Chelsea Crockett

ChelseaCrockett.com — The official site of Chelsea Crockett - BeautyLiciousInsider is the go-to resource for everything teen beauty, teen makeup and teen style from one of YouTube s top Beauty Gurus. Hi I am Beauty Licious Insider - If you like a guru that loves God and makeup, this is the website for you! I love making fun filled tutorials that bring a smile to people s faces =).

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Our Lord Calms the Storm

God has a funny way of doing things. He has us walk through some of the hardest parts of our lives, only to become stronger and more dependent on him.

I used to never understand why God would take us through these storms that leave us feeling defeated or discouraged, but God has a reason for everything. Have you ever heard of the phrase “you grow through what you go through?”

You grow through the challenges and hardships that shape the way you think, act, and even interact with others. I stand by the fact that God places us in and carries us through these situations that are uncomfortable and oftentimes even defeating.

John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

As we go through trials, it’s easy for them to consume us. We forget who has the situation in full control, guiding us through every step. In the verse above, it intentionally tells us that God has already overcome the world. Although we’ll have troubles and go through trials, God gives us peace. He gives us security, comfort, rest, and so much more.

If you think about the story of Jesus calming the storm, he asked Peter to put his faith in him and come out on the water. It wasn’t until he did so that the water was calm and still. Peter climbed out of the boat, took Jesus’s hand, and walked gracefully alongside him. The other people in the boat couldn’t believe their eyes. They even ridiculed Peter for the strength of his trust and faith in the Lord.

If you put yourself in Peter’s position, would you believe Jesus could really calm the storm?

I like to apply stories from the Bible to stories in my life today. When the waters are raging and the clouds are rolling in, do you put your full faith and trust in God or do you run the opposite direction? God blesses those that persevere through trials, just read the verse below. Things may not go as planned, but it’s how we react to those speed bumps that determine the strength of our faith.

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

God not only blesses us when we depend on him through trials, he equipsus for them. He gives us the strength, perseverance, and guidance, we just have to be willing to listen to him and surrender control for Him to calm the storm.

Let our heavenly Father calm your storms, all it takes is a little faith. Once you put all your trust in the Lord, he gives you what you ask of him, whether that be peace, guidance, or for his will to be revealed to you. Be like Peter and step out of the boat, holding God’s hand every step of the way.

– Chelsea

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An Unsettled Mind is an Unsettled Spirit

Our minds are a chaotic space for thoughts of all kinds. One day our thoughts can be thankful, joyful, excited for what’s to come, while other days our heads are filled with thoughts of negativity, fear, what ifs, and so much more.

In a recent sermon I heard, the preacher said this simple phrase that stuck with me: An unsettled mind is an unsettled spirit.

Our minds like to play tricks on us, leading us to think our thoughts don’t really matter. We think if they’re kept to ourselves, then how much damage could they really be doing?

God talks about how our thoughts have a strong impact on our emotions and even our actions.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Like the title says, an unsettled mind is an unsettled spirit. Our thoughts are the starting point of our actions, perspectives, emotions, and more. Everything you do flows from the heart, and that can either benefit you or hinder you and the relationships you have.

When I used to play sports in high school, my coach would always tell me how important our mindsets were during practices, games, etc. A majority of how we played was mental, and we began to learn the power of positive thinking. When we take control of our thoughts, it settles our spirit and enables us to do more than we ever could’ve imagined.

This type of mentality can be applied to many areas of your life. If you’re upset about a certain situation or outcome, consider how your thoughts are affecting you. Are they making the situation worse? Are they leading you down a path of sadness, anger, insecurity?

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

 I absolutely love this verse from Philippians. It reminds me of what a godly mindset should be. When my mind starts to go down a path I don’t want it to, I think of this verse. Are my thoughts excellent or praiseworthy? The power of your thoughts can change your entire demeanor. Remember the verse above in these times of negativity or insecurity. Give it to God!

Remember to settle your mind and go to God for guidance and peace. When we seek the Lord, he gives us what we ask of him. Take control of your mind, for everything you do flows from it!

– Chelsea

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How to Love Your Husband Before You Have One

Growing up, I was always told to pray for the things I wanted from God. I often found myself praying for relationships or my “prince charming” moment time and time again.

At the time, this was probably more surface-leveled than I realized. It wasn’t until I got a little bit older to realize that there’s actually so much power in praying for your future husband or wife!

You may be thinking “how do I pray for someone I’ve never met?” And I get it, it might sound silly at first. But praying for the person you will one day be married to and building a family with is so important and powerful!

I encourage you to begin a prayer journal if you never have before. Write down the things you desire for your future husband. Do you want him to be the leader of your household? Keep things positive? Is patient? Kind? Understanding? Your list can start to get long! Then, form them into a prayer.

Devote at least one time a week to pray for your future husband. This one time a week can be so meaningful and powerful.

Mark 11:24 says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

The Bible promises us that if we pray intently for something, we’ll receive it, but we must believe in what we are praying for. God requires us to surrender our doubts and hesitations and depend on faith. When your faith is strong, God delivers and fulfills the promises of the Bible.

One of the coolest parts about praying for your future husband is the ability to go back and look at what you’ve prayed for. You can one day show your husband those prayers that you so intentionally prayed for. It creates such an amazing bond between you and the man you’ve been praying for for so long.

Another thing you get to do is prepare yourself for marriage one day. The choices we make now set us down the path toward our futures, and the Bible tells us how to live in order to be the person he wants us to be.

In Proverbs 31:26,30, it says, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue… Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

When we are God-fearing, wise, and kind, we become more like Christ. When we are obedient to the Word of God, we are being shaped into the woman God intended for us to be. We prepare ourselves for the future starting now, by obedience!

Praying for your husband and preparing yourself for God’s plan are two things you can start doing now. God gives us the ability to love our husbands before even knowing them, which is an amazing and powerful thing, so take advantage of it!

– Chelsea

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GROW Bible Reading Plan

Reading your Bible can be much easier when you have a plan to follow. It allows you to not only stay on track, but have a guide to follow step by step!

The GROW Bible reading plan is perfect for those who need a little guidance and structure through their quiet times. If you’re like me, it can be hard to stop your mind from wandering or getting distracted during your uninterrupted time with the Lord. The GROW Bible reading plan is a great starting point and can keep you on track while you meet with God!

G – Greet

Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

When you first sit down, ask God to guide you through your quiet time with him. Invite him to work through you and speak to you. When you greet God before you do anything else, you open yourself to him! Ask him to speak to you through your quiet time and reveal what he is trying to tell you.

R – Read

You need to simply read through the verses or passage you’re focusing on at least three times through. If certain verses or sections really catch your attention, write them down in your journal! God can speak through you by directing your attention to specific words or verses. Read slowly, without trying to rush through it, and focus on comprehending the words in front of you.

Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”Just like this verse from Romans says, listen attentively so you can build a stronger relationship with the Lord! 

O – Observe

Now, time to focus on where your mind is taking you during your quiet time. What have you written down in your journal that had popped into your mind repeatedly? What do you think God is trying to tell you? Do the words or verses that stick out to you have a common theme? Observe everything that’s coming to mind. You can even observe the feelings that come to you while you do so. Don’t forget that God speaks in whispers!

W – Write

In your journal, write down the verses or passage you’re studying. Then, write down anything and everything that comes to mind. It’s good to practice this to look back on when you need guidance! Lastly, write out a prayer to help you apply what you’ve just read. Application is the most important thing to take away from your quiet times!

Breaking down scripture and actually applying it to your life is what God intended for us to do with the Bible. It’s amazing that we even get the opportunity to read the exact words of the Lord and we should be taking advantage of this! Try this GROW method and see what God opens your eyes to!

– Chelsea

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What REAL Friendship Looks Like

Friends are supposed to be the people you do life with and run this race alongside. They’re the people responsible for building you up and pointing you back to God every single time.

If you’ve had friends like this your entire life, then you’re one of the few. Most of us have had friends that have torn us down, led into temptation, and more. I wanted to share with you what the Bible says about REAL friendship, because when you find it, you’ll want to hold on to it.

Proverbs 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Are your friends reliable? Are they there for you in times of trouble or to lend a hand when you need one? Reliability and trust are two of the most important things in a relationship. If there is no dependence, then friendship has nothing to be built on.

Any relationship, whether that be a romantic relationship, a friendship, a family relationship, etc., has to have trust. With trust, we are able to confide in one another and seek advice, guidance, or simply a listening ear. This is a test of true friendship, once you know you can trust them with your deepest fears, secrets, worries, and hopes.

Real friends also help you endure burdens. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”We should make it a conscious effort to find the people that do just that: helpus. You’ll never notice the importance in this until you find the friends that genuinely have the desire to help you through trials, mistakes, and the harder seasons of life.

I know it may seem harsh to leave behind the “friends” that bring you down, but it’s okay to put yourself first when it comes to personal growth and happiness.

Lastly, real friends help you love and pursue the Lord.

Psalm 1:1,3 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers… that person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.”

We should run our lives with those running the same race as us. It is so much harder to pursue a Christ-like life when the people we surround ourselves with are doing the opposite. Surrounding yourself with good company is just like what the verse says: a tree that will not wither and bears good fruit!

I pray that you find real friendship throughout your life and that you build one another up, just as the Bible tells us to do. I encourage you to pray for these friends, and God will surely bring them into your life!

– Chelsea

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5 New Year’s Resolutions to Bring You Closer to God

Ahhhh yes, it’s that time of year for all of us to make our wonderful New Year’s resolutions! Whether you write them down or not, I think we all come up with a few changes we want to make in the new year.

This year, I wanted to encourage you to make a few resolutions that benefit your relationship with the Lord. They don’t have to be complicated or dramatic, but altering just a few small things in your daily routine can make the world of a difference.

Daily quiet times.

Spending just a few moments with God in the morning starts your day in the best way possible. There are so many apps and different plans you can download to keep yourself accountable and guide you through each day. These ten or so minutes are so easy to make time for, and they create a firm foundation for your faith.

Begin and end your day with prayer.

Before you get out of bed in the morning and before you lay your head down at night, pray, pray, pray. Prayer is so powerful, and starting and ending your day with talking to God is the best thing you can do. It’s something so simple that can be so beneficial!

Find a home church that aids in your spiritual growth.

Finding a church that you can really plug into is so important. When you choose one church instead of bouncing around from service to service each week, you can build fellowship and involve yourself deeply into the church community.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “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.”

Deciding on a church to fully commit and devote your time to gives you the sense of belonging and fellowship that God desires for us!

Keep the good people around you, and distance yourself from those that hinder you.

Sometimes it’s okay to put yourself first if those around you are providing a barrier between you and the Lord. Friendship is an amazing thing, but these relationships are not always beneficial. Our friendships should be encouraging, kind, forgiving, and most importantly, supportive of your faith and relationship with God. If the people around you are hindering your faith, I urge you to take a step back and evaluate whether or not that relationship is worth it.

Adapt an attitude of gratitude.

If there’s one thing I live by, it’s to choose gratitude every single time. In almost every situation you’ll encounter throughout the year, you can choose to be negative or choose to approach obstacles with positivity. This takes a conscious effort and is not always easy, but will strengthen your relationship with God. Continue sending your praises up to him even in the darkest of times.

I encourage you to stick to these five resolutions and see how it benefits you. If you struggle with consistency, try it for at least a week or month before giving up! Ask God for encouragement, trust, and guidance to help bloom your relationship into something greater than it’s ever been before.

– Chelsea

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What It Means to Have a True “New Year’s” Mindset

New Year’s is the time for resolutions, starting fresh, and beginning a new chapter of our lives on the right foot. It’s a time for changing the things we want to and keep doing the things that are good for us.

I think so many people get the wrong idea about how to approach the new year. The idea of changing so many things can make us a little crazy at times, leaving us feeling unaccomplished and disappointed in ourselves.

This year, I want to encourage you to approach the new year in a different way. Create a set of resolutions that are not only realistic, but will benefit you, your relationship with the Lord, and how you interact with others.

It’s so easy to create a list of “eat healthier, sleep more, get better grades…” to realize at the end of the year you’ve completely forgotten about it. Sound familiar? It’s great to strive for these things, but can be a bit vague and hard to stick to.

This year, I encourage you to develop a true New Year’s mindset. Sit down, grab a journal, and begin writing about where you envision yourself once the year comes to an end. You may discover you want to build a better relationship with the Lord. You may discover you need to be more patient, forgiving, kind, etc. Whatever it is, figure out what YOU want and where you see yourself in 12 months.

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.”

When I considered the year ahead, I kept Matthew 6:33 at the front of my mind. When I look at where I want to see myself at the end of the year, does it align with where God wants me to be?

Although we don’t always know the answer to that question, we can ask God for guidance, advice, and clarity. God will slowly reveal his will for your life and the path he wants you to follow. When we place his wants and needs for our lives above our own, it surrenders control to him, allowing his plan to unveil.

I heard a sermon recently talking about approaching the upcoming year with a “cover to cover” mindset. What he meant by this was beginning with the intention of finishing. When we discovering what God wants us to pursue, we should continue to do so through every month of the year. Talk to God and ask for his guidance, trust, and encouragement!

Last year, I sat down with God and asked him what he wanted from me, not what I wanted from him. Surrender your control and desires this year so God can truly work through you for his purpose. His plan is always better than our own. It just takes us to let go and let God!

– Chelsea

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Prompts for Prayer Journaling

Prayer journaling is one of my favorite things to do no matter what mood I’m in. Am I feeling thankful? I prayer journal. Am I feeling upset or looking for guidance? I prayer journal! There is more power in this simple act than you realize. It can reveal things to you that you never saw before!

Write a list of blessings, big or small, that you want to thank God for.

If you don’t know what to journal about, write about all the good things in your life! No matter how big or small, think of the things you’re grateful for. Pointing out the good in your life not only gives the praise to God but will boost your mood and gratitude!

Take a deep look at your heart. What has been weighing heavily on it recently?

It can be so therapeutic to write things down and get them off your chest. Sometimes writing things down makes them feel more real, which could be the first step in forgiving yourself and moving on. I know for me, simply writing out my guilt and shame for me and God’s eyes only gives me a sense of relief. You may be experiencing feelings of anxiety or sadness, and writing them down can help you understand yourself and what you’re going through.

In what areas of your life have you been seeking guidance in? Write them down and ask God to lead you.

If there’s one thing that God does perfectly, it’s leading us down the path he has planned for us. I like asking God for guidance in most situations in my life, to make sure I’m doing what he knows is best. If you listen to God’s still small voice, he can help you with what may seem like even the smallest of decisions.

Write a list of things you would like to see happen in the new year.

2020 is right around the corner and you know what that means… making those infamous resolutions lists we all try to stick to! This year, make your list in your prayer journal so you can be in prayer over them. Maybe you want to see a change happen in your relationship or a career shift you’ve been waiting for, write them down and pray over them!

Have you been feeling fearful or worrisome lately? Write down things your anxious about and ask God for peace. 

The Bible tells us not to be anxious over anything, but by prayer, give our requests to God. This is just what prayer journaling is. We can write down each fear or worry that fills our mind and give them to God. He wants us to lay them at the foot of the cross so we can be filled with joy and peace!

Try out these different prompts and start filling that journal! It’s extremely therapeutic and will bring you closer to God each day.

– Chelsea

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5 Hints that God is Changing Your Course

If there’s one thing I know about God, it’s that he always knows what’s best for us. If we’re headed down the wrong path, he always put us back on the right one.

When God wants to change our course, he hints at us softly. I’ve learned a few different ways he does this, we just have to be looking for them.

Your gut feeling.

This may be obvious, but your gut feeling can actually tell you a lot about a situation you’re in. Does it feel off? Do you constantly look for the negatives?

Take a relationship for example. If you find yourself consistently searching for red flags or “signs” to break up with that person, then maybe that’s a sign in itself. You can tell a lot about a situation from simply how you’re feeling. This may be one of the small, subtle ways that God is trying to hint at you that maybe you’re not where you’re supposed to be.

2. Rejection

 This is one of God’s more blatant ways of telling us no. Maybe it’s a job rejection, a date rejection, a college rejection letter… Whatever it may be, always remember that everything happens for a reason: HIS reason! 

A constant thought.

A reoccurring thought can mean more than you think. Those thoughts can be God whispering to you time and time again. Isaiah 30:21 says, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”Take these consistent thoughts and pray over them. God will tell you the way to walk in!

Confirmation from others.

Not just confirmation from anyone, but good, godly counsel are the people you want to seek advice from. Maybe a close friend or family member you look up to is trying to give you sound guidance that is different than what you’re currently pursuing. Again, pray about it and ask God to reveal his plan to you piece by piece!

Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” He may do this through good counsel! Be eager to listen to those you seek advice from.

A change of interest.

 Sometimes, changing your course could mean a simple change of interest. I’ve had friends apply for schools and jobs and suddenly realize that that’s not where they want to be. Don’t ignore these feelings! They can be so clear and extremely meaningful. Why continue down a path you’re no longer interested in?

Pay attention to these quiet hints God is giving you! Pray over each and every one of them and change your course as God is calling you.

– Chelsea

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Must-Have Items for Pursuing the Lord

You can develop a relationship with the Lord starting any time, any day. Building a relationship with God is one of the most amazing things that he desires for each and every one of us.

As I began diving deeper and deeper into my walk with God, I would try different books, journals, devotionals, etc. that would help me do so. Through all the different things I collected, I found that some items aided in my relationship with God tremendously and wanted to share them with you!

A Bible.

First and foremost, you’ll need a Bible that suits your style. For me, I like journaling Bibles where I can write little notes and comments next to certain verses. It helps me remember what I’ve read and allows me to meditate on it. There are also study Bibles that provide further information on certain topics, stories, verses, etc. that can help clarify what it means!

With all of the different types of Bibles, you can find one that is easiest for you to read and understand. There are lots of styles of Bibles out there, so pick the version and type that will work best for you!

A prayer journal.

Prayer journals give you a place to write down anything you may be feeling and refer back to it in the future. I prayer journal on all occasions, when I’m feeling thankful, sad, frustrated, lost… Writing out my feelings is not only therapeutic, but helps me collect my thoughts and calm me down. My favorite thing to do is to go back and read what I’ve written in the past and see what God has done in my life!

A daily devotional.

Having a set daily devotional will encourage you to stay on track as well as give you a dose of God’s word every single day! I realized it gave me a sense of accountability to make sure I spent even as little as five minutes with God. Figure out what time of the day works best for your schedule and stick with it! I suggest first thing in the morning to start your day off on the right foot. Set your alarm for 10-20 minutes earlier than you normally would, and see how that small amount of time can impact your day and attitude!

Topic-specific books. 

As you grow in your relationship with the Lord, you may begin having questions and curiosities about certain parts of the Bible. It’s completely normal to start wondering beyond the surface level. There are many books that will help you dive deeper into whatever topic you may be curious about! Jump in and discover all there is to know about God and his Word.

I encourage you to buy these items and get on track for an amazing relationship with God. We are fortunate enough to have so many resources to grow closer to him, so take advantage of them and start today! 🙂

– Chelsea

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Psalms to Keep Close to Your Heart

Growing up, I always knew that the biggest book of the Bible was Psalms, but what I wasn’t aware of was the tremendous amounts of wisdom, knowledge, guidance, and peace that I would find within it.

Recently, I’ve really been focusing on the book of Psalms. Although some are more “well-known” than others, there are so many verses that have become some of my favorite passages in the Bible. I love to meditate on and memorize these verses to remember them in times when I’m feeling sad, frustrated, joyful, anxious, etc.

Here are some of the passages I encourage you to meditate on, as well!

For in times of fear:

“God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…

Be still and know that I am God.”– Psalm 46:1-2,10

I love how this passage describes God as ever-present. He is never fading and never failing, always with us even when we feel alone. When I’m feeling fearful or anxious, I repeat in my head “be still and know that I am God.” It gives me a feeling of peace and comfort knowing that all we have to do in these moments is simply be still!

For in times of guilt:

“Cast your cares on the Lord

and he will sustain you;

he will never let

the righteous be shaken.”– Psalm 55:22

God desires for us to leave our burdens and cares at the foot of the cross. When we carry them ourselves, we become worn down and eventually burnt out. They become too much to bear, leaving us helpless and heavy with shame. Pray for God’s grace and let him cast your burdens into the sea of forgetfulness.

For when you are seeking guidance:

 “The Lord makes firm the steps

of the one who delights in him;

though he may stumble, he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” – Psalm 37:23-24

This passage gives me so much comfort knowing that even though I may stumble from time to time, with God, I’ll never have to fall. He has us in the palm of his hand, walking alongside us through every stage of life.

Instead of making decisions based off of what youwant, consider the passage above. When we delight in the Lord and run to him for guidance, he makes our steps firm, leading us down the path he has made for us. Putting our trust in God instead of what we think we want will lead to eternal satisfaction, instead of temporary happiness.

These few Psalms are just some of the many powerful verses you should lay on your heart. Keep them fresh in your mind so they are quick to remember in the times you need them. I encourage you to read through Psalms yourself and discover the wisdom and peace within it!

– Chelsea

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What It Means to Be Fully Understood by God

What exactly does it mean to be “fully understood?” It’s such a simple phrase yet carries a lot behind it.

I’ve always heard that I’m fully understood by God, but only recently have I started to wonder what that really means. I know that God knowseverything about me, even the parts I’d rather him not see, but to know that he actually understandsevery part of me is a whole different story.

Sometimes we underestimate God’s ability to understand. We think thoughts like: “He doesn’t understand what I’m going through.” “He’ll never forgive me for this.” “I’m too ashamed to talk to God about this or that.” These are all Satan’s lies causing you to think this way!

Psalms 139:1-4 says, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”

When God searches us, he isn’t full of judgement, hatred, or hostility. Instead, he is full of understanding, empathy, and compassion. He knows our inmost being and the reasons we do the things we do. He knows even the smallest details of the way we think, talk, behave, and act.

I think we so often forget that Jesus, too, was once on this earth, experiencing the same temptations and hardships we face. Although he was sinless and perfect, he still felt the pressures of the world around him.

I try to remember this when I’m feeling embarrassed or ashamed for something I’ve done. God truly does understand how we feel in every situation, whether we believe it or not. He wants us to come and talk to him about whatever’s on our mind instead of doubting his ability to understand our situation.

Isaiah 43:1 says, “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’”

I think it’s easy to forget whose we are. We think and act independently as if God doesn’t have complete control and endless knowledge of every aspect of our lives. We make assumptions based off our own feelings instead of considering the fact that God already knows our past, present, and future.

Next time you’re feeling like there’s no one to run to, run to God. He understands each situation we face and knows that it’s not easy to live in the world we live in.

When you feel alone and misunderstood, remember that you have a God that fully knows you. God understands your every thought, word, and action. It just takes you to believe it. Put your faith and trust in the fact that God knows you so well, even better than you know yourself!

– Chelsea

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Getting Rid of Built-Up Guilt

Guilt is like a disease. It eats away at you piece by piece until it’s worn you down and you can’t bear it anymore. It’s one of those things you can’t control no matter how hard you try and distract yourself from it.

Guilt is one of those things that means different things to different people. One person can make a massive mistake and carry no guilt, while others make the smallest mistake and carry guilt for years. Even after we’ve already been forgiven, we continue to carry this guilt with us.

If your guilt is due to you not seeking forgiveness or not admitting to something you’ve done, I encourage you to lay it all out on the table. This type of guilt is the worst and will be so much better once you seek forgiveness. God already knows every detail about our lives. It just takes our confession to begin the healing process, in which we forgive ourselves!

Aside from the type of guilt mentioned above, we often build up guilt after the fact. We’ve already been forgiven, we’re just waiting to forgive ourselves.

Isaiah 1:18 says, “’Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

These are the words of the Lord! He tells us that our sins are as white as snow even though they are as red as crimson. It’s hard for me to even wrap my head around that! I am so grateful for a God who is as forgiving as he is, and loves me endlessly despite my flaws and mistakes.

One of the most comforting verses that addresses guilt is Psalm 103:12. It says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” And in Hebrews 8:12, Jesus says, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

God casts our sins into the sea of forgetfulness, no longer holding them against us. If you dive into his Word, you can find so many verses that will provide comfort to you in times of built-up shame or guilt.

Next time you feel guilt slowly starting to creep up on you, lay your feelings at the foot of the cross. God desires so much for his children including being able to let go of the past. God already forgives you, so what are you holding on to?

Make a list in your prayer journal of things you want to lay at the foot of the cross. No matter how big or small, write it down. Create a prayer you can read when these feelings start to come up again. Write, pray, forgive, repeat until you no longer carry the guilt you once had!

– Chelsea

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How to Forgive When You Can’t Forget

Forgiveness is a hard concept. How do you forgive someone that has wronged you so many times, again… and again… and again? Do you let someone get by with hurting you, no matter the situation?

Forgiveness is hard as it is, but it’s even harder when you can’t forget. It’s easy to forgive someone for something small and go about your day like it never happened, but when someone really hurts you, I mean really hurts you,it isn’t always that simple.

So, how do you forgive when you can’t forget?

The Bible talks about forgiveness many, many times and gives us advice on how to go about it. I wanted to share some powerful verses that will help you let go of anger, resentment, or whatever you may be holding in.

Luke 6:37 says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

We all make mistakes in life, some more than others. But we can’t deny that we’ve all messed up and have sinned against God, others, and even ourselves at times. It’s easy to judge others instead of taking a step back and judging ourselves. Why do we give ourselves the power to hold grudges for what others have done to us, when we make mistakes as well?

This mindset of “forgiving and not forgetting” comes from a place of judgement, and we so often forget who the ultimate judge is. When we decide we want to hold a grudge, we are not only being hypocritical, but we’re forgetting that God forgives us every single day, hour, minute… and not only forgives, but tosses any memory of our sin away.

Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

Every day, we should be striving to be more like Christ. If our heavenly father forgives even our darkest of sins, then we too can extend our forgiveness to those who have wronged us in the past, no matter how many times they have.

Now I know it’s not that simple. It can be hard to forget at the snap of your finger. But taking the steps toward forgiveness is better than not trying at all.

Have you tried putting yourself in their shoes? Remembering how it’s felt to seek forgiveness when you know you might not deserve it? We’ve all been there and, although it can be hard to adapt God’s mindset, it will benefit you greatly throughout your life.

So, start today by letting go of any grudges you may be holding. Maybe for you this means having a tough conversation with someone. Or maybe it means finally letting go of the past. It can be hard to be the bigger person, but it is always so worth it!

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus replied: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Take notes from what Jesus is telling Peter in this story. Forgive and forget not once, not twice, but an endless amount of times. Forgive others just as the Lord forgives you!

– Chelsea

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When Was the Last Time You Opened Your Bible?

Think about the last time you really sat down and read your Bible. Was it last week? Last month? Last year?

I always notice when it’s been a minute since I’ve had a good read and quiet time with the Lord. I feel further from God and less connected to him, which is never a good feeling.

The Bible is a source of comfort, joy, safety, hope, grace, and so much more. It’s the one thing that we can physically hold in our hands that automatically makes us feel that much more connected to our heavenly father.

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”

Not only does the Bible strengthen your relationship with the Lord, it is also full of knowledge on how to live your life according to God’s plan and purpose. It is full of instruction, teachings, wisdom, and so much more. It has all of the puzzle pieces to your life hidden within it: how you should speak, think, act, love, forgive… It paints the perfect picture of what our lives should look like.

I love how this verse from 2 Timothy describes Scripture as God-breathed. How cool is it to think that what we get to read in the Bible are actually the words of God! Knowing this is what draws me in more and more to discover who God is and who I am in the eyes of God.

Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Being able to take the time to really study and meditate on God’s word is a beautiful thing that we getto do, not haveto do. If you see it as a chore, you may be missing the whole point.

The words written in the Bible are written by GOD himself! Every word was written for a distinct purpose, with specific meaning and knowledge behind it. It was written for each and every one of us to learn and grow from it.

If you’re someone that needs structure in order to avoid procrastination, take Sunday evening to plan your quiet times with the Lord. Even plan what you’ll read each day so you don’t waste time aimlessly searching for something to read. A simple way to do this is by downloading the Bible app, which has premade plans for whatever needs or wants you may have, such as how to deal with anxiety, gaining peace for the future, how to approach conflict, etc.

So, ask yourself: When was the last time you opened your Bible? Not out of guilt or obligation, but taking the time to sit down and spend uninterrupted, quiet time with the Lord will make your relationship with him so much deeper.

– Chelsea

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His Will. His Way. My Faith.

I was reading online and saw these exact six words: His will. His way. My faith. My mind kept coming back to this phrase again, and again, and again.

It’s easy to forget whose hands our plans are in. We look everywhere for answers, but fail to look to the one who already has our plans figured out.

God knows what the future holds. His will and his way are already decided. It’s the strength of our faith that is one of the most important parts of the equation. Without trust and hope in God’s will, then how can we allow God to work through our lives?

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “’For 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.’”

Verses like the one above make me want to trust God more and more with the plans he has for me. His plans are always to prosper us and it says so right in Jeremiah 29:11. These types of verses make my anxiety go down, and my faith and trust in the future go up.

Would it be easier to trust God’s will for your life if he gave you hints along the way? Or if you could sit down and have an actual conversation with God, what would you want to know about the days to come? I always think about these types of questions or scenarios when it comes to the future.

The thing is, God already gives us hints throughout the Bible and within our day-to-day lives. Do you listen for his still, small voice? You can actually hear God’s voice if you listen for it! There are too many times when God tries to give us hints on where to go next, but we’re too busy or worrisome to hear him.

I know it can be hard to have faith not knowing where God’s taking you yet, but God will help you through it! I encourage you to journal all your feelings down in a prayer journal, whether they’re feelings of excitement, discomfort, or even frustration. Although God already knows what’s on your heart, he’ll give you peace and guidance if you just talk to him!

So, remember these six words: His will. His way. My faith. Repeat this phrase in your head when you’re having those repeated feelings of anxiety or fear.

As the Bible tells us, there is power in the name of Jesus! Call out to him instead of letting pride keep you from surrendering control. It’s always going to be his will and his way. Give him your faith and watch his perfect plan unfold!

– Chelsea

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Taking Your Thoughts Captive

Our minds are a scary place. We can either have full control of our thoughts or let them wander… and wander… and wander.

Some people consider their minds a place where they can think whatever they want, negative or positive, nice or mean, etc. It can be harder to have control over our thoughts than over our words and actions. Since no one can hear them, we think we have free reign to say whatever we want about anyone we want.

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

God gives us clear instructions on what to focus our thoughts on. It’s easy to focus on gossip, the negatives, and other things that wouldn’t be considered noble, pure, or right. Our minds are trained to automatically think like the world around us.

I know it’s easy for me to think thoughts of comparison. Sound familiar for yourself? Without even knowing that I’m doing it, I’m wondering if I’m good enough instead of feeding myself thoughts of praise, joy, and confidence.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Your heart is the source of your words, thoughts, and actions. Like the verse above says, everything you do flows from it. Guarding your heart is a phrase I’ve heard for years but never really knew what it meant. When we protect ourselves from temptation, negativity, false hope, comparison, etc., our minds are more at ease than the latter.

Guarding your heart starts with your thoughts. Make a conscious effort to protect yourself from the thoughts of the world instead of giving in and letting your mind wander. That’s when you end up hurting yourself!

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

Self-discipline is the key to taking your thoughts captive. You have to have a tight rein on your mind or it can go to the worst places before you even realize it. God gave us this powerful spirit of self-discipline for a reason. Use it to stray away from temptation, even the temptation that begins in your head!

Because practicing this takes such a conscious effort, I encourage you to try it the rest of today. When your head starts judging those around you, immediately switch to admiring those around you. If you head starts filling with thoughts of “I’m not good enough,” switch to thoughts of praise for the person you are.

These are just a couple examples of taking your thoughts captive. Don’t let them have a hold on you any longer! If there’s one thing we have full control over, it’s what goes on in our heads. Take advantage of that and think thoughts of joy, hope, praise, and love, not only for yourself, but for those around you!

– Chelsea