Is Social Media Taking Over Our Lives?

Prayer is an interesting subject because whether or not we like to admit it, praying does not come naturally for most of us including myself. Last week during the APJ summer camp one girl made a statement during our lunch break, "I'm always looking to the next event or the next Christian camp to give me a spiritual high". Her comment caused me to think about the fact that prayer really is a lost art in our generation.

Let's explore some of the reasons why this is happening:

Six Ways to Fight Discouragement

You give and pour into the lives of others. Epic victory. The trip ends. Your body crashes. Emotionally you feel zapped. Weeks later you are still processing all the amazing things God has done and yet deep inside you feel numb. 

You feel alone even when surrounded by people. Discouragement grips your heart and life seems burdensome.

Our weakest moments rarely come in the midst of our greatest battle but in the aftermath of the victory. 

When God Calls: The Step of "Yes"

“Whenever, wherever, however You want me, I'll go. And I'll begin this very minute. Lord, as I stand up from this place, and as I take my first step forward, will You consider this is a step toward complete obedience to You? I'll call it the step of yes.” -Brother Andrew (God's Smuggler)

The soft voice of an British accent quietly droned on as I packed my bags for Russia. Brother Andrew's story had always intrigued me but now with clothes and accessories scattered all over the floor, I listened to the audiobook with a different perspective.

Embracing Change

Changes of life. Some people thrive on it but others loathe it. I for one find change a rather difficult thing. I cried about growing up because I loved being little. (I remember being scared of wearing makeup because I was afraid I'd apply it wrong.) 

I hated to share my friends because I was afraid of loosing them. I was mad when my mom started dying her hair because I had a fear it would turn purple. I cried when my brother left home for medical school. I cried when my older sister got married. I even felt sad when they closed down a local store I'd shopped at all my life.

Life is full of changes. I'm sure after reading through my list of woes you must find my ramblings rather amusing.