Change

Change is something that has always made me uncomfortable. I find happiness in the things that are certain. I completely understand that change is inevitable and there is literally nothing I can do about. Change makes me a better person. I tend to get over comfortable with the way things go, and normally am in need of a change up, although I don’t want it. There haven’t been many things that have drastically changed in my life. The thought of change is what scares me.

In a few weeks, I’ll be turning 16. I’ve never really been a fan of celebrating my own birthday. The anxiety of having all eyes on me for a few hours isn’t my cup of tea. 16 is a scary age. You gain a lot of freedom, which comes with the bad side. Freedom is something that is definitely earned and is easily revoked. It’s some scary business, if you ask me.

It would be easy to say that I’m scared of growing up, because simply that is one of the biggest changes that has yet to come. From a young age, I’ve always been more in touch with those of my older peers. I find it easier to carry a conversation with adults than with those my age. The problem is that I’m afraid to be on my own. In nearly 2 years I will be embarking on “adulthood.” I will move out and go to college, hopefully. I already have my plan, which I’m fairly confident in. I’m afraid to fail in that plan though. I know that I’m supposed to put my trust into God, and know that He knows exactly what I need. I don’t doubt that He knows what to do, it’s just I’m afraid of things not working out as I planned. Faith is something that is scary, the only certain thing is that God knows what he’s doing. Regardless of whether you like it or not, God knows how things are supposed to be for you. The craziness of faith is one of the things that makes it so beautiful.

I have faith in God that he will make my path in life the one that is most necessary for me. With age, I hope on embarking on adventures that I couldn’t imagine myself achieving. Although change is scary, I want to take it head on with full confidence. As I mature, I plan on letting go and letting God. He is ultimately the only one with the greatest intentions for me, and I whole heartedly accept it.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Reflection

Hey there. My name is Maggie, and I’m a flawed human.

This is my reflection, just in case you were unaware. *wink, wink*

“When will my reflection show, who I am inside?” Well Mulan, it should already be showing. 

Your reflection tends to say a lot about you. In your reflection you can see several things. What you look like, what you love, your favorite outfit, etc. Having a mirror is a great thing, being that you’re able to see what you look like before you leave your house, able to fix the silly hair poking up, or even the huge stain on your shirt. It’s a blessing.

As a Christian, you tend to hear these 3 things repeated. Love your God, love your neighbor, and love yourself. Normally, in order to love your God and your neighbor, you have to be able to love yourself first. You are a creation beautifully thrown together by a loving Father, there’s not much you shouldn’t love. Sure, every living human being has things they’re insecure about, but learning to embrace your insecurities is one of the biggest accomplishments anyone can check off of their to-do list. *I know, I know. I need to chill with all the cliches:-)* By loving your neighbor, you’re simply putting their needs before yours. Loving your neighbor is tough and has no exceptions, you should love everyone regardless of their views and interests, God made them just as he made you.

All the things you love should become apart of you. One of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received was regarding my loving nature. One of the biggest qualities I strive for is being able to love everyone, regardless of their background.

I’m gonna reiterate a point I’ve already made, all the things you love should become apart of you. If these things are apart of you, they should be fairly visible. Maybe you see all of these things in your smile, meaning they give you a reason to smile. It can be anything.

So basically what I’m getting at here is when you look in the mirror you should see the overwhelming love for your God, your neighbor, and yourself. All of these things become one in you.

God With Us

I’m gonna start this out by saying, I’ve always had a deep love with music. When I was introduced to Christian Contemporary I absolutely fell in love. I’m all about a good acoustic version of almost anything, I whole heartedly believe that everything sounds better acoustic. Some of my favorite artists include; for KING & COUNTRY, Kari Jobe, The Oh Hello’s, Crowder, NEEDTOBREATHE, etc. Lately, I’ve fallen in love with All Sons & Daughters. They bring something new to every song they have. One song that speaks to me is God With Us. I’ve decided for this post I’m gonna dissect parts of this song to really understand the meaning. It seems that with most songs I’m interested in the sound more than the meaning, and I’d like to change that.

“You’ve come
To bring peace
To be love
To be nearer to us”

God sent his one and only son, Jesus, to die for our sins. He was sent for peace, love, and to guide us. There is no greater gift.

“You’ve come
To bring life
To be light
To shine brighter in us”

Jesus was sent to be the everlasting light. As a Christian, I plan to shine the light of Jesus with everything I do. He shines so bright.

“Oh Emmanuel
God with us”

Here is when the goosebumps started coming. Honestly, this just speaks for itself. He is Emmanuel, God with us.

“Our Deliverer
You are Savior
In Your presence we find our strength

Over everything
Our redemption
God with us
You are God with us”

Now, this is where I lost it.  In God, I find my strength. He gives me faith to push through each and every day. I know that with God, I can conquer anything. Jesus was sent for our redemption, so we hold him high over everything. God with us.

This is just a small part of this incredible song. It speaks a multitude. Through music I find a way to speak the word of Christ, in ways I never would have been able to before. I hope that this song speaks to someone as much as it does to me. Music is one of those crazy things that I can never wrap my head around completely.

(Here’s a link to the song if anyone is interested, I highly recommend you check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRgSk_-U3Oc)