Fighting the Fight: is it worth it?
At the current moment, I am fighting a sinus infection, a horrible one at that. My ears hurt, my chest is congested, I feel like i pulled a muscle in my back from coughing so much..and I've gone through two tissue boxes. And at the moment it's 3-0, infection 2.0 (second one of the year). Also, currently fighting the resistance to drink a big glass of sweet tea, and eat an oatmeal cookie. And then I've been fighting the sleep monster and in case you don't know who or what that is..its the annoying thing that keeps you awake, and wakes you up in the middle of the night & you'd do anything to fall back asleep. And well there's also another fight I am battling as well you if you choose..the spiritual fight. Fighting the world's temptation to dress immodestly, fill our heads with ungodly music, watch the impurest things and say words that shouldn't be spoken, and the fight to stay sexually pure is the heaviest temptation of all. And I'm not here to lift me myself up on a pedestal, but I would like to say of myself that I have fought very hard agains most if not all of the temptations above! It's hard, it's stressful, it hurts, you might lose those you love, you fee alone and unloved and as if there is no one on your side, and you probably won't receive a material reward, BUT it's worth it completely. Don't give up, and don't retreat in, and please never give in! Keep your eyes on the eternal guide and Conqueror of All for He loves YOU and has given you a life designed only for you. Some of my favorite verses to bring back to memory while fighting a fight are Romans 8:31-39... What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So keep fighting the battle and remember that no matter the fight, and no matter the outcome, nothing can separate us from the LOVE of GOD. 🙌 So let's just start this post off with a question...what is your opinion on dating? or relationships? If you don't have one or aren't in the mood to be introduced to another one, then I'd stop reading now, and come back later. If you do have a view of dating and relationships, take a minute and gather it all up... you got it?
Alright, so here we go...and let me say before I get ahead of myself... - I have never been in a serious relationship, nor am I in a relationship now, and NO, I do not plan on being in one in the near future (I've got too much to focus on, and I'm perfectly content finding myself in Christ). But, I have seen a lot of relationships succeed and fail, grow, and blossom, rot and die. I am fairly sure I have one of the rarest views on dating and relationships that you'll find but that doesn't mean it can't be heard. Recently, I have been faced with this topic in my own life through school, my friends, and my devotions. I really want to be true here when I say it is a big deal to just date because it's popular, or date just to be dating, and I definitely don't think its okay to date just because your friends are telling you to. I've heard this put in many different ways: "when you date, you should be looking for a mate". Now that sounds all cliché and everything but its totally true. God intended relationships, dating, and marriage to be solid, and a special thing. I personally don't think you have to test the waters more than a few times to wait for the perfect catch---- And in our culture, the idea of not ever having a boyfriend, or waiting for the right one isn't respected anymore. I believe that every girl deserves a MAN, and most importantly a MAN after GOD's own heart... yes, this may be cliché to but if he isn't more interested in God than he is you, don't pursue it. I also believe that God has someone for us all, and yes, I understand that relationships, and marriages fail, but I believe that is [our] own fault...selfishness, pride, discontentment, no self-control, etc. It seems that those relationships loose focus and get sidetracked by the world's advertisements and 'fun'' ideas. Now, don't get me wrong, I've always dreamed of the perfect guy, and yes, I have a pinterest board for my wedding, but I am not going to fall for any guy who likes me or any boy I have an interest for. I'm waiting for the one God has created for me, and I'm standing in HIS will for my life of love, abiding in HIS word which teaches me about the love that I so desperately desire, yet need, and I am most definitely surrendering my desires and wants in a guy to HIS plan and privileges in my future spouse. and I encourage you to do the same...if you need to read the previous line again, go ahead... you can take or leave my advice or words of wisdom, but search your heart for the real purpose you are dating or what not...is it to glorify God or is it to fulfill selfish ambition? Goodnight... (: Hey guys! You are probably wondering why I haven't blogged in a while and I don't blame you for it. For the past few days, the Christian school I attend has offered a Bible Conference through our church we are branched from...does that make since? Like, I go to Tri-City Christian School (TCCS) but the Bible Conference was sponsored by Tri-City Baptist Church (TCBC)...(: Alright, so I'm sorry that I haven't blogged in over a week, but I can say it hasn't been for stupid reasons. If you don't know much about me or haven't figured it out, church, family and school are all important for me! I have to give those things all my attention and support before I move on to hobbies and fun activities. So within the past week I've been faced with so much change; it's like my world is trying out life in a different way! And I'm not okay with that..well I wasn't okay with that! I had to change the amount of time I worked, the time I had to spend on my senior project plus the plans I was going to carry out in my senior project, as well as moving math classes five weeks after school started! Yeah, I wasn't doing so hot in Calculus so I had to change to a lower math class. And on top of that, I have to change my diet and exercise...doctor's orders...and all I really wanna do when I'm stressed or nervous is eat and sleep! Anyways, I had to and am still asking God for peace about all that is changing around me & also to help me be moldable to his plan for my life! He is the Potter and I am the Clay...have you kept that in mind? We had a family get together on Labor Day plus a volleyball game the day after so here's some pictures! Have you ever had those moments where the light bulb just clicks or you feel like something just smacks you in the face? Well, this morning I had one, and boy, did I ever need it. For the past few days, I've been super busy with school and sports, as well as church stuff so I haven't had time to blog or really give anything fun or hobby-like any attention. I had a bad attitude about not writing a new blog, not being able to lay in my bed at night and watch YouTube videos, even about not being able to just clean my room (which still needs to be done, btw).
And on top of all that, my attitude when I got up this morning was horrible. My volleyball team had a game in Salisbury, NC, last night, and I was just worn out when I got home. This morning I had to work, and I didn't know what to expect with new management and leadership, plus I only work one day a week right now, so I miss a lot of changes and information. I really didn't want to go to work and deal with my co-workers, and even though I needed the money, at that very moment I did not care the least bit. So you can imagine the bundle of joy I was when I woke up. After I got up, and put my contacts in, I went into the kitchen to take my thyroid medicine where Mom was cooking breakfast. I told her that I didn't feel like going to work, and wanted to call-out...she looked me in the eye, and said, "Abby, you need to pray, and ask God to give you a new attitude about work, and help you get through the day". and that's what I did...I walked back into my room and asked God to change my heart and attitude about work today. And guess what? He did! It was like a new Abby had woke up and started getting ready for work. Now, many things happened today that affected my attitude and could have hindered me from experiencing what God had in store for today, but I had to remember this morning's prayer and the promise that I made God: 'God, I promise I'll try to have a good attitude and remember the real reason I'm living today...to glorify you'. And there it was, the slap in the face I mentioned earlier: JUST BECASUE I HAD A BAD ATTITUDE AND DIDN'T GET MY WAY, DIDN'T MEAN I STOPPED GLORIFYING AND REPRESENTING GOD. Boom! I never become not-a-Christian...I'm always supposed to glorify Him, and I will ALWAYS need His hand of guidance in my life (attitude, words, actions, decisions). so there it is, my very long thought for the day. enjoy and I'll be back soon. :) Have you ever thought about how much you are worth? Or how much you cost to someone? I'm sure you've been insecure about yourself at least once, and thought that no one ever thought of you as beautiful or precious. Well, good news: you aren't alone & there is someone who loves and values you beyond compare to anything in this world. bad news: if you haven't felt like that, you probably will. and if you have, it will most likely happen once or twice again. Satan never misses a chance to tempt and frustrate us with what we think about ourselves.
This topic has been on my mind for a while now, and just recently have I had the confidence to even put my thoughts into words, especially onto this blog. As I've mentioned, I am a loud, outspoken kind of girl, which means that I don't exactly have a complete "gentle and quiet spirit" as God mentions in the Bible. Those that know me are probably laughing and agreeing with me right now. Anyways, the following verses have really been a conviction of mine for a while. They have really opened my eyes to the changing and revising that must take place in my spirit and personality. **1 Peter 3:3-5 (NLT): Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourself with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands."** Once again, even typing those words remind me of how self-centered and ungrateful I have been today about the way God made me and the personality he has given me. I want to encourage each of you to accept who God has made you to be: the beautiful, precious, and much valued daughter of the King that you are. Be open to the verses above and consider these thoughts: it doesn't matter the clothes you have, the braids of your hair, or the ring on your finger...what matters is the spirit others around you notice and feel when you speak and act, that which is precious to the Lord. I know I'll be more conscious of the inner AND outward beauty God has blessed me with...(I'm still working on the "gentle and quiet spirit"). Abby Today, I start my last week of summer, and begin the count down to senior year! I've got so many things to do before the 11th in order to have a smooth last first week of school.
I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a few days but it's been crazy! On Saturday, my family and I traveled home from our vacation in Georgia, and I just have to thank the Lord for our safety. Traffic was very heavy and congested, and it's only by a few cars that we missed an accident! We swerved off into the median along with many other cars to avoid a bigger mess in the end. It honestly scared me; it was my first time coming that close to an accident. Sunday's are always busy for my family, and quite honestly, I may not blog on that day unless of certain circumstances. Our church went back to a one service schedule with one Sunday school, so there were a lot more people together than before. I was used to going to the early service, then Sunday School, and then either to work or home. Aside from the technicalities, 5 people prayed to receive Christ, ages rangin from 7- 70! One lady re- dedicated her life, and another couple joined the church! God is AwEsOmE! And on top of that, my dad made the announcement that we would be officially welcoming the Friars' into the church as the Father will become the associate pastor of administration....I think that's his title, anyways he'll be an answered prayer for many, and a tremendous asset to our ministry. I think it's funny that the pastor's last name is Frye (my dad) and the associate pastor's last name is Friar! Haha it's the reign of the Frye's/Friars..no I'm just kidding! Well, I must get ready for work, and volleyball practice which is right after work! Everyone enjoy you Monday! Oh, and since it was National Sisters Day yesterday, I'm posting a picture of my bestfriend who is my sister I never got and a picture of me and my brother. 😊 So let me first begin by welcoming you to my page and blog. I hope you enjoy it. Secondly, let me explain that the blogs and other features will be widely diverse in subject and theme depending on the day, time and things in my life. BUT please, check my page out every few days for new things!
Now, to the real reason behind this whole thing...I've always wanted to reach people by singing, speaking, leading, different jobs and platforms, and this blog thing seemed like one of those platforms. While riding down the road this afternoon, I started thinking about my future and the next important steps I will take in my life. I start Senior Year in 12 days...that's crazy! And even though some may think that I look like the girl who knows what career she wants to pursue and which college she wants to attend, I really am clueless about it all. I have an idea about it all but it's not done and settled. Anyways, so I've always been that type of girl who is loud, outspoken and always wants to know what's going on or be in control of whatever is going on. but in the past few months, I've taken a deeper look and thought into the girl God wants me to be. I understand he has created me to be whoever I'm supposed to be but just like any other person, we can be, say and do things that are not what God has intended for us. I've been praying and working on not being so controlling and bossy because that's not the kind of friend I want to be. so this blog, is kind of my way to explain and share things from my heart, thoughts about my life, and ideas from my devotions and relationship with God. It may sound very scattered but I promise in the weeks to come, it will all be clear. off to dinner I now go, Abby So this morning I wanted to talk about why today is a day to celebrate! Some of it is funny, pointless, or very inspirational so take what you'd like. First of all, I'd like to wish my Uncle Bart a very happy birthday...we'll celebrate later today with some fishing, and dinner at the steak & seafood restaurant! He's getting kinda old, but he hasn't lost his fun, adventurous spirit! Also, I'd like to celebrate the fact that I've made it all week long going up and down the vacation home stairs without falling (I'm knocking on wood😂). And lastly, I'd like to celebrate the beautiful day that God has given us. Not to sound all spiritual but when we look at the small things in life, we see it's very important to be grateful for fresh air, and heavy sunlight. I'm celebrating because aside from all my faults and failures of last night, and this morning, God has given me grace and forgiveness, AND mercy for a new beginning! Don't you think you could stop and celebrate, just for a moment, the beauty of this new day. Well, I kind of need to go clean my room, and start packing up my stuff...then off to the pool for me! Take some time to celebrate, Abby So as you can see. I have not been very faithful to this blog, hence the title of this particular blog. Also, dealing with my classmates and co-workers this week has made me realize how important faithfulness to a class or employer can be. The burden and stress can become too much to bear... |
Author20 year-old experiencing the ups & downs of life with the Creator & Sustainer of the World Archives
October 2017
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