Encouragement...

I emailed my sister, Molly, in desparation this past weekend... she is usually really good at encouraging me when I'm down. I wanted to use some of her email reply to encourage all of you:

Colossians 1:10 - And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in knowledge according to HIS GLORIOUS MIGHT so that you may have great ENDURANCE and PATIENCE, and joyfully GIVING THANKS to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. FOR HE HAS RESCUED us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

II Thes. 3:13 - And as for you, (sister), never tire of doing what is right.

I suppose I'm just thinking that your frustration is very understandable. But it's also a distraction. Sarah, because of what has happened physically to you, God has created a ministry for you. You are BEAUTIFUL. You don't see it because your eyes go to the spots no one else's do... You see things no one else sees. The more your mind dwells on those things, the less you are focused on what God wants you to be looking at. Do you realize all the high school/middle school girls who feel like they are unusable by God? AND they feel ugly? Your love for God is contagious and igniting, Sarah... you should share that with people! You should love what He is doing in you, and how it always brings you to thank the Lord for the miracles he's performed in your life. You are a big arrow, Sarah, pointing to God. When you allow yourself to hone in on what Satan whispers, then the arrow shrinks a little. Don't allow yourself to get tired of pursuing the goals God lays in front of you. I don't necessarily know what those are... but you do, or will, as you pray for his knowledge. He's really strong, Sarah... a lot stronger than the devil. Sometimes it feels like they're equal counter parts... but they're not. Satan's a little worm. Tell him so, and then ask God where you should be focusing.
It sounds like maybe you've lost focus, which can cause depression. The things I've been typing are things I've been taught just this past week. I hope it didn't come across preachy... I just could relate SERIOUSLY to how you're feeling. I hope you don't mind the style in which I wrote it. :) I sure love you. I'm really angry that Satan thinks he can have a say in your future. Please shoo him away, girl, or I'll fly up there and do it myself! :) (And honestly, I will, if you need me!)

Isn't that amazing? God can really use that girl! Please be encouraged today!!!

Also- side note- I am doing MUCH BETTER! I learned a lot in church yesterday and I'm learning things from my family every day. Praise God!