’t even remember when this was, I was thinking about how easy it is for us to just give our hearts away. This may seem stupid, but I actually thought, “Heart, please stay in here. I don’t want you to break anymore.” I was tired of giving my heart away only for it to be broken right away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
I wrote my parents who adopted me a poem when I was 13. I can’t remember what it said but it basically said, “My heart was broken into little pieces. You provided the yarn to sew it back together” I assure you it, of course, sounded a little more poetic. This metaphor stuck with me throughout the years as I thought about how fragile our heart is. <br />
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If we can go our whole life not giving our heart to anyone but the one person we know will not break it, just think how our heart would look. It would be whole, with no scars or stitches. However, since we live in a sinful world, we’re going to give our hearts to fairy tales. We think everything is perfect. “Oh…he’s so perfect!” we may think…and then he breaks your heart and all of a sudden he’s the worst guy on the face of the earth.<br />
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There is one who will never break our hearts. Jesus. Give Him your heart. Let Him hold it. You can rest assured that He won’t break it. Let Him watch over your heart. When we give Him our heart, He treasures it more than anyone on earth will ever treasure a diamond. He’ll hold your heart, mend its broken pieces and breathe a love into it that you may not have ever known existed. He will give you a hope that there is true love. There is hope. He is our love. He is our hope. </div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-84129169132923941792011-03-01T14:14:00.000-08:002011-06-05T21:26:49.480-07:00Where Is Your Trust? "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stay firm." (Psalms 20:7-8)<br />
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So many times I catch myself trusting in things of this world before I trust God. I can <i>see</i> things of this world. I can't necessarily see God. However, faith is "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Just because we can't see Him, it doesn't mean He isn't there.<br />
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Nothing on this earth is permanent; everything will fade. Only He will remain.Why place your trust in something that isn't permanent? Even the people you love the most here on earth can't promise to never hurt you. Only Jesus is the perfect friend, father, savior, etc. Place your trust in Him.<br />
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If you're riding your bike in a race, would you rather have a good, stable bike or a rusty, falling apart bike? If you pick the bike that's falling apart, most likely you won't even finish the race. You may be walking the bike across the finish line... hours later. When we place our trust in things of this world, things can come crumbling down. When we put our faith, trust, hope, and passion all in temporary things, when they fail, we can come out feeling helpless and hopeless. However, when we place our trust is Jesus, who is eternal and completely trust-worthy, we know that we don't have to worry about a thing. Everything is in His hands. (This isn't saying things will be easy, because since we live on earth, things won't always be easy. However, we will have Him with us every step of the way, guiding us, helping us, teaching us.)<br />
Where is your trust? Is it in things temporary? Or in things eternal?Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-55728935609534385512011-03-01T13:43:00.000-08:002011-06-05T21:26:03.585-07:00What Will You do? "Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled." (Matthew 26:56b)<br />
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I looked at this verse with different eyes a few days ago. Let's go back to the night of Jesus's betrayal.<br />
The disciples were so sure they would never leave Jesus. Peter even said, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." (Matthew 26:33) Yet, he denied Christ three times out of fear. When they captured Jesus, all of his disciples left.<br />
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We look at this story, many times judging the disciples. However, how many times have we felt ashamed of our faith? We think persecution is being teased or laughed at for our faith. Anything that is different is usually viewed with judgmental and teasing eyes. We assume, however, that if we were in the disciples place that we would have stayed by his side.<br />
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We can apply this to our own lives. When times get tough and persecution (real persecution) comes, are we going to flee like the disciples did? Or are we going to prove our faith and words that we speak when we say, "Even if all fall away, I never will"?<br />
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When we are poked at, teased, etc. we can view this as preparation. We need to prepare our hearts for true persecution. The time will come when you will be tested. Will you deny Him for popularity? Will you deny Him to spare your own life? Matthew 10:39 tells us, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." What kind of life are we living if we're only living for the temporary? We can't reject Him for the sole purpose of surviving here on this physical earth or finding pleasure in the eyes of others. He gave His life for us. He deserves sacrifice from us. Nothing can ever measure up to the amazing gift He gave us. The least we can do is offer back our lives.<br />
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Ask yourself today, "If all fall away, will I remain strong? Will I keep standing on this truth?"Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-90476485492374650562011-02-16T15:33:00.001-08:002011-06-05T21:25:23.694-07:00His Love= Real, Reliable Love<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">So Monday was Valentine’s day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
How many of us think Valentine’s Day is overrated? How often do we focus on romantic love when it comes to Valentine’s Day?<br />
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This Valentine’s was amazing., not because I had a boyfriend (which I didn’t and still don’t) but because of the amazing guys here at school. They gave us each a rose with a very encouraging “speech”. They let us know how “exceptional” we are and how much they appreciate us. We don’t need a boyfriend to feel special or wanted. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> <br />
I focused on God’s love this time. His love is perfect and enough for me. While this world is so focused on conditions, His love isn’t. Sure, we can say, “God’s love is unconditional” easily, but do we really realize how great this truth is? We don’t have to do absolutely anything in order for Him to love us. He loves us just the way we are. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
If we rely on man’s love in order to feel complete and wanted, we will be disappointed. We, being human, are selfish and are always letting each other down. He is the only one who we can always rely on. When He makes a promise, know that He intends on seeing it through. With man, we always have a bit of doubt. Just as He is 100% reliable, we can know that His love is 100% everlasting and complete. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
His love heals. When we are hurt, we can turn to Him. He cries when we cry. When He wraps us His loving arm around us, we feel safe. No matter what this world throws at us, we can know that He will protect us. He didn’t promise that the road would be easy; but He did promise He’d walk with us. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
His love is patient. He is the perfect gentleman. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks. He doesn’t force Himself inside. How many times have we encountered a boy/girl and they have tried to force us to love them? They chase us, call us, follow us, hang out with us, etc. because they think that in doing so, we’ll like them. Jesus isn’t like that. He wants us to want Him. He waits for us to love or desire Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Love always protects. How many times have you stuck up for someone you love? I’m a protective person. When I hear that my sisters are being teased or hurt by someone, my immediate response is to find the person and beat their brains out. However, since that isn’t Christian-like (not that I would do it anyway, I promise), I usually just give them a long talk on never teasing them again. Anyway, true love protects us from hurt. Jesus doesn’t want to see us get hurt. Sometimes we view Him as judging and critical because of all the rules that seem to be placed on Christians. However, when we look at all of His commandments, we see that these were placed for our own benefit as well. Jesus protects us from harm because He loves us. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
One of my favorite verses is John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that He lay down His life for His friends.” His love is the ultimate kind of love. There is no greater love. He loved us so much that He chose to die for us. This is the greatest kind of love. It is the only love that we can find ultimate fulfillment and peace.</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-76747549397489004022011-02-16T15:31:00.001-08:002011-06-05T21:24:09.305-07:00How Does That Make You Feel?<div class="MsoNormal"> How many times have you found yourself acting based on how you feel? Do you bite someone’s head off just because you’re in a bad mood? We’ve all done it before. Sometimes I treat people bad just because I’m not feeling the greatest. It’s not fair for us to do that. Sometimes we blame our actions on our emotions. Our excuse? I couldn't help it...I wasn't feeling well.. That's a lie from Satan because we can help the way we act. We can't help the way we feel sometimes but we aren't mindless robots, controlled by some force called, "Emotion". We have free will.<br />
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This world bases every action on feelings. If you feel like eating chocolate, eat chocolate. If you want the girl, go for her. In a world that stresses actions based on emotions, it can be hard to stay sane and to have self-control. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> <br />
It’s easy to treat someone rudely when our emotions seem to take over us. Sometimes I am rude to someone just because my feelings take over me and I have a sudden urge of annoyance. I don’t know if I’m the only one who feels or acts that way, but I know it isn’t right. We need to act in a Godly way. If God acted the same way we did, we’d all be in for trouble. Think about it: we think we’re good people. However, we sin everyday. Without Him, we are nothing. If God treated us based on our actions and because “we annoyed Him”, then we’d all be damned to hell. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
When everything in this world seems to be based on emotions, will we provide the stability and truth that they need? The contentment from satisfying our desires is short-lived. The guilt from treating others badly because of how we are feeling in the moment can overwhelm us. What will you choose today?</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-59870182414774546162011-02-09T12:56:00.001-08:002011-06-05T21:23:03.432-07:00Honesty: Let's be Real<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">So I’ve been known as the one who is pretty honest, brutally honest at times. However, if you knew how often I held back the truth, would you be shocked? Sure, I can tell people I haven’t known very long exactly what I think without caring what they think. However, when it comes down to the people I care the most about, there is a part of me that cannot tell the complete truth when I’m caught (or about to be caught) in something. I have this nagging fear in the back of my mind that if they see the real me, they’ll run and hide, taking/withholding all of their love with them. The enemy repeatedly tells me this lie. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
This school year I’ve devoted myself to telling the complete truth. Of course, there are times when one has to discern the right timing for honesty. You can’t tell someone everything that comes to your mind just because you think it. Some things hurt people and wound them forever. I’ve always admired people who were completely honest with me. Consequently, I decided to do the same. I thought I was doing the same. Then I was presented an opportunity with my parents to tell the whole truth about something….and I didn’t. Why? Because that same fear came stomping through my mind, saying, “Don’t tell! They won’t love you anymore. You’re not good enough for them. Just cover up your actions and ‘forget’ to mention a few details.” Little did I know how the Lord would convict me and how deep the hole of lies I was digging. Telling a half truth is still a lie. Refusing to mention a detail is a lie.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
Now that I have confessed the whole story, I feel like a burden has been lifted from my back. I know that my parents won’t reject me. They love me. Sure, they’ll be disappointed in me, but the relief that comes from telling the whole truth is something I wish on everyone. The guilt that comes with telling a lie and the fear that you’re going to get caught any moment looms over you. The punishment is usually much less severe when you choose to tell the truth than when you’re caught in a lie. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
I encourage and challenge y’all to tell the whole truth. Don’t be afraid of what people will think of you. God’s reward is much greater than anything we can receive on earth. He is our Judge. Next time you decide to choose “not to mention” something or you choose to lie, remember the consequences and what God thinks of it. He has high standards. Those standards aren’t just for middle-aged people; they’re for everyone. He has one set standard. We have to strive to live according to it.</div>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-13643732904140065422011-01-19T22:00:00.000-08:002011-06-05T21:22:36.691-07:00You Have a Testimony Have you ever wondered if you were even worthy to give your testimony?<br />
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Sometimes we view others' past and think "Well they have a better testimony because they've gone through so much. They'll be able to reach a broader audience." Your <b>past </b>is not what your testimony is all about. It took me a while to realize this.<br />
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<b> We all have testimonies because we've all struggled with sin.</b><br />
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No one is perfect (as Hannah Montana sings). We can't make it without Christ. When we are able to show others how far we've come in our walk with Him and what we've learned because of the amazing grace and life He's given us, then our testimony becomes a <b>true </b>testimony. Testimonies are most definitely not about loathing in self-pity or wanting others to feel pity for you.<br />
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While we are here on this earth, we will struggle with sin. We'll struggle with doubts, lies Satan throws at us, our own private trials we go through everyday, etc. These can become great testimonies and can lead people to Christ as well.<br />
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<b> Never underestimate God. He can work miracles in others through you.</b>Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340053519320274506.post-68580192743564031732011-01-16T15:28:00.000-08:002011-06-05T21:19:48.103-07:00In the Stillness How often are you around people? Most of the time?<br />
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A lot of people absolutely hate being alone.<br />
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They think that it means you don't have friends, they fear being bored, etc.<br />
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However, how much can God teach us when we're in a noisy room, filled with people? I'm not limiting God, by no means. I do think, though, that alone time is much needed.<br />
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I've been thinking about this a lot. Sometimes I wouldn't want to come home from school because I knew my friends weren't there. I procrastinated with homework, studying, and most importantly, my relationship with God because I <i>always </i>wanted to be with someone.<br />
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However, being alone has its perks. When we're alone, we tend to be quiet. It allows us time to think. Sometimes we may even find ourselves praying more. It is in these still, quiet moments that God can truly speak to us. We have to listen, though.<br />
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When someone invites me somewhere, I usually jump right on the opportunity because I don't want to miss out. Miss out on what? Temporary fun? When God speaks to us, we treasure those moments <i>forever. </i>Fun doesn't last forever. We have to go to school in the morning, work in the afternoon, homework in the evening, etc. God's Word is eternal. His words, whether they be rebuking or "Well done" are the most important conversations we'll remember.<br />
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He is our light, our life. He deserves our time. We need alone time, as well. We need it to de-stress (I hope that's a word...) from the everyday events of life. We justify our fun by saying we need to "get away". Being alone is much more stress-relieving.<br />
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I'm not saying "Don't ever go have fun. Resist temptation; go be by yourself." I most definitely agree that there are benefits in fellowship and having fun with friends. But remember: <i>even healthy things are only good in moderation. </i>You can't only eat apples everyday of your life. Apples are good for you, however they lack several vitamins, proteins, etc. that we need in order to survive. That's why it's called a <i>balanced diet. </i>Same way with our life: we need to balance our alone time so that we don't get too drained out or become too lukewarm in our relationship with God.<br />
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So take some time this week to just be by yourself: just you and God.Tabitha Nicole Beardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399450004415643928noreply@blogger.com0