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

The Bible: What book should I read?

Beginning to read the Bible can be scary and intimidating, but remember – you’re not going through it alone. Finding the perfect book for you is just three easy steps away. The first step in finding the right book depends on your interests and what you want to learn about. Each book of the Bible can pertain to a different aspect of your life, even if you read the same book ten years from now it will have an altered view point on your life. The second step is finding the perfect length. Now, this may not seem like a huge problem, but if you have tried to read Psalms in two months it seems nearly impossible (although nothing is impossible with God, so if that is your passion - go for it). The third step is determining how much time you would like to spend reading the book, for example let’s say you want to read Proverbs in one month. Well, Proverbs has 31 chapters and roughly each month has 30 days therefore reading one chapter a day and two chapters on the 30^th then you’re golden!

            For our purpose today, let’s look at Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (also known as the four gospels). Each of these disciples describe the miracles of Jesus that ultimately lead to His death and resurrection. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why four different people wrote about the same events. However, each disciple tells the story in a particular way based on their own reaction and influence from the specific event. John, for example, is more of a symbolism type of guy which is probably why he was chosen to write the book of Revelation. Typically, if you are new to reading and studying the Bible the four gospels are recommended, but if you are like me and have an interest in what happened after then the book of Acts is right for you. Regardless of what book you choose each will grant you a new outlook on life.

            Personally, I prefer to read the shorter books of the Bible such as 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, 1 Peter, or any other one that has less than ten chapters. For me, it is easier to set a short term goal, such as finishing a book in a week rather than finishing one book a month. On the other hand, reading a longer book with roughly 25 chapters are sometimes easier to follow. When the chapters all flow together to create a story such as King David or Solomon, it keeps the reader interested and almost wills them to read the next chapter. Despite the length, each book of the Bible has a purpose and a message buried within. It’s our job as Christians to seek out the significance and share it with others.

            The last step is to pick a Bible reading plan or start a Bible study with a small group of friends. This step is the hardest one for me to complete because sticking to reading the Bible every day is hard not because it is not interesting, but rather the fact that I don’t make time to read. However, when I do take the time, the lessons embedded within are superbly rewarding. My advice to you is to have a friend read along with you and take 20 minutes a day to discuss the passage. Having someone else to go through it with, will not only bring new ideas but a stronger friendship as well.

~ Ashley