A Tribute to 9/11

     This post is dedicated to all the loved ones left behind and to all who bravely fought to save lives that terrifying day.
     That day was very terrifying.  Even though I was only four years old at the time, I have heard many stories and seen the many heartbreaks that that day has given.  The family and friends that have been left behind-I pray God gives you strength to face today and every other day where the pain seems too overwhelming to overcome.  You are very brave people, and your loved were very strong to have faced such terror.
     To all the firefighters, police, and military who fought so bravely and risked their lives that day-our gratitude can never be expressed.  You did your best to stay calm even when you weren't sure if you could save any of the people...much less make it out alive.  All of you men and women showed more bravery than I have ever seen in my life.  And all of those who died in the line of duty, they will be sorely missed, but know that they died a very heroic death, and we are very grateful for that.
     To George Bush, the President at the time, and all of his cabinet who, although they were terrified and not sure what was going on, remained calm and made the decisions that were needed to save this country from any more lost lives.  You guys were very valiant that day.
     To all of you survivors, who I am sure still have nightmares caused by that horrid day.  You guys are very blessed even if it doesn't seem like it.  Despite all the depression and fear that followed, you guys still chose to live and didn't let fear run your lives.
     To President Obama, and all the men and women who showed up to honor the memory of the lost lives.  Even though you may not have known any of them, you were very kind to show up for those who did.  May God bless you for that.
     And finally, to God, Who was the ultimate source of our strength and wisdom that day, and Who continues to be till this very day.  We thank Him for all the lives that were saved, and for the comfort and strength He gave this country on 9/11.

    

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 KJV

The Honest Truth

Okay, none of us are perfect.  We all have stretched the truth one time or another, even if we were two when we did.  We all have acted like someone we're not at one time or another.  In other words, we all have lied or kept the truth from being known at one point time or another.
This weekend, I had to make a very hard decision.  I was in the midst of a few people that were doing nothing but bashing people or talking about how horrible their life is and how bad everyone treats them.  Unfortunately, I learned a startling truth about one of these persons and wasn't sure whether or not I should talk to someone about it.  What do you do when you have to make a decision that will either help or make things worse for other people?
I did end up telling someone, but it was my parents.  We prayed about it together and decided that, for right now, it would be kept secret.
As for them bashing people, I did stand up for the person (or people) they were talking about.  It made me mad that a person could put on such a facade of loyalty, only to condemn them behind their back.  I did ask them to stop talking about it, but after claiming they needed to 'vent', they continued on and I went to sleep.
This post is called the honest truth because I feel we should not lie about ourselves, our situations, or our opinions.  If you don't respect someone, don't act like you do in front of them and criticize them behind their back.  If you need help with a certain situation or problem, go find that help-you'll most likely thank yourself later.  And if you keep pretending to be someone you're not, then stop.  God made you who you are, and He doesn't want you to try to act like someone else.
The point is, always be honest-with yourself and with others.

1 Timothy 2:2
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Agape Love-Forgiveness

Love-We all know what it is.  We all have experienced it (hopefully) at one point time in our lives.  Love is very powerful.  Even the very word can tear someone heart apart or make their heart seemingly fly to the highest mountains.  Love is the very thing that gave us salvation.
But love is a very risky thing.  I have found myself putting my heart out, only to have it returned crushed and broken in a million pieces.  Love isn't something to be taken lightly.  If you truly love someone, you'll risk getting hurt even if you know that they will, at one point time or another, break your heart.
The word Agape is mentioned several times in the bible.  It is a love so selfless and pure that very few people ever experience it truly.  It is so great that God Himself came down to earth because of this type of love.  Agape love is very rare amongst people today, even amongst Christians.
Lately, I have been struggling very hard with two things: love and forgiveness.  My pastor preached about love and forgiveness Sunday morning, so I find myself struggling in these two areas especially.  He spoke on how we gave up our right to take revenge on those who have hurt us, and how we need the love of God to feel our hearts, so we can truly love them...even when they hurt us.
We need to love them like Christ loved us.  He was willing to sacrifice of Himself for our sakes, so why do we let the flesh have control, and, instead of extending mercy and forgiveness, we try to get revenge?  We only trap ourselves in doing so.
This week has been the ultimate test of love and forgiveness.  I felt like I had finally learned how to forgive, and like I didn't have problems with anyone anymore.  Then, even harder challenges arose.  I found myself nearly throwing in the towel and giving into that anger and bitterness that had snuck into my heart.  But (God really does have a sense of humor) God sent another messenger who talked on loving others and how we gave up the right to take revenge.  I really needed to hear that at that specific moment in time.
So, my question is, do you have trouble with forgiving those who have hurt you?  Are you demonstrating Agape love, or do you automatically shun a person when they hurt you?  Do you put your heart on the line, or hold some of yourself back?  Don't worry, I have trouble with this too, but, with God's help, we can overcome these two things.

Matthew 5:43-45

King James Version (KJV)

 ⁴³Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
 ⁴⁴But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
 ⁴⁵That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Beautiful-Outer Beauty

Okay, so I think all of us have trouble with our self-image at one point time or another.  Maybe it's not so much the inner beauty as it is the outer beauty that we struggle with.  I went to a family reunion this week, and I found myself comparing myself to all of these really thin and pretty female relatives I have.  Yes, the effects did last for a few hours, and on top of that, I was struggling with confusion on other people's opinion of me.  I asked God to help me see myself the way He sees me, to help me with these destructive feelings.
Yes, He did help me with these feelings.  He helped me to see that I shouldn't compare myself to others, when He made me in His image.  Mandisa put it this way:

"I am a sixteen year old daughter, lost in a mirror with no self esteem, but God made me in His image, and that makes me a beauty queen."

She was completely right about this.  God did make us in His image, right?  So why should we be ashamed if we have red hair when we want blonde?  Or when we want to be 120 pounds, but we're 140.  We don't have to let society's view of beauty affect our view of beauty.  We don't have to let Hollywood tell us that we need to be stick thin and anorexic to be pretty.  We don't have to cake on makeup, dye our hair, or wear skin tight clothing to be attractive.  You are beautiful just the way you are!
So, if you struggle with these feelings, just know that you are made in God's image, and you don't have to let anyone tell you what you need to look like to be beautiful.  You are what you say you are, and if you say you're beautiful, you are most definitely beautiful.

Proverbs 31:30
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Inadequacy

Yes, I admit that I may not be as pretty or as smart as the next girl, but I also admit that I am of some importance, for God chose to make me.  I struggle greatly with feelings of inadequacy.  In fact, it may be one of the hardest things I have ever had to overcome, but God has helped me, and will help me, with all those feelings that may rise to the surface.
I felt I needed to broach this subject, for I am positive there are many others feeling the same thing I do right now.  Know that you are NOT alone on this. 
Feelings of inadequacy often arise after heartbreaks and insults.  When a guy breaks up with you; when your friend betrays you or walks out of your life; even when somebody gets a higher score on a test than you.  All these things can bring feelings of inadequacy.  These feelings can tear you apart one by one, until you have no self-esteem whatsoever.
However, you need to know that you are precious in the eyes of God.  He made you in His image.  He is carefully guiding you with His mighty hand, even when it doesn't feel like it.  You DO NOT have to feel inferior to those around you.  God made you special and He loves you so much more than you can comprehend.  I am pleading with you that you bring these feelings to God, and allow Him to change your self-image.  You are beautiful, no matter what the world says.  You are special!  You are lovely and God loves you so, so much!  Don't allow others to ruin your self-esteem, for we are not what the world thinks, only what we see and think of ourselves are we.  Keep your faith in God, or, if you don't have any, pray that He will show you how to trust in Him, and follow Him.  Don't let this world try to shake you and give up your principles, values, and beliefs.

2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Together

I used to be the type of person that constantly wanted to be alone (mainly stemming from the rejection I felt from others).  I would sit in my room for hours reading, writing, and thinking.  Sometimes it would consume my day.  Eventually, I realized that I was pretty much a loner, and my life was a very forlorn life.
I know enjoy the company of others, and I treasure each and every moment with family.  I find beauty and splendor in the togetherness of people.  With friends and family you find laughter and life.  You suddenly no longer feel loneliness wrapping its claws around you.  God knew what He was talking about when he gave the inspiration for these verses in Ecclesiastes 4.

 ⁹Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
 ¹⁰For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
 ¹¹Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
 ¹²And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Now I just have to ask you one thing.  Do you live a lonely life?  Do you often find yourself alone and wishing somebody, anybody would come and talk to you or acknowledge you?  But then again, have you ever tried to talk to somebody else.  Don't deprive yourself of companionship because of fear, pride, or past hurts.  You NEED somebody in your life.  You can't go on living without anyone forever.
Just remember this post when you find yourself sitting alone.  Yes, a little alone time is good.  You don't need to be around people constantly.  However, don't allow yourself to live a lonely life.  Strive to live a life filled with laughter, friends, and family.  God wants you to live that kind of life.  He wants the very best for you.  Just remember that.

Proverb 27:17
 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Those Around Me

Oftimes the dumbest things upset me.  I cry for a reason that I later realize is completely stupid.  I often reason with myself that I am, obviously, a teenage girl and that teenage girls are supposed to be emotional.  However, even I know that is no excuse for selfishness and self-pity.
Most times I try to move the focus off myself and on to those around me.  After all, I could be hurting very badly on the inside, but I still have it better than the rest of this world.  There are so many hurting people out there, how could I focus on the things that are so unimportant.
I was reading a book earlier, and one of the characters in it is a young girl back in the 1800s who was forced into prostitution after her husband died, leaving her without any family or friends.  Three sisters live across the saloon that she works at, and they try to help her as best they can.  She does eventually get freed from the man who claims to 'own' her, but my point is, there are people out there like that today.
How many people have I passed by that have hidden scars from past hurts?  How many people have I ignored that may be abused and stuck in a hopeless situation?  God is hope, so why didn't I show them that they aren't stuck in a completely hopeless situation?  Are there people surrounding me right now that could be hurting just as must as that book character?
At one time or another we all have hurts that must heal.  There will always be people in the world hurting, no matter how hard we try to stop it.  Sometimes it is God's way of helping us grow.  Sometimes we can grow by helping others through their hurts.  I feel like I haven't helped anyone at all, but now it's time for that to change.  I WILL help those around me.  I WILL witness to those who have not yet heard the truth.  I WILL show God to the hurting and broken.  That is why I'm here, after all.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The Measuring Cup

The measuring cup...we all know what it is.  "I wish I were as pretty as she is", "I don't have as much money as he does", the list goes on and on.  What do I have to say about this?  I ask what measuring cup are you using?
If you are using this world's measuring up, your focus is most likely on: appearance, money, material things.  People that constantly try to be like another person according to these standards are usually miserable.  Why should we try to be as pretty as someone else when God made each and every one of us in His image.  Why should we try to obtain as much money and material things in life when all that really matters is what we obtain in eternity?  We cannot keep trying to get all the money and things we can get and expect to be happy.  It just won't happen.
When you use God's measuring cup, you find that you don't have to be the prettiest (or handsomest) person in the world, you don't have a big, overwhelming desire to get more and more money, and you find yourself wanting to obtain the eternal things instead of the earthly ones.
We cannot compare ourselves to this world, nor to the people in it.  If you say you're not pretty enough, who are you comparing yourself to?  If you don't have enough money, what amount are comparing your income to?  Why are you trying to compare yourself and your life, when God has made you in his image, and He died to give you the most important thing on earth: Redemption.
If you find that you've been comparing yourself to other people and their lives, take a moment to think.  God loves YOU for who YOU are, and He doesn't want to be anyone else or live anyone else's life.

2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Fallen Dreams and Broken Hearts

This blog post is dedicated to a dear friend of mine, who's husband walked out on her Saturday afternoon and declared he was divorcing her, yet she is being strong and looking at positive things instead of negative.
Although this man only thought about himself when leaving, it affects everyone around him.  His best friend collapsed when he found out, not sure what happened.  Another young lady cried when she found out what he did.  I went mute for many minutes when I heard the words spoken.  This was a man of whom everyone knew and loved, yet he left not only his wife, but he left everyone who cared about him.
I could not sleep last night because of this (I finally fell asleep at four in the morning), so I intercessed and cried out for this couple.  I don't understand why this happened, nor does anyone else, but God does, and I believe He will take care of it.
Sometimes we have dreams that we are so sure will happen one day.  Then, slowly, our life begins to fall apart, and, in order for God to give us new dreams, He must tear the old ones down.  Unfortunately, this is a very painful and hard thing.  This friend of mine, for example, must endure the emotional and physical pain of her husband leaving her.  She has not eaten or slept much since she heard the news.
So, here is to God's perfect plan for our lives, that may hold on, and, one day, see that this was all about of His plan.  Here is to fallen dreams and broken hearts!

Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Dedicated to LFR

Called

I felt the call when I was about twelve years old.  I remember that I was at a youth rally when the preacher began naming off cities, villages, and countries that did not have an apostolic church in them.  I got sidetracked by thinking I would one day be a youth pastor's wife.  However, I lost the burden for youth, and I picked up right where I left off with those nations.  It was confirmed later by my mother and pastor that they felt I was called to foreign missions.
Tonight we had a missionary couple visit our church from Bolivia.  The things they said and the wondrous things God is doing in that country literally brought tears to my eyes.  It made me realize just how blessed, yet selfish, this country truly is.  I felt a heavy burden in my soul for this country, and I have decided that one I would like to go on a mission trip.  Or at least help in some way.
I know that God has called me to do something wonderful in another country.  I have been way too stubborn and I'm sick of it, and I have been self-centered for too long and I'm tired of myself.  I will do whatever I can to win souls from now on, and hopefully, if the Lord tarries, I will one day win souls for another country (I only have prayer and fasting for right now).
Thank you, Lord, that I have been called!

Matthew 5:19
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 1:6
Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Fly Away

Most people in their lives have seen a bird's nest, right?  Or at least a bird.  Well, we have had the pleasure of watching a mother bird make her nest in our garage.  Within a month, we watched the amazing and beautiful process of growing up.  The mother bird laid her egg, and then one day we came home and there was a crack in the egg.  The baby bird was hatching.
We watched as this baby bird depended on it's mother to feed it and care for it.  Then, one day, we saw the baby bird walking around in our garage.  It was growing up!  Now, we watch the whole family fly around in our backyard.
We all have to grow up sometimes.  Whether it be physically, mentally, spiritually, or however it may be, we all have to do it.  One of these days I will leave my parents and siblings and go off and start a family of my own.  One day I will have to leave my nest and fly away. 
Don't get me wrong, it's okay to depend on your parents, but eventually we all have to go out and do things on our own.  Go to college.  Travel the world.  Get married.  Raise kids.  These are all things we must do without our parents.  One of these days we must leave our nests and fly away to where God has called us to be.

1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Baring Your Heart

As I have learned recently, sometimes it is better to just be yourself and trust God for the results.  Because of a few experiences I've had in the past, I have been very hesitant to show who I really am.  I'm always afraid people will get tired of me and my personality, so I back of after a while.  Unfortunately, I was only hurting myself by doing so.
Inspiration for this post hit me when I became friends with someone on Facebook (yes, facebook).  I always try to choose my words carefully to try and impress people, but I'm always I put down the wrong thing, and that they won't like me (or rather my personality) anymore.  But I came to realized that sometimes we must bare our hearts, and show who we really are.  We can put our trust in God that at least one person will still be there for us.
So, if you have the same problem I do, and you have trouble being who you really are, then why don't we promise ourselves that we will no longer hold anything back, and put our trust in God.  I know He'll take of it.  So, what am I saying?  Bare your heart...that's all.

My Paper Heart

My heart is very fragile, in fact, it's about as fragile as paper.  I guess that's where Francesca Battistelli got her song and I got the name for my blog.  I have learned more in the past year about the fragility of our hearts than I have in my entire life.  Don't get me wrong, I haven't started this to complain and gripe about all my problems, but perhaps this blog can serve as a balm to those who know just how fragile our hearts can be.
It's an amazing thing, how some of the world's strongest men and women (physically) can withstand punch after punch, but when someone breaks their heart, there is nothing to cushion the blow.  The bad thing about it is that once that hurt takes place, it's hard to get out.  Just like once you put a nail in wood, even though you can take it out, it won't take away the scar it leaves.  You have to get a new fence for that.  Only God can truly wipe away the pain that life so willingly offers.
So, this being said, give your paper heart to God, and let Him wipe the slate clean, and give you a new one.