When Struggles Break In, God Will Show You The Way! :)

As the end of the winter semester of University draws to a close, life has already begun to get hectic and busy. Papers are due next week, exams are stepping towards us from around the corner, and then there's that small voice that says, "Don't forget to breathe!" We barely have time this semester to even do that.

Since we are almost at a close for this year, and since we are all engaged actively in the world of academics, I felt like I wanted to share something that has been on my heart since last night as encouragement, because that is honestly what we all need right now.

I know for a fact that every one of you is strong, you all have the potential to be a leader someday. God has created each one of you to do something amazing, it says so in Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 29:11, " 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.' "

When God creates us, he forms us. He creates a plan for our lives and gives us direction. God brings to us a new challenge, and something he wants us to achieve. When the time is right, we will know what God wants us to do with our lives.

Though this is very cliché we head towards Gods plan like a athlete who runs a race. The athlete works hard, trains for weeks (months even) on end, and all of this is to achieve his/her goal. As Christians, we do the exact same: we work hard in school, we train our bodies and minds through scripture readings and devotions. And then, when we are ready, we begin to run towards God goal.

I believe that for a lot of you, that's where you are right now. Some are beginning University (or college if) and others are finishing. For what purpose though? Because God put a dream and a passion in your heart. He gave you something you want to do, and a goal you want to achieve. That is totally worth something!

Even if you don't have any goals, or you still don't have an idea as to what you want to pursue, God still has a plan for you...and you are still running the race. God doesn't always reveal to us right away what he wants us to do, and sometimes when we are standing in a spot where we need to make choice, and choose the next mile of our race, God does something totally unexpected. But no matter what, as long as we follow him, we can do it.

So as you finish your papers, and as you study for your exams remember this:

You are beautifully and wonderfully made!

God has a plan for you!

Through prayer and scripture, God gives us strength!

God placed you inside an amazing school with an amazing community!

Do not fear, for God is with you! (I remember this one song I learnt as a child, "Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you whenever you go! :D Joshua 1:9 I believe is where it is located...lol).

And finally...no matter what, God will NEVER forsake you! :)

All of you can do it because you are wonderful, amazing and i could go on and on and on :)

Rock those exams, and show those papers your the boss!

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Frozen - Be Like Elsa!

I apologize for my lack of updates. University has picked up the pace as this winter semester ends, and even though its almost midnight and I am working on two papers, I wanted to share with you some thoughts.

Most of us know of Frozen, a movie released by Disney during the latter parts of last year. In a few short months it's become the new "old". That is to say, it is being compared to some of the old classics, it's currently #2 on the list of movies which ranks animation films based on how much money they brought in. Now, I saw the movie and I loved it but one has to ask...why? It's got some cliche themes, and unrealistic concepts, we've heard similar story-lines a million times in other Disney movies.

Everyone will have a different answer so this is one out of the many voices; but I believe Elsa is the reason.

The "villain" of the story who just wants to be who she really is.  A Disney cliche theme, but its presented in a unique way...one that maybe some people can relate to because of how realistic it is. How? I will elaborate.

Society tells its citizens how to behave; the "leaders" tell its followers, without them knowing, the ideal person. Barbie was created based on a similar concept; what a women should look like. Tall, thin, blonde hair...you get the idea. As unrealistic as these ideas are, they are still presented...people just don't care what others have to go through to meet these unrealistic concepts.

The father wants his daughter to hide who she is, to be the good girl. Ring a bell? That's what the world tells its people...the lecture society sparks out. We have to be good, and if we aren't good, we have to pretend. The pretend creates fear, which forces us to hide who we really are and suffer for it because we believe that we are evil...because we believe everyone will hate us.

Those who don't care or try to speak out are silenced with unnecessary methods we teach children not to use; unkind words and hurtful approaches. Leaders of society (now, just making sure I clarify, I am not addressing politicians but individuals within the social structure who, on purpose or indirectly, stand up and set the standard for humanity. In other words, tell society how to act with the expectations that they will) make sure that this is emphasized, or worse, turn around and act out the very thing they just told the people not to do...and get away with it.

For this reason, many find themselves in a similar situation as Elsa. They want to reach out, they want to try and find the extent of their own abilities...what they can do on their own two feet, but the pressure of the world on their shoulders and because of the fear society has created, they cannot.

And then it gets worse. Society will reach out to try and help, but by the time they do its too late. The damage has been done, and they blame the Elsa's for it.

Two path's are now available; the first is for individuals to continue closing themselves in...and live in fear until they die, or be like Elsa, and reach deep within to realize that life may suck, but there is beauty in the world, you just have to find it. Find those gifts. Find those people who matter. Trust me; a world of darkness is never truly dark, there is always a glimmer of hope.

Look in the story, try to discover the other things that Elsa is saying to you. You can't live in fear, and you can't live isolated from the world. If you hate it, then help change it. If you were bullied, mentor children and help them go through what you did as a child. If you believe you suck and that no one wants you, it isn't true. There's a MINORITY out there, feeling the same way...so you aren't alone.

Be like Elsa, discover beauty and discover that you can help change some people's lives positively!