Today's Challenge: Find Happiness

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

There is always something to be happy about.  Even when our world seems to have been turned upside down, there is always at least one good thing in every bad situation. One quote that has stuck with me since I read it is: "Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." It is true. I struggle keeping my happiness, so this is going to be a challenge for me too. 

I'm going to give you some examples of finding the good in bad situations.

If you get rear-ended by another car... At least, you're still alive.

If the washer machine ruins your favorite shirt... At least, you're fortunate enough to own a washer machine.

If you have constant (leg, back, wrist, etc.) pain... At least, you're not paralyzed and can still feel the pain. 

If your back hurts from the mattress you slept on... At least, you have a bed.

If your child spills fruit punch on your new white shirt... At least, you're lucky enough to have a kid.

If you have to pay taxes... At least, you have a job. 

If you have to wait in a long line... At least, you learn to have a little more patience. 

If you hate having to go to school/ work... At least, you're fortunate to be one of those people who actually gets to go.

Those are just some examples! Go around and find the good in your day today and everyday. (:

Happy Happiness Hunting!

 

Today's Challenge: Strengthen Yourself

"So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees."

-Hebrews 12:12 NLT

I decide today's blog post would be a challenge. Sometimes daily challenges help us accomplish a goal and make us a better person. Today's challenge is to strengthen yourself. Whenever you feel tired or worn out, pray to God to help you make it through the day. Whenever you feel like you can't fight this battle of life, pray to God to help you get through your trials and tribulations. When you feel like giving up on someone, pray to God to help you. God didn't give up on you, so why should you give up on someone? When you feel the stress building up in your life, take a step back and pray. Have a quiet time with God. He will get you through anything and everything. Ask God for anything. He will provide if it's in His will. He might not come exactly when you want Him, but He is truly always right on time.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matt. 7:7-8 NIV

Every Single Tear

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."

-Psalm 56:8 NLT

Isn't it amazing that our God keeps track of every single thing in our life? He keeps track of every tear, every moment of happiness, every unique thing that makes you you. He knows every little thing about you. I feel so relieved that there is someone who knows every little thing about me (the good and the bad) and still has everlasting love and grace for me. It's a relief knowing that even if I don't fit in at school or work or somewhere else, God still loves and accepts me. He's always going to be there for me: from every tear to every smile. God is like no one else. Sometimes, you have to go through trials and tears until you realize it.

Take Care & God Bless!

Praising Jesus

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."

-John 3:30 NLT

A lot of people take the honor on the accomplishments they made or the obstacles they overcame. None of that would have even been possible without having Jesus right by your side through thick and thin. A lot of people forget to give our Father the praises He deserves. Make that a challenge this weekend. Praise more and be selfish less. Let Jesus get bigger and bigger, and let your ego become less and less. Spread His praises around the world.

Blessing Others (Literal Meanings of the Bible)

"I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others."
-Genesis 12:2 NLT

This verse right here lets us know what God's plan is for us. A lot of people take the Bible as a literal meaning. I will give you an example of what I mean by that. Someone may read this and think: 'God is going to make me famous one day!' He does mean that in a way. I'm going to break down to you what I think this verse means.

"I will make you into a great nation."

A group of people, including you, are going to come together by using God as a center. We tend to get along with people who have similar beliefs as us.  Why not use God to bring people together?

"I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others."

God blesses people who believe in Him. He also blesses people who do not fully believe in Him. (Think of yourself before you got saved.) God is going to use you somehow some way in life. If you truly let God shine through you, people are going to remember you. People are going to be inspired by you. People might talk about your faith to other, in turn, making you "famous." If people truly see how strong your faith is, it just might help them get on track (which will bless them).


Even if you don't make $1,000,000 a year or grace the cover of the latest magazine, God will make you famous for loving Him.

We Are Family

"So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another."
-Romans 12:5


Every single person has that one person that they are not too fond of. I know it may seem hard to deal with them at times, but technically, they are your brother/ sister in Christ. God wants all of His children to love each other. He wants all of us to show each other love. Every Christian hasn't had the best life. Someone you are not too fond of might be going through a difficult time. Sometimes, the only way to get someone out of a tough time is to love them. You never know what someone is dealing. Your words could just put them over the edge... So LOVE everyone as if they were your brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, or whoever. God loves you even though you haven't always been the best. Love one another. After all, we do come from the same family. 

Music Really CAN Change Lives

"You cried for the broken
You lived for the hopeless
You died for the guilty so that we could be righteous
You took away the shame
You wiped the tears away
And I am amazed, oh yeah, of your love for me"

-"Your Love" by The Ambassador ft. Michelle Bonilla and KJ-52

Sometimes, it seems like us, humans, are so prone to forget everything that He did for us.

It's songs like this that make me tear up over His greatness.

I've been changing up the music that I listen to.

I pretty much gave up rap/ hip hop music because of the words and content of the songs.

I switched over to pop/ country/ adult contemporary.

I'm switching things up again.

My phone literally lives on the Jason Derulo or Demi Lovato Pandora station.

I changed it to Lecrae today.

It's hard to explain, but I feel like I'm actually doing something right for a change...

I feel like I'm renewing my love for Christ a little more right now. 

It's easy for your love to get complacent and even drift away.

Make tiny changes in your day to day life, and you'll notice a difference.

This just shows you that God speaks in different ways. 

Thank you for reading the words that I type.

Haha, LOVE YOU GUYS. <3

Drifting Away

"So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it."
-Hebrews 2:1 NLT

Most of us have heard about God before. Most of us have heard about what He does, how He loves us, etc.  A lot of people hear this, know it is right, and still fight it, or even drift away from it.

Christians aren't perfect. I'm a Christian. I'm most definitely not perfect, and I won't ever claim to be.

I'm not going to lie... I notice that I drift away from God sometimes. I put other things that I think are really important to the top of my priority list... Truth is, I notice a difference in my life. I can tell when I start drifting away.

Looking back, do you find yourself drifting away? I have something that might help.

Every single time you go to put something before God, ask yourself this: "Why can't I give time to someone who has put so much time into me?"

Here's a challenge. Put God first every single day this week. 7 days. You just might notice a big difference.

Love you guys.  <3

Adriauna Danielle

You Are BEAUTIFUL.

It's so easy these days for girl to feel insecure. Society has painted a "picture" of what "beautiful" is. Society thinks being "beautiful" means wearing a size zero or having a thigh gap. These things are so superficial. To be honest, society doesn't know what being beautiful truly means.

1 Peter 3:4-5:
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

God doesn't declare society's "beautiful" true beauty. The true beauty comes from the inside. That is what matters most of all.

One of my favorite beauty vloggers on YouTube has a quote that is my absolute favorite: "Makeup will only get you so far if you have an ugly heart."  -MeghanRosette

This means you can do anything you want to to change your outward appearance, but if you still have a hateful heart, it is completely worthless.

And if you still want to feel beautiful from the outside too, here is a helpful verse:

"You are altogether beautiful my love; there is no flaw in you."
-Song of Soloman 4:7 <3

Stay Beautiful,

Adriauna 

Happy Resurrection Day!

I just wanted to wish you a Happy Resurrection Day! It's not about the Easter eggs and candy. It's about Jesus. Let's make Him the main priority. 

"And the angel answered and said unto the women, 'Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.'"

-Matthew 28: 5-6 KJV

Take Care & God Bless

What Do You Surround Yourself With?

I came across this topic in my devotional early this morning, and I was inspired to share it with someone.

What kind of influences do you let surround you?

Does your influences bring light or darkness?

For example, some of your influences might be: the TV shows you watch, the music you listen to, the friends you surround yourself with, the way you talk and communicate with people, etc.

If you find it hard sometimes to be a Christian, look at your influences.

Do you influences guide you in the right path? Or do they manipulate you enough to want to dare the wrong path?

You can change that by changing your influences.

God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but He does expect us to TRY.

Take Care & God Bless. <3

What I Learned from the Book of Proverbs!

• The Lord disciplines you for your bad actions because He loves you. If He didn't care about it, He wouldn't discipline you.
• If it seems like every single thing in life gets turned upside down, hold onto God. He promised He would be with you always.
• You can have a plan for your life, but if it's not in God's will for you, your plan will be altered.

Take Care & God Bless!

My Favorite Verses from the Book of Proverbs!

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
-Proverbs 1:7

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity."
-Proverbs 3:1-2

"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
-Proverbs 3:11-12

"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared."
 -Proverbs 3:25-26

"To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."
-Proverbs 8:13

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
-Proverbs 9:10

"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."
-Proverbs 12:25-26

"The Lord works out everything to its proper end- even the wicked for a day of disaster."
-Proverbs 16:4

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
-Proverbs 16:9

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

"A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart."
-Proverbs 21:2

"Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered."
-Proverbs 21:13

"One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend."
-Proverbs 22:11

"An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips."
-Proverbs 24:26

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."
-Proverbs 27:1

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
-Proverbs 30:5

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
-Proverbs 31:25

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
-Proverbs 31:30

You Have NO Reason to be Afraid!

Today, in society, it's easy to feel insecure about the way you look, the way you dress, previous actions, how people think of you, etc. This constant fear or insecurity is what keeps you from doing something you've always wanted to do.

STOP CARING WHAT EVERYONE ELSE THINKS.

In reality...,

GOD'S OPINION IS THE ONLY ONE WHOSE TRULY MATTERS.

I challenge you to get up today and conquer your fears.

Take a chance.

Start chasing your dreams.

You have NO reason to be afraid.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9 NIV

If your God is with you, what reason do you have to be afraid?

Take Care & God Bless. <3

Now stop  being afraid and conquer something today!

What I Learned from the Book of Matthew!

• God  wants to have a personal relationship with Him. That means don't go out and brag about all the things you accomplished for God. He knows, and He will reward you privately.
• You never know when our Savior is coming back. Be ready.
• You have to lose your life to find God's life for you.

Favorite Verses from the Book of Matthew!

"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"  Matt. 4:7 NIV

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."  Matt. 5:9 NIV

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your father in heaven." Matt. 6:1 NIV

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matt. 6:6 NIV

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day is enough trouble of its own." Matt. 6: 33-34 NIV

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receivers; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matt. 7:7-8 NIV

"Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." Matt. 10:32-33 NIV

"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." Matt. 10:39 NIV

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matt. 19:26 NIV

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'" Matt. 22: 37 NIV

"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matt. 24:44 NIV

I know this is a lot, but I tried to narrow it down!

Stop Human Trafficking!

Go to enditmovement.com to join in on the movement to stop human trafficking. On the website, you can add your email to the list of people willing to help. You can also donate money, read about the slavery, and shop the cause. As God's people, we owe it to him to do what is right.

END IT.

January Bible Book of the Moment #1

For 2013, my goal is to read the whole Bible. I'm really excited. The first book I decided to read was Matthew. When I finish reading the book of Matthew, I will let you guys know what I learned! (:

Do You Believe in Miracles?

I don't believe in miracles; I believe in a God that answers prayers. <3

Just a random thought!

Have an amazing weekend!

XOXO

Have You Really Started Living?

“For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” -Colossians 3:3

I love this verse. I felt like before I came to know God deeply, I was walking aimlessly through life. I didn't really know what the purpose of me living was for. I knew of God, but I didn't know know God. I wasn't living my life because I, technically, didn't know how to. Everything was just a big confusing mess. I know why know. Don't run from God, because He truly holds your life.

New Year's Resolutions.

I only have two! I plan on keeping them because they mean the most to me.

1.) Get closer to God.

2.) Honor His name.

That's it.

God Bless You and Have A Wonderful Day! <3

Honor Him.

"what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than angels and crowned them with glory and honor."

Psalms 8:4-5 NIV

God deeply cared and cares for us. For that reason, we are created in His image. He gave us glory and honor. He knew we would be something great. If we weren't something worth dying for, God would never had let his one and only Son die on the cross for us. Bottom line, God loves us so much that He was willing to do almost anything for us. We should be so thankful of that and honor Him everyday. Honor Him with your words. Honor Him with your actions. Honor Him with every little piece of you. I mean it's the most we can do right? (: Honor Him and make disciples.

Do something nice for someone today and show Him you care.

Happy New Year!

 

  Hello everyone! I just wanted to wish you guys a "Happy New Year!" We are so lucky to have a God who doesn't change from year to year, week to week, day to day, minute to minutes, or second to second! Even though He doesn't change, He allows us to have time to change ourselves into people who make Him proud. Our God is the God of Many Chances! I don't know about you, but I am so thankful for that! Let's honor God this year!