Life of a Teenage Jesus Freak

Hello from Forever Ago

2011-02-06T16:30:00.001-08:00

Welcome back to blogging Emily! I can barely believe it's been so long since I've been motivated to write last. Hopefully my post will be good enough to make up for it. ;)

Up and down, up and down, up, and down again. That is how my life has felt as of lately. Sometimes I'm at a total peace with my life, and other times all I want to go do is cry and cry. These last few months have been a trying few months, and I've long since figured out being a Christian isn't always easy. Some days I feel so close to Jesus, and other days it feels like He's a million miles away.

It was one if these million-miles-away days God decided to hit me with something. I have been reading the book of Nehemiah in my Bible lately, and to tell the truth I have found it extremely boring and dull. There are so many names and description about every single bolt in the wall, I wonder why God even put it in the Bible in the first place. All I knew is that I didn't feel like I was learning anything from it at all. So a couple weeks ago when I drudgenly opened my Bible to read, that was when God decided to teach me something. The people of Judah were constantly under hardship and persecution when rebuilding the wall for their city. But even so, instead of giving into depair and giving up, the people perservered. Instead of becoming down with all the junk, God actually made them stronger and more encouraged than when they first begun. It was as if God was telling me that it even though the book of Nehemiah seemed long and boring, to keep on perservering through it, because He still had things to teach me. God always has something to teach us, it's just up to us to open our hearts and listen.

-Emily

Summer!

2010-05-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

Woop! Yes summer's finally here! No more homework stress, un-needed (or unwanted) drama; just warm, relaxing summer. And although I could just do exactly what I want to do sometimes- absolutely nothing - I'm finding the more I give into the pure happyness of doing absolutely nothing, the more my spirit seems to become idle and lazy. So, in a few short minutes, I am going to take my newly acquired license and go job searching. The first place to search? The Christian bookstore of course! As I have already been offered a job there, I'm going to go see if that offer still stands. :) Wish me luck!! I'll write more later. :)

- Emily

Why Talk the Talk?

2010-04-21T14:08:00.001-07:00

It’s hard living like a Christian, no doubt. There are so many things you have to put aside that so much of the world seems to find totally okay and normal. You probably alreadyknow that long list of things we as Christians have to stay away from: Greed, lust, immodesty, pride, acting out in anger…the list goes on and on. But one that really has been standing out to me lately is something that everyone – even Christians- seem just to shake off and find completely normal. That something has a few names to go with it; cussing, cursing, and swearing are just a few out of many. It’s so common, even people who call themselves Christians get pulled into it. I mean their just words right? It won’t harm anyone or anything and it’s used so much it honestly doesn’t even sound bad anymore.

James 3:10
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

I was thinking about this topic today and a thought suddenly occurred to me, why DO people cuss? If these words they were saying were not considered cuss words, would they still use them? Why is cussing such a big deal? I then realized that it is not what the words mean that make people say them so often, it is the want and need all of us as human beings want: acceptance. If majorities of the people around us cuss, it’s just by our sinful nature we want to as well. We have this desire to fit in and be noticed. If that is what it takes, many people don’t care if what they say is rude and vulgar. And after awhile of saying these things just to fit in, they become a habit.

Of course, you may be thinking, “Well nowhere in the Bible does it say not to cuss. It just says not to take the Lord’s name in vain.” While the Bible does not address the world’s standard of cussing directly, the Bible does have a number of verses addressing vulgar speech such as cussing.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 8:15
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

These verses prove that anything corrupt coming out of your mouth is a sin. Not just the few words the world calls cussing. Think about it- that means talking about someone badly behind there back is Biblical “cussing” as well as saying rude and hurtful things to family members, friends, or anyone else.

It’s hard for me to believe that I’m writing an essay about this. I used to have quite the mouth before I met my Savior only a few short months ago. I know from experience unfortunately that the only reason I started saying these words the world considers “in” is because of the reasons I listed above. I wanted to fit in and be accepted and eventually that need for acceptance became a habit. I know it may bring acceptance for awhile, but it ends up leaving you feeling broken and empty on the inside. Jesus is the reason I’m breathing, and I don’t want just to breathe. I want to live passionately and completely for my Lord and God. And if doing that means not being to fit in from time to time, well bring it on! I want people to not only see that I’m living for Christ, I want them to hear it.

One last short paragraph before I’m done. Why should I not cuss? What do I get from it? The answer is found clearly and simply in Psalms:

Psalms 24:3-5
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart,who does not lift up his soul to what is falseand does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Hmm…gifts of blessing and righteousness or bitter thoughts and anger? If you know the Lord and want to follow Him, you know which one you should choose. Don’t just walk the walk, make sure you talk the talk.

-Emily

Media Mishaps

2010-04-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

You watch TV. You listen to music. You browse the internet. Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to avoid at least some form of technology or media. Many school assignments rely on typed essays or research. And although many times technology is helpful in getting tasks done, it can also get you so fascinated you get addicted. Think about it. How many times a day do you turn on the TV? I don’t mean just for watching a TV show either. I mean including movies, sports, and video games. And how about the computer? Apart from looking up research or typing a paper for school, how many times a week do you look up music, play games, get on facebook or just simply browse the internet? If you’re anything like me, you get so caught up in these things at times you don’t even notice how much time has passed by until the day is halfway gone. Even music can be distracting if you spend long periods of time listening to it!

Every time I spend a mass amount of the time on any form of media, I end up feeling guilty and empty. There went a whole hour, or maybe even a whole day, I could have been using for God and His glory. Now I’m not saying watching TV, browsing the internet, or listening to your iPod is a bad thing, but how much time is it taking when you could be doing something more productive?

Leviticus 19:4
Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.

Honestly, the word idol describes this time wasted perfectly. Jesus is our Lord and our Savior who SAVED us! And we want to spend our time sitting in front of a screen or tuning out the limited time we have here on Earth? Not only is the time we spend focusing on these things wasteful; but what about WHAT we are watching and listening to? I don’t even watch the TV anymore because of all the…well, crap…that’s shown on it. And music! Many times Christians seem to think listening to bands that cuss and have perverted messages to them are not bad for them. Think again!

Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

God hates perverted speech. Listening to things such as music with ungodly messages or looking at things or watching raunchy YouTube videos in the internet not only get stuck in our minds, but are engraved in our hearts. And sooner or later, what is in our hearts will eventually come out.

Think about it like this. God is coming back to earth soon. We don’t know when, but He’s coming back. If He was to come back right now, would you really want to be seen listening to that song that is cursing Him or watching that 3 hour long movie that does not bring Him any glory? I know when he comes back; I definitely want him to be doing something that would make Him proud to call me His child!

Colossians 3:1-4
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

What do you think? Will all this technology set you mind on things above, or bring you down? Next time, before turning on the television or checking your facebook, ask yourself if what you’re doing is worthwhile when you could be doing something else more productive. You might be surprised how much more of your life you actually gain.

-Emily

Free to be Me

2010-04-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

Today all I am writing is the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. :) It helps me remember to never change who I am for anyone...and to love every second of it. ;)

Free to be Me
by Francesca Battistelli

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see'

Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl
I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right,
and I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt

Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

And you’re free to be you
Sometimes I believe that I can do anything
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me That I've got all You seek
And it’s easy to believe
Even though

I've got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

-Emily

Storms.

2010-03-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

Life is difficult, there's no doubt about it. There's so many temptations and traps out there; it's hard not to stumble into them. I think this really hits home for me, as I'm a sophomore in high school, and there tends to be a lot of drama at times, though I try my best to avoid it. Something I've realized lately is how easy it is to become bitter at someone or at something that's happened in your life. I myself have been struggling to not store up bitterness such as this in my heart. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually, that I have been doing, and I cannot put into words how much this has helped and encouraged me. Filling my heart with joy leaves no room for empty bitterness and make me feel a lot better as well. In the drama filled weeks when I wonder if it's ever going to end, I remember that God is bigger and has a plan layed out for my life exactly how he wants it to be. He has a reason for every trial and hardship I face; not to tear me down but to help me grow emotionally and spiritually. Why should I not rejoice in Him in times of trial? He give me peace, joy, courage, strength, and so much more, though I do not deserve it! He knows about every tear I cry and smile that crosses my face. Honestly, I want Him to have more records of smiles than tears. I don't want to give into what high school drama and culture says I should become. Sometimes I honestly wish that it was done and over with, but then I remember that I only get to go through high school once; and I definitely wouldn't want to just rush through it wishing it was over the whole time. I want to let my love and joy for Jesus shine through, even through the difficult storms.

After all, it's just a storm. And storms pass.

-Emily

Blessed.

2010-03-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here I am, sitting at a chair in my basement in the United States. It seems so strange, as I have been in Jamaica for the past week and seldom has any time to do absolutely nothing. Its as if I had stepped into a completley different world, and then suddenly stepped back into reality. I realize how absolutely blessed I am to have a nice house, amazing parents, and close friends to get me through rough times. I also realize how extremely spoiled I am. I have more than enough clothing in my wardrobe to dress at least 5 other people for a week, not to mention warm showers, cars, air conditioning, etc...It really opens your eyes to how easy life in America is.

I should get a start on my homework now, I have a busy week!

-Emily

Fog.

2010-02-24T16:31:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel unmotivated to do anything? Because that's how I am this week. I detest this feeling, it's pulling me down, putting behind things I should be getting done, and most upsettingly, I procrastinate and leave no time for God. I hate it. As a result of this, I seem to be constantly stressed and worried about every little thing in my life. I don't really know why I am getting this feeling now, but I do know it has to stop. Please pray for me, as it is seemly getting harder to focus on my Wonderful Savior...pray for this fog to clear.

Psalm 119:109
"Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law."

-Emily

Where I'm From

2010-02-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

This is a poem I actually wrote for an English assignment, but I like it so well that I decided to post it on my blog. ;]

Where I'm From
by George Ella Lyons
revamped by Emily E.

I am from pencil marks,
From Snuggles and soft sweaters.
I am from the cobwebs in the very peak of my ceiling
(Delicate, memorizing, far too high up to reach with the feather duster)
I am from the bleeding heart buds,
The White Birch Trees,
Whose bark is coated with messages
Dating back to when I was nine.

I am from strawberry floats and the trademark under my right eye,
From the Hoskins to the Eppens.
I am from the laugh-a-lots and the I-am-not-lost-I-just-got-turned-arounds,
From cut it out to are you coming.
I am from I can do all thing through Him who gives me strength,
With a joyful tune
And through my recent heartaches and heartbreaks.
I am from Waterloo and Decorah,
Deviled eggs and pickled pigs feet.
From the two twin cats my Aunt adores
and from an ancestor escaping a pirate ship.
Upon the purple wall on the right of my room
Verses are scattered
Old church bulletins angled and scattered
To create a masterpiece of precious words.
I am from a plan structured from those words of wisdom
A mysterious picture, intelligently designed.

-Emily

Joy!

2010-02-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

Oh my. I seems as if though I have hit a writers block for the last couple of weeks. Luckily, I believe I am starting to unblock it. :)

Today, I have been thinking a lot about the topic of joy. What is joy? So many times I hear it being used in the place of happy, it almost disorients the precious meaning of the word. What is the difference between happiness and joy?

"Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown."
Leviticus 9:14

Apparently, joy must be much stronger and grand than just normal happiness. And in truth, it is. Joy is always. Joy remains even through tough times and situations in your life. Joy comes directly from God; should we choose to follow Him. Joy is so much more than just a brief time or moment of happiness. It makes you feel full, peaceful, and glad in every situation. I can honestly say it's the best feeling you could ever have. It's so amazing, I can't help but talk about it to people! It overflows from your life, right into the people you are around's lives.

Joy is given to people who put their trust in and follow Jesus with ever aspect of their lives, big or small. Joy makes you notice and realize things you have never noticed or realized before.It gives you a totally different viewpoint on life, and changes your world. It makes you really be alive, rather than just live. With something as awesome as joy out there, it's hard to believe some people don't want any part of it.

Why?

Good question. Well, think about it. It's awful hard to desire and yearn for something you have never experienced before; and even if you do, it doesn't mean you're willing to do what it takes to experience it. I think many times it has to do with fear. People are reluctant to step out of their little worlds where everything revolves around them. Did you ever consider, perhaps, that the reason people find it so hard to experience joy is because our sinful human nature is connected to negativity? For some complex reason, our sinful desire loves to wallow in self-pity and negativity, rather then experience the eternal joy that is a gift given to us by Jesus Christ our Lord. Our view is hazed by sin, giving us a false belief about what joy really is; how extremely....unexplainable it is.

So, tomorrow -or maybe even the rest of today- if you are already striving to follow Jesus, take time to find all the little gifts of joy God has given to us. If you have never experienced joy before, I urge you to give your whole self to God, believe me, it's totally worth it. :)

-Emily

Flush out. Let go.

2010-01-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

"Have you ever considered that things keep spinning out of control for you because you're doing something wrong?" - Annoymous

"I see that you're really on fire for God...yet you still cling to a piece of the world." - Annoymous

A fight with a close friend and a talk with another is all it took for me to realize that I'm still holding on to a piece of time before my life really began. I'm still letting my wants take control, even though I try as hard as I can to control them. A part of me still yearns for the sinful ways of this world...to fit in perhaps. It's a constant struggle, the old me fighting to regain it's position where the Lord now sits.

It's hard. It's so so hard.

Jesus is teaching me something this week. Teaching me it's time for me to completely let it all go and completely follow Him with my whole heart and soul. Of course, being who I am I usually have to learn the hard way, ignoring friends' advice that God had given to me as an easier option.

I'm so so scared.

But I have to remember it's not all about me. It's about the One who loves me so much He came to die for me, as filthy and imperfect as I am. He forgives me no matter what the circumstance and comforts me when I'm at rock bottom. It's all about Him. And every detail of my life should show it. It's time for me to flush out the rest of my old life and let go of the piece of the world I'm still clinging to.

So help me God....

-Emily

Hurt.

2010-01-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Hurt. Everyone feels it at one time or another. Right now, I'm definately going through a hurt period in my life right now, and I feel stuck. Helpless. It's so hard to see God in the midst of all life's carrying for me, but I know He's there. And I know he loves me through all of it.

I was talking to a close friend last night about bits and pieces of what's going on right now, and he gave me some very important wisdom to think about. Tough situations are not all about me. Sometimes to "shut up and listen" to God instead of worrying.

Got to go do homework. I'll write more later hopefully.

-Emily

Confusion.

2010-01-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my. It seems as if I have forgotten my blog for the past few days. But in my defense, school has started up again and now I have homework to go along with my blogging, so I may not get to write for long periods of time, depending on my homework load for the week.

Life's been having it's ups and downs lately. Sometimes I feel like I'm on the top of the world and could do anything I put my heart and mind to. Then, at other times, I'm so confused and feel so hurt I can't do anything but cry and pray. There has been so much death these last few months, along with some personal family problems I'm going through right now, I get so scared wondering and worrying what's right around the corner. It's hard to trust Jesus in times like this, but then I know He will NEVER leave me or forsake me even when it seems like the rest of the world has. But I'm human, and I'm still so scared.

Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

I'm completely yours Jesus. You lad me through every storm, every circumstance. I'm so confused right now Lord...take my hand and let me not be afraid of whatever may come, no matter what the cost.

-Em[ily]

Tidbit.

2010-01-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So on account of that I'm not feeling the greatest today, I'm gonna keep this post short and sweet. [probably]

It's finally the New Year! I find this very exciting as this is my very first year to be spending it fully with Jesus Christ! So much has changed in the past year...My views have been forever completely changed, I'm soaking God's Word up like a sponge, I'm experiencing new feelings and meeting new amazing people who want to help me grow in my walk with Jesus. Yes, I am eternally blessed!

I told you it was going to be short. Now I'm going upstairs to see what else Jesus wants to teach me. I may write more tonight!

-Emily

I'm Backkk!!!

2009-12-29T16:27:00.000-08:00

Hey to anyone who reads this!

I finally got back home yesterday from two pretty good Christmases. I got to see family members I don't see very often and got some amazing gifts.

Of course, I had to be so smart as to accidentally leave my Bible at home (I forgot to put it in my suitcase), and so by the first night I was gone, I was going insane from my lack of Bible reading. I borrowed a Bible from my grandmother, but it was a King James Version, so it was really hard to concentrate on my reading when all the words ended with the ending -ith. Sigh. All well.

Okay so this is something that has really caught my attention lately: How girls (and some guys) dress. I was at the mall yesterday with a friend, and I couldn't believe some of the tops I saw a majority of the girls wearing. Extremely low cut, thin material with spaghetti straps. I also noticed that the guys that were with the girls seemed to be constantly staring at the mostly exposed girls' chests. I wondered what was running thought the guys' minds, seeing girls dressed this way. I could only guess, being a girl myself, but even the thought of it made me shiver. I also wondered what was going through the girls' heads; did they even know that they were causing the guys to stumble and think impurely of them? It saddens me to see so many girls that think that the only way they can be considered pretty or beautiful is if they show themselves off and and attract a lot of guys.

Proverbs 30:12
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

Another thing that strikes myself with a feeling if guilt myself, is not only how girls are dressed, but what they are dressed in. Designer jeans, fancy coats, costly shirts and expensive jewelry...these are only a few things so many girls, including myself many times, "need" to have in order to fit in with that particular group of people, or be "in style" and "with" the rest of the world, or get attention or impress that certain boy. I think many times that sometimes I lose sight of what's really important. A person's heart is so much more important then what they look like on the outside. Sure, the world labels everyone with how pretty you are. But that's only peoples viewpoint. God's viewpoint is so much higher, so much better! In his eyes, every single on of us is beautiful. After all, he crafted us, made us who we truly are. I would much rather be seen as beautiful in the eyes of Jesus, who is, was, and always will be, rather than the world, which is slowly fading away.

1 Timothy 2:9-10
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array...

So it's you're choice naturally. How do you want to be viewed? As we're all human beings, it's natural we all want to look good. There's nothing wrong with looking nice, but how much time are we putting into our appearance, when we could be serving our Lord and Savior? And while looking pretty is okay, do you really want to be viewed by guys as easy, sexy, or a toy for their own pleasure? Even Christian guys stumble by seeing girls dress this way, no matter how amazing of a guy they are.

Matthew 5:28
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Personally, I don't want to be seen as someone who is constantly trying to fit in with the world. I would much rather give thanks to the Lord for letting me be me. I want to been seen as a treasure; not a target.

Really, doesn't the world know modest is hottest?

- Emily

Resolutions!

2009-12-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow followers and anybody else who randomly reads this!

So to be honest, I'm kinda in a lazy, unmotivated mood at the moment due to the fact I watched TV today. So to quit this mush-like feeling from ever coming around again, I'm making a New Year's resolution! I'm giving up TV for a whole year, if not more. I still will watch movies, I will not watch any TV shows. Wish me the best on keeping this resolution!

Today was really good until watching TV. It's amazing the joy Jesus gives us when we dig into His word and give up our lives completely to Him! My problem is that I get very easily distracted by things I shouldn't be getting distracted by. TV, Internet, texting, just being lazy and lying around, and sometimes even writing distract me from time I should be giving to God. After all, he's the one who gave me these things and could quickly and easily take them away from me at anytime. Someone as powerful and amazing as that definitely deserves to have more of me then I give.

Speaking of which, I really need to go have some God time now...and I still have a lot of packing to for tomorrow. I hope everyone who reads this and all my friends and family have an awesome Jesus filled Christmas!

Ta-ta for now!
-Emily

Hello Again!

2009-12-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get that urge to write nonstop? Apparently, I do as this is my second post on my newly acquired blog. :)

I suppose I should write a little about myself, although I would much rather write about something a little more in depth. All well, might as well get it over with now.

My first and middle name is Emily Karoline. I'm a home schooled high schooled sophmore. Now let me make this perfectly clear: Not all homeschoolers are anti-social. There's probably more social homeschoolers then there are public/private schoolers. So don't ever ask me if I have any friends, if i ever go anywhere, or if i have a social life. The answer to all of those questions is crystal clear. Yes, I do. Read on.
I attend the Network once a week, which is basically a private highschool for homeschoolers in my opinion. I take classes there just like a normal school, and have quite a few friends there. I love spending time with them all; maybe sometimes a little too much as I tend to forget there's a life outside of friends once in awhile.
Life for me really started on September 5, 2009, the night I accepted Jesus into my life. It's the best thing that has ever happened to me. Life since that day changed dramatically, and I can honestly say that it was all for the better. I am so blessed to have amazing Christian friends to help me grow in my walk with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He rescued me from eternal death, gave me this extreme joy I can't help but talk about, and changed my view on many topics and ways of thinking, so to speak. Jesus Christ is my life, and to truly find my heart, you have to search in Him.
Other random facts: I love to write. I have been told I'm pretty good at it, but good or bad, it's definitely one of my passions. I'm so excited to see where God will lead me with this gift!!
I love to laugh and smile. Smiling is my favorite little miracle God has given humanity, and laughing is totally the best exercise. What better way to "show off" the joy Jesus has given me?

Well there's a brief summery of me. I suppose you'll learn more if you continue reading this blog. As for now however, my two younger sisters and my puppy are insanely running around the basement where I am writing this; so I think I may make an escape to my room. Or perhaps I'll join them. ;)

-Emily

Heyyy

2009-12-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

Merry Almost Christmas Jesus!!

The Christmas Season is here, and with it brings a lot of chaos, hectic running from mall to mall trying to find that perfect gift, and what seems to be truckloads of baking.
Myself being a teenage girl, I don't really mind running around from store to store and mall to mall. If that's what chaos is, I would be happy with more of it! Sometimes me being so "wrapped up" (ha ha) in what the world calls Christmas, I really start to ignore the fact of what Christmas is all about.
Yep! The Lord Jesus! I don't know about you, but it's hard for me to really grasp the concept that Jesus came to earth as a baby; born in a manger no less! The Lord Jesus, coming into the world to save me, stained by filthy sin? Wow! He really must love us!

John 3:17
"For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."

Think about that. Jesus came to save the world, OUR world. The world where cheating on tests, using a cuss word every two words is considered "in", and where highschool sex is totally normal. The world where sneaking behind your parents back is ok, because that movie you want to go see is "not that bad." The world where so many people say, "Lord, I love you, but I love my boyfriend/girlfriend more, so I'm putting them and their interests first in my life." The world where it's so hard to see where God is leading us, in the midst of all the world is offering us.

Lying. Cutting. Hate. Depression. Sex before Marriage. Pornagraphy. Lust. Murder. Gossip. These are just a few of what the world says to teenagers is "ok and totally normal." If that's the case, no wonder so many peoples view of teenagers is extreamly low. Living life in the way the world says is "cool" really doesn't seem to have a lot of promise to me.
Especially when your oh-so-great-life falls apart, piece by piece. Suddenly, life doesn't seem so great anymore. Your parents find out what you REALLY have been doing on the computer when you say you have been doing homework. Your boyfriend/girlfriend you said you said "I love you" to and gave so much of your heart to dumps you. Cutting that you started out just to get attention flies out of your control. You lose friends due to that "harmless little fact" you told someone. Your parents go thorugh a brutal divorce.
Your life spins out of your control. You don't have anything or anyone to lean on or to help you back up. You feel totally helpless and you want to put a end to it all.

Isaiah 49:13
"Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones."

But though all of it, Jesus sees you. He hears you. His heart is breaking for you, and he longs to wrap His arms around you; if only you would let Him. Through life's everyday trials, He loves you no less with every defeat you face or no more with every victory you triumph. It's so hard for us as humans to grasp the concept that we're nothing without God.

So this Christmas, instead of getting so caught up in the season, take a moment to thank Jesus for loving us so much that He sent His only begotten son into our unclean, filthy world. Or perhaps, if you don't already know the joy that Jesus gives, maybe it's time for you to accept and believe it.
Christmas. It's not the the shopping and the food and the family and friends. It's all about Jesus. He gives us so much to be thankful for and He forgives every sin we commit. Why?

Because He loves us just that much.

-Emily