encourage all the more

The day of Jesus' second return is definitely a coming.

How about instead of criticism and putting others down to make ourselves feel better (even if it is in our mind), we encourage?

In our friends, there are things that are good in them that make us appreciate them.

Sometimes there have been moments in my life where I've thought about complimenting someone, but  I held my tongue for whatever reason. Looking back I wish I would've just given the encouragement instead of holding it in. You never know what a word of encouragement can do to someone, even if you don't know them super well.

I feel like most of the time, you can't go wrong with a word of encouragement.

I love the way you are always so caring with those around you.

I always love your outfits: they are so cute.

I so appreciate you and the way you are such a good friend to me.

However, sometimes it's not so easy to see people through a positive light. Some people are genuinely not good people (we all aren't without Christ) but we have to remember that they need Jesus just as much as we do.

All we can do is ask Jesus to help us see them through HIS eyes.  

Today I encourage you along with myself to give out 5 words of encouragement to five different people in the next couple of days.

See how much it builds them up and makes you feel better about encouraging others!

And by the way, you can never go wrong with a hug or two!  

Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

this is who i am

 I am so incredibly selfish. I want things for myself. I want people to like me and want to gravitate towards me. I want people to look at me and say I wish I was her. A lot of times I care a lot more about myself than other people. I judge people as if I am somehow better than them and I often live my life in a way so that I can gain happiness in as many ways as possible.

I complain about so many things. I am sarcastic with my words and I often hurt people with my actions. I often don't look at my life situation with happiness and joy for all God has given me. I look at things in life and complain. I am sarcastic with people because it often gets more attention than being silent. Oh, how I struggle to just be quiet sometimes.  

 I want attention. I want to be felt loved by other people around me and I often let my emotions dictate my actions. When I feel a certain way about someone, I will let that cause me to give them the silent treatment or to use a sarcastic tone with them.  

But I am ever so slowly being formed and shaped by God into more of a selfless person. I don't die to myself. I love myself more than I want to follow God.  It's a daily fight to live a life glorifying to God because there are so many areas where it is easier to just give into our selfish instincts. I don't usually have a heart that wants to praise God every minute of my life. Sometimes I would rather stay in my self pity because it "feels" better.
 He, however, is our strength and portion. He is the only reason that I can fight my own pride.
When we look to Him instead of other people, instead of ourselves and instead of what we feel is right, then we will become wiser in Him.


Psalm 28:7: The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Making July Happen

This month, I completed a lot of things that I would consider milestones in my life. I didn't finish as many of my little goals that I wanted to that are always featured in my monthly post, but with that said, I am still very happy with everything that occurred in June!

June Goals

1. Finish one summer reading book
I ordered both of my summer reading books and I got 10/14 chapters read of my first book, and I am very happy with the progress I made. Could I have finished it? Sure. But wonderful progress was made and it is an incredibly long book.

2. Get a job!!

Done done done! I'm relieved to say that I got my first job at a daycare.
3. Focus my energy on Christ and not idolizing friendships
It's hard to measure this but just recently with one of my friends leaving for the year, it brought me more to the reality that I need to focus on Christ (not really sure why someone leaving does this to you, but it does). I really asked God to help me focus on HIM and not dwell so much on my friends. I think that I would say that I am making progress in this area, but I wouldn't say that I am to the point where I don't struggle with it at all.
4. Create a post for Argonaut Nation
This just didn't happen. This month I had no motivation and just no inspiration for writing as much as I usually do. Therefore, I sorta needed a break and I think anything that I did try to write would not have been coming from the heart.
5. Finish one of my summer goals
I can't say any of these summer goals were completed this month, but that is okay because I still made a ton of memories and will continue to make them this month as well.

But the most exciting thing that happened this month was: I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST!

I wasn't sure if I was going to take my test in June or July, so I guess that's why I didn't put it in my list of goals. But boy, I consider this a huge goal completed. I'm not old enough in the state I live to get my license yet, so that's the only reason I don't officially have it yet. But when I turn old enough, I can go get it!

July Goals

1. Go in and get my license

Sounds simple enough, but I need to look up all of the different papers and stuff that I'm required to bring in. And I tell you, the place we get our license in the state I live is just out to get you in anyway possible.

2. Finish reading my summer reading book and read half of the second one

This second book I'm reading for the summer is LONGGGG. That's why I'm giving myself grace to only complete half of it by the end of this month.

3. Finish one of my summer goals

I'm going to make sure by the end of this month that I either 1) go to a drive in movie, 2) go eat late somewhere or 3) send a youtuber mail.

4. Finish creating the senior video

The responsibility of this video shifted to someone else and then it eventually was given back to me, so I really need to get this done this month.

5. Use less sarcasm

Yesterday at my church we went through James 3, and it really convicted me of the amount of sarcasm I use. A little bit isn't bad, but it usually reflects something serious covered up by humor. I want all of my words to be honoring to God, and I want to clearly make sure I work to use less sarcasm so there are less opportunities to hurt others with my words.

What is the most fun thing you have done this summer so far?