Faith Without Works

Today, I was reading in James 2. God has slowly been revealing a truth to me: Faith without works is dead. Now, this used to confuse me because I was always taught that we are saved through faith. This is true: we are saved through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Praise Jesus my salvation isn't based on my works! I've been saved by the grace of God. That credit goes straight to God and not me. 
In the past, when I would read in James 2 that faith without works is dead, I didn't understand it. I thought it was contradicting Ephesians by saying that my salvation was, indeed, based on my actions. But after some discipleship and understanding from God, I've come to understand what this means. Faith in God is more than just believing in God. James 2:19 says that even the demons believe, and they tremble in terror. Having faith in God, to me and based on what I've read, means allowing God to come into your life and letting the Holy Spirit guide and convict you. Having faith means loving Jesus so much that people can see Him through your actions, your works. Having faith means letting your actions reflect those of Jesus, producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). James is saying that true faith in Christ should produce the fruits of the Spirit, because that shows that the Spirit is living and working in you. 
This passage has made me look at my life and see if I'm really allowing God to work in me. If I am, I should see good works being produced. Not that I'm not gonna mess up. I will fail because I am not in Heaven yet, and as long as I live on Earth, sin will still wage a war inside me. Thank God for his grace. But, I can let the Holy Spirit transform me to be more like Jesus. I can let God refine me and allow His light to shine through me! I can have faith and allow Jesus to shine though my actions!

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works ~ James 2:26

Uniquely You!

Something that's been really bugging me lately is people's obsession over being like everyone else. People grow up today being surrounded by how they should look, dress, and act. I've dealt with insecurities before, and, even to this day, I still struggle with it. I've always wondered why I can't have curves, why I'm so long and lankey, or why I'm not as bold as some people. I need to remember that God made me unique and special. I am one of a kind created by the Almighty Creator and so are you! I'm not saying you can't change some things at all. I'm saying look at your motives for change. Make sure that it's something that you are comfortable with and not something you feel pressured to do. God has a purpose for you. He made you the way you are for a reason. Seek out his purpose. Find your beauty in Christ.

Brittani

It's Thanksgiving Everyday?! Say What?!?!

Generally, people don't express their thankfulness until the good ol month of November. However, tonight, the Lord has really shown me the blessings he has placed in my life.

First and foremost, I'm thankful that God pursues me even when I try to turn my back on him. He's always pouring His love onto me and always calling me back to Him. My God's love is unconditional. I couldn't express how thankful I am through words. What a blessing!

I'm very thankful for my family. I have a fairly large family. 4 older sisters! Although we may not get along all the time (however, I feel like this doesn't really happen much now that we're grown haha) I absolutely love my sisters. They are always here to help me and support me in the things I dream of! I know that I can always go to them with anything. They will walk by my side and offer as much help as they can! Let's not forget my mom. She has shown me what a strong woman looks like. She has had a fairly rough life, but she has strived to giver "her girls" the best life possibly, even if it means working her butt off! For that I am truly thankful.

I'm thankful my sweet boyfriend! What a blessing he is! He shows me so much love even when I don't deserve it (I can be a grouch at times :P). He's constantly teaching me! He's honest with me. He encourages me in many ways: school, God, work, etc. He has given his heart, and I have given him mine. I trust him to hold it well and help it grow. I couldn't be more blessed!

I'm thankful for my sweet friends. The Lord has granted me with so many friends. Old ones. New ones. Some more like sisters. I love to laugh and joke, but I also love knowing I have friends who will drop everything to help me. Some of my sweet friends are more like mentors. They drench me with wisdom! I pray I can an equally amazing friend!

Finally, I'm thankful for my work and school. Although, these may be things I dread sometimes, I try to remember not everyone has these same opportunities. I thought that my passion was only for children (hence I'm gonna be a teacher!), but working with teenagers, I've realized I love them just as much. They have taught me so much: mainly by reminding me what kind of model I need to be.

So, I know this is pretty random, but hey! When the Lord speaks, ya gotta do it!
I hope you can take the time today to just sit back and think of your blessing!
Everyday may not be good, but there's something good in everyday!  :)

We are Family! :)

About a year and a half ago, my mom told me that she had a brother who she just got in touch with over FaceBook. She would call him and talk to him all the time! He lives in Arizona.
I was very skeptical about him at first. For all I knew, he could be some crazy man or something (bear, monster :P).
After about a year, my Uncle Bob decided he would make a trip from Arizona to good ol Alabama for my sister's college graduation! By this time, I had added him on Facebook myself and talked to him a bit! I was super stoked!
My Uncle and Mom are related on their dad's side of the family. Now, I never met my Grandpa because he past away long before I was born. However, from the descriptions of my Grandpa my mom gave to me growing up, I knew, from the interactions on Facebook and conversations on the phone, my Uncle would remind me alot of my Grandpa! And he most certainly does! He looks just like him!
My uncle is so stinkin cool, yall! And that may sound corny, but it's so true! He plays guitar and harmonica (He's in a band back in Arizona)! He super funny and loves to goof off! He loves playing with the kids! He's just an awesome guy all around. It was such a joy and pleasure to meet him!

Also, as an AWESOME surprise, my cousin Haley (Uncle Bob's daughter) decided to join him! I also added Haley on Facebook and talked to her a bit on the phone before she came too! We were all under the impression that she couldn't come because she's getting MARRIED in October! But she decided kinda last minute to come! Best. Surprise. Ever. Hands. Down!
Haley is such a cool cat! She loves to have fun and is really down to earth. I learned that she's also very creative! She reminds me a lot of my sister Sammy! Haley left today, but it's like I've known her forever! She was only here for 4 days, but anyone could tell she was family just by the way she fit in! She's just as awesome as her dad! :)

All in all, I love the new additions to my family! I have a huge family already, but we've definitely got room for more! I absolutely love my family, and I'm so grateful for all of them, even the ones I haven't met yet! I had a blast with my uncle and cousin, and I know it won't be long til I see them again!
Ta-ta for now!

Who's time is it anyway?

Well, school is over! I've finally completed my Junior year of college!  Woohoo! In just a year and a couple of months, I will be standing in front of lots of beautiful faces, teaching, guiding, and helping them during my internship! I. Can't. Wait! :D
I learned this semester just how bad procrastinating is! This has probably been my worst semester of school. The classes I took were very interesting and weren't bad at all! I just didn't do my work. I was tired a lot and cranky! Most of my time was spent on Netflix, which I really need to delete!
I need to remember that the time I have is from God! I know he has chosen me to be a teacher. Should I really be wasting my time watching stuff on TV that doesn't pertain to my life at all? My time would be much better spent putting energy into things that God has called me to do.
My time management skills have got to improve! I enjoy being organized and on top of things, and I hate being rushed! I always say that I work well under pressure, but in the process I lose all my marbles!
I know I need to work on my time management! I say that at the end of every semester of school. I really hope my summer semester turns out much better than this past semester. This time is not mine, but God's. I need to be a better steward of the time He has given me!

Just Girly Things: Maybelline Liquid Eyeliner

So, I've never been a huge fan of eyeliner. I used to wear it on my bottom water line all the time, but I haven't done that in a while.
I was watching this Youtube video of a girl I follow, and she mentioned the new Maybelline Liquid Eyeliner duo. In her review, she explained that it was easy to apply. So I was at Target one day (when am I not though :P) and I found this product for $7, which is decently priced for a makeup product in my opinion. I came home, tried it, and loved it!
It really is super easy to apply, and I've never used liquid eyeliner before. You can wear it with or without eyeshadow and it looks just fine. The consistancy of it is perfect. Not too runny but not too sticky. And, my favorite part, it stays on ALL DAY! woot!
So, if you haven't tried it, you should totally check it out!
 :)

Brittani

PS: I am kinda a girly girl, so ocassionally I will post something in Just Girly Things :)

Also, I'm really interested in trying the colored eyeliners now. I'm a plain jane though... dare to be bold? haha

Water you drinking?

So, today, as I was drinking probably my 4th or 5th glass of sweet tea, I got to thinking how much I LOVE sweet tea! I'm a Southerner. Sweet tea is one of the only things I drink. I used to drink a lot of soda, but in the past couple of years, I've learned that soda just doesn't suffice when one has sweet tea! On average, my family drinks about a gallon of sweet tea per day. That being said, I have a rather large family; yet, that's still a lot! Think about how much money you would spend if you drank that much milk a day! D: Ok! Back to focus, Brittani!
So, I was sitting there thinking how about how much I love sweet tea when I realized I don't drink nearly as much water as I should. Sweet tea is my water.
I often take water for granted. It's just something that I have. Nice, fresh, clean water. Straight from the faucet. Or bottled... whatever your preference.
Ok, now let's see if you can keep up with my thought process.
1. K-Love is a radio station I listen to, and they are doing a 30 day challenge to listen to nothing but Christian music for 30 days.
2. That reminded me of the challenge Way-FM, another radio station, did to drink nothing but water for 30 days.
3. I decided that I'm gonna try really hard to almost drink nothing but water for 30 days..... almost?
well because I love sweet tea, I'm allowing myself one glass of sweet tea per week, on each Saturday.
There are so many in this world who would kill to have the water that I can so readily drink here. Yet, I treat it like it's useless because I have soooooo many other options. I really want to take this time and just remember how fortunate I am and how much God has blessed me even through drinking just a clean, fresh, cold cup of water.
So, whoever is reading this, hold me accountable! I've tried and failed before. Don't want that to happen again! :)

Brittani :)