Open Up! Tell Him How You REALLY Feel...

I have a very hard time trusting people and expressing my feelings towards them. I like to shut down and cut people off before we get too close. I have these walls built up where I don't want to trust ANYONE and I'm always on my guard. Because of this, sometimes my relationship with God will suffer because I choose to treat Him just like I treat everyone else. I will be afraid to trust God, or express my true feelings to Him. I am afraid to tell God the things that He already knows. How deep is that? I have to work on it.
I wrote a post a while ago about how we should all trust God and allow Him in our hearts. I'm pretty sure I wrote every positive thing I could think of, in hopes of getting myself and hopefully others to finally trust God. I now fully understand why we need to trust God. It is in my lowest moments I need someone to lean on. I need someone to talk to who understands me. Sometimes you need it too. We all do. Everyone wants one person who just really understands what they are going through, and will be there for them through it all. We all want a person who will accept us, "Flaws and All," like Beyonce says. But you know what our biggest mistake is? We are looking for that special someone in another human being. We fail to realize that the One we need has been there for us since the beginning of time! He created us. He knows us in and out. He knows your insecurities, your biggest fears, He knows what you consider to be your flaws. The thing that should blow your mind is that God is still there after knowing all of that! Think of the most reliable person you know. It could be your spouse or significant other, a best friend, a relative, anyone! Think of that person. This is the person you've told things you would never tell anyone else. You feel as if you can really trust that person, right? They accept you and love you. They never left, even after you told them what you consider to be the worst things about yourself. God loves you more than that person. Yes, I know it's shocking right?! How can a God who despises sin sooo much, still accept you back after you intentionally repeat the same sins over and over again? Why would He do that? He does it because of the same reason that same reliable person you thought of does. It's called unconditional love. I think people don't understand how serious unconditional love is. The definition of unconditional is to not be limited by conditions; absolute. That means that God loves you beyond all the horrible things you think or do! God loves you from head to toe, inside and out. He knows your true feelings, so why not open up to Him? Don't be afraid to become intimate with God. I think I have written about that too. Get close and personal with God. Treat this like a real relationship. Fall in love with Him. Allow yourself to trust Him. God is not man, no matter how hard we try to compare Him to man. Get to know Him, you will truly love Him! He most certainly does love you. So this week, I challenge you to really dig deep in God's word. Read about His love for you, and talk to Him. God loves for His children to talk to Him. Open up. You don't have to spend thousands on a person to have them listen to you talk. You have the greatest therapist in the world for FREE! Take advantage of the opportunity. That's my challenge, and I pray that you were blessed while reading this. Be on the lookout for the next post, I'll be writing about the fear of God! I've been doing this study in Proverbs, and it's amazing how many times the fear of the Lord is mentioned! Good stuff. Until next time, Peace Love, and Truth! :)


For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts,God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
-Psalm 139:13-18

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? - Romans 8:35

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:37-39

Peace, Love, and Truth! is NOT dead!

I just want to put a post out. My blog is not dead! It has been neglected. I'll admit it. It has been very, very neglected. But I'm bringing it back! Showing it some love! Give me about 2 more weeks, and I will have plenty to say! Me being busy is not the main reason that it hasn't been up and running, I just..got lazy. I'm falling back in love with Jesus, and working on myself before college starts, so give me a little time before all of the inspirational posts come back. However, I do have plenty to say about life. I've learned so much!! I don't have time for it tonight, but I will very soon! I just had to come back on here and say something. I'm really good at creating things, or coming up with the best ideas and then never messing with them again. I'm determined to keep this up for awhile. So, stick around everyone! It will be up and running, with plenty of posts coming out soon!

Until Next Time,
Peace, Love, and Truth! :)

Made In His Image...Beautiful In His Eyes...

Just a little something I stumbled upon today that I wrote awhile ago...

Imperfect. Unloved. Unknown.
Misused. Ugly. Waste of time.
Unnecessary. Irrelevant. Dumb.
These are the words to describe me.
No one cares.
No man will ever want me.
I have so many flaws.
Why did you make me this way?
God, you made a mistake.
I'm not beautiful...

Made in MY image.
Very loved.
Known by ME since conception.
I knew you inside and out before you knew yourself.
Beautiful you are beloved.
Fearfully and wonderfully made.
THOSE are the words to describe you.
I care.
I designed a man for you...have patience.
You have no flaws, for I make no mistakes.


While I created you, even I myself had to step back and look at my newest creation in wonder. Even I myself had to say, "Yes, this one will be amazing. Apart of my best work."
You daughter, are beautiful.



In case you couldn't tell, this was a conversation between a very discouraged young woman and God. I wrote this poem because today so man young women struggle with image, and struggle with being loved. I myself even struggled with it until recently. I still have my days where I feel a little down and a little worthless, but God is working with me on that. I hope this encourages any young woman out there struggling with self confidence. You will NEVER need a man or ANYONE for that matter, to make you feel complete or worth something. Find your inner beauty, don't wait on someone to recognize you. Now, I NEVER put my poetry or anything along the lines of it out anywhere. I am extremely sensitive and shy about it. However, I felt led to put this out today. Obviously God had me run across it for a reason. Stay encouraged and be blessed. Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

The Book of Revelation!

Alright guys. I've been gone from here for too long again. My plan is to put out two posts today. I may only succeed at writing one. Life has been busy! Senior year is finally winding down, so I have more time on my hands. This will only last for about two months, then I'll be busy again! So I'll be using these next two months to dig wayyyy down deep in the Word. I'm determined to know myself completely and be even more rooted in God before I go to college. I have to get it together.

Anyway, I read the book of Revelation straight through this morning. With everything going on, I couldn't help but be curious as to what God's plans are for bringing this world to a close. Osama bin Laden's death truly put somethings into perspective for me. So many people have different views and opinions on everything. Like, Osama's death should not be celebrated because he was a person too. Or, Osama's death brings relief to those who lost loved ones in 9/11. The most popular view is "Osama's death will not lower gas prices or change anything, so who cares?" I could get into all of those views, but this post is about the Bible, not Osama bin Laden. Plus, I get really upset about that situation. So I'm not going to express my views. But like I was saying, With everything that has happened in 2011 alone, it's obvious God wants our attention. I've been stressing that as much as I can to people since the earthquake in Japan. I really feel like God is basically screaming at us to pay attention and listen to Him. To turn our hearts towards Him and focus on Him. I can't say it enough.

So, like I said, I read the book of Revelation this morning. And all I could say was WOW! I mean from beginning to end. Those who don't believe in God are truly missing out. Some of the things nonbelievers will have to deal with is just...scary! It makes me want to go out and witness to everyone! People shouldn't have to deal with that. At church, one of the Elders always says, "It would be a shame to go to hell with your sins forgiven." It's so true! It's messed up to die and never believe in a God who loved you. Who sent His ONLY son down to die for you! He separated Himself from him just to save YOU. Why not take Him up on the most honest deal you'll ever be offered in life?! There are no second chances. You get this life, and you better make the right choices now. I keep telling people that the end of the world as we know it may not be as soon as you think, but it sure isn't as far away as you want. You don't have enough time to get a little more sinning in before you die! You can't make plans to sin today and go to church to repent tomorrow. You have to do it NOW. It's never too late or too early for you to believe in God, or rededicate your life to Him. God says He's coming like a thief in the night (Rev. 16:15). We have no idea when He's coming. Better to be sure and secure your eternity now, than to think you have more time, and He pops up before you can make a change. Your time can be anytime. You could die before the end of the world. These are things we should fix immediately.

Now that I'm done preaching, let me tell you my FAVORITE part. After all of the suffering and waiting, The City was described. Oh my. When he got to describing the WALL of The City?! The foundations of it?? Just beautiful! I had to google the gems because I didn't know all of them, but once I saw them, I can only IMAGINE what heaven will be like. You simply have to read the whole book for yourself. Out of everything I've read in the Bible, Revelation is by far the most detailed. I mean, the Bible itself is as plain as it gets, basic life instructions, a detailed account of what to do and what not to do, but Revelation?! My my my. You all have to read it. Got me ready to fall out on the ground and repent for some more stuff! Now, of course I don't expect everyone reading this to agree with me. And there are some Bible scholars out there who can explain in way better than I can. But I believe God had me read Revelation for a reason. So I just thought I would share a little of what ran through my mind while reading it.

I'm feeling pretty pumped so I will probably start on another post after I put this one out there. I have a loooong list of titles just sitting in the draft thing on here. So many subjects to write about. I'll post some scriptures that really stood out to me while reading this morning. You all have a blessed Saturday, and don't forget to give your mothers some extra special attention. Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

The Angel continued, "Don't seal the words of the prophecy of this book; don't put it away on the shelf. Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course and the holy continue on in holiness." - Revelation 22:10-11


"Keep watch! I come unannounced, like a thief. You're blessed if, awake and dressed, you're ready for me. Too bad if you're found running through the streets, naked and ashamed." - Revelation 16:15


The wall was jasper, the color of Glory, and the City was pure gold, translucent as glass. The foundations of the City walls were garnished with every precious gem imaginable: the first foundation jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate a single pearl. - Revelation 21: 18-21

Chasing After Him...

There's a song called "Chasing After You" by Tye Tribbett. I first heard it when I was still at my home church in Memphis. We were doing a summer institute for youth, and since I was apart of Youth Leadership at the church, I had to participate. We were putting together a service for some event and that was one of the songs. I had never heard it before, but once I heard it, it STAYED on repeat for a very long time. I'm also a person who likes to know every single note in a song, so I would play it over and over until I knew all the correct notes. The lyrics seem pretty simple, but they have deep meaning. They sing all about seeking God all the time. No matter what, they will never be done chasing after God. That is what they'll be doing for a lifetime. You already know I'll be posting the song at the end of this post. This song always lifts my spirits and makes me want to seek God even harder. We should all want to seek God daily. Every day should be a new journey, a new chance to get even closer to God. I'm working on it and you should too. If we could turn our hearts towards God, and look at Him and all that He has done, is doing, and what He WILL do, we all could feel better. Turn your focus towards God. Try to look at the big picture. When we focus on Him and His greatness, and put all of our energy into praising Him through the good AND the bad, you have no energy left to worry about your problems. True, the problems don't go away. However, they do seem trivial compared to what He's done for you. Think about somethings God has done for you. Start with something general. He woke you up, allowed all of your senses to be functioning properly, AND you still have a house PLUS clothes to choose from. You have a computer or phone to read this on. Do you know how many people just want some shelter? Some people struggle to get new underclothes, and sometimes we get to feeling depressed because we don't live in a big enough house, or have what we consider to be enough clothes. I challenge you today to step OUT of that shallow mindset and allow yourself to feel refreshed. When you shed that complaining spirit, and allow God's peace to embrace you, you can't help but praise Him! I hope you take this seriously, and listen to the song. Truly listen to the lyrics, and make it your personal goal to get closer to God, and forget your problems. It's mighty hard to be upset about issues when you're praising God. Curses and praises shouldn't come out of the same mouth. Be blessed. Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

Give Me A Clean Heart...

I still can't believe it's been almost a month since I've been on here! I have to make up for it by writing two posts today. The other one was about getting ourselves together because God is making major moves. This one is a little more personal. It's about having a pure heart. I've probably written on this subject before, but it's such an important subject, it deserves more than one post. At the church we attend, Born Again Church, every sermon is pretty much always about making your heart better. They focus a lot on the heart. This has helped me greatly. We never understand how the heart is the root of us. Many times we just think that if we have a bad thought, it's cast away from our minds. However, that bad thought is a bad seed planted in our hearts. It grows every time we water it with the thoughts of the past. This bad seed grows into a huge weed that must be snatched up from the root in order to move on. It has to be completely removed. When you leave that weed there, it catches on and grows even more hatred or jealousy in your heart. this can become dangerous, and before you know it, your heart and mind are a mess! You have to stay in the Word and work on yourself. Then you'll notice a happy feeling in your heart. when you wake up in the morning, you won't feel so sluggish. You won't dread getting out of the bed. You'll be excited to wake up in the morning! God can do some amazing things to your heart if you let Him. I know because I did it. Of course we all have down days because no one is perfect. Sometimes we put ourselves before God more often than we should. But we must remember to give God all of the glory. He deserves it all. When we put Him first, He allows a little light to shine on us. And it feels good. Peace, Love, and Truth.

The Time Is Coming...Are YOU Ready?

WOW! I haven't been here in almost a month! What's REALLY going on?! Man..life has been a trip and then some! But through it all, God's been blessing me and teaching me. I made a promise to myself that this would not be something I started but never kept up. I'm going to keep writing! I will not stop, because this is something from God. Graduation is about a month away. It's starting to hit me that life is about to change! I'm soooo excited! Yet a little nervous. However I will say, God always makes a way. He knows that I'm the type of person who gets nervous when it comes to change. He knows that I like to be prepared. SO he allowed me to be accepted into the Scholars Academy at MTSU [college I'm going to in the Fall]. Being accepted there not only means I have at least one group to be apart of on campus, it means I get to participate in a five week institute over the summer. Now, some of you may be like "big whoop Carmen," but that excites me! I get to take two freshman level courses, and stay on campus there. Through this, I can learn my way around campus a little, and be slightly more prepared than others once I start school. And I'll know a little of what to expect on my first day of classes. So like I said, thank You Lord! Okay, that was my praise report. Let's move on..

With everything happening in the world, I really feel like God is calling out to us. Like I said in a previous post, if you don't see something wrong with the world, then something is wrong with YOU! God is sitting here telling us that He's coming back. It's like He's starting to stand up, and get everything in order. Y'all better straighten up. And you know, it's not just weather problems, or natural disasters. Young people are dying everywhere! This has probably been happening forever, but I'm really seeing how God is calling younger people home more and more lately. This means that we ALL need to live our lives according to His word. Is it a struggle as a teenager? Of course it is! All of these "fun" things are around us, and we're at the age where we think we're "grown." We think we know way more than the next adult. But I tell you this: Don't let God take your life while you're trying to be grown. He can come at any given time to any one of us. Be living your life right at all times so that when He gets you, your last act was something worthy. Something that said, "Hey, I live for Christ." When people remember you, they say, "Man, they were always sold out for Christ. I wanna be like them. Let me believe in God too." Just because you're gone, that doesn't mean you have to stop bringing people to Christ. Your life can work wonders! Now this isn't to scare people off who are reading this. I'm not saying that if you're a young person, you're gonna die. No. I just want you to open your eyes and look around. None of us deserve life. It was given and can be taken away just as quick. If you live your life for Christ, death should never be a bad thing. If anything, you should welcome it. Heaven is the most beautiful place. There is none like it. So change your life today young ones. Older people too. For the time is coming and none of know when our time could be. Until next time. Peace, Love and Truth. :)

What Is His Purpose?

First off, before I get all deep, have you all bought Kirk Franklin's new album?!??!?!?! Whoooooowee! Awesome! Amazing! I play it all the time. And I just bought it on Tuesday when it came out. This one song called "Give Me" is the BEST! It's been on repeat for a long time now. There is a guy called Mali Music on there and he is going in HARD on that song. I mean really going in! I love it. But alright enough about Kirk [go buy it or purchase from iTunes, TODAY] more about Purpose.

You know what? Purpose is a very tricky subject for me. It's one of those things I'm always thinking about. If I see something, I'm like, "What purpose does that serve?" I'm always asking about purpose. But with my senior year in high school coming to a close in just two short months, I'm thinking about MY purpose the most right now. I'm constantly praying about it. Guys I promise I've changed my plans for college like 8 times this year. I've gone through it all. I don't know what I want to major in, or what I should major in. The weirdest thing is that even as I'm writing this, I'm a little nervous about it, but at the same time I know God has it under control. In His time, He'll clearly reveal to me what He wants me to do. I don't know if anyone else does this, but I think God knows to give me more than one sign. My daddy called me Doubting Thomas once because I don't always take the first sign. But that's just me. I don't try to doubt God, I just like to double check my discernment! [Lol]. But yeah. Are any of you in doubt about your purpose? Do you really know what God wants for your life, or are you too busy mingling with the world? When you mingle with the world, you miss out on what God has for you. You feel yourself becoming confused about what you thought was your purpose [aka YOUR will] and nothing can make it right. You have to walk in God's will. Now let's look at that. What exactly is God's will?? In Romans 12:2 it very CLEARLY states that we are not to conform to the ways of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It goes on to tell us that's how we can TEST and APPROVE what God's will is. Paul even goes so deep as to DESCRIBE it for us. Many times people want to look for a scripture that deals with their situation, and not what the scripture is TEACHING them. They want that one verse they can always quote for encouragement. They never want to dig deep in the Word. The only way we can find ourselves is THROUGH the Word. But anyway, Paul goes on to describe God's will as "good, perfect, and pleasing." Now if you don't feel like what you're doing in life is good, close to perfect, or pleasing God...you're probably not walking in His will. God's will has NO space for flaws. It's us who mess ourselves up. Anyway, my challenge to you today is to pray, sincerely and taking your time. You can't rush when it comes to purpose. Listen for God's instructions, then wait for Him to start you on the path. God will make your paths clear if you just acknowledge Him in all you do. There will be no doubt in your mind when it's time to walk into your purpose. You will recognize it because you will be in tune with God. Work on it and see the changes! Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:6

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. - Proverbs 19:21

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. - Jeremiah 29:11

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1

Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. - Proverbs 4:25

You're Cut Off!

Have you all ever seen the show, "You're Cut Off!"? Well, it's a show about nine young women who are extremely spoiled. They aren't wealthy, but someone they live with is. They think they're gonna be on a show about being rich but really they're not. Their person [whoever provides for them] pops up on a TV screen and tells them they spend too much money so they're cutoff. The women are devastated and some even start crying. So the show goes on for like 8 or 9 weeks, and if they make it to the graduation they get to see their family and they tell them new rules and blah blah blah. It's quite possibly the DUMBEST show I've ever seen, right next to Flavor of Love. But that's not my point! I got to thinking, "What if we cut people off who spend too much of our time instead of our money?" You know, the people we allow to suck all of our energy, take up all of our time, and just leave us completely drained? You know, the random bad seeds the devil plants in our lives in order to distract us from walking into our purpose God has for us? Yeah, THOSE people. What if we just cut them off? How much more space would you have in YOUR life? How free would you feel? Would you be able to take a deep breath? I have. I've been cutting people off left and right, and I realize that I had too many people in my life that were seriously blocking me from God. When you clear all of those people, you realize how much foolishness you really took part in. It just makes you shake your head. You realize that was never you and that you're SO much better than that! Anyway, today I challenge you all to cut some people off. I bet you don't even have to think that hard. You already knew what people you shouldn't have in your life when you first started reading this. It doesn't have to be a rude process. You can just start off not replying to certain texts, not answering phone calls. When they ask you to hang out, get involved in the church or with friends who are bettering themselves. Occupy yourself so that you don't have to lie and say you have something else to do. You really will have other plans. They'll get the message eventually. But if you're more like me, tell them straight up: "I don't like your ways, and unless you're willing to change, we can't be as close as we used to. I'm really trying to go somewhere, get closer to God. And that doesn't seem to be on your agenda. But I'm praying for you!" It's really that simple. So start on it. Don't wait any longer. Stop putting it off. Get over your fears. Don't let your fear of hurting someone's feelings interrupt YOUR life! You need to be happy first. If you spend all your time making others happy, you'll be miserable. People pleasing will wear you out! [BTW, I'm writing a post called, "Hi My Name Is Carmen...and I'm A People Pleaser!" Be on the lookout :)] Work on that this week, and I promise your life will be better. Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. - 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Search Your Heart: Are You Really Grateful? Do You Really Love Him?

Hey guys. It's Monday [remember to push through..God gave us another day!] and spring break is one week away! Woohoo! Even though my friends in Memphis are already on spring break, [which kind of takes away my reason for even trying to go visit] I am getting so many things done on my spring break! God is allowing things I've been worried about to come through on this spring break. God always makes things work out in His time. Like the song, "He may not come when you want Him, but He'll be there right on time. I tell ya, He's an on time God, yes He is!" I love that song. Anyway!! When I really think about it..I'm so blessed I can't even remember everything God has done for me. What an awesome love: to be given peace, love, and even materialistic stuff and not have the burden of remembering it all. God doesn't require us to write down every blessing He has given us. He loves it when we remember and thank Him. He doesn't hold it over our heads what He's done for us. My point? God doesn't rub it in our faces about everything He's done for us. He gives freely and loves freely. So why do we have such an issue giving to others what isn't ours in the first place? Everything belongs to God. God made it. Why do we act selfish? We remind people constantly of the things we have loaned them or given them. Why do we get so hooked on temporary things? Regardless of if you go to heaven or hell, you will not have any of the items we fight over and sometimes ruin relationships for. The love of money is the root of all evil and we must learn to avoid it. You have to love God more than ANYTHING in this world. You have to love the Creator more than the creations. You've got to learn to love God to the point where nothing can shake that love. You know how you meet someone, feel like it's true love and no matter what people say or what comes your way, nothing can change your view? Take that love and multiply it by the biggest number you know. God loves us more than that. [yeah I know, wow!] Nothing can shake God's love for us. Although this post was more about being grateful, it was about loving God too. We have got to get to that point of no return with our love for God. When we get that deep in Him, people have to search God in order to find us! Think on that, it's deep. Anyway, as you all know, I have a gospel song for ANY situation. I can think up a song about pretty much anything. Right now I have three songs in mind: Grateful by Hezekiah Walker, Be Grateful by Walter Hawkins, and More Than Anything by Lamar Campbell. Now if this was just for me I would definitely post the Walter Hawkins song because I love me some Walter Hawkins! Do you hear me?! I LOVE his music! But I feel this song by Lamar Campbell is more appropriate because it talks about loving God more than anything! That's what we need to do. Plus, it's one of my dad's favorites. We used to listen to it often! If I'm not mistaken, this was the song programmed to play next on my uncle's CD player when my dad went to his apartment after he passed about a year ago. So people recognize that to love God is a very big deal. Listen to the song, and this week the challenge is to learn about God's love. Discover how deep it is, how unlimited it is, how AWESOME it is. Read about it and live in it! God's love is everlasting...
-Peace, Love, and Truth. :)


Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5

God Is Trying To Tell You Something! (In My Shug Voice)

People! Listen up! If you don't see something wrong with everything that has been happening lately, something is wrong with YOU! In the world, we have disasters going on. First there was Haiti. There were floods in Tennessee. Now there's Japan AND Hawaii! People are being killed. There were issues over in Egypt. Guys!! If you aren't even slightly saddened by this, there is a problem here. God is truly trying to talk to us. God is saying what He always has to say to get our attention. "Because you refuse to listen, I will get your attention." If you are reading this and don't believe in God, please please PLEASE hear me out! This is serious. It doesn't have to go any further. This world can be so much better if we put our trust in the right ONE. GOD!! Life can get better right now! I was talking to these two girls at school today and they were telling me that now they're starting to believe the world really may end in 2012! Seriously! I'm not about to even get into that, but they also said how they heard another guy saying how everything that was written in Revelation is coming true. Now, sadly I'm only just now reading the book of Revelation, but I'm still thinking about that. For so long we have been saying "the last days are now" and I didn't pay attention at first, but now I believe so. And if these are NOT the last days, can you imagine what will happen next?? It will get worse. People read your Bible! I can't even write enough on this subject. I have so many more posts to put out that are in my mind, but I just wanted to take a moment and say, pray!!! I was on Facebook and made a status saying "God is trying to tell you something." My friend Chenise posted this scripture on my status: Luke 19:40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” She said that was the first thing to come to mind when she heard of all the disaster going on. This is so serious. Please don't let a disaster even worse than this be the thing to bring us to God. Because if we don't give Him the glory, He will use other things to get His proper praise. Pray for Japan. Not just during your nighttime prayer, pray for them frequently..this is serious! It really could be us next. Pray. Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

What Do You Do When You've Had Enough?

I've been noticing lately that everyone is getting annoyed so easily! Myself included. [Well not since Wednesday at Bible Study! I let it go at the altar and I'm sooo much better about controlling my anger. I either isolate myself or I close my eyes and pray right where I am.] Anyway, it seems that people who love each other the most are at each other's throats. Now I know this is occasionally normal, HOWEVER, I don't feel like tolerating it. And since these are people I see on a regular basis, I'm about to change it! *applause.* But my question tonight is: What do you do when you've had enough? I mean REALLY had enough? Do you go off? Do you leave? Curse the problem maker out? What do you do? What is your approach? Let's look at a few alternatives to changing our REACTIONS to the problems in our lives.
-Remembering God's Word: We all know that God says He'll never put more on us than we can bear, but we seem to keep forgetting it! Honestly, I think it's inconsiderate. We have got to memorize God's Word! He didn't make it for Himself..hello, He's already perfect! This is for US. It's almost like FUBU: For Us, By Us. Only it's FUBG: For US, By God. [I know that was kind of lame..but it's true!] We can't tell God we trust Him, [remember last Saturday's Post: "Why Don't You Trust Him?"]and then give up when trials come our way.
-Isolating Yourself From The Situation: I don't care what's going on, if you feel yourself about to make a bad move, one that is the OPPOSITE of WWJD, get out of there! Leave until you calm down. Don't sit there arguing with the person. You be the bigger person! Now I don't know a thing about arguments and disagreements inside of marriages, so if you're married, do what you do. But I will suggest removing yourself from the room if it's serious. Give yourself a little bit to calm down. Mark Twain said: "When angry, count to ten. When very angry, cuss." Abraham Lincoln said, "When angry, count to ten. When very angry, count to one hundred." Think about which would be best!
-Biting Your Tongue: Now I don't really like that, because I used to bite my tongue and it would never work! I'm so serious. I would walk away with a sore mouth and I still said something rude. However, try to refrain from cursing at people. Try to refrain from saying hurtful things. I won't lie, when you're really angry, it feels good to see that shocked look on a person's face, knowing you got them as bad as they got you. Maybe even worse. However, if you're a HUMAN, your conscience will mess with you until you feel super bad about what you said. That good feeling of revenge only feels good for so long. Remember, you can't take words back!
-Praying: I saved this one for last because it's most important. If you don't pray often or you don't pray for long periods of time, I can assure you that's why you have anger problems now. Sometimes I literally have to pray until I calm down. Do you understand?! That's me praying for a good hour! Because if I don't talk to God and clear my mind, my REACTION will be a bad one. Talk to God. You know how you talk to certain people and walk away feeling that they still don't really understand what you're going through? God is nothing like that. Why? Because He was there when you got mad and will be there once you get over it. Before you even approach Him, He knows the anger you have in your heart. Take the burden to Him and let Him cleanse you. Don't try to handle it, because you can't. I don't care how strong you think you are, YOU CANNOT HANDLE EVERYTHING IN LIFE. ONLY GOD CAN.

I want you all to understand why I talked about reactions instead of fixing the problems. Only God knows how to help you fix your problems. What I can do is help you fix your reaction so that the problem doesn't get worse. [Write that down somewhere, I promise that line is SO important in life!] If we would all learn to react differently, a lot of arguments could be avoided. I'll post some scriptures that came to mind while typing this. I want you all to know that most of this stuff is a Word from God for me AND you all. Whatever you read on here, I'm using it to better myself as well. My life is not all perfect and peachy. It has its rough patches. But God sends us reminders [Bible, books, this blog!] and people [preachers, friends, mentors, writers, etc.] to help us make it through this life. Remember we have to stay on the narrow road.

Now I've got to go to bed..church is in the morning [I'm excited]! I hope you all looked on my Facebook and Twitter. I said I was taking any suggestions for tomorrow's post. If no one gives me anything, I just won't write until Monday or whenever. Be blessed guys! Until next time, Peace, love and Truth. :)


With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. - James 3:9-12

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13

The Power of Worship: Turning It Into a LIFESTYLE!

I really did not want to head to church tonight. My day was all different, and I wasn't feeling it. I just wanted to stay home and play on this new laptop. I know you're saying, "How dare you??" God blessed you WITH the laptop. True, true. But Carmen wasn't thinking about that y'all! I wanted to stay HOME! But my daddy said "No, you really need to go if you don't feel like going. That's when you get the best Word. We're going." Okay, case closed. Well let me just tell you!!!!!!!! Bible Study was beyond on point! I mean I was truly blessed! I learned about making my worship a LIFESTYLE. Worship is something serious. I'm basically about to type the notes I took and post them on here. No need to even try and create a special explanation. You'll see.
Okay, so worship is declaring worth, basically acknowledging God's worth. (Ex: when we praise saying, "Lord You're so worthy.") It is an act or respect, it is submission, telling God you're ready to listen. Another thing, we were created for God's own pleasure. You've heard me mention before about how when God created you, even He had to take a step back in awe of His work (YOU). Also, he (the preacher, well elder. Call him what you want just give him a respectful title!)said that there are three parts to us: Spirit which is the REAL you, Soul which is the emotional part, the will you have, and then the body, or flesh, which is just a shell. Through this we know that if we believe in Christ and that He raised from dead after dying for our sins, and get this, THE REAL US WILL NOT CEASE TO EXIST! This means that you will always be around, just not on Earth! Now if that didn't just "wow" you, I don't know what else to say! Let me continue because that was indeed a shouting moment! Okay okay. Getting to know God is very crucial! When you walk with God, don't just walk with Him like it's a simple stroll. Life is not a simple stroll. This is a journey we're on, a real journey. Use this time, this LIFE, to get to know Jesus. Use this life to understand Him and His ways. God's ways our totally different from our ways and the rest of the world's ways. Again, worship should be a lifestyle, not just an occasional occurrence. Next, continue to spend time getting into God's presence. You have to work at it. Like I said in my other post, "Why Don't You Trust Him?" you have to keep praying until you feel God move! Don't just do this aimlessly. Take it seriously. When He sees that you are truly trying He will move in your heart. Worship will change your life! You'll notice that life will go better and you'll feel happier, more optimistic when you truly worship. Your focus should be after God's own heart. David was like that. He was a man after God's own heart. True, David sinned. He sure did. Had him a good ole time doing worldly things. But you wanna know the thing about David that saved him? That man would mess up, but come to his senses and truly repent. Not just "Oh, I'm sorry God. Didn't mean that." No. David truly worshiped, truly repented. He was interested in knowing God's heart! Go read about David. You'll see. Make God's heart your focus. Now if you're new to worshiping and you are already slightly uncomfortable because it's new, just have faith. Faith is not always on what you feel, but what you believe. So don't sit there waiting on a "feeling" just have faith while you worship. Just say it out loud. "I love You Lord"; "You're awesome"; "Thank You Lord". Say it until you truly believe it and you will feel His presence. I believe that faith starts in the mind. The more your mind believes it, the more it is going to come true because you have so much faith in it. No matter what, keep trying continue to fill yourself up with God, His Word and prayer. You have got to put in the work in this relationship!!! This is not a Jesus only thing. He needs you to take part in it. The more you put work in, the more you want to respect Him. Fearing God is respecting God. You become more sensitive to God's word. Also, you become more sensitive to God's ways. That conscience can mess you up. And last, obedience is crucial. You have to obey God. It can't be 50% God, 50% what you want. That's all I have. I'm sure this is really long so if any of you actually read this and made it this far, read on a little more at the scriptures I've posted down here. They were read during the study. I'll let you figure out where they applied in this message. Until next time, Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

P.S. I forgot to mention that at the end, we all wrote down things that were hindering our worship and then placed them at the altar. I encourage you to do the same. When I got all of it down on paper I was shocked at what all I had allowed to hold me back. I also felt the greatest relief upon letting it go. Try it.


God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you. - Romans 1:9

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. - Romans 12:1

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. - Matthew 15:8

speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord - Ephesians 5:19

God Is...

I can't STAND Monday mornings. They are just the saddest days ever. The weekend ends and a new week begins. You either go to work or you go to school. It's so hard to transition from that relaxed mindset back to the focused mindset. Then I remember that it's another day God gave us, so I let it go and get ready for school. *sigh* But...my bed looks so tempting! Ahh anyway!!! Today I just want to say that GOD IS.
Last year, I asked both of my parents a question. I asked them what if they woke up tomorrow and everything was gone? What if they only had the clothes they were wearing and the money in their pocket? I mean what if EVERYTHING just disappeared? My mom was the first to answer and said, "God is." I got a little frustrated because I really wanted a better reaction, but it got me to thinking. At the end of the day, no matter what tests you go through, no matter what issues you have, God is. He just is. That can mean anything good. God is faithful, God is merciful, God is a father, God is a friend, God just is. SO remember that today if you encounter any problems. Be it anything serious like death, losing a job, failing a class; or even something not so big like an issue with a friend, a moment where you feel discouraged, or anything. Just remember God is. He himself says, "I am that I am." Remember who you're dealing with when you face problems today. You've got HIM on your side. There's a saying that goes, "Instead of telling God how big your problems are, tell your problems how big your God is!!" I'll post this song by CeCe Winans to remind you of who God is..because sometimes we really do forget who we're dealing with. Have a blessed Monday! Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. - Exodus 3:14

Why Don't You Trust Him?

Everyday I'm learning that God really wants our trust. God does so much for us and asks for so little in return. He just wants our faith, trust, obedience, love, and praise. Yet, we struggle in doing all of these things for Him. He gives us life. Watch this. I want you all to do this. Take a deep breath. Now let it out. You should be praising God right now! You could take your last breath doing that one day! God breathes life into us and we still take it for granted. Another thing we need to learn, is to forget our trust issues when it comes to God. I know because I personally have an issue with this. I am a very guarded individual who can joke and talk to someone all day, but never for a moment trusting them if I feel they don't deserve my trust. But the reason for that is because of EXPERIENCE. People have done us wrong so we no longer trust that person or anyone who has similar characteristics. Our heart automatically programs itself to avoid pain and disappointment a second time around. But what we need to realize, is that GOD IS NOT SOME HUMAN WHO HURT US! True, He had a part of Himself come to earth in human form, but even then, Jesus was perfect! We have to learn to let the walls down surrounding our heart when it comes to God. He is the one person who deserves our trust. God is constantly tapping your heart, asking to be allowed inside because He loves us. But we're still stuck on what happens on a daily basis on earth. We focus too much on how hurt we are, and not enough on how those hurts are really life lessons about God being the only one to never leave or forsake us. Instead of seeing the good in this, we automatically feel pity for ourselves. I'm challenging you today to trust Him! Open your heart, let Him in. When you truly do, you'll have this really warm feeling inside of you that won't go away. If it ever feels like it's not there, you need to get on your knees quick and stay there until it comes back! Often we just aimlessly pray for God to come back and don't feel our prayers. Stay on your knees until you feel God move! Don't just recite your prayer and get up thinking it's done. NO! A relationship with God takes work. I'm learning that myself. So trust God. He is the only one who will never do you wrong. You know, this week when I was in the car with my dad leaving Bible Study [which was AWESOME!] I was thinking about some worries I had. And every time a new worry came to mind, God would quietly say, "Let me show you what I can do." I got so much peace every time I heard it! If we would just learn to trust God, and I mean REALLY trust Him, we wouldn't have a need for worries. We would fear Him, and that's it. Man, if y'all can really get this through your head like I'm trying to, you'll have such peace!! I notice that when I start slacking in my steps to strengthening my relationship with Him, my peace of mind trails away. But when I'm focused, it's the best feeling ever. No matter what, God has this rope attached to you, pulling you back to Him. He tugs harder on it by sending you reminders. This can be through feelings or experiences. He just wants you to understand that He is really in control and you are a mess by yourself. The most amazing thing about God is He gives everyone the choice to believe in Him or not. He doesn't force anyone to do it, yet continues to give them life each day, another opportunity to believe in Him. That blows me away when I think about it each time! Spend your mornings strengthening that relationship. I don't care how hectic it is, MAKE time. Often people say it doesn't matter when you do it, but I've noticed that not acknowledging God as soon as you wake up can really affect your day. So make that first step even if you have to wake up earlier. Is He not worth a few minutes off of your sleep? Get it done. That's my challenge to you this week. This is important..you really have to learn to trust God. A lot of people say that they trust God, but don't even know what they're saying. I used to say it all the time. When your faith is tested, do you still trust Him? Faith and Trust are similar, but not the same. Think about it. Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. - Psalm 84:12

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

I Try...But Sometimes I Fail

I've got to write this really quick then get my homework done! Yes, I am a big time nerd who believes in doing her homework on a Friday and reviewing again on Sunday. Sooo yeah. Although I have been writing pretty positive posts on here all week, my week has been really bad. Senior year is finally starting to kick me in the butt and as a result I'm starting to get more and more frustrated. It seems like I'm doing more wrong things than right and it is annoying. I'm used to getting things right on the first try. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist. So for me to fail at ANYTHING is a big slap in the face. Because of all this frustration, I haven't been as friendly or Christian like as I want to be. Honestly, I've been like a totally different person all week. It's like I knew I was being mean to people I care about and people I don't even know, but still I couldn't change it. My mind was telling me to straighten up, but I just had this angry spirit that wanted to act crazy. And I strayed away a little from God, doing my devotionals, praying all the time, reading my Bible. I thought I was going crazy. I really did. I thought it was something wrong with me. I've been beating myself up over it all week and now I realize I put too much pressure on myself to be PERFECT. I've been too busy trying to do something only God can do: control my life! I forgot to give my problems to Him. Well anyway, I wanted to write about Love and God's Love and how it's in the Bible a lot. But then out of nowhere, I started singing this song by Mary Mary called "I Try." While I was humming the tune the words came to mind and I sang out loud while I was going in the house. Then I realized "HELLO, this applies to ME!!!" So I found the song online and realized we are all like this. We all try but sometimes fail, and it's time to realize we need God's help! This song ministered to me and of course I'm attaching it with this post. I believe there is someone besides me who had a bad week and needs to remember like me, to put God first. He wants to help us, and we need to march right back to our Daddy. God loves us so much that we can't even understand it. I always say, "You are on God's mind probably way more than He is on yours." It is so awesome to have Someone that thinks the best of you, gently reprimands you when you do wrong, but always supports you. I know that if no one else loves me, God loves me! So I want to encourage any of you having a bad week to use this weekend to clear your mind, clean up your messes, and go back to God. Truly visit Him and talk to Him. Get intimate with God. Tell Him out loud that you love Him. Confess your sins and apologize for trying to do everything on your own. I hope you listen to the song and read the lyrics (I found a video with lyrics this time!). Meditate on it..let it sink into your spirit. Then go before God. I really hope you all do this. I know I will. I've been horrible this week and I need to do some serious repenting. Have a great weekend. Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9

*Also, the video randomly stops around 2:30. Just hit play again, I don't know why it does that.*

I'm Blessed! Are You?

I don't feel like writing today. Today has not been my day. I let myself get so upset that even I forgot my advice from yesterday about positive thoughts (yeah, I messed up). I put on my Facebook status that I was taking suggestions for the topic today. My friend Rhi suggested that I write on things that make me blessed. And you know what? That's an awesome idea. All day I've been focusing on how frustrated I am and what I THINK I need. Once I get through writing this I'll probably feel much better because I'll realize again all that God has blessed me with. So let's go.

God has blessed me with:
-life. So many times we think we just deserve to be here and still alive. I know that with some of the stuff I've pulled in life, I should be gone. But God saw fit to let me change my life and get closer to Him. Not to say it's not a struggle as a teenager, but I do realize that I owe myself to Him.
-family. Man, living in a house with six other people and another on the way IS NOT EASY. But, without my family I would be so messed up! My little sisters [ages 6,5, and almost 2] drive me crazy some days. Well actually they drive me up a wall most days. But what siblings don't? That's part of living together. I love my family and no matter what I'll always be thankful for them.
-school. School is a mess. You've got homework, classwork, tests, drama, little females who are trying to find themselves and as a result they down others based off of their insecurities, and then you have guys who mainly focus on sex. So where do you find the blessing in that, you ask? Well..think about it. School can be so awesome! I have met some of the best friends through school! In Elementary School I met my best BEST friend, Erin. We're still close. In Middle School, I met a couple of more really close friends. In High School, I've met some really awesome people who have kept me sane through all my transitions in my life. Not to mention, school helps you learn more. School is so awesome, that I'm going to do homework as soon as I finish writing this.
-friends. I probably should have used the other paragraph for this, but friends are amazing! My daddy always says that if you have two or three REAL friends in life, you're blessed. And I believe God has blessed me with some of the greatest friends ever. They allow me to be myself and don't judge me, still taking the responsibility of telling me when I'm in the wrong.
-everything else. We always say God has done more than enough in our lives, so much we can't tell it all! And I really can't. My mind can't even begin to think about it all. But, that's okay. God knows. And what is so amazing is that He has blessed me beyond measure, and is STILL blessing me, and will CONTINUE to bless me. If that doesn't blow your mind, you need to go do some more thinking! He blesses us even when we treat Him SO wrong. He pays back rejection, disobedience, and intentional hurting with kindness. Who does that?! Not us!! That's amazing!

What has God blessed you with? You can reply..post your comments. The only way to remember the marvelous things God has done in our lives is by remembering and sharing! That keeps us in line and makes us want to praise Him even more! So feel free to comment.

Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! - Psalm 107:1

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. - James 1:17

Positive Thoughts Bring Positive Results

I was thinking about writing today, but after hanging with my friends and realizing I have more homework than I care to THINK about, I decided not to write anything. But then I remembered that earlier this morning on my Facebook page I said I was planning to write on Betrayal. I had it planned and everything. Then I read one of my tweets I put on Twitter this morning and realized I'd rather write on this instead because so many people forget about its importance. "Positive thoughts bring positive results." If you read this, apply it to your life and remember yesterday's post about eliminating fear, you will definitely be on your way somewhere! I have a story and a lesson that goes with this subject, so read on.

Like many others, I decided that this year I would lose weight. I will be going to college in the fall and wanted to get a good start. So far I've been keeping up with my gym habits (don't ask about the eating habits though!). Anyway, I've always been afraid to run on the treadmill. (afraid...FEAR..ring a bell yet?) I thought people would look at me funny and I would look a mess. Well one day while I was walking on the treadmill, I started watching Joel Osteen. I just LOVE him! He is the best motivator around! On this particular sermon, he was teaching about how the mind will make sure the body carries out whatever you think. So if you think something negative, your mind will make sure it happens through your body. If you wake up in the morning saying negative things such as "I look horrible," or "I'm so fat," or "I'm so tired," your body will carry it out! You will feel ugly and not want to look at mirrors. You will make bad eating decisions through the day because you already feel fat. You will remain sluggish all day. It is all because of your mindset. Yet our spirits know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Well while I was listening, I realized my fear was running on the treadmill. I wanted to, but my body wouldn't let me because my mind had already programmed that I was too clumsy to do such a thing. Once I heard Joel Osteen say these words, I released negative thoughts from my mind. I told myself that I would indeed run on the treadmill next time. Nothing would hold me back any longer. I would do what I wanted to. I also started saying positive things to myself in the mirror every morning when I woke up. Silly as it may sound, you best believe it worked! Since that day at the gym, I have been running every time I get on the treadmill. I may not run the whole time and at a very fast speed, but I am working my way up. Every time I run a little longer, run a little faster. Your mind is something very powerful and you should always use it for the best. Now, your current issue may not be losing weight or running on a treadmill, but I'm sure there is something you want to do that you're not thinking the most positive thoughts on. Choose to use this very moment to change that. Start thinking positively of yourself. Repent to God for ever underestimating yourself. He created a wonderful person in you. When you underestimate yourself, you insult God. It's like saying, "Hey thanks for creating me God, but you missed a spot. Yeah, you forgot to put confidence right here." Do you know that when God created us and it was your time, even HE had to step back in awe of His wonderful work? So dig inside of yourself. Take what you have and use it to its full potential! Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

Positive thoughts bring positive results.


Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:8

Elimination of Fear: Letting Go and Living!

Today I want to direct this to the people in my age group. My main focus today is to say: DO SOMETHING POSITIVE WITH YOUR LIFE!!! Often we get lazy and ungrateful. School becomes too much to handle. We are in high school and ready to graduate. Or we're in college and the pressure of all the new surroundings and all the work to get done becomes too much. Now of course we know that God will never put more on us than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13), but at the same time God didn't create us to be completely dumb. We have minds and common sense as well. I don't care what ANYONE says, everyone has common sense. The problem is that not everyone pays attention to their common sense. Some people choose to ignore it. I mean, if we didn't have common sense, why would people have so much fun doing what's wrong? Why would teenagers purposely do the opposite of what their parents say? Never underestimate people..they know the difference between right and wrong. Another thing I want us to learn is to not be afraid. Don't let fear take over your life. Although things are going to happen that are out of your control, don't let it ruin your life. You have the choice to determine your future. Don't let fear hold you back from doing what you really want to do. Strive to do what's right. At my home church in Memphis, my pastor there used to say all the time, "Do the right thing in all relationships." This can pertain to any relationship. Be it with a significant other, family, friends, it doesn't matter! Do what is right, and don't let fear hold you back. Fear can take over and destroy your life. I'm not speaking on what I've heard, I'm speaking on what I've seen. Trust me, I know! I know of older people now who let fear change the whole course of their lives. It held them back from every dream they ever had. Now, they second-guess themselves on even the most trivial things because they listened to a little voice telling them they were dumb, or could never accomplish anything. Today, I challenge you to CHANGE YOUR LIFE. If you are scared to speak up, try out for something, or do something new, just go do it! Don't let fear hold you back!! God is doing too much in the lives of His children to let them mess it up by being scared and not answering His call. Learn to stand up for what is right, and you will find favor on your life. I hope this helps you make a positive change and let go of any fear that is holding you back from a dream. This was one of my more serious posts today, because I feel so strongly about people making positive changes. Maybe tomorrow or whenever I write again will be more on the humorous side. Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7

Valentine's Day: He Loves YOU, more than you love YOURSELF!

Honestly ask yourself this: besides God, who can love you best? There's this song by Lisa McClendon called "Who Can Love You More?" I just love it! Even though I am considered "too young" for a serious relationship, I still have my days where I wish I could have a boyfriend. But then, I remember what I could miss out on by getting in a relationship right now. I could miss out on truly discovering who I am, what I like and don't like, and what God has in store for me! In that song mentioned earlier, Lisa says, "stop looking for a man, and let the man find you; get in God's word and let Him show you, you!" See?? You'e got to love yourself before loving anyone else! So, if you're single today, and feeling a little down about not having a Valentine, remember: God IS your Valentine! He loves you more than anyone ever could. In case you didn't know, single is in right now. ;) So cheer up! I've attached the song below so you can listen to it. Listen carefully to the words, read along with some lyrics online if you must; truly grasp the meaning of the song! And even if you're a guy, just rearrange the lyrics so that it applies to you as well. Peace, Love, and Truth. :)

About "Peace, Love, and Truth!"

For quite sometime, I've wanted to create my own blog! I've been thinking about it (secretly of course) and I have seen others creating them. However, I was too scared! Recently, I stopped using Facebook 80 hours a day (lol..more like 10 hours a day!), and switched to Twitter (yes, it's just as addictive as FB). But the 140 characters wasn't enough! My dad started following me on Twitter and said, "Carmen, you tweet too much. Why don't you start blogging?" Can we say confirmation?? So here I am, starting my blog! Here, you'll find me talking about a lot of different topics. I will write about everything from love to school to serious issues in the world! Almost everything I write about will be funny, because I love making people laugh..laughter is very important in this world we live in. And there will also be life lessons to learn. I loooove God so much so I have to give Him props on any website I speak on! That's why I titled this "Peace, Love, and Truth," because it will be a peaceful (no drama!) blog site, it will all be in love, and it will all be the truth. No time for lies..lying is unhealthy! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this blog and invite others to check it out. I've decided to not make a commitment in how often I'll write on here, BUT I will write on any topic you people throw out at me if I can ever get enough people to view this thing. So please, be patient because I am new to this, but know that I do plan to write often!