worshipping everything but god

"Every good and perfect gift 

is from above,

coming down from the Father 

of the heavenly lights, 

who does not change 

like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

Hey guys!! It seems like it has been an eternity since I posted, but I am back! Blogs will go back to being posted every other Saturday. My views started decreasing, and sometimes, a break can help get them back up and going again. Now, do not get it twisted lol. I do not post just for views. It is just that I want to reach more people, and if that means taking a step back for a couple of weeks, I will just have to do it. I have spent the last few weeks brainstorming blog ideas, and a whole bunch of other exciting blog related things. So, keep your eye out haha. 

Fun fact : this blog is being posted on my 19th birthday. I honestly feel like I was 18 for many years. I have learned and grown a ton this past year. I am so excited to see how far I will be when I turn 20 next year. My life was so different a year ago, and my life may be so different a year from now. It is just so cool to me to look back on life, and to think / guess what the future holds. 

Also, pretty much the entire month of May, I have hardly had to work. As a nanny working for one family, it is important for me to understand and be flexible for the family. Sometimes, they have other obligations. Such as, company visiting or going on their own vacations. The family I work for is always good about giving me a heads up when things come up, and are very good about being flexible for me. I have no complaints about the lack of work. It has allowed me to spend a lot of time at home, and have like a mini "summer vacation". However, since June 4th, I have to work 8-4 every week day for the rest of the summer. I think working a 40 hour work week will have its challenges, but I am positive it will be a great experience.

I have been out of town a lot recently. I love to travel, but it is hard to always find the time and money to do so. I went to Virginia with some of my family for a few days. I was home for one day, and then, I left with my sister for TN. In Virginia, I spent my days outside doing various activities. It was such a peaceful break from reality. We were literally in the middle of nowhere with no wifi. (And I do not have any data on my phone. So in other words, I was practically off the grid for a while.) The weather was absolutely perfect. In TN, I did various things with my sister. We did not have any real reason to go there, but we just really wanted to go on a road trip together. Plus, TN is super cheap, and the ride there is so pretty. Also, there are many thrift stores to choose from in Maryville, Tennessee in case you were wondering. 

When I was in Virginia especially, I did a lot of thinking. Since I was not able to use social media, I realized the dependency I have on my phone for entertainment. Many of us have heard of the Ten Commandments. But did you know the first two are "You shall have no other gods but Me" and "You shall not make for yourself an idol, nor bow down to it or worship it." Obviously, they are talking about legitimate idols. Back then, they were big into worshipping golden cow statues. Let's look at today's time though. Some of us spend countless hours on social media (aka me). Some of us are obsessed with our partner or someone we like. Some of us work a whole lot. Some of us could watch Netflix for the rest of our life. Whatever it is, it is taking time away from God. 

What is wrong with social media?
Nothing. However, like myself, hours can fly by. I clicked one youtube video three hours ago. I was only going to check instagram for ten minutes, and it has been over an hour of me refreshing the explore page. What things could I have accomplished in all that time I spent online??

What is wrong with loving your partner or finding new love?
Nothing. However, if that person is all you can think about, this will start taking time away from God. This is why a God-centered relationship is an amazing thing. If both of you, put God above the other. The chances of "worshipping" each other diminishes, and you are left with a love God wants to be a part of. What love could be greater than that?

What is wrong with working?
Nothing. However, during your free time, how are you spending it? Are you thinking about work? Once you begin working more and more, your body and mind adjust to focusing on work. Leaving little space for anything else. 

What is wrong with Netflix?
Nothing. However... Well I think we are all getting the point with where this going. 

To wrap this long blog up, simply watch yourself. Whatever, it is you spend a lot of time doing... Make sure you are also equal or more time with God. We are so wrapped up with our short lives here on Earth that we forget about eternity. We will never get close to God by scrolling through memes on Instagram (**writing this so I remember this as well lol). Deuteronomy 4:23-24 says, "So watch yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which the LORD your God commanded you. 'For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.'"

(Screenshot from a video I took in Virginia where I was staying!)

Lastly, you ALL are loved and appreciated! <3 Please keep praying for my grandmother and my cousin's recovery. If you are new here, my grandmother has a failing heart that causes many other health-related problems. My cousin recently had a brain tumor removed. The recovery has not been the easiest on him. 

If you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns about this blog or others, you can comment on here, or dm me on instagram (@newkindofliving or @graceke_). I love hearing from y'all!

PEACE OUT UNTIL NEXT TIME!! <3