Once God turns His hourglass upside down for each creation, we pass the starting point of life toward the finish line that takes our last breath away. All creation called into existence by the voice of God has a set expiration date during our physical experience on Earth. Everything that is manifested by the will of God eventually returns to the ethos of His will, and that is a blessing.
To quote one of my favorite movie series of all time, The Matrix, “Everything that has a beginning has an end.” Well, in our lives, away from the Hollywood script, the end is just the beginning for us as children of the Lord. Through our spirit, the real us, made in His image, we can live a life after this one in peace and harmony with the creator of everything. The fact that we don't continue our physical experience is a gift because returning to our true home is the grander part of life itself.
Death is the side effect of sin from man being seduced by the devil. From the bite of the fruit came spiritual death, which is separation from God. When God walked through the garden of Eden looking for a shamed Adam and Eve, he could not find them, not because He didn’t know where they were, but because our connection was severed. Our sensitivity of spirit to spirit became petrified and remained rock-hard for millennia. The moment we are conceived into the world, sin takes its blood-stained blades, and cuts are ties to the Father. When that happens, we are on a collision course to eternal damnation.
Until we say yes to Jesus, we are mere flesh and bone for the devil to devour in this world. Jesus is the key to being saved and fending off the hungry lion, the devil. True purpose is awakening spiritually to our true identities and who we are called to be in this temporary life and the next one.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
One of life’s many questions that can keep a person up all night is what happens when we die. The believer knows that this physical experience is not our final stop. The life that awaits the family of God makes this one seem like a short-lived dream compared to the glory of Heaven. Behind the pearly gates into divine freedom and unfathomable love is Jesus with His hand stretched out, waiting for us to come home to where the angels sing on streets made of gold. Coming home is believing in Christ by renewing our minds and hearts to be set on Him. This verse echoes the true definition of love that reverberates on a scale that is hard to measure based on our limited standards of thought processing and comprehension.
The fires of hell raised and burned the first bridge from Genesis into a smoldering pile of ashes that blew around the world, blocking out God's original blessings for us. A curtain of darkness the evil one used for a circus that would reciprocate the harsh conditions of history, but a new bridge was made that can't be broken through redefining the meaning of sacrifice. The Son lifted the black smog from the world and shined bright so we would not suffer a fate far exceeding being lowered six feet under soft dirt.
God the Father loves us so much that He did the hardest thing a parent can do. For the sake of humanity, blood and water spilled on Calvary and leaked all over the Book of Life, with countless names to be called for another chance at eternity in Paradise. If you or I sacrificed the most precious thing we could ever imagine, like our own child, for the greater good of a cosmic cause that would span for generations to come, wouldn’t you want that cause to be not just remembered but loved, and appreciated in our everyday lives? For God so loved the world that instead of us being stuck in an infinite loop of spiritual death, experiencing the traumas of our sinful nature on a hamster wheel, our Father broke the unmerciful paradox to obliteration with unfailing mercy and gave us the greatest blessing of all. When we accept this gift of salvation, we are born again as a new creation, freed from death.
“Then Shall the dust return to the Earth as it was; and the Spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7
Human beings were created from the soil of the Earth. Our temples were constructed from the natural world. Our organic outer shell represents a unique order of creation, which reveals the beauty of having bodies as spiritual beings. We are spirit in a precious temple the Father constructed carefully with His own hands. Our consciousness is symbolic of the essence of the Lord, allowing us to be aware and interact with reality as He saw fit. The physical manifestations of God's will and His breath of life blew forth His children into existence, and our seeds, like the pollen of a dandelion, spread about to reap and sow.
Without the Spirit of the Lord in us, we are just a clay model that is lifeless on the shelf, numb to purpose and devoid of meaning. When we pass on from this life we exist in right now, our physical bodies revert to the past ingredients that molded our flesh and bones. From dust to dust, spirit to spirit, we disassemble from the very elements we were created that date further back than our definition of time. We never truly die since we are spiritual beings in a vessel of clay that is only here for a little while. The body will expire, but the spirit lives on forever, and that is when we make our way to the place we can piece together with imagination and biblical truths.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The mind, body, and spirit. This cycle of three replicates the immortal endless similarity we have to the creator relative to His likeness and the natural order. The blue blanket that is the firmament holds precious water particles that reflect the Lord's home, attracting our spirit upwards to a fate that surpasses the concept of death as we know it. By diving into the written word teaming with life, we can drown ourselves in the living scripture and return the surface to a surface-level world needing the same baptism.
“For whoever would save his own life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25
We often put ourselves on a pedestal as people who need to be in control of everything that happens in our lives via cultural influences that ultimately negate spiritual growth and enhance sinful habits. That pedestal we idolize ourselves on is like a foundation of quicksand that we can easily sink into what is beyond our control, which is God working the balance of life and death on a spectrum that we can only accept not with common logic but through spiritual maturity and faith. Jesus remained on the cross purposely for the bigger picture of God's plan for us. That pedestal at Calvary was used as a mockery of excruciating pain for Christ, but he won the fight at that moment, finishing the prophecy and putting us on a new pedestal we can choose to step on to finish first.
We cannot save our own lives spiritually speaking, and in most cases physically, because we can only do so much as humans. Although our will can allow us to do amazing things, there are works going on behind the scenes that we cannot influence. We can make healthy and responsible choices to preserve the temple God blessed us to live in. We can workout, eat clean, and get rid of toxic addictions. We can do all of those things that are necessary to do. However, none of that will mean anything if we don't submit our sinful egos to Jesus Christ, which is to accept Him as Lord and Savior and ask Him to cleanse our sins.
If you were to describe what hell is to non-believers, it is a place that most people would not want to find themselves in. Even the non-believer knows hell is a place where they would rather avoid, even if they think it is a place of fiction, which it is not. Our fight to conquer death is to start right now. It's never too late to accept Jesus Christ so we can start fighting the right way. It won’t be easy, and God doesn’t expect a perfect Christian to walk the path of faith. The journey of now and forever is accepting the gift of salvation that Christ gave to us that will last from now and forever.
There will come a time for each of us when the last bits of sand fulfill their purpose by falling to the bottom, allowing us to empty out of the present and to the presence of God, who exists outside of our parameters of time. We are no longer confined to the hourglass but to being judged by the Almighty. Death revives us to our source of creation, the loving Father, and we are given our next life, which is eternity in Heaven. Death is not to be feared as a void of nothing, yet another part of the grander story of destiny from the Almighty when we believe in Jesus' promise.
Author Bio
My name is Michael Colon born and raised in New York City. Me and my wife attend a non denominational church as we both explore and grow in our faith together. Creative writing has been an amazing journey so far, and my mission is to continue to impact the lives of others through my written craft. Faith, hard work, and consistency is the motto I live by and with the help of the Lord we can fulfill living a fruitful live in Jesus name. I look forward to always sharing my work.
]]>Here's 10 ways to keep Christ at the center of your family's Christmas celebration.
1. Read the Christmas story in the Bible with your family
The simplest place to start, and an important foundation for your family's knowledge on the birth of Christ. Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 2:1-20 both document the original Christmas story, back before Ralphie got his Red Ryder BB gun.
2. Watch a Christ-focused movie
Unfortunately many Christmas movies don't even mention the name Jesus. As entertaining as they are, they fall short of what Christmas is really about. Some great movies to watch with your family at Christmas time are The Star of Bethlehem, The Nativity Story, The Gospel of John, The Greatest Story Ever Told, and yes, A Charlie Brown Christmas.
3. Use a calendar with Scripture
Advent looks forward to Christ coming at Christmas (advent is derived from a word that means 'coming') and is also a time of preparation for this event. Using an advent calendar will give you a daily reminder from Scripture to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas and renew your spirit as the day approaches.
4. Look at Old Testament Prophecies about the birth of Jesus
The arrival of the Messiah is foretold in hundreds of Old Testament prophecies. Numerous of these speak directly of Christ's birth, and reading through these prophecies while seeing the fulfillment of the New Testament is such a powerful way to build faith in the Lord.
5. Call out the wrong messages
It's all around us- movies, cartoons, casual discussion- they all show gift giving, decorating, and spending time with others. And all of these can be good! However, they fall short of the beautiful meaning of Christmas, that God sent his Son here into the world as a baby, to be the sacrifice for our sins and save those who believe in Him.
6. Listen to Christian music
Christmas music is a lot of meaningless fluff. There's little mention of Christ and much lacks any substance at all. Now, check out this verse from the Christian song "Light of the World" by Lauren Daigle:
And can you hear the angels singing
Glory to the light of the world
Glory, the light of the world is here
The drought breaks with the tears of a mother
A baby's cry is the sound of love
Give some Christian music a listen this Christmas, and see if it helps you find the true meaning of Christmas.
7. Make serving others the highlight of your Christmas
Mark 10:45 says that Christ did not come to be served, but to serve. This time of the year can often become a very self-centered time, and stepping back to serve others gives you an opportunity to think about the needs of those around you. This can take place in a church, homeless shelter, or by doing random acts of kindness to the strangers around you.
8. Share the Word of God
Christmas might be the best time of the year to invite that friend or relative to church. Church is often in the back of people's minds; a curiosity lies beneath, but a feeling of uneasiness to a new experience, environment, or people might weigh them down. Christmas services are often times special, with more music, props, and even people acting out the nativity scene on stage. This will leave a fun and positive first impression to those that might be new to going to church.
9. Be mindful of materialism
Christmas can be a materialistic trap. Commercials bombard us with ads and stores draw us in with brilliant light shows and decorations. If you are a parent, it's important to bring this to the attention of your kids. Teach them that the displays and the gifts can be fun, but the true meaning of Christmas lies beyond the possessions. It also helps to flip the script and put the focus on giving, and not just giving gifts, but time. Put an emphasis on using your time to help others, to serve, and to put more good into the world. Pray that God keeps your focus on Christmas' true meaning, and not the glam that's everywhere around you.
10. Give Christ-centered gifts
Giving gifts that build faith is a simple and easy way to celebrate the birth of Christ while spreading His good word. Keep God in Life has several items that make excellent Christmas gifts.
Christmas Prayer Holy Card Set
Saint Nicholas Laminated Prayer Card Set
Saint Nicholas Oval Sterling Silver Necklace
To truly make it count, write a Bible verse on the Christmas cards you sent out to point your gifts back to the Savior!
As you go forth into this Christmas season, you have an amazing opportunity to share what Christmas is really about, so why not proclaim the source of real Christmas cheer, Jesus Christ?
]]>On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants and lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. - Genesis 40:20
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. - Mark 6:21
While some point to these verses and believe that because both men are non-believers, that birthdays shouldn't be celebrated, this conclusion cannot be drawn from these verses alone. There is not even a hint that it was wrong for Herod or Pharaoh to celebrate their birthdays, nor does the Bible discourage it anywhere.
What matters more than whether or not a Christian celebrates birthdays is how they glorify the Lord. If he or she throws a birthday party, is it a reflection of God or a reflection of the world, filled with sin? If a Christian chooses to skip a birthday celebration, how are they filling that time, with Christ-glorifying activities, or with sinful actions?
Whether or not one decides to celebrate their birthday, they should strive to keep a clear conscience and hold love for their brothers and sisters in Christ. Those who choose not to celebrate birthdays should not hold anger toward those who do, and the same goes for vice versa. As with Halloween and other gray areas in Scripture, we as humans are given the freedom of choice: the freedom to celebrate, the freedom not to, but with either decision, we should do it in a way that glorifies God.
Another birthday celebration worth discussing is the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Since Thanksgiving is wrapping up, there's no doubt that you've started to see Christmas lights go up in yards and nativity scenes pop up at churches. December is a month very closely aligned with the birth of Jesus, but it brings up a question: is there Scripture showing celebrations of Jesus' birth in the early days of Christianity? There are not. Does that make celebrating or not celebrating it sinful? Let's break it down.
First of all, Jesus was born in the month of either March or September, and this conclusion can be led to from a few points in scripture. In Luke 1:35-36, it's stated that John the Baptist came into this earth six months before Jesus. He was conceived while his father, Zacharias, a priest, was serving at the temple, called a "course." They would be assigned to work twice a year in two week stretches (six month rotations). Zacharias served underneath the Course of Abijah (shown in Luke 1:5-8).
The Course of Abijah was the eighth division, meaning Zacharias served sixteen weeks after the start of the Jewish year (around March) and then for another two weeks six months later. John's mother conceived sometime in either June or December, and John was birthed in either March or September. Since Jesus was born six months after John the Baptist, that means he was born in either March or September.
Back to the question of whether celebrating a day is sinful, ask yourself one question: Am I disrespecting God by setting this day apart? If this day revolves around presents and cake, you're not adversely messing with your relationship with God. However, if this is a day spent worshipping false gods and indulging in sinful actions, then a problem is presented.
Back in the first century, Jewish and Gentile Christians both celebrated special days on their calendar, just as we do. Though we may continue to make certain days special, we are not necessarily harming our relationship with the Lord by doing so.
If you want to make your birthday or Christ's birthday special, go for it. You have the freedom to celebrate it how you choose, just celebrate with a reflection of God.
What if you choose not to celebrate the birth of Christ? That's okay too. What matters is not setting a specific day to glorify God, but whether you give glory regardless of whether the day is special.
If you are looking for a birthday gift for your good Christian friends, take a look at these sterling silver necklace ideas sure to make their day memorable.
]]>These prayer cards are one of my favorite things for Bible study. Why? They're sturdy, scriptural, simple, and useful!
Here's a few benefits of using prayer cards.
1. You can pray right off the card itself! These cards will include Bible verses and or prayers for you to read.
2. They offer different ways to pray that you may have never thought of.
3. Prayer cards teach you to pray the Word of the Lord right back to Christ. What's better than a card that literally shows you how to pray?
Soon you'll find yourself putting prayer cards into your wallet or Bible to guide prayer in your everyday life.
7 Ways Prayer Cards Can Be Used
1. Teaching and training
Many people struggle when it comes to praising God, and these handy cards guide you through it. Plus they're easy to share with friends, family, or your Bible study group!
2. Pick a card to pray during your personal prayer time. Hang it on your mirror or the fridge as a reminder!
3. Place them on a table while you're at retreats, missions, or other church groups. Encourage others to take and use them!
4. Place the prayer cards in a display in the cry room or prayer room at your local church. Share God's word and let others make use of these convenient prayer cards.
5. Purchase holiday appropriate prayer cards or cards for your National Day of Prayer.
6. Put a prayer card along with a personal note, as a reminder that God's always by your side.
7. Add a prayer card or an assortment of prayer cards with a raffle box, blessing bag, or other care packages to spread God's joy to others.
Keep God in Life with your Bible study and prayer time with these handy laminated prayer cards.
]]>October 31 brings out a unique opportunity for Christians to spread God's love and His word, so here are ten Christian Halloween costume ideas that are sure to spark conversation about Christ.
1. Animals of the Ark
It's not uncommon for small children to dress up as different animals for Halloween, so partner up with your whole family and friend group to dress up as the animals of Noah's Ark. There are so many possibilities; zebras, lions, dogs, bunnies- you name it!
Bonus points if an adult dresses up as Noah, and extra bonus points if a wagon or stroller is turned into the ark!
2. Jesus and the Disciples
It will take 13 people to tactfully execute this idea, a little planning, and a lot of organization. Jesus and the disciples will be sure to turn heads and create conversation in your neighborhood, and this is a golden opportunity to share the Word of God, even in school!
3. Pirate
I'll paint the scene: your child is super excited to be a pirate, but you're scratching your head trying to figure out a Biblical story that features Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow.
Just because you haven't read a story starring a long-haired buccaneer doesn't mean a pirate can't be used to glorify God. Instead of a pumpkin bucket for trick-or-treating, swap it out with a treasure chest reading, "Store your treasure in heaven, for where the treasure lies, your heart will be."
I can just about guarantee that this will leave a lasting impression on at least one person on Halloween.
4. Fruit of the Spirit
Have your child grab eight of their closest friends and become the fruit of the Spirit. Each child picks their favorite fruit, and print out some signs listing one of the traits in Galations 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Sure to be mistaken as Fruit of the Loom, don't pass up on the opportunity to explain these character traits given by the Holy Spirit.
5. The Coat of Many Colors
A simple costume, perfect for that northern fall weather. To play Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors, all that's needed is a vibrant, colorful robe, and bonus points if you spend the evening telling others about how your Father loves you more than your brothers. Use this brilliant outfit to tell Joseph's story of redemption and the ability of God to turn harmful events into beneficial situations.
6. Shepherd
We all know that Jesus is mentioned quite often as the Good Shepherd in the Bible, and this costume idea is quite versatile. The children could be the flock of sheep and the parent the shepherd, or a child could be the shepherd and the pets dressed up as sheep!
7. Angel
Dress up your little angel as a, well, angel. Though most Spirit Halloween angel costumes won't be Biblically accurate, it will still be an outfit to shine light on a dark day.
Whenever angels appeared in the Bible, people became awestruck and would bow! Many were actually fearful; let's create a world that shows the power of angels through Christ.
8. Moses
Become an older and wiser Moses and part the Red Sea, or bring along a "stone" tablet with the 10 Commandments! Or, cradle your baby and cover him/her up with leaves and dress as an Egyptian princess. Imagine the smiles if you put a beard on your toddler! Who wouldn't stop and ask about the costume?
9. David and Goliath
A great costume for an older and younger brother, or even for a child and an adult. Just make sure David is sent out with his trusty slingshot. Many people will pick up on this Bible reference, and use it to talk about how you wanted to glorify God this Halloween!
10. The Plagues of Egpyt
A costume that illustrates the goodness of God and provides fright at the same time; gather a group of friends and have each dress up as a plague of Egypt. Some of them might be simpler than others, but get creative!
It's the perfect plan for a fall costume party, but it would work just as well marching the streets for trick-or-treating. Bonus points if each plague goes up the door in chronological order!
This costume, along with all the others, will serve as a reminder of God's greatness in bringing Israel out of slavery and all of us out of sin.
]]>"For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20-21).
The powerful metaphor of a mustard seed originates from the amazing transformation of one tiny seed into a fully grown, robust, and thriving tree. Tall it stands, unyielding to the forces around it.
The mustard seed is a symbol of growth, faith, and dependence.
Growth
If you wear a mustard seed it will serve as a reminder of the tremendous growth that's possible through the love of God. Just like the journey of a mustard seed, we can begin our journey small and still blossom into something remarkable and influential.
Faith
Overall, what does the mustard seed represent? It represents the faith to do anything, no matter the starting point.
Dependence
"It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Matthew 13:32)
The mustard seed is a profound reminder of the power faith has to transform oneself. With unwavering faith we can conquer what seems to be impossible and use this to inspire others. Our own faith can be a source of strength for others, impacting those around us in powerful ways.
"It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” (Luke 13:19)
]]>Sterling Silver Wire Cross Pendant
Simple, elegant, and goes with every outfit. Show your faith in a meaningful way without wearing something too big or bold.
The perfect match for gold or silver jewelry, this two-tone cross necklace will add some flair to any outfit and show where you stand in your faith.
Express your faith in a unique way and keep the Holy Spirit with you on your date!
This classic fish cross pendant is the perfect symbol of Christ. Any true Christian will notice it and it will be an instant conversation starter!
Bold and colorful, pair this piece with neutral colors like whites and greys or with bold colors like reds and purples. Add a splash of color to any outfit.
Crown of Thorns Sterling Silver Medal
My personal favorite; wear this crown of thorns medal as a reminder that Jesus died for our sins, and that because he sacrificed everything for us, we are forgiven.
Saint Anne Round Sterling Silver Medal
Saint Anne, the patron saint of those looking for a spouse. There's perhaps no better saint to ask to intercede in your love life than that of St. Anne, and what better way than to bring her with on your first date?
Now that you're date ready, take a picture with our jewelry and tag us on Instagram @KeepGodinLife so we can show you off!
]]>So should Christians participate in Halloween festivities? The answer, well, it depends.
God desires for us to have obedience toward our family and faithfulness toward Him. Halloween can present an opportunity to follow this or to stray. It can present opportunities to share your faith and connect with others, or it can lead one down a darker path. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31.
The History of Halloween
When you think of Halloween, what comes to mind? You probably think of trick-or-treating, candy corn, or decorations of dancing ghosts and skeletons.
The holiday actually began as 'Samhain.' This ancient festival was three days long and created by the Celts in Northern Europe. Translated from modern Irish, the name Samhain actually means 'summer's end.' The festival signaled the wrapping up of summer and the start of a new season. It stemmed from supernatural and pagan roots with sacrifices and offerings to appease their gods.
In 609 AD, Pope Boniface IV declared a new holiday and called it All Saint's Day, otherwise known as "All-Hallows Day" which was to be celebrated before summer. All Saints' Day focused on celebrating the saints and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Christianity. Pope Gregory III later moved the celebration to fall so it would coincide with Samhain.
Over the years, this holiday evolved into the present day celebration of Halloween. Its roots are contained in a pagan celebration of death and rebirth, so should Christians really celebrate it?
Among the Christian community, there are a few general responses to Halloween; rejection, acceptance, or redemption. Approaching this with your family requires communication about both boundaries and expectations.
Do Christians celebrate Halloween?
It's safe to say that Halloween is widely celebrated and many families partake in some shape or form. Marketing schemes on TV, online, and across stores contribute to its continuously growing popularity. Are there aspects of Halloween that are anti-Christian? 100%. Does that mean it's inherently evil to let your kids dress up and trick-or-treat? Definitely not. If Christians are going to celebrate Halloween, it's important to remember that behaviors should mirror that of someone of faith.
On another level, Halloween is the time of year celebrated by the advocates of Wicca, which is a network of practicing witches. As the official religion of witchcraft, Wicca believe October 31 to mark the day in time that the separation between realms, spiritual and physical, is the thinnest. This means that Halloween is the best time to interact with the supernatural. Some of those connections align with Satanism, and the holiday has maintained a relationship with occultism. All of this considered can leave Christians in a difficult spot. There are parts of Halloween that are lighthearted and harmless, and others with a more sinister history.
Is it a sin to celebrate Halloween?
For followers of the Lord, it's our actions and behaviors that are judged, and this remains in the context of Halloween. We are judged by our actions and where are heart is at, whether or not it aligns with God's desires.
Whether it's a sin or not depends on how you celebrate. In the Bible, there are no direct references to Halloween by name. Though, the Bible does carefully warn Christians against participation in pagan practices, particularly those involving the occult, worship of other deities, and witchcraft.
Dressing up and handing out candy on the 31st of October is not a sin, just as it wouldn't be a sin to do it any other day. What matters is how you represent Christ and that you portray Jesus in your actions.
Keep God with you this Halloween and allow Him to guide your behavior by keeping a prayer card by your side.
]]>1. God is good.
Scriptures allow us to recognize that, even if it may be difficult in our day to day lives. There is a level of kindness and mercy in God and it can only be seen in the Bible.
2. Life is hard.
Life isn't an easy road for any of us, and there's definitely no roadmap. We all go through trials, people pass away, and there's struggles we live through and learn from. The same is absolutely true in the Bible. Jesus Himself was put to death! Our challenges may not match that of dying on the cross, but we all go through hardship.
3. Stories teach us.
Scriptures are something to be learned from! Christ taught in parables to teach the righteous. "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable." Matthew 13:34. While the wicked may have been confused by His teachings, the disciples understood. We can too, and we can learn to live by the standards he taught.
4. It gives us an example to follow.
The Bible is our example of how to live! We are to follow it and live for Jesus Christ. We humble ourselves, love our neighbor, and become like children, always ready to learn and soak in the Word of the Lord.
5. It shows us how to love.
In the Bible, love is defined in multiple ways. "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. God wants us to understand love, how to love, and then to put it into action.
6. We can do all things through Christ.
"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13. Through Christ, we can do anything we set our minds to. A part of this is Scripture. If we want the strength of God, we must put forth effort to look for it. It's right in the Bible.
It would take much more than an article to truly show the importance of Scripture, but let this serve as a reminder to seek out the Lord. Don't forget, keep God in life with you at all times with Christian jewelry and prayer cards.
]]>It's a personal symbol.
Yes, people will see the cross and assume you are a Christian, but wearing a cross is more about why you are wearing it, and not about hoping someone will notice. Wearing a cross is a symbol of righteousness and discipleship. The wearer is committed to Christianity and lives life for Jesus.
It's also a reminder of Christ.
The cross is a reminder that Jesus Christ died on the cross to take away our sins. It's a reminder that we are saved through Him. Not only that, but it keeps God on our mind all day long; anytime we feel the necklace or see its reflection, we think of the Lord. Wearing the cross enables respect and humility for our Savior.
It allows us to stand for God.
If suddenly a cross goes "out of style" then that's evermore reason to wear it. The disciples of God weren't always the most popular with the folks of the world. Jesus Himself was crucifed by His people. Wearing a cross shows that we stand up for Him, even when others choose not to.
Find the perfect cross necklace for you that fits you and your testimony.
]]>Some thousands of years ago, the process was anything but routine. Back then, people became saints for all kinds of reasons, and lived all types of different lives. Here are ten wild stories of regular people on their path to sainthood.
St. George lived in the third century and had joined the Roman military. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a high-ranking officer. George ranked high enough so that when the emperor began ordering Christians to be executed, George confronted him. Subsequently, he was tortured and endured a lengthy suffering, but his faith didn't budge. This steadfast devotion inspired thousands to convert, including Roman empress Alexandra. George died as a martyr and his legend grew over the centuries. Somehow throughout this time, a story emerged that Saint George had slain a mighty dragon, which gave him the nickname of Saint George the Dragon Slayer.
Saint Magnus
Most people probably have images of how they depict saints in their heads, but how about an old Norse Viking? Born to Viking parents, Saint Magnus Erlendsson grew up on the Orkney Islands, a Scottish archipelago that the Norse had conquered. His family was all raiders, conquering across what would eventually become the British Isles, but Magnus himself was a quiet, gentle, pious Christian. This created conflict between him and his family- so much conflict that he was eventually executed by his cousin, Haakon Paulsson. Magnus' influence on his culture and family didn't end with his death, however. His nephew, Sigurd became the first king in Europe to participate in a crusade to the Holy Land.
Saint Sebastian had to be killed twice! For a good chunk of his life, Sebastian kept his Christianity private. This helped him survive while still being able to do good Christian works. In his time as a prison guard and soldier, he converted many prisoners to Christianity, including the warden himself. Best of all, the warden then set all his prisoners free!
The Emperor eventually found out and sentenced him to death. Sebastian was tied to a tree and riddled with arrows by a firing squad. He survived, walked straight to the emperor, and told him off. Then Sebastian was quickly beaten to death, but still managed the feat of having to be 'murdered twice.'
According to the legends, Saint Christopher began life as a 7'6" beast with a permanent scowl and worked for the king of Canaan. Unsatisfied with Canaan's style of management, Christopher sought out to find the greatest king of all. However, because of seeing the king's fear of the devil, he decided the devil must be of an even greater power. Christopher eventually found a local thug proclaiming himself the devil and he planned to serve him. That is until, Christopher found out that the devil's biggest fear was the image of Christ, which led him to believe that Christ truly was the top dog. He was right.
While working to serve God, Christ Himself came down to visit, in the form of a child. He praised Christopher's good work. Saint Christopher deserves a level of respect for seeking out each brand of king before eventually choosing the right one.
Moses the Black
A career criminal, habitual thief and murderer, Moses the Black found his faith completely by accident. One day sometime in the fourth century, Moses was attempting a home robbery, a common occurrence for him. A barking dog alerted the owner, so he retreated. Later, Moses decided to come back and turn the robbery into a homicide.
The dog once again alerted the owner and he was forced to run and hide. Afraid of being discovered, Moses found shelter in none other than a Christian monastery. While inside, he fell in love with their lifestyle. Moses became a monk, found his salvation, and later went out by being killed by a bandit attack.
Saint Elmo
Famous nowadays for being a weather phenomenon, the actual Saint Elmo lived a life full of epic fortitude from start to finish. The first time Elmo was imprisoned and tortured for his beliefs, an angel helped him escape. The second time, he was sealed into a barrel full of spikes and rolled down a hill. Ouch! Once again, an angel came to the rescue, healed his wounds, and freed him. The third time around, Elmo was set on fire. He survived, was thrown in prison, and still escaped. Finally after one more capture, torture, and having his intestines tied around a pole outside his body, he died for good.
Saint Quiteria
One of the nonuplet sisters, Saint Quiteria's mother was disgusted with them at birth and ordered a maid to drown them in a river. The maid took pity on the children and went out to find them a new home. Once the sisters were fully grown, they were fully formed Christians and each would refuse to marry the Roman men they were promised. Because of this, the Nonuplet sisters were imprisoned in a tower but managed to escape.
After this point, they waged “guerrilla war” on Roman soldiers. The sisters hid in the mountains and struck hard before fading back. Quiteria was the leader of the nine identical sisters. This war ended unsuccessful for the nonuplets; Quiteria was captured and beheaded and two other sisters were also martyred. One Portuguese legends proclaims that Saint Quiteria, after being beheaded, was thrown into the sea and later emerged holding her own head in her hands.
Saint Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake at just 19. At age 13, she received visions from three saints that told her of her destiny to defeat the English and to drive them out of France. She ended up playing a major role in doing just that. Within a year of her entrance into the Hundred Years War, the conflict switched from an English lead to a French lead. Joan, being a charismatic, strategic, and fearless leader, lead French troops to numerous victories before she was ultimately captured and executed.
Out of all the saints on this list, Agatha perhaps had the worse life of them all. She lived a life of near-constant torture and imprisonment from her teenage years on, but never once recanted her faith, completing her story as triumphant. From age 15 until her death, approximately five years later, she held to a strict vow of chastity. This angered a Roman official who wished to win her over. Agatha's refusal to her advances drove him to have her tortured, imprisoned, tortured, and imprisoned repeatedly. The whole time, she never gave in and ended up dying in prison without ever backing down from her faith.
Perpetua and Felicity
These are two different saints with very intertwined stories. Perpetua lived as a noblewoman and had Felicity as her slave, though this relationship was much friendlier than standard master and slave dynamics. Intolerant Romans found them both to be Christians and sentenced each to death. Felicity was pregnant at the time and was supposed to be spared of the death sentence. Just days before Perpetua's scheduled execution, Felicity gave birth and was put back on the chopping block, so to speak.
The plan for execution was to let a wild cow trample them, and it did indeed tear into them, but both survived. A Roman soldier then took his sword and stabbed each of them. Felicity died instantly, Perpetua was wounded. She pulled the sword out of herself, put it to her own neck, and sliced it herself, ensuring that she alone would dictate the terms of her own death. How about that for a way to go out?
Wrapping Up
Each and every saint has a story, and all became saints for one reason or another. Some lived lives of good works, some started off on a far opposite path before finding God, and some showed their faith through pure strength during times of testing. Each deserves their title, and every story can leave you with something to remember as you go throughout your daily life. To keep a saint by your side all day long, grab a pocket-size prayer card for your wallet.
]]>The priest and her took to doing good works until one day her father, a king at the time, tracked her down. When Dymphna refused marriage, the king ordered his servants to remove her head with a sword. As gruesome as it was, it's reported that the view of Dymphna's head rolling to the church cured five villagers of their insanity. This was her first act of healing power and her legend began to radiate for miles. From the earliest mention of the saint in liturgy, Dymphna was seen as the patron of those mentally ill.
The residents of Gheel, the city where she was slain, had long opened up their doors to those with mental illness, providing them with warmth and shelter. The families of the town were not mental health experts but rather had exceptional gifts of caring for those with disorders, sprung from their deep faith and compassion. Studies of this village have found that their model of community delivered a level of humanistic care a millennium prior to modern psychiatry and yet so strongly recognized its value.
Saint Dymphna's influence can be felt at an individual level. Many of us have struggled with mental illness or seen the effects of mental health take its toll on others. There's much to learn from her and from the care given in the village of Gheel, something we can all strive to emulate. She is a source of inspiration for all of us and you can invoke her name in intercession for yourself or others in need of healing of mental health disorders. She can even be asked to intercede for help with day to day stresses and anxieties. Take a look at St. Dymphna prayer cards, jewelry, and gifts to keep with you as added strength for your mental wellbeing.
]]>Do you see creation in these photos?
The mountains reach toward the heavens, the same as we should. They represent works of art that took many years to create.
The skies show us how small we are in the scheme of God's big picture. We remember that our earthly problems may feel grand, but in God's eyes nothing is impossible.
The sun shows us God's warmth and God's consistency. Each and every day the sun rises again, never failing to be there for us, the same as the Lord.
The canyons represent how great of depth there is in this life. We all go through peaks and valleys and with the bad comes the good.
The flowers remind us how beautiful we all are as His creations. They bring vibrant energy into the atmosphere just as we can.
For more representations of God to keep you inspired, go to KeepGodinLife.com.
]]>Like trees, God is a living being that creates.
Trees are living, growing, and constantly changing while creating new leaves and new colors. God is the same, alive and constantly breathing and creating new works into the world.
Change happens through repentance.
Trees are always changing too. They change their colors, old leaves flutter to the ground letting go of the old and preparing for the new.
We believe in the afterlife.
So do trees. They shed their leaves and bloom again, renewed and full of life.
Physically, we are separated from God.
Just as leaves separate from their tree, we are separated from God, waiting to return to our Creator.
God created it all.
The leaves provide the unforgettable aroma of autumn and the world constantly changes, color by color. Take time this fall to truly enjoy the beautiful weather and take note of the symbols of Christianity that you see all around. For symbols of Christianity to wear every day, check out these sterling silver jewelry pieces.
]]>1. Spend Time with God
Becoming a Christian isn't a single act- being a Christian is all about your relationship with God. By praying and reading Scripture daily, you will become closer to the Lord and eventually form a bond that will last a lifetime. Choosing to repent for sins and dedicate your life to God is an amazing choice, but it's a choice that needs to be made every day.
2. Don't Stress if You Don't Always Feel the Connection
For most, the conversion to Christianity is a process rather than a single event. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1. Remember this when you wake up feeling disconnected from God or questioning your beliefs. This verse is a great reminder that confirmation doesn't always come when you'd like it to. If you've accepted Christ and live in Faith, He will always be working for you. This is true whether or not you feel the Holy Spirit working in every moment of your day.
3. Seek Out Other Christians
Find a study group or some friends that are also Christian. Reach out to those at church. Being surrounded by others with the same beliefs as you will only help you to grow your faith in Jesus and to further your relationship with the Lord. Show love and kindness to those around you. The energy you put out will come back, and your faith might help others out more than you even know.
BONUS TIP: Have joy! Rejoice in the Lord and seek His light. God created us all to be happy!
]]>Saint Thomas Aquinas: The Patron Saint of Students & Schools
St. Thomas Aquinas believed that while we all have a desire for knowledge, curiosity must be controlled. What he meant by this was, knowledge should have the goodness and truth at its core. We need to avoid the pitfalls of less gratifying diversions, or, the shiny object effect, so to speak.
Technology is an amazing thing, however it has some drawbacks. The internet encourages curiosities that have the ability to derail our afternoons, click by click, scroll after scroll. These minutes quickly turn to hours and seemingly faster turn to days and months. Our prayer for intercession to Aquinas is to ask that we avoid distractions that pull us from the true pursuit of knowledge. Check out this prayer written by Thomas Aquinas himself:
Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, origin of all being, graciously let a ray of your light penetrate the darkness of my understanding. Take from me the double darkness in which I have been born, an obscurity of sin and ignorance. Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory, and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally. Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm. Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion. I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint Francis De Sales: Patron Saint of Adult Education, Journalism, and Writing
Born to a noble family near Geneva, Switzerland, Francis was born both intelligent yet gentle. From a very early age, he had the desire to serve the Lord. He knew for years that he wanted to be a priest, but kept it from his family as it differed with their dreams for him, until eventually making it a reality in his adult life.
Francis was sent by the Bishop to trudge through the areas of Geneva on a mission to convert the Protestant citizens. He had doors slammed in his face and stones thrown at him. In the bitter cold winters, his feet froze so bad they bled.
Because so few even opened the door for him, Francis began to write simple and clear explanations for the Catholic faith, by hand, and would slide them underneath doors. Slowly, because of his gentle disposition, people began to listen. By the time he left for home, over 40,000 Genevans had been converted because of his work.
Saint Francis De Sales was named a Doctor of the Church after his death in 1622. He is the patron saint of adult education, journalists, and writers. Keep St. Francis De Sales with you as you write your essays for a spark of extra wisdom.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle: Patron Saint of Education
Saint John Baptist de La Salle was the son of wealthy parents living in France. After his parents died, he assumed the administration of his family affairs and then completed his theological studies and was ordained a priest in 1678. Just two years later, he received a doctorate in theology.
At this point, John Baptist de La Salle became involved with a group of barely literate men in order to establish schools for poor children. Few people could afford to send their kids to school in this time period. He was determined to put his own education and talents at the service of children who needed it most.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle then renounced his position as Canon, along with his wealth, and formed the community known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools. This group succeeded in creating a network of quality schools throughout France.
Because of his work in the education system, he became the Patron Saint of those working in the field of education.
Saint Gregory the Great: Patron Saint of Teachers and Musicians
Another saint born into a powerful family, St. Gregory the Great was born to powerful parents in Rome. At age two, the Plague of Justinian swept through the region- the most deadly outbreak the world had seen prior to the Black Plague. About a third of Italy was wiped out. Gregory survived.
Into adulthood, Gregory excelled in his studies and became an expert in law. In the year 590, he became Pope by acclamation. He then became famous for his missionary work; Gregory sent out many to bring others to Jesus. He became well-known for his alms to the poor and gave quite generously- he even went as far as ordering his clergy to go into the streets to find and care for the poor in person. When famine struck Rome, Gregory used the church's assets to feed the poor, giving away thousands of miles of produce for free.
Because of his commitment to teaching the gospel and his development of musical expression within the Church, Saint Gregory the Great is now venerated as the Patron Saint of teachers and musicians.
Saint Joseph of Cupertino: Patron Saint of Test Taking
Unlike some of the other saints on this list, St. Joseph of Cupertino was not born into a wealthy family. Joseph was purported to be slow and absent-minded. Awkward and nervous, Joseph struggled fitting in with others. He attempted to learn the trade of shoemaking and ultimately failed. His attempts to become a Franciscan were rejected, and just eight months after joining the Capuchins he was let go because of his inability to do anything right.
At eighteen, Joseph attempted to join numerous Monasteries, and was rejected over and over. Eventually, one agreed to take him on as a lay-brother. Forgetful and difficult to teach, it got to the point where Joseph could not even be trusted to serve bread, and he was let go.
This was the hardest day in Joseph's life. He wandered the streets and was either given trouble or ignored by all whom he passed. He found himself in the village of which his uncle lived and saw himself pushed out without a single coin to help himself. Lastly, he made his way to his mother's house. When she saw his condition and heard what happened, she was ashamed of her son and told to go away.
With nowhere left to turn, Joseph looked to become a servant. He eventually was appointed the keeper of the monastery mule. He took the clothes and food he was given with no complaints and slept on a plank in the stable. It was good enough for him.
In spite of his troubles, Joseph had a merry heart. The simplest joys would have him smiling and laughing, and Friars began to take notice. He was always there to welcome them, smiling and joyful. Joseph was so happy to serve and his lightheartedness was contagious.
Matters began to be discussed up the ladder, and it was decided that Joseph would be given another trial as a Franciscan. Then, he gave studying for priesthood a shot, and struggled as he did his whole life with reading and writing. The evening before his exam, he prayed that the one question he knew would be on his exam, and alas, it was. Because of this, Saint Joseph of Cupertino became known as the patron saint of test takers.
The Holy Spirit worked many miracles through Saint Joseph of Cupertino in his lifetime. His love of God was so strong he was often seen levitating during prayer.
As you get back into the swing of school, weather as a student or a teacher, learn in comfort knowing that you have these saints by your side.
]]>There will be times as Christians where we will face opposition and scrutiny for our beliefs. We will be criticized and ridiculed. How do you handle the uncomfortable step of defending your beliefs?
Follow advice from Scriptures.
"This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words." - 1 Corinthians 2:13
You should not avoid discussion in which people have different points of view. Rather, seek first to understand, then to be understood. When the discussion comes up, remember that it is not about scoring points and proving them wrong. A reasoned response comes from a humble heart.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." - Proverbs 15:1.
Other churches should not be criticized. Whether you are Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, or any other, positive statements about your beliefs will be more effective than negative. As Prophet Joseph Smith once stated, “We don’t ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more.”
When others come at you with insulting language, don't retaliate. Stick to the message of the Gospel when you're declaring His glad tidings. Don't stray into detailed discussions about slight differences in the Church. Keep it simple.
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"
Everyone deserves kindness and consideration, no matter their beliefs. The Savior has taught us to love not only our friends but also our enemies and those who disagree with us- even those who hate us.
It's not about how smart you are, how capable you are. You can be bold without being the loudest person in the room and without tearing down others opinions.
One day you will be called to defend your faith. These moments will require courage and courtesy on your behalf. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.
Some Notes
In all our lives, our beliefs will be challenged at one point or another. We live in a secular world and it is our duty to defend our faith when the time comes. Keep God with you to give you strength in every moment by keeping one of these in your wallet or purse.
We're proud to have been featured as one of the best blogs of 2023! Thank you, Blog Overview!
]]>The athlete answers, "First I'd like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to be here tonight."
It's a response that might not make a lot of sense to someone without faith. What about the opponents? Don't they believe in God, too? How'd God decide which team would win and which team would lose?
Most of us are taught growing up that there are two things not to discuss in company: religion and politics. It's a bold statement to profess your faith and thank the Lord on national television, for something that many would take full credit for themselves.
Take Doris Burke, for example, when she interviewed Kevin Durant after a string of successful 30+ point games.
"What goes into a streak like this?"
He responded, "God. That’s all I can say. Jesus Christ.”
KD isn't saying that his laser-focused shooting hand was touched by the hands of God Himself. It's actually much more simple than that. Durant is expressing that God has presence over all things in his life. Because of that, it'd be crazy to not thank Him when success happens. KD believes that none of it would be possible without God.
Christianity in a nutshell.
Of course, Kevin Durant is the one who spent all those hours in the gym. Kevin Durant trained to become one of the best shooters in the world. There are many gifted athletes in the world, some lacking the 6'11" frame that Durant stands on. KD acknowledges that he was blessed with the body, talent, and work ethic to become a superstar. His modesty is something to take note of; it's hard to be humble when you're on the Jumbotron.
For today's modern athlete- and anyone in the public eye- fame and fortune are as intoxicating as any drug. Players spend their entire lives hearing how great they are. Actively practicing humility allows them to keep their ego in line, and there's no better way to do it than my acknowledging the fact that without God, they wouldn't be where they are.
There are very few genuine answers to most questions that are asked in post-game interviews, and even fewer who offer an answer with any amount of insight. While it may be off-putting to the secular audience to hear a religious athlete praise Christ, they should recognize the athlete is staying true to their beliefs and not forgetting where they came from.
]]>The important thing: God is at the heart of each one of them.
The number of denominations is continually growing. Different histories, different traditions, different style church services. Some, like the Roman Catholic church, have hundreds of millions of members. Others, like the Pentecostal church, are smaller but seeing rapid increases in membership.
While these Christian denominations don't agree on all aspects, the core is the same, with the genuine belief that Jesus Christ is our Lord and savior, the Son of God who died for our sins. Anyone who puts their faith in the Lord and repents will be forgiven.
How one Church turned to many denominations
Beginning around 30 AD after Jesus died, Christianity was born. One day, known as the Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Jesus Christ. Inspired by this, these disciples began to travel around the Middle East, spreading the Word of Jesus and performing miracles- just as He had. Together they pooled resources to give to the less fortunate. By the fourth century, Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire. This religion continued to spread even after the fall of Rome.
July 16, 1054, Michael Cerularius, Patriarch of Constantinople, was excommunicated (excluded) from the Church. It was the breaking point of rising tensions between the Roman Church and the Byzantine Church. The result? A split, known as the Great Schism. This divided the Church into two branches, the Western Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox.
The next big split is a familiar one: the Reformation. In the 16th century, in Wittenberg, Germany, Martin Luther, a teacher and monk, published a paper titled "Disputation on the Power of Indulgences." You may know it as the 95 Theses.
It was a series of 95 ideas Luther had about Christianity that directly contradicted Catholic teachings. It challenged the indulgence system, which allowed people to purchase a certificate of pardon for their sins. Luther argued that forgiveness could not be purchased, and that it was a gift only given to those who had faith in Christ. Opposing the intention of Luther, a new religion was formed, today known as Lutheranism.
Not long after, the Baptist church was formed in Holland, breaking away from the Church of England because of their belief that membership should be voluntary. They also rejected the idea of baptism at birth, and that you had to be born again into Christ.
John Wesley chartered the first Methodist church in 1784 in the United States. His goal was to reform the Church of England from within, and saw the need to provide structure for their church after being abandoned during the American Revolution. After his death, the movement became a separate body and its own autonomous church.
The differences
These are just the beginning of the different denominations of Christianity. They all vary in a number of ways, including traditions, styles of service, governance, and teachings. In some denominations like Roman Catholic, there lies a clear hierarchy with a Pope as leader. Anglican/Episcopalian is organized into provinces lead by an archbishop or primate. Each primate is then in charge of bishops, and each bishop for priests.
One tradition that has differences between denominations is Holy Communion. Roman Catholic and Orthodox believers believe that the bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ. For other denominations, the bread and wine are symbols of the body and blood.
Roman Catholic priests must be male and unmarried. Marriage is allowed within the Lutheran church. Catholic and Lutheran churches will baptize young babies, while Baptists believe the individual needs to decide for themself.
In the UK, the Church of England is embedded both into political and everyday life.
The night Jesus was arrested, He prayed for unity. "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:22-26.
Over the centuries, schism between denominations has led to violence and persecution. Christians have been put to death by the followers of other denominations.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Over the past 100 years, we have seen huge growth in ecumenism, coming from the Greek word 'community.' Different denominations are working together to develop closer relationships and better understand each other's traditions. Churches are working together to better impact their communities and the world we live in.
We are all on different paths getting to the same place.
]]>This unique piece won't be seen anywhere else and is the perfect conversation starter. What better way to evangelize than by a conversation you didn't even have to start!
Much more unique than most pieces you find people wearing, this Forgiven Nail serves as a reminder that God died for our sins, allowing us to move freely knowing that while we aren't perfect, as sincere Christians our sins will be forgiven.
Simple, to the point, yet, different. Let this cross guide you in your path of life to follow a road that leads to Christ. When you move with the Lord, He moves with you.
Christian jewelry serves as a reminder to be a disciple of Christ, moving in the ways of the Lord and inspiring Him in others as we go about our daily lives. Keep God in life at all times with these sterling silver jewelry must-haves to add to your collection.
]]>The antidote? Just let go.
The minute you accept the fact that life is turbulent, that life has no structure, no day to day safety net, that is the day you are free. Fall back on the Lord to give you strength in the unknown, to guide and protect you as you navigate an ever-changing world. Here are some scriptures to remind you of the strength God provides when you need it most.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you." Isaiah 41:10.
"You will increase my greatness and comfort me again." Psalm 71:21.
"You will say in that day, “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me." Isaiah 12:1.
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn." Isaiah 61:1-2.
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:9-10.
"He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety." Job 5:11.
These verses are here to remind you that even in your darkest hour, with all the mistakes you've made, God will not turn against you. When you put your trust in the Lord, He will renew you with comfort and strength. For a reminder of the strength God provides, Keep God with You at all times with wallet-sized prayer cards that go where you go.
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Everyone likes to look good right? There's no better way to do it than while reflecting God.
1. Don't wear too much jewelry.
Yes, we live in a world with piercings everywhere. It seems you can't have enough. But having a real fashion sense is more complicated than that. Pieces you wear have to work together, whether it be earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, or even sunglasses. When you overload yourself with jewely, pieces will begin to clash instead of complimenting each other. Remember, jewelry is not the main event when it comes to your fashion!
2. Necklaces are in.
Styles always change, but one staple to base the rest of your jewelry around should be a necklace. Find pieces that compliment your earrings and bracelets to immediately show others you have taste.
3. Make sure it fits.
The most important step of them all; brands don't matter! Nobody will care about your Gucci tracksuit when it looks two sizes too large. Any brand clothing that fits will make your style much greater than wearing a name brand too tight or too large.
4. Dress up.
Business casual is in. Be the best dressed man in the room wearing something as simple as a sport coat with jeans and a nice pair of shoes. Dressing well will improve your confidence and your confidence will radiate around the whole room.
These tips will apply to any style and taste, and even better when you incorporate Christian pieces to go with it. God is for us, so let's show Him we are there for Him.
]]>But don't.
You can avoid the spiral of negativity, and being a Christian only helps.
1. Spend more time praying
Lasting life changes aren't made alone. God is there to make up the difference when you fall short, and changing a negative attitude to positive won't happen overnight. But that's okay. Praying daily and informing God of your desire to change shows Him that you really do want to change. Reach out to Him and He will reach out to you.
While praying, ask the Lord for strength to not conform to the ways of this world. Look for support to live life in the world but not of it. Consistent, sincere prayer shows God that you are ready for change, and soon you will see signs of Him working in your life.
2. Count your blessings
The mind wants to wander toward the negative; retrain it. Make a consistent effort to list out your blessings, whether in your head, on a notebook, or in your phone, remind yourself daily the positive you have in your life, and before you know it your mind will be retrained to seek out the positive.
Blessings aren't always miracles. Often times your blessings are the simplest things that add good to your life. No wait at your favorite restaurant? Blessing. The rain stopped and a rainbow appeared? Blessing. Someone complimented your shoes? Blessing.
If I could look into each and every one of your lives, I guarantee that I would be able to find blessings, no matter how big or small. Every day comes with positives, and by consciously being grateful for them, you will not only become positive but stay positive. By being grateful God will show you his hand in everything that happens to you.
3. Go easy on yourself
Give yourself a break! You work hard, you try to do the right thing. Everyone makes mistakes, and that's okay! We learn. The first step to staying positive is loving yourself. No matter the obstacles you are facing, God wants you to succeed. "You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you." Song of Solomon 4:7. Progress is a lifelong quest, and when you remember that God made a perfect you, being positive as a Christian becomes so much easier.
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If you've ever thought these things, you're not alone, and you're totally normal.
Sometimes the trials we go through may be completely random, and oftentimes seemingly specific to you. You may have wondered if anyone else around you has gone through what you're going through. The answer is maybe, or maybe not.
It's important to remember that everyone has trials. In your darkest moments you might think you're the only one who's ever suffered like this, but just remember one thing. "Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:3-5)
When you're suffering, it's often our first reaction to look inward, and mull over everything we perceive as wrong with ourselves. We focus on our shortcomings, our mistakes, our failures, when in reality we should do the opposite. During suffering, look outward. Look to God's perfect example. Read the Bible, serve others, and look outside yourself. When you are helping others, you're not thinking about your current circumstances, your sole focus is on improving the life of someone around you.
"If God really loved me, why would He let this happen to me?"
It breaks my heart to hear this, and it's sad to know that I myself have been the one asking this before.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
What more evidence do we need of God's overwhelming love for us? We are given adversity, obstacles, and roadblocks in life as a way to strengthen our faith, to become closer to the Lord. He wants us to go to Him, to have faith. It is an opportunity to show that we will not stray from God and that we are fully committed.
If you find yourself in a trial that's seemingly never ending, focus your time in prayer and reading the Bible. Find a passage to read each night, find comfort in His word.
I can tell you first hand when I am going through struggles, the most difficult thing to do can be reading scriptures. This is all just another example of temptation from Satan; don't let him have power over you. While reading the Bible alone will not fix your problem, it will give you the strength to go forth and power through. Keep God in Life with you throughout your trials and tribulations by clicking here.
]]>But with God we are given the strength it takes to not only stay true to the Lord, but to thrive in His environment. Everyday as we move throughout the world, going to work, meetings, school, restaurants, and events, we are given opportunities to either spread the Word of God or keep it secret. Here's some ways to share your faith as you go about your daily life, without giving everything up to go to seminary school.
Be Authentic
In a world full of fake, armed with folks living double lives on social media, flexing, faking, and straight up lying, the easiest way to spread the word of God isn't by directly talking about Him- it's by being your authentic true self. Being an authentic human will allow you to connect with other human beings. Being authentic radiates the Lord to each and every person you connect with, and you don't even have to say a word about Him. Living authentically reflects God in everything you do.
Share Bible Verses
Using social media doesn't have to be all bad! Use it to do good; spread the word of God, even if it's as simple as a Bible verse every now and then. Or something as simple as commenting God Bless on a friends post! Don't be afraid to start the conversation, you never know who's listening.
Do Good
Along the same lines of being authentic, putting good into the world brings out the Holy Spirit in you. Use your freedoms to help others. We are created to serve, after all!
Wear Symbols of Faith
Last but not least, and perhaps the simplest of them all, is to wear symbols of your Faith. It can be as small as a necklace or as straightforward as a t-shirt. Wearing symbols of Christ can be all it takes to start the conversation with a Christian who may be falling away, or the push a non-Christian needs to pursue the Lord. For the best quality symbols of God sure to last a lifetime, click here.
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"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Sound familiar?
Notice who they said gave them their rights? Their Creator!
In life, we are offered freedom throughout many stages and in many ways. If we behave in class and do our work, we are privileged to enjoy the freedom of recess. We are told once we graduate college, we have the freedom to pursue a wide range of career paths. Living in the United States, we are given freedom of speech- the right to articulate our opinions without fear of punishment by law.
Notice a pattern?
These freedoms always come attached to a certain requirement, or an adherence to a specific set of rules. The only true lasting freedom comes in following Jesus Christ.
“If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
With great power comes great responsibility. "For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love."
We are called on this earth to serve. Live a life of selflessness, serving others and putting more into the world than you came into it with. It is not easy to live a life of service, and we will all fall short time and time again. The beauty of God's love is that we aren't expected to be perfect right now. Any shortcomings are made whole by Jesus' resurrection.
As we move forward into a new day, keep a conscious effort to lead a life of service. Use your freedoms to serve and live for the Lord, and reap the rewards of everlasting freedom through Christ.
]]>The one in your hand.
What?
Sometimes in life, simple gets us to the right place. If you shop around, you'll find rosaries galore, all different types, colors, materials, sizes, and prices. Sure, some rosaries have more appeal to hang up in your office. Some may sparkle or glisten in the light. But you know what? Any single rosary will do its job, which is to count prayers and bring you closer to God.
If you came here seeking a specific brand, model, and color of rosary in search of that piece that's perfect for you, you're out of luck. Our advice is to find that rosary that calls your name, cherish it, and hold onto it for a lifetime. Break out that old rosary in your drawer, find that confirmation gift you received as a kid. Use what you have, let the rosary do its job, and save the decision making for the rest of your everyday life. If you're in need of a new rosary, check out this selection.
]]>But that's okay.
These problems are simply opportunities in life. Opportunities to change direction. Opportunities to learn. Opportunities to become closer with God.
Oftentimes in moments of struggle and hardship. we turn to God. We begin to pray to help, healing, and strength to overcome what it is we are going through. In the Catholic faith, it is common to ask saints for intercession; we ask saints (already in heaven) to help pray for us, to intercede for us.
Saint Anthony is a popular saint. He is known to be the saint finding lost articles. People call his name each and every day to help them find their lost items, whether it be a wallet, phone, keys, or anything else important that needs to be found.
Some churches in Spain and Latin America have a tradition to bless loaves of bread on the feast of Saint Anthony. These traditions have been inspired by the stories of those who generously donated bread to the less fortunate in thanksgiving for help granted through Anthony's intercession.
Looking into the life of saints, these were people with lives that were not always easy, just like our own. In fact, many saints have sad, sad stories filled with suffering and hardship. Saint Jude was martyred by being clubbed to death. Saint Cecilia was suffocated before being beheaded. All of this, all for preaching the Word of the Lord? Many saints lived unfair lives, but it led them to their miracles and goodworks that marked them as saints.
Thus, since the saints once shared our bodies and lives, who else can understand our struggles and sufferings better than them?
Calling on a Saint (The Right Way)
Growing up, we aren't taught the correct way to ask a saint to intercede. We're raised praying directly to Jesus, so you might question, why ask for intercession?
I'm glad you asked. In short, it's extra help. Similar to how we might ask friends or family for help in times of need, you can do the same with a saint. This saint is already one step closer to God, and in a place to speak directly with the Lord on your behalf.
Be conscious of the saint you are asking, what you are asking for, and why you are asking. Build a spiritual relationship with them.
Using Novenas to pray to a saint is helpful. Use the novena as a template and read it to make your own. Then, make your prayer. Make the sign of the cross with Holy Water and call your saint. It may look something like this: "For the intercession of ... (saint), I ask ... (your petition)." Conclude your prayer with "Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be."
Remember, it is always helpful to participate in confession and communion, repenting of sins and asking for forgiveness beforehand. Don't be afraid to speak with your priest for any questions you may have. To keep saints by your side in times of need, click here.
]]>Each member of the family should identify what is important to them in life, family, and relationships. Together, everyone can identify an expression of what their family is all about, common core values, and who everyone is, collectively.
In a turbulent world constantly changing, with outside influences everywhere, it is imperative that a family has strong footing that structures the decisions of their lives. For many, this is rooted in the Bible. Having a family mission that resonates with the Bible will guide each member's decisions on a daily basis, ensuring that the path chosen is the path best for God and best for the family.
Even more than just being a guide, a mission is a purpose. Now more than ever people wake up lost in life. Many of us have been there, questioning our purpose, what are we here on Earth for? A mission gives us purpose each and every day of our lives, so we always remember what it is that we are striving for.
Having this mission will bring the entire family closer together. The sense of unity will allow everyone to work through problems proactively. Together, a family can become a team and work together for common goals, a common purpose, and lead a successful, fulfilling life. Let God guide you in your everyday decisions to keep you on track.
]]>Prayer cards, or holy cards, are small pocket sized cards that depict Jesus or a saint on the front, with a prayer on the back. Traditionally prayer cards were used by Roman Catholics but have since become popular with Orthodox and Protestant Christians. The first of these holy cards date back to the early 1500s and were made by woodcutting. People of all classes enjoyed prayer cards due to their inexpensive nature, unlike paintings or sculptures. The average person was now able to keep a closer connection with God wherever they go.
In the 16th century when the first holy cards were created, their purpose was to allow the owner to carry a saint with them throughout the day. Cards could easily be kept in a pocket to keep the saint close throughout their daily challenges. Prayer cards also began to be put on display around the house to honor the saint and protect their home.
If you've been to a funeral, you might have seen small cards decorating the tables with a photo of the deceased. These are memorial cards and probably contain the person's name, birth and and death dates, favorite poems or prayers, and other information about the person. These memorials serve as a pleasant reminder of the loved one so their memory can be carried forth into the world.
If you like the idea of protecting your home, or bringing a saint with your throughout your day, get your holy card inspiration here.
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