Changes...and Real Emotions

  

  (I got this picture off the Internet)

So, once again my blog has changed. I think it changes as I change. I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a while, I've been super busy not to mention a little depressed at times.
     As a teenager, depression comes easy. "She's prettier...she has a boyfriend...he just got the iPhone and I'm stuck with a hand-me-down Motorola....I failed my test but Bobby always aces his..." and so many more statements such as these often tumble out of the mouths of teens, out of our mouths. I have to admit it is hard to see your friend and her boyfriend (or your friend and his girlfriend) holding hands, smiling, etc., and not feel left out-especially if you yourself haven't been in a relationship. Or walking with your friend down the hall as she receives smiles and an occasional second-glance, yet feel as if you're passed over. These are common emotions, and for sure are real emotions. However, when we size ourselves up like this, when we let the depression sink in, that hurts God. He created us to be exactly who we are, He created us *perfectly*, in His image--perfect in His eyes. Blemished or clear skin, skinny or round, straight or curly hair, green or brown eyes; however God made you, you are perfect. You may not understand, you may be upset that once again you look in the mirror and see a blemished face, eyes red from crying, hair that never stays in one place, and you know what God sees? Your heart.
   Outside appearances don't necessarily matter to God--but I know they matter to us. We're human, and that's all there is to it. I myself struggles with these very same emotions, these very real feelings that don't easily go away. Prayer, Scripture reading, and listening to uplifting music can help bring you out of this rut, although it also takes some hard determination. One song that reminds me of God is "Better Than a Hallelujah" by Amy Grant. "God loves a lullaby, and a Mother's tears in the dead of night better than a hallelujah sometimes...". This song shows me that God listens when our hearts are breaking, that He wants to know what makes us tick, what makes us dissolve in tears, what shatters our hearts. He needs us to tell Him-He already knows everything that goes on and isn't surprised by it, but we still need to tell Him, to pour out our broken and bleeding hearts so that He may mend them.
    I've come across the title, "an unclaimed treasure" several times, and have decided to for now claim that title for my blog. I'm not "claimed" by humanity. When someone sees me on the street, they probably see just another girl, just another human being. I'm not known world-wide like Faith Hill and Jennifer Nettles, this world doesn't have a "claim" on me. The "treasured" part comes from God. Whereas this world may see just another girl, God sees a beautiful treasure, captivated by His love and tender mercies, a girl with a specific purpose, with a heart and a soul, with love and compassion. That's what God sees-no matter what this world may see.
Dear Reader, God loves you this way too. You are His Unclaimed Treasure, and in the KJV Bible God actually calls us His "peculiar treasures" in Exodus 19 I believe.
Love y'all,
   Simply Jen