Dear Future...

As you all already know, I love to write! Aside from writing this blog, I write some stories and also letters. I write letters to people I know, and people I haven't met yet. Such as my future husband and my future children. Yes, I know I'm odd, but whatever! I think it would be cool to hear from your mother or spouse as a teen and young adult. So I am going to start a small series of letters to my "futures". These posts maybe a bit different for you guys, but maybe, just maybe I can inspire you guys to write a "future" letter, whether it be to your future spouse, children, yourself, or whatever.


Dear Future,


  What do you have in store? I can't help but wonder! The possibilities are endless! To know you could change so much for me. Why must you be such a mystery? I suppose that is simply a part of what makes this life so exciting. To think of seeing the future unfolding before me in a way I could never imagine has a way of exciting me . I can't honestly say I understand everything, or even that I want to fully understand everything, but I am anxious to see what you hold! To meet the people you bring across my path. To see the person I am meant to be several years down the road. To meet the man I am meant to marry, and the children we may have. So much excitement in thinking about all the things you hide behind another day!


  A friend of mine reminded me today, that everyone goes through daily struggles. I go through some myself. Some of us may have bigger troubles than others, some may be big, but not obvious. What struggles lay in wait for me Future? I suppose this letter could truly be to my Father, beings He is the creator of the future. So Father, how will I fair in the trials ahead? Will I be strong and humble enough to lean on You? To reach for Your guiding hand? Am I strong enough to do so now? In these struggles I am facing today? Can I hand them over to You, without doubt, without fear? Trusting You will take care of it all, is easier said than done, I must say! This shouldn't be so after seeing all that you have done thus far. I am human, we never seem to learn do we? Not what is of true importance in this life anyway. 


  Father, I ask that you would not show me the future, but prepare me for it. I know that is what You have been doing, but God I stand here asking You to continue preparing me, this time I won't struggle against Your teachings, and Your guiding hand, but follow as You lead me into the unknown. Father, I love you for never giving up on me! I pray I never give up serving You to the best of my ability, and I honestly could do so so so much better! When I am down, hold me up Father. I am weak, please give me strength. When I am anxious, help me to be trusting. When I am frustrated, I pray for patience! Lord I am all of these things right now in this moment! I ask you my God for peace that I know only You can give!


  I love You Lord, help me to love You more!


  Simply,
      Sarah   

"Can You Hear Me?"

  I am sure we all can see our country is going downhill fast! As a young person, this is very discouraging to me to see my generation coming into adulthood in this way. To see young people standing on the flag that our forefathers fought for, to see that racism is still taking both white and black lives, crime rates are higher than ever before, it all turns my stomach. Can't we see where we came from? I know we are so far from all of that now, but can't you see it? I am tired of this! This is from the heart of a young person of this generation. Yes, I am a white girl, if that's what you want to call me- But I don't go around declaring it. I deserve nothing more than anyone else. Absolutely nothing. I have no right to demand anymore than what has been given to me, I am blessed beyond measure. Read on- but please keep your heart open!

Black Lives Matter Protest

Flag burning Event in Brooklyn


[08.02.16]
 Can You Hear Me?

The red, white and blue 

Doesn't stand for slavery  

It just isn't true

Can you hear me?

They yell in the streets

A cry for blood

They stomp on our banner in their cleats

Not caring as they hear the thud

Can you hear me??

They do not realize

We are free if we bow the knee

because our history books people revise

Should we consume the lives of more?

Nay! I say!

No more!

And yet they continuously slay

The stars are lit 

The fire is spreading 

As is their ill intent

Can you hear me crying???

All lives matter!
must we say it?
That is the matter!
We shouldn't have to declare it!

You want to end racism you say
And yet you separate yourselves.
Stop seeing the colors today
put the race cards on the shelves

Where did we go wrong you say?
When we left God's path!
Will you continue down this torturous way?
Or must we all suffer through God's wrath?

We are all made in God's image
Black, white, yellow or blue
no matter the age
It is true

Please put the torch away
Remember our true history
Let the banner of freedom sway
We can overcome this part of our story

Can you hear me????
Let the violence be of the past
End racism here I plea
Let our generation be the last.

~Sarah

American soldiers raising the American flag on the island
of Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945

Veterans Cemetery on Memorial Day

  I think that is just about all I can say about what is happening in our country right now. I have pushed it aside long enough.  I can't sweep this under a rug any more. This country is my home. Despite all of the foolish murders and crime, God continues to bless this nation because of our forefathers. Can we remember that? Can we find our way back to that? I think we can if we had enough hearts willing to fight for what we have lost. To fight for what our foundation once was: The word of God! Stand up and fight my brothers and sisters! Fight for what is right, or lose all rights! That is where we are! Can you hear me?????

 

 Simply,

       Sarah

  P.S. I know this post is about my country, America, but I would absolutely love to hear more about my audience! Such as who you and where you guys are from. So let me know! Thank you so much for reading! 

3 Short Girl Problems

I know I already wrote a rant on 15 Things Short People Hear A Lot, but these are problems that we "short girls" have on almost a daily basis! Hope it's not too repetitive for you!

1. Clothes



This









•Wearing the same clothes since middle school.

•Even "short people clothes" are too long

•Looking at the weather forecast before wearing long pants or skirts, because if it rains and you wear something long, you're in trouble!

2. Big world

•Cooking, and/or putting away dishes is a workout, because you have to climb onto the counters to reach the cabinets

•Your feet rarely to never touch the ground when you sit.

•The seat belt in the car always trying to choke or decapitate you.

•The sun visor doesn't help when driving

•Fearing falling out of a roller coaster to your death, because you barely reach the height requirement

•Using the "kiddie" water fountain

•You look completely ridiculous trying to get something off the top shelf, and then you end up awkwardly asking a random tall guy to get it for you.

•Too short to use peepholes in doors... too short to be seen through peep holes in doors

3. Social

•Of course, people that comment on your short stature repetitively

•People bending down to talk to you.

•Some people treat you how you look instead of how old you actually are

•People thinking it is funny to take your stuff and throw it back and forth over your head as you frantically reach for it in vain.

•Everyone assuming you can't do small tasks because you're short

•People are surprised when you actually make a decent shot in basketball

•People saying "You only did better because you're short" when you beat them in a sport or something.

•Babysitting kids that are taller than you.

•Learning to walk fast to keep up with everyone, but then being teased for power walking everywhere

•Someone hollering your name and you're literally right there

•Forgetting the height gap when going in for a hug, and putting your arm above theirs, forcing them to do that awkward half leaning down/squatting, half standing thing.

•Standing talking to someone sitting and you're still shorter...

•Looking for someone in a crowd and finally giving up and asking a tall person if they can see them.

•Worrying about a tall person sitting in front of you in church, the theater, a symphony, ect...

•Always in the front row of pictures

Though my post today was "short" and a bit light hearted, I hope you enjoyed it! Give me some ideas for what you think I should write about next!

Simply,

       Sarah

His Footstool

First of all, I apologize for not writing last week, but as they say, Life happens! Unfortunately, so does death, which is simply a part of life. Here's my excuse:
Last summer, for those that don't remember, I went to Ethiopia to visit a missionary family I know and love very much. Well, Krystal's grandmother she was close to passed away, and she decided to fly back to the states for the funeral in Florida. Krystal is one of my best friends and I haven't seen her in about 10 months! So I headed off to Florida on Sunday afternoon with some church family of mine! We arrived on Monday with some time to spare for the beach!  We spent Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday on the beach or in a pool. I got the chance to ride a jet ski for the first time which was a lot of fun! We saw two dolphins while riding too! Wednesday, we went to the funeral, and I got to see Krystal for the first time in too long! Guys, I was so overwhelmed by seeing her, I almost broke down squalling! For those that know her, she is doing good! The whole family has been fighting cold and such so prayers for them would be much appreciated! But all in all sounds like they are all doing well!
On to this weeks post...
I have no idea what to write about, or more accurately, which idea to choose from! My mind has been crazy lately! I am unsure of a lot of things right now and I feel as if I'm trying to stand still on sinking sand. Life is moving so quickly yet so slowly! I have so many questions in need of answers.
What should I do with my life?
What next?
Should I go to school? Or not? If I do go, then what? What should I take? Where should I go? When?
Will I get another chance to take another missions trip? Should I take it if I do?
Will my choices now, prolong the wait for a spouse?
I also have other personal things I'm not ready to publicly discuss. This is my head 24/7 and this isn't even the half of it! I must have faith, and patience. I must remember my God is still on the throne! He is still in control! Just because the boat is rocking doesn't mean, He isn't there! Please pray for me to Wait on the Lord, and to be of good courage!(Ps.27:14) To stand still and let God move! To look on Him and not the troubled waters on which my feet are set!
I read a verse in Psalms 99 last night that jumped out to me
    "Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy."
He is holy! But think of all those "big" problems you have. We are told to worship at his footstool. Which brought to my mind, isn't the earth God's footstool? This may be a stretch, but what I got was, we are already at the footstool of our Lord. He sees everything that goes on because, He is here! But are we simply ignoring our Master, our King for foolish worries of this life? Worries can come in many different shapes and sizes, believe me, I know! Whether it be worry for someone's well being, health, financial situation, a relationship, a fight you're having with someone, or whatever else is on your mind, it is truly that big? Is it truly that important in the long run? Yes, they may be important, I'm not completely shrugging them off! But when put into the perspective, thinking our Savior is going ignored because of our problems, that He can solve if only brought to Him, is it really truly worth the worry? No, no it is not! I am again preaching to myself (I do that a lot don't I?)! Another thing, we are only at the footstool for a short time. Our lives are as vapors, that appear for a little time and vanish away! What are we using this time for? Worries? Pleasure? Or bringing glory to our Lord and Savior? Winning souls to Christ? Getting to know God better through the book He has blessed us with? Taking time to help a friend? Or a stranger?
This is so simple on paper isn't it? But life is different. Life is complicated. Life is hard. These things don't have to be as hard and complicated as we make them out to be! We are at the footstool of the One who controls all! The One that can change the unchangeable, calm the troubled, soften the hardened heart, carry the cross that no man could! Has He not proven Himself? Bring it to the Lord and LEAVE IT THERE! I have trouble with bringing it to the Lord, and then slowly, one by one picking up my load again, until I can't carry it anymore... Again and again! Just drop it! Leave it! You can't carry a load off alone while you're on your knees! Boy, I need to preach to myself more often! I have a lot of advice I need to follow! Lol! In all seriousness, I guess my point of this post is, we don't have long, so do what you can while you can, for GOD! Not yourself!

I know this was short, but I hope I got my point across? I think I got it! lol
Thank you for reading! If you have any verses to share that stood out to you recently, I welcome them wholeheartedly!

Until next week,

Simply,
    Sarah

God is Good

 

"Even in the valley God is good" was been ringing in my head since Thursday. What a great reminder! I needed that Thursday. I always struggle with how much information to give you guys and this post is no different! But I will say, some things in life are harder than others. No, I personally did not lose someone close to me, but watching as my dear friends grieve is hard enough. Watching them question God's goodness and fairness. Watching as they struggle fighting against bitterness that can so easily take root. Watching as they watch the hopelessness in others as they grieve for one they may never seen again. It is hard. But God is still good. Even now God is good, because He is always good! I felt the need to write out my thoughts, to simply understand what's going on in my own head (weird I know), but then I saw the title to my last post. "Blessings". Yes, God continues to bless us, even when we doubt, even when we have little faith. I also saw the title to a draft I had simply given the title "Faithful".  God is so true and faithful to us how can we question Him? Yet we do. Sometimes it is needed. I don't believe we will ever understand. I don't believe we are ever meant to. That is where faith comes in. If we understood everything, then where is the faith in that? Faith is what makes us draw closer to the LORD. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Without faith, then what?
I don't think this will be a very long post, because, I honestly feel as if I am at a loss for words. I don't know what to say about such a situation. So I will tell you a bit more about what went on last week.
My friends grieving for a most likely, lost loved one, I was there to watch the kids and I ended up having some "heart to heart"s with them. My heart breaks for the young children that struggle to understand in the bitter times of life. I know we all struggle with that at times! Why? Why do you let innocent babies die? Why do good Christian people struggle to have one child, while a teen has two or three that are "accidental" and unwanted? Why do you let a drunk crash and kill a family, while he walks away free of harm? Why GOD do you do allow the things you do?? WHY??? This age old question can cause many to doubt, stubble and even faint in the fight. I am here to tell you, I do not have an answer. Nope, I don't. I can tell you what the LORD told me when I was talking with these friends of mine Thursday. He gave me a verse:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.


We ask "why", He answers, "Trust me".
We say "I don't understand", He answers "Lean not unto thine own understanding." 
He wants to be acknowledged, as a preacher at camp said. Trust and acknowledge Him. It won't magically give you all of the answers, but He will guide you through what you don't understand! We are such a small part of God's plan and He is in complete control. There is nothing to fear when God is near! He wants to be near to you, to guide you, but if you push Him away when you don't understand the path He has set you on, how will you find your way through? Without His light, are you going to make it through the dark on your own? The answer: You won't. Bitterness you keep you captive in the same problem until you die or you ask for the LORD to guide you through it! Here I am again, preaching to myself! Bitterness will get you nowhere!


 My first thought when my friends were crying on my shoulder, was "God is good. Even now, God is good." My God is never wrong. He never makes mistakes. He has not one ounce of evil or ill intent, He is good. As I came home for the evening, pondering on the moments they poured their broken hearts out before me, I thought, "God is still good. But what can make this better? What can heal these broken hearts?" I sat at the piano, weary and not sure why I didn't simply go to bed, I played ( Or tried to play) a few songs. I continued pondering on those questions, as I picked out two hymns from the hymnal. I was about to get up when I looked to the other page and decided to try it. The questions of my heart were then answered as I remembered the song. "What can heal broken hearts? What can make this situation easier? "Trusting Jesus that is all."  


This song said it all for me! Isn't my God wonderful? Is He not good? I choose to trust Him everyday. What about you? Simply trust Him!


Simply,
     Sarah

Blessings

Where do I begin? At this moment a chorus simply just popped into my head. It says:

♪♫♪

My God is so great,

So strong and so mighty

there's nothing my God cannot do

My God is so great,

so strong and so mighty,

there's nothing my God cannot do.

The mountains are his,

the rivers are his,

the stars are His handiwork, too.
My God is so great,

so strong and so mighty,

there's nothing my God cannot do, for you!

♪♫♪

I know this is seen as a children's song, but it rings true even as 20 year old! My God hasn't changed!

 I can't help but think how gracious and good my God is when He shows me each and everyday how He cares for me! Yes, my God is strong and mighty, but He is also loving, kind, and giving. He gives me what I need, and sometimes if it pleases Him, He throws in what I want just because He can! I have so much to be thankful for and I would like to expound on that this morning!

My heart is full this morning. Full of gladness and thankfulness.

♪♫

I have been blessed!

God's so good to me!

Blessed are His thoughts of you and me.

No way I could count them there's not enough time,

so I'll just thank Him for being so kind.

God has been good, so good.

I have been blessed!

 ♪♫

I am thankful God has given me a song a bunch of good godly songs! I don't struggle in my mind as much as I used to with music. Yes, every now and then some old song will bring me back, having me remember my time in bitterness and self pity, my time of selfishness, but (thank God there's a "but"!) He brought me out of all of that! I can think on that worldly music in sorrow for lost time, or I can praise God for deliverance from myself and my sin! Praise His dear lovely name! 

Thank the LORD for family! Though we don't always see eye to eye or understand one another, we love each other and that is priceless! I could not have picked a better family for myself! My family is amazing! Yes, we are human. We make mistakes, we get under each other's skin! We yell and have "discussions", but we care for each other and I know if I needed them they would be right there! They are anyway! lol! In all seriousness, we have been through a lot together. We have laughed together, cried together, been angry together, and plain silly together! We are all a part of each other. I honestly don't know what I would do without them, and I hate that saying! lol! But I truly mean it! They have always been right there real close (sometimes too close!) Yet I find my family to be one of the biggest blessings ever given to me!  

Speaking of family I am also very blessed to have the church family that I have! The LORD reminds of that quite a bit these days! Yesterday for example, the fourth of July. A family from church hosted a party and being the introvert that I am, I must say I was quite intimidated when pulling up to a packed house! The time flew so by so quickly I didn't want to leave, even after being there for 4-5 hours! The games were fun! It was nice to fellowship outside of church and simply sit back and enjoy good company. The fireworks were cut short because of the rain, but they were beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed them! My highlight of the entire evening though, was the singing! Oh the sweet joy that comes from praising the LORD with friends! especially when it is voluntary! We sang old hymns accompanied by two guitars. Lifted our voices to God until there wasn't much voice left to give. It wasn't perfect, but it was still and beautiful sight and sound. I know our Father savored that sweet moment of praise!

I also am thankful for our independence! If I only knew how hard it would be to serve the LORD without that, I believe I would be even more thankful! Many people may believe we are losing that independence to serve the LORD publicly, and they may be right, but don't be discouraged by that! Be encouraged and motivated to work harder and faster for our LORD! I know I could do better! I am thankful that we can freely come together to worship the King of kings and praise and share all that He has done with others!

His voice still speaks to me! My heart stops as I hear that still small voice gently calling me. As His hand steadily works on my heart, changing my desires and my plans I notice that I hear Him all the more, peacefully comforting me, and guiding me on to what He would have me do next.

A bit of a story for you: Sunday night, during the invitation, I was praying. My pastor asked us to ask the Lord what allies we had in our lives. To ask what and if something was hindering us in our walk Him. So I did. I asked the LORD,

"Is there anything I need to give to You God?"

I had already given Him my music, my movies, my heart, my plans, what else was there? Was my thought.

"God is there something that is too important to me that I need to give to You?

"Your time." 

"My time?" 

"I want your time Sarah. It is too important to you. Give Me your time. That is all I ask." 

At this I felt crushed, shocked even! God has to ask me for my time? That is backwards and wrong! I should be begging God to spend time with me! Not the other way around! I have been spending my time on vain things, and so much so the Lord has to ask me to spend some time with Him. I know I'm being a bit repetitive but that shocked me! I can't explain it. I am just amazed that God cares so much for me, He will even come down and whisper to my heart a simple "Come." But oh how sweet when He does!

I have been struggling with some things and the LORD also keeps reminding me, "I'm right here. You can talk to Me. I'll listen." I was thinking on some of these things last night as we were singing and my mind started to wander, then I shook loose of those thoughts to get back into the singing, then we started singing "What a Friend we have in Jesus". I prayed in my heart, "oh my God I know. I 'm sorry I worry so. It's yours." I didn't think much else about it until God decided to remind me later that night as I was pondering on some of those questions again. We were outside getting ready to watch the fireworks and the Lord stuck that tune in a man's head as he stood beside me waiting, he whistled that song. Now I don't know about you guys, but I do not believe in coincidences. That gentleman could have thought of any song we sang earlier, we sang quite a handful! But I believe my Father placed that song in his heart, to speak to me and remind me, 

   

♪♫♪

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

♪♫♪

He is so giving and I don't know why it always amazes me but it does! He blesses me with things I don't deserve. I don't deserve anything from Him, He owes me absolutely nothing, and yet He continues to shower me with blessings and I am so thankful! I am thankful God continues to bless me not only in the small things but the big things as well! He takes care of my every need! His timing is perfect as well! He gives and gives and gives, and what do I do? I say thank you and move on as we all do. Yes, I'm thankful for all He has done and continues to do for me, but are the words "thank you" ever truly enough? I don't think so. Not for my God, not for my King! He deserves something in return! If that be my music, take it oh LORD, take it! If that be my TV, You can have it, Oh my God! If that be my plans, they are Yours Father! If it be my heart, mold it as you may, my great Physician! If it be my time? Well, time is a big thing to ask for! But. Who gave me this time? Who knows how much time I actually have? My Creator, my God. Is my God not worthy? I am not. That I know! So take it dear Lord God! Take it and splurge on Yourself! It's Yours to spend! I know this is easier said than done, but making this commitment does not mean I will be in my prayer closet and reading my bible nonstop. God has other ways He wants to use our time too! How about witnessing? Encouraging a fellow brother or sister in Christ? Faithfulness to church? Being a blessing in even small ways, can make a big impact on others. Bragging on God and his blessings can maybe (hopefully) encourage others to keep up the fight. That is what I hope this post will do for my readers: Encourage, and remind you God has been too good to us to not give Him our all! Believe me, I am speaking to myself here! Big time! ( No pun intended☺) I hope you are encouraged and motivated to give the Lord your all, to do as He asks even if you don't understand!  

I feel as if there is so much more I could say, so many more blessings to count, but there truly isn't enough time to name them all! I encourage you to count your blessings as well, even if only a handful. Last night at the party, I saw a sign hanging on the wall as we were singing that read: "There is always, always, always, something to be thankful for." That is true! Even when times are tough! Be thankful! Thank you LORD for everything!

Thank you for reading! Until next week! :) 

Simply,

       Sarah