Quotable Quotes ...

"Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is." - -- Amy Carmichael

How often I forget to REFUSE to be hurried and pressed.

How often I NEED to be still.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Sara!

The Bravehearted Gospel

"Once upon a time, Christianity was the stuff of legends and Christ's loyalists were spiritual and moral revolutionaries, the kinds of men and women who turned the world upside down. But over time, something has happened to that once fervent and bravehearted band who dared to be called Christians. Many today have inherited a faith that has no real life or power. Instead of zeal there is apathy. Instead of courage there is timidity. And instead of confidence there is paralyzing doubt."

"Something has to change."

~Introduction to The Bravehearted Gospel.

I've just begun to read Eric Ludy's The Bravehearted Gospel, but even though I've only gotten through the first chapter, I've already been impacted by its message. It's not any easy message to hear...I certainly was cringing while reading some phrases from the book. Am I an Amy Carmichael, rescuing young girls from slavery and prostitution in India's temples? No. Am I a Gladys Alyward, leading a group of children out of dangerous China? I don't think so. These were women who risked their lives for Christ and for others. Yet I'm afraid to simply witness to an unsaved friend.

I know that God doesn't wish all of His children to go on dangerous missions to needy countries, but I think there has been a dramatic change in the Christians of today compared to the Christians of the past. It's so easy to fit in with the rest of the world and to have our religion off to the side. I want to change this in myself, but I know it will be uncomfortable to do so. In chapter 2 of The Bravehearted Gospel, Eric Ludy discusses how Job is a man we are all afraid of being. Job lost everything he cared about, and suffered tremendously until he thought he couldn't bear it any longer.

The question is- could any of us face the challenges that Job went through? Would our faith be strong enough? I want mine to be, but I know I have a long way to go. I wish I had a more passionate fervor for God in my everyday life. By God's grace, I know He can do this work in me, but I have to be willing to let Him transform me. I have to be willing to let Him change and mold me into a braver Christian who isn't afraid of what others think. I have to be willing to be more concerned about "the girl inside" rather than "the girl outside". It's a narrow path to walk, but greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.

What are some things you struggle with? Do you desire for a closer relationship with Christ that transforms your spiritual life and makes you more fervent for Him?

"The bravest are those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, both the glory and danger alike, and yet nevertheless, go out to meet it."--Thucydides

Merry Christmas from The Girl Inside!

May you all rejoice in the birth of our Lord.

Introducing Myself

Hi there! For those of you who don't know me, my name is Sara. I've had my own blog, In Christ Alone, for a little over a year now, so that might be where you've seen me. I am so excited to help Bev out as much as I can on this blog. So many issues Bev has spoken on are close to my heart, and I hope that my writings will be a reflection not only of my thoughts, but of my dear Lord and Savior. He is truly the reason for the change I have experienced in my life. I was saved at a young age (most likely around the ages of 11-12), but the Lord really started working in me when I turned 16. I am currently a sophomore in college, and I'm trying to get into a dental hygiene program at my school. If you want to know more about my life, please give me a visit at my other blog, In Christ Alone.

I am still learning many things along the way, and I am so grateful for my family and the friends God has placed in my life. They have helped me so much in my walk with Him. I pray that my words will mirror Philippians 4:8~ "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."

Once again, I'm looking forward sharing my thoughts with you here. Now it's your turn to introduce yourself--if this is your first time visiting, please leave a comment so Bev and I can get to know you better. A blessed Christmas season to you all!

In Christ Alone,

Sara

Happy Birthday Neesie!!

My beautiful sister is turning 16 today!! Please join me in wishing her a happy birthday. Neesie is 12 years younger then me, but we have always been very close. We never had to worry about the whole "sibling rivalry" thing because she was the answer to a prayer I had for years. I always wanted a sister, and God blessed me with a wonderful one!

Neesie is always willing to help - with a smile! She tolerates the constant demands of her two nieces, and the incessant teasing of her brother-in-law. ;-) All because they love you, right Neesie?

We (E, Lena, Shana and myself) are so thankful for you, and we love you very much. Happy 16th birthday. Mwah!

Welcome, Sara!

Join me in welcoming my sweet friend Sara, who will now be coauthoring this blog with me!

Sara will be helping me with posting as well as coming up with new ideas for this blog. I know she will be a positive addition to The Girl Inside.

I appreciate Sara's spirit and willingness to help, as well as her commitment to our standard of Philippians 4:8.

Welcome, Sara!!