tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32207320403152758492024-02-19T08:16:24.662-08:00Thinking Out LoudMadison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-50718043279944654472021-09-02T08:47:00.002-07:002021-09-02T08:54:09.165-07:00Dream Big, Live Large. <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: times;">The beginning of 2010 was a crucial point in my family's life. My dad was preaching a New Year's Day service when he suffered a massive heart attack that nearly took his life. Thankfully, God was faithful to intervene and save him. A few weeks later, my dad had open heart surgery and began a long journey towards recovery. About a year later, my dad felt the Lord speaking a message to him to share with others. It was in his obedience to God's calling that my dad wrote his book, <i>Living Largely</i>. </span></span></div><p><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: times;">This book,<i> Living Largely </i>was birthed out of a season where life was hard. It seemed as if all hope was lost. This season brought a lot of hardship for my family, but it was a time where my dad experienced true life change. He began to appreciate and embrace life more abundantly. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: times;">Fast forward and a couple years later, my dad passed away from a stroke. My father's passing was unexpected and paralyzing for everyone who knew and loved him. On the day my dad met Jesus, I made him a promise. I promised that I would always dream big and live large. For the past eight years, I have been trying to understand the meaning of this message my dad was passionate about sharing. I've questioned what it means and what it looks like to live large and dream big. Here's what I have learned recently: </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: times;">Dreaming big means not letting fear or the voices of others quiet your dreams. It means not only chasing <i>your </i>dreams but God's dreams for you. Dreaming big requires you to evaluate your dreams and how they align with the promises and plans of God. It might cause you to question if your dream is a God-sized dream and if it will glorify him above all else. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: times;">Living largely means being open to saying yes and taking hold of opportunities. It means embracing life and sharing the true meaning of it with others. Living large means being a vessel in God's kingdom and allowing him to use you. It is simply living life to the fullest. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: times;">As my time at Lee University comes to an end, I am reflecting on the moments that have brought me to where I am today. Acknowledging that every trial and victory has lead me to this one defining moment in my life. The next season is unknown but what I do know is that I am saying yes to living a large life and dreaming big. I am saying yes, "Here I am, Lord, send me" (Isaiah 6:8). </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: times;">In obedience to where I feel the Lord calling me, I have decided to attend a five month discipleship training school in Vancouver, Canada. I can't express how far out of my comfort zone this is, but I feel confident this is where God is sending me next. My heart is overwhelmed with excitement when I think about the opportunity to foster a deeper relationship with God while learning how to lead and disciple others. I will be a part of a group that is eager to share the gospel to a unreached nation. We are getting the incredible opportunity to be light bearers in this world! </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: times;">I am thankful that the book my dad wrote years ago is still being used to challenge and encourage me. I'm taking his advice and keeping my promise to live a large life and dream big dreams. I hope my story and reflection is encouraging to you! I'll leave you with this, grab a hold of God and grab a hold of life. Don't waste a single moment. As my dad would say, live large and dream big! </span></span></p>Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-55565845516772314102020-04-13T14:00:00.001-07:002020-04-14T09:38:53.865-07:00Waiting with Patience and Expectancy I was thinking about waiting and how difficult it can be. It never seems to get easier even the more you wait. This thought lead me to reflect on the season I currently find myself in. It feels as if I am waiting and waiting and waiting. I thought to myself, "This isn't the first time you've waited and it certainly won't be the last." In every season I feel as if I am constantly waiting for answers, direction, the right person to come along, and I continue to wait and wait and wait--you get it by now, right? So why is it so difficult to wait? Perhaps it is because it feels like we are lacking or missing out on something. Maybe our human nature's struggle to be still. Or maybe we are simply just bored. We are constantly looking to move forward; never content right where we are in the present. The truth is that we are an impatient people. Psalm 46 says, "Be still and know." Why can't we be still and know? The key is to be still, cease striving and let God be exalted. Let go and trust in the God of all the earth.<br />
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Do you know what I think is different about this season of waiting in my life? My heart. My prayer isn't "Lord, teach me how to wait." Rather it is, "Lord, teach me how to be patient as I seek and wait for you." Patience. That is the difference. The Lord patiently waits for his children with open arms and an open heart ready to receive them. Why is it so hard for us to do the same? Instead, we are impatient and frustrated with the Lord. Asking God, why aren't you speaking or moving? Don't you see me or hear me? How much longer do I have to wait? Maybe our prayer should be, "Speak, Lord your servant is listening."<br />
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I read a book not to long ago by Jen Wilkin entitled <i>In His Image</i>. One of the chapters was called "God Most Patient." This verse stood out to me while I was reading: <b>2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."</b> Jen Wilkin made a few statements about God most patient that punched me in the gut and slapped me in the face. I'll leave them here for you to reflect on as well:<br />
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<li><b>"Christians are people of delayed gratification, awaiting a future hope and foregoing comfort in the present."</b></li>
<li><b>"God's patience implies expectancy."</b></li>
<li><b>"Patience is not just the ability to wait but to abide."</b></li>
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I read another commentary on this verse that described it like this: "Wait on the Lord as an expectant mother waits for her child." I think when we wait we assume that we've done something wrong. As if the Lord is withholding from us. But it is not like our Father to withhold because He freely gives. Perhaps all that we are doing wrong is not waiting with expectancy. The Lord is patient with us. Lord, I pray that as you are patient with us, You'll help us to patiently wait for you.<br />
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During this time of uncertainty, we all are waiting. We are waiting for our lives to resume, for the virus to subside, for our government to provide us answers and direction, and for lives to be healed and restored. I want all of the same things as you, but what I don't want is for us to take this time that we have been given for granted. May we seek him diligently, wait for him patiently, and listen for his voice. Trust these words, <b>"Be still and know that I am your God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Ps. 46: 10).</b><br />
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Friends, be patient. Expect the Lord to be faithful in fulfilling his purpose for you and his kingdom. When the storms in your life and this world are all said and done, He <i>will</i> be exalted.<br />
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<br />Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-64984686136060785472020-01-05T18:01:00.000-08:002020-01-09T06:46:21.784-08:00Once Upon a Dreamer Almost six years ago I was given a prophecy, a word from the Lord. The prophecy stated that I would write a book entitled, "Through My Father's Eyes." It was also said that through the writing of the book I would find healing. I always believed that the title referred to my earthly father's passing and the healing that would take place would be healing of loss and grief. For years I have held onto this word from God. At times I have questioned when it would come to pass or if ever. I believe that God's word is not void and that He keeps His promises, but I have felt so far from this prophecy for such a long time. In fact, I have doubted if any of His promises will be fulfilled despite what I know to be true.<br />
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I recently read a few chapters of my dad's book, "Living Largely." Throughout the book my dad discusses what it means and what it takes to live a large life. One of his points that stood out to me the most is not only how to live largely but also how to dream big. I cannot remember the last time I let myself dream out loud without reality and fear silencing me. My dad mentioned how I dreamed of being an author at the time that he wrote his book. I wanted to write children's book and illustrate my stories. At the time, it did not matter to me that being an author was not the most "practical" job. Writing is what I loved to do; it was my passion---my <i>dream job</i>.<br />
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I think there is something magical about children who dream. They do not let fear or society tell them no. Children believe that their dreams are the real world. As I have grown up my dreams have changed. I am thankful for parents who support every dream I have. Their encouragement continues to water the seed planted in me long ago. Right now I am pursuing another dream that is near to my heart. I am currently a sophomore at Lee University pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology. This dream of studying psychology and hope to someday become a counselor was birthed in me shortly after my dad passed away. I want to help people connect with themselves, express themselves, and help them find healing in the process. I know that in my darkest season of life all I truly wanted was someone to see, hear, and understand my heart that was full of pain. I am filled with excitement when I think about being that person for someone else. All I want out of this life is to help others know the fullness of God's love for them.<br />
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I am glad that I am beginning to feel freedom to dream again. "Dream big. Live Large." A phrase my dad often use to say and a way he would sign his books. I remind myself of this and use it as my own personal mantra. Sometimes it easy to feel small, insignificant in this world. However, the simple truth of living a large life and dreaming big dreams will bring you back to a place of awe and wonder---a place of opportunity. As I continue to dream, I am brought back to the same prophecy mentioned earlier. I think about what I would actually write. Would I incorporate some of dad's writing into the book? How does my dad relate to it anyway? Does he relate to it at all? How and when will it all come together? While I ask these questions I cannot help but feel in my spirit that this prophecy, this book, does not have much to do with my earthly father at all. Rather, it has everything to do with my Heavenly Father. Seeing myself, life, and God's kingdom through the eyes of my Father in Heaven.<br />
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I am still unsure of what this means or when it will happen but I am confident that God's promise will be fulfilled. In this next season of my life, I am confidently stepping into a season of big dreams, believing in a big God who is faithful to do big things.<br />
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- Dream big. Live Large.Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-29364985201357532792019-11-30T14:33:00.001-08:002019-11-30T14:36:25.572-08:00Just Thinking Out Loud<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been close to a year since I last published a blog post. I have been struggling to write for a while now. I find it difficult to write because it seems easier to believe the lies I tell myself than to believe the truth. Every time I sit down to write, I begin critiquing my writing and comparing myself to others. I convince myself that what I have to say isn't worth reading. People often say that comparison is the thief of joy and I have found this to be true. Comparison has kept me from doing the one thing I am certain that I am called to do. Writing has meant a lot to me for several years and it's about time I stop letting the enemy steal my joy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started my blog seven years ago, shortly after my father passed away. I wanted an outlet to express myself. When people discover that I have a blog they usually ask what I write about, in which I respond, "Whatever God tells me to." My blog (or writing in general) became more than an outlet for me; it became my connection to God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recently, I have been on a "journey" to find rest. This concept of rest is new to me. I have only discovered its importance this past semester in college. However, I have quickly realized that rest is essential to our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I call my journey to find rest a journey because it is a challenge for me to identify what I need and even more of a challenge for me to decide what I need (if you know me, you know how true this is). I have been exploring different avenues of rest. Perhaps I find rest in nature, in serving others, or in spending time with a community of people. All of these things could bring me rest but I also want to feel a connection to God. Writing enables me to feel this connection to God while resting in Him. To describe this feeling I borrowed some words from my dad's blog:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>"For me writing is therapeutic, it allows me to say what I'm thinking, erase it and start over, or leave it and live with it. It gives me permission to be creative and step outside of my own box...and I choose how safe I want to be or how fearless. In blogging one can find themselves, reveal themselves, and share themselves...you just need to determine what you want to be and how you want to be seen."</b></i></span></span></blockquote>
The name of my blog is <i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thinking Out Loud</span></i>, which I also borrowed from my dad. My dad would publish blogs or share posts on Facebook and sign it, "just thinking out loud." This reminds me of why I love writing and why I started writing at a young age. I didn't start writing to gain recognition or to be the best, I started writing to express myself. The truth is my dad was right. There are no rules when it comes to writing. Writing is an art and you have all of the power. You decide what you want to say and how you want to say it. You decide how vulnerable, creative, and honest you want to be. You decide what stays and what goes. I guess this is why I feel connected to God when I write. There is freedom to be myself. I am free to express myself however I want; there's no right or wrong.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just thinking out loud . . .</span></i></div>
Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-35889926058335160712019-01-07T20:22:00.002-08:002019-01-07T20:29:09.499-08:00That's A WrapHere's what happened...<br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">This semester I struggled. I lost the strength and boldness that I know resides within me. I lost my confidence about who God says I am and about who God says He is. I lost the control I so desperately “needed” in my life. However, </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">what I found was much greater than what I had lost. I found that even in the midst of my uncertainty, God was working. He was teaching me and speaking to me in ways I did not even recognize was Him. I found joy in the laughter of new friends. I found comfort in the multitude of encouragers that surrounded me. I found new qualities and traits about myself. I found out how to be okay with not knowing what the future holds (or at least trying to be okay with not knowing). I found that two of the most vital things that I need to do in this season of my life is to <i>trust </i>and <i>believe</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>Trust and believe that God, the Writer of my story, is in control. That He will come through, not in my timing or in the way I think that He should, but in His timing and in His own pure and perfect way. </b></span><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Trust and believe because all of His promises are yes and amen. <b>I don’t know how to not know but I do know that my uncertainty doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change God’s promises. It doesn’t change His plan. </b>My uncertainty won’t make the answers appear any faster, but trusting and believing that the answers will come when they are suppose to changes everything. </span><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Uncertainty turns into hope. Hope leads to trust. Trust and belief go hand and hand. So I don’t know when God will lead me in a certain direction or answer all of my questions. I don’t know when it will all get easier. I don’t know when all of the things I’ve lost will be replenished. But I do know that God will never fail me. He didn’t promise that it would be easy, but He did promise to never leave. </span><br />
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My first semester of college taught me a lot of valuable lessons. It absolutely did not turn out how I expected it to, but one of the most valuable lessons I've learned from my first semester of college is that it is okay to have expectations, but it is equally okay when they don't turn out how you expected them to.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m thankful for the expected and the unexpected. I’m thankful for all of the things I’ve lost and found this past semester. Even though it was challenging and stressful, it was also fun and transformative. I wouldn’t have wished to spend the last months of 2018 any other way because these months are what made 2018 great. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this next year, I’m going to trust and believe. 2019, let’s do it. </span></div>
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Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-40120151400040920392018-04-17T16:09:00.000-07:002018-04-17T16:09:38.618-07:00I Cannot Believe ThisHave you ever had something absolutely tragic happen to you or something incredibly amazing and thought to yourself, "Wow, I cannot believe this is my life." Life is full of unexpected twists and turns that usually leave us feeling either hopeless and confused, or joyful and excited.<br />
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Throughout my life I've had this same reoccurring thought. After my father passed away, I was in complete shock and denial. I couldn't believe that I had become a child who lost a parent. I remember thinking to myself, "I cannot believe this is my life." Then I had the thought again when my family joined with another, and again after struggling with anxiety, insecurity, and grief. Yet after every season of my life, whether full of pain or joy, I am reminded of the goodness of the Lord.<br />
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There are those sweet moments in our life when our greatest burdens become our greatest blessings. Sometimes our disbelief of reality comes from a place of hurt, but the knowledge of God's grace restores our thoughts and brings comfort to our soul.<br />
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My life has taken many different turns, and soon I will move eight hours away from my family to begin one of my life's greatest journeys. This time when I think to myself, "I cannot believe this is my life," it won't be from a dark place in my heart, but from the part of my heart that shines the brightest. We are blessed in every season of our life because no matter what we go through, Jesus remains constant.<br />
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I'm astounded by the doors and opportunities God has given me. I simply cannot believe that this is my life and that I get to serve such a giving and loving Father! He is good.Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-19234242266127485362018-01-09T14:32:00.004-08:002018-01-09T14:32:59.524-08:00God Brought Me Through ItA few weeks ago in church, we had an incredible service full of worship and breakthrough. God's sweet, sweet presence was so evident in that service. Through a servant's obedience a testimony was shared, and then another one from a different member of the church. Both testimonies touched my heart deeply, but one thing was said in one of the testimonies that has stuck with me and encouraged me to publish this blog. The statement is as follows: "God brought me through it!"<br />
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As soon as I heard that statement, it started ringing through my ears. I could not help but to feel so overjoyed by everything that God has brought me through. It really made me start to think of everything I have gone through in the past five years of my life. I began to ponder every setback, every trial, every challenge, and how God was there with me through it all. "God brought me through it," those words are extremely powerful because they shift your focus from your circumstance to your victory.<br />
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<b>We often focus on what we are going through far more than on the One who can bring us through it! </b></div>
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It is easy to feel blinded by your circumstances. The enemy has a good way of stealing your focus. He knows just how much pressure to put on you in order for you to lose sight of the Lord, but believe me when I say, no matter who brings you to it, <b>God </b>will bring you through it. He will not leave you alone to suffer, to struggle, or to stay the same. The amazing thing about testimonies is that they all end in victory! What you have gone through in the past is not what you will go through in the future. Your struggle today does not have to be your struggle tomorrow. Always keep moving forward!!</div>
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My challenge to you is to look back on your life. Think about every circumstance and situation you have gone through, and shout "God brought me through it!!" There is so much freedom in declaring His good name in every situation. You may be sick in your body, but God will bring you through it. You may be fearful in your spirit, but God will bring you through it. You may be struggling financially, but God will bring you through it. Whatever it may be, know that God will bring you through it!!</div>
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Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-36688187410562415052017-11-30T05:09:00.001-08:002017-11-30T05:09:14.651-08:00Five Years Without YouTo my hero,<br />
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In the past five years without you, I have experienced more pain and more joy than I could have ever imagined possible. In some ways it feels as if time has flown by, but in other ways it feels like it has been an eternity since you left us. I wanted to do something special to honor you today so I am writing you this letter.<br />
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I remember the day the Lord called you home, I remember walking down the hallway, hanging on to Pastor's side for dear life, and in that moment I felt as if time were in slow motion. I remember the tears running down my face and wondering if I would ever reach the end of that hallway. I knew that the worst was waiting for me and that my life was about to change forever. Saying goodbye to you was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but in that room there was so much peace. Peace I had never felt before, but peace I would soon become familiar with.<br />
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Since you've been gone so much has changed. There is not one thing that is the same and I wish I could tell you all about it. God has done incredible things in my life and in the lives of other's around me. He has turned sorrow into joy, mourning into dancing, and dreams into plans. My life has certainly not turned out how I imagined it to, but God has done more good than I could have ever imagined He would. I don't know where I would begin if I tried to tell you all that He has done and that has changed so I'll leave it at this: the past five years without you have been the most challenging times of my life. I have grieved, I have grown up, and I have made mistakes, but God has taken my brokenness and transformed it into something beautiful. He has given me the best family I could have ever asked for. He has taken care of your girls in a way that only He could do. He has certainly not abandoned us in our time of need. God has done such a work in me in the past five years and it is mind blowing to me that I was once just a thirteen year old girl who lost her father. Today, I am so much more than that. I have grown up to be a woman of God, a hearer of His word, a learner of His love, and a servant of His kingdom. I can imagine that I have grown up to be everything you would have wanted me to be and I hope that I am making you proud.<br />
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There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. The hardest lesson I have learned is how to grieve and how to accept the process. Some days are easier than others, and on the other days I have to ask the Lord to help me. I never would have imagined that I would lose you, but over time I have realized that God's plan is greater than my own. I may never understand why He had to take you home when He did, but I know that He is in control.<br />
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But even with that knowledge I still miss everything about you. I miss your voice, your sarcastic tone, and your raspy laugh that would turn into a chuckle then even into a wheeze. I miss your touch, the feeling of your soft touch on my back when I was giving you a hug, your slight grip when I was holding your hand, and your gentle kiss on my cheek. I miss your writing, your words of encouragement, your words of wisdom, and your midweek rantings. I miss your preaching, the way you could captivate your audience, the way you allowed God to flow through you, and the way you got so excited while doing the very thing you loved to do. I miss our days together, getting drinks, holding hands, and sitting across from each other without saying a word.<br />
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I will forever hold every feature, quality, characteristic, and memory dear to my heart. You are the most incredible man to me and I will always be proud to call you my father.<br />
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Daddy, thank you for being my hero and my guardian angel. I miss you more than my words could ever explain and I love you more than life itself.<br />
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Love,<br />
Madison<br />
<br />Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-2967500368968342122017-08-09T18:09:00.001-07:002017-08-09T18:09:16.468-07:00You are His and He is Yours Isaiah 43:1-3, " Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you are in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're in between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end -- Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior."<br />
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I want to break down these verses to really get down to the meaning, to really grasp the depth of what this scripture is saying. In the first verse it reads, <i><b>"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine." </b></i>We cannot forget who we belong to. When you are going through tough times and you are doubting everything in existence remember who you belong to. You are the child of the one true King. No matter what you have done in the past or what you are doing in the present, God has redeemed you. He has called you by name and you are His. Think about it for a second, think about how amazing it feels to be had by the maker of Heaven and earth. Nothing you could ever do or ever go through would separate you from being His. God says, "You are mine." You are mine despite your mistakes, your circumstances, your insecurities, You are mine.<br />
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In the second verse it says, <i><b>"When you are in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're in between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end." </b></i>God sees exactly where you are at. He sees every struggle you face, and every temptation you face. He knows what you can handle and what you can't handle. God is not caught by surprise when you ask for His help instead He runs to you. He doesn't want you to struggle alone. He wants to be there for you. When you're drowning in sorrow He will pull you out of your misery, and He will give you rest. In Matthew 11: 28-30 it says, <i><b>"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."</b></i> When your heart is in distress give it to God. He doesn't want us to withhold from Him. What can we learn from Christ's gentle and humble heart? When you're in a crisis don't panic instead find rest for your soul. It is easy to get overwhelmed in life. We take on too much and feel like we have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders but that isn't the case. God has given us a way out by taking our load and carrying it for us.<br />
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Let this speak to you, whatever you are going through take upon His yoke, for it is easy and His burden is light. In verse three it says, "<i><b>Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, Your Savior."</b></i> Imagine you are in your prayer closet and your praying to God asking all of these questions: "God, why am I going through this trial? Why am I uncomfortable where I am? Why did you bless me like that? Why did you forgive me? God, why do you love me?" Then imagine you hear God say, "<b>BECAUSE I AM YOUR GOD.</b>" Let that be the answer to your questions because HE is YOUR GOD you have peace of mind, you have an abundance grace, you have mercy overflowing, you have freedom to worship, you have healing and forgiveness. Because HE is YOUR GOD you have a place to rest. Because HE is YOUR GOD you will make it through.<br />
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So don't be afraid, child of God, when life gets too hard He will give you rest because He is your God.<br />
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<br />Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-83330753577627209992017-07-18T11:21:00.000-07:002017-07-18T11:21:48.597-07:00Come As You AreAnyone who really knows me knows that I am without a doubt a perfectionist. I constantly feel pressure for everything to be perfect at all times. Whether it's as tiny as my locker being completely organized from the smallest book to the largest book, or the perfect outfit for a certain occasion, or just constantly trying to be prepared for anything and everything. It's a little bit of my OCD but a whole lot of my need for perfection. Throughout my walk with Christ this has been my struggle, trying to be perfect in an imperfect world with an imperfect body, mind, and spirit.<br />
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See, the problem is I feel that I have to be in a perfect standing with God to give Him praise or worship, or to be in any type of communication with Him. I feel the pressure to be a perfect child in order to receive love, forgiveness, grace or mercy, or any blessing. If I feel like I am anything less than perfect in my relationship with God, I slack off. I simply stop trying because if I don't feel perfect then I feel unworthy. I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as lukewarm. You are either all in or you are all out. I refuse to become lukewarm in my relationship with Christ and because of this I'll stop all together. I don't want to be something I am not, I don't want to give off the impression that I have it all together when in reality I am falling apart. This has been reoccurring in my relationship with God because I want to be my best self for Him.<br />
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I am reminded of the story in Matthew 14:22-36, when Jesus called Peter out onto the water. Jesus didn't answer Peter's request by calling him to walk on the water with the notion that Peter already knew how to walk on the water. It took Peter stepping out, and Jesus simply saying, "Come." Come with your imperfection, come with your struggles, come with your pain, come to me and keep your eyes on me. Of course, when Peter saw the wind and the waves he became afraid and he took his eyes of Christ. Peter started to fall, he started to lose sight of Christ, but then Jesus reached out his hand in Peter's time of need. Then Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Why do we doubt that Jesus is in control? Why is it so easy for us to be overwhelmed by the waves of our insecurities and circumstances? Why is it so hard to stay focused on Christ?<br />
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I relate to this story because recently I have taken my eyes off Jesus. I have lost sight of his comfort and of his love. I took my eyes off of Him, and I fell into the waves of fear and distraction. I forgot my purpose but I also forgot Jesus' purpose. Jesus came for us who are not perfect, which is all of us, and He came to save us for that very reason. He doesn't want us to come to Him perfect, He wants us to simply come to Him.<br />
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So, here is my point: Don't lose sight of Christ. Keep your eyes on Him. Simply come.<br />
There is no need for perfection because HIS perfect love makes us whole. His love covers all of our imperfections. We are not worthy, but He is!!Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-79527591672708377512017-06-07T18:22:00.000-07:002017-06-07T18:22:36.428-07:00The Aerial ViewHave you ever played that game where you're shown a close-up of an image and you have to try to guess what it is then you see the full image and it's usually totally different then what you guessed it to be? Yeah well, this is how I find our walk with Christ to often turn out. God puts us in a up-close and personal situation where it is difficult to see the bigger picture. This is one of the most basic messages but it is true. This is a struggle we have all faced in life. Here are a few questions that come to my mind when I think of these "situations"... How can we trust God when we can't see what He is doing? What is God doing? How do I go on?<br />
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It can be difficult to be in a situation where there seems to be no way out. It can be heartbreaking to be in a situation where you simply don't understand what God is trying to do. It can be frustrating to be in a situation where it seems that more harm than good is coming your way and it's all at the hands of God. None of these situations or scenarios are good, but we don't have to go through them alone. This brings me to my first point: <b>You are not alone in this. "</b>So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10. It can be frightening to be in a situation and feel so alone, but isn't it awesome that even when we feel alone, we really aren't? God is with us in every situation good or bad. We never have to go through anything alone. My second point is <b>God is in control. </b>"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34. There was a time in my life where I didn't understand what God was doing and I didn't want to understand. It was heartbreaking and no matter what I tried to do I couldn't gain control of my feelings or the changes happening around me. I kept worrying about tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. I kept worrying about me instead of trusting the process God was taking me through. I had to come to a realization that God was moving with me or without me and it was my decision to follow His plan or not. There is something incredible that happens when you completely give God control even when you do not understand. It gives you so much strength and with that strength you can tackle any situation you are placed in. So do not worry when you don't understand the situation because when God finally reveals the full image you will be glad you trusted Him. Our life is like a giant puzzle, and we only see the individual puzzle pieces when they are placed in front of us, but God sees the entire puzzle just waiting to complete it. Do not get hung up on your one puzzle piece that you miss out on the others. Whats that saying, when one door closes another door opens? Or how about my story isn't finished yet? You are not in complete control of your life and while that may seem scary find comfort in the fact that God is in complete control.<br />
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I recently went on a trip to visit family in Illinois. While flying up there I was completely captured by God's creation. I couldn't stop looking out the window and taking pictures. Then I thought to myself, "Wow, this is what God sees." We walk this same earth every day but yet it looks so different from up here. Do you get where I am going? This is the bigger picture that God sees. You see a mess, but God sees a masterpiece. You see a loss, but God sees a victory. Man, I am so blown away by God. </div>
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Whenever you get discouraged by your puzzle pieces, and your situations, remember who holds the world in His hands. </div>
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<br />Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-71976946701225774502017-05-10T19:33:00.000-07:002017-05-14T11:37:34.053-07:00God > Your Circumstances"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20 NIV<br />
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"Joseph replied, Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now --- life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear. I'll take care of you and your children." Genesis 50:20 MSG<br />
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Can I just brag on God's love for a second? His love is impeccable, absolutely breathtaking. I cannot help but be eternally grateful for a love that never fails, and never forsakes me. God's love that hears all prayers, gives strengths, directs paths, calms spirits, forgives souls, comforts the weak, provides, protects, gives an abundance of grace, and so on and so on. God's love is steadfast. His love lasts forever. Wow, God's love is amazing!<br />
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How do you face diversity? How do you handle attacks? There are many circumstances we face that take us by surprise. Out of the blue we become overwhelmed by our circumstances. Some circumstances we face make us feel like we simply cannot catch a break. Have you ever felt like you were being hit from all sides? Have you ever been suspicious of things being "too good" and just waiting for the punchline? Unfortunately, these circumstances always seem to be reoccurring. Just as God is working, the Devil is too, and he is working overtime. That's the punchline. The Devil would like nothing more than to see your circumstances get the best of you. He would love nothing more than to see you struggle over and over again, or for you to be caught completely off guard just as you thought everything was going well. It can be overwhelming and you may feel like a ticking time bomb, but let's go back to the most important part. <b>God is working. </b>Isn't it incredible how mighty and powerful our God is? I love this verse (Genesis 50:20) because it reminds me of just how powerful God is. Who else could turn evil into good? The Lord is our Shepherd. He guides and He protects us from all harm because we are His children. Let that sink in for a second.. your struggle, even your greatest pain can be turned around for YOUR good. The Devil is doing everything he can while God is sitting back saying, "Relax, I got this." Don't be discouraged when it seems everyone and everything is out to get you, instead rest in the assurance of God's love. Only God's love will save you from your circumstances.<br />
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"Your circumstances don't define God's character." - Kathe WunnenbergMadison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-88919642592767202162017-04-11T14:11:00.001-07:002017-04-11T14:11:28.896-07:00The Power of TimeYou know what will never cease to amaze me? Time.<br />
It's always said how time passes you by, how everything changes in time, and how you should never take it for granted. I hate how we really do take it for granted but in some ways we can't really help it. We live our life, and we go by our routines. We do what we have to do and don't even think about all the time that is passing by. It finally dawns on us during a graduation, a wedding, a birth, a death, or an accident. All of sudden, we stop and pause and think "wow so much has changed". So much can change in a year.. this is true. It's also true that so much can change in a split second. There's something so magical and tragic about time. We're running out of it and that's tragic. We're living in it and that's magical. Can you believe all that God can do in one blink of an eye? Yet we still ask if He is doing anything for us at all. What can we do in the blink of an eye? Nothing compares to what God can do. He does so much for us in a split second and sometimes it is hard for us to even take a second to thank Him. Time is always passing us by so take a second and think about everything God has done for you. Think about every setback, every comeback, every healing, every miracle. God is faithful and His timing is faithful. I am forever in awe of my amazing Father.<br />
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My prayer is to always acknowledge the power of time, to always cherish every moment that passes, and to always thank God for His blessings.<br />
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"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." 2 Peter 3:8<br />
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"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture." Psalm 100:1-3Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-87513695619397109002017-03-04T13:00:00.001-08:002017-03-04T13:00:14.046-08:00Pursuing the FireImagine you're in a desert, where there is no rain, no sunshine, and not even a breeze. You're standing in the middle and all is still, simply calm. There is nothing happening in the desert and it feels like you are so alone. We would all be lying if we said we never faced a dry season in our walk with Christ. A season where it feels like there is no rain, no shine, and no breeze. A season where it feels like there is no way out of the stillness.<br />
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Ezekiel 37: 5-6; "This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord."<br />
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Whenever you are in a valley of dry bones, a season of silence, you long for something. A drop of water, or a taste of a blessing, or the comfort from your Father; anything to make you feel again. So, I had a thought. What if we used that one drop of water as gasoline to fuel our fire? What if we focused on one thing to push us to pursue the fire within? I think so many times when we go through these dry seasons we want a flood. We want action and we want this flood of feeling to come back into our bodies, but what if it is just one thing we need? Maybe God prepares us for the flood by sending us through the desert. Maybe there is just one thing we need to find before we dive into the flood. Find your fuel, whether it is reading, writing, singing, or taking out the trash. Find that one thing that makes it all worth it to you. God is amazing, and He himself is what makes this walk all worth it, but what is that one thing that sets you on fire? Let God send you one drop in your desert storm and let that one drop fuel your fire. The best thing to do when you feel alone, and so far away from God is to pursue Him more than you ever have before. Pursue your fire and watch God send the flood.<br />
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Hosea 6:3; "Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord, His going forth is established as the morning, He will come like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth."Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-47608943014029938042017-02-22T14:19:00.000-08:002017-02-22T14:19:25.815-08:00Unexpected Blessings<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
It's no secret that we constantly go through different seasons in life. Time is always moving, and it seems as our situations are always different. One day you're a freshman preparing for the next four dreaded years of schooling and high school drama, then before you know it you're getting close to finish the line, and preparing for your final year. Wait, maybe that's just me.. but whatever your circumstances are I'm sure you've come to the same realization I have. Time doesn't slow down for anyone and the things you face in that amount of time that has flown by is simply mind blowing. </div>
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I am no stranger to road trips. I have taken family road trips all of my life and they are very dear memories. These road trips are a wonderful experience and they make for really good conversation. While on a recent road trip I was talking with my parents about how far our family has come. Four years ago, I would have never imagined that my dad would pass away. Two years ago, I would have never imagined that my mom would get remarried. What I thought was the worst possible thing to happen to me has become one of the best parts of my life. Taking two families and turning them into one is not an easy process. We've had our struggles but to think about how far we all have come is such an amazing thought. </div>
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Growing up with a sister is so different than having brothers. I never wanted brothers or any other siblings then the one I had. It could be that my sister is just so wonderful (which she is) or the fact that I wanted to be the baby and threatened my mom and dad that I would run away if anything other then that happened. Anyway, I never imagined having brothers let alone having three. At first the news of our family merging was hard to hear but now my step dad, my brothers, and my sister-in-law are some of the closest and best relationships I have. I loved my little family then, and I love my big family now. It's amazing how God works things out. </div>
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My life is proof that things don't always turn out how you want them to. Certainly, things have taken place where I thought there was no good possible out come but here I am almost 3 years later and completely content with how God turned things around. It's hard to understand His plan, most days I still find myself questioning it, but even with that I trust His will. Time is flying by and I'm holding on for dear life. I'm praying the Lord prepares me for whatever crazy changes come my way, and that He will always help me to see the bright side. </div>
Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-62755009545221321182017-01-21T09:20:00.000-08:002017-01-21T09:20:12.823-08:00Define At the beginning of the year most people make New Year resolutions, you know things they swear to do or to work on but it never really happens. While others choose one word to focus on throughout the year. Personally, I like that better. It doesn't demand attention or a strong commitment. You don't have to swear you're going to change or that this one thing is going to happen, but it's an idea and an encouragement to yourself. Here's what you need to focus on this year.. that seems simple enough, right?<br />
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At the beginning of the year I didn't have a word. It wasn't that I couldn't think of one but the exact opposite problem. I thought of too many, there is so many words I can relate to. There's so many things I personally need to work on and grow on, so it was hard for me to pick just one to really focus on. So here we are a few weeks in and I have finally picked a word.<br />
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Define. You may ask, define what? What does that mean? This year I want to focus on defining myself. I am not perfect, I do make mistakes, I do let God down, I do let myself down, and I do let others down. But one thing I truly need to learn is that my mistakes don't define me. I am not going to let my past direct my future. I am not going to let my mistakes define who I am. What is important to me is that I define myself and who I am in Christ then let God deal with the rest. This year is about letting God have his way, and giving him complete control over my life. This year is about finally seeing who I am in this world, God's Kingdom. I can't wait to see what the rest of this year has in store.Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-13067825534178561162016-11-07T17:00:00.000-08:002016-11-07T17:00:04.105-08:00Switching RolesWhat is a father? A father is someone who supports you, guides you, and molds you. A father is someone who protects you, teaches you, and loves you. A father is someone who is concerned about you, willing to sacrifice for you, and who is proud of you. A father is someone who is meant to discern, forgive, and provide. A father is a friend, a body guard, and a giant teddy bear. In your father's arms you feel protected, loved, and cared for. There is no other feeling in the world like the feeling of being held in your father's arms. Asking this question about the meaning of a father leads me to ask the question..what is a child? Rather, what does it mean to be a child, a child of a father?<br />
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A child has no age limit. We are all children to our Heavenly Father, and to our earthly parents. We will always be our parent's children. But what does it mean to be a child? No, the answer isn't wearing diapers and playing with toys for the rest of our lives. Being a child is far more than that. A child is someone who is teachable, willing to learn, and curious about new ways, old ways, any way. A child is strong in hard times, happy in good times, and loving when there is no love to be found anywhere else. A child is a gift, a gift from God, meant to be loved and show love. A child is a miracle to a parent, to a grandparent, to a sibling, and to this world. A child is a connection and a relationship. A connection between the parents, between the parents and God, and between the parents and himself. A relationship is formed between a parent and a child. This relationship is an incredible bond to never be broken or harmed.<br />
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In this relationship you share many things. Maybe some jokes, memories, advice, but most importantly unconditional love. The relationship I want to talk about isn't a general relationship between a father and a child, but between a father and a daughter. Not just any father and daughter, but my dad and me. My relationship with my dad will always be one of the most important things to me. The Lord blessed me with such an amazing, inspiring man to call my dad. There are not enough words in the English dictionary to describe how lucky I am to have this man as my dad. My dad is a lot to me, he is my hero, my inspiration, my motivation, my rock, my best friend, but overall my dad is the reason I hold on. He set such an example for me that my main goal is to make him proud, no matter what. I aspire to live a life like my dad did, but not because he was perfect. The opposite actually, because he wasn't perfect but he found a way that worked for him. Boy, did it work for him. I aspire to leave this world with a great impact on it just as my dad did. I do not have these crazy aspirations because of a false image of my father but because of a relationship I developed with him as a little girl, and because of the relationship I saw my father have with the Lord. The relationship between a parent and a child is responsible for changing the world someday. I am fully confident that my relationship with my dad will change the world someday, and that makes me really proud.<br />
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You may be wondering about the title of this blog, and how what you have read so far has anything to do with it so I'll let you in. A parent is proud of their child, even down to the simplest things. A parent will always see the best in their child, and believe in them. I am thankful for those type of parents, and God truly blessed me with a mom and dad who are always proud of me. Since my dad has passed I feel as if I have switched roles with him. I feel as if I know what it feels like to be proud of a child because of how proud I am of my dad, and the life he lived. My dad is the ultimate standard in my life. In my eyes there is no one greater, and no one who can compare to my father. I can only imagine that is how a parent must feel about their own child. My love and appreciation grows more each day that my dad is not here with me. I see my dad in such a different light, not only as just my dad, but who he was as a person. Both of which are truly amazing, and a true blessing from God. With all of that being said I believe now that not only are children a gift from God, but a parent is too. A relationship with that parent is a miracle. Everyday I am thankful for my miracle, my relationship with my dad that I will be able to hold on to forever.<br />
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Dad, I got a glimpse of you when I looked in the mirror. What I was seeing wasn't me, but an image of you. For that I am honored, not just to look like you but to share so many qualities with you. You are everything I hope to be, and what I will spend my whole life trying to accomplish. In my own way, of course, I wish to live a life like yours just as God has called me to do. Thank you for providing for me, loving me, protecting me, teaching me, and inspiring me. Thank you for being my hero, and my guardian angel. I miss you, and love you more than life itself.Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-30857944467904015482016-10-04T13:45:00.000-07:002016-10-04T13:45:00.939-07:00What are you listening to?"Actions speak louder than words." You have to prove what you say by what you do. It's more believable to see someone living for Christ then to hear that someone is living for Christ. My opinion is that although many people say this quote and swear they live by it, they really don't. Isn't funny, how when someone's actions speak louder than their words we still don't listen? Why do we cling to words, and disregard actions? Aren't actions what really matter here? Anyone can say they're going to do something, anyone can say that they mean something, but what do they do to prove it? Are they showing you positive actions to assure you of their words, or are they disproving everything you have been believing? I am guilty of holding on to other's words, and letting their actions pass by me without any notice. Two reasons, their words are what I want to hear, and their actions are not what I want to see nor believe. I question myself and everyone else who lives by this quote. What are we doing? When did actions become words, and words become actions? How strong would our faith be if God only said things to us instead of showing us. Would you believe in God's love, forgiveness, grace if he did nothing to show for it? Actions do speak louder than words. I think it's time we start listening to what really matters.Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-29024817106816911382016-07-30T12:57:00.001-07:002016-07-30T12:57:21.123-07:00Tearing Down Your Walls<div style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;"> "Use your mistakes to build stairs, not walls."</span><span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">This quote hits very close to home. For awhile now, and especially now I've been struggling with myself. Some mistakes I have made, the way people feel about me, and mostly the way I feel about myself. I've been waiting to feel something inside that makes me want to be better for myself. A spark of recognition that makes me realize I need to feel better about myself and that I need to be better in general. Today, as I read that quote I felt that feeling. I have put walls up from being hurt and from hurting myself but I realize it's not all about that. It's not good to have walls up because that really doesn't leave much room for God to use you. Although I believe it's important to protect yourself, the Bible also says that we don't have to. God will protect us. "The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still." (Exodus 14:14) The Bible also talks about God's protection in Psalms 91, so yes it's important to have discernment and to protect your own heart but God has us in the palm of His hand. I realize that it's not all about me protecting myself from getting hurt but becoming stronger and strong enough to hand over all of my hurts and all of my pain to God. I don't want my walls to hinder the plan God has for me and what He has called me to do. How used of God can you be if you have walls up all around you? What kind of a blessing will you be to someone if you are isolating yourself from spreading the gospel? I'm tearing down my walls, and I'm building stairs instead. The Lord will lead me and guide me to the person who He wants and needs me to be. I fully trust in my Father and everything He sees in me! </span></div>
Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-89603336736529924152016-06-13T19:03:00.000-07:002016-06-13T19:03:11.523-07:00Slow downAs a new driver I'm starting to learn new things, and I'm beginning to be more comfortable behind the wheel. I am more confident and I am bolder with the decisions I make while driving. One of my biggest battles I face while driving is the yellow light. I think to myself should I go for it, or should I stop? The other day while driving through a yellow light I had a thought. Isn't it funny how the yellow light means to slow down and to be cautious but most of the time we do the exact opposite. Instead of coming to a complete stop if possible we speed up in order to beat the red light we know is coming. Then I had another thought.. How many times do we do that in our spirit life? How many times does God gives us a yellow light and tells us to slow down but instead we speed up and rush into things? There have been many times in my life that I have not waited on God. I ignored his yellow light that is telling me to slow down and to trust him. I always feel that I have it under control until I realize I rushed into something God was trying to protect me from. God is simply warning us and encouraging us to slow down. Faith in God includes faith in his timing. God's timing is always the right timing. I don't want to ignore the yellow lights God places in my life, I want to be obedient, and I want to trust in him. Just a thought!Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-16858126177023110712016-04-21T17:20:00.002-07:002016-04-21T17:20:55.733-07:00Jesus Is Always The AnswerWe have all heard the saying, "Jesus is always the answer." Is that really true? How could Jesus really be the answer to everything? I mean, Jesus can't be the answer to that algebra problem on the math test. Let's think deeper though, is Jesus the answer to all of your real problems and situations you face in your life? The answer is yes.<br />
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Up until recently I laughed at that what seems like a silly saying, because even I didn't believe that Jesus could possibly be the answer to everything. I quickly found out that I was wrong. As I searched and searched for a different and possible answer to my problems I always came up empty. The world didn't offer me any deserving answers. The answers the world gave me tended to leave me with an even bigger question. I couldn't even turn to my family or friends because they didn't have the right answer either. Finally, it dawned on me that only Jesus could give me the right answer. Of course, his answer won't always be the answer that I want but if he's giving it to me then it's definitely what's right for me in the end. Sometimes we doubt him by asking the questions we ask, and then we take it a step further by doubting his answer. But if there is one thing I have learned not only is he simply the right answer but his answer to our questions, our prayers will always be right. So go ahead and laugh about it. Laugh about the silly saying that people spread around, but if you ask me a question I know what my answer will be. Jesus, and every time it will be Jesus. He has yet to fail me, so how could he be wrong?Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-64934040543360648192016-03-15T17:43:00.000-07:002016-07-30T12:57:58.519-07:00ForgivenessThe worst thing I have ever experienced is loss. Three years ago I lost my dad and this year I lost myself. I've always had a sense of who I was or more like who I should be. Be a strong, happy girl who loves and serves the Lord. It doesn't seem like such a hard task until you realize you have to grow up too. Growing up means more difficult challenges and facing temptations. It means finally being tall enough for the roller coaster we call life. I wasn't prepared for the drop. One day, I was that strong, happy girl and the next I was the girl who lost her dad. It's hard to face such a tragedy and still keep a smile, but that's what I did. I remained strong but I had lost my happiness. Of course, God restored me but then I faced another challenge. Not only continuously grieving the loss of my dad, but moving into a new life. I should have relied on God but I was surrounded by others that I didn't know. I felt abandoned and as if no one else could understand my relationship with God. As a teenager it is hard to take a stand for what you believe in when everyone else is standing up for something else. Everything I thought I knew about myself and my life became a blur. I lost my relationship with God because I was afraid of being alone and not being accepted. I started to experience a life outside of God. Then I convinced myself that living a life of sin was easier than standing alone. I was wrong. When I lost Him, I lost myself. That strong girl became weak, lost, unhappy, and insecure. Most days, I couldn't look at myself and getting out of bed was a struggle. I was ashamed of who I became and I couldn't forgive myself for letting God down. I find it so easy to forgive others but so incredibly hard to forgive myself for what I have done wrong. Living a life without God is not easier, we don't always understand what He has planned, but He will always be the way to go. Although, I struggle to forgive myself, God does not struggle to forgive me. His forgiveness is my chance to start over and to find myself again. I am not perfect but I am not my mistakes. I know I am able to love myself because God loves me no matter what. It's never to late to be found again in Him.Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-42822206067109120112016-01-01T16:46:00.000-08:002016-01-01T16:46:48.391-08:00The New Year<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Going into 2016 I have no resolutions, no goals, and I don't even have dreams for the New Year. See, I don't want to claim I'm going to do something so great with this year that God has blessed me with and then not do it. I don't want to start something and then give up. So what do I want? I want 2016 to be a year of creation. I want to find something, or more accurately, I want to find someone.. Myself. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So often we let the years fly by us. We go through the motions, literally saying if I can just get through this year. Then the next year comes and we're back to square one. What if we stopped letting the years fly by us? What if we actually made something out of them? And what if, just what if we actually made something out of ourselves? Maybe this is just me feeling this way, but I'm tired of going through the motions. I want to make something out of my New Year's and something out of it when it's old. This year my plan is to find myself in something that will recreate me into who I really want to be. As much as we don't like change, I do believe that the best change is the change you see in yourself when you have become who you want to be, and the best version of who you really are. </span>Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-19501996439143417512015-08-12T12:52:00.000-07:002015-08-12T12:52:03.857-07:00The Sky Isn't FallingI was really inspired by one of my dad's blogs that was titled, "The Sky Isn't Falling." His blog was about the economy, and upcoming election. I'm not really into the whole political scene, but I wanted to use his title and put a different spin on it. Here goes nothing!<br />
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Life throws us many obstacles, and normally we don't ask for them. Whenever we go through something tragic, or surprising, we automatically switch to the dramatic mode. At least that's how it is in my family, we claim that the sky is falling. This horrible thing just has to be the end of the world, it can't get much worse than this, but honestly it can. Sometimes when you're so close to a situation you don't realize how small of a problem it may actually be, or vise versa, maybe it actually is a huge problem. Whether big or small, my point is the sky isn't falling. I have recently learned this lesson myself, it's important to take a step back and look at the whole picture. The situation you're faced with might surprise you but what will surprise you even more is when you take a deep breath and realize everything you were over looking. </div>
Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220732040315275849.post-40122014732065439572014-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:002014-08-30T07:38:16.227-07:00What is the life God wants for you?God wants me to have a life full of Him. He wants me to follow Him wherever He takes me. He wants me to trust Him and do great things. God wants me to be in His image and to fulfill the plan He has for me. God wants me to have a happy and successful life.<br />
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I try my best in all that I do. I try my best to work hard and trust in God. I do my best to listen to Him and follow His plan but I do not do it alone. Three positive influences in my life would be my dad, my mom, and my youth pastor. My dad is not physically here to encourage me but he still inspires me to always go after God and what I want. My dad left a legacy for me and I'm going to do my best to fulfill it. My mom is always there to lift me up and set an amazing example. She is a wonderful woman of God that I learn from everyday. She has taught me to always listen to God, whether or not you want to hear what He has to say. My youth pastor is always there to support me. He always has my back and encourages me to never stop what I am doing. I could not ask for better influences in my life.<br />
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Overall, I plan to live the life God has for me. To never give up, to be happy, and successful with everything I do. I will always try my best to be like Him and trust in Him. I am forver thankful for the plan He has for me and the people He put in my life.Madison Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418106388782216095noreply@blogger.com0