Blessings!

I've really been worried about a lot of things lately: money mostly, but other life changing (grown up) challenges. I was getting pretty antsy and moody about all of it. Stressing out about Christmas presents, worrying about turning on my heat because it would raise my bill, trying to get my car fixed 3 times in one week. It was over whelming.

Side note: I have been looking for a church to go to, but I don't really like to walk in to a random church because of the awkward feeling I get. My mom suggested last week that I try the church across from my apartments because they have a contemporary service (which are my favorite). And it started at 9:30 so, it would be easier for me to go because of my work schedule. I went today. And the experience was surprisingly great!

But the reason I write this blog is that today, I have felt an over whelming peace about all my worries. The reason behind this, is that the lesson today at this church was, God blesses us every single day with anything and everything that we need, but most of the time we fail to give back, not only to God but those who need it the most. WOW! And I say 'wow' because all along I was complaining about these money issues and other life problems, but when I really think about it..... God has blessed me first of all with parents who are willing to help me through these problems, he has blessed me in the past two weeks with a new/used car, he has blessed me with a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, an amazing job, a wonderful fiancé, a loving family, the chance to worship him at a new church (and not feel awkward the whole time), God has blessed me with all this and I haven't once said Thank you. I haven't once given back to him, I haven't thought about helping someone else out. I've only thought about myself. (Wow, how selfish, what an Idiot!)

Yeah, I might think I'm an idiot. But God in all of his glory and grace, loves me anyway. And he loves to bless me because, ya know what, he's God and these blessings are his gift to me. And I should love him enough to give back to him and others. To not complain, to be thankful.

The other great part is God doesn't expect us to fork over 10,000 dollars in return for all of his amazing gifts. (because honestly I'd be broke). The blessings we give back could be anything. Listening to a friend, giving someone a ride, helping out at a homeless shelter, and the list goes on and on...because blessing others is giving back to God.


Matthew 25: 34-40

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

So, today I say thank you God, for your many blessings. Thank you that you provide everything that I need. 

I really hope this helps someone, or just encourages you this week. (And if it doesn't make sense, AWKWARD) 

God is good!

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from you!" -Psalm 62:5

Love,

Callie Marie.

I am thankful for....

I woke up this morning, to discover that November 1st has come, and that many of my Facebook friends are starting the, "Today I'm am thankful for" statuses. 

I have so much to be thankful for already. This year has come with many changes and new experiences. For one, I am engaged. It's a scary, yet exciting time in my life. I am so thankful that I have a wonderful fiancé who loves me unconditionally and has supported me through all of this. I'm also thankful for Corey's family. I love them so much! 

There are so many other people that I am thankful for. My two very cute and amazing nephews. My wonderful little family. They support me, lift me up, pray for me on a daily basis, give me advice, and basically just love me. My best friends. I only have a few, but they are amazing. They listen to my corny jokes, put up with my silly side (I'm not sure why, I'm awfully crazy), and most of them have been through everything with me! (bad breakups, bad haircuts, bad college grades, awkward moments, secrets, and lot and lots of memories) I couldn't live with out them. 

I'm also thankful for my second family. The people that I've grown up with my whole life. The parents are like aunts and uncles, and their sons and daughters are more like sisters and brothers. We've gone on vacation together, celebrated weddings and baby showers together. We're always laughing, and cracking jokes. 

I'm thankful for those certain people who came into my life but had to leave for certain reasons. Two in particular would be my pastor Ken Sprinkle and his wife Teresa Sprinkle. I miss them very much. They were always super loving and supportive, they still are. And even though we communicate through Facebook, I'm super sad that I don't get to see them as often. 

But the person I should be thanking is my Jesus. He is the reason I have all these amazing people in my life. Without him, my life would be in shambles. He has given me so many opportunities and so many blessings! He is the reason I wake up in the morning! I often find myself complaining  about small life problems, they might seem big, but so often I forget that God is in control. So, thank you God for blessing me with amazing people! 

Oh and don't worry I will be posting statuses daily on "What I am thankful for today", but I just had to write a blog! 

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." - Psalm 62:5

Love,

Callie Marie.