A New Life...

Wow I am married. I am still just in awe that less than a year ago I was blogging on how God's timing is best and that if He thinks after college was the best time then I was willing to wait. But here I am now more than a year away from Hayden's graduation and I am married! Its crazy to see how when you are willing to surrender everything to God He may just reward you. I love the fact that God allowed Hayden and I to get married this soon. So now I am going to use the extra time He has given us to bring Him more glory as a couple. I love being married! 

Now for a quick little marriage lesson:
Even though I have only been married a little over a month I have learned more in these last few weeks about relationship than all my years put together.The biggest thing I have learned is you can’t hide anymore. Your life is no longer just  yours, it is shared with another human.It is truer than I thought when the Bible says, "the two shall become one". Its a great thing to have someone to share everything with but it can also be difficult.So when it comes to this area understanding and communication is key. When you feel so vulnerable and like an open book remember you spouse is feeling the same. Be sure that grace and patience is flowing from you like a never ending fountain. You will learn things you never knew about you husband/wife when you first start living together and it can be a crazy awesome adventure! 

Now for my actually blog post that was featured on Beauty Arise's Website:

Set apart for our God above

Set apart for the One we love

Set apart for Your glory

These are some of my very favorite worship lyrics. They run through my head on a daily basis. Each time I listen to the song it makes the hair on my arms stand up. The words hit me so hard every time.

What does it mean to be set apart? How does it look to live a set apart life?

Set apart- to reserve for a particular purpose, to make noticeable, distinguish

The definition puts an even more special meaning to the lyrics and meaning. Not only does the song say a lot about this but scripture also mentions this concept in many places. Some of my favorites are:

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Deuteronomy 14:2

You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.

Each of these verses demonstrates the concepts of living a set apart life. It puts a special meaning on our life as Christians. We are called to a life that makes us noticeable in a way that honors the One we love, Jesus. We are reserved for a particular calling that God has placed on each of our lives. At times this seems like an impossible task how can we live up to a standard of a set apart life but it is not based on our strength (Thank you Jesus) it is all through the power of the Holy Spirit. If we commit our lives to our Savior He can help us accomplish anything He has planned for us. We just have to be willing and ready servants of the Lord. Living a set apart life is not an easy calling but it will be a rewarding one. If you are unsure what your calling is -Take time today to ask God what He has set you apart for and in his perfect timing HE will reveal His plans for you.