The Search for a Hero

           Somewhere deep inside, we're all searching for a hero. Girls are looking for a hero to sweep them off their feet and make their dreams come true. Guys are looking for a hero to teach them what it means to fight the winning battle. The only problem is that most of us are looking in all the wrong places! We're looking in the movies, books, and video games. We're looking in the world around us, but our hero isn't there. The heroes in the comic books saved the day, Jesus saved the world. The heroes in the comic books fall in love with the pretty girl, Jesus fell in love with each of us before we were born. The heroes in the comic books had flaws to overcome, and fell prey to the desire for power, Jesus is God, more powerful than anyone on earth and He humbled Himself and lived in the filth of the earth. The heroes in the comic books risk their lives, Jesus came knowing He would die. There's nothing wrong with the heroes in the stories, or the real-life heroes around us. They are something to look up to, and we should always thank the real-life heroes for their service. But who is your ultimate hero? Who is the one that your life will revolve around? Who really saved you? 
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.The same was in the beginning with God.All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." ~ John 1: 1-5
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." ~John 1:14
                                                        ~Katie Stone~

Finding Joy in the Crazy

      I'm the oldest of 5 kids, and my youngest two siblings are a 2 year old, and a 4 month old. Needless to say, life gets really crazy sometimes. The house we're renting has crayon all over the walls, and the floor is always covered in something; dish soap, cooking oil, water, you name it! Today I was babysitting the two littlest and the baby was screaming, the toddler was getting into everything, and I was ready to pull my hair out. Sometimes I'm just so done, but then I see the light in my little brother's eyes. To him, all the world is new and exciting! When my baby sister is screaming she'll hold tight to you and nestle her head in your shoulder. It doesn't stop being crazy, but joy is oftentimes found in the crazy. Years later, all the memories will be in the crazy. So don't give up when life is insane, instead open your eyes, keep them wide with child-like wonder and find the beauty in life.
                                   ~Katie Stone~

The Warriors On Their Knees

       The world is a controversial place. Sometimes it seems like it's gotten worse, and maybe it has. But standing for truth is very rarely the popular thing to do. In England, anytime a Catholic was on the throne, Protestants were persecuted. Anytime a Protestant was on the throne, Catholics were persecuted. This is only one example of times throughout history when it has not been safe to stand up for the truth. I guess because America began as a Christian country, we all got too comfortable. Christianity was celebrated in America! It was popular to go to church on Sunday, and wear a cross necklace! However, America has been thrown into more and more turmoil these past few years, to the point where true Christianity is criticized, and Atheism and other religions are taking hold. We should not be surprised at this "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" ~John 15: 19. Now, some are called to speak out, and certainly there are some things that we can do! But I think we've too easily forgotten the most powerful effect we can have. My dear friends, our own strength will never be enough to break through the lies of the enemy. Indeed, we will ourselves fall prey to lies and deceit. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." ~ Matthew 26:41 The last part of that verse is quoted all the time! But did you ever realize that the answer to the predicament is there too? "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." That, my brothers and sisters, is where our power lies. In prayer. Because we will never be strong enough, the most world-changing, heart-changing thing we can do is pray to the Creator of the universe. The Savior of our souls. The Great Judge. Nothing is beyond His power and His influence! He is the King of the universe, and nothing can stand against Him! It is by Him we were created, and it is only in Him that we are able to learn the truth! So sure, post some articles. Definitely talk to your friends about controversial topics (With love and biblical truth) but brothers, sisters, friends. The winning battles will be fought down on our knees. Pray together “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” ~Matthew 18:20. and pray alone "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." ~Matthew 6:6. Above all, "Pray without ceasing" ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
                                                     ~Katie Stone~