1 Peter 2:9 -

I love this verse because it reminds me of my true worth and purpose - I am chosen by God and I was created to share His excellencies to everyone around me. He called us out of the darkness of sin and into the Light, that is, the Christian walk of life. You have a great purpose and a unique identity, more important than any other task or label someone gives you. No more is your chain to sin. No more are you forsaken. You have been transformed to a child of God and you are worth so much. Do you know how amazing the word CHOSEN is? It means you were hand-selected by God. How cool is that? You're not just another face in the crowd - you are loved and cherished by God as a father loves his children. Even though God is a father to many children, He remembers each and every one of them; they are unforgettable to Him. Each one is precious.

Christ empowers us to be more than we can be by ourselves. In Him we are unusual. We don't blend in with others, and we weren't made to. Peter says we were called "out of darkness into his marvelous light." Though this earthly world is full of darkness, we who are saved are called to enlighten the world by God. And ultimately, this is just our temporary home. Our destiny is heaven. Those usual people follow the crowd and might get approval from the world, but those who are unusual - we the children of God - get our approval from the Creator of the universe. Although the Christian walk of life can be a struggle, remember that through Jesus you are made unafraid, unashamed, unbroken, unceasing, undefiled, undivided, unforgotten and unstoppable...unusual. I encourage you to live each day full of confidence that you are a chosen child of God. Share God's goodness with others. Live freely and live a life full of light. And don't forget your new identity in Christ.

Unusual just might be my new favorite word.

Note: this graphic was made by me. Please do not steal! If you would like to use it, you can contact me through the contact form.

Happy New Year! 2017 is really here. And I'm still sorta blinking my eyes in surprise. Well...not really. In a perfect world, this would've been posted on January 1, but I got a bit sidetracked. This semester, I have more school, so I won't be posting as often. I'll try to post at least twice a month, though, so stay tuned! I'll try not to disappear for too long. I took an unplanned four week break from blogging without letting you know, so this turned into a Lunar New Year post now (Happy year of the rooster!). Oh, well. Better late than never, right? Heading back to the subject, I feel like the years just flip by faster and faster each year. Even though the days sometimes drag by, it seems like we pin up the new calendar sooner every year. You really have to seize every moment.

In the beginning of each year, we tend to think, okay, I guess last year's resolution didn't work, but now's the time to start over. Let's say you've made a few resolutions here and there over the years, but the thing is, by June or so, you've forgotten or lost interest in that goal. (Sad, I know. I've done it a few times...) Then the next new year flips by, and you decide that this time you'll reach my goal. And then you forget. Repeat that a couple of times and that's basically my general new year thoughts. On New Year's Day, I was in the car, on the way to church, thinking over the phrase "new year." Generally, it's thought of as a blank slate - brand new, not written on. Although in a way it's true - we don't know what the future holds - there is Someone who does knows what your year is gonna look like. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) comes to mind on this topic:

For me, this is what these verses mean for me, specifically regarding this new year:

I don't know about you, but this really inspires and encourages me. This year, 2017, I personally want Lamentations 3:22-23 to be my anthem. When I'm discouraged, I want to remember that God is still at my side, cheering me on. When I let others down, or myself down, I want to remember that God is my comfort and that He still loves me. When I do something right, I want to remember that all good things come from God!

Even though we'll mess up every day, whether it be not going to bed early, speaking kindly, or being patient, we can have comfort and assurance that God's mercies are brand new every morning.  If you feel like you've already stained your "blank slate," I've got some news for you: God's not keeping score. If you are a child of God, then He's already forgiven you! You don't need to worry about being good enough because when your Father sees you, He sees Jesus - a truly perfect slate.

Another thing to keep in mind is that our plans for the year are not the same as the Lord's. So even if you mess up on your plan or don't follow through on your new year's resolution, it's okay because God has an even bigger and better plan for you, and He keeps His promises no matter what! In fact, every morning He has brand new mercies waiting just for you. This year, even if you feel wearied by the busyness of life, or you still haven't completed your new year's resolution from last year, take heart. God has a big plans for you, as it says in Jeremiah 29:11:

“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.”

Your future is secure in His hands. Do not fear - God's love lasts on forever, as does His mercies, faithfulness, and promises.

So what does this look like in my life? I want to remember how loved and cherished I am by God and my family, without feeling discouraged or unsure of their love for me because of my actions. I want to seize every moment and use it for God's glory, because every single second is a gift from Him. Because God is so loving to me, regardless of my actions, I want to share His steadfast love with others as well.

Are you aware of God's steadfast love and mercy for you? Is it impacting the way you live your life?