Be Aware!

Here's just a short thought. I was having some issuses with my gallbladder a few weeks ago and my mom decided it's time to start eating healthy. Knowing my favorite is Oreos she brings home this Oreo yogurt (keeping in mind I'm no fan of yogurt). After eating this yogurt, I realized it was the worst thing I've ever tasted. It's like putting sprinkles on poop. (Okay maybe not that drastic but you get the point). I sat in the car next to my dad and just stared at this yogurt. Oreo yogurt. I looked at my dad and said "this is like the bad stuff in the world-it's covered by what we like."

Now think about that. The things that appeal to us in this world are usually underlying bad for us. Doesn't that apply to most everything? For example all them songs that talk about sex, drugs, and bad things usually have the catchiest lyrics or the best beat, am I right? The best tasting foods are the ones to give you diabetes or a heart attack. 

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (2 Corinthinans 11:14)

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

I just warn you all to be aware of everything you do.  What songs you listen to. What books you read. Even the words you speak. You never know who it affects or what you're putting in your mind. Be Aware!

I can be whatever you want.

Sitting at lunch today a couple students were discussing religion. How the conversation got started or what kept it going, I'm not sure but a certain part caught my attention. One student, when asked what his religion was, claimed he could be whatever you wanted. That threw me for a curve. He could be whatever I wanted? At that point my headphones came out and he had my full attention. I asked what in the world did he mean?!?! He said he's done them all. He's been Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, and more. Now he knows each one well enough he can "pretend for whatever you want". I was stunned speechless. 

Now thinking back on my lunch conversation, it got me thinking about us as Christians. How many times have we "tried it out" or gone through the motions because we've done it before. You know the rules and what to say you so can "pretend for whatever [the world wants]". We've all been there before right?

We all know the old saying you can talk the talk but can you walk the walk. Well the last two days God has been speaking to me over and over. "You can walk the walk, but you're not talking the talk." Now doesn't this just seem all backwards and weird? I asked God to reveal to me what He has been trying to say. 

God showed me that I'm just like that kid at lunch. I know how to "Be Christian". I know what bad words not to say, how to be grateful, how to treat strangers: I'm walking the walk. But I'm not talking the talk. That's the tricky part. What exactly am I getting at here?

Talking the talk I see as a reflection of our relationship with Christ. I go day to day going through the motions. I'm a "good person". But I lack the talk. I don't have the communication with Christ. I'm not praying and just talking to Him. I've shut out my best friend. 

I encourage you all to evaluate your own life. Are you "talking the talk"? 

Love you guys -Sav

What does Romans 12:2 mean?!

Here is three different versions of the verse Romans 12:2. This verse happens to be my life verse and it speaks to my heart. What does it mean to not be of the world ? I think many times people are confused by this and choose to just sort of ignore it because it doesn't make sense to them. 

I think the message version is a great translation in a way we can understand it. "Do not conform to the patterns of this world". Does that mean we can't do everything the world does/has? No Facebook, Instagram (gasp!), Cell Phones. Girls can't wear dresses and Boys can't show emotion?Is this what this means? 

No no no no...No! It's means don't blend in. Don't become a fly on the wall. 

Matthew 5 states: "14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorifyyour Father in heaven." 

Do you understand what you are !!??!? You are meant to stand out. You are meant to be original. You are meant to be YOU ! Don't look at other people and want what they want. Don't listen to horrible music and be "of the world". (**Disclaimer: I don't believe music that isn't strictly Christian is bad to listen to. When cussing, drugs, and sex are brought in is when you need to begin to question what you listen to). Live a positive life that glorifies God. Did you know Jesus actually likes to see you happy? He actually cares how you feel. He doesn't want you to be uptight. He wants you to influence others. He says to be a city on a hill. Kristian Stanfill hits the nail on the head in his song Not Ashamed. It goes "We'll be that city on a hill. Burning brightly. I'll be a light to the world. Shining  Your glory". That's all Jesus wants of us. To represent Him not the World !

Love you guys ! -Sav

I'm in love with a complete stranger !

I'm in love with a man I don't even know. I am starting to realize that I encourage others to read the bible and that I tell others I need to read it more, but I don't do it. And If I happen to pick it up I read a passage I've read before. I've never read any full book of any of the four gospels. That's shameful for being a Christ Follower of 3 years. How can I claim to love someone that I honestly know nothing about. I didn't know His friends. I didn't know what He did day to day. I don't know who He had encounters with. I tell stories I've been told but not read myself.  I'm in love with a man I know nothing about. 

I randomly started reading some in Luke and the things Jesus was saying made me happy. It related to me and church today. It wasn't just some outdated stories written by old men. He was humorous in some ways and very blunt in others. I'm starting to fall in love with Jesus all over again an I couldn't be more happy. Hold me accountable. I'm going to start from Matthew and going to read all four gospels starting now. That's my goal, God willing ! (:

The Greatest Story Ever Written !

As a writer and reader, I'm always itching for a good story. Something I can loose myself in. I've read books by great authors and books by authors that have lots to improve. But as I sit in my house, cuddled up with a book, I realize that everything around me is apart of this huge beautiful story. GOD'S Story. He took his time to write and work out every detail to our lives. It has loss, happiness, romance, mystery, comedy, and so much more. Don't do what I've done. Don't loose so much of your time wasted in books looking for something. God is all around with a well written book. Start to live it. :)