Can’t Test These Besties
I’ve got to start this blog by saying how much I love my Accountability Partner. We were friends before Xmin, and being AP’s has only strengthened our friendship. Our biggest struggle is having an AP time that doesn’t go on for a million years. – During these times we talk about life, the good, the GREAT, the bad, and the ugly. And through it all Katy remains so positive and encouraging. She sees the glass “half-full” and whether she realizes it or not, she is always challenging me to see things the same way.
Just from being around Katy, I am challenged to always be positive and hope for the best. I know she will hold me to this (along with many other things I am working on in my life).
Also, I’m pretty sure that I laugh so much more when I’m with Katy- and laughter is the best medicine (:
Hands Up and Ready to Ride!
I am on the biggest adventure of my life, and I know things are only going to get more exciting as the opening of Courage Coffee and Community is fast approaching! It reminds me of the first time I rode Millennium Force. I was 8 years old, and the longer I stood in line for the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world (at the time) the more nervous I became. I didn’t think I was brave enough to ride it, but fortunately for me, my Dad didn’t let me chicken out when it was our turn to ride, but made me sit down and buckle up. He put his arm across me, like a human seat belt, to help me feel brave. On the way up the first and tallest hill, he pointed out the beautiful view and reminded me to breathe and keep my eyes open. (: My dad made me brave enough to ride the scary coaster. And it is to this day my favorite ride. Jesus is right with me doing the same thing my Dad did for me, not in a literal way (I am not writing this blog on a roller coaster). As long as He is here, and the Bible says He will never leave me, I will be brave enough to enjoy this new ride I am on. My hands are up! I’m excited for whatever comes next! This is the ride of a lifetime! What ride are you on right now? Are you trusting Jesus to give you what you need to survive and enjoy it?
It Would Be, It Would Be So Nice
Thanks to the Wii game “Just Dance,” every time I hear the word “Holiday” I break into song, and sometimes dance. And as the “Holiday Season” approaches, I frequently have the song “Holiday” by Madonna stuck in my head… it’s stuck in my head right now, if you were wondering.
HOLIDAY, CELEBRATE
HOLIDAY, CELEBRATE
ok anyways…
I will be spending the Holidays with my family and with many others from my church/xmin family. I love having a full house, lots of food, and lots of love. It’s a great combination (: I’m really looking forward to being back at home for a few weeks and spending extra time with my family and friends. It is going to be so much fun.
In the past, having time off school for the Holidays, usually resulted in me being a slacker. And I know that being lazy is going to be one of my biggest temptations. I will want to relax and do nothing. Now, there is nothing wrong with relaxing, but I refuse to end 2011 with laziness!
There is so much that needs to be done in and through me during the next month- and I don’t have time to waste! I am going to make the most of every moment this holiday season!
What are your holiday plans?
No More Routine
Well, we are now a little over a month into Xmin, and I can say that I am finally starting to get in a groove (I was initially having trouble juggling ministry, school, and work). I am beginning to develop a little routine that helps me get everything done, and hopefully done well. Look out consistency, here I come!
I was recently talking to God about these things, saying something along the lines of, “These are the things I do, I am trying to do well. This is the time I set aside for you. Here is where I accomplish other things. Isn’t this good? I’m diligent, right?” And God’s response to me was this: “Diligence isn’t routine.” Ouch. There you have it, this routine that I was so proudly telling God about, isn’t what He’s looking for. Sure, He wants me to be productive and have a groove- but He doesn’t want me to have a routine. See, routines are so very dangerous. When you are doing things the same way all the time, you are at great risk of becoming lazy. “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically (Romans 12:11).” Laziness is a sin, and I must avoid it.
I escape laziness by moving away from consistent routine; and towards, consistent improvement. I must turn the “auto pilot” off, and focus on obeying God and serving Him with everything I have. Everyday should hold more growth, challenges, and love for Jesus.
As comfortable as routine can be, it can be in my life no more.
Beautiful Change
Are the leaves changing? Is the air crisp? Are you currently wearing a hoodie or jacket? Are you craving cider doughnuts? If you answered “yes” to 2 or more of these questions…chances are IT’S FALL!…unless you live in a warm climate (oh wait, you probably didn’t need a quiz to figure out it it’s fall).
I know it’s fall because I answered “yes” to all the questions above, and I am very excited that fall is here. Summer is wonderful, but I am definitely ready for a change. I came into this school year anticipating change, just like I’ve been anticipating fall. I am ready to transition out of my childish teenage season, into bigger, better, and more beautiful season. And in just a few weeks, I can already see the evidence of change. My “leaves” are changing colors, God is helping me mature into the person He has made me to be. Yeah, I’m experiencing some “growing pains,” but it’s the good kind of hurt. This is a beautiful season in my life, and I want to enjoy it, not just survive it.
I am grateful for the changing seasons. Whenever I see colorful trees, put on a hoodie, and/or eat a cider doughnut, I will be reminded to thank God for the change He is doing inside of me and all around me.
This is a picture of me “planking” at Comerica Park. What is planking? Well, Urban Dictionary described planking as: “a great pastime for people who get bored easily and have friends willing to take pictures of them looking ridiculous.” This is pretty accurate, but what the definition fails to mention is that it’s FUN. The other day, Xmin had a Downtown Detroit Planking Adventure. It was a blast to come up with different funny, creative, adventurous, and/or straight up awesome planks (like mine). I think my planking picture is super awesome, but when it comes right down to it… its just documentation of me looking stupid in a public place. Look what Jesus has to say about planking… “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take that speak out of your eye,; when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speak from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:4-5). I realize that, like planking, I often call the plank in my eye other things. Sometimes I call it, “no big deal,” “accidental,” “just the way that I am,” ETC. But no matter what I like to call it, it is actually SIN. I’ve been really convicted to call the plank in my eye what it actually is, gossip. Yep, that’s my plank, and it’s a sin. I tend to have no problem noticing it in other people’s lives, but then I justify it’s existence in my life. Having planks in my eye hurts my vision and can keep me from seeing God’s plans. If I keep walking around with sin in my eyes, I’m gonna get off the path He has placed me on (because I can’t see it). God wants me to call the plank what it really is, repent of it, and let Him fix my vision. No more sugar-coating or justifying. My name is Mariah, and gossip is my (current) plank. I’m so sorry if I have done it with you, around you, or (as much as I hate to say it) about you. “This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue” (James 3:7-8). I cannot tame my tongue and get rid of the plank, but Jesus can. I’m off to let Jesus tame my tongue and fix my vision, but I will leave you with these questions… Have you been sugar-coating your plank? What have you been calling it? What is it really? You don’t have to comment the answers to these questions, but I encourage you to take some time and answer them with Jesus. GO TIGERS
FACT: you need this scarf for fall
http://www.etsy.com/shop/knother
