Ring.

Isn't it awesome?!

I got this ring from my previous relationship and just kind of wore it. I never really felt anything when I looked at it. I just got used to wearing it, so I never took it off. Then, my little sister, Jessica got the same ring, and she had a great idea.

She wanted to get "Do It Big" engraved on ours in memory of Austin (her big brother). I wrote about him on here a year ago. If you know me, it is almost impossible that you don't know his story. It has been 5 years since he passed and I knew the engraving would be the best thing to remember him by.

As soon as I got the ring back, it increased in value to me so much. I guess before I could probably lose it or misplace it and it be OK. Now, I feel like I have this item worth so much more on my finger. I think what I like about it the most is, "Do It Big" is placed inside the heart. I know Austin lives on inside of my heart and everyone he left behind.

Short post, but I knew I wanted to share the ring on here. Hope everyone has a great week :)

Unexpected

“Most people want to be circled by safety, not by the unexpected. The unexpected can take you out. But the unexpected can also take you over and change your life. Put a heart in your body where a stone used to be.”  
 - Same Kind of Different as Me-
An amazing read! If you love missionary work or working with the homeless, I highly recommend it. Even if you don't, still give it a read. It starts out a little slow, but offers an amazing true story.

I don't even think I can put into words what a fantastic weekend I just had! I finally got to go to Dallas with my best friend from college, Ashley. We have been planning a trip to go there forever, and it finally fell into place :)

To start with, I want to say what a beautiful person Ashley is. She really has been a blessing since the day she entered my life. We first worked together at the apartments in college. She was one of my only team member I could count on to do a good job at tasks. She put her whole self into that job and I can not thank her enough for that. Once I graduated, we kept in touch. She became my official shoulder to cry and lean on when times got tough. I would text her in the middle of the day with all types of issues and she always knew the right words to say. The most important part of our friendship is that we are both Christians, trying to grow in our faith and relationship to Him. Our friendship reminds me of a part of the book that was in my post last week 

"Someone once said that the depth of a friendship is determined by the depth of what you hold in common. If your common bond is an interest in tennis, chances are you'll have a shallow relationship. What I've found in my own life is that when the common bond is Jesus Christ, there's a potential for a deep, abiding friendship in which you're knit together at the soul."

It is so refreshing to have a friend that is as positive and loving as Ashley. After meeting her family, I can easily see why she is the way she is. Thank y'all for opening up your home and hearts to me. I enjoyed finally getting to meet y'all. I cannot wait to return, (hopefully soon!!) :)

 Now to the quote that I put at the beginning of this blog. My heart was given a boost of humbleness and love this weekend. Ashley took me to downtown Dallas to feed the homeless at a kitchen she regularly volunteers at. Talk about an unexpected situation. I had no idea really want to expect, except that I wanted to go in with an open heart and a smile. It was an amazing opportunity to experience. I met so many wonderful people. Many of them had a smile on their face and when I asked how they were doing, some even said, "I am very blessed". Isn't that amazing? How many people with a home, a full stomach and tons of money walk around with a frown on their face? These people have nothing, but the clothes on their back and they can say they are blessed. That was so unexpected to me, a very good unexpected. It made my heart so happy to see them receiving God's Word and having their Bibles open!

It is times like these that I count all of my blessings over and over again in my head. Times like these that I know my heart belongs in His work. Helping those who cannot help themselves makes me feel complete. I felt more complete when I was at the kitchen than I have in a long time. It was the ultimate reward to see them leave with a little bit more hope and a full belly. I pray I can go back again and see those wonderful people. I also pray God can open up more opportunities like this in my own community.

So, the next time you feel that your heart is turning to stone and you need a boost, just volunteer! Volunteer where ever you feel called. Whether it is with people or animals or behind the scenes. Every little bit that you do counts, not just for them, but for you as well. :)

Love y'all and God Bless,

Lauren

But I found out everybody's different--the same kind of different as me. We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us. The truth about it is, whether we rich or poor or somethin in between, this earth ain't no final restin place. So in a way, we is all homeless--just workin our way toward home.” - Same Kind of Different as Me-

Use Me.

OK so I am reading this amazing, powerful book called "Inside the Mind of the Unchurched Harry and Mary".  My equally amazing friend James let me borrow it about 3 months ago, and I am just now getting to it. I wish I read it earlier and I recommended to anyone trying to reach those who are "unchurched" in your life. I lovelovelove this prayer in the book the author suggests to use when speaking to the Lord about using you. So here it is, because I think everyone needs to read it :)

"Lord, I want to get into the fray. I want to play a role in the biggest adventure story of all time. Use me to make a difference. Use me to impact a young person for You. Use me to solve someone's problems. Use me to soothe someone's pain. Use me to answer someone's prayers. Use me to feed someone who's hungry. Use me to rescue a child. Use me to bring someone to You. Use me to ease someone's loneliness. Use me to raise a godly family. Use me to deepen someone's faith. Use me to cheer someone on. Use me to help a broken person understand that he's precious in Your sight. Use me to touch lives in Your name. I don't want to just observe cathedrals through my bus window; I want to roll up my sleeves and build one! Lord, use me to build a living cathedral dedicated to your glory. Amen"

Isn't this an awesome prayer to pray to our Father?! I want Him to use me as He pleases. I want to get my hands dirty in His work, work that He made for ME!

Well to end tonight's short post, always remember that through everything, He is right there beside you. He will not leave you because HE LOVES YOU!!

Bright eyed and bushy tailed

I usually have some sort of topic or direction when it comes to these things. I really don't tonight, but I figured that it OK. I mean it is my blog, so I will write as I please...

First off, my best friend got married last week, to one of my best guy friends. It made my heart unbelievably happy. I love seeing my friends happy and in love. They are two really amazing people and I look up to both of them for their love and kindness. I was a big ball of emotions the whole weekend. All happy ones of course, but ranging from happy tears to laughter. It was one of the biggest honors in my life to be her maid of honor. With all of the love in the air, it makes me think of my future. I really can't wait to meet the one I am supposed to be with. Until then, I am happy with where I am now.

I love and I mean LOVE, how I am able to serve God while I am single. I know I couldn't grow in the way I am growing now if I had to devote time to a temporary boyfriend. Yes, that would be the easy way out. To revert to having a boyfriend, just to fill my time, just so I am not lonely. HE fills my heart now, HE holds me when I feel broken. I know no man on this earth can love me the way HE does.

Which brings me to my next point of the BOYS that seem to think they are men. The ones who talk to woman without respect, like they are a piece of meat or property. The ones who think it is attractive to have the biggest thing going for them, is their "swag". The ones that are too "busy" to have God in their life. Who only are interested in physical relationships. Who attempt to cheat on their pregnant girlfriend, or any girlfriend for that matter.

What is wrong with y'all?! Look, I don't need perfection, nor a flawless past. I understand life happens, and so do mistakes. I have made them, I am not perfect. I just am wondering where all the good men are??

So this time, I am not settling. I am focusing on what HIS plan is for me. I am ever ready and eager to go where He leads me. I am excited to live life for everything that it is worth. This summer I just want to feel alive. I want to feel the sand beneath my toes and the wind in my hair...ok maybe I just really want to go to the beach haha either way I am ready for what He has in store. Bright eyed and bushy tailed... :)

(Yes, I realize I am a big dork, but at this point if you don't know this then you are probably not my friend)

Got that FIRE!

"I have faith that God will show you the answer. But you have to understand that sometimes it takes a while to be able to recognize what God wants you to do. That's how it often is. God's voice is usually nothing more than a whisper, and you have to listen very carefully to hear it. But other times, in those rarest of moments, the answer is obvious and rings as loud as a church bell.”
 N. Sparks

Last night at my Tuesday night Bible study, a few ladies from my small group came up to me. One told me that she has been praying for me. Just a side note, it is an AWESOME feeling to be told that you have been prayed for.  To be prayed for means that you were on someone’s heart and mind. I usually don’t tell people when I pray for them, but I think I will start. She literally made my night. After she told me that she had been praying for me, she commented on how amazing it is that, at my young age how much of  a fire I have for God. Another woman came up and agreed with her. They both explained how they didn’t have a passion for the Lord until they were in their 30s or so. I was beyond flattered by these woman. In my eyes, these women were wise Christians, who I looked up to. Here they were praising me for my faith? WOW!  I became speechless and then accredited my momma for always pushing me towards Christ.

As I walked away, I began to think. Yes, my mom is the reason I came to know Christ. I am ever -grateful for being raised in a Christian household. My parents did their part as Christian parents to raise me as they should. I also must always ALWAYS give my thanks to God. He is the reason, that I am who I am. After I left the nest, it was my job to become a sheep or a goat. One path leads to Him and the other path to the unthinkable.

I can clearly see that my adult journey with Him began last  May. I had graduated from college, and it was time to stop my childish ways. OK so maybe it wasn’t as clear as I make it seem. It has been tough journey. It wasn’t like God just came down and said, “Hey Lauren, from this day forward, life will be easy, just follow me”. In fact, I turned away from Him at first. I thought I could solve my problems on my own. It wasn’t until up was the only I could look. I soon realized He is the answer to every question. I think that it is important to point out, that He came to be while I was broken. He came to me, when a storm was raging. God calls out to the broken, hurting, drug addicts, drunks and non-believers. He does not look down upon you for your sins. It is because of Jesus that those very sins are forgiven.

I started changing my ways. I listened to KSBJ instead of KILT, I went to Bible study instead of out with friends, gone were my words of bitterness, replaced with His love. I realized that I would need a whole lifestyle change in order for me to give all of myself to Him. I’m not saying that I am perfect now. I am far from it and still struggle at times. I can tell I am now stronger through Him. I am beyond grateful of the events that have taken place over these past months. I was drowning and He pulled me up into a world I was blind from before.

Back to the women at Bible study…As I said, I began thinking once I walked away from the group of how sad it really is. How sad that not more young adults have a love for Christ. How sad that this world is how it is today. How sad that sin is not only highly accepted, but rewarded and encouraged. How great would it be if those woman weren’t amazed by my faith, but if the fire for Christ was the "norm" for 21- year old females. What a different world we would live in…

So it starts with YOU and me. It starts with those of us who are already Christians. We cannot merely sit there and complain about this world, and do nothing about it. I used to, but it got me nowhere. Go live out your life in a way that make people wonder, “where on Earth does this person get that fire and love from?” (Answer: nowhere on earth, but from ABOVE!) Be fearless, courageous and don’t forget to PRAY!

Love y’all and may God’s peace stay with you!

The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today

Is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips

Then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.

That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable

--DC Talk

You've Got A Friend in Me

“I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time- waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God- it changes me.”

― C.S. Lewis

I love that my God never changes. I love that He never moves from me.  He is like a lighthouse and I am a ship lost at sea. His light leads me home, pulls me in and shows me the way. When I begin to drift away from Him, He stands still and waits for his wayward child to come back again. No matter what mistakes I make, nor how many times I deny Him, He still says, “You are mine, follow me”.  I love this concept.

This concept is what made me realize how I want to live my life. I want to be that person who is there for others. The one who never is more than a phone call away, just like God is no more than a prayer away. I know I cannot be perfect, nor do I want to be. I just want my friends to know that no matter what I am here for them.

Growing up, my parents always told me that I have a really big heart. While that may seem like a good thing, they were worried about me getting hurt. The truth is, I look for the good in people. I trust people until they give me a reason not too, forgive when many won’t and love at all costs. I do this because I refuse to live my life shielded, with a bitter head and heart. I actually believed that everyone lived their life like that. I mean who wouldn’t want to be in an almost constant state of positive energy? Haha

I soon learned that many choose not to live their life as I do. Some call how I live my life is naïve, which I am far from. That is fine, to each their own. I refuse to lower my standards for those who refuse to raise theirs. So I continue with my big heart, full of the glory of God!

I don’t care how long a friend has gone without talking to me, I will pick up right where we left off. No matter if that friendship previously ended in anger or happiness.  A great example of this is me and one of my best friends, Kelly. We met at children’s choir at church when we were probably six. Her family moved to a different church and we grew apart. As most 6 year olds do because, well we are 6 and can’t drive or really call each other. Move onto middle school and look who is in my theatre class, KELLY!! Many fond memories are made during this time. (I wrote a full blog about these memories, if you would like to know more). Then, we got into an over dramatic fight (as most middle school fights are) and the friendship ended. Going into high school, I really didn’t talk to her at all. She had a new boyfriend, a new life it seemed. I really wanted to be there for her when I heard from others about her life. I remember we were at a friend’s birthday party and it was just extremely awkward. It is weird going from being at her house every day, to not even knowing anything about her current life. One day when I was waiting for my mom to pick me up from school, I saw her sitting outside as well. I went over to her and we just kind of struck up a random conversation. It was just like we never stopped being friends. Pretty soon, we were caught up on each other’s life. The years  in high school flew by and we graduated. We found out that we would be managers together at a local pool. Let me state something right now, Kelly by herself, pretty responsible. Me, by myself, pretty responsible. Us, together, we lose all sense of maturity. She is that friend, that no matter how old we get, I can still act like a complete idiot with. Yet still have deep conversations about life. If you don’t have one of these friends, I suggest you find one ASAP. That whole summer was full of fun and nonsense. I left for college and she stayed near home. We slowly drifted apart, I think it was both of our faults. We both did things to upset the other. So we decided the go our separate ways. She was soon engaged, married and pregnant. I once again found myself wondering how she was doing and hoping she was happy with her new life. I graduated college, moved back home and found myself at Kelly’s house one day. She makes jewelry and I went to go check it out. As always, we picked up right where we left off! I pretty much don’t go a week without seeing her. It is so cool to see someone that you have known since you were six, have their own little family. I love how supportive her husband is of her and what a great dad he is to their daughter. Kelly is such a great mom and wife as well. It is so amazing to have such a true friend. Even more, someone you know who understands you and is a sister in Christ. I know that no matter what happens or how far we will move, we will always be there for each other. Thankfully, I am blessed to not only have her, but a few other friend I could say this about.

To conclude, I want YOU to know that I am here for you and more importantly GOD is here for you! If you have hurt me in the past, I forgive you. For you are only human too. If I have hurt you in the past, please accept my apology. We all sin, we all make mistakes. Life is about forgiving and moving on from the heartache of the past. So, I have a challenge for you this week. Contact an old friend, maybe someone who hurt you, someone you have been meaning call. Let them know that they are loved. Holding onto grudges only hurts you, not them. It only imprisons you, while they walk free.  Live life with a really big heart and never look back! 

List

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her…

Growing up, all teenage girls have a sort of “check list” of traits their boyfriend MUST possess. Whether it is the typical blonde hair, blue eyes. Or the tall, dark and handsome. I can almost guarantee that every girl has some sort of dream guy in her mind. My guy went a little something like this:

16- Year-old Lauren Roehr’s Must-have in a Guy List

1.       Straight teeth…or at least a nice smile

2.       Rockin’ Bod…or at least care about your health

3.       Funny…on every girl's list

4.       Honest, trustworthy and all that junk

5.       Morals…because I always have stuck by mine

As you can tell, I was pretty shallow back in the day. If I wasn’t thinking with the mind of a 16 year old, I would have probably flipped that list around. Actually, that list kind of followed me through college too. By following this list I managed to date a hand full of guys who, might have been great to look at, but lacked on honesty and sometimes morals as well.

To be fair, I was 16. I was immature, everything was a big deal and what I wanted changed on a daily basis. I dated many different guys and was pretty much never single. I would go from hanging out with one guy, get tired of him and almost instantly find another. (None of these were serious relationships, where love was involved). Things were easy that way and I never got lonely.  I was never alone and therefore, never had to learn how to be by myself. Thankfully, I was smart enough to keep my morals throughout all of this. I am proud to say I never have been, and never will be a girl who sleeps around, or needs that type of love to feel comfort. I just really enjoyed always having someone around to have fun with and get those sweet, “Good Morning” texts from.

It wasn’t until the first semester of college that I had to learn how to be on my own. My boyfriend of almost 2 years and I had just broken up. We both went our separate ways to college. He was honest with me when we first started dating about how we would break up when college came. I just really thought I would change his mind. (Made note to self: A guy will only change his way and mind when he wants to for himself, not for anyone else). That first semester at college was to say the least, tough. I was thrown into a sea of people, where I only knew maybe 5. All I wanted was to be back with him. I had no clue how to be single. Actually, I am still terrible at being single. I don’t enjoy living the life many single people do. I am such a homebody, even more now than then. I went back home almost every weekend.  So, I didn’t lead the normal single college girls life. Most guys in college just want one thing…the one thing that they won’t get from me.

Knowing that, I stayed single that whole first year, and it got easier as time went on. I learned not to depend on anyone, except myself. There were a few guys who showed their interest here and there. Nothing that was ever made more than a few dates. Then, I fell in love again. Zip through 8 months of that, straight into another serious relationship of over a year, and I found myself back at square one of not know how to be alone.

This time it is different because I have Him. HE tells me that I am not alone, that I have never been alone and that I will never be alone. He tells me that in my darkest hour, when no one else is there to be found, He is there. He calms the storm inside of me, fills up the loneliness and lets me know that I am loved, because I am His!! He was there the whole time, I just needed to realize His presence.

Realizing all of this was been such a blessing on my life. Hard times don’t seem as hard and I can just see everything clearer now. All of this brings me to the point of this blog, my new list. My new list, isn’t even a list at all. This criteria centers around HIM! I know that what I was missing before in all of my relationships was, Him.  I know I want to marry a man who loves God more than he loves me. A man who isn’t afraid to give everything to God. A man I can pray, worship and rejoice in the Lord with. Someone who understands why I go to Bible study on Tuesday, help with youth on Wednesday, Sunday and  sometimes overnight trips. Who will encourage me and push me to be the best Christian I can be. I want my children to have two parents that follow Christ.  I want a marriage that when times get tough, we turn to Him for guidance instead of sin or worldly things. Thinking of these things is what makes my heart happy.


I pray that if it is in His plan for me to get married, that my husband will be all of this and more...


As for my life now, I plan to continue on my walk with Him. I am using this time as a single woman to let my relationship with Him grow. I know He will use me in ways that will benefit most from me being single. Ways that I would not being able to help with if I was still in college, or married with a family. I truly am giving it all up to Him and can't wait to see what blessings will unfold while doing His work here on this temporary home. 

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.[a] 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:25-33