His Princess

I have this book that I just recently started reading again with my devotions. My mom got it for me a few years ago when our family was going through some struggles. It's a simple book really, but it has made a big impact on how I perceive God's perspective toward me.

The book is called "His Princess: Love Letters from Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd. It's a really small book, but full of "letters" from God and how He longs for us. Each one is also accompanied by a verse! Although the book was directed toward women, the same "letters" and concepts apply to everyone!

Lately I have been struggling in certain areas with just wanting to have the approval of everyone, and it's so not right and not realistic at all. Some of the things I've read in this book have sort of helped me to think of how God would view what I would do to "fit in." These are a couple of exerpts of some of the letters (all of these one's fit into the same theme).

You don't have to fit in.

"I know you want to be accepted by others, but you were not made to fit in. You were created to stand out. Not to draw attention to yourself, but to live the kind of life that leads others to Me. Remember, it is your choices that will pave your path to life. I will not force you to do anything. I have given you a free will to walk with Me or to walk away from Me. I want you to know that you can put on your crown at any time and let people know that you belong to Me. You have royal call on your life. I want you to remember you wear the crown of everlasting life, and through you I will do abundantly more than you would ever dare to dream. Love, Your King and Crown Giver." [Galatians 1:10]

Run to win.

"You are destined to win. I know how tired you often become, just be trying to do and say all the right things. Take that pressure off yourself, because I did not put it there. The world may judge you by what they see and hear, but I look within your heart, My child. I see your desire to please Me, and I see your struggle to please others. If you want to win this endurance race, you must let go of your need for the approval of others and seek My will and My pleasure. Simplify your life, and let go of the burdens that weigh you down. You'll find that My grace will lighten your step, and My favor will even draw others to join you. Yes, at times you will stumble and fall. But don't worry. I'm here to help you get back up again-as often as it takes. Make it your daily passion to run with Me, and I will carry you over the finish line of your faith. Together we will win! Love, Your King and your Companion." [1 Corinthians 9:24]

Freedom is a choice.

"I long to give you the keys to be free from the things that bind you and see you break through to a blessed life in Me. But your freedom is a choice...your choice. You can be totally free in Me or try to set yourself free. I promise I am the only One who can give you the life-giving keys you need and want. The keys are hidden in My Word, empowered by your prayer, and completed by the work of My Holy Spirit living in you. Choose the way, My love...choose life. Love, Your King and your Freedom." [John 8:36]

It seems that these days everyone longs to be different and yet at the same time everyone goes about doing it the same way. It is popular and "the thing to do" to rebel. That's how everyone is showing they are different. So, I've decided now that if I want to be different, it is not by doing anything rebellious, but instead living a simple life of following God. That's how we shine to be lights. And that's when people notice a true difference. Temptations still come and different struggles will always happen, but it's how we handle them that shows if we are different. This is a new step. How will you be different today?

Tip of the Day: compliment someone else :)

Dare to Dream

Dreams don't have to be defined as something that just might never happen. They can be real and true goals that you aim to reach. They don't have to be big either. Dreams can be anything as simple as hoping to get your car washed to anything as big as travelling the world!

Today as I was walking to class and enjoying the spring air and the smell of fresh cut grass, I decided that I want to try something new: longboarding. It looks like a challenge, but like so much fun! I have tried to skateboard before, and well let's be honest- it just did not go so well. I've heard longboarding is easier though than skateboarding and I am always up for trying new things, so I think why not?!

I have also always wanted to go skydiving! I don't know why because I used to be so afraid of heights, but I think the rush of it would be so much fun. Besides, how cool is it to tell people you've jumped from a plane with a parachute?!

Another thing I've always wanted to do is to ride in a hot air balloon. :) Ever since I was a little girl they have been one of the coolest things to me. I used to wake up early in the morning so I could watch them take off close to my house and watch them in the sky as the sun rose. If I did get to go on one though, I would definitely want it to be cool colors! Like yellow (happy!), red (bold!) and maybe another color or two. I actually really like this one!

The black with the bold and bright colors really stands out in the sky. And look at the view from it! How awesome would it be to see that in the morning as you are in the sky as the sun rises (or sets).

There are so many other things I would love to do someday, but these are some that have been on my mind lately! What are some of your dreams?

Tip of the Day: smile at someone. you never know who may need it most :)

.happiness.

Sometimes we all have times where we wonder why things happen to us or if they will ever get better. We all have those days where we would rather crawl under a blanket than walk out the door into the world. When I have times like that it helps me to think of different things that make me smile.

For instance, family. My family is my support, my life and most importantly my friends. They put up with our bad days and can turn our good days into the best ones.

This is my family :)

I also am reliving my days of loving nail polish! I am constantly seeing new colors of fingernails around campus everyday and am inspired to try new ones! It's just a fun way to spice up your look and your day! Right now I am wearing a pinkish-orange color and with the sun shining it makes my fingers sparkle and brings a little bit of happiness into my day!

Sunsets literally take my breath away. They make me realize that there is more to life than the little issues that so often consume me and most of our culture. When I see a beautiful sunset it makes me take a step back and want to slow life down to just enjoy the beauty.

Ice cream, dresses, and flip-flops all make me feel so light and happy. Maybe it's that summer feeling of knowing you can enjoy the sunshine in a cute outfit and eat a delicious treat! Whatever it is just makes me want to skip down the street and eat a strawberry ice cream cone.

Lastly, I think of how I am so blessed with the most amazing friends any girl could ever ask for. I mean seriously! They are always there for me no matter what time of day. We have too many crazy moments. Laughter and blonde moments are always present. And everyday I thank God for what incredible people He has put in my life.

(some of my girls, aren't they beautiful?!)

(we are the troublemaker/sitcom friends)

(there for me through it all)

I can't even begin to name all of the blessings I have in my life and all the things to be thankful for! Thinking about these things (and people) even during rough patches today has lifted my spirits so much! What kinds of things do you think about to make you happy during rough days?