with a Taoist and an Agnostic. And I was reminded that God puts some people in our way for specific reasons. Even if they do not believe the exact same things that we do, or have peace through the same ways, they can offer us a lot. We don’t always learn through the conventional or the typical. But we all learn through different things. These two young men really reminded me of what’s important in this life and what I should be living. Thanks guys!

     Usually, when I get on tumblr or when I set out to do something to strengthen my connection with God, I’m pretty motivated about it; I’m just really passionate and ready to have at it. Other times I just feel so negative and unhappy that I make excuses and feel unfulfilled until I do a Godly post or read some scripture, or even listen to Godly music. 
      But then there’s times like today, when I feel absolutely neutral about the issue. I don’t necessarily feel like I want to do anything about it, but I don’t feel like NOT doing anything about it. 
      So, I went and grabbed my laptop, intent on making a post or reblogging a good amount of inspirational or thoughtful posts. I opened tumblr… and I felt nothing. Nothing came to mind when I started to write a post, and no images really caught my eye to where I felt like I needed to hit “reblog”. 
     However, I felt I needed to take some time today and put some effort into this. I had to physically remove myself from the room I was in (where the LOTR marathon I was enjoying was going on), even though I was perfectly content, and put myself in a situation where I could concentrate on the task at hand.
     My point (after that LONG and seemingly meaningless introduction) is that even if you are not driven to do anything specific for God, or you are not moved to put effort into what you are doing to further yourself spiritually, FORCE yourself. After I moved rooms and just started typing, I gained some steam. So, even if you don’t feel motivated or moved, just give it a chance. If no scripture is speaking to you, keep reading. You’ll find something, even if it’s the littlest feeling of positivity in your heart. If you are trying to pray, but don’t feel particularly thankful or in need of God, pray with everything in your heart anyway. You’ll find something that you really needed to give up to God, or something you are really really thankful for. Just give it a shot. What do you have to lose, other than negativity?

    A lot of Christians—especially new or young Christians—don’t think twice about the kind of entertainment they enjoy. From R-rated movies, to musical artists that curse excessively, we can shrug off just about any type of discomfort when it comes to the things we like.
     I am somewhat of a Horror movie junkie. I live for Horror movies, from cheesy B-list flicks, to up and coming theater releases. But recently, I have been thinking about this entertainment addiction. Most of the Horror movies that are my favorites are either extremely gory and violent, or very very dark. The more disturbing, the better. But is this really what God wants from me? If Christ were to come at the very second I was in the middle of my favorite Horror movie, would he be pleased with what I was putting into my spirit?
Everything that we take in will be reflected in our lives. We cannot indulge in the desires of the world and still be pleasing in God’s sight. One of my very good friends has his own personal rule: he refuses to watch any movie that is R-rated, or that is PG-13 because of questionable themes. This is very admirable, and I respect his standards for himself because of God’s desire for him to stay pure.
One of the biggest threats that the youth of the world faces today is music. Often we listen to music to fill the void, to have some white noise. Or we listen to music without really paying attention to the message behind it. This is extremely dangerous. If we are listening to and endorsing something that praises the desires of the world, then we are not praising God. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to only listen to hymns. But you should always be vigilant and on-guard when listening to music, especially on popular mainstream radio stations (this is something I have simply observed: mainstream pop music tends to be the most catchy, with lyrics that have more insidious meaning).

All in all, please don’t think that just because something isn’t flat-out denying the power or existence of God that it isn’t going to have a negative affect on your spiritual well-being. What is in our hearts will be reflected in the fruits of our faith. A saying comes to mind: “You are what you eat”. What you take into your heart and mind will be evident in your actions and words. 

I’ve decided to attempt to post a journal entry every day in hopes that my struggles and triumphs can be shared with others who may be having the same issues. I think it will help us be able to connect and to share creative solutions to our problems and difficulties! :)

January 24, 2012 

Once again, today I am feeling defeated. It seems like all my friends are avoiding me, and I am missing out on the fun things that they are doing with other people. I am afraid to go to the Campus Ventures House because when I try to be a part of organized Christian activities I feel like a fraud. I know that these people face some of the same struggles I do, and that they don’t feel superior to me, but my social anxiety and my belief that they are “more faithful” than I am keeps me from joining in. The voice of God is increasing in volume inside me, and I know He is here with me during this difficult time. But the urge to ignore Him is also increasing, and I find it harder and harder to look on the positive side of things. On a another note, my new fish seems very healthy. Thank you God, for the blessing of animals and pets! Also, my Drawing 2 class is going very well. Please, God, help me to have a better day tomorrow and to feel refreshed by the Holy Spirit for the rest of the week. 

<3   M.K. 

     As a Christian, I often get the idea in my head that I have to be profound. That everything I say (and even everything I post) should be a grand gesture for the Glory of God. The thing is, even though my faith may be “ordinary”, God sees me as “extraordinary”.
     Even the smallest things that you do with God in mind are huge steps in your faith. A Christian lifestyle isn’t a gigantic feat or deed. Think about it this way: someone who lives by vegan beliefs expresses their lifestyle every time they eat or drink. We don’t really take a meal or a beverage into consideration when thinking about expressions of belief. But even something as average as lunch can be an “ordinary” way to follow your faith. 
      I’m not saying we shouldn’t put an extra effort into praising God through our deeds, but don’t beat yourself up for not turning water into wine on a daily basis. Just know that God is always there, and keep listening to that still-small-voice. 

:D

If you are a blog that posts frequently or exclusively about Faith, God, and a Christian lifestyle (or if you would like to follow a blog with that agenda), please like or reblog this post. You’re welcome to follow me, and I will do my best to post a positive message every day!