Writer's block, it's weird how we are constantly obstructed by such a thing when in reality, we always have something to say. Our minds are full of racing thoughts, some of which we aim to overlook, some of which distract us from life's realities, and some of which prevent us from focusing on the matter at hand. Even as we stare into oblivion and it seems as the world is passing us by, our subconscious is working on hidden thoughts, many of which we do not want to accept or recognize. However, there comes a time we must come face to face with the lingering voice inside that we constantly aim to suppress. At times I wonder how different my life--the world--would be if our thoughts were unveiled. Would we own up to our darkest fears, our darkest secrets, our greatest desires, our most heidous deeds?
The idea of a world where each person's thoughts are vocalized makes me wonder if I could completely embrace truth. Would it be possible to accept and know the most intimate perceptions of me by those closest, knowing that some would not be as nice as I would like? Realizing honesty is one of my core values, I question whether I am always honest to not only those around me but also to myself. Yet, the truth is that we are constantly lying to ourselves and wear masks that are--usually--socially acceptable in order to fit in. According to the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging at University of Southern California, the average individual has 70,000 thoughts per day. We are constantly reinforcing our masks with layers upon layers upon layers of hidden truths that we dare not speak or share because let's face it, the human heart is fragile and despite wanting the truth, we cannot take it. The continual need to connect with another indvidual is embeeded within each and every one of us and loneliness is a persistent reminder of that. So, how is it possible for us to truly be honest when we fear breaking those formed connections with others? Could we consider any of those attachments as real when they are build a series of omissions and slight truths? It then begs the question, what is real? Or better yet, who is real?
Now, I am not saying that people are deceitful and that we should not trust them; however, one should reflect on every relationship and the basis of not only its creation but also its foundation. A shaky foundation built on only superficial conversations is like building a house on sandy grains of dishonesty and omission. The only way to build lasting connections with a person is to unveil our hearts with beats of honesty and chambers of tactfulness. I believe that if we sought to be this way, life would be different. Therefore, I challenge you to ponder on your own relationships and determine what foundation upholds them. As for me, honesty is a value I cherish and will aim to endorse them to the best of my ability.
<3 Claudy
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
I think...
Originally, I started this blog because I was heartbroken. It was going to be a way for me to write out my deepest thoughts and sort out through all my emotions. I had an amazing start with it, as I was positive a great change would come to my life. However, life is not that easy. It is a roller coaster of emotions and situations that impact your life, and at the end of the day, all you are really left with is your thoughts.
Nothing defines you more than what you think. You might base who you are on your career, education, relationship status, or status in society; however, it always falls back to what you think of yourself based on these. We tend to forget that society can only influence us if we let it. You thoughts will always be your own, as they are within you; now, I am not saying that you cannot be swayed to think a certain way, but as these year progressed, I realized that self-reflection is a must.
As I started graduate school in Fall 2014, the journey has been difficult. I left my family, friends, church, statuses, and opportunities, A blank slate laid before me, and I started to see that the tools in my workshop were all second-rate and the statues that had been created were fallen apart as they were all false imitations of the real creation embedded within me. Routines were changing; ideas were evolving; beliefs were being questioned; discoveries were being found; yet in all of it, I was losing myself and forgetting who I was or am.
Now, I am at a crossroads. Trying to be who I was and accepting who I am now. However, those who knew who I was cannot accept who I am now or am becoming, which makes it difficult for me to accept myself. Thus, it begs the questions: Am I really like this? Was I really like that? Do I truly agree with this belief? Do I really enjoy doing this? The questions are never-ending. I simply wonder if I cannot accept who I am now because those who knew me before do not or because I know that this is now me. Yet, part of me also thinks that who I was before is not me either. So, here I am, confused, lost, frustrated, perplexed.
Through it all, people have even questioned if I am still a Christian, a believer. Some claim or think I am not; other think I am kidding myself; others still know that I do love God, despite my actions--those are the keepers. The only way I have been able to make it through all the mistakes and loneliness and doubt is because in my heart, I know God loves me, no matter how much I screw up. Granted, I have been screwing up a lot that I have even questioned who I am and have come to realized that I have lost myself, but I have not lost sight of God's love. My actions and words might say otherwise because I hate that people question me as their words are full of judgment as they try to inquire if I am still a believer and treat me like a child for choosing to act or be a certain way. I am not stupid. I am aware of the decisions I make and despite knowing some are idiotic. I must accept the consequences.
Nevertheless, do not fail to know that mistakes are part of self-discovery. I am finding myself once more. There are many aspects of myself that those who knew me before do not like, but there are some that I do like, and I have come to see that the only opinions and thoughts that matter are those I think and believe. It is like Paul states in Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." We are constantly pressing on in life, fighting the good fight. May times, we are giving up on the good fight, but nonetheless, we are fighting to fulfill our purpose, find our calling, and find ourselves.
Do I believe I am my best me now? No. I am constantly pondering on my actions, beliefs, choices, and life in general. My slate is persistently being renewed and recreated, as several slates sit within my workshop called life. The story is full of numerous statues that display the chapters of the voyage we are taking. I am still finding myself. I am still finding God. I am still me, for better or worse. Whether you hate who I am now and loved who I was before or simply continue to love me, I challenge you to also think about the journey you are talking or have taken. Like Rene Descartes once said, Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore, I am).It all starts through who we think we are, and we can only find ourselves through sorting out our thoughts and unearthing the real roots of our beliefs and ideals to be the best us we can be.
<3 Claudy
Nothing defines you more than what you think. You might base who you are on your career, education, relationship status, or status in society; however, it always falls back to what you think of yourself based on these. We tend to forget that society can only influence us if we let it. You thoughts will always be your own, as they are within you; now, I am not saying that you cannot be swayed to think a certain way, but as these year progressed, I realized that self-reflection is a must.
As I started graduate school in Fall 2014, the journey has been difficult. I left my family, friends, church, statuses, and opportunities, A blank slate laid before me, and I started to see that the tools in my workshop were all second-rate and the statues that had been created were fallen apart as they were all false imitations of the real creation embedded within me. Routines were changing; ideas were evolving; beliefs were being questioned; discoveries were being found; yet in all of it, I was losing myself and forgetting who I was or am.
Now, I am at a crossroads. Trying to be who I was and accepting who I am now. However, those who knew who I was cannot accept who I am now or am becoming, which makes it difficult for me to accept myself. Thus, it begs the questions: Am I really like this? Was I really like that? Do I truly agree with this belief? Do I really enjoy doing this? The questions are never-ending. I simply wonder if I cannot accept who I am now because those who knew me before do not or because I know that this is now me. Yet, part of me also thinks that who I was before is not me either. So, here I am, confused, lost, frustrated, perplexed.
Through it all, people have even questioned if I am still a Christian, a believer. Some claim or think I am not; other think I am kidding myself; others still know that I do love God, despite my actions--those are the keepers. The only way I have been able to make it through all the mistakes and loneliness and doubt is because in my heart, I know God loves me, no matter how much I screw up. Granted, I have been screwing up a lot that I have even questioned who I am and have come to realized that I have lost myself, but I have not lost sight of God's love. My actions and words might say otherwise because I hate that people question me as their words are full of judgment as they try to inquire if I am still a believer and treat me like a child for choosing to act or be a certain way. I am not stupid. I am aware of the decisions I make and despite knowing some are idiotic. I must accept the consequences.
Nevertheless, do not fail to know that mistakes are part of self-discovery. I am finding myself once more. There are many aspects of myself that those who knew me before do not like, but there are some that I do like, and I have come to see that the only opinions and thoughts that matter are those I think and believe. It is like Paul states in Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." We are constantly pressing on in life, fighting the good fight. May times, we are giving up on the good fight, but nonetheless, we are fighting to fulfill our purpose, find our calling, and find ourselves.
Do I believe I am my best me now? No. I am constantly pondering on my actions, beliefs, choices, and life in general. My slate is persistently being renewed and recreated, as several slates sit within my workshop called life. The story is full of numerous statues that display the chapters of the voyage we are taking. I am still finding myself. I am still finding God. I am still me, for better or worse. Whether you hate who I am now and loved who I was before or simply continue to love me, I challenge you to also think about the journey you are talking or have taken. Like Rene Descartes once said, Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore, I am).It all starts through who we think we are, and we can only find ourselves through sorting out our thoughts and unearthing the real roots of our beliefs and ideals to be the best us we can be.
<3 Claudy
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Be Thankful Each Day
For many, New Years marks a new beginning, a clean slate. It is also a reminder of blessings, a day to give thanks. However, as my family sat, knelled, and laid on the floor to pray, I realized I could not recall the first half the of year, so how could I give thanks for something I seemed to forget?
In May, I had surgery, and I am still alive and well, and at the moment, we gave thanks to God, I forgot to thank him for one of the hardest trials in my life. Nevertheless, my mom did not forget; she prayed with a grateful heart. My father also praised God for taking care of all year long. Was I not grateful to God, having forgotten one of the acts he did for me?
I am grateful, but His blessings are so abundant to count in one day, one night, one hour. New Years should be a time of celebration, of course, but it should not be the only time of reflection and thanks. Each day is a gift, full of blessings and wonder. There is awe all around us, simply by seeing a sun set or the laughter and smile of a loved one.
Perhaps, this past year had difficulties for you. I know mine did. Many times throughout the year, I faced hardships and wondered how I would continue to move forward in the midst of my sorrow. However, in spite of my pain, I learned to be thankful because I am blessed with a supportive family, surrounded by caring friends and even co-workers, and most of all, I am loved by a loving, merciful God who never abandons me. No matter what you encountered last year and might fact this coming year, know that you are loved by God who gave his son for you. Please know that you are here now, and that in itself is a blessing.
Therefore, I challenge to see beyond one day of the year, beyond New Years. For each day, you should reflect on what that day has brought; be thankful for the good and the bad; see the blessing all around you; and mostly important, be a reflection of love and blessing to not only your loved ones but those who might despise you. Life is not easy, and it is full of hardship, but it is also full of awe, wonder, and love, but it must all start with you. Be wonder and love in someone's life, for I have learned that it is better to give than receive, and it is better to love than be loved, for only then the world can be as God intended to be, full of love. <3 Happy New Year and God bless you. :)
In May, I had surgery, and I am still alive and well, and at the moment, we gave thanks to God, I forgot to thank him for one of the hardest trials in my life. Nevertheless, my mom did not forget; she prayed with a grateful heart. My father also praised God for taking care of all year long. Was I not grateful to God, having forgotten one of the acts he did for me?
I am grateful, but His blessings are so abundant to count in one day, one night, one hour. New Years should be a time of celebration, of course, but it should not be the only time of reflection and thanks. Each day is a gift, full of blessings and wonder. There is awe all around us, simply by seeing a sun set or the laughter and smile of a loved one.
Perhaps, this past year had difficulties for you. I know mine did. Many times throughout the year, I faced hardships and wondered how I would continue to move forward in the midst of my sorrow. However, in spite of my pain, I learned to be thankful because I am blessed with a supportive family, surrounded by caring friends and even co-workers, and most of all, I am loved by a loving, merciful God who never abandons me. No matter what you encountered last year and might fact this coming year, know that you are loved by God who gave his son for you. Please know that you are here now, and that in itself is a blessing.
Therefore, I challenge to see beyond one day of the year, beyond New Years. For each day, you should reflect on what that day has brought; be thankful for the good and the bad; see the blessing all around you; and mostly important, be a reflection of love and blessing to not only your loved ones but those who might despise you. Life is not easy, and it is full of hardship, but it is also full of awe, wonder, and love, but it must all start with you. Be wonder and love in someone's life, for I have learned that it is better to give than receive, and it is better to love than be loved, for only then the world can be as God intended to be, full of love. <3 Happy New Year and God bless you. :)
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Rejection is a great gift if you truly think about it. It keeps us from giving our whole heart to the wrong person who God doesn't have for us. Rejection is, in a way, guarding your heart when you have failed to guard it yourself. It is why through prayer we must constantly ask God to help us be wise when it comes to our heart, and we must constantly bind and control our emotions for they can be deceiving. God loves us unconditionally, and thanks to rejection, we remember to turn to him for he must always be our first love. In due time, God will reveal to you the one destined for you that you have been yearning for because that true love is worth waiting for. It is then you'll say, "Thank you, God, for all those rejections, for without them, I wouldn't have found the one you created for me."
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Letting Go.
Can you recall one of the happiest moments of your childhood? For many, this might be easy. For others, like myself, it may be difficult. Many of us have had unpleasant situations as we grew up and even, now. Yet, the past is the past. It happened already, so we should let it go. Yes, this would be the ideal reaction to how we see our past; however, our past becomes a constant replay in our minds.
When it comes to letting go of the past, we are the worse experts. In fact, we are experts in bringing up the past, whether it is ours or another's. But, what is the point in doing that? The only time the past should be spoken about is when it is to either rejoice in good memories or reflect on lessons learns. Thinking about my past, which is such a great one, I focus on one aspect: God. There were many instances in my childhood, teen-hood, and even adulthood where I suffered. One of them being a child and witness to an alcoholic and drug addict father, another is the attempt to take my life, while other past moments are heartbreaks by loved ones or people in general. My past is tainted with hurtful experiences, and perhaps yours is too; nevertheless, our focus should be God's mercy.
I refer to God as the look-where-I-am-now phrase of life. Why? Because reflecting on my past and the path I was heading towards, I would not be here were it not for God's mercy, love, and grace which He has embedded in me, and every person who decides to make Him part of their life. I should be dead, but He saved me. Yeah, I know my past is not the greatest, but I am here standing for a reason. You are here standing for a reason. Your past is simply that, the past, a chaotic tempest in the midst of the ocean which has now passed and settled. You can choose to see your past as a passing though through ones mind. I know it is not easy, hence why I say we are professionals in bringing up the past. With God, all things are possible, and we can learn from Him how to let go.
Out of all the beings in the universe, God is the most powerful in existence: he is all knowing, all present, and all powerful. Despite all these characteristics of God, there is one component He chooses to forget often: the past. In Isaiah 43:25, God states, "“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins."Although this biblical verse uses the word "sin," it is still obvious that God is forgetting the past because God is forgetting an action a person has already done. Constantly, throughout the bible, God states that He shall not remember our sins, and He states that He will bury our sins, or past, into the deepest ends of the bottom of the ocean. When I think about this, it amazes me. How can the God and Creator of all the universe forget my past and transgressions against me? It is simple: God is love, and He loves me. Due to this love, He does not want me to hurt, and if I am willing to repent and let go, He is willing to forgive and forget.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 states, "4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Even though I believe all of the understand of love is necessary to help us go, my focus is on two main points: Love is not self-seeking, and Love does not keep a record of wrongs. Many times, when we bring up the past, we do it to hurt those around us or to remind someone that they have hurt us. It is a constant tool used in arguments to get ones way: "You did this to me, so now you must do this for me to make up for that time!" How is that love? We are not only seeking our benefit, ignoring the needs of the other person, but we are keeping a record of wrongs like if you have never messed up in your life before. That is not love, and one needs love always.
Furthermore, the past is just a record of wrongs. Perhaps, you keep a record of your wrongs and constantly believe you are unworthy or do not deserve better because of poor or bad choices you made in the past. Let me tell you this: we are all flawed, and we make mistakes. However, the biggest mistake you can make is letting your past control your future. Frankly, that is what many of us do. We choose to not take risk because we are afraid of failure. We turn down opportunities because it is probably going to turn out bad like that other time. We are stealing our own blessings because we are letting the past steer the wheel of our life. Stop keeping a record of wrongs. Love yourself, but most importantly, forgive yourself.
God, the maker of the universe, gave His only son, Jesus Christ to die for your sins, for your past mistakes. He gives you a blank slate to start over every time you mess up. He is the antidote for the poisoned past you have and still let to this day kill you slowly. That is what holding on to the past is: a poison inside you. Choose life today by choosing Jesus and letting go. God does not remember your past if you repent. He is the perfect example of letting go of the past. Maybe you feel you cannot do it, and honestly, without God, you cannot let go and heal. However, God is always with open arms willing to guide you. Do not let your past pave your future anymore, for if you do that, there is a gloomy dark cloud enveloping the light you desire to have. Let go today, so you can have a better tomorrow.
<3 Claudy
When it comes to letting go of the past, we are the worse experts. In fact, we are experts in bringing up the past, whether it is ours or another's. But, what is the point in doing that? The only time the past should be spoken about is when it is to either rejoice in good memories or reflect on lessons learns. Thinking about my past, which is such a great one, I focus on one aspect: God. There were many instances in my childhood, teen-hood, and even adulthood where I suffered. One of them being a child and witness to an alcoholic and drug addict father, another is the attempt to take my life, while other past moments are heartbreaks by loved ones or people in general. My past is tainted with hurtful experiences, and perhaps yours is too; nevertheless, our focus should be God's mercy.
I refer to God as the look-where-I-am-now phrase of life. Why? Because reflecting on my past and the path I was heading towards, I would not be here were it not for God's mercy, love, and grace which He has embedded in me, and every person who decides to make Him part of their life. I should be dead, but He saved me. Yeah, I know my past is not the greatest, but I am here standing for a reason. You are here standing for a reason. Your past is simply that, the past, a chaotic tempest in the midst of the ocean which has now passed and settled. You can choose to see your past as a passing though through ones mind. I know it is not easy, hence why I say we are professionals in bringing up the past. With God, all things are possible, and we can learn from Him how to let go.
Out of all the beings in the universe, God is the most powerful in existence: he is all knowing, all present, and all powerful. Despite all these characteristics of God, there is one component He chooses to forget often: the past. In Isaiah 43:25, God states, "“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins."Although this biblical verse uses the word "sin," it is still obvious that God is forgetting the past because God is forgetting an action a person has already done. Constantly, throughout the bible, God states that He shall not remember our sins, and He states that He will bury our sins, or past, into the deepest ends of the bottom of the ocean. When I think about this, it amazes me. How can the God and Creator of all the universe forget my past and transgressions against me? It is simple: God is love, and He loves me. Due to this love, He does not want me to hurt, and if I am willing to repent and let go, He is willing to forgive and forget.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 states, "4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Even though I believe all of the understand of love is necessary to help us go, my focus is on two main points: Love is not self-seeking, and Love does not keep a record of wrongs. Many times, when we bring up the past, we do it to hurt those around us or to remind someone that they have hurt us. It is a constant tool used in arguments to get ones way: "You did this to me, so now you must do this for me to make up for that time!" How is that love? We are not only seeking our benefit, ignoring the needs of the other person, but we are keeping a record of wrongs like if you have never messed up in your life before. That is not love, and one needs love always.
Furthermore, the past is just a record of wrongs. Perhaps, you keep a record of your wrongs and constantly believe you are unworthy or do not deserve better because of poor or bad choices you made in the past. Let me tell you this: we are all flawed, and we make mistakes. However, the biggest mistake you can make is letting your past control your future. Frankly, that is what many of us do. We choose to not take risk because we are afraid of failure. We turn down opportunities because it is probably going to turn out bad like that other time. We are stealing our own blessings because we are letting the past steer the wheel of our life. Stop keeping a record of wrongs. Love yourself, but most importantly, forgive yourself.
God, the maker of the universe, gave His only son, Jesus Christ to die for your sins, for your past mistakes. He gives you a blank slate to start over every time you mess up. He is the antidote for the poisoned past you have and still let to this day kill you slowly. That is what holding on to the past is: a poison inside you. Choose life today by choosing Jesus and letting go. God does not remember your past if you repent. He is the perfect example of letting go of the past. Maybe you feel you cannot do it, and honestly, without God, you cannot let go and heal. However, God is always with open arms willing to guide you. Do not let your past pave your future anymore, for if you do that, there is a gloomy dark cloud enveloping the light you desire to have. Let go today, so you can have a better tomorrow.
<3 Claudy
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Your Heart, Where is it?
The heart. Four chambers working together to pump blood throughout the whole body. Without a strong, healthy heart, our body cannot receive the oxygen and nutrition it needs to keep functioning. The heart is the center of our life force, and the blood within it, is the key to our existence. However, the heart is more than merely an organ; it goes beyond the physical and into the spiritual. The bible tells us in Proverbs 4:23, "Above everything else guard your heart, because from it flow the springs of life." Clearly, our heart is the source of life, the source of our existence. So today I ask you, what flows within your heart?
As I thought about this for weeks, Guard my heart, I wondered what God meant. How do I guard my heart? I feel pain, joy, sorrow, anger, and so many other emotions. To me, that is what the heart holds, emotions. When it comes to emotions, I have several. I am an emotional basket case you can say. However, throughout the weeks, God showed me that guarding my heart was more than that. During a youth conference with Jonathan Shuttlesworth, God clearly pointed out to me how to guard my heart: you must guard what you hear and you must guard what you see.
Anytime, I permitted myself to hear gossip. I was allowing my heart to be poisoned. The same applied when people judged or criticized me. I took their word to be true when clearly, the only word that is truth and life is that of God. When people tell you, you are not worthy and will not amount to anything, you need to rebuke those words to guard your heart. You must guard what you hear, so constantly be hearing God's word for your life. God says, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, so if someone is telling you the opposite, clearly, those are not words of truth or life and those words will only bring death to you. Do not let it be so. Furthermore, guard what you see. If you are seeing or even reading subjects that tempt you and cause you doubt what God has called you to be, which is a saint, then I recommend you stop allowing that to be part of your life. God called you for great missions, and allowing your life to be filled by trash is something you want to avoid. Therefore, what are you permitting yourself to hear and see? If it is not edifying and helping you in your walk with God and personally, then there is no need to hear or see it. For one must guard their heart, and one does this by guarding also their thoughts.
As I thought about this for weeks, Guard my heart, I wondered what God meant. How do I guard my heart? I feel pain, joy, sorrow, anger, and so many other emotions. To me, that is what the heart holds, emotions. When it comes to emotions, I have several. I am an emotional basket case you can say. However, throughout the weeks, God showed me that guarding my heart was more than that. During a youth conference with Jonathan Shuttlesworth, God clearly pointed out to me how to guard my heart: you must guard what you hear and you must guard what you see.
Anytime, I permitted myself to hear gossip. I was allowing my heart to be poisoned. The same applied when people judged or criticized me. I took their word to be true when clearly, the only word that is truth and life is that of God. When people tell you, you are not worthy and will not amount to anything, you need to rebuke those words to guard your heart. You must guard what you hear, so constantly be hearing God's word for your life. God says, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, so if someone is telling you the opposite, clearly, those are not words of truth or life and those words will only bring death to you. Do not let it be so. Furthermore, guard what you see. If you are seeing or even reading subjects that tempt you and cause you doubt what God has called you to be, which is a saint, then I recommend you stop allowing that to be part of your life. God called you for great missions, and allowing your life to be filled by trash is something you want to avoid. Therefore, what are you permitting yourself to hear and see? If it is not edifying and helping you in your walk with God and personally, then there is no need to hear or see it. For one must guard their heart, and one does this by guarding also their thoughts.
Now, yes, it is important to know how to guard the heart, but also to know why. Like we saw earlier, from the heart springs life. The bible says in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Where is your heart? For a long time, I gave my heart to the wrong persons. And for years, my heart was trampled on. My past "relationship" not only broke my heart but also poisoned it. I did not guard what I heard, which was negative and condensing remarks, such as me being like a cancer. I did not guard what I saw, which were constantly reading those lies about myself. It tainted my thoughts and heart with false truths that God had never said about me. I gave my heart to the wrong man, and for that, my heart, my life was suffering. For me, it was this man for a long time. However, for you, it can be anyone. Where does your heart lie? Who have you given it to? What are you allowing your heart to see and hear?
Wherever you heart is, I will tell you this: if your heart is not in God's hands, then you are not guarding it correctly. The greatest treasure we can have in our lives is Jesus Christ. When we give our heart to God, it is in the best hands. Why? God is love, and there is no greater, unconditional, and perfect love like His. At times, we do not realize this until our heart has been shattered, but if you have placed your heart in the wrong hands, there is still time to place it in God's hands. It was in His hands that my heart was mended and healed. I know that God will never hurt me, so I do my best to guard and give him my heart. I am not saying it is easy, but I am saying it is best. I vowed to guard my heart and to love Him above all things because I know that my heart is better in His hands than mine. I exhort you to do the same vow today. Think about where your heart is and what you are allowing to go into it. From your heart springs life, and a life without God, is simply a life without love, peace, and happiness. So make the right choice and allow God to be the holder of your heart. Trust me, you can never go wrong with God.
<3 Claudy
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Worthy
There are times we look in the mirror and see nothing valuable. Our vision is clouded by the mistakes of our past, the wounds inflicted by others--even ourselves, and the flaws we cannot seem to fix. Thus, we are blinded by the criticism of others and our own, always believing we are never enough for anyone. Yes, that is what we see in the mirror. It is not the reflection of who we truly are, but of whom we have become after all the weathering by life. What do you see? What is your reflection?
Many of us try to put a strong front, acting confident. Others' mirrors are always dirty while others have a few clean spots. It is rare to accept yourself for who you are, yet why do we expect others to accept us? Acceptance must first come from you, allowing yourself to know that it is okay to mess up. The world does not end at one mistake; instead, it blossoms, leading us into a whole new level of maturity and self reflection. By making those mistakes, we are able to grow and the roots that holds us become stronger. The storm will come, but our roots will remain firm. However, how do they become this way?
The Creator of the Universe reminds us of this: “...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our flaws--our weakness--are opportunities for God to grow in us. There are many areas in our lives that we cannot accept or seem to let go. We might not comprehend why we speak, sing, talk, walk, look, think, etc in a certain way. At times, we may hate it and desire to be like others. Yet, in those flaws, mistakes, wounds, and weaknesses, God becomes strong in us. His Glory shines in us.
One day, I asked God why I looked the way I did. In a vision, the Lord took me to a mirror. I only saw light and could barely see my face. Then, He said, "This is how I see you: a radiant light. Everyone else will see my Glory shine in you." The same is for you. He confirms it with his word: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). It was then that I knew that God saw me more than I saw myself. I was worth more than I ever thought.
I am not saying it is easy to believe it, especially when there are many whirlwinds in life that tear us apart. Nonetheless, you, who feel worthless and invaluable, are must more than meets the eye. You are so special that you were bought in blood, which was shed by Jesus Christ. You are worthy, thanks to Jesus. When you welcome Jesus your heart, you are not only forgiven all your sins but are also made into a child of God, of the Most High. Every blessings in Ephesians 1, calling you beloved, blessed, holy, and so forth are true. YOU ARE WORTHY!
So I call you today to forgive yourself, forgive those who hurt you, repent of your sins, and open your heart to Jesus. For you are more than what you and others see. And when you look into that mirror again, remember to tell yourself: I am the child of the Most High. I was bought with the price of blood. I am Worthy because Jesus Christ lives in my heart.
God bless you,
Claudy <3
Many of us try to put a strong front, acting confident. Others' mirrors are always dirty while others have a few clean spots. It is rare to accept yourself for who you are, yet why do we expect others to accept us? Acceptance must first come from you, allowing yourself to know that it is okay to mess up. The world does not end at one mistake; instead, it blossoms, leading us into a whole new level of maturity and self reflection. By making those mistakes, we are able to grow and the roots that holds us become stronger. The storm will come, but our roots will remain firm. However, how do they become this way?
The Creator of the Universe reminds us of this: “...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our flaws--our weakness--are opportunities for God to grow in us. There are many areas in our lives that we cannot accept or seem to let go. We might not comprehend why we speak, sing, talk, walk, look, think, etc in a certain way. At times, we may hate it and desire to be like others. Yet, in those flaws, mistakes, wounds, and weaknesses, God becomes strong in us. His Glory shines in us.
One day, I asked God why I looked the way I did. In a vision, the Lord took me to a mirror. I only saw light and could barely see my face. Then, He said, "This is how I see you: a radiant light. Everyone else will see my Glory shine in you." The same is for you. He confirms it with his word: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). It was then that I knew that God saw me more than I saw myself. I was worth more than I ever thought.
I am not saying it is easy to believe it, especially when there are many whirlwinds in life that tear us apart. Nonetheless, you, who feel worthless and invaluable, are must more than meets the eye. You are so special that you were bought in blood, which was shed by Jesus Christ. You are worthy, thanks to Jesus. When you welcome Jesus your heart, you are not only forgiven all your sins but are also made into a child of God, of the Most High. Every blessings in Ephesians 1, calling you beloved, blessed, holy, and so forth are true. YOU ARE WORTHY!
So I call you today to forgive yourself, forgive those who hurt you, repent of your sins, and open your heart to Jesus. For you are more than what you and others see. And when you look into that mirror again, remember to tell yourself: I am the child of the Most High. I was bought with the price of blood. I am Worthy because Jesus Christ lives in my heart.
God bless you,
Claudy <3
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