Hebrews 12:1-3

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." - Hebrews 12:1-3

The Brick

Sometimes as a writer, you know when someone else's story conveys everything you need to say. I hope this unknown author's message speaks to you as loudly as it did to me...

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared . Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door!

He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?"

The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother, "he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up. "Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger.

Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message:

"Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!"

God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

My Rescue

A young girl cries,
Because of the mirror’s lies.
What she sees with her eyes,
Is just part of Evil’s disguise.
Her beauty, he denies,
And manipulates her size,
Her waist, hips, arms, and theighs.
Every diet and exercise plan, she tries,
And each new weight loss pill, she buys.
For with his deception, she always complies,
Wishing to forever escape from the chastise,
Longing for a body she doesn’t despise.
It’s the world’s attention for which she vies,
Seeking approval with applause, titles, crowns, and guys.

To believers around her, her troubles are no surprise,
But she’s too scared to let any of them advise.
She saw them as enemies rather than allies.
Every destructive pattern noticed, she denies,
And every helping hand, she defies.
One by one, she seems to say her goodbyes,
Not with her words, but with actions, she implies.
By detecting her famine, she regards them as jealous spies,
Just waiting to steal her hard-earned will-power’s prize.

But there was one Friend who refused to downsize,
The Father of the earth, the moon, and the skies.
He saw her hurt, bore her pain, and heard her hunger sighs,
And waited for the perfect moment to Him to arise.
He knew with her life, only He could revive,
The great high King, most holy and wise.

After much struggle, she finally complies,
And with humble sobs, His grace, she applies,
For a healing plan, only God could devise.

For her tears, he dries,
And His strength, He supplies.
She lets His answers replace all her why’s,
With every new question, she submits to His replies.
The fat girl she used to see in the mirror eventually dies,
And in her Savior’s approval, she relies.

Diamond or Coal?

This blog especially goes out to one of my closest friends - a true diamond. Love you Gab. :)

Okay, let me start out by giving you a choice. If you could choose between a Tiffany's diamond pendant or a plain silver chain, which one would you choose? The DIAMOND, of course! I mean, hello! Everyone has a silver chain, but a diamond is special. A diamond is unique. A diamond is a treasure.
When I say diamond, you probably have visions of that rock of engagement ring that your super hot future husband will give you someday. But do you know how diamonds are formed? I mean, sure, they seem like they are in every jewelry store, but they are actually a very rare and precious stone. They are so rare because diamonds have to be formed in very specific conditions. Carbon (the stuff you breathe out) must withstand at least 435,113 pounds of pressure PURE INCH at a temperature of at least 752 degrees Fahrenheit. That's about the weight of fifteen 18-wheeler trucks, and at least 7 times hotter than a Chi flat iron! If there is any less pressure or any lower temperature, you just get graphite, a grade of coal.
So what does that mean for us? If you want to remain a treasure for your husband and for God, you have to withstand the INTENSE pressure and heat of being a female in today's world. No easy task -- just like the specific conditions of forming a diamond.
Think of something that a guy treasures -- like his car. By observing just a few things, I can tell how a guy values his car. If he drives it as hard as he can, as fast as he can, and pays no attention to the car's maintenance, the only work he did for the car was hold out his hand for his parents to give him the keys. However, the guy who meticulously washes his car twice a week, won't drive it when there's a chance of rain, and gets upset if someone puts fingerprints on the hood -- he probably had to work very hard to earn the money and the responsibility to have a car.
Here's the catch - a guy will treat you the same way! If you come onto him or make it easy on him, giving in to the heat of the moment or the pressure of the situation, he will ride you as hard and as fast and he can. But if he has to work for you and can see you withstand this world's heat and pressure, he will cherish you like the rare treasure that God created you to be.
So maybe you haven't met that guy yet. You will. But until then, all you have to do is just dig into God's word to know how much God values you. God's Word says that we are His people and His treasured possession (Deuteronomy 26:18). He knows how many hairs are on your head - plus how many are highlighted (Luke 12:7). He has every tear that you've ever cried collected in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). You were feafully and wonderfully created when He wove you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 113:13-14). You were created for a specific purpose, and He has a plan just for you (Jeremiah 29:11), And even when you don't know exactly what is going on in life...maybe it feels like your whole world is falling apart. But even through those moments, God is working for your good (Romans 8:28). Withstand the pressure. Take the heat. Be His treasure.

Don't believe everything you read...

So I came across this list the other day of things girls should do for guys....some of them are right. Some of them are wrong. Some of them just need to be adjusted. So I've included the orignal list along with my corrections in bold.

1 As much as you want to talk about past relationships, keep it to a minimum, unless he asks. You don't want him to feel like he's in competition with anyone. However, there is a fine line here with honesty. If you can't be open about your past and things that have hurt you, etc., it won't be much of a relationship. So while you shouldn't talk incessantly about an ex-boyfriend. never neglect to be honest.

2 Every guy has a 'geeky' side of him. Whether it be video games, DVD, WoW, anime, football among other sports, or whatever. Don't make fun of him if you don't like it, either tolerate it, or learn to like it. DO NOT try to change him. If he's constantly ignoring you for that hobby of his, tell him. It's about compromise - chances are you can drag him around a mall later. But be sure there's a balance in the relationship so you are both getting to do things yoiu enjoy.

3 When you hug the boy, hold tight. It doesn't hurt to rest your head on him either. But there are always other ways of showing affection rather than just physical ways...

4 Compromise for movies. Watch his favorite movies and he'll give in for the movie you want to see. Just get really good at shutting your eyes during the war scenes. Welcome to my life.

5 Sometimes pay for the date! I know guys hate this, but if he takes you out constantly, it's more than likely he's going to be poor! Treat him sometime. Even if you just buy the snacks! Plus, you don't have to spend money to have a good time. And double dates with your parents are great ways to go out, save money, and make them happy too!

6 Hold his hand!! Even in the mall when you have a ton of bags, hold his hand. If you're at the mall and have a ton of bags, he should be carrying them. End of story.

7 Don't run away from his favorite stores, if you don't like them! Watch him. Gift ideas!! It's obvious a guy wrote this list. Girls don't run from stores. Period.

8 Any time your guy gives you a compliment, don't just roll your eyes. He means it, and you should smile and say thank you. I know it's hard, girls, but your guy really does care about you. If you respond this way and then get mad at him when he doesn't compliment you anymore, it's no wonder! Quit rejecting the poor guy's efforts to make you feel special!

9 Guys are pressured to take the relationship to a "deeper level". Stupid society. Anyway, if you dont want that in a relationship, tell him before things get too complicated! You can compromise too. If you are uncomfortable with something, STOP. Wow. I don't even know where to start with this one. THROW IT OUT. NEVER compromise. And if you don't want a real relationship, you shouldn't be dating in the first place.

10 “Fine" or “whatever" is not an appropriate ending to a conversation. Only makes matters worse. True. He's not a mind-reader. Tell him what's going on in a mature way, and never go to bed angry.

11 Life isn't a drama or a movie. This is real life, people. They don't often come with a sword, armor, and a white steed. That still doesn't give him an excuse to not treat you like a princess.

12 NEVER EVER kick them in the place below the belt. Even in a fight or argument, just don't do it. Hopefully, most girls wouldn't respond with physical violence, but just in case we need to go there - violence isn't the answer.

13 TRUST HIM. Don't scream when he looks at another girl. We know you were goggling at the cute guy that just passed. It's nature. Don't dig through his phonebook, and hey, guys can have female friends just like girls can have male friends. If this makes things awkward, talk about it. The Bible says that if you look at someone with lust, then you have committed adultry of the heart. This shouldn't be dismissed as "everyone does it, so it's okay." Pray for each other.

14 This should go without saying. Love him for who he is! Don't worry about what others think. Don't try to change him into what's cool and hip. Some compromises can be made, and tell him that if he ever has a problem you changing him, to tell you. But you can always encourage and build one another up to be better and grow closer to God. You should be constantly changing as you grow in Christ because you are a new creation in Him.

15 In an argument, just because society stereotypes women as being smarter, more mature, and men as dumb and immature, doesn't mean you are always right. No, no one is right all of the time. That's why you should always seek God's guidance and direction rather than man's (or woman's.)

16 Listen to him. Even if it's something you don't want to hear. Good communication is key. Yes, you should listen to him. But until you get married, your first authority is to your God and your second authority is your dad. If he is disobedient to one of those, don't listen to him.

17 Cook. It may sound stereotypical, but a lot of guys like having a meal cooked for them. A lot of it is the thought, but if you truly are terrible, then maybe this isn't one you should try. If you know how to cook, maybe teach him, or you both can learn together. Finally. One that doesn't need to be touched.

18 Sing. Many girls underestimate how well they sing. You don't have to be able to sing 10 octaves or whatever. Don't be embarrassed to sing in front of a guy, just let yourself go a bit and have some fun. This is true. Never neglect to be yourself.

19 A girl has the right to show off her body, but keep your pride and dignity. Be careful! If you show off too much, guys (and just people in general) may get the wrong message and make assumptions. I can't "amen" this one enough! Girls, if it's not for sale, don't advertise.

20 Just like girls want girl time, guys want guy time. Giving your guy space to hang with his friends is not only fair, but it shows you trust him in a way. Friendship is very important, especially fellowship with other believers. And just a side note, if you think that you can't trust his friends, then you probably can't trust him either.

21 Respect the guy for who he is, not because he earns your respect. Guys relate to each other on a respect level, and if you want him to open up to you, he has to know that you don't look down on him. Umm, wrong? Respect has to be earned. Sorry, guys. It's not that easy.

22 Let your guy take pictures of you. He may not admit it, but that picture will probably be with him always. Even if you think it looks horrible. As long as the picture is one you would show your parents, yes..

23 Don't always expect the guy to be the one to call. It is okay to call your boyfriend on occasion, and it shows him that you care about him and are thinking about him. And don't get upset if for some reason he doesn't have time to talk. He does have a life. If he's your boyfriend, you can call, but NEVER call a guy first before you're dating. Let him be the man and do his job. And guys, you may "have a life" but if she needs you, take the time.

24 Remind him that you appreciate all the sweet little things he does for you. Let him know it's not all in vain. True.

25 If a guy uses a key to let you into his car, reach over and open the door before he gets to it. I know this may be common sense to most girls, but you know, some do not do this. It's a tiny little action that can make a guy go "hey, she's considerate." Wow. This list was made before the magic unlock remote.

26 Let the guy open the door for you or do any other chivalric action. He's fulfilling your wish for a gentleman, don't deny him the chance to do something nice for you. Thank him! You are doing all these wonderful things for him, let him return the favor. YES! Being a gentlemen is never out of style. Yes, sure, you can do anything a man can do - but that doesn't mean that you have to.

27 Communicate with him. Tell him directly what's on your mind. You can always hope that he'll get your subtle hints or body language, but if it's important, you're better off using words. Yes. God is the only man that can read your mind.

28 Sometimes you have to take the initiative. Don't always wait for him to come to you, because if that's how it always is, you're going to lose him. Disagree. He's the man. Let him be the leader.

29 If they buy you jewelry, wear it around them, even if you don't like it. They will appreciate it, because it's the thought that counts. Not much jewelry that we wouldn't like....

30 A word of appreciation now and then regarding his protective/kind/chivalrousattitude will go miles toward the end. You won't regret it. That's been in here like 3 times already. Must be important. Be gracious. If you expect him to act like a gentleman, respond like a lady.

31 When you are talking to a guy you are interested in, lean in, touch his arm or hand, while your talking. physical touch communicates interest and value. Physical relationships are always difficult until marriage. Draw boundaries and stick to them. And don't just think that you have to run to that line and hang out there every time. Realize that until you get married, your kisses are all you have. Be stingy with them.

32 Whether it's from across the room or while your talking let him know that you are only interested in what he has to say, so look into his eyes and smile. Show him the same consideration that you want him to show to you.

33 Never judge him based on his friends. They may give some insight, but sometimes guys as well as girls can befriend people that are completely opposite of themselves because they like the change. Don't let who he hangs around with be the deciding factor of your judgments about him. Get to know him. False. Who you hang around says a lot about you. If you don't like his friends, it won't last. Don't bother.

34 Cute is what he is when he does something goofy, not how you should compliment his looks. Tell him he looks handsome... or any other word you'd use to describe James Bond. Just like you wouldn't want him to tell you that you look tough.... remember your audience. Even if you would take it as a compliment, that doesn't mean that he will!

35 Let him know you're on his side and that you support him and believe in him. Encouragement - all the way.

36 Call him instead of IMing or e-mail. Let him talk to you and hear your voice. Note: sometimes, it can't be helped. long distance relationships are sometimes forced to use AIM. In this case, use a camera!! You can see him and hear him. Typing is great, but a lot can get lost and mis-communicated. You'll save a lot of drama if you will only use texting or e-mail as a last resort.

37 Write him letters! If you want to tell him something but just can't come up with the words in person, take the time to write them down. He'll appreciate it because he can read word for word how you feel for him over and over again, and you know he won't forget it. There are some romantic gestures that will never go out of style...

38 Girls should do little things for guys. If they ask for a drink, just get it for them cuz they don't ask often. Or surprise them with little gifts (even if homemade) it ll show them that you care about them and thought about them during the day, even if they don't admit it, they like it as much as we do. Yeah, you shouldn't be his slave, but there's nothing wrong with having a servant's heart. Don't be insulted and get caught up in being a crazy feminist if he asks you to do something for him. If he's a good one, he does things for you too. No relationship should be one-sided. And the little things DO matter.

39 DON'T CHEAT ON HIM! IT'S NEVER WORTH IT! He WILL find out one way or another and odds are, you guys are through. Whether you were already split up or still dating... you'll be lucky if he still wants to be your friend! Doesn't that pretty much go without saying? But just in case you thought cheating on your boyfriend would help your relationship, it won't. And if you thought that, you're not ready to date.

40 Forgive him. Not hundreds of times for the same mistakes, but relationships are going to have problems and there will be apologies on both sides... Forgiveness is a huge part of a relationship. You may not always want to do it, and he will definitely not always deserve it, but then again, we don't necessarily always deserve forgiveness either...If you know that you and the one you are with should end the relationship, have the integrity and respect to tell them that the relationship is over. Do not just leave and never speak to them again. People are not perfect - no one is. So forgive and don't harbor bitterness, but also don't allow yourself to be emotionally abused. Guard your heart and lean on Christ. You will eventually find a man who is following Christ, and you can hop in line.

3 Word Phrases Women LOVE to Hear

So there's always a lot of hype about that three-word phrase that women love to hear...you know... "I love you." But you might want to pass off this Top 10 to the men in your life...tell them they can try these 3-word phrases to add some variety if they've had enough of the "mushy stuff."

1. YOU WERE RIGHT.

Yes, we know that we're right. But that doesn't change the fact that we want to know that you know that we are right!

2. I WAS WRONG.

Again, many times, stating the obvious....BUT by saying that you are wrong makes us realize that you are smart! Better to be wrong and smart than wrong AND dumb!

3. I AM SORRY.

Okay, this is the 3-word phrase that follows the above two. I was right, yes. You were wrong, yes. Meaning, you shouldn't have done it, so you should APOLOGIZE. Again, a smart decision.

4. LET’S EAT OUT.

You have just eliminated the stress of "How in the world am I going to go into the kitchen and make something that he won't think is "girl food" (aka rabbit food, or anything that resembles vegetables) and I don't have to question if it can still "moo" or "oink." Meaning, we will have more time and energy to spend with you. Totally worth the cash.

5. YOU LOOK THINNER.

It doesn't matter if we are trying to lose weight or not. This will make self esteem SOAR. Seriously. Just try it.

6. I’LL CLEAN UP.

In the event that we cook or work on a project for you, or whatever, one of the most annoying things is immediately going back to work. This is a way to SHOW the "I love you" that you dread saying.

7. LET’S JUST CUDDLE.

Seriously. That's just adorable.

8. WHICH CHORE FIRST?
And after we come back from a paralyzed state of shock, you won't believe the smiles and hugs that you will get for the rest of the day.

9. TAKE YOUR TIME.
Give us the time we need to get ready, and don't make us feel rushed. It will be worth your wait. Promise.

And the last one really needs a drumroll.......

10. BUY THEM BOTH.
Sometimes, we seriously can't decide. And we really want both...but that is too much to ask. But if you give us PERMISSION to get both, then we don't feel so bad. I mean, it's not something you neccessarily HAVE to do everytime, but you're not going to be hurting if you do...

Female Definitions

1.) FINE

This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right, and you need to shut up.

2.) FIVE MINUTES

If she is getting dressed, this means half an hour. Five Minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3.) NOTHING

This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine." (Refer to #1 for a reminder.)

.4.) GO AHEAD

This is a dare, not permission. DON'T DO IT!

5.) LOUD SIGH

This is not actually a word but a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about "nothing." (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6.) THAT'S OKAY.

This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. "That's okay" means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

7.) THANKS.

A woman is thanking you - do not question or faint. The response "You're welcome" is appropriate and expected.

8.) WHATEVER.

Is a women's way of saying "I'm right, and I don't have time for you to be wrong any longer."

9.) DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT; I GOT IT.

Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. ( This will later result in a man asking "what's wrong" - for the woman's response refer to #3.)

Thanks to Ashlee Garner for passing along this funny (and mostly true) list.