That is one thing Satan is known for-deception. And I caught myself today being almost caught up in one of his traps. It’s election day-a very very important day. To my agony, I cannot vote (not old enough), but I have been keeping up with the debates and the news coverage and plan to watch TV all night to find out who wins. But back to Satan..:)..so in my government class we are supposed to read this article and write a response to it. It is entitled, “The Decline of American Greatness” and the whole point was how if Bush gets re-elected America is going to fall into a huge pit of economic decline. Being part of the huge middle class and with finances being tight around home, that scared me. And then I was hit by something. I am a Christian-I have the Holy Ghost on my side. I was able to see that Satan was trying to deceive me and get me to think that Kerry would be a better president by playing off my fears. So what about the thousands of people in our country who aren’t Christians. When someone writes something negative about Bush what’s stopping them from believing it. For the most part, they don’t have a moral code or standard they live by so they aren’t going to re-focus on the issues of marriage or abortion. No wonder so many people dislike Bush. The media doesn’t like him so they portray him in a bad light. Kerry doesn’t have a stand on anything, but he also doesn’t have a record as president, something that, sadly, might play in his favor.

As Christians, what should our response be? Well, with everything we need to be evaluating what we hear in light of truth and the scripture. I can start a blog and write that Bush had an affair and probably get some people to believe me-but I would hope that any Christian would be wise enough to check what I was saying against a credible source and ultimately the bible. We also need to vote-granted, but the time I finish this blog the election will be hours from ending, but we still need to be exercising that freedom. And we need to be voting Godly men and women into office. I was tempted to think Kerry might do a better job, but I realized that whoever wins is going to lead our country for the next four years. I will be almost finished with college, perhaps married, and further along in life when the next election comes up. Do I want the issues I care about to be addressed now, or do I want to wait four years until more damage has been done? George W. Bush will do an excellent job. He will stand by his convictions and he knows his bible:) Ultimately, God’s will shall be done, and I know He will reign supreme. However, as Christians we must be doing our job. So think about what you hear-talk time to evaluate it against scripture. Don’t let the media dictate your thoughts-remember Satan’s game is deception.

Ne 8:10 “Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

I love that verse! And lately, it has been a huge encouragement to me. A lot has happened lately..whether it be in my lives or in the lives of those that I care deeply for. But God has shown that His joy will be my strength. He has given me a smile and an enthusiasm about life that I haven’t know in a long time. There are literally times I can’t stop smiling..I have so much to be thankful for. And while I am tempted to run around like a chicken with it’s head cut off and get stressed and overwhelmed-God gives me joy and peace. He gives me the strength to carry on. Even sometimes when it’s hard..or even impossible in my eyes. Yes, I’ve shed my share of tears. I’ve been mad, and hurt, and frustrated..but I gave it all to God. I just decided to trust Him with my life. And in return-He gave me joy. A joy that no one can take away-no matter what they do. So go ahead-ask God for joy..He’ll give it to you if your willing to give Him your life. It’ll be the best thing you’ve ever done..

I visited two colleges(that will remain nameless) over the weekend. Initially, I was really interested in attending these colleges-however, they are both Christian and therefore, a lot more expensive then the state college I’m looking at. I knew if that was where God wanted me He would provide a way..but I don’t think that’s where He wants me..

Christian-I claim to be one. Most of my friends claim to be one. I go to a Christian school. I go to church. I’m even looking at Christian colleges. But does that make me a Christian? I think it goes much deeper then that. I think there has to be a point in your life where you decide you are going to follow God with 100% of who you are. And you are going to yield your desires over to His will-regardless of what others think. I met so many people over the weekend that claimed to be Christian. And while I’m not one to doubt anyone’s spirituality, I got to thinking. Why claim to be a Christian if you aren’t going to live like one? As I listened to several college students sit around and complain about some very good, but very lax rules I realized that there’s a reason Christians aren’t more active and a bigger force in our country. It’s because they are lazy and want to be like the world. They want to live like everyone else, dress like everyone else, talk like everyone else-but know we have assurance of heaven and can tell everyone else they are wrong. We want to live as close to the line of the world as we can. Heaven forbid anyone tell us that drinking is wrong and that it’s not ok to do certain things. I had one girl tell me she wished this college didn’t have a dry campus. And another was upset that guys weren’t allowed in the dorms 24/7 ,but only during certain open dorm hours. See sadly, our culture has taught us that it’s ok to do what we want. But it’s not-you can’t take a break from being a Christian–and honestly, if we had the right view of things we wouldn’t want to take a break. If we really saw sin for sin and God as God-we wouldn’t desire the things of the world so much. Jesus died for us. He suffered for my sins. Why then would I rather have the momentary pleasures of this world? No one is missing out by abstaining from drinking or sex or drugs or cussing or watching immoral stuff..the world will pour it down your throat that you are…and even some of your Christian friends might..but we need to step back and look at what God says. He says to not even have the appearance of evil. He doesn’t categorize sin and He is just-sin will always have consequences. For those girls I met, they may never realize the affect their testimonies had on me. They will probably never think they are doing anything wrong and their friends will probably never say anything. They have decided that it was ok to be a Christian and do these things. As I am sure some of my friends will do when they go off to college. But I wonder..what is it that we think we’re missing? It makes me thankful for the friends I do have who are willing to stand strong on issues. There is such a thing as black and white. The key is: Are we going to obey God now or are we going to fudge a little and “experience life” before we decide to obey?

No matter what all love stories whether in the movies or on TV always work out. Sadly, they are all full of sin and dishonesty and immoral things. Maybe because I’m sick or maybe because of other situations in my life, but as of late I’ve been rather sentimental. I was talking with someone the other day about life and more specifically guys. God showed me a very big character flaw in my life lately-I don’t like to trust Him. I want to find the guy I’m gonna spend the rest of my life today-I want to live that romantic love story we all watch on TV. But I’m 17..not really close to being at a point to get married. I’ve read the books, I know the stats..but there’s still that longing there. God is slowly teaching me that His plan is always right and that I need to trust Him. At this point in my life I need to be following the example of the Psalmist in Psalm 1- “But His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law He meditates day and night.” I need to find my joy in God’s word-not a guy or even some other desire. God is all the I need..but how often do I say that and not truly believe it? Too often..because if I truly believed it, there would be more in my life that backed it up. I am working on it..one of my friends said something on Friday that put things into perspective. She said, There are times when I walk through the kitchen and eat-not because I’m hungry, but because I’m in the kitchen. To transfer it over, the more I read my bible and spend time with God-I’ll get hungry. Hunger may not come first..but we aren’t always hungry when we eat..

I can see this in my own life..if I don’t feel like reading the bible..sometimes I just don’t..but I need to work at reading the bible all the time. The more I read, the more I want more. Granted, it’s not easy to see my friends in these “perfect” relationships..but my prince will come. Until then..I’ve got the maker of the universe as the lover of my soul..who could ask for anything better?