Thankful

Over the past month and a half I've been able to volunteer at a local fire station through my Fire Explorer program. I was nervous at first, but these firefighters have impacted my life in such a big way I never thought was possible.
You know the part in the Grinch Stole Christmas where the Grinch's heart grew 3 sizes? That's how my heart feels right now, I feel like I cannot contain all these emotions and these feelings I have for these boys and all they have done for me. I am to the point of tears writing this because of how blessed I really am.

These guys are so compassionate. Once they find out that I'm joining the Army to become a doctor, they have so much respect for me. Many of them give me advice. One said to me, "Never stop until you can't go any higher. And if you don't make it the first time, try again." I will never forget those words as long as I live.
They treat me like one other their own. I was actually surprised at how much they try and take care of me. Because I'm an Explorer, I'm there to run calls with them as well as clean up and generally help out around the station in whatever needs to be done. But countless times, while I've helped clean up after dinner or unload the dishwasher, I've heard things like - "Oh Macy, do sit down and finish your homework, we got it." "Oh you don't need to do that, make one of the other boys do it."
It's gotten to the point where I've had arguments with some of them to let me help out around the station.
They also give me nicknames like the "Grim Reaper" and "Dr. Death" because apparently I bring all the bad calls with me. They like to joke around with me a lot and sometimes it seems they treat me better than the new recruits. Because I've been on bad calls with them (And I'm talking about pretty morbid stuff) They ALWAYS ask how I'm doing after seeing some of the things I've seen. One Lieutenant from another station called one day to specifically ask if I was okay after one of the calls I ran.
They always make sure I'm never hungry. The Captain on one of the shifts told me that if I didn't have any lunch with me, he'd "gladly go and get me something." Another time we went to Subway and I had forgotten my wallet, and one of the lieutenants bought my food. Back at the station, at basically had to force him to take my money to pay for my food.

These firefighters and paramedics may see these as just small, miniscule things in life, but they have left such an imprint on me. I am just so phenomenally grateful for every encouraging word, nickname, or anything else they have done for me.
There are no words to describe how thankful I am for these people.

Grinch Heart

Tonight's Prayer

God I just want to thank you for the life You have given me, because I know I could be a lot worse off.
Thank You for leading me to the military life.
Thank You for bringing me through past storms somewhat like the storm I'm having now.
Because I know You, I know exactly what I deserve, and will no longer settle for something less than that.
Because I know You, I know that I am Your princess, and I do not need to seek any attention from any male figure in my life; Because You are all I need.
Everything is in Your perfect timing, and I trust that you have everything already taken care of.

Thank you so much Dad <3

Never Will

People may lie to me and let me down, but I take peace in the fact that my God never will.

God's Peace

Philippians 4:4-8 --
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all
you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

My youth pastor sent this to me yesterday.
After I got back from church camp, the boy I had been seeing decided to stop talking to me.
It cuts me so bad when people don't keep their promises. And teenage boys are usually the best at breaking them.
I'm in a Fire Explorers program in Hall County, and he's my captain. The program meets at least once a week, and I've been stressed out since I got back from camp about seeing him again.
I've been so worried about it that I'm at the point where I wake up in the morning and already feel miserable at the thought of the meeting being one day closer.


There is some bad spiritual warfare going on around me right now.
On the one side, I'm happy that it ended because God was just eliminating the things in my life that was taking my focus away from Him.
But the enemy loves to attack. The Bible describes him as a stalking lion.


So when my youth pastor told me to read these verses, I felt as stress-free as I had in a while.
It was just the thing I needed to hear at the right moment... So I thought I'd share :)

Future Husband

I love seeing all of the "to my future husband/wife" posts all over Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, etc.
I'm happy to know that other people are thinking about their future spouse and life with them, instead of just living in the moment of today.
So, I found this little post on Pinterest the other day and thought I would share it.

Pray for them daily, I'm sure they pray for you as well. :)

Georgia Youth Camp

I just got back from an amazing week at Camp Timberlake in Forsyth City.
And when I say amazing, I mean amazing.

Not only was meeting new people and getting to play team games fun, but the worship and sermons was fantastic too!
When I first came to know Jesus, every time I worshiped I usually ended up bawling my eyes out because I was just so overwhelmed by Him. When I was younger I also had a very hard time forgiving myself even when I knew Jesus had forgiven me for everything I'd done. But now, I have been able to accept and forgive myself that I was a sinner before I came into the grace of God and I can be happy while I worship because that's not separating me from God anymore.

Here's a few things I journaled during the sermons that I wanted to share-

• God is for the here and now not just for later.

Okay, this is so true. I had a friend tell me one time that she just wanted to have fun and live her life the way she wanted to and later on in life she'd submit to God. The main problem with this statement is that you are not promised tomorrow. You just aren't. You have no idea when you could cease to live. So why chance it? God is for today, tomorrow, next month.. not just when you want Him!

• You can only battle in the flesh for so long before you get tired.
• Fatigue will make a coward out of everyone.

You cannot go into a spiritual battle by yourself and expect to win. You will become fatigued and get tired and the enemy will take over.
In Ephesians 6:13-18 it says "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." 
So don't allow yourself to get fatigued. Put on the armor of God so you can win your battles over the devil.

• If you don't kill sin, it will kill you!
• Feed your faith and your fears will starve. 

If you're feeding into your fears and sinful nature instead of your faith, they will kill you. The devil is going to tempt us with things that are alluring and attractive in our eyes and spark our fears. But if you feed your faith the devil cannot touch you.

• If God called you to do it, He'll equip you to do it.

If God has called you to do something in life, whether it be a doctor, missionary, worship leader, teacher, youth pastor, etc... He will make it happen for you. So don't stress and worry! If it is in God's plan He will make it happen for you. Just make sure you're ready and willing to do it.

• God takes you in stages through life and what He has planned for you.

God may not reveal everything to you at once. Two years ago God told me I'd be doing work in Uganda. I had no idea how I'd do it or what I'd be doing there but Uganda was the first thing he revealed to me about my future. Last year God told me that I'm going to be a doctor. Still had no idea how that would happen since medical school is such a large sum of money. And in these past few months I've been called to join the Military. God is the Provider. So don't get frustrated when He won't reveal something to you all at once and don't worry about how you will make it happen, because He will make it all fall into place for you. Just make sure you have your eyes and ears open.

• The will of God is not boundaried by anyone's wants or wishes.

God really gets me on this point. A lot of the time, when I'm in the moment I'll just tell God, "I really want this! Make it work for me!" And it's like slapping God in the face. You may want that one relationship to work out or go on that big missionary trip with your church. But if it doesn't work out God is not doing it to hurt you. He just has something better for you planned. So don't get angry or upset with God if He doesn't give in to your wants and wishes. He knows what He's doing has something much more fantastic planned.

Jesus Calling - February

• Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You!"
• Be in God's peace!
• God always knows everything you're thinking.
• Don't waste energy worrying, God already has everything planned out
• Psalm 28 - "O Lord, you are my rock of safety. Please help me; don't refuse to answer me. For if You are silent, I might as well give up and die..."
• Genesis 28 -  Jacob's Dream at Bethel
• Don't let your mind wander away from God
• Fix your eyes on what is unseen, not what you can see
• 2 Corinthians 4:18 - " So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."
• One day at a time!
• Trade your grasping and control for a stance of openness and trust
• Trust in God no matter what
• 1 Timothy 2:8 - "So wherever you assemble, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy."
• Cling tightly to God's hand!
• Don't turn your focus away from God, because you will start looking for other things to give you life, joy, and peace.
• "Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be"
• My main responsibility is to remain attentive to God
• "Much of your weariness is from My constant battle against the opponents of the world"
• You are on the path of God's choosing, do not give up!
• Romans 8:28 - "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."
• Psalm 42:11 - "Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again - my Savior and my God!"
• God is above all things, he has already overcome all my problems!
• Psalm 32:8 - "The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'"
• Do not grow weary and lose heart
• God's light is always shining on me, even in my darkness
• Focus on Jesus
• Colossians 2:6-7 - "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
• Psalm 141:8 - "I look to You for help, O Sovereign Lord. You are my refuge; don't let them kill me."
• 1 Peter 5:7 - "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
• Pray continually
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Never stop praying."
• John 16:24 - "You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy."
• Psalm 89:15-16 - "Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
      for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation."
      They exult in your righteousness.
• Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."
• There is no limit to God's love
• 1 Corinthians 13:12 - "Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely."
• "A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking"
• Colossians 4:2 - "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."
• "Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to me."
• God doesn't tempt us more than we are able to bear
• Do not worry about tomorrow
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 - "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."
• Comparing yourself to others is meaningless
• Luke 6:37 - “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven."
• John 3:17 - "God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."
• Listen to God and not your own doubts

Jesus Calling - January

I've been reading a book called "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" since January. It's a daily devotional book that Sarah Young has written her devotions from the point of view of Jesus Christ. Using this technique gives the book a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the Lord, and this is the great strength of the book.
(Summary from Amazon)
 ---
So I've decided to type up my thoughts, feelings, excerpts, and Bible verses the book contains. This post is January's summary. :)

• Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "The are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
• Relax in God's healing presence
• Luke 10 - Jesus sends out His disciples
• Jesus is my most devoted companion
• John 16 - The work of the Holy Spirit
• I trust in you Jesus. Strengthen relationship with God!
• Psalm 139 - "O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me..."
• "It is through problems and failure, weakness and neediness that you learn to rely on Me." 
• "True dependence is not simply asking me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to me with an open mind and heart, inviting me to plant my desires within you."
• "Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark."
• Praise God and have a thankful heart
• 1 Thessalonians 5 - "For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night..."
• Hope in God
• God is always with me, through everything
• Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit, The future glory, Nothing can separate us from God's love
• Psalm 56:3-4 - "O God, have mercy on me. The enemy troops press in on me..."
• Put the control in God's hands
• Remain with God
• Empty? Be filled with God's peace!
• Focus on God and you will be safe
• Relax! God is in control
• Matthew 11 - Jesus and John the Baptist, Judgment for the unbelievers, Jesus' prayer of Thanksgiving
• Rejoice today, refuse to worry about tomorrow
• Stay close to God - do not take shortcuts from his path
• Don't put God in the background of your mind when other things arise.
• Accept that God's way is better than yours
• You are my Daddy! I can always run into your arms!
• Proverbs 3 - Trusting in the Lord
• "Anything that makes you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties. If you believe that I am Sovereign over everything in your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations. Don't waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been, start at the present moment - accepting things exactly as they are - and search for my way in the midst of those circumstances."
• God understands that I am Human.
• God will never leave of forsake me
• Deuteronomy 31 - Joshua becomes Israel's leader, Public reading of the Law
• "Rejoice in the face of hardship, for I have overcome the world.
• James 1 -  Faith and endurance, Listening and doing
• John 16:33 - "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
• Spend time with God
• Do not speed up God's work in you
• Don't seek perfection -seek Jesus
• When everything is going 'wrong' trust Jesus anyway
• Psalm 112 - "Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands..."
• God is with me

---
In one of the devotionals, there is a story about a person walking along God's Path. One day, the person looks up and sees a huge mountain that seems to be coming up along the path. The person gets scared, and turns from God's path and goes out into the woods, where they get lost and stuck. God appears and tells the person that they shouldn't have ran from God's path when they saw an obstacle, since the path God had picked would take them around the mountain instead.
So the lesson is, don't think you know more than God! God knows the path He has picked for you, so you shouldn't turn from that path when obstacles arise. God will get you through!

Hope you enjoyed :)

God is Wonderful

I just got back from North's graduation, where a boy I have been stuck on since December was graduating.
I had not been looking forward to this day, since I've started getting very emotional about graduating next year.

A couple weeks ago, I realized this may very well be the last time I'll ever see him, and I wasn't ready for that. I started panicking. I've never been one of those girls to get so wrapped around a guy, but let me tell you, this boy was perfect. loves his parents, loves his family, and puts God before everything else in his life.
So when we became friends in January and started talking about dating and relationships, I was over the moon. But he put on the breaks in mid February and stopped talking to me. I still to this day don't really know why it happened. I was devastated. I try to be understanding and open and think, well what if something is going on in his life and doesn't want to involve me? That helped a little, but I was still devastated for a long time.

And it didn't help we had Weight Training together everyday, for the rest of the year.

Anyway, It's been very hard getting over this boy. During graduation, it took me maybe 20 seconds took pick him out of the crowd. I mean I've really been stuck on this boy.

But God was with me, just like He was always with me when my emotions got to be too much to handle.

When he walked across that stage, walking into the next part of his life while simultaneously walking out of mine, I felt peace about this situation for the first time in a long time. Complete peace.

After graduation I saw him with his family outside, standing underneath a tree with the sun setting behind him, and I was at peace. That's how I'll always remember him, and I know one day he'll make some special girl very, very happy.

I am so thankful that I have a God I can run to when I'm scared or hurt, angry or confused, distraught or lost. Because when you give it all to God, I'm sure you can walk away with His Perfect Peace.
I feel renewed, overjoyed, thankful.... agh! SO many great emotions! :)