Luke 6:37 New International Version (NIV)37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Forgiveness is more than just an action. Sure, you have to do something to forgive, but that something comes from the inside. Some of you may be wondering, what is exactly is forgiveness? When we forgive in Christ, it means that we are handing over the situation to the Lord in faith, as we continue to walk forward with love towards the one who hurt us. Forgiving sets us free from the shackles of bitterness and anger, as we trust God and put the situation in His loving hands.
Trust me, I understand that sometimes, forgiving can be much harder said than done. When someone has hurt us deeply–especially someone who we trust and love–it can be tough to simply move on from something that can imprint such a deep stain. We may even think that they don’t deserve our forgiveness.
But the thing is, do we deserve to be forgiven by God when we fall short of His Glory?
Moving on in life while forgiving those in the past isn’t always an easy thing. But as followers of Jesus, we should make an effort to be as much like him as we possibly can. And considering how many times God has forgiven us for our sins, it’s only right that we take the initiative to forgive, as well.
I also want to touch on the subject that forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean forgiving another person. Because the truth is, forgiving ourselves for our mistakes is just as important–remember, the Bible says to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).
If God–the Lord of lords and the King of kings, can forgive us for our sins, then we’re worth cutting ourselves a little slack for things what we’ve done in the past. What matters most is that we pray and do all that we can to prevent repeating those mistakes.
All in all, the purpose for today’s Words of Wisdom is for us to keep in mind that we need to forgive in order to be forgiven. Also, if God can forgive us all for our sins, then He can give us the strength to forgive one another. Freedom follows forgiveness.
So, who will you forgive today?
Have an amazing rest of your day or night! God bless you all, and don’t forget to take some time to rest; we all need it. Laters! ♡
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
Hey, hey, hey, everybody! I hope you all are having a blessed day! ♡
Today, I wanted to talk on a certain subject: listening. When having conversations, many people think that speaking is the best way to communicate. But the truth is, listening holds an equally important value that should never be neglected. Even the Bible says to be quick to listen and slow to speak; James 1:19 New International Version (NIV)
Every year, July 18th is known as World Listening Day. And I think it’s a great day for us to relax, unwind, and make an extra effort to do a little more listening. It’s been a while since I’ve posted any of my original poetry on this blog, so today I wrote a poem which I dubbed “Just Listen” that I hope you all will enjoy reading in honor of a day for us to enjoy some peace and quiet. I hope you all enjoy it!
Just listen, little one To the sound of silence So still, yet so loud So simple, yet so profound
As the giggling wind tickles the trees And the zinnias sit like a thrown for the zipping honey bees
The sun greets us hello with it’s blazing rays And we can’t help but notice the sweet little peeps That escape from the beaks of little blue jays
Silence is a sound A sound that doesn’t speak Rather, it’s a sound that you feel; That’s what makes it unique
So just listen, little one To the sound of silence Because sometimes, the most real things in life Are the things that we can’t see
All we have to do is listen
-- "Just Listen" by Princess Q'Zion, written on July 18th, 2022. All Rights Reserved.
There’s something about poetry that makes me feel so calm, you know? And that’s what today is all about: calmness and serenity. Listening is a way for us to learn, grow, and relax. So whether you take some time to listen to some gospel music, do some yoga outside in the great outdoors, and/or simply take a few minutes of enjoying some quiet time, I hope you all will take the time to enjoy the sound of silence today.
LET’S CHAT~I’m curious, what are some of your favorite sounds in nature? Also, what is your favorite genre of music to listen to? Feel free to comment your thoughts down below. I would love to hear from you!
Have a peaceful rest of your day or night! May God bless you all! Peace in! ♡
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
What’s up, peeps! I hope your day or night has been fantabulous! ♡
Do you have some things in your house that are just sitting around? As time goes by, chances are we will all stop using things here and there. It’s just a part of growing up. But just because we don’t use certain things anymore, doesn’t mean that there isn’t someone else out there who really needs it. Instead of just throwing what we don’t want in the garbage, finding ways to give it to someone who could put them to good use is always a better option.
I just found out that it’s National Give Something Away Day, and since God loves a cheerful giver, I thought I’d take the theme of today and run with it.
If there’s any time to finally give away some of the things that are good quality but have done nothing but sit on a shelf, it’s today. Whether you are looking to bless a family member, a charity or nonprofit, a neighbor, a friend, or any one else that God has placed on your heart, here are 7 ideas for what you can give away to anyone in need. Let’s get started!
1. Clothing and Socks
For those of us that God has blessed to have closets full of clothes, including myself, clothing and socks are everyday objects that we use to keep us both warm and stylish. But the sad truth is, there are many people out there who don’t have access to these necessities. And since the cool seasons of fall and winter are right around the corner, the demand among the needy for warm clothing will soon be on the rise. So, if you have some clothes that you have outgrown, don’t want anymore, or have never worn, there is always someone else out there who could really use them to get back on their feet.
2. Food
As human beings, we can only go so long without food. That’s why volunteering in food drives or nursing homes to serve food, or simply giving away some eatables to a local charity is such an amazing way to help those in your community. For many of us, eating a nutritious meal is another everyday blessing that we are fortunate to have on a regular basis. The least that we can do to show our gratitude for that blessing is by giving towards others who don’t have that privilege.
3. Books
If you’re a bookworm like myself, you might have a few books from your childhood that you never seemed to give away. Reading is a way that many people learn, grow, and relax after a long day. Without books, the world simply wouldn’t be the same. Therefore, many of the old books that we no longer use could be a wonderful gift to a child or person to whom you want to spread the spirit of reading.
4. Money and Gift Cards
One of the most classic ways to give to people in need is through financial donations. And while they might seem cliche to some, they can be really helpful for many families around the world. A gift card or cash to go toward a popular gas station, a local restaurant, or anywhere that the person who you bless chooses could be the key to getting someone in need to a more comfortable space in their life.
5. Toys
One of the most memorable aspects of our early childhood is the toys and stuffed animals that we loved the most. And while some of them may hold a sentimental value, we tend to grow out of others over time. Every child deserves to have fun toys to play with, so giving away some of our older toys to a nonprofit, a church, or a charity meant specifically for kids is a great way to keep our memories with our beloved toys alive.
6. An Automobile
Yes, you read it correctly: an automobile. While some people cannot afford to give away a vehicle that they use as their main method of transportation, a person with multiple vehicles–and one that they don’t use anymore–might be able to use that opportunity to bless someone else. Many single mothers and fathers balance parenting, working and even going to school on a regular basis. Therefore, an automobile of their own would definitely be a large help compared to having to make it to the bus stop, every morning. Sure, an automobile is a big donation, but if you can afford to give one away, why not show a little kindness by giving it to someone in need?
7. Blankets (they’re awesome)
Come on, now. Who doesn’t love a warm blanket on a cold winter night? Winter clothing and blankets are some of the most requested items in homeless shelters. And for good reason–everybody wants to be cozy and warm while its chilly outside. Therefore, any well-kept winter clothing and blankets that we don’t need anymore is another example of a fantastic donation to a local shelter in your city.
Helping people by giving is truly a blessing from God. Not only does it help someone who is in need, but it’s a good feeling when you know that you did something to make a difference in someone else’s life. I hope that this list gave you a few options for what you can do to brighten someone’s day.
LET’S CHAT~Do you have any other ideas for things you can give to people in need? Feel free to share your thoughts down below.
Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! See you next time! ♡
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
Ecclesiastes 6:9 -- New Living Translation (NLT) Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
You know, a lot of people say to be thankful for the “simple things.” Like the fact that we have food to eat, that our bodies are functioning properly, and that we woke up this morning. Those events that occur everyday that some people take for granted. And while we should be thankful for every blessing in our lives, I think we should find another word to describe these everyday events; because the thing is, each of them are anything but simple.
Think about it; our house could have set on fire last night, turning all of our food into ashes, but it didn’t. We could have had a heart attack at any moment, but we didn’t. We could have died in our sleep last night or any night before it, but we didn’t.
When we really sit down and think about how quickly blessings can be taken away from us, it’s easier to understand just how miraculous every second of life truly is. And it’s all thanks to our Heavenly Father who keeps us safe in the palm of his hands.
So, you may be wondering what the purpose is behind this message. I have several responses to answer just that.
The things that do (and don’t) occur everyday are not simple; instead, they are miracles.
It’s easy to take everyday aspects of life for granted until they are stripped away.
Enjoy each of life’s miracles, because no second on this Earth is promised.
In short, just about everything around us (and NOT around us) is a blessing in one way or another. God has been good to us in an uncountable amount of ways. And if we take the time to look, they aren’t hard to find. Even though it has it’s joys and trials, life in itself is a miracle. That’s why I thank God every morning for letting me see a new day.
After all, we never know which one will be our last.
Have a blessed day everybody! See y’all later! ♡
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
While there are good people in this world, everyone encounters those who want to put us down; to make us feel unworthy or angry. Even if we do treat others how we want to be treated, and follow the words of God to the best of our ability, it seems like there are always people who try to steal your joy.
So the question remains; why do some people try to treat us like doormats?
The answer to this question can vary on the situation. It could be because they are having a bad day and want someone else to feel how they are feeling. It could be jealousy. Or they could just be that type of person. But something that we always need to remember is that as followers of Christ, the way we represent both God and ourselves is a crucial part in how we teach others to treat us.
The way we react to certain situations and how we carry ourselves makes a huge difference in how we are treated. When certain people try to deal with their emotions, some of them will try to mess with those who appear vulnerable in some way: whether that is physically, emotionally, or relating to personal self-esteem. They look for an easy target–or someone who is insecure in who they are.
For example, if a group of kids in school decide to pick on a child, and the victim begins to appear emotionally hurt, chances are the bullying will continue, and maybe even get worse. But if the victim simply ignores the bullying, without displaying any visible reaction to the teasing, the bullies will likely move on. The reason is because, no bully is going to waste their time picking on someone who they can’t affect. Self confidence is key to keeping the peace. And we can show that we are confident without saying a single word.
Final Thoughts
The sad truth is, there will always be hurt people in this world who want to hurt others. But if we have confidence in who God tells us who we are, and who we are in the eyes of Jesus Christ, He gives us the strength that we need to face any battle. And when people see that strength . . . when they see that we respect ourselves, they know to treat us with that same respect. Because a person who respects themselves will accept nothing less.
Learning who we are can be a longer process, depending on the person. But as long as we read God’s Word, and reflect on what we mean to Him, we begin to realize that we are worthy of the utmost respect. All we have to do is represent.
Thank you so much for joining me, and I hope that you were inspired! God bless you all! ✨
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
Earlier this afternoon, me and Goodmommy completed a lot of household errands together. And while in our SUV, we played some of our favorite gospel songs. To me no genre compares to how I feel when I listen to music of my Heavenly Father.
Gospel music makes me feel optimistic, light, and increases my faith in God. And the feeling is different from that of any other musical experience. It’s almost like a weight off of my chest–especially when I’ve had a really busy day.
After our gospel binge, I was inspired to share some of my favorite songs on my ‘Gospel 💜’ playlist–as well as an explanation for what they are about and what I enjoy about them. Hopefully, this beautiful music will reside with you just as much as it did me. Enjoy!
You’re Bigger by Jekalyn Carr
As far as I’m concerned, Jekalyn Carr is an example of a young, talented, yet underrated artist in the gospel industry. This song of hers is about how God is bigger than the size of the universe, all of life’s problems, the disasters of the world, and what the world has to offer us. The theme of this song hits me so hard, as it helps me remember that no matter what I face in life, God is bigger than that. And He has already won the battle for me and ALL people love Him.
Close to You by BeBe and CeCe Winans
Happy. That’s the only feeling that I can describe when I listen to this song; pure bliss. Exactly as the title states, it’s about how amazing of a father God truly is, and how that makes us—followers of Christ—want to know Him, spend more time with Him, and get closer to Him. I have played this song on repeat for over 100 times in my lifetime. And do I regret it? Not one bit! Brother and sister duo CeCe and BeBe Winans sound super good together, and really help bring this cheery song to life.
I never lost my praise by Tramaine Hawkins
The truth is, life is not always easy. There are a number of bumps in the road, and many of them are completely out of our control. At times like this, we need to praise the Lord just as much as we would when everything is good, fine, and peachy. This song is a much-needed reminder of just that. Even when we loose family, friends, blessings, opportunities, and other materialistic things, we should never loose our ability to pray and praise the Lord. When we trust in Him, anything is possible.
Put it on the Altar by Jessica Reedy
I feel like this is also a song that anyone could put on a workout or positive vibe playlist, because its so upbeat that me and Goodmommy can’t help but dance every time we listen to it. When we put things on the altar, or pray to God to deliver us from a situation, He always has an answer to our prayer. We are never alone, thanks to Him. If you are looking for an inspirational song that you can dance to, then this is a great option for you.
Something Out of Nothing by Jessica Reedy
One of the qualities that I love most about the Lord is that He sees the best in us, even when we can’t see the good in ourselves. Despite what we do–and the mistakes that we all make–He always looks at our hearts. This is a second song by amazing artist Jessica Reedy about how God sees a masterpiece in us. This song is super emotional and has gotten close to bringing me to tears. The message is so powerful that it can minister to anyone, regardless of their current circumstance, and I appreciate that greatly. God can deliver us from ourselves when we maintain our faith, even when we can’t understand why. He’s just good like that.
I can only imagine by Tamela Mann
Those of us who have salvation in Jesus Christ can only imagine what Heaven will be like when our time comes. The Bible is one of our only sources of description of the true Promised Land. But how will we feel? What will we do? Will we cry happy tears or stand silently in awe? There are so many unknowns for how amazing the moment that we enter the Kingdom of God will be, and this gorgeous melody covers many of them. Tamela Mann truly has such a unique, powerful voice. For years, this has been one of my favorite songs of all time–and it still is to this day.
Mercy Said No by CeCe Winans
Life is full of tight spots; those times where we are super close to hitting rock bottom. ‘Mercy Said No’ explains that it’s at these moments that God’s mercy says no, and He helps us rise again. CeCe Winans truly has an anointed tone, and that has made her one of my favorite gospel artists for as long as I can remember. This being one of my first gospel songs, it will always be super close to my heart.
What we feed our spirits and minds on a daily basis are extremely important, not just as followers of Christ, but also as human beings. And one of the best ways that I get closer to God is by listening to gospel music. I truly hope that you all enjoyed reading about and listening to each of these songs. It truly was a pleasure to share them with you guys.
LET’S CHAT~Have you ever listened to any of these songs before today? If not, do you have any song recommendations for me?–they can be gospel and/or clean motivational songs. Thanks, y’all! ♡
Have a blessed day, everybody! See you later! ✨
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
On the last Monday of May every year, which is May 30th in 2022, people all across America are celebrating Memorial Day, when we honor the lives of American soldiers in the Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marines for all the sacrifices they make every day, beginning in the moment they made the decision to serve our country.
Although my family doesn’t throw a huge party for this holiday—despite the fact that several family members of mine have served us–I firmly believe that Memorial Day is a holiday that deserves to be acknowledged; it gives us a chance to thank the people who leave their families for long periods of time to protect the people of the United States.
I’m quite sure that is a hard thing to do, especially being all the way across the world from home. Especially all while risking your life in wars, and sometimes loosing close friends in them. The nobility of every soldier deserves to be recognized.
Many families in America celebrate Memorial Day in a wide variety of ways. While some visit their loved ones at cemeteries, others join in at a local parade or have a family barbecue in celebration. I’m really curious, do you celebrate Memorial Day. If you observe the holiday, what do you do in order to celebrate?
I’m quite sure not all of you live in America, but it would be super cool if those of you who do have a family member who is or was an American soldier and celebrate Memorial Day would share how you observe the special day in the chat.
Once again, thank you to all American soldiers for your dedication and constant service to the people of our country. I pray that you have a peaceful, loving, happy, blessed day with those who you love, both today and many days to come. May God bless you all. ♡
Have a beautiful and blessed day everybody! See you next time! 💞🇺🇸💞
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
Numbers 23:19 - New International Version (NIV)
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Every morning, me and my Goodmommy say a prayer. Today, one of the things that I said was “Thank you (God) that you are not like man. Because if you were, we wouldn’t be here.”
I find it miraculous that even though we as people may change, the world may change, and seasons may change, God remains the same. He keeps every promise that me makes. He does exactly what He says He is going to do. He loves us regardless of how much we fall short of His glory. Even in all the darkness of the world, which is constantly in construction–economically, politically, socially, religiously, and in entertainment–God is an everlasting light that never falters through it all.
What a friend we have in God.
All in all, it is crucial that we as followers of Christ acknowledge and show gratitude that God isn’t like us. He could’ve executed all of human kind when He flooded the Earth, but He didn’t. He could make promises and then not go through with them, but He doesn’t. He could have called me home this morning, but He didn’t.
The reason why God is the unchanging God has nothing to do with us, besides his unconditional love for us. We have done nothing to cause this; if anything, we are undeserving of His unconditional love. Regardless, He gives it to us anyway. And that is a trait that we should all be thankful for. Thank you, Jesus!
Have a beautiful and blessed day everybody! See you later! ✨
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
I was browsing some of my oldest posts on my blog, and I stumbled upon this one. Not only was the post super underrated, but I wanted to give my followers (new and old) a chance to gain some inspiration with these 4 Quotes and Bible verses. Hopefully they will make you smile, today. Let’s get started! ♡
Quote 1: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
Always remember that nobody else can be you, and therefore, you cannot be anyone else. Embrace who you are, and see the beauty in your authentic self. You are original, beautiful, and one of a kind.
Verse 1: Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
I really admire this Bible verse. It tells us how it’s important that, in all the darkness of the world, we stand out, and be the light. Blending in with the crowd isn’t always the best thing. Therefore, it is best to do things that make you stand out, in a positive way!
Quote 2: “You are braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. – A. A. Milne
This quote can be very much true in some situations. Sometimes, we don’t see the potential that we really have, and how amazing we really are. However, we are brave, strong, and smart individuals, even if the world cannot see that.
Verse 2: 1 Timothy 4:12 – 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.
The Lord says to us, that just because we are young, doesn’t mean that we should be looked down upon by adults. God gives us the will to set an example to others through our actions in love, faith, and purity! Therefore, don’t be afraid to spread God’s word! We are all his children!
Quote 3: Making mistakes is better than faking perfections. – Assan Jallow
A lot of us have probably felt the pressure to be perfect. However, let’s be honest: this is unrealistic for anyone except God. Therefore, it is okay to make mistakes sometimes. Our mistakes are part of what make us who we are. Just be yourself, and don’t sweat it when you make a mistake! Your effort is what matters most!
Verse 3: Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
We can be easily tempted to do wrong things in times of trouble. However, always remember to do what is right in the Lord’s eyes. If we do, then we will “reap a harvest,” or benefit from our actions, afterward.
Quote 4: You are enough, just as you are. – Megan Markle
Although this quote is very simple, it holds a lot of truth. Whenever you feel as though you are not enough for a position, a person, or a task, remember that you are enough. You are worthy. As long as you tried your best, you did not fail.
Verse 4: Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
If you ever feel intimidated by someone, such as people from school, remember that God is always with you, and he will protect us and take care of us! He never leaves our side, even if we cannot see him as we can each other.
I really hope that you enjoyed these 4 Inspirational Quotes and Bible Verses! Always remember to be yourself and trust in the Lord. He will not give us more then we can handle, and who we show up as in the world should be a light in all of the darkness.
LET’S CHAT~Do you have a favorite quote and/or Bible verse? Feel free to share in the comments.
Have a fantastic day, y’all! See you next time!✨
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
Jeremiah 29:11 - New International Version (NIV)11For 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.
As humans, it is easy to feel as though all of our aspirations and efforts toward are goals are in vain. Like no matter how hard we try our best to succeed, there’s always something to get in our way. And through our trials, the devil tries to make us feel like we are incapable of reaching our goals; that we’re in this boat alone. I want to encourage you all with some Words of Wisdom that despite our shortcomings, we should never give up on our God-given purpose.
In these moments of our lives–when we feel like giving up–we need to trust God even more. Although we might not always be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, God always does. He has a plan for us that will exceed our expectations for our future. Sometimes, God is the one who puts obstacles in our way just to see how we are going to react. Are we going to loose faith or continue to trust Him?
So, in conclusion, life will always have its joys and trials. It doesn’t matter how close we are to God or how much we pray. What really puts our faith to the test is what we do when things get tough; those moments where things aren’t going our way. And when those times come, just remember that as long as we trust in God’s plan for us, He will make a way.
Our Heavenly Father has given each of us a purpose to fulfill for His glory. He sees our struggles, and He is keeping us in the palm of His loving hands through it all. Never give up on God, because He won’t give up on you. No matter what we may be going through, God is able.
Have a beautiful and blessed day everyone! God bless you all, and I’ll see you later! ✨
Go ahead! Spread the word of ♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ to others:
♛ The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen ♛ 