Artificial Perfection

Is my greatest desire to attain the world’s definition of perfection or Christ’s definition of perfection?

I must admit that I am living to achieve perfection through what I accomplish compared to accepting the gift of grace which sets me free and enables me to find my peace and perfection in the one who made me!

On a daily basis I am surrounded by the promotion of artificial perfection-Get the perfect body, hair, skin, nails, clothes, grades, job, future, boyfriend, etc. I become overwhelmed with the expectations that the world sets because I cannot fulfill any of them. I compare myself to other women I see who appear to be perfect through the media, magazines, movies etc. Then it leads me down a dark trail that contains self-pity, discouragement and thoughts that I have failed including that I am not smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough. This road is a dark place to be and some travel to this place more than others, but this is the exact place where Satan wants you to be. But by the grace of God he can bring good out of evil and in doing so when you begin to enter into this dark place of self-pity immediately turn it over to God and admit that yes you will be never be good enough according to the world’s standards, but through the blood of Christ we have been set free and made into a new image. Accept the fact that you will never be perfect is a blessing because then you can set your mindset free from the pressures of having to achieve perfection. Instead of focusing on attaining your own perfection focus on God’s perfection. By getting into the habit of setting yourself free every day from the idea of perfection begin by praying before you even get out of bed by humbling yourself before God and asking Him to renew your mind, body and spirit with his peace and his beautiful perfection that sets you free. Surrender yourself to Him and let go of all the pressures and expectations the world tries to burden you with.  Allow him to transform your perspective on perfection and give Him the opportunity to work through your imperfections. So stop striving to find perfection in what you do and instead find your perfection in Him.

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in your weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That is why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

God Bless,

                Sierra 

Sprinkling God Throughout the Semester

During the school week, it is often hard for me to keep God a priority. It shouldn't be, but it is. With classes, homework, and friends, I often found myself putting God off until Sunday. Well, unless I needed something of course. However, throughout last year, I found little ways to keep Him closer to the center of my life and mind.

The first way was to write a verse in white-out on the inside cover of my binder. I couldn't help but look at it while I was putting papers away and studying. This not only gave me encouragement, but also served as a constant reminder of God's presence.

Another thing that I have found will helpful during the school year is writing verses randomly in my notebooks. I am doing this now before school starts. This way while I am in class it will show up randomly and unexpectedly. Just like a little tap on the shoulder reminding me not to forget what is most important in my life.

A third way to put things into perspective was actually given to me by a friend. She said that she put scriptures in her agenda. This helped her to bring the focus back to God when she was feeling overwhelmed. I think that is a great idea, and will be doing it myself this semester. Thanks Sierra!

The last way to keep Him close is, if you have a cork board, to write a little thank you prayer and pin it up. This way whenever you look at your board, it will remind you to thank Him for everything good that has happened that day and for being there through the struggles. He is our rock, and it is really important that we remember to thank Him right away in the good times, and lean on Him completely in the bad times. We all know how much of a roller coaster a semester can be.

I hope these ideas will help make this semester a great one!
- Arlene

Incorporating God Into Your Daily Fitness: A Walk With God

With everything that goes on during the school year, health and a relationship with God can often drop in priority. It is easy to put off exercise when there are papers to write and classes to attend. Away from church and youth groups, it can be hard to keep up with devotions and bible studies all alone. However, this doesn't mean that they have to fall to the wayside. Simply combine them! This way you get the spiritual and mental benefit of The Word, while getting the physical and mental benefits of exercise.

I'm someone who hates a gym setting so I avoid it like the plague. What I do love, is exercising in the outdoors. This can be a challenge in the winter months, but there are plenty of warm days in the school year.

For those days that are above freezing, a short walk or run around campus, or if you are lucky enough to be near an area that has some trails, doesn't take much time. It can even be as quick as 15 to 30 minutes! Not a morning person? Go before dinner. This is a good way to get your blood pumping without taking up too much time.

Now this is where God comes in. Before you go, read a verse. Just one verse. If you have a daily scripture book that is perfect. If not, just flip through your bible until you find a highlighted verse. After you have read it, you are ready to head out.

Once on the walk, jog, or run, focus on your own body. Your pulse, your breathing, the movement of your muscles. Remember that God made every part of you and knows every part of you. Look at your surroundings. The weather, the plants, the animals. God created all of that. He knows about the bird you just saw, and the wind you just felt. He is with you right now. It is just you and Him. You can take this time to just talk with him. Let the Holy Spirit take the weight of the day. Thank Him for everything you see.

Afterwards, I just like to take a moment before I go in to thank Him for being there with me.

It always amazes me when I get finished how much closer I feel to God, and how refreshed I feel from being active after sitting in a class room all day. You can do a lot of growing in 30 minutes. I encourage you to do this, or something similar, at least once a week this semester. Hope you have a great month!

- Arlene