Slave to my thoughts…at least I was!

For anyone who knows me, you know that I am constantly worried about something.  Did I do this right?  Should I have done this instead?  My midterm is coming in two weeks…yikes!  Rent hasn’t been paid yet.  All of these things and so much more…I can’t turn off my thoughts.  These worries start taking control but what is remarkable is that everytime I have quiet time or meet with God, they all disappear, the biggest thing doesn’t even cross my mind.  This is what I feel life to the fullest is…but how can we constantly live that?  This is where my struggle is, after I’m done I look up and all my thoughts and worries come right back-kinda ironic right? 

But today I read John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  (What’s the truth?  Simply Jesus – John 14:6)  But what do we need to be set free from?  In America we are so blessed and I was reading this and I was just thinking I’m free!  I have life so easy compared to everyone else in the world, simply because I’m American.  In verse, 34 it says, “Jesus responded, ‘I assure you: Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.’”  Jesus came to set us free (36) and we are truely set free.  What I realize is that I’m a slave to my worries and thoughts, which is not needed because Jesus has set me free.  So what I learned today is that anytime I’m bogged down with my thoughts and worries I can simply pray because I am free and I don’t have to be bound by them any longer.  I can constantly have that freedom throughout my day. 

 So my challenge for myself this week is whenever I’m getting too far in my thoughts, worries, and doubts I’m going to pray about remember John 8:32, 36 and 14:6.  I’m free!!!

In Groups of Three

Bad things come in threes right?  Well, this week there has been tons of stuff that has happened within our house:

1.  One of my roommates (Aly’s) bike got stolen…not cool to whoever jacked the bike.

2.  During the one-day blizzard one of our huge trees fell on Olivia’s car–which totalled it.  Plus, it took away a squrriels home, which seems very unimportant but when the squrriel is screaming and running around like a crazy person it just tears at your heart. 

2 1/2.  While the whole van/tree/snow storm drama was playing out.  Crystal had filled Beau’s pitcher up to the top so Beau could have more swimming room.  Well Beau attempted suicide and Mandy was freaking out about Crystal killing her fish…luckily the fish survived because Beau is no ordinary fish–he has a personality.  I know that sounds like a lie but it’s true, whenever Mandy comes up to the bowl Beau always spins around and comes to greet her…this is just one of his special quirks. 

3.  Fran broke her leg by rock climbing in the gym.  Someone had moved the mat evidently and she landed a few inches off of it causing her bone to completely break and go through her leg…she is okay now thankfully.

So all of my house is a little on edge because this has all been in the last two days.  But what I think is amazing is that Olivia, Aly, and Fran have had amazing peace and contentment with what was happening.  When we were visiting Fran in the hospital she was laughing about her accident and was saying how she saw God working through it.  Olivia didn’t freak out or anything about her car and has been happy even though her van still sits in our lot totalled and under a tree.  It’s been such an encouragement to see them live out their lives and still praise God through these three bad things.  I only hope that I’ll have their grace and peace when the storms of life hit me.  So thank you Olivia, Aly, and Fran for your amazing example and encouragement, what a testimony you guys are!!