I Could Not Have Planned This

If you would have asked me a month ago how I felt about going to college. I probably would tell you that I’m scared that I won't make any friends. I am scared to death to leave my family. I would go on and on about how I will never feel the same in Manhattan as I did in Louisburg. Well, I was wrong.

      Today those answers from “me of the past” are no longer relevant. I have been on campus for roughly two weeks and I already feel right at home. Manhattan has become my home away from home. Not only have I joined a great sorority, but I have already made some amazing friends who have welcomed me with open arms. I never would have expected this. God’s plan for me here at K-State is in the beginning stages, but I see all the work from the past that has lead me to this moment. How each challenge has strengthened my faith and due to that challenge I am able to be confident in the Lord.

      God’s plan cannot be guessed nor imagined in its full glory, but it can be witnessed. I see it happening all around me in school, in my friends, and in my roommate. There are people placed on this earth to help guide us along the path. To encourage us. To help us through the difficult times. To be a shoulder to cry on. To be a brother/sister in Christ. I believe that these people are a gift from God.

As I was reading in my Bible the other day I came across this verse: John 5:37. “One plants and another harvests. And it’s true I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”

This hit home. I realized that my spiritual journey has been guided along the way by many people in my church, my family, and now at college. My early faith was taught by my parents, my Sunday school teachers, and cute Bible coloring pages. As I grew older, my faith in Jesus grew with me. Increasing each day by youth group on Monday nights and encouragement from my friends throughout the week. This summer, the Youth Mission Trip took my faith to new heights (literally, we were up in the mountains all week). I found a love of serving people and spreading God’s Word. Now, I’m at college. Who knows where my faith will go next? But, I know that God has people here to help me all the way, just like he has done in the past.

So, my challenge for you: What does your spiritual journey look like? Who has inspired you along the way? And lastly, who do you want to inspire?

Music, Books, and Jesus

          I started going to church when I was in fourth grade. In my first Sunday School class, I received my very first Bible – The Adventure Kids Bible. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was where my faith journey began. In a few short months I was baptized and continued to grow in my faith by attending Vacation Bible School in the summer and participating in children’s sermon on Sunday mornings. Now, I look back to my beginning days and see just how much my faith has grown as well as all who helped me be where I am today. As I continue to increase my faith I have discovered a few different methods, specifically in three areas of my life: music, books, and Jesus.

          If you ask me what my favorite songs are, my response would probably be a long list of Casting Crowns, Hillsong United, Skillet, TobyMac, and basically any artist on K-Love. Ever since I started listening to K-Love and Air 1 on the radio my morning routine has been energetic rather than slow moving. By listening to encouraging songs, I discovered a new outlook on life – joy, happiness, love, and faith. Currently, I have 110 songs on my playlist which includes a variety of upbeat and contemporary Christian music. Without music in my life, the faith I have in Jesus would not be the same. I hope you take the 30-Day Challenge listening to only Christian music for 30 days. I promise, it will change your life.

          Reading is a wonderful tool to pass time, in addition it draws the reader into a fairytale, mystery, or horror story. My first Christian book, Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury, came as a suggestion from my mom. Immediately, I fell in love with her stories and still continue to read them when I have the chance. Recently I have read some of C.S. Lewis’ books including Mere Christianity. If you are a book lover like me, I encourage you to find a Christian author that writes in a genre that interests you. Then, take a week to read a few of their books and see how your life changes.

          Jesus – Our Lord and Savior. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. Emmanuel. Honestly, I know that listening to music and reading uplifting stories is a great way to keep me encouraged throughout the week, but without a daily devotional or reading of His Word my week is not complete. Without Jesus, my life would not be worth living.

          My advice: find your passion. Then use your passion to inspire and teach others about the love of Jesus. Due to Casting Crown’s passion of making music, I am inspired daily which in turn I have started this blog to hopefully inspire one of you.

I would love to hear from you on your passions and inspirations. Feel free to comment or email me at biblesandbackpacks3@gmail.com

 

XOXO

 

Ashley

Not Just Small Talk Anymore

            A man by the name of C.S. Lewis, whom I find exceptionally inspiring, once said, “When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now.”

          At first glance it seems shocking and even harsh… loving someone more than your significant other? However, I believe he’s exactly right. Relationships today can seem caught up in silly mind games and attempting to steer clear of commitment, while making an effort to “win” even the most insignificant arguments. Do you truly believe that’s what God has in mind when he tells us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind?” Followed by “love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s no coincidence that God tells us to love himself first, and then love our neighbor. We are called to love God above all else, that’s why it comes first. Then we are commanded to not just love our neighbor, but love him/her as ourselves. (That means love them A LOT).

          So what is love? Love is a “profoundly passionate affection for another.” Did you catch that part in the middle? A passionate affection. Passion, as in a powerful and compelling emotion, and affection as in gentle and caring. Since when did the term “love” get twisted into meaning the above description of trying to “win” and have the upper hand? Since when did love turn into avoiding commitment? The term itself directly implies not just any commitment, but a deep and purposeful one!

          Here’s where I think C.S. Lewis hit the nail right on the head. When you learn to love God and form a relationship with Him, you acquire a whole different perspective on life, friendships, and yes, even love. Believe it or not, the Bible has some great relationship advice. Don’t just take my word for it though, go ahead and check it out for yourself!

          I speak from experience when I say having Christ at the center of your relationship makes ALL the difference. Suddenly it’s not about trying to win, or worrying whether your honey might find someone better when they hit up that party this weekend. It turns into something much, much more meaningful. Small talk turns into deep and purposeful conversation. Worrying fades away and is replaced by complete trust. And putting yourself first turns into wanting what’s best for the other, even when it may not seem to be best for yourself. It’s rather astonishing what can come from trusting in God and letting things fall into place. I’m challenging you to take the wise words of Mr. Lewis and apply them to your life. I think you’ll find the outcome to be utterly extraordinary.

 

 

XOXO

Mary Kate