On Getting Older

by Cathe Laurie | Apr 20, 2018 | College, Life Advice | 3 comments

Today I went to a wedding party. It was such a fun gathering to celebrate our friends! And as girlfriends on happy occasions are wont to do, we snapped a few photos together. There we all were, some in their 20’s and 30’s wearing adorable dresses, youthful skin all aglow, and some of us who are…ahem…a few years older and a little worse for the wear. But that didn’t stop me from smiling.

I smile with joy (and a small sense of glee) in being older. Forty-nine and some change—okay, a lot of change! Yes, I am decades past youth, but honestly, I would not go back on a single year lived. I am me. I am happy to be the me I am. Time, plus Jesus, plus experience, has made me who I am, with all the failures and triumphs and friends who have helped me step into this beautiful season of life. I don’t want to take a single minute of this season for granted.

Now, I’ll admit that some aspects of aging I don’t love. Like the other day when I saw my reflection in the mirror and noticed cellulite on my belly, just like I remember my mother had. Left to my own devices, would I swap this for firmer biceps, less wrinkles and a better memory? On some days. That’s why I’m grateful that I am not left to my own devices.

Truth is, I have an amazing husband, the best of friends, and a solid faith in God. Worth far more than all the Goop that Gwyneth Paltrow could sell me. I’ve been blessed with an incredible family, a church that I cherish, and a high purpose to live for every minute of this journey. Would I trade any of this for a flatter belly? Are you serious?

I choose to be grateful for every gray hair and achy muscle, knowing I’ve had many dear friends who died too young. We who are living the other side of Forever 21 need to remember and learn to pay attention to what matters most. So much of what I used to worry about seems silly now. Is it worth stressing out if I wasn’t at the party? (Though I do love parties!) If I find myself wondering what so-and-so may think, I’ve learned to tell myself I don’t have that kind of time. I really don’t.

Lately I’ve noticed my house showing its age too. I’d like to freshen up the décor, but as I pondered the expense and upheaval, it dawned on me. This will probably be the last time I do this. Twenty years ago, I made some good design choices that have served this house well. The leather chairs in our family room have racks and wrinkles now, and the cushions don’t plump up as easily as they used to. But those deep indentations are a witness to the many happy hours we’ve spent together in that room. For that, I am grateful. For wise choices made, and for the reality that next time this house needs an overhaul (hopefully not for another twenty years) there will be another “house” not so far off, a building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. One that will never need repainting. No whitewashed shiplap, interior sliding barn doors, or beautiful grey oak plank floors could make me desire anything more than the perfectly curated home that awaits us in heaven!

I’m fascinated by that word, curated. It’s Middle English, from medieval Latin curatus, ‘to care’. It means to select, organize, and arrange with expert knowledge. As women, we appreciate beauty in all things, and what could be more beautiful than knowing that every season of our lives has been curated by our infinitely perfect and expert Creator? His plans and designs for us are exquisite and timeless.

When we get to heaven, we will realize that cellulite and wrinkles were 1,327th on the list of what matters most, here and now, on earth.

So Lord, we pray “…teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. And let the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us…”

(Psalm 90:12, 14, 17)

Cathe Laurie is the wife of Greg Laurie, who is senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. She is also the founder and director of Virtue, the thriving women’s ministry at Harvest.

Don’t Compromise

by Annie Dixon | Sep 27, 2017 | College, Life Advice | 9 comments

When I used to picture the future, there was always the question of “who will I marry?”  I was curious about the matter. My mom used to tell me she prayed for her husband growing up, so I started to do that. I didn’t do it every day, but when I thought about it. This also meant one very important decision – do not compromise.  Even though some decisions were difficult and sometimes our hearts hurt, there’s a promise.

 Psalm 138:8 says, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” 

God is working behind the scenes. We are a better spouse as we place our disposition in God.  We aren’t designed to find fulfillment in another human being.  I like how the Christian artist Plumb said it, “There’s a God-shaped hole in all of us…only He can fill.”

Don’t compromise.

I didn’t date in high school. I didn’t necessarily plan it that way, but my heart was protected in the process.  For me, it was best. I knew I was “saving up” my heart. I wanted to grow personally. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but even in my naivety, I saw that people’s intensions were not always pure. I saw friends get their hearts broken. Maybe the relationship was more serious than it should’ve been. It was as though girls were more willing to give up parts of them when they forget what they are worth. You’re worth so much more. You were bought with blood – we are made whole because of what Jesus did for us. You’re worth more because of what He did, not because of what you have or haven’t done. That’s the power of grace! So, even if you feel unworthy, you can go boldly to the thrown of grace. There is grace for our mistakes and healing for every heartbreak. Dear, you are so loved, and no past is greater than what God has done for you.

Don’t compromise.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Instead of giving you a list of rules about dating, I’m going to challenge you to do this: “Guard your heart with ALL diligence.” Guard it like you’re protecting the Queen. The castle guards at Buckingham palace are famous for being unmoved by guests. They don’t even flinch. You don’t even have to give your time to someone who isn’t for you. You don’t need to hear “you’re beautiful” from a guy to feel beautiful. It’s always nice to hear, but don’t sacrifice a special part of you to hear it. You are carrying out the plan of God for you now. You don’t need distractions. Life doesn’t start when you get married – a new chapter does.

Don’t compromise.

Queen Esther’s marriage was ordained for a great purpose. “If I perish, I perish,” she said, after learning in order to save her people she must risk her life. (See Esther 3-4.) Her marriage strategically placed her in places to help people. Despite the glitz and glamour of living in a palace, I don’t think it was an easy place to be. I took this matter so seriously growing up because I wanted this kind of intention with my marriage. I wanted to be willing to go wherever I needed to go so God could use me. It wasn’t the easy road.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.”

When I met my husband, I soon realized we met on purpose. God truly fulfilled my desires beyond what I could have hoped for.  He answered my prayers, even though it looked different than I thought it would. It was better. I never could have imagined He could grant me the desires of my heart the way he did. From the details big and small, He had a plan all along, He just needed me to stay steady. I’m so thankful I waited for Colton and God proved Himself faithful again.

Getting to know God right now while you are single will prepare you for marriage and beyond. I’ll leave you with some wise words once spoken to me: Jesus will always be your main squeeze.

It’s Not About the Selfie

by Lindsey Nelson | Sep 21, 2017 | College, Life Advice | 7 comments

Galatians 5:13 says, “For you, brothers, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity to gratify your flesh, but through love make it your habit to serve one another”.

I wear a lot of hats, and one of those hats is being a youth pastor. One of my many passions is to disciple and raise up young leaders. And to be honest, it was quite hilarious to me when Sadie asked me to write for her Live Original blog. OF COURSE, God…you WOULD push me out there way outside of my comfort zone. Of all the things you know I’d be quick to say yes to, this is what You are asking of me. Mainly, this conversation was happening between the Lord and I, because He has put such a passion inside of me to break down the stronghold that social media has built into a young generation. To gratify and find value in likes, the perfect selfie, or how many followers one may or may not have. It’s been my soapbox. So, the Lord began to not only stir in me to take my writing to the internet, He also sent more confirmations than I could have ever asked for.

Then, Sadie believed that I was supposed to be on her team, I was extremely hesitant and doubtful that I could do it without falling into what I had stood for. Insert exclamation points…I was NOT preaching against social media or the internet. I am in no way anti-social media, CLEARLY. However, I was (and still am) against anything that would stand in the way of someone walking in the fullness of their identity and relationship with their Savior. So, if that is food, Netflix, Instagram, or a relationship…it’s got to go. For many people, young people especially, social media is where they not only find their worth, but where they feel their worth is reflected according to how many likes or followers they have. I stand firm in speaking truth and coming against those lies.

I told Sadie that I needed to pray about it. I immediately was filled with fear and self-doubt. I’ve been writing in journals every day since I was 6 years old – filling book after book for every season and day of my life for the past 23 years. It was time to step out. The Lord was making it clear to me, but I was filled with questions and hesitation. What if I fell into the social media craze? What if I began to find my worth in how people respond to my vulnerable pen to paper moments? What if I fall flat on my face and I hear the horrible words, “I told you so?” I felt paralyzed. I wanted to run the other way and say no. But my incredible husband looked at me, and said, “Lindsey, this is fear. Don’t give in. You preach against pride, but this type of fear is rooted in pride.” OUCH.

So, I began to pray. I needed the Lord to show me His perspective. To navigate me through all my doubts and fears, and bring His truth. Then He showed me this scripture.

Galatians 5:13 says, “For you, brothers, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity to gratify your flesh, but through love make it your habit to serve one another.”

He told me the following things:

1. You have been set free from fear of man. Put on the armor of God and walk boldly. I have called you for such a time as this. Am I not the God who set you free? I can do more than set you free, I can show you how to walk out your freedom –  in a brand-new way to set the captive free.

 2. As I have given you this outlet, be disciplined to fill yourself with only me. So that I may be what is poured out.

3. Serve. Serve as if you are serving me directly. Serve extravagantly. Serve and love, with extraordinary love.

 4. I am with you. You are mine and I am yours. I take you nowhere to let you fall. Keep your eyes on me, and know that I will never take my eyes off of you.

So, I stepped out. Outside of my little comfortable corner, and I have started to chase dreams that others can see. Let me let you in on how I’ve walked it out on a practical level – how I have kept what the Lord has told me in check.

1.    I don’t scroll through my feed.

Simply because it takes up more of my time then I’d like to admit to myself. I have so much to get done between being a mom, wife, pastor, daughter, and friend, that I just need to say no. I also have not arrived. And to be vulnerable, I can find myself at times producing unhealthy emotions according to what I see. I don’t have time to have any thought in my head that God doesn’t have about me.

2.    I not only read, but memorize His word.

I have a large metal ring that holds index cards on it. Once a week, I add an index card to it that I’ve written a scripture on. I go through the scriptures throughout the week with one goal, to memorize. Not just the scripture, but where its at in the bible. The actual reference. If I don’t know what He says in His word, I will always succumb to what I say to myself or what others say. #aintnotbodygottimeforthat

3.    Pray/talk to God all day. Everyday.

This is not some super spiritual act where I am in a sanctuary travailing. I talk to Him. I ask Him what He thinks. I ask questions, I vent, I cry, etc. He’s my best friend.

Many say, “I don’t have time to pray.” Well I have learned from those ahead me, “We don’t have time to not pray.”

I haven’t arrived. I have bad days and stressful days. Days that when the little is tucked in to bed and I’m finally getting a moment to relax, all I want to do is zone out and get on social media. But I know that at the end of the day, only I can choose what I feed myself with mentally, spiritually, and physically. Let’s rise up higher! Feed ourselves with LIFE giving nutrients, words, music and healthy rest.

Let’s be ones that fill ourselves with ONLY Him, so that only HE will come out. He has shown me that if I focus whatever I may be doing on Him and not my self, He will guard my heart and mind. I pray every word, picture or conversation I am a part of, HE is exalted. It’s all about Him, not about the selfie.

Pursuing Jesus by Audrey Roloff

by Audrey Roloff | Sep 5, 2017 | College, Life Advice | 10 comments

First of all, I want you to ask yourself this question: Is Jesus worth pursuing?

If your answer is yes, then what does it look like to pursue Jesus? And what distracts or prevents you from pursuing Jesus? To help yourself answer these questions, I want you to write down all of the priorities you have right now while you are in college. Open up a note on your computer or phone and just do it. Here were some of my priorities as an example: School, running (I was on the cross country and track team at Oregon State), Young Life (I was a Young Life leader through college), building my resume, family, work, my relationship with Jesus, boyfriends, friends, roommates, teammates and church. I’m sure your list is full of them too. Maybe it’s your sorority, a club, an intramural sports team, parties, reputation, good grades, social media, the list goes on… and I’m sure it’s a long one.

But so much of pursuing Jesus, is about prioritizing Jesus.

So, your thinking, “well great… how the heck am I supposed to pursue Jesus when I have all those priorities!?” Let’s be honest, it’s really hard to prioritize Jesus. Especially in college. Like how the heck do we as women prioritize and pursue Jesus among all those things!? Pursuing Jesus is not about doing more things to add to your list of priorities, it’s about inviting Jesus into each of those things, and creating room in your life for him to change who you ARE, not just what you DO.

My college years were pivotal in growing my faith, strengthening my relationship with Christ and preparing me for life after college. I want to walk you through some practical ways, based on my own journey, that I think will help you cultivate intimacy with Christ, and become the woman He created you to be. I am super passionate about this because in college, I sucked at it. I was that girl that wanted to keep adding more things to the list of priorities. More, more, more. I thought my heart in it was pure because I was evangelizing, aka telling all these people about Jesus, and bringing them to church, and meeting new Young Life girls, and inviting girls in my classes to college Young Life…. Not that any of those things are bad!!

But the dangerous thing about evangelism is that it can cause your intimacy with Christ to suffer.

I learned this the hard way in college. I said yes to all the good things, and lost sight of the best thing!  You know that verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”? Well, I sorta over-glorified the, “I can do all things part…” I wanted to make sure I took every opportunity to share Jesus with people and do kingdom work. But I ran myself to the ground….to the point where I was physically sick, and I actually had to take a term off of college during my junior year because of it.

That’s when I finally was forced to listen to God. So, I want to share with you all a few ways that I think will help you pursue Jesus through your college years. Specifically, 8 ways. Now don’t be freaked out… you might be thinking 8 ways, Audrey? Really? I have enough things on my plate right now and you’re going to give me 8 MORE things to do? Well, sort of, but it’s more like 8 things to help you do all those other things you do, better. BUT as I list out these 8 things, I want you to know that they are not all things that I was living out as a freshman in college. It was a gradual process of realizing how essential each of these things were to pursuing Jesus.

1. SPEND TIME ALONE WITH JESUS

Proverbs 4:20 – “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.” What does spending alone time with Jesus look like?  Now this might be different for you than it is for me, but for me, spending alone time with Jesus looks like; finding a quiet space to pray, tune into the Holy Spirit, and opening my Bible to read God’s word. You need to spend time alone with God reading His truth. The key to consistently spending time in God’s word, is creating a rhythm that will establish the habit of reading God’s word.

You have the power to create good habits and bad habits.

A couple years ago I read a book called, “the Power of Habit” The entire book is about why we do what we do. Basically, it argues that all of life is a series of habits. Good ones and bad ones. The book talks about how a habit is a cycle with three parts. You have a cue (the trigger that tells your brain to go into automatic mode and which habit to use). Then there is routine (the habit, which can be physical or emotional). And finally, there is a reward (or the reason you form the routine). The reward is what helps you determine if the routine is worth repeating. If you want to get rid of a bad habit, you have to find out how to implement a healthier routine to yield the same reward.

For example, it’s Friday (CUE). you make plans to go to that party with your friends (ROUTINE). And as a result, you have fun socializing and relaxing (REWARD). If the reward is socializing, and relaxing, and you want to change the habit of partying, come up with something to do that yields that same socialization and relaxation reward for you. Spend some time later analyzing your habits, it’s a powerful exercise. Okay, so all this to be said about habits, I would argue that the most important habit you can form in your life is spending time with the Lord every day. DON’T wait until after college to start doing this.

This is what my habit cycle looked like when I was in college:

Cue – my alarm clock

routine – grabbing my bible, journal, and a cup of coffee

Reward – joy, peace, clarity, direction, comfort, discernment, hope, wisdom, and strength

There is nothing more rewarding than spending time with Jesus. If you want to grow your relationship with Jesus, to know and love him more, you have to spend time with him. Just like with any relationship where you want to get to know someone better, you have to spend time with them. The way we get to know Jesus more is by reading his word.

If you are reading this article, it it’s probably because you want to see what pursuing Jesus is all about, or to figure out how to pursue him better! So, I want you to think about a time of day that works for you to spend time with Jesus daily. Okay, now get out your phones and schedule it in your calendar on your phone as an alert. Type in: “time alone with the Jesus,” and have it go off every day. Now each time that alert goes off, I would encourage you to put your phones on airplane mode so you are not distracted. It takes 30 days to form a habit. Keep this alert scheduled in your phone EVERY DAY for 30 days.  I bet after that you won’t need the alert, because it will just become a habit!

2. SEEK REST:

Rest was one of those things I had to learn the hard way. Some of you might be thinking, rest? I don’t have time for that…I’ll sleep when I’m dead. And to that I would say, that was 100% me in college –  until I got burnt out, stressed out, overwhelmed, and ran myself to the ground… Remember that verse I said before “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?” Well, there are a lot of verses like that in the Bible. Those were the verses that propelled much of my life in college, but, there are also a lot of verses in the Bible about REST.

Hebrews 4: 9-11 – “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”

Isaiah 30:15 – “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…”

Jesus was a pretty busy guy, yet he continually withdrew to quiet places to rest. And guess what, even GOD rested! Genesis 2:2 says, In 6 days he created the earth, and on the 7th day he rested from all of his work. Exodus 31:15 says, “For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of Sabbath rest, holy to the LORD.” God rested, and Jesus rested to set an example for us, so that we would rest. If we don’t learn how to rest well, we won’t be able to live life to our fullest potential.

So, what does it look like to rest well? When they talk about rest in the Bible, or taking a day of rest, they aren’t talking about sleeping in, or taking a day off. Although those things can be part of a day of rest, they aren’t the main point. A day of rest is a day to stop working, stop striving, stop wanting things, and stop checking off our to-do lists. We aren’t robots, we can’t work, do homework, run errands, reply to e-mails and scroll through social media 24/7. I would argue that rest is part of what makes us human. A day of rest means a day to praise God for what we have, for life itself, and to spend time with each other, our community, and the Lord undistracted by the demands of this world.

Mark 2;27 says, “Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Sabbath, which is a Biblical word for rest, was created for us!

I had a mentor in college that really hammered into me the importance of rest because she was/is extremely passionate about the importance silence and solitude. She used to organize what she called, ‘Silent retreats” once a term while I was in college. On these silent retreats, we would go away to the coast for the weekend with a small group of women, where we would literally be silent.  Now I am a talker, so I knew this would be a challenge for me the first time I went, but after going once, I began to crave it every term. These retreats were vital to me in college. I made some major life decisions during these retreats, and the Lord always revealed more of himself and his plans for me during my time of silence and stillness.

I think God knew that our world would become addicted to busyness, and constantly distracted. I think he knew our hearts crave too much of a good thing, and become overburdened. So, I would encourage you all to try taking a day of rest, maybe once a month, or maybe once a term. Go away for the weekend or the day, turn off your phone, and spend some time with Jesus and people that you love. Or, maybe you even go on a silent retreat.

3.COMMUNITY:

You are the sum of the people you spend the most time with. Be intentional about who you are spending time with. Now, I want to stress something in regard to community. The best kind of community is not just something that organically happens due to circumstances. Some of you might be thinking your community is your sports team, your roommates, your sorority, or maybe even your family. The kind of community I am talking about here is a Godly community. A community that helps you pursue Christ, prays for you, encourages you, shares hard truths with you, and calls you out when you are walking in disobedience to the scriptures. 

Psalm 133:1 says “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

I think that a lot of people like the idea of community, but when it comes to truly fleshing it out, it’s hard. Being in community means you open up your life to the criticism of others who you trust. Jesus had a community. He had 12 disciples, but he also had an inner circle of three that best friends (Peter, James and John). My Young Life area director in college used to describe the ministry of young life this way: “You should know 72 kids by name, know 12 personally, and walk intimately with 3.” To this day, I practice this as a framework for community in my own life.

Write this down and answer it for yourself later: Who are your 72 (those girls on your sports team, in your class, or in your sorority), who are your 12 (those friends who are there for you in a heartbeat, who know you well, maybe your family) and who are your 3 (those girls you are especially vulnerable with, the ones who challenge you, pray WITH YOU, and call you out).

Your community has the power to shape you and influence your life. Community in college is a precious thing. It’s much harder to find and immerse yourself in, when you are out of college, so take advantage of it now, and it will follow you! One of my favorite verses on community is Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

I would also encourage you all to find a church community. There is a lot of instruction on what church is and should be in the Bible, and if you are struggling in finding a church, here are some verses that might help you: Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Timothy 5, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Titus 1:5-9, Ephesians 5:18-21, 1 Corinthians 14:26, 1 Timothy 2, Acts 2:42, Matthew 28:16-20, Matthew 18:20, Hebrews 13:17

Here are a few productive questions I would ask yourself before you commit to a church body:

·   Are they opening the Bible every Sunday and teaching the scriptures?

·   Is there opportunity to get connected with smaller groups within the church?

·   Do you come and go to church unnoticed, or is there accountability from the body?

·   Is it pushing you and growing you in your walk with the Lord?

4.WISE COUNCIL:

Find. A. Mentor. I prayed for a mentor for years, before I was finally approached by two women in the same week who offered to mentor me. But this isn’t always how mentor relationships come about. Sometimes YOU have to be the one to go to an older woman that you respect, and ask if she would be willing to meet with you and share her wisdom and insight. More often than not, that woman will probably feel like God has given her an opportunity by you asking her. So, don’t be afraid to ask! Titus 2:3-5 says, “In regard to the older women, that they are to teach the younger women.” Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” And Proverbs 28:26 says, “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”

5. ELIMINATE SIN:

Sin separates us from God.

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT ANY OF THESE OTHER WAYS OF PURSING JESUS, IF YOU ARE WALKING IN SIN. Sin will make you feel further away from him, especially if you know you are in sin, but continue to walk in it. 1 Samuel 15:22 says “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” You could be serving in Sunday school, giving your money to the poor, and saving the world all day long, but if you are walking in sin, you are displeasing to the Lord.

A.W. Tozer: “To escape the error of salvation by works, we have fallen into the opposite error of salvation without obedience.”

Jesus said in John 8:34 “Jesus answered them, “truly I say to you anyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”

James 4:17 “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

If you are walking in sin, Jesus calls us to repentance, which literally means turning from sin and choosing to walk in the fullness of Christ. Pursuing Jesus often requires us to give up good things, and to hard things, in order to experience the best things. When it comes to sin, you shouldn’t be asking where is the line and how close can I get to it? That is not coming from a heart yielded to Jesus. Pursuing Jesus means asking yourself where is the line, and how far can I get away from it?

6.LISTEN AND OBEY:

First of all, you can’t listen and obey if you aren’t spending time in God’s word, and listening to his spirit.

James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Hebrews 3:15 ”If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn…”

Proverbs 10:17 “Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”

The Bible stresses obedience to itself through these verses. Through the Bible, God gives us instructions on how to live our lives. These instructions were not designed to make us feel confined, or to crash our party. They are designed to give us direction, wisdom, comfort, and hope, to draw us to the Lord, bring glory and honor to His name, and carry out the work he has for each of us to do!

God speaks to us through His word, AND through the Holy Spirt. The Holy Spirit presses certain things on our hearts. When you feel like God is silent in your life, it’s probably because he has already spoken, and he is still waiting for you to obey. Do you ever get those inclinations to go pray for that girl after class, to text that teammate going through a hard time, or to leave a surprise gift on your sorority sisters bed? I call those, “Holy Spirit nudges.” And I can’t tell you how often I ignore them, but God is waiting for me and you to take action!

Listening to God is a scary, and sometimes even embarrassing thing to do because God asks us to do radical things. Things that culture screams against, things that our friends think are weird, things that our flesh fights, and things that we feel unequipped to do. The longer you walk with the Lord the more you feel like He is just constantly asking you to change your ways or do things you are reluctant to do. But the good news is, it ALWAYS for our good. When we listen and obey, God promises to bless our path.

“We change when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of changing” – Dale Partridge

7. FILL YOUR MIND AND HEART WITH TRUTH:

The lies of, “Not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, athletic enough..” will bombard your thoughts and mind in college. You are put in a situation where you cannot help but compare yourself to everyone around you. No doubt.

To fight the thief of joy that comparison is, find the lies and seek the truth.

Pick a few verses (truths you need to be reminded of) and write them on sticky notes. Then put them on your bedroom mirror, in your car, on your schoolbooks, or if you’re like me – write them on your hand. Truth sets you free. You will be amazed at how those truths kill the lies.

8.WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS AND PRAYERS:

I cannot tell you how many times I am praying in bed at night, and then I fall asleep… but when I write down my prayers I am able to have deep, and divine conversation with the Lord. Not only that, but when I look back on those prayers and see how God worked faithfully and powerfully through certain seasons of my life, my faith increases. I become more surrendered to the Lord as I experience evidence of His faithfulness in real and tangible ways. Buy a cute journal, open up your Bible, and write down your prayers, questions, thoughts, and dreams. Then watch how God reveals what He has for you.

I am a big fan of journaling – I have journals dating all the way back to when I was 8 years old, and prayed for a kitty and a boy to like me, to prayers for my future husband, to questions about what my purpose and calling is. Looking back through those journals, is now such blessing and testament to the Lord working in my life. So, buy a journal if you don’t’ already have one, and get to writing!

Have any of you ever watched a baby learn to walk? When they take two steps, we celebrate, right?We don’t say, “oh why didn’t you take 6 Steps!?!” That’s how Christ is with us. He rejoices over our two steps. I say that to remind you, these are not all things that I adopted day one as a freshman in college. So, don’t be overwhelmed. My hope is that you might be able to take something useful or helpful from my suggestions, and that it would help you grow closer to Jesus, Don’t expect yourself to score 100% on all of these ways now. We have a patient God. He delights in our two steps.

One more thing I want to add. Relationships are a two-way street. God has always been pursuing you, the question is, are you pursing him back?