Happy New Years!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!

I thought I'd share what my "New Year's Prayers" (Yeah, I decided to call them that :)) were for 2011.

1. Not wear makeup until May 5th, 2011 (my 16th birthday).

2. Ask God in concerns of modesty.

3. Spend the rest of my teen years, starting now, learning what GOD thinks about me, not what others think of me.

4. Seek how God wants to be glorified in the things that mean the most to me: riding, writing, and music.

Yep, that was it! I just wanted to seek His face more...to love Him more...to not let anything else dictate how I lived.  I'm so grateful for everything I've learned this year.  It wasn't easy. It wasn't particularly pleasant at times.  But it was worth it.

11 things I learned in 2011


1. It doesn't matter how something feels. It can feel right and be wrong...and vice versa.
2. There is never, NEVER a point when He isn't there for me any longer.
3. He will lift the heavy burden and give me rest.
4. Pride is the most addictive drug and the most painful living death.
5. Even when I begin to doubt the most fundamental of my beliefs, there is hope in a single cry, a single prayer.
6. When I find my happiness in something other than God, I become bitter. But in Him, not sin, is pure joy.
7. Emotions just plain stink.
8. I want to fall into the space in between me and God.
9. Worship is a way of living, not being on a stage.
10. You never know whose life you are reaching if you are simply living in love.
11.  Life comes down to the fact that God holds the future and we must trust Him.

Blog readers, I just want you to know that I love you... Let's make 2012 a new year. Let's live in new ways. Let's embrace a new chance to change the world for the people around us, through Him.

~Elissa

My Poem :)

I'm working on a sestina poem for extra credit in my lit class (which I desperately need incase finals went poorly) and this is what I have so far! Critical comments welcome :). 

Time's Reflections

A little girl among the toys gazes

At herself upon a tiny play mirror.

Her toothy grin a gap reveals

And the fairy’s coming later for her.

This child innocent views a reflection

For purposes unselfish, joyous, free.

Time’s running; a decade has flown past free

From cares that hound she who now gazes

Once more within a glass at her reflection.

More value she longs for within the mirror,

Yet deep inside she knows it holds for her

Nothing better than what the surface reveals.

Years later, her scarred heart reveals

A longing from these addictions to be free.

As she views the tears, knowing they cost her,

She finds a hopeful thought while she gazes.

The expectations that glared from the mirror

Were shown not worth living for in reflection.

On a golden rosy day she catches the reflection,

In a shining pond, a face blissful from love reveals.

Her own and her prince’s together in the mirror

The image she cherishes within her heart, free

 That day, from past opinions or strict gazes

Of ghosts of older days--love has freed her.

Decades later, a viewer could find her

Taking a introspective look at her reflection

But not in vanity or in sorrow, she gazes

But rather in the happy memories it reveals.

Though her days grow short, her heart is free

Past behind, heaven ahead, smiles the mirror.

Creator above sees she who looks in the mirror

And His heart sings as He watches her

Because she is His alone, she is free

From sin, from death, from her reflection--

Those evil to her, as He to her reveals.

“Fearful, wonderful,” saying He gazes.

Now as her, press on in what He reveals.

Take care not to take long gazes in a mirror

But to rejoice, free from your reflection.

~Elissa Branum

Merry Christmas!

Anything there is to say about Christmas is summed up in this beautiful blog post. I would fully recommend you read it :).

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned...For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isa 9:2,6).

He is born to be our light, our hope, our everything. Oh come, let us adore Him!

Merry Christmas, bloggers!

~Elissa

Dark Staircase

Do you ever feel like you're walking down a dark stairway?

 Do you ever feel as if your life is a strangling, dark casm full of fear and doubt?

I have. Honestly, we probably all have. But what I've experienced this year has taught me this:

When you're traveling down a dark staircase, reach out and take hold of the rail.

When I am walking in the dark, I become confused. I begin to question what I believe. I get dizzy and uncertain.  But when I turn to Him--when I remember what God's Word has said...when I remember everything He's pulled me through... 

It's then I can press on, unseeing.

***

This brings to mind my favorite quote from the Oracles of Fire series by Bryan Davis:

"What you have learned in the light, my friend, never doubt when it is dark."

Please, don't ever let darkness cause you to doubt.

~Elissa

The Future

2 Timothy 1:9 "[God] who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace."

My awesome friend gave me the new Casting Crowns CD, and this song is very relevant to what's God been teaching me lately:

"You're already there, standing at the end of my life, waiting on the other side."

He knows what my future holds. A couple days ago, I was praying and worrying and wondering, and this was the question my heart was dying to answer--

"When is this going to make sense, Lord?"

And out of the stillness, suddenly the answer made me...laugh.  

"I hold the future, Elissa. I am the omnipresent and you don't ever need to worry because I hold your future."

That may not be earth-shaking to you, dear reader. But to me it was one of those axis-tilting, world-crashing, can-this-be-reality?, amazing moments when I believe I heard God's voice. Those moments are few and far between if you are like me and tend to let 1,000 other sounds block Him out. 

But I know I heard the truth.

And I'm going to allow Him to hold what is His alone.

My future.

what are you going to let Him hold?

~Elissa

Christmas breakkkk!!

I feel like this cat today.

Let's just say Microeconomics...not really my thing. Exams...not my thing either.

Oh well.  I'm just going to eat chocolate and watch mindless movies until the grieving process ends.

on a brighter note, I'M OFFICIALLY ON CHRISTMAS BREAK NOW! WOOHOO!

Commence messing around reading pointless articles, spending time on social networking sites, reading books I actually like, watching TV, and procrastinating on 2 (count them! 2!! and one is a poem. I have to write a poem...) extra credit lit projects and 2 (count those!!) required biology projects. Fun stuff :) 

Oooh and my grandparents are coming!!!! Double yay!!!

What are you doing for Christmas break? (not begging...comments, cough, comments XD)

**

To actually be serious, I'm reading 1 Peter now (the first chapter is where I got my blog name!). It's extremely convicting...did you know God calls us to be STRANGERS in this world? That's a pretty strong connotation of "in but not of."  We should not have fellowship with darkness. I really need to work on that! My heart prefers the ease of the world. It need not be that way. I find joy in the Lord.

~Elissa

My 2nd devotional for True Beauty Devotionals

I'm so excited! 

"Striving for perfection

by Elissa Branum

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

~1 John 4:18a

Have you ever felt afraid or unsure?

I'm almost sure that almost everyone one has.  One major reason I feel afraid is actually because I fear failure. I feel like I'll never be "perfect."

We strive for perfection.  It's like we are hard-wired to want the very best...yet we always fall short. Why is it so integrated in our psyche to admire and to desire perfection? Why do we envy those people who seem so "put together," like everything is great in their lives? Why do we point out the loveliest houses, cars, and other belongings?

Maybe we were meant to live for Someone capable of the perfection we fall short of. Maybe our hearts are tuned to the One who is perfect. Perhaps we are inwardly seeking and longing for His purest, closest, most right embrace. Jesus is the reason for our adoration of perfection.

Reflection:

Do you fear imperfection?

Application Step:

Maybe you, as I do, need to let go of your fear of falling short. Realize that God paid the price for our sins, and there is nothing we can do to earn that salvation.  Talk to a godly adult if you are unsure, and fall into the arms of a perfect God.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for being a perfect God. What more could we long for? Who else could fill us and take away our emptiness?  I was made for you, Lord.  Help me to believe that you are the only perfect One.  I love you, Lord!

To purchase a print copy of these devotionals click here:  www.findyourtruebeauty.com/devos-book

For more help finding your true beauty in Christ, visit: www.FindYourTrueBeauty.com"

--All ownership to True Beauty Devotionals.

Lately

1. Reading these books

boring cover is WAY better than the gross covers....

I love CS Lewis. I can't say that enough.

Reading this still/again. Still beyond amazing.

that's all I'm reading...are you shocked??

2. Watched these movies last night (yup, all of them):

the latter two had me crying legit the whole time :'P

3. Loving Christmas music:

What are you doing lately?

~Elissa

What if we were real?

(disclaimer: I know there is a cd by that name, which I still want to get, as it sounds awesome-sauce)
(disclaimer 2: I may become personal/mushy/ridiculous in this post...tired...)

What if I stopped trying to be "the perfect Christian" and just admitted that at times, things in the Christian life don't make sense?

What if I told you that waiting is the hardest thing for me and I tend to have this attitude toward God?

***

Me: "This doesn't make sense anymore, Lord. You showed me the Way last month (or last year, or yesterday, or at that camp, or at that revival, or in that book), but I just don't get it anymore."

God: "Wait on Me."

Me: "But God, I don't think You heard me. I said 'this doesn't make sense to me right now'. Why can't You make it make sense?"

God: "Wait on My timing."

Me: "But Lord, that is NOT what feels good to me. My emotions say I should throw reason to the wind and ignore You. *goes on my own way, struggling*"

God: "I'll lead you if you will wait on Me."

Me: "*not listening* God, I can't hear You! Are You even there?"

God: "*softly, through the chaos* just wait on Me."

Me: "*breaking down in tears now* God, I've tried everything. I waited until all else failed, but now I'm going to listen to You, what should I do?"

God: "Trust Me."

***

That may not be the most spiritual prayer ever, but that's been how God's spoken to me lately. I'm really learning that tuning Him out is so easy to do, and such a bad idea.  He's there...I just need to listen.

What have your conversations with God been like lately? (Remember, if you're like me, it's hard to say that you've "heard God speak." But anything--from a Christian lyric to a hard-hitting verse can be His voice reaching you in love.)

~Elissa

While I'm Waiting

I watched Fireproof for like the second time ever yesterday (what a horrible homeschooler I am).

And, yup, it's an amazing movie. 

And it had this song in it.

And God is totally using those words in my life, right now.

Why did it never connect with me that sometimes the "big things" God will call me to do will just be waiting on Him? Simply obeying Him when He says "Not now. I have something better."

Simply worshiping when I feel like crying in frustration.

Simply adoring my loving God when all human relationships are driving me insane.

Simply letting go of this fear that held me back.

Simply waiting.

And prayerful decision making. That, I'm telling ya, is tough stuff for me. I can't tell you how many times I've prayed "God, please tell me what to do right now" and felt like there was no answer. I'm gonna bare my soul and admit that I've completely given in to the lie that He can't, or won't speak to me.

But I can "barely hear You whisper through the rain". And faith is acting on that tiny little voice...

He gives us the choice to listen. The choice to act. The choice to trust. 

It's called free will. I sometimes wish that He hadn't given me free will, because I mess it up so much.

But that wouldn't have been love.

What are you afraid to ask Him about? What have you been praying for without hearing an answer?

Keep praying. I know that doesn't sound very helpful, but that's all you can do! & the answer may not be what you expect, or want. 

Still, worship, even while you're waiting.

~Elissa

Joyful Monday

Today is an inexpressible joy day :)

My little sister asked Jesus into her heart today! Very happy :). Our God is a mighty God; there's nothing beyond Him.

~Elissa

Christmas music...I can't express my love for you

Yep. I'm pretty much head over heels in love with Christmas music. Air 1's constant streaming Christmas radio feeds my addiction.

However, this is now my favoritest (yes mac I'm keeping that word) song in the whole world.

I've been crazy about the song since reading Immanuel's Veins. It's really not a spoiler to say the lyrics are in the book :P.

On the above pianer (keeping that word too) cover, they included this verse which I really liked:

On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity--Zechariah 13:1

Woah, right? I didn't know that Jesus was actually prophesied as a cleansing fountain for sins! A lot bigger deal than a pretty metaphor. In light of sacrificing, the prominent worship of Zechariah's day (i believe) it's quite a concept to imagine actually being covered in the sacrifice's blood, in a foundation or pool. Gross maybe, but uber powerful. Not only were the people promised a death and sacrifice but a cleansing pool of blood that would literally wash them clean from impurity.

I know I need that. I sometimes feel so covered with sin--intruding my thoughts and staining my soul. But "There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel's veins; and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains."


It's way more than someone's idea of a cool song. He really was born to die and become a literal cleanser of sin. 


+Elissa

Bible reading = pumpkin pie or turkey?

well.

Reading one's Bible. so simple, yet (at least for me) so difficult. why do I put my Bible on the back burner?

like the 14th pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, my Bible slips to the bottom of my priorities and sits there.

Ignored.

What is it costing me?

in the quiet, i can hear Him sometimes, calling me closer. but one way He does that is through scripture. if i'm not putting it in my brain, how is the Holy Spirit going to use it in me?

How am i going to reach out to someone else--anyone else--with those words?

Reading my Bible's gotta stop being the 14th pumpkin pie. It's gotta become the turkey--the prized part of the meal, the one most important thing.

we're always learning, I suppose.

***

Sanctus Real's album Pieces of a Real Heart is me now.

"come with Me, I'll show you life, even better than this...I am the One, the One"

"Dear heart, do you belong to me, or do I belong to you? Just look at all the trouble you've dragged me into...oh heart, you've let me down, chasing love where it can't be found."

so. true. so so so true.

***

oh, and also, I had a thought earlier:

why is it that when we've come to the end of ourselves. when we've hit rock bottom. why is it then that we look for ways to serve. why is it then that we are ready to do whatever He says. 

could it be that selfishness and self-satisfaction and self-assurance were what held us back?

oh, Lord, it hurts a lot to hit the floor. but could You help me to see Your purpose, even if it's hard?

^^that's my prayer. what's yours been lately?

Elissa

Hmm. What should I name this post?

Life is fascinating, in case you haven't noticed. I have felt very philosophical lately, would you like to hear my ramblings?  Probably not. That's okay, I'll tell anyway.

1) Be careful what you wish for. I'm not kidding you, whether it's to grow up, to be respected by adults as mature, to be popular...just about any of those junior high wishes turn out to be insanely overrated. It's more fun to just be simple.  I'd like to reference T swift's "Never Grow Up" here, but that's pretty self explanatory :).

2) Having a servant heart is hard. Like, the hardest thing for someone with pride (*sticks hand up* me!).  I was attempting to think of ways to serve my family members yesterday, and was shocked by two things. First, I don't often think about serving them, so it was HARD. And second, it requires focus on others, not me. Which seems obvious, but for me not thinking one selfish thought it super difficult.

3) Moms are epic. Just so you know, they know everything. I'll say it again. EVERYTHING. 

4) I love this time of year. Once it's November, I'm totally in Thanksgiving-Black Friday-Christmas-New Years mode. Why can't they all happen at once for two months?! How awesome would that be??

5) Forgiveness and love are harder to accept than hate and pain. That seems unfair, but it's how it works because we're in a fallen world. Love will only be fully realized when we are in God's presence (heaven)--just because we can't "feel" it, that does NOT mean He isn't loving us. (I took this philosophy from my bro)

Okay, time to end this sadly pointless post. I vent by rambling, so thank you blog readers! :)

What are your pointless ramblings?

--Elissa

Lately....

1. I'm at the library, using their less than perfect internet and being really excited about getting my new computer (macbook)! Even though it's half my early Christmas present and half most of my savings from the fair....

2. Reading these books...excitingness...

This book is seriously amazing. I've never been so assured about God's plan for singleness :). Simply profound.

3. listening to my ipod on shuffle :))

4. Wishing vainly that I didn't have so many lit assignments this week...:P

That's about it... what are your lately's?

~~Elissa~~

It's been so long since I've posted!

First,

In the silent times : seek God

In the painful times : praise God

In the harried times : hallow God

and in the terrible times : trust God.

And at all times — at all times –

Thank God.

 --Ann Voskamp's blog.

 This blog is like sunshine, blue skies, flowers, and puppies. I simply love it. 

Second, this song is me right now:

Third,

When all feels lost 

when nothing makes sense

when crying is what is easy

and getting back up is what feels impossible

don't forget that you are not alone.

Don't forget that He carried the weight for us

don't forget there is a reason.

Trust.

--what's on my heart right now.

True Beauty Devotionals

Hey all!
Just wanted to share something pretty cool :). Shelley Hitz, the author of Find Your True Beauty asked for her email subscribers to join the devo-writing team, and one of mine is now on the email list! this is a copy- all rights to http://www.teen-beauty-tips.com/ .

 

Teen Girl Devotionals are brought to you by www.FindYourTrueBeauty.com.

Here is your devotion:
How do you remember your Creator?
Written by Elissa Branum
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"-- ...Then man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets.

~Ecclesiastes 12:1, 5

It's obvious that this is not a very "feel good" verse, but it is truthful.  My good friend shared it with me when we were discussing purity and a Biblical view on dating.  Personally, I believe that God's will for my life is to not date/court until His time for me is revealed.  That is my way of remembering Him in my youth and seeking what His desires are for my focus. 
The author of Ecclesiastes throughout the book tells of how he has tried worldly pleasures but has found out, aside from God, "Everything is meaningless!" (Ecclesiastes 12:8). What we consider "fun" now will fade.  Yet, every day we may feel a drag towards things that feel good now.  I am myself shamed to say that in many ways I have been guilty of giving in to the world's system.  But, that's not what the Lord wants for us! As teens, before adulthood crushes in, He wants us to learn to trust Him--not guys, money, or possessions. How we act now determines what future decisions we'll make. We must constantly "remember" God and turn our eyes on Him.

Reflection:
Are you taking advantage of ways to grow closer to God or turning to other things?

Application Step:
Seek out ways to daily remember God.  Perhaps consider joining a Bible study, or even helping to begin a small group for girls in your church.  Fellowship with other believers who earnestly seek God will grow your own faith.  Pray for Him to shine a light in your heart where there may be sin that is making you feel distant from your Creator.  Remember, Jesus gave His life for all our sin and those who seek Him will never be turned away.

Prayer:
Dear God, please forgive me for all the times I've turned from you to wish for worldly things like the best clothes or the attention of a guy.  Help me to remember to ask you in every situation.  Thank you for dying for me to be able to know and remember you. In Jesus name. Amen!
To purchase a print copy of these devotionals click here:  www.findyourtruebeauty.com/devos-book
For more help finding your true beauty in Christ, visit:  www.FindYourTrueBeauty.com

The Love Challenge

Howdy bloggers!
I doubt this is an original idea, but I wanted to share something I've been doing in my Bible reading time the past few days.  I'll call it The Love Challenge.  I opened my Bible to the concordance and noticed (as you probably have) that the longest list of verses is for the word "love".  And because of statements from the Word such as "God is love" "the greatest of these is love" "and over all these virtues put on love," I get a pretty good idea that love is very important.  For God so loved- we've all heard- is actually an astronomical statement because of what follows- the world. Meaning us.  God LOVED us, while we were yet sinners.  His death for our sins illustrates this concept. 
And that is some reasons why I wanted to dig deeper into the Word's mentions of love. Here we go!
1. Open your Bible to the condordance in the back.
2. Find the word "love".
3. Read the first verse listed and enough verses before and after it to understand the context.
4. Repeat (reading the next verse) at each study time!
I hope some of you will try this.  I'm really moved by learning about love throughout the Bible!

Happy 4th/Me lately

Happy 4th!
Praise God for freedom.  We wouldn't be free physically or spiritually without Him!  I love summer holidays. Ice cream, hot dogs, swimming, hanging out- have I mentioned how much I adore summer?! (Despite my complaints about this heat, of course.)
What I'm doing lately (no particular order):
1. Mourning the break-up of one of my FAVORITE bands, Revive. But they feel God's calling them to different pursuits, so I'll be okay with it. Eventually :').
2. Reading the letters to the churches. Mostly 1-2 Peter, James, Collosians.  What has helped me SO much with daily Bible reading has been journaling, which I used to be OBSESSED with. Now I just jot down some thoughts and prayers, read something that speaks to me, and write down a verse in my journal. Helps me look back to verses that brought me light on certain days.
3. Really wanting to help Arkansas' tornado victims.  Went to Denning, AR last friday with friends/friend's church and helped cleanup a lady's house/land. It's pretty devastating, and makes me ask- how would I act if it was me? My family who lost everything? :/
4. Enjoying the 4th! Rode, swam, and ate ice cream already. haha:).
5. Reading Green by Ted Dekker.  Black, Red, and White were SOOOOOO GOOOOOOOODDDDDD! Everyone musttttt read them! No joke. They will change your views on life, sacrifice, and Jesus crazily.
6. Listening to Control, Abandon's album.  Love me some Christian pop.  Metal head brother doesn't get it though ;). Favorite songs, Help and Under Fire.
7. Learning "East to West" by Casting Crowns on piano. Love the key of E now. LOL music freak ;).
8. Missing friends who don't live in the same state as me ://///. Ya'll should read this blog of my amazingggg friend. http://everythingforhim1039.blogspot.com/
What are your lately's?~His love, E

Sweet Sixteen/Soul Surfer/Anthem Lights

So this is an uber late birthday post (10 days late...)... but better late than never? Maybe?

I'm pretty extremely stinkin' excited to be 16. Howeverrrrr, it's not getting me very far yet, mostly due to the fact that I'm too lazy to read the driver's license getting book.   I had such a fun birthday hanging with my family! And my birthday party was so cool! It was makeover themed, so me and my gals did each other's makeup and hair (which probably sounds lame, but we had fun :D), then we went and saw SOUL SURFER!!!! (emphasis on awesomeness)

I had reallllllllyyyy wanted to blog after the first time I saw Soul Surfer (yes...I did see it twice...) but the internet was out and then I forgot. Typical.  HOWEVER, I'm now going to rave its beauties.

The fact it's a true story (of Bethany Hamilton) is definitely the coolest part. I don't want to blow the plot for anyone who hasn't seen it yet (and anyone who hasn't simply MUST), but the fact that a girl could overcome, through "Christ who strengthens me," SO much adversity is just so inspiring to me!  Remembering the movie drives me to pursue my faith and my dreams with greater passion.

Carrie Underwood, who plays Bethany's youth leader, did fantastic, which just made the movie even better.  I also loved how the movie wasn't "preachy" or anything like that, yet characters quoted Bible verses and prayed, etc., so they gave God the glory.

So yeah. Soul Surfer rocks :).

Next Random Subject: ANTHEM LIGHTS' album came out on Tuesday! I didn't get it til Thursday...but oh well it was worth the wait! It's seriously my favorite cd in a good while. Super catchy with great lyrics, and they are all so talented.  I'd like to write an album review... what do ya'll think? Leave me a comment :). 

When I bought the cd on thurday, I (naturally) twittered, and got another stinkin' awesome surprise:

hehe I was very excited :D:D.

I guess that is all for now. :) God bless you bloggers!

~Zephaniah 3:17

My Last Day as a 15-year-old

So, today was the very last day I lived at the age of 15!!

That sounds sad somehow. I was just thinking about and praying that this next year in front of me will not be the same as last year.  I know, because I have seen and heard, that 16 can be a hard year.  A year of scary choices and fears.  But I want it to be a year of new beginings...

After a less than perfect conversation on a less than perfect night in this less than perfect world, my brother and I both met the same conclusion--we NEED God to help us straighten up.  I needed to re-amp my faith and be forgiven of the apathy and evil I was not exactly promoting... but 100% tolerating, which is sin. 

And even if I'm still going to fall, I want to know that "He knows the plans He has for me--to prosper me and not to harm me."  With that promise, I need not doubt salvation, fall into fear, sink in the mire of sinful desire, fight with carnall wants, or any sin!  I need only to love Him. Alone. that's legit it! Love Him.

Anyhow, my day was pretty average--with less than average moments.  Fed chickens, did school, then went on a picnic with my sister.  She showed me her favorite spots and it was a wonderful thing to do with her! Moved mentioned chickens.  Rode.  Read my manual for my written driver's test.  Felt convicted [while riding] to tell God something--and I mean it.  "I want to want salvation for real now, God--I want it for YOU. not to be safe. YOU".  Still comprehending that. crazy.

this post was slightly scatterbrained.  Something else Im leaving behind this year is feeling obligated to "stuff God" into everything.  I'm wanting now to NEED to have Him here.  In my blog...and my life. Again deeply crazy.  Will you, blog reader, hold me to this?  I'm ready to love.  I don't get it, but all I desperately need is love.