Encouragement for Today

“God's viewpoint is sometimes different from ours - so different that we could not even guess at it unless He had given us a Book which tells us such things...In the Bible I learn that God values us not for our strength or our brains but simply because He has made us.”
― Corrie Ten Boom, The Hiding Place 

How To Make Fun Glass Magnets

Hello, friends!  These fun magnets are a blast to make and are the cutest addition to your fridge, dishwasher, locker, or any magnetic surface. 

Fortunately, they don't take a lot of supplies and are not difficult to make.  All you need are some glue, paper, magnets, and glass beads.  The clear glass beads are the ones you would find at the bottom of a fake floral arrangement and come in many different colors and sizes to suit your tastes. 

To start off with, pick out some fun patterned paper and cut out circles roughly the size of your glass beads.  I used a circle hole punch to speed up the process.  This paper pad came from a Hobby Lobby clearance section several years ago and has been one of my most-loved paper collections. 

Place a good-sized dollop (very technical term here!) of glue in the middle of the paper cutout and press the flat side of the glass into it until the glue is evenly spread out and covering all surface area of the paper. 

The backside of the paper glued onto the glass bead will look something like this.  Wait for the glue to dry. It's hard to be patient for this step, but the results are worth waiting for. 

Next, I used Aleene's Glass and Bead glue to adhere the magnet onto the back of the paper-covered glass.  The Elmer's glue I used previously dried clear on the paper which was great, and this Aleene's glue has a super-strong bond so the magnets will not fall off or get lost.  After a few hours of drying, you are ready to enjoy your new magnets!   They make great gifts, too!

Surviving a Secular College as a Christian

Being a Christian while attending a secular college can sound like a daunting experience.  I know I had my hesitations about the environment I would be entering.  These are a few thoughts I have compiled below as I begin my eighth semester of college classes at a secular public university. 

Remember you are not alone.  Though they may be hard to find, there are people on campus who share your Christian beliefs.  I remember my first semester thinking I was literally the only person on campus who had a Christian worldview.  Fortunately, I was wrong. You may not meet every Christian student within the first week, month, or maybe even year.   It can feel very isolating, especially if you don't know anyone at first, but refuse to give up hope!  It may take time, but they are out there somewhere!   

Find a religious group to plug into.  I cannot emphasize this enough!  Look to see what type of Christian organizations are on your campus!  I was blessed enough to find TWO Christian groups that are full of loving, Godly people.  If there is not a Christian group already established, maybe God will lead you to start one.

Rely on relationships from your family, friends, and church.  If you're attending college away from home, find a church home for the time you're there.  Someone from the church will likely be willing to pick you up and drop you off if you don't have transportation. 

Be the one to reach out to others.  It is more blessed to give than to receive, and truly he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.  The world is full of broken souls who need to be reminded that they are valued, loved, and needed.  

Be confident in your faith.  Read an apologetics book if it'll help you be more comfortable with your responses to tough questions.  I really liked "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel.  Never apologize or be embarrassed to confess your faith.  Your beliefs are just as valid as anyone else's, and you have every right to them.  

Keep up your Bible reading and prayer time. Life gets super busy with college classes, so keep your time with God a priority.  As Corrie ten Boom says, "Don't pray when you feel like it.  Rather, have an appointment with the Lord, and keep it!" Pencil it in your schedule if it'll help you keep your appointment.  As wonderful as outside Christian friends, groups, and churches are, they cannot take the place of your personal time alone with the Lord.  

Be rooted in your beliefs, but have an open mind.  I started college with the mindset that I had to shield and protect myself from everyone and everything that I might come into contact with because it would go against my beliefs.  I am blessed to say this has not been my experience.  I've had my share of outspoken atheistic professors, but the good far outweighs the bad and they did not succeed in pushing their beliefs on me. 

Remember God is with you ALWAYS (Matthew 28:20).  You are never alone because God is with you and has gone before you.  He is the One who will give you strength and keep you safe in His loving arms.  Rest in the promise that He will never leave you or forsake you.  

Blessings,

Emily