Loving Example

So, this morning my little brother and I got in an argument. He ended up running to his room crying. He screamed at me from his room for a couple minutes, and then just started sobbing. I realized a few minutes later that he wasn't making any noise. "Elise... Elise come here please." He said through some sniffles. I stood up and tried not to show the pain on my face as I walked into his room. I hate having to be a disciplinary figure. He looked at me then turned his eyes to the wall. "Sorry." I was taken back by this comment. I had walked in expecting him to try to calmly tell me why he was right. "I remember what we talked about today, during devotions." Some tears fell from his face. "Remember, how we said that after you have a fight with someone, God will help you to know that you need to apologize? And you feel bad? I'm sorry." I couldn't hold back my smile. As we hugged and apologized to each other, I was blown away at the amount of love God had poured out on me through my brother. HE was being the example to ME. Thank you Jesus for placing people in my life to bring your truths to me. And thank you for my little bother :) I sure am blessed!! <3

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

Finally Finished

As I bring my school year to a close, I can't help but praise God! Without Him, I couldn't have made it through. So many times I felt worn, tired, useless, dumb, stupid, overworked, and so often I would end up a crying mess after trying to hold it all in. It just felt way over my head, every day. But I would bring this before God, and he never ceased to amaze me. His never ending love and compassion and mercy were there for me every morning. He forgave me for all the times I yelled at him, or my parents, or my siblings, but most of all  myself. God never gave up on me, even though I did more times than not. Over the past couple weeks I have just focused on him, and leaned on his strength, not mine. And look where I am! Getting good grades, Finishing before I needed to, and learning more about God's awesomeness! Thank you Lord for getting me through the storms of life and always being there for me. Help me to fix my eyes on you day in and day out.

This song is such a great and true song. How can you hear it and not be thankful?

"But when I fix my eyes on all that you are then every doubt I feel deep in my heart grows strangely dim, all my worries fade and fall to the ground, cause when I seek your face and don't lok around, any place I'm in grows strangely dim.." <3