I bet you are reading this and wondering why in the world I am calling Christmas a struggle. I don't hate Christmas, I actually love it. This time of year is just different for me, because a piece of me is missing. My older brother was what made Christmas the way it was 8 and a half years ago. He was the one who would run and jump on my bed to wake me up at 6am, and then my brothers, and my parents. His loud feet ran around upstairs waiting for my parents to let us come down stairs and then when we got the '"ok" he would run as fast as he could down the stairs just about running into the wall. Why am I telling you this? Well, less than 6 months after Christmas in 2008, he went home to be with Jesus. The next year was dark and nearly unbearable. There were no loud footsteps, no yelling, no springing out of bed. It was just sadness and depression and pain- lots and lots of pain. This week has been one of the most emotionally and physically draining weeks of my life and while I was dealing with multiple trials at one time I was reminded of something very important. I am not the only one going through this. This year I've met so many people who have lost family members and they have all told me Christmas is not as fun anymore. Do not get me wrong, Christmas is still great and the reason we get to celebrate Christmas is indescribable, but it is still hard to be joyful when a big part of what I always knew Christmas to be, is gone. While it is hard, this past week I've gotten time to reflect on why it is still the best holiday.
1. Jesus was BORN!! What better reason to celebrate than the birth of our savior! One of the happiest memories was going to Christmas Eve service as church with my family.
2. I still have a family to celebrate with. Even though part of my family is missing, I still get to spend Christmas with my mom, dad, little brother, and extended family. For that I am forever grateful.
3. I am not alone. So many people every year have to spend Christmas without a loved one and I am not alone in my pain.
I also have realized that I am lucky enough to have memories of Christmas day that will last for a lifetime. I got to spend 10 Christmas' with my brother and for that I am forever thankful. He also gets to spend Christmas with Jesus himself and for that I am forever jealous. Can you imagine how wonderful it must be to celebrate Jesus' birthday with Jesus himself?! Pain is so temporary and the joy of life and Jesus will surround me for the rest of time, so why waste it by allowing that pain in me to surround me every year on Christmas? I've decided that I am determined to make this Christmas the best one yet and instead of walking around with my head down, I am going to celebrate the Christmas' I got to spend with my brother and try to bring joy to the people around me. I hope no one is reading this and thinking I'm horrible for not enjoying Christmas like everyone else, but when you lose someone who loved Christmas like my brother, a piece of you is missing everyday and especially on December 25th.
-Hollie
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Sunday, October 29, 2017
The Struggle with being "Content"
This is something that has really been on my mind lately. Why is it that we are so okay with our lives, or as we call it now, being content? This applies to all areas of life. It could be relationships, school, or your walk with Christ. I am going to expand my opinions on all of these in the next couple of paragraphs. I am sorry if you do not agree with me, but these are going to be the reasons I stand upon for the rest of time.
Why are we so content with our relationships? I know something many girls struggle with is settling for guys that are not good enough for them. We settle because we want to be in a relationship so badly that we lower our standards. THIS IS SO WRONG, LADIES!! Please, never settle for anything less than extraordinary. A few weeks ago, I found myself writing a letter to my future husband. I feel like this is something all girls around my age could do. This not only helps you set standards, but it allows you to see what you truly want in a future husband. I know that I want someone that can be a spiritual leader. I want him to be able to keep me on my feet when I am struggling in my walk. I want him to be able to pray, fast, and get into the word with me. God wants that for you as well. If you do not believe me, go ahead and check out 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Stop being so content in a relationship and stop settling for anything less than Godly.
School is a difficult topic I think for everyone and it is a subject that I know most students try to avoid. We are content with doing the bare minimum in school and we should not be. I know in high school I was constantly beating myself up because I did not do as well as I hoped on tests, quizzes, and projects. I did not figure out until college that I was not doing well not because of my lack of study habits, but because I was aiming so low. Why shoot for an A in a class when you could shoot for all A’s? Not only grades, but extracurriculars as well. I know my freshman year of college I was constantly in the books and not enjoying myself at all. Yes, studying is important, but it is also important to balance that with having fun! This year I have all A's, I am involved in a club, and I have a job. I find myself enjoying the college life a lot more than I was last year. Stop being afraid to go outside your comfort zone, because sometimes God is calling you out of it!
Lastly, and most importantly, your walk with God. This is something I know that so many teens/early adults are constantly being content in. We go to church, pray sometimes, and read the bible once every few days. Yes, I know you're busy, but if you do not carve out this daily time with God then you are going to find yourself a lot less happy. People are constantly stuck on not being able to make decisions, and I hate to break it to them, but you are never going to find them at a party, or laying around being upset about it. You find them in prayer, and in the word. I learned this in a very hard way in early high school, but if you stay content in your walk with God, you will NEVER be fully satisfied with your life. God calls us to move in our relationship with him, and no one’s walk with Christ will ever be "good enough" or 'perfect." Something I have learned over the years is you should NEVER be satisfied when it comes to your walk with the Lord. Every day we should want to know more, or want to draw closer to him. It is really a craving that you should have every morning that you wake up, and every night you go to sleep. Stop being satisfied and content in your relationship with him, because you will end up hurting yourself and your happiness will fade. I believe young adults struggle with this so much, because we find ourselves so busy, or lonely, or angry and we could even find ourselves this way with God. It is hard not knowing all the answers to all the questions we have, but is that not the point of wanting more of him? We want those answers to those questions so we should have a desire to stop standing still and move towards him.
I will end with this:
Stop being so content and start moving towards a better future and life for yourself, because we are not called to stand still. However, we ARE called to MOVE!
-Hollie
Monday, September 18, 2017
Spiritual Battlefield
So, I am just going to get straight to the point here; I'm broken. These past few weeks have been some of the hardest weeks I've encountered in my life thus far, and I hate admitting it. I tried to suppress the feelings and negative thoughts, but they just kept coming back around. HOWEVER- this post is actually going to be meant to be uplifting. During this spiritual battle, I was afraid, alone, depressed, and my anxiety was through the roof. Of course, my parents were worried about me and I was worried about myself, because I had no idea what was going on in my walk with The Lord, or even with just my heart.
Something that happened that helped partake in my complete 180 I eventually lead back up to was my family. Let me just tell you- I would not be the women of God that I am today without my parents. They are a constant reminder of love and compassion even in the darkest of times for me. My mom would call me and pray for me over the phone nearly every night and my dad did a good job of keeping me distracted with things that would keep my head out of dark places. They have been my complete support system since day one and I couldn't be anymore grateful for them than I already am.
Something I decided to do during this time was fast. My church back home was fasting at the time and I really felt like God called me to do this. So, as God calls, I listen. Every time I craved what I got rid of- I dug as far into the word and into prayer as my brain could handle. Some nights I would sit there and just cry as I read, because I knew in my heart that the whole time God was condemning my heart of the things Satan tried to put in there during those past few weeks. I ended up doing a devotion last week for SLC and I honestly didn't think there was anything better to speak about besides Trials. I was going through one of my own and digging into the word for that not only helped me speak to my friends, but speak my soul as well. During this time I ran into a few verses that stuck out to me. Mark 4:40 was one in particular. It says, "He said to his disciples, "why are you so afraid? Do you have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other. "Who is this? Even the winds and waves obey him." It made me realize, even in my own storm, why am I so afraid? If I look behind me, I see that God controlled those storms, so why would he not be able to do the same thing now? Another verse was Matthew 7:7. It says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." So, that's when I realized I needed to get on my knees and cry out to God. He will help me when I ask, so once again, why am I so afraid to ask? I remember being so angry that God was allowing this to happen to me, and it wasn't fair. When I began to pray and be at peace in prayer, I realized the real battle that was going on.
One last tool I used in this spiritual battle was a book that was recommended to me by a family member. It's The Bondage Breaker by: Neil T. Anderson. It's about overcoming negative thoughts, irrational feelings and habitual sins. YALL- Satan is a real person and he is out to steal, kill, and destroy every last piece of you. However, God is here to break the bondage. I'm still reading the book, but what I've gathered so far is when you are as far down in a valley as you can be, you need to cry out to God and rebuke Satan in Jesus name! He wanted to see me as low as I was, he wanted me to not be okay, and feel alone and unworthy and unloved. He fed off of me doubting God and pushing him away. Something that really frustrated me was the fact I felt so weak, because I was allowing Satan to push me to the edge, but something this book has taught me is that he preys on the ones who have everything together, and have a strong relationship with the Lord, because they are his biggest threats. It didn't make me look "weak" to God, but it made me look strong.
I am finally no longer afraid or feel alone or vulnerable. I feel strong in the Lord and I trust that His love is bigger than my valleys or darkness, because he is here to save the lost and heal the broken and fix the weary. He is a God of miracles and a God of mercy and grace, because he loves us more than we could ever imagine. Satan today is livid, because instead of coming out of this hurting and broken, I came out strong and more in love with Christ than ever. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND HE IS LOVE!!!
Something that happened that helped partake in my complete 180 I eventually lead back up to was my family. Let me just tell you- I would not be the women of God that I am today without my parents. They are a constant reminder of love and compassion even in the darkest of times for me. My mom would call me and pray for me over the phone nearly every night and my dad did a good job of keeping me distracted with things that would keep my head out of dark places. They have been my complete support system since day one and I couldn't be anymore grateful for them than I already am.
Something I decided to do during this time was fast. My church back home was fasting at the time and I really felt like God called me to do this. So, as God calls, I listen. Every time I craved what I got rid of- I dug as far into the word and into prayer as my brain could handle. Some nights I would sit there and just cry as I read, because I knew in my heart that the whole time God was condemning my heart of the things Satan tried to put in there during those past few weeks. I ended up doing a devotion last week for SLC and I honestly didn't think there was anything better to speak about besides Trials. I was going through one of my own and digging into the word for that not only helped me speak to my friends, but speak my soul as well. During this time I ran into a few verses that stuck out to me. Mark 4:40 was one in particular. It says, "He said to his disciples, "why are you so afraid? Do you have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other. "Who is this? Even the winds and waves obey him." It made me realize, even in my own storm, why am I so afraid? If I look behind me, I see that God controlled those storms, so why would he not be able to do the same thing now? Another verse was Matthew 7:7. It says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." So, that's when I realized I needed to get on my knees and cry out to God. He will help me when I ask, so once again, why am I so afraid to ask? I remember being so angry that God was allowing this to happen to me, and it wasn't fair. When I began to pray and be at peace in prayer, I realized the real battle that was going on.
One last tool I used in this spiritual battle was a book that was recommended to me by a family member. It's The Bondage Breaker by: Neil T. Anderson. It's about overcoming negative thoughts, irrational feelings and habitual sins. YALL- Satan is a real person and he is out to steal, kill, and destroy every last piece of you. However, God is here to break the bondage. I'm still reading the book, but what I've gathered so far is when you are as far down in a valley as you can be, you need to cry out to God and rebuke Satan in Jesus name! He wanted to see me as low as I was, he wanted me to not be okay, and feel alone and unworthy and unloved. He fed off of me doubting God and pushing him away. Something that really frustrated me was the fact I felt so weak, because I was allowing Satan to push me to the edge, but something this book has taught me is that he preys on the ones who have everything together, and have a strong relationship with the Lord, because they are his biggest threats. It didn't make me look "weak" to God, but it made me look strong.
I am finally no longer afraid or feel alone or vulnerable. I feel strong in the Lord and I trust that His love is bigger than my valleys or darkness, because he is here to save the lost and heal the broken and fix the weary. He is a God of miracles and a God of mercy and grace, because he loves us more than we could ever imagine. Satan today is livid, because instead of coming out of this hurting and broken, I came out strong and more in love with Christ than ever. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND HE IS LOVE!!!
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
The Struggle with Social Media
How many minutes of the day do we spend on social media? The average human spends around 116 minutes, or two hours a day on social media. That is ridiculous. I can't say that I'm not guilty of that myself though. Social media is just a small part of what I want to talk about. I actually want to talk about the media in general and how they influence Christian Millennials, like myself, in everyday life. I know that almost all of my friends have twitter accounts and that's what I want to talk about first. We go on twitter all the time and I know some of the first tweets I see are about what is going on around the world right now. Can I ask you something though? Is most of that positive? No, usually it is something about our president, the police force, or the racism issues going on that day. I may shock you by saying this, but did you know that not everything being said on twitter isn't everything going on in the world? I hate that as Christians we go on social media and see all of these negative things, but we miss out on the best parts of the world. Almost once a month at work I see veterans come in, or cops come in, and some kind soul offers to take care of their bill. Even today my roommate and I got to help an old lady carry her groceries to the car and then she offered us her shopping cart to use and gave me a hug. (you have to pay 25 cents for a cart where we go) Things are not always bad around you.
Yes, I know what you're thinking. Bad things are still happening. How about instead of going on social media to see those things, you go out and do a kind act to substitute for all the evil going on in the world. As children of God, we are called to love on everyone in everything that we do, even if we don't agree with someone else's opinion. I know as a millennial, that we are constantly being looked down on when it comes to social media, being on our phones, and being closed minded. So, why don't we prove the rest of the world wrong? I know I struggle with going on my phone and looking at social media and being angry and upset at someone for their opinions. However, why not instead we agree to disagree? I told one of my friends today that I am so sad for our generation, because they don't get to see how big our world and our God is, because it's constantly being portrayed by social media and the media in general in such a negative light. God called us to be vessels and lights to the non believers and to glorify him in our actions outside the church, because it honors him. So next time you see something that you don't agree with, just move on, go out and change the world, because that's what God expects of us. We can't go out and fix racism, or hatred, or anything else all in one day, but we can go out and be those vessels God has called us to be so we can start to be that change in the world.
In conclusion, I know sometimes looking at these posts can make you upset or angry, but next time you see one just think of what God has done for us. He saved each and everyone of us by dying for our sins, and there is nothing that could be going on in the world that could be bigger than that of Our God!! Go into the world with "blind faith" and know without seeing that not everything going on is as evil as our social media and media is putting out there. One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 and it says this "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." In the end, none of this chaos compares to God's glory and love for us as long as you submit to him, he will fix it all in the end. So, I challenge you next time you see something negative on twitter; tweet something positive. Next time you see an angry post on Facebook; remind everyone that God's love is greater than our anger or doubt. Media and social media are not the answers to your understandings about creation and the world- God is!
With love,
Hollie Adams
Yes, I know what you're thinking. Bad things are still happening. How about instead of going on social media to see those things, you go out and do a kind act to substitute for all the evil going on in the world. As children of God, we are called to love on everyone in everything that we do, even if we don't agree with someone else's opinion. I know as a millennial, that we are constantly being looked down on when it comes to social media, being on our phones, and being closed minded. So, why don't we prove the rest of the world wrong? I know I struggle with going on my phone and looking at social media and being angry and upset at someone for their opinions. However, why not instead we agree to disagree? I told one of my friends today that I am so sad for our generation, because they don't get to see how big our world and our God is, because it's constantly being portrayed by social media and the media in general in such a negative light. God called us to be vessels and lights to the non believers and to glorify him in our actions outside the church, because it honors him. So next time you see something that you don't agree with, just move on, go out and change the world, because that's what God expects of us. We can't go out and fix racism, or hatred, or anything else all in one day, but we can go out and be those vessels God has called us to be so we can start to be that change in the world.
In conclusion, I know sometimes looking at these posts can make you upset or angry, but next time you see one just think of what God has done for us. He saved each and everyone of us by dying for our sins, and there is nothing that could be going on in the world that could be bigger than that of Our God!! Go into the world with "blind faith" and know without seeing that not everything going on is as evil as our social media and media is putting out there. One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 and it says this "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." In the end, none of this chaos compares to God's glory and love for us as long as you submit to him, he will fix it all in the end. So, I challenge you next time you see something negative on twitter; tweet something positive. Next time you see an angry post on Facebook; remind everyone that God's love is greater than our anger or doubt. Media and social media are not the answers to your understandings about creation and the world- God is!
With love,
Hollie Adams
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Walking with Faith and Grace
WOW!! It has definitely been some time since I last blogged. The last post I made was right when I got home from school on summer break and a lot has changed since then. I made it a goal of mine this summer to do something epic. I didn't exactly know what that would be since I wasn't planning on doing much. However, since then a lot of exciting things have been happening that have absolutely changed my life in ways I would have never expected if you had asked me a year ago. The biggest concept that I learned was how to walk with Faith and Grace when you don't know where you're called to be. So, I thought I would share how that happened and my very best advice on how to get to the place I feel like I am in right now.
In October of my senior year, I was called to youth ministry. I went through a lot during late middle school and high school, so I felt God was going to use me to change the lives of these kids just like my youth pastor did for me. It was definitely a crisis type of call for me. I was in a toxic relationship, I lost a majority of my friends and I felt so alone that I didn't know what there was left for me to do. I was at a fall retreat at a camp I go to every summer (now as a leader) when I felt God's call on my life. I went home that Sunday and broke up with my boyfriend and then decided to apologize and forgive everyone for all the broken friendships I had formed from my own mistakes. Okay, no fast forward to college. I go to Lee University (as I've mentioned before) and with a major in youth ministry. First semester was coming to a close and I managed to let the devil feed me lies about my calling. Such as: "You won't make enough." and "How will you provide for your family?" So with my full panic mode now in motion, I quickly decided to change my major to history education. I love history, so this was a good choice for me . Now I'll be able to pay off my student loans and life will end up okay for me. So, fast forward again. Going through the year I still felt so empty, almost like I was still not content with what I was doing in school. Summer rolls around and all I wanted to do was go home and work and just try to quickly move on with my life and pretend that God wasn't knocking on my hearts door and trying to convict me of something.
That is when in late May I got a text from my new youth pastor asking me what I was up to this summer. I quickly replied and said not really anything except working and hanging with my family. He replied and asked if I would like to join the youth leadership team. I quickly replied and said I'd love to as I felt God screaming yes in my ear. Yet, I still didn't feel full. A week later he asked me to go to camp this year as a leader. I was a bit nervous as it was my first year as a leader instead of a camper and I was unsure of what use I would be to these young girls. Camp came rather quickly and as I stepped on the campground for the first time I was reminded of that October night when I heard the sermon that helped me recognize my call to ministry. That Tuesday morning during our leaders meeting the DYD spoke a short devotion on God's call on our lives. He said that instead of running from our call we need to embrace it, even if it is terrifying. He told us his first salary as a youth pastor was only around 13,000 a year. However, instead of my heart sinking to the ground I actually felt the touch of God on my heart. I was once again reminded of my original call to ministry. I was called to it, because God knows that he can use me to spread his word and his name. I realized in that moment that he was calling me to full time ministry. I will still pursue my teaching degree as a backup plan, but I feel like a church is my home, my safe place, where I belong. I feel like I want to be as close to God as a possibly can. That week I realized that I do play a role in these girls lives. They will look up to me and remember me and I'll become a role model to them. My calling IS important, but what you do with that calling is even MORE important.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." (Martin Luther King Jr.) That quote is reflective of God's future plans. We have absolutely no idea what may happen, but we, as children of the most high God, need to be able to trust the immensity of God's love and his call on our lives. "For I knw the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 If that is true, then why are we so terrified of what the outcome of God's plans for us are? Why are we so afraid to step out in our faith and reveal to the world that God is the one and only king and he died so we can live? We are sinners and God loves us anyways, so why would he harm us OR our futures? These are the questions I finally found myself asking when I decided full time ministry was where I belong. Why was I so afraid of doing what God has called me to do and stepping out of my comfort zone? God's grace is so abundant and his love is so radical that there is no reason for us NOT to step out in faith and do as God has called us to do. I realized in this walk, that at the beginning of it all I didn't feel full. Well, I learned that you are never going to feel full, you are going to just want more and more of God and more and more answers to questions that only the Lord provides and absolutely nothing is wrong with that. It's okay to want more and it's okay to not feel like you are doing enough, because that just means that God wants more of YOU!!!
I really hope this post helped somebody out there who has been questioning God's call on their lives. Being called by God to be a servant to him is so important and it's more important that you follow that call as well. God loves us so much and he holds your hand through it all!!!
-With Love,
Hollie Adams
In October of my senior year, I was called to youth ministry. I went through a lot during late middle school and high school, so I felt God was going to use me to change the lives of these kids just like my youth pastor did for me. It was definitely a crisis type of call for me. I was in a toxic relationship, I lost a majority of my friends and I felt so alone that I didn't know what there was left for me to do. I was at a fall retreat at a camp I go to every summer (now as a leader) when I felt God's call on my life. I went home that Sunday and broke up with my boyfriend and then decided to apologize and forgive everyone for all the broken friendships I had formed from my own mistakes. Okay, no fast forward to college. I go to Lee University (as I've mentioned before) and with a major in youth ministry. First semester was coming to a close and I managed to let the devil feed me lies about my calling. Such as: "You won't make enough." and "How will you provide for your family?" So with my full panic mode now in motion, I quickly decided to change my major to history education. I love history, so this was a good choice for me . Now I'll be able to pay off my student loans and life will end up okay for me. So, fast forward again. Going through the year I still felt so empty, almost like I was still not content with what I was doing in school. Summer rolls around and all I wanted to do was go home and work and just try to quickly move on with my life and pretend that God wasn't knocking on my hearts door and trying to convict me of something.
That is when in late May I got a text from my new youth pastor asking me what I was up to this summer. I quickly replied and said not really anything except working and hanging with my family. He replied and asked if I would like to join the youth leadership team. I quickly replied and said I'd love to as I felt God screaming yes in my ear. Yet, I still didn't feel full. A week later he asked me to go to camp this year as a leader. I was a bit nervous as it was my first year as a leader instead of a camper and I was unsure of what use I would be to these young girls. Camp came rather quickly and as I stepped on the campground for the first time I was reminded of that October night when I heard the sermon that helped me recognize my call to ministry. That Tuesday morning during our leaders meeting the DYD spoke a short devotion on God's call on our lives. He said that instead of running from our call we need to embrace it, even if it is terrifying. He told us his first salary as a youth pastor was only around 13,000 a year. However, instead of my heart sinking to the ground I actually felt the touch of God on my heart. I was once again reminded of my original call to ministry. I was called to it, because God knows that he can use me to spread his word and his name. I realized in that moment that he was calling me to full time ministry. I will still pursue my teaching degree as a backup plan, but I feel like a church is my home, my safe place, where I belong. I feel like I want to be as close to God as a possibly can. That week I realized that I do play a role in these girls lives. They will look up to me and remember me and I'll become a role model to them. My calling IS important, but what you do with that calling is even MORE important.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." (Martin Luther King Jr.) That quote is reflective of God's future plans. We have absolutely no idea what may happen, but we, as children of the most high God, need to be able to trust the immensity of God's love and his call on our lives. "For I knw the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 If that is true, then why are we so terrified of what the outcome of God's plans for us are? Why are we so afraid to step out in our faith and reveal to the world that God is the one and only king and he died so we can live? We are sinners and God loves us anyways, so why would he harm us OR our futures? These are the questions I finally found myself asking when I decided full time ministry was where I belong. Why was I so afraid of doing what God has called me to do and stepping out of my comfort zone? God's grace is so abundant and his love is so radical that there is no reason for us NOT to step out in faith and do as God has called us to do. I realized in this walk, that at the beginning of it all I didn't feel full. Well, I learned that you are never going to feel full, you are going to just want more and more of God and more and more answers to questions that only the Lord provides and absolutely nothing is wrong with that. It's okay to want more and it's okay to not feel like you are doing enough, because that just means that God wants more of YOU!!!
I really hope this post helped somebody out there who has been questioning God's call on their lives. Being called by God to be a servant to him is so important and it's more important that you follow that call as well. God loves us so much and he holds your hand through it all!!!
-With Love,
Hollie Adams
Monday, May 1, 2017
*A special shoutout to my friend group*
No, this will not be a normal post, but I am gonna try my best to give advice.
As my freshman year came to a close I looked back at all the great things I did as well as all the friends I made. After realizing how incredibly blessed I truly am I realized something. Not a single one of my friends are alike and that's the best part about them. These next few minutes I'm going to take the time to describe why you need friends like the ones I have in college. If I leave you out- know that you are still so incredibly special to me and thank you so much for making this year so easy for me.
Get you a friend like Michelle: Michelle, you truly gave the best advice I could ask for. In the darkest of times you always helped me find a light in the darkest of places.
Get you a friend like Mason: Mason, thank you for never failing to make me laugh hysterically even on a bad day. You always reminded me that even in hard times, people always have it worse. (i.e. Pre-Med majors)
Get you a friend like Mitchell: Mitchell, you understood me so well even when we did not always see eye-to-eye. You were always there to just listen to me vent even if you were so annoyed with me I would never know, because you just wanted to help me.
Get you a friend like Jake: Jake, thank you for helping me through one of the hardest days of my freshman year. When my dad lost his job, you were the first person I went to for advice, because I knew you'd be there to help. You are one of the few people to ever pray over me too, which was a big deal.
Get you a friend like Bekah: Bekah, you have a servants heart and you love the Lord so much and I love that about you. Every time I'm around you, you just lift me up and put a smile on my face and for that I will always be grateful.
Get you a friend like Lexi: Lexi, I don't even know how to describe you, so just thank you for all the laughs and for just being your sarcastic self. You make me laugh like no ones business.
Get you a friend like Kenna: Kenna, thanks for putting up with all my roommate shenanigans and late night study sessions. We both road the struggle bus with our 9ams but at least we road it together.
Get you a friend like Cierra: Cierra, thank you for letting me relate to you so much and allowing me to camp out in your room till all hours of the night.
Get you a friend like Sara: Sara, you are my forever friend and I'm so thankful for that. You became my best friend within just 9 short months. You have made me laugh until I have tears in my eyes and you are a great listener (even when sometimes you aren't listening and you reply to what I said 10 minutes later)
I guess the moral of this post is just to show examples of some of the great friends you can make in college. You need to surround yourself with people who will lift you up through all the good and the bad times and will never tear you down. From the second I stepped onto campus freshman year, I realized that this would be my home for 4 years and I was destined for greatness. Little did I know that y'all would be a big part of my greatness.
So here's to freshman year and here's to the next 3 years together filled with more adventures and laughs.
As my freshman year came to a close I looked back at all the great things I did as well as all the friends I made. After realizing how incredibly blessed I truly am I realized something. Not a single one of my friends are alike and that's the best part about them. These next few minutes I'm going to take the time to describe why you need friends like the ones I have in college. If I leave you out- know that you are still so incredibly special to me and thank you so much for making this year so easy for me.
Get you a friend like Michelle: Michelle, you truly gave the best advice I could ask for. In the darkest of times you always helped me find a light in the darkest of places.
Get you a friend like Mason: Mason, thank you for never failing to make me laugh hysterically even on a bad day. You always reminded me that even in hard times, people always have it worse. (i.e. Pre-Med majors)
Get you a friend like Mitchell: Mitchell, you understood me so well even when we did not always see eye-to-eye. You were always there to just listen to me vent even if you were so annoyed with me I would never know, because you just wanted to help me.
Get you a friend like Jake: Jake, thank you for helping me through one of the hardest days of my freshman year. When my dad lost his job, you were the first person I went to for advice, because I knew you'd be there to help. You are one of the few people to ever pray over me too, which was a big deal.
Get you a friend like Bekah: Bekah, you have a servants heart and you love the Lord so much and I love that about you. Every time I'm around you, you just lift me up and put a smile on my face and for that I will always be grateful.
Get you a friend like Lexi: Lexi, I don't even know how to describe you, so just thank you for all the laughs and for just being your sarcastic self. You make me laugh like no ones business.
Get you a friend like Kenna: Kenna, thanks for putting up with all my roommate shenanigans and late night study sessions. We both road the struggle bus with our 9ams but at least we road it together.
Get you a friend like Cierra: Cierra, thank you for letting me relate to you so much and allowing me to camp out in your room till all hours of the night.
Get you a friend like Sara: Sara, you are my forever friend and I'm so thankful for that. You became my best friend within just 9 short months. You have made me laugh until I have tears in my eyes and you are a great listener (even when sometimes you aren't listening and you reply to what I said 10 minutes later)
I guess the moral of this post is just to show examples of some of the great friends you can make in college. You need to surround yourself with people who will lift you up through all the good and the bad times and will never tear you down. From the second I stepped onto campus freshman year, I realized that this would be my home for 4 years and I was destined for greatness. Little did I know that y'all would be a big part of my greatness.
So here's to freshman year and here's to the next 3 years together filled with more adventures and laughs.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
The Struggle of Insecurities
Social media is probably the biggest link to the outside world in our generation. Instagram, twitter, Facebook etc. Everyday we scroll through news feed after news feed looking at pictures and posts made by our fellow peers. What if I told you that social media is one of the leading causes to eating disorders in America? It sounds pretty crazy, right? Believe it or not, it is a fact. As girls scroll through social media during spring break, or during the summer and see other girls that have the "perfect" body or look so healthy in their own skin, they begin to think things of their own. "Why am I not skinny enough?" or "Why don't I look like her?" We all know that we have at least one time in our own lives, compared ourselves to someone else. It could be our looks OR our personalities, but everybody has done it. We have a bad habit of not loving ourselves, or being comfortable in our own skin, so we decide we want to be somebody else.
Well, I am here to tell you something. Maybe you don't have that "perfect" boyfriend that your best friend has, or the number you see on the scale isn't low enough, or maybe your face broke out right before prom. I am here to tell you...WHO CARES! God has made you in HIS perfect image, and not your own. So, if you're unhappy with how you look, act, or what you have, then your complaining to God that you don't like the masterpiece he made you to be. Yes, sometimes it will be hard to look in the mirror and believe that this is who God made you to be, but that is only because we are human. It is hard to face the facts, but I believe it is something that needs to be said. Life comes with no guaranties and one of those being that you will always love your body or the way you act. YOU ARE PERFECTLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!!! I wish I could emphasize that even more, so everybody would remember it.
Another thing is, never let someone tell you that you're any less than them based on appearance.
To the boy in your 5th period that told you to stop eating so much: Only God can define you. To the girl who thinks she is the best thing since sliced bread, because she's dating the quarterback on the football team: Only God can define you. To the ex-best friend who acts like she could never sin, but constantly breaks you down: Only God can define you. Today I tell you to keep your head high, and your positivity higher, because ONLY GOD CAN DEFINE YOU. You are his artwork and his beautiful creation. Anybody who tears you down only does it to build themselves back up. They do it out of spite and jealousy. They do it, because they want to believe that they are better than you. Never let somebody define you as a person, because you are GREAT and God is GREATER.
Don't stoop to their level either. If somebody tells you that you aren't good enough, lift them up. They need prayer and encouragement, because they are probably going through a hard time. I know if someone calls you fat, or ugly, it will be next to impossible to not say something even more mean back, but you can do it! Don't let anyone get the satisfaction of breaking you down until you have nothing left.
Finally, to the girl who is heart broken over her insecurities: Jesus loves you more than anything ever made, and he made you exactly in his image. Who wouldn't love someone who was made from the image of the Lord?!
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful and I know that full well." - Psalms 139:14
"You are all together beautiful my darling; there is no flaw in you."-Song of Songs 4:7
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."- Proverbs 31:30
With Love,
Hollie Adams
Well, I am here to tell you something. Maybe you don't have that "perfect" boyfriend that your best friend has, or the number you see on the scale isn't low enough, or maybe your face broke out right before prom. I am here to tell you...WHO CARES! God has made you in HIS perfect image, and not your own. So, if you're unhappy with how you look, act, or what you have, then your complaining to God that you don't like the masterpiece he made you to be. Yes, sometimes it will be hard to look in the mirror and believe that this is who God made you to be, but that is only because we are human. It is hard to face the facts, but I believe it is something that needs to be said. Life comes with no guaranties and one of those being that you will always love your body or the way you act. YOU ARE PERFECTLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!!! I wish I could emphasize that even more, so everybody would remember it.
Another thing is, never let someone tell you that you're any less than them based on appearance.
To the boy in your 5th period that told you to stop eating so much: Only God can define you. To the girl who thinks she is the best thing since sliced bread, because she's dating the quarterback on the football team: Only God can define you. To the ex-best friend who acts like she could never sin, but constantly breaks you down: Only God can define you. Today I tell you to keep your head high, and your positivity higher, because ONLY GOD CAN DEFINE YOU. You are his artwork and his beautiful creation. Anybody who tears you down only does it to build themselves back up. They do it out of spite and jealousy. They do it, because they want to believe that they are better than you. Never let somebody define you as a person, because you are GREAT and God is GREATER.
Don't stoop to their level either. If somebody tells you that you aren't good enough, lift them up. They need prayer and encouragement, because they are probably going through a hard time. I know if someone calls you fat, or ugly, it will be next to impossible to not say something even more mean back, but you can do it! Don't let anyone get the satisfaction of breaking you down until you have nothing left.
Finally, to the girl who is heart broken over her insecurities: Jesus loves you more than anything ever made, and he made you exactly in his image. Who wouldn't love someone who was made from the image of the Lord?!
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful and I know that full well." - Psalms 139:14
"You are all together beautiful my darling; there is no flaw in you."-Song of Songs 4:7
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."- Proverbs 31:30
With Love,
Hollie Adams
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
The Struggle of Grief & Depression
They are those two words that nobody in American society is comfortable talking about today. Contrary to popular belief, grief and depression typically go hand-and-hand. Sometimes it is the horrible pain of death that burdens us. Other times it's the constant heart ache of divorce. The list could go on and on, but one thing will always remain the same in that is God's love for us.
I was only 10 years old when I lost my older brother to a tragic accident. I found him not too long after the accident, and he was on life support for not even 18 hours before being pronounced brain dead. I typically don't like coming out with stories of how he died, nor do I try to remember how I felt after. Instead I buried it inside of me and tried to pretend like life would just go on as normal. That was just the beginning of the depression that began to unfold. I struggled with PTSD for a good part of my early teenage years, and to this day it is still an on-going battle. It has in fact got a lot better, but I know for a fact that without help and guidance of the Lord that I would have never saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I am not here to talk about myself or why grieving and depression are 2 parts of the evil world we live in. I am here to tell you how to find YOUR light at the end of this hopelessness.
I think a common question for being in a trail is "why me?" If we serve this almighty God that doesn't want to hurt us, then why he did do this to me? Why not a person who deserves it more? Well, I wish I could say I had the answer for that. However, we will never know the bigger picture God has for us until we get to heaven. There are so many reasons God could take people from us when they are barely 16, or their lives have barely started, and I know that it's hard to wait upon that answer, but it's our duty as Christians wait patiently until the day God calls us home.
As just regular people trying to cope with the chaotic world around us, we tend to just focus in on all the bad that happens, instead of giving thanks for all the good that happens as well. I learned the hard way that if you don't try your best to see the positives around you, then you'll only encounter the darkness that leads your path. Sure, you failed your math test, your car broke down, and your boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with you all in the same day. HEY, but at least that one person held the door open for you, you are blessed enough to get a good education, and now you can go home and nap! I'm not saying that this will help avoid depression, because nothing will. You can't help how you feel. However, this is a good way to make the darkness have a night light, if you will.
A trick to help with grieving is to NEVER bury your feelings. If you are going through a traumatic loss, divorce, or anything of that nature, SEE SOMEONE. I know that I hated having to go into a room with someone I didn't even know and having to share my whole life with them. In the long run, it will help you so much even if you don't see it right now. It is so much better to talk to someone when you are feeling this kind of pain. Whether its a doctor, teacher, family member, friend etc. THEY CAN HELP!!
Lastly and most importantly, THE LORD. Whenever you are struggling with your emotions and whenever you feel like it is too much to handle, our God has all the answers you need. You need to tell yourself that God's plan for you is so much bigger than our plans for ourselves. I know it is a cliché thing to say, but God gives the toughest battles to the strongest soldiers. Even though it is cliché, it is SO true. God will never give someone something that they can't handle. Also, if you aren't invested in your relationship with the Lord and you aren't willing to trust him with what he is doing in your life, then you will find yourself struggling a lot more. Whenever you are starting to feel alone, sad, or broken, DIG into the word and pray, pray, pray!! There is NOTHING in this world that the Lord can't fix. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). He will fix you and make you feel whole again if you just turn to him when you are feeling broken. It is a long and winding road before you do realize everything will be okay, but you'll find yourself so much stronger in your walk with Christ, and your relationship with him if you just turn to him in trial. Also, don't only turn to him in trial, turn to him in joy. You'll learn to appreciate the little things so much more and you'll begin to feel so much better about the direction your life is going in.
Other ideas to help you with grief/depression: NEVER avoid it. That will never help you, but only hurt you. Talk to friends, family, or anyone that is willing to listen. Exercise!!! Even if you hate it, it's a great way to let out frustrations. Eat right! It is a proven fact that sugar can make you more depressed--steer clear of it and eat plenty of veggies and greens! Lastly-- invest all your spare time to your walk with Christ. The stronger the relationship you have with him, the easier it will be for you in the long run.
Take it from someone who has lived this out for 8 years- grief and depression are no jokes! They will try to tear you down and make you feel isolated from the rest of the world. You know who else does that? The devil. He will always be out to steal, kill, and destroy your heart, happiness, and joy, but the quicker you turn to God in those situations- the better off you'll be. I'm going to end this with a verse I have hanging over my bed that has gotten me though every hardship I've encountered through the past 8 years.
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us"-Romans 8:18.
With Love,
Hollie Adams
I was only 10 years old when I lost my older brother to a tragic accident. I found him not too long after the accident, and he was on life support for not even 18 hours before being pronounced brain dead. I typically don't like coming out with stories of how he died, nor do I try to remember how I felt after. Instead I buried it inside of me and tried to pretend like life would just go on as normal. That was just the beginning of the depression that began to unfold. I struggled with PTSD for a good part of my early teenage years, and to this day it is still an on-going battle. It has in fact got a lot better, but I know for a fact that without help and guidance of the Lord that I would have never saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I am not here to talk about myself or why grieving and depression are 2 parts of the evil world we live in. I am here to tell you how to find YOUR light at the end of this hopelessness.
I think a common question for being in a trail is "why me?" If we serve this almighty God that doesn't want to hurt us, then why he did do this to me? Why not a person who deserves it more? Well, I wish I could say I had the answer for that. However, we will never know the bigger picture God has for us until we get to heaven. There are so many reasons God could take people from us when they are barely 16, or their lives have barely started, and I know that it's hard to wait upon that answer, but it's our duty as Christians wait patiently until the day God calls us home.
As just regular people trying to cope with the chaotic world around us, we tend to just focus in on all the bad that happens, instead of giving thanks for all the good that happens as well. I learned the hard way that if you don't try your best to see the positives around you, then you'll only encounter the darkness that leads your path. Sure, you failed your math test, your car broke down, and your boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with you all in the same day. HEY, but at least that one person held the door open for you, you are blessed enough to get a good education, and now you can go home and nap! I'm not saying that this will help avoid depression, because nothing will. You can't help how you feel. However, this is a good way to make the darkness have a night light, if you will.
A trick to help with grieving is to NEVER bury your feelings. If you are going through a traumatic loss, divorce, or anything of that nature, SEE SOMEONE. I know that I hated having to go into a room with someone I didn't even know and having to share my whole life with them. In the long run, it will help you so much even if you don't see it right now. It is so much better to talk to someone when you are feeling this kind of pain. Whether its a doctor, teacher, family member, friend etc. THEY CAN HELP!!
Lastly and most importantly, THE LORD. Whenever you are struggling with your emotions and whenever you feel like it is too much to handle, our God has all the answers you need. You need to tell yourself that God's plan for you is so much bigger than our plans for ourselves. I know it is a cliché thing to say, but God gives the toughest battles to the strongest soldiers. Even though it is cliché, it is SO true. God will never give someone something that they can't handle. Also, if you aren't invested in your relationship with the Lord and you aren't willing to trust him with what he is doing in your life, then you will find yourself struggling a lot more. Whenever you are starting to feel alone, sad, or broken, DIG into the word and pray, pray, pray!! There is NOTHING in this world that the Lord can't fix. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). He will fix you and make you feel whole again if you just turn to him when you are feeling broken. It is a long and winding road before you do realize everything will be okay, but you'll find yourself so much stronger in your walk with Christ, and your relationship with him if you just turn to him in trial. Also, don't only turn to him in trial, turn to him in joy. You'll learn to appreciate the little things so much more and you'll begin to feel so much better about the direction your life is going in.
Other ideas to help you with grief/depression: NEVER avoid it. That will never help you, but only hurt you. Talk to friends, family, or anyone that is willing to listen. Exercise!!! Even if you hate it, it's a great way to let out frustrations. Eat right! It is a proven fact that sugar can make you more depressed--steer clear of it and eat plenty of veggies and greens! Lastly-- invest all your spare time to your walk with Christ. The stronger the relationship you have with him, the easier it will be for you in the long run.
Take it from someone who has lived this out for 8 years- grief and depression are no jokes! They will try to tear you down and make you feel isolated from the rest of the world. You know who else does that? The devil. He will always be out to steal, kill, and destroy your heart, happiness, and joy, but the quicker you turn to God in those situations- the better off you'll be. I'm going to end this with a verse I have hanging over my bed that has gotten me though every hardship I've encountered through the past 8 years.
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us"-Romans 8:18.
With Love,
Hollie Adams
Monday, February 20, 2017
The Struggle of Being Single
I'm a firm believer in everybody is meant for somebody. Sometimes it's hard to believe that it's true when you're sitting in your bed alone on a Friday night craving attention from some boy. I'm also sure that boy that you are dying to date on that one football team is not looking at you and wanting a loving Christ centered relationship either. I'm sure he has something better in mind for himself...
Ever since I was younger I've looked up to the relationship my parents had and I have envied it with everything in me. They have been married for 24 years and sure they have their ups and downs, but they treat each other with respect and love. LADIES LISTEN-- NO matter how "hot" or "charming" a guy is, if he doesn't love the Lord more than he'll love you, then he is NOT the one for you. As female Christians, I believe we deal with the everyday struggle of lusting. Yes, lusting happens to everybody at some point. Instead of looking at the inside of somebody's heart, we look at their beautiful jaw lines, their defined stomach structure, and the way their arms look like they could move mountains. Under all the outside features there is a man that either loves the Lord, or he doesn't. He either busts his bottom to please him in everything he does, or he doesn't. He is either intentional in every action and does everything with grace or he doesn't. If he isn't praying with you, for you, or helping you in your walk with Christ every day that you feel like you aren't doing enough then he isn't for you. A man should pull you up every moment you feel down. He should show you your worth and importance to the Kingdom of God. He should hold your hand through every dark place and every moment worth celebrating. "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."- Matthew 6:33. In other words, if you are not able to walk with Christ on your OWN, then you are NOT ready for someone else. You need to be able to seek God yourself, before somebody else seeks him with you. Being able to walk on your own is so important, because without that then you will never be able to walk with your significant other. You will never be able to hold someone else afloat during the hard times, if you can't even do it for yourself. I've learned it the hard way. Ever since I lost my brother nearly 8 years ago, I tried so hard to find a man to fill that void in my heart. However, after just a year in college I learned that without me being able to hold myself up alone and grieve on my own, then I will never be able to hold someone else up. "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."-Galatians 5:16. In other words, if you fall in love with the Lord first and take to heart his plan for you yourself, then God will bless you immensely and you will not feel the need to lust. So, remember all of this the next time your love for that player (literally) on the football team means more to you than your heart for God. You need to be able to thirst for the Lord and only him before you are ready for somebody else. You need to be able to feel weak every time that you read the bible, other than when you have that "one-night-stand" the weekend of that one party. You should be able to fall in love with the word and crave more and more from it. I have been single for two years and I do not regret even a second of it. I've began to pray over my future husband. I pray that I marry a man that is even half the man that my father is to my mom and I pray that when the time is right, my prince will come.
I believe that when God sends me the right man that we will be equally yoked and he will want to walk with me through every trial and tribulation that the world throws at us. He will pray with me and will seek him with me. Until that day comes, I will wait and pray and stay stead fast in the word and his plan for me. I hope that you wait for the right man to sweep you off your feet and I hope you continue to follow the Lord's plan for you.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
With love,
Hollie Adams
Ever since I was younger I've looked up to the relationship my parents had and I have envied it with everything in me. They have been married for 24 years and sure they have their ups and downs, but they treat each other with respect and love. LADIES LISTEN-- NO matter how "hot" or "charming" a guy is, if he doesn't love the Lord more than he'll love you, then he is NOT the one for you. As female Christians, I believe we deal with the everyday struggle of lusting. Yes, lusting happens to everybody at some point. Instead of looking at the inside of somebody's heart, we look at their beautiful jaw lines, their defined stomach structure, and the way their arms look like they could move mountains. Under all the outside features there is a man that either loves the Lord, or he doesn't. He either busts his bottom to please him in everything he does, or he doesn't. He is either intentional in every action and does everything with grace or he doesn't. If he isn't praying with you, for you, or helping you in your walk with Christ every day that you feel like you aren't doing enough then he isn't for you. A man should pull you up every moment you feel down. He should show you your worth and importance to the Kingdom of God. He should hold your hand through every dark place and every moment worth celebrating. "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."- Matthew 6:33. In other words, if you are not able to walk with Christ on your OWN, then you are NOT ready for someone else. You need to be able to seek God yourself, before somebody else seeks him with you. Being able to walk on your own is so important, because without that then you will never be able to walk with your significant other. You will never be able to hold someone else afloat during the hard times, if you can't even do it for yourself. I've learned it the hard way. Ever since I lost my brother nearly 8 years ago, I tried so hard to find a man to fill that void in my heart. However, after just a year in college I learned that without me being able to hold myself up alone and grieve on my own, then I will never be able to hold someone else up. "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."-Galatians 5:16. In other words, if you fall in love with the Lord first and take to heart his plan for you yourself, then God will bless you immensely and you will not feel the need to lust. So, remember all of this the next time your love for that player (literally) on the football team means more to you than your heart for God. You need to be able to thirst for the Lord and only him before you are ready for somebody else. You need to be able to feel weak every time that you read the bible, other than when you have that "one-night-stand" the weekend of that one party. You should be able to fall in love with the word and crave more and more from it. I have been single for two years and I do not regret even a second of it. I've began to pray over my future husband. I pray that I marry a man that is even half the man that my father is to my mom and I pray that when the time is right, my prince will come.
I believe that when God sends me the right man that we will be equally yoked and he will want to walk with me through every trial and tribulation that the world throws at us. He will pray with me and will seek him with me. Until that day comes, I will wait and pray and stay stead fast in the word and his plan for me. I hope that you wait for the right man to sweep you off your feet and I hope you continue to follow the Lord's plan for you.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
With love,
Hollie Adams
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