Are You Really Any Better?

Hi! It has been an awesome week! It has been full of friends, family, my sweet husband, and our AWESOME God! Today I tweeted something that really got me thinking... like I haven't stopped thinking about it and I am constantly reminded of it when I get on social media, Facebook is the worst!

It said: "Are you really any better than the person if you are talking about them?" I mean are we really any better than that awful person who in your eyes is just the worst if we are talking down about them?? Remember all sin is the same except for blasphemes against the Holy Spirit.

Lets get into some scripture.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us- not by world of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy- through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:1-5 

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immortality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance- as i told you before- that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self control. 

 I love these scriptures! In the book of Titus Paul tells us to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people! Social Media always brings out the true colors of people, I have seen so many people bashing others. It doesn't matter how awful of a person they might be there is still no reason to call them names or point out their sins all while proclaiming the name of Jesus. Don't forget we are all sinners. I don't recall Jesus ever badmouthing people to His friends, I do however recall Him loving the sinners and hypocrites, he loved the worst, the least of these! So if you call yourself a christian, are you really any better than that person you are talking bad about? Its not just those in the political field, or in jail, its everyone!  I know I catch myself doing this all the time. "Oh well she did this, that is awful," knowing I am a sinner just as everyone else is. Its time to stop putting down others and lift them up! Instead of talking about how awful they are, pray for them and show them Christ in you!!

I also love where Paul says avoid fighting, when we argue with one another are we showing them Christ? Or is it the devil setting us up? There is always going to be someone who disagrees with you, that is life. If it is against Gods will pray for them! Instead of calling them out in public go to them privately and try helping with a loving attitude. Arguing isn't going to change someones mind!

Don't forget it isn't too late for someone to accept Jesus into their lives. Like I stated earlier the only unforgivable sin is blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. These people we may talk about have feelings, even the president has feelings. Prayer is powerful if we devote ourselves to it!

I've said "you" a bunch so don't get me wrong, I am talking to myself also! Next time the person in the government does something you don't like, pray for them. Next time that girl or boy doesn't something bad, pray for them. Pray, Pray, Pray. Ask yourself, are you really any better? Don't misunderstand me, the things that I don't stand for I try and do something about it, there is a way to go about handling situations, the way God would, or the way the devil would. Don't let the devil win!  It is time to make a change right now! If God has been talking to you while reading this then don't ignore Him! That hurts Him so much when we let our fleshly desires come before God all because we don't want to change. Change is good, with change comes growth! Change right now! Say a prayer and make a vow to start changing the way you talk about others and handle situations. God wants to help you so allow Him!


you are loved, you are forgiven, you are changed

His daughter,
      Starla Conroy

All this rain has me wishing I was back on this island where the sun always shines!

STOP Being Comfortable!

Hello there my beautiful friends! I hope everyone is having a great day!! Our sweet baby is just a growing and definitely taking all my energy! These past weeks I have had so much on my mind, but the one thing that God has been talking to me about is getting comfortable in church. So lets dig a little deeper together!

Many people don't agree with the Message version or any other version than the King James because they say that other versions aren't correct, but technically the King James version is not the original either. Anyways, I absolutely love reading my HSCB and then comparing it to the Message version because it puts it in terms I understand, and if any of you have tried studying Hebrews you know how complicated it can get!! As I was reading Hebrews 13 these verses popped out to me and took me into deep thought.

The altar from which God gives us the gift of himself is not for exploitation by insiders who grab and loot. In the old system, the animals are killed and the bodies disposed of outside the camp. The blood is then brought inside to the altar as a sacrifice for sin. It's the same with Jesus. He was crucified outside the city gates- that is where he poured out the sacrificial blood that was brought to God's altar to cleanse his people. So let's go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is- not trying to be privileged insiders but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This "insider world" is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the the City about to come. Let's take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus' name. Hebrews 13:10-16 MSG *underlined favorite parts

Ahhh! How awesome was that!! So first off, what is the church? The church is every follower of Jesus. In todays world we view the word "church" as a building, however that is not the biblical definition of the word. The word church comes from the greek word "ekklesia" meaning an assembly or called out ones. The church is the body of Christ and then there is the local church where you go to  apply the principles of the Bible. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ then you are in the church, the body of Christ and there is only ONE church. Religion does not matter. Religion is man made not God made!

I am all the time trying to get comfortable, and I love to be comfortable, I'm sure you do too, but the one place that we shouldn't get comfortable in is in the local church, the place that you go to to worship Jesus and to learn more. Why shouldn't we get comfortable?? Simply because when we get comfortable we settle, we are content, we don't need more. But guess what! As a follower of Jesus I WANT MORE. If you don't want more then figure out what the problem is and fix it because God wants YOU and he wants you to want Him more than anything in the world. If you are comfortable then you aren't opening up to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to change you, and we all need change, it doesn't matter how old you are there is still room to change. The church (the body of Christ) needs to grow! You can't grow without change, and you can't change if you are comfortable! If you don't water a flower (change) then it won't grow. We can't get comfortable! We have to go outside where Jesus is. 

I hear so many people talk of how this world needs God etc. etc. etc. But my question is, what are you doing to give the world God? We get so comfortable in church that we neglect to go outside of the 4 walls and share about God. When we read the bible we see that Jesus WENT to them. He went to the ones who hated Him and he made time for little children. PEOPLE we are supposed to strive to be just like Jesus!! He didn't sit around waiting for people to come to Him, He went, He healed, He loved, and He shared! This world is not our home!!! Stop being comfortable and have FAITH! Step outside your comfort zone today and do something for God! It will change your life and the way you see things. And to the local church, stop waiting for people to come inside and go outside to them and show them Jesus. We aren't guaranteed tomorrow! Don't wait!!

you are loved, you are forgiven, you are blessed

His daughter,
      Starla Conroy

It's Never too Late: A Testimony

Hey my beautiful friends!! I hope you all are doing well! Don't forget if you ever need anything feel free to message me! I would love to hear from you! Today I am going to share with you a testimony of a friend of mine. It is well worth the read! 

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There is so much I want to share... So much I feel like I need to say... But I'm going to let God lead this partial testimony as he knows what someone reading this may need to hear..... So here y'all go!

It has taken me twenty some odd years to get where I am, and I can safely say I'm still nowhere close to where I need to be. I battle with sin and temptation daily. DAILY!!!

I used to blame my parents for not beating my tail when I started acting out, for not educating me on the evil in the world, and for not showing me what a Christian in today's society has to be made of. The truth is, I knew right from wrong, but I shut the door on God. The answers were in the Good Book, but I didn't bother to open it. Then Ten Commandments were what my mom told me to live by. I knew them, but I didn't take them to heart... There was no one to blame but myself. I was saved when I was 8 years old. I remember it vividly. It was Halloween, and after a fun night of trick or treating, my mom and I sat on her bed and sorted through the goods. I came across a tiny paper booklet and felt led to read it with my mom. The little booklet told a short story of a young girl who was very sick. As she lay on her death bed an angel appeared to her and told her of Heaven and hell. I don’t remember every word, but the young girl was so saddened by her sins (yes, little people sin too) and terrified of hell as is natural, especially when so close to death. At the end of the booklet, she had complete peace after confessing her sins to God as the angel directed her to do, and asking Him to come into her heart. She was ready to start her eternal life with Jesus without fear. Her sickness and sin no longer had her bound. She passed away and went to be with Jesus. I know the difference between an emotional experience and being saved, because I KNOW Jesus came into my heart the minute I decided to take that step of faith just as that little girl had. My mom and I prayed that little prayer on the back of that booklet, and I had never felt so overwhelmingly at PEACE as I did in that moment. There was no denying it, and I have had a relationship with God through his son, Jesus Christ, ever since. It has not been a consistent one (from my end), but my soul was saved, and Jesus has never let me go.

Even though I was saved, the devil didn't want to go without a fight. He is still determined to steal my joy and even more so to silence my witness. Even today, he applauds me when I stumble because he knows my witness weakens with each mistake. He can't have my soul, but he is determined to keep me from spreading the Good News to others. I've recently realized my testimony is potentially powerful and needs to be spoken, regardless of my imperfections, because many young people may find themselves where I was. I have never been strong or courageous enough to share... but I know now is the time to do so. I pray that someone reading this realizes it's not too late to turn from sin. It's not too late to get your innocence back. God spoke to me and told me it was time to share. Clear as day, he said I needed to tell others how He has worked in my life and how He has forgiven my sins.

The sin that had me bound? Adultery.....
I was 15 when I lost my ‘innocence’. My first year of high school I fell in love with the thought of falling in love! When a senior with a mustang started giving ME attention, I was all about it! I started having tunnel vision. I didn’t listen to my parents, my siblings, even my friends who told me to stay away! The devil gave me that tunnel vision, and he sent me on a spiraling down-hill fall right by that boy’s side. In the blink of an eye, the bodily possession that was supposed to be saved for my future husband (who I was sure was that boy and his mustang) was gone. POOF! Talk about self hate after that sin was committed. A couple of weeks later, my ‘future husband’ was cheating on me with his ex-girlfriend who got a real kick out of my love-sick, puppy dog humiliation once I found out… After that, I thought there was nothing left to save. I sit here crying as I think about it. Why did I let the devil put those tunnel vision goggles on me? Why didn’t I listen to my parents, my siblings, my God who was whispering to me to, “stop... it’s not too late….”? Well you can ‘coulda, shoulda, woulda’ but you can’t change what is. If only I were as wise then as I am now. After I left my innocence with that stupid boy and his stupid car, I gave every person I dated ‘all of me’. After all, there wasn’t anything left to lose... What a silly girl I was.

I was 21 when I got pregnant, and I was on a back slide for most of the time in between then and my loss of innocence at age 15, give or take a couple of years where I recommitted my life just before slipping again. The devil knows my weaknesses (mostly wanting acceptance, as well as to have ‘fun’) and waits until I've moved just far enough away from God before bounding me in his sin. He does it to us all! It's a constant battle!! Before I became pregnant I was drinking heavily, and frequenting the bars, even on weeknights. I was addicted to smoking, and I was (obviously) committing adultery in my never ending search for ‘love’ and acceptance. I would go to extremes to try to make someone like me. My family and close friends began to notice my increasingly dangerous behavior after my 21st birthday and after I broke up with the first guy that was actually an all around ‘keeper’ in order to get back to my party girl life… The sad thing is, acquaintances had NO idea how over the edge I really was, as I was so good at hiding it. I ended up meet my daughter’s biological father in a bar. Big surprise, right? I was at the bar celebrating my very recent break away from a guy who I knew all along was just using me for sex. I was done with him! I was ready to party and be ‘strong’ and hang out with my girl to stick it to the guy who couldn’t see how much more I was than a booty call… Then, before I could even see straight from the last mistake, ‘he’ swept me right off my feet and into HIS bed, calling me his girlfriend by the nights end. He was seemingly perfect, and I was definitely tunnel versioned, once again. Silly, silly girl, here we go again. I missed my brother’s birthday party the next day to spend the day with ‘him’. He catered me, he sweet talked me, he made me feel ‘special’, and then, less than one month in, I find myself in a gas station parking lot, sucking down one last cigarette with my heart beating faster than the speed of sound as I knew I was fixing to confirm my fear and get a + sign on the pregnancy test I had just bought. The story goes on, but the moral is this:

Why did I do the things I did?? I forgot (chose to forget, really) that I already had that love and acceptance I was seeking in Jesus! I am ashamed of the sinner I was, but God has no record or account of it as I have since asked for forgiveness and TURNED from my ways. Unfortunately, I still sin, as it is human nature to do so, daily, without even trying, but I am so far from where I was that I don't even recognize myself sometimes (in a good way)! My daughter was Heaven sent, and, as corny as it sounds, I truly believe that with all my heart.

I met my husband (also Heaven sent) when I was in middle school, but we didn't form a relationship until much later. When we did reconnect years later (he is the ‘keeper’ I referred to earlier), it was a scene of pure bliss! What I had been searching for I had finally found! Love, acceptance... It was effortless. What was missing? God... I ran from my then boyfriend when the devil pointed out my insecurities and filled my head with his lies that adventures and parties and alcohol were how to really be ‘alive’ and ‘happy’. Next thing I knew, I found myself pregnant and, even more shamefully, I was unsure who the father of my child was. Talk about a fall... More like a TKO, really. But what the devil means for bad, God WILL turn to good. I may have ended up dead in a ditch somewhere had God not sent that child to me...

I spent the majority of my pregnancy disappointed in myself. I was totally anxious and terrified for the future. There were sparks of joy that I believe God ignited to help me hang on, but even when I was surrounded by family I felt so alone. The ‘Bar Romeo’ that is my child’s bio father went on to cheat on me and deny the child was his, which, as mentioned, we were not exactly sure of, so I guess that was reasonable… I guess depressed it the only word to describe that time of my life. BUT, have you ever heard of the 'peace that passeth understanding'? Well, through the depression and disappointment and sadness, God provided me with that.  Because of that peace, I was able to hold my head high and make a life for me and my daughter. I graduated from college just twelve days before I gave birth. People still to this day tell me how ‘strong’ I was to have persevered like I did. I'm here to clear that up. ‘I’ did not get through anything, and ‘I’ did not deserve the new life I now have. God is the brave one. He is the one who is strong. He died to give that new life to us all! And He knew what I needed. When I wouldn't let Him give it to me and continued to turn from Him before becoming pregnant, he said, "ENOUGH!" and gave me what I needed the hard way! It was by far the hardest time of my life, but God saw me through. With tear stained cheeks, I begged Him to help me and to forgive me, and He did. And now I have a lifelong reminder in my beautiful daughter’s eyes of where I was and she is the best reason in the world to never go back!

My husband is Heaven sent for many reasons, but mostly because he helped me through it all. He was a true friend through various parts of my pregnancy, and he even came to the hospital to support me through the biggest transition of my life: motherhood. God puts people in your life for a reason. I've heard it put as people coming into your life can be a lesson or a blessing... It is clear my husband was a blessing! The next year after I had my daughter, we found ourselves right where we started: In blissful love. Two big differences existed compared to our first go at a relationship. We had a third party, my daughter, who he fell in love with immediately, and we had God! We started attending church regularly, we dedicated our little girl, we began praying together regularly.... Then, my daughter and I got our happily ever after! I married that Heaven sent man, and we made a family out of our odd situation with God right in the center. Starting a marriage with a child has proven extremely difficult. Without God we probably would have already been ripped apart by this world. Instead, our bills are paid (I fully believe that is because we tithe monthly), our bellies are full, we have a nice roof over our head, and, best of all, we, including my daughter, know the Lord, and get more and more acquainted with Him daily. We rely on Him, FULLY! We still fuss and make mistakes, but as long as we keep our eyes on God we will never have to face this world or the problems that come with it alone.

I still pay for my sins daily. I rely on God, and I get through each day only with His help. I paid thousands of dollars on a blood test before I had my daughter so that I could confirm my fears that her biological father was this person I had just met and who was not who he had made himself out to be. He’s been in and (mostly) out of my daughter’s life for the last few years, and he is still having a difficult time being a responsible adult, even at almost 30 years old. I do pray for him, and I mean that sincerely. God is still working on my heart when it comes to this person, but I know God is in control and there is nothing He can't handle! My child is now part of a ‘blended’ family. Anyone who is part of a blended family knows some of the struggles that come with it. As of now, my daughter is too young to understand it all, and I fear as she gets older and begins to learn the facts of our circumstances she will be hurt and confused. However, when these times come, I will continue to lean on The Lord for guidance. I pray for her daily. I pray that she learns to also seek God's guidance. I plan to continue to teach her by example and through the Bible. Our perfectly imperfect family will be okay, and I can say that with complete certainty thanks to my Amazing God.

What’s the point of my testimony? No matter what sins have you bound; it's not too late to turn from it. You don't have to wait until God gets fed up and shakes your whole life up! Just turn to Him and away from whatever has you bound. He's there waiting for you! He loves you and He forgives you! But just because you turn from sin doesn't mean life will be a breeze. God wants us to depend on Him! And if you're back slid and comfortable, you can bet the devil is at work... I was there, trust me! Don't let him blind you! Listen to that voice in your head and heart telling you to make a change. And act on it! I'm still learning how to listen, and that is why I'm sharing this part of my testimony. I don't particularly care to share the intimate details of my whacky life, but God told me to do so, so I must obey. I hope this helps someone in some small way, and I will be praying for everyone who is lost or on a back slide, as well as those battling sin each day. God loves you! Jesus died for you! Don't take that for granted!!

Thank you for letting me share,
-YOUR SISTER IN CHRIST
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Like she said no matter what sins have you bound its never to late to turn from it. God is always there waiting with open arms. You could never change his love for you, its unending!! Give it all to Him today and turn away from anything that is holding you back. & remember the past does not define you! 

If we confesses our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 

you are loved, you are forgiven, you are redeemed
His daughter,
            Starla Conroy

God called the dry land "earth," and He called the gatherings of the water "seas." And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:10

He Wants YOU!

Hey guys! It’s been a while! So much has happened since the last time I wrote. As you might already know Shane and I found out that we are expecting our first child. It was a big surprise but we couldn’t be happier! Let me tell you, pregnancy is an emotional and physical roller coaster, so shout out to all you moms out there!

Truth time… during these last few weeks I have been slacking on my alone time with God. You know how they say you don’t know what you have till its gone, well the same goes with God. I have missed our relationship so much. I didn't realize how important my time with God was. The devil slipped in at my weakest point, when I was questioning the Almighty. I didn't know how to react to being pregnant, and instead of spending time asking God the devil filled my mind with all the things that could go wrong. I know this has happened to all of you. It took a while for me to realize that whatever happens is Gods plan; I just have to trust in Him. If you are going through a similar situation where you are having a hard time giving God everything, just let go. Release everything over to Him and once you feel how awesome it is you will never want to go back! While getting back into my time with God I remembered how much God wants to be with us. 

He wants us. He wants each one of us, but we get to busy, we forget, we don't feel worthy enough, Satan puts all these things in our heads to keep us away from God. Have you ever wondered if God understands when were too busy to spend time with Him? Shane always jokes around and says, "I'm glad Jesus wasn't to busy to die for you." Even though he is joking it always gets me thinking! It isn't easy friends but it is worth it. I'm currently reading an awesome book by Joanna Weaver called "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" , I highly recommend it to every woman out there. In the book she quotes the story told by her friend, "She tells the story of having company over for dinner one night. She'd worked hard all day on a beautiful meal, four courses and a fancy dessert. It was going to be wonderful. But somewhere around the middle of the afternoon, Teri realized she was hungry. 'I'd been so busy cooking and cleaning,' she says, 'I had completely missed lunch.' But it was only four o'clock and the guests weren't due until six. 'I always kept a hidden stash of snicker bars,' she says with a grin. So she grabbed a couple of candy bars and sat down to rest, enjoying her clean living room and beautifully set table. 'It did the trick! My stomach wasn't growling anymore. I was able to take my shower, do my hair, and get dressed with plenty of time to spare.' It wasn't until Teri sat down to dinner that she discovered the problem. 'There I was with that wonderful dinner I'd worked all day to prepare, but my appetite was gone!' The mid afternoon snack had taken the edge off her hunger. She ended up picking at her plate as she watched everyone else dig in, enjoying their meal. 'The Lord spoke to me at that moment,' Teri says. 'He showed me that we often fill our loved with spiritual snicker bars, things like friends, book, and shopping. They may be good things, completely innocent things but not when they take the edge off our hunger for God. Teri's illustration has stayed with me for years because it applies so aptly to my own life. I constantly fight the tendency to fill the God-shaped hole he created in me with fluffy stuff. I don't like loneliness, so I fill the space with phone calls and social events and trips to the mall, but loneliness, as my friend Jeanne Mayo puts it, can be 'Gods call to fellowship with him.' I don't like quietness, so I fill up the silence with sitcoms and talk shows, Christian music and CNN, but it was in the quiet of the night that Samuel heard God's voice."

This definitely got me thinking. What do you do with your time? Are you fillling it with spiritual snickers? Do you want to be close to God but you just can't? I want to encourage you to take a deep look into how you spend your time. If you can't seem to get close to God maybe you need to change your daily routine and put Him first because He longs for you to do so. Maybe you're close to God but have fallen away, I promise you that He misses you. We all live crazy lives and are busy, but we should never be to busy for God, I know its hard, I fail at it too. Don't give up though; keep trying, the more you dig deeper in fellowship with God the hungrier you will get for Him. The most important time is that alone time! Fill your life with Godly things, things that doesn't make you angry because that is what the devil wants most. Lastly, don't get comfortable and think you are okay, there is always more room for Jesus no matter how old you are and there is always room to improve, remember we are not perfect! You are wanted my the great I Am! My sweet husband said Wednesday night at church, "If you are good enough for God, then you are more than good enough for anybody else."

When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your father who is unseen. Then your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 

you are loved, you are forgiven, you are wanted

His daughter,
      Starla Conroy 

 

We can't wait to meet our sweet baby! Heart beat was 176 and the estimated due date is February 2nd! God has an awesome plan in store for His three children! Please pray for a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy! Thank you!! 

Be An Encourager!

5.7.15
I hope everyone had a great Sunday!!  Sunday is always one of my favorite days of the week because it's the time I get to spend fellowship with my Christian brothers and sisters, which is so important!

Why is it important though? It's important because our Christian friends are the ones who are supposed to be building you up, helping you, teaching you, correcting you, and most importantly encouraging you!

Encouragement..... we all need encouraging, right?

What is the opposite of encouragement? Don't think to hard (;
I know! Discouragement! It is so, so, so easy to become discouraged!

Think back to the last time you became discouraged, how did you react?
It happens to me all the time! I will be trying so hard to do something and when the first thing goes wrong I become discouraged. Before I put my faith, my hope, and my trust in God I would usually quit after the first sign of becoming sad. BUT then I figured out, if I just let God do this then everything will be fine! Discouragement is of the devil! He is always looking for ways to get you down. So here's what you do, when the first sign of discouragement comes along just stop and pray! Tell the devil to go away!! Demand him to leave; you have the power to do so! Its that easy if you believe.

In life I have found encouraging people and then some people who discourage, those are the ones always saying what's wrong and nagging about something, just trying to get you upset. Friends, its not supposed to be that way!! If we discourage fellow Christians then what good are we doing for God? Followers of Jesus live a life that isn't easy, and its not meant to be easy! It is so rewarding though, so don't give up!

Question 1: How does it make you feel to be encouraged?
Question 2: How does it make you feel to be discouraged? Take it a little deeper: How does it feel to be discouraged when you are already having a bad day?

It doesn't feel good to be having a bad day and someone who you don't know or you do know to come and say something rude or discouraging does it? That is why its so important to always encourage one another, whether we know them or not.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing. 
1 Thessalonians 5:11

So why is it so important to encourage people? Simply because it's what we are supposed to do! If we don't encourage one another life will become sad and feel pointless. Being a follower of Jesus means that encouragement is necessary. If it wasn't for the encouragement that God has gave me through others I wouldn't be writing this right now. As Christians we all should have one goal and that is saving others through Christ, which can be difficult. That's when we step in and tell people not to give up and to have hope just like Jesus did. He was always telling people do not be afraid, peace be with you, etc. So if we are to live as Christ did then shouldn't we encourage everybody?

I know it can be hard because I fail at this all the time, but through God we can ask for forgiveness and for help! It all comes down to one thing, and that is love! Encouraging someone shows them love Gods love!

Think into your life for a moment, when was the last time you encouraged somebody or was simply nice to someone? If you can't think of anything then ask God to help you start showing his love to everyone, the stranger in the store, or the waitress at the restaurant, encourage them to keep up the good work, even if it isn't good. We have no idea what kind of day others may be having, and it only takes one hurtful action to cause them to become depressed or even harm themselves! As Christians this is our job, it is as important as them all! We must encourage!!

If you are awesome at this then that is great!! I am so happy for you because it can be very hard for others! Don't stop the good work though! You can never do enough encouraging! Pray and ask God to help you show someone how to encourage others through your walk.

God loves you so much! Show him love back and start living a life for him! Start encouraging others to come to church and to keep up the good work. It's the simple things that mean the most, I believe we all can relate to that.

Tomorrow is a new day, lets start it with encouraging words to others!

you are loved, you are forgiven, you are encouraged

His daughter,
      Starla Conroy

Sweet happy kids in El Salvador!
Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Jesus Christ, so that you may glorify the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with a united mind an voice. Romans 15:5-6

Don't Be Selfish

6.4.15

I hope everyone is having a great week!! It has been beautiful weather here in Alabama! I have spent the week spending time with loved ones and just trying to be the best I can be. It's so important to remember that there is always room to grow with Christ, no matter how old you are or how much you know.

Have you ever found yourself being selfish?

Definition: concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself: seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well being without regard for others.

Being selfish could mean that you put yourself in front of others, you get the best of things while not being concerned what your family has or others, getting upset and causing broken relationships because something didn't go your way, not worrying about those who have nothing, even being selfish with your time, or people, doing works for God but really its only for yourself to shine

Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom's gentleness. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. James 3:13-16

Friends, scripture says that where envy and selfishness is that there is disorder. Do you have disorder and chaos in your life? If so, it is probably because you are living a selfish life.

I know I can struggle with being selfish. It used to be bad but when I became a true follower of Christ he showed me what was really important in life. You see God didn't send His only Son to give us everything we want and to make us happy! He sent His Son to die for our sins so that we may be free to live for Him, not for ourselves!
For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:19-20
You see if being a true follower of Christ means we must give Him everything, and we can't do that if we are being selfish.

Now this don't mean you won't fail. We are not perfect. Just last night I found myself almost being selfish of Shane. I tend to want no one else to have him! God told me to stop being selfish that what He is doing is for me, and that is what is most important.

Think of someone that is selfless. Many people come to my mind but the two that stand out the most is my mom, and Jeremiah Swaray. My mom because she is always puts others before herself! My whole life I watched her do it. Before she did anything for herself she always made sure my brother, dad and I had the nicest things. Even for those she doesn't know. Just last year when we went to El Salvador and instead of using her hardworking money for herself, she used it to get those orphans and our family there that she had never met shoes, clothes, and even small toys. It is called love, and it is what we were called to do!
Jeremiah is a missionary from Africa who takes care of his wife, his 3 kids, and around 40 orphans. My dad, brother, and friend Pete, met Jeremiah on a mission trip in Sierra Leone, Africa, it was there that Jeremiah practically saved their lives. Jeremiah had the opportunity to come to America in October of 2014, while he was here he showed us what it meant to be a true follower of Christ. While he was packing to leave, instead of packing his entire luggage for himself he stuffed it full of shoes and clothes for his family and the orphans! This showed that he truly loved them! How selfless. How many of you would take in 40 orphans and not know where your next meal would come from?
None of this was to boost them; it was to show that what they are doing is what God told them and us to do!

Now that you have heard of two selfless people I know and have thought of some that you know it's time to examine your own life. Where in your life are you being selfish? I know I can find some places that I am, so I know that you can too! The first step is to admit it to yourself and then ask God to forgive you. He will always forgive you as long as you ask! Now that you are forgiven start living a life of selflessness. At the end of each day examine where you might have been and fix it! Ask yourself what you have done for someone else today? Then ask what have you done for someone outside your family? God will help you if you ask!

Now that you want to live a selfless life, start living in love! We cannot love if we are being selfish, and that is Gods biggest command.
"I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." James 13:34-35
1 Corinthians 13 also tells us that love is not selfish! Love kills selfishness. If we live in love then we will kill two birds with one stone! It's time to start living a life for Christ! I know you can do it! Lets do it together!

you are loved, you are forgiven, you are blessed

His daughter,
      Starla Conroy

My mom and I on my wedding day making me pretty

An orphan in Africa that lives with Jeremiah 

We Are ALL Missionaries

6.1.15

It's hard to believe it's already June. It seems like just yesterday it was Christmas! Which is 207 days away for all you parents out there! It's also hard to believe that I haven't been to El Salvador since October! If only it was cheap to fly and I would be there all the time.

I want to tell you a little bit about why my blog URL is fight for every soul. In February 2014 Shane and I had the opportunity to go to El Salvador. Which is located in Central America. Going on a mission trip out of country wasn't something I had thought about as a child but when I was given the opportunity I couldn't pass it up. This trip changed my life forever! It changed my way of thinking and my relationship with God. That week I began to grow closer to God and He told me exactly why HE put me on this earth! It wasn't to be a friend, a daughter, a sister, or a future mom. He told me that all of those things come with the package, but the real reason that he put me here was to help the helpless. To be a voice of those who have none! I had no idea what I was doing; I just knew that God had a plan! We only got to spend one day at the orphanage and that one day was all it took. Seeing those children in their dirty clothes, broken shoes, and hungry bellies killed me. I could only think about what they would give just to have a bowl of that ice cream I had in my freezer. The whole time they did nothing but laugh and love on all of us. Most all of them were so happy! The orphanage is run by a Christian organization so since we knew they were getting to hear the word all we did was play and love on them. As we left the orphanage I was broken, earlier in the week I told God to break my heart for what breaks His and boy did He! Just a warning: don't ask unless you really want to know. God's heart breaks for the orphans. All I could think about is who is going to take care of all the orphans out there, feed them, and love them? Then God answered me saying that He is. He said I will take care of them with your help. I tell you this because now God has took it further and has told me to help everyone, to "fight for every soul." As of now I am not sure what I am going to do, but things are starting to move into place!

It is so important as Christians to fight for every soul. It's our job to! Maybe you're thinking, "well God didn't call me to be a missionary," or "I don't want to be a missionary." I firmly believe God called ALL of us to be missionaries.

The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshipped, by some doubted. Then Jesus came near and said to them. "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:11-20

Being a missionary doesn't mean that you have to go to a different country or out of state. Being a missionary means that you simply tell people about Jesus and most importantly show them God's love. When we step out of our home the world becomes a mission field. School, the mall, work, restaurants, even church, is a mission field. In Romans 10 it says, "how can they believe without hearing about Him." We were put on this Earth to tell the world about God and share His love!! If we don't who will?? We can change the world. If every "Christian" showed everyone Gods love do you know what could happen? There would be peace.

Maybe you are like me and your life was changed when you stepped out of your comfort zone and shared Gods love and his word. Don't quit! Don't give up! I know it is hard. I know it feels like its just you against the world, but its not! You have God behind you. It may feel like you aren't doing anything to change the world but I promise you that you are! Don't become comfortable though, keep expanding and grow with God! Don't forget what is important to you!

Maybe you don't know where to start. You know that you need to be out sharing Gods word and His love, but something is holding you back. If it is fear, abolish it! God is much stronger than fear and once you let go He WILL catch you! If you just don't know how to be a missionary, it's easier than it seems. All you have to do is love everyone, grow relationships with people, and show them how great our God is and how he has changed your life!! It is so simple!! I've been there and once I opened up my heart to allow God to show me what to do, it became so much easier. Don't wait like I did, it doesn't matter how old you are, you have the same power as Jesus does!

Don't forget that every soul matters to God. EVERY soul! Even ISIS and the ones who hate God so much!! Get out there and try it today! I know you can do it because you can do all things through God!! Knowing Gods word is useless if we don't apply to our daily lives. We pick up our cross daily and follow Him!

The path may be hard, but the reward is great! Don't let the devil stop you!! You can do it!!! Fight for every soul, someone fought for yours!

I love you all and would love to hear from you! If you have a testimony you would life to share feel free to send it to me!

you are loved, you are forgiven, you are a missionary

His daughter,
       Starla Conroy

El Salvador Orphanage, October 2014