TRUCKKKK!!!

I have been going to youth group since I started the 6th grade. I am now almost done with 9th grade. So, I've attended youth for three years. Sure, that's a long time, but it seems I still have awhile to go. But no matter how many different youth groups I go to, it's getting old. I hear the same messages over and over again. It was exciting hearing them for the first time, but I want something new. Regardless, sometimes something I hear just hits me and really makes an impact. Last night, I visited ELCA youth and I wanted to let you know what I heard.

We're all going to die. It's just a fact. So why are we here? We have to win people for God. People are dying, every day, and going to hell because they don't know. Who am I, to have all of this knowledge, and keep it to myself.

It's hard to bring up God and his infinite, powerful love into a conversation with your friends. I understand that. You have to know where the line is of being an annoying, judgmental Christian and the different one. The one that actually wins people to God because they live out what they say and don't try to shove Christianity onto anyone.

Is that it? Is what I wrote what hit me last night? No, I've known that stuff. I hope you have, too. And if you haven't, I hope you understand it and are affected by it. But what I heard is something that I think you need to hear too.

So, you're saved. You're going to heaven. What about your friends? What about the ones you love? THEY ARE GOING TO HELL IF YOU DON'T DO SOMETHING. This is what they said: "If you saw an 18-wheeler coming straight toward someone on the street, would you say something?" That's just like hell. It's coming. What kind of person wouldn't warn someone about that? So next time you're talking to someone you know is not saved and you want to talk about God and how he saved you, but can't think "TRUCKKKK!!!". Think about the truck that is coming straight towards them, and how you would want someone to tell you if a truck was about to flatten you.

That's all for now.
<3
Jordan

Freshman Realizations

I truly cannot believe that my freshman year is in it's fourth and final quarter. Where has this year gone? I was so excited to get into high school and get through it, but now I just want it to slow down a little! Boy, have I evolved this year. Here are some things I've come to realize as a freshman-
-True friends stick around and put you before boys.
-If they don't, it's not worth it.
-Things (and when I say this, I mean people) are not always as amazing as they seem.
-Romantic feelings change everything in a friendship.
-You have to believe someone's life by what they do, not what they say.
-Everyone will fail you, except God.
-When you get away from God, he's still right there where you left him, waiting for you.
-God doesn't move away from you, you move away from him.
-If you care what other people think to much, you're wasting your life away by pleasing other people.
-Take every opportunity you get. You never know if you will get it again.
-Sometimes, it makes you stronger to let go.
-But it makes you even stronger to move on.
-Living in the past takes too much time out of your future.
-You cannot plan out your life, I think God laughs at that.
-Standing up for what you believe in isn't always easy, but it's worth it.

Some of these things I knew, but had never experienced. Some of them I knew, but didn't believe, while others are new entirely. I think in middle school, you are looking for who you are, but in high school, the goal is to keep that person you found. It's not easy, but is anything worthwhile really easy? Something I've learned about God is that he doesn't force himself on you. He comes when you ask. This year I've struggled spiritually, because it wasn't as easy for me to be a leader. People didn't look up to me like they did last year. But I think because of that, I've learned the most. Each and every day I'm changing, and I can finally say, I like who I'm becoming.

What if this is you? What if you don't agree with some of those things on my list? Well, you don't have to, certainly. I know high school is not the real world, but it is preparation for it. If you don't know who exactly it is you are, it's time to figure it out. How do you do that? Listen to your heart, and your head. It's a difficult balance. But most of all, come to God with everything. He really is the only best friend that will never, EVER fail you. We all need someone like that. You can find your identity in him. There is a song that really and truly touches my heart. There are two, actually. I am going to post the lyrics so you can read them, and remember to give it all to God, the king above all kings.

"Lead Me to the Cross"
Hillsong United

Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemptions hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost

Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross

You were as I
Tempted and trialed
You are
Te word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen

To your heart
To your heart
Lead me to your heart
Lead me to your heart

When you think you've lost yourself, look to God, and allow him to lead you to the cross. Here's the next song. It's by Chris Tomlin, and it gives me chill bumps every time.

"Jesus Messiah"

Chris Tomlin

He became sin
Who knew no sin
That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing
Love so amazing

Chorus:
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

His body the bread
His blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn

Chorus:

All our hope is in You
All our hope is in You
All the glory to You, God
The light of the world


Remember, all our hope is in Him. The light of the world.
<3
Jordan