Good Reads: 21 Reasons Bad Things Happen to Good People

Ever wonder why bad things happen to good people? Ever put your blame on God, and wonder why He the almighty & powerful could have let these bad things happen? 21 Reasons Bad Things Happen to Good People will open your eyes and give you the answers you've been needing. Using not only passages from the bible, but also people's experiences from today, Dr. Dave Earley's wonderful words will fill your heart with the truth about God's love & power.

I enjoyed reading this book so much. I only wish I'd read it sooner. It truly helped me understand God's love for us. Whether he's preparing us for the future or making room for bigger blessings, God HAS A REASON! But it's up to Him. He does not have to explain Himself to us. He is the creator, we are just the creation. But he loves us, and is always there for us, especially when we're hurting.

This book is definitely worth picking up if you've ever had your doubts; let it reassure you that God is working even when you don't realize it.

What the Bible Says: About Pride

Pride is definitely something I've always struggled with. I was an only child until I turned 18. Throughout my childhood, I figured most homes were like mine; I basically got to watch TV whenever I wanted because I had a TV in my room & didn't have to argue over what to watch, I got to play with whatever toys I wanted & didn't have to share, and I got my parents all to myself. I always believed I was just a bit more special than everyone else.

As a teenager, I was terribly self-centered and wanted everything my way. Especially at home. I argued with my parents, I disobeyed them, & I didn't care if what I did hurt them; the only thing that mattered to me was what I wanted. I didn't care what anyone else thought about me and ended up being labeled as a spoiled brat. My pride destroyed my relationships not only with my parents, but many others.

I'm not proud of how I acted as a teenager, I'm awfully ashamed. But I'm definitely thankful that Jesus came into my life and showed me the problem I needed to work on. Don't get me wrong, I still deal with my pride. If I get into an argument with one of my loved ones & I realize I'm wrong, I just stop talking and don't want to finish the conversation. So I still have a lot to work on. But I found some verses that I know will help me through it. God's word is always helpful when you find yourself struggling with... well, yourself.

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." -Proverbs 16:18
What my study bible says: Proud people take little account of their weaknesses and do not anticipate stumbling blocks. They think they are above the frailties of common people. In this state of mind they are easily tripped up. Ironically, proud people seldom realize that pride is their problem, although everyone around them is well aware of it. Ask someone you trust whether self-satisfaction has blinded you to warning signs. He or she may help you avoid a fall.

"But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the alter of incense. -2 Chronicles 26:16
What my study bible says: After God gave Uzziah great prosperity and power, he became proud and corrupt. It is true that "pride goes before destruction"(Proverbs 16:18). If God has given you wealth, influence, popularity, and power, be thankful but be careful. God hates pride. While it is normal to feel elation when we accomplish something, it is wrong to be disdainful of God or to look down on others. Check your attitudes and remember to give God the credit for what you have. Use your gifts in ways that please Him.

"Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." -Proverbs 13:10
What my study bible says: "I was wrong" or "I need advice" are difficult phrases to utter because they require humility. Pride is an ingredient in every quarrel. It stirs up conflict and divides people. Humility, by contrast, heals. Guard against pride. If you find yourself constantly arguing, examine your life for pride. Be open to the advice of others, ask for help when you need it, and be willing to admit your mistakes.

New Reading List Thanks to The Sale @ Lifeway!

So I had a wonderful Saturday with my mom and my baby brother! I say "baby" brother because there's an 18 year difference between us {in case you were wondering}. We went to look at furniture & of course since we were close by I just HAD to make a pit stop at Lifeway Christian Stores. I love it there; so hard to leave empty handed. They were having a pretty awesome sale! I bought 5 books for $21 & some change. There's only 4 books in the photo above because one of the books was a children's book that I gave to my brother Jacob. So here are the books I found for $5 each.

Follow Me by David Platt: "What did Jesus really mean when he said, 'Follow Me'? Is it possible for people to say they believe in Jesus but not truly be born again? Is it possible for people to claim they have accepted Christ into their hearts yet not actually be Christians?
Not only is it possible, but according to Pastor David Platt, it's also highly probable. The author of the bestselling book Radical is convinced that many people in our churches today are misled as to what it truly means to be a follower of Christ. Western culture has drained the lifeblood out of Christianity and replaced it with a watered-down version of the gospel that is so palatable it isn't even real anymore.
"Follow me," Jesus calls.
Two simple words that change everything. You will never be bored. You will always have purpose. You will never lack joy. But it will cost you. This is not an invitation to pray a prayer. It is a summons to lose your life. A call to die. A call to live. Have you answered that call?"

Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore: "From her first breath of fresh air beyond the pit, it has never been enough for Beth Moore to be free. This author and teacher who's opened the riches of Scripture to millions has longed for you to be free as well. To know the Love and Presence that are better than life - and the power of God's Word that defies all darkness.
Her journey out of the pit has been heart-rending. But from this and the poetic expressions of Psalm 40 has come the reward: a new song for her soul - given by her Savior and offered to you here, friend to friend. It is Beth's most stirring message yet of the sheer hope, utter deliverance... and complete and glorious freedom of God: ' waited patiently for the Lord, He turned to me and heard my cry, He lifted me out of the slimy pit, He set my feet on a rock, He put a new song in my mouth'."
It is a story, a song - a salvation - that you can know too.

To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain by Matt Chandler: "This is not a book with popular sound bites and bumper-sticker theology. This is a disruptively inspiring message from Matt Chandler, a pastor and Bible teacher, who invites you to walk with him through the short book of Philippians."

Breaking Free by Beth Moore: "I have never written anything that meant more to me than the message of this book. The contents of these pages are so important to me, so precious to me, that I desperately desire for it to be precious to you. Christ calls us to a place of breaking free. He woos us to the place of absolute freedom - the only kind of freedom that is real."

I was looking through books and found a few randoms, I'm excited to start reading. I'm just itching to learn as much as I can. Feel free to let me know of any books you've read lately. I hope everyone is having an amazing weekend!

What the Bible Says: About Forgiveness

One of the worst things about me is the trouble I have forgiving, whether it's forgiving myself or others. I've been working on it for a while, and I have to admit, even I've noticed some improvements thanks to the bible. There have been wrongs done to me and also wrongs I'd done to others that I didn't know how to forgive and forget, but Jesus taught me how. I'm so thankful for my Lord & Savior for dying on the cross for us. He washed us white as snow. He forgave us of our sins, and we should be able to forgive others as well, including ourselves. Here are some of my favorite verses that help me remember how important it is to forgive.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins." -Mark 11:25-26 (NIV)

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8 (NIV)

"But to you who are listening I say; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." -Luke 6:27(NIV)

"The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him" -Daniel 9:9 (NIV)

"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." -Micah 7:18-19 (NIV)

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." -Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." -Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)

"I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." -Hebrews 8:12

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered 'I tell you not seven times but seventy seven times.'" -Matthew 18:21-22

"Jesus said, 'Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'" -Luke 23:34

Good Reads: Heaven Is For Real

Okay, so I know I'm really late reading this, but it was amazing. I read this book about a month ago, but it's actually been in my trunk for the past year {possibly two years}. I can't believe it took me so long to finally open it up and read it. I'm pretty excited about the movie even though I'm pretty sure they aren't still playing it in theatres. If you've wondered about reading the book, wonder no more! You definitely should pick it up; I wasn't able to put it down.

Most people already know what it's about but humor me. A little boy named Colton had gotten very sick and had to undergo quite a few surgeries when he was just a toddler. During these surgeries he got to see Jesus, angels, and heaven. He mentions to his family some of these memories of heaven and they are in disbelief. His dad continues to talk to him to get his son to tell him more about heaven and Colton goes on and on about things that your average toddler wouldn't know on the count of they aren't able to read and fully understand the bible just yet. God gave this family many blessings and it was nice to read their story. I strongly encourage you to read it, if you haven't already. It was absolutely wonderful!

Purchase Heaven is for Real here

10 Country Songs That Glorify The Lord

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope everyone had a good week, mine was pretty busy but that made it go by quickly. So I'm ready for the weekend! I just wanted to share a few of my favorite country songs that glorify the Lord.

-Me and God by Josh Turner
Josh Turner sings about his relationship with God, and it is just the most awesome description of what a relationship with God should be. Just listen!

-New Again by Brad Paisley & Sara Evans
This is such a beautiful song that is supposed to be a conversation between our savior Jesus and his mother Mary. She is of course upset about her son dying on the cross but He assures her that this is not the end and that He is making all things new again.

-Jesus Take The Wheel by Carrie Underwood
Carrie sings of a woman who has been going through a tough time and is driving with her baby in the backseat. She loses control and lets go of the steering wheel to let Jesus take over for her. This is a great example of what we should do when things get rough. God wants us to give Him our burdens.

-Long Black Train by Josh Turner
Long Black Train is about temptation, but "there's victory in the Lord" as the song says, so we should turn to the Lord when tempted by sin.

-God Must Really Love Me by Craig Morgan
This song is something I can definitely relate to. We all make mistakes, and have past regrets. We get caught up in sin sometimes and have trouble finding our path back to God. But God will always show us mercy and grace. He is a forgiving God and still blesses us with more than we deserve.

-That's Why I Pray by Big & Rich
Our world is not perfect, but we should always praise God and be thankful for the good. And when there's bad, still pray to God for a miracle because he DOES answer prayers.

-Beer With Jesus by Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett sings about what he would do if he could have a beer with Jesus and what he would ask Him. Just wondering about having a sit down with our Lord & Savior in a casual setting. How amazing would that be?

-The Little Girl by John Michael Montgomery
So first off, warning: make sure you have a tissue! A song about a little girl who was not raised in a household that went to church, read the bible, or spoke of God. She has a hard life, this little girl but is saved by Jesus.

-Three Wooden Crosses by Randy Travis
An example of how God works in mysterious ways, and how His way is always true and right. There is a reason for everything even though we may not understand it.

-I Saw God Today by George Strait
Although we don't see Him, God is everywhere. Stop and consider his miracles and the beauty He created.

There are many more songs just like these, let me know some of your favorite country songs!

Sunday, Muddy Sunday

The best thing you can do for yourself is do what you love with the ones you love. Today, Brian finally took me 4-wheeling. We've both been dying to go, but have been putting family time first. I'm so glad we got to go today. It was so much fun. Since I was in the back, I got a lot more of the mud than Brian did and mostly in my hair. It was crazy! The best part about today was just spending time with the love of my life. He used to take me 4-wheeling more often before we lived together, but now work and family is our priority since we have to pay bills and don't live with our parents anymore. But it's so important to find time to do what you and your loved ones enjoy doing. We haven't had that much fun in a while.


This cute little family of raccoons ran right up a dead tree when they saw/heard us coming. They were pretty adorable. We even saw some deer! They were so cute, prancing through the woods, but they were probably running for their lives! Poor things. Today was an amazing Sunday! I hope everyone else had fun and enjoyed the beautiful day that God blessed us with!