22 Questions to ask yourself

In the midst of attempting to pick up me room (key word attempt) listening to 89.7 (Smile FM), they brought up a list of 22 questions to ask our Christian hearts daily. I felt they truly are wonderful conversation starters to have with God, and grow what He has cultivated within us. Some of them were surprising to me, and then shortly a spark ignited that was deeply challenging. See how these questions work within your heart. May He be with you today and always!

You can find more at http://www.smilefm.blotspot.com.

"More than 200 years ago, John Wesley's Holy Club used this list of 22 Questions to challenge themselves each day in their private devotions. Here is the list:"

1. Am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in my acts and words or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I pass on what was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habit?
6. Am I self conscious, self pitying, or self justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give time to speak to me everyday?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone about my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist on doing something on which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous, impure, touchy, or distrustful?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people (like the Pharisees)?
20. Is there anyone I fear, or dislike, or criticize or resent? If so, what am I doing about it?
21. Do I grumble and complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me?

This 90 degree weather is making even the trees sweat

It's official. I know that surviving in a tropical climate is something I very well couldn't do. This weather does not invite me outside...and we have a pool! The heat just feels absolutely claustrophobic to me, like the heat is going to suffocate me.

On that note, I've never been so thankful for central air conditioning.

The inside temperature has been lovely for having lots of wonderful journal conversations with God, and indeed learning and growing in the process. I am venturing through Matthew right now, and really dove into the depths of Chapter 16 today-- take a look for yourself and please share with me how it speaks to you. I'd love to see what He unfolded to you in this section. I loved the contrast I deciphered of feeling so called by God, and then in another instance, how our humanness, our emotions, our selfishness, can speak louder than Him. WHOA I thought. Simon Peter was such a stunning example of this change within the context of the same conversation. I realized how God gets SOO excited when we have spiritual epiphanies and acceptance of our spiritual gifts, and he is hurt when our humanness acts in their place. It truly invigorated me to take great faith and joy in His commands and plans-- even if they are not picture perfect. Or uncomfortable. He knows all. He created us. He will always know us better than we will ever know ourselves. Let us celebrate this!!

I just finished reading Fearless by Max Lucado, and now I am going back and answering some of the questions he proposes for contemplation and action. I think it's going to be great to look my anxiety in the eyes and conquer it with Him-- hopefully once and for all. Now reading wise I am onto The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I've only heard good things about it-- I originally heard about it in one of our Casual Small Groups back in winter semester. Reading has been such a haven for me this summer, and it feels so right. I've always been a a book fan, and I think this fact shall always ring true.

My family had a wonderful 4th of July Up North, with a homemade fireworks display by my uncle. It was crazy neat! He spent so much time on them-- we all loved our own private show! It was a wonderfully hot weekend, and in the lake was our prime meeting location. My sister and I wakeboarded, and did lots of sunbathing with my mom and the rest of the family. OH!! And I cooked zucchini lemon pasta with chicken. I even cut the chicken!! It was a big deal. I got to wear my grandma's apron and it just felt spiritually overwhelming. May forever cooking unit me with her and I will never complain to do it! The evenings were always electric too, with campfires & laughter & fireflies. All around, it was a very blessed holiday!

Sunday will be my first official day working at Macy's. I work in Swim Recovery...this sounds dangerous to me. I bet maybe I am taking clothes from the dressing room back onto the floor? I guess we shall see.

Life is good, and I am feeling rebirthed in all sorts of wonderful ways. I just pray I can infuse this mindset into the future of traffic in this life. Let us give thanks for the gifts of this day!

Yay for the 4th of July!

We've made it a recent tradition to go into West Branch to watch the fireworks. And if you couldn't tell, it's mandatory to wear red, white, and blue. Oh and of course, invest in Dairy Queen.

Today we are venturing to one of my favorites places in the whole awesome world: Up North Michigan. It's been the inspiration and theme for nearly all of my creative writing pieces, but most importantly the source of peace, family, friends, summer, and love.

4th of July happens to be one of my favorite excursions to Elk Lake. The lake is congested with dozens of boats cruising the lake. There's lawn games and fruit bowls, and gallons of sunscreen. There's loons strumming afternoon hymns and geese chiming in as the angry teenagers. There's teepee-shaped campfires and grilling galore. There's beach volleyball and campfire karaoke. There's grandpa and Gladys, and a sea of grandkids running around. There's the canopying trees and the effervescent aroma of summer.

Heaven on earth. I couldn't be more excited!

May you have a blessed 4th of July full of smiles and adventures! I can't wait to share my adventures upon return next week: )

I love running with the sunset

Life has been nothing but sunshine and smiles lately.

I truly believe the best summer days are those where the main apparel worn is a bathing suit, and this truth was in full swing today. Our backyard oasis was the perfect setting. I read magazines, discussed passions with my sister, and read more of the wonderful book a dear friend lent to me, Fearless by Max Lucado. He may be one of my new favorite Christian authors! I love when it feels as if He himself called me to read such a book.

I was blessed to spend 4 days in Allendale in the presence of friends that are better described as sisters. We had a totally God-led time together and we wouldn't of had it any other way. We watched and danced in the sunset at Grand Haven. We sat in the kitchen and talked for hours. We saw Toy Story 3. We watched the light show in Grand Haven. We rocked out to Taylor Swift. We made funny videos contorting out voices. We created a sprinkler out of a Barg's 2-liter...thankfully this later turned into Miner Lake.

God is SO GOOD! Linds received a phone call that she didn't have to work, and everything worked out wonderfully to venture to Mike's cottage. We rode with the windows down and music in full bloom all the way there. We swam. We jet-skied. We laughed. We ate outside. We played games. We got to be together on a beautiful summer day. Praise God! It was by far one of my favorite days of this summer...words can only begin to describe the happiness we shared and the celebration of friendship present!

Lately I've gotten to do some wonderful journaling. I've realized that God has totally written on my heart (pun intended) that I feel best at the end of the day when I've taken time to sit and write to Him and with Him. Even if it's a few sentences. It's wonderful because it's an everlasting conversation, and I am so grateful He has led me to this time called summer to be realigned with the true depths of my heart. It's AMAZING. I just pray I am listening and moving in the right ways He is calling me too.

This summer I've been working hard to workout regularly and eat healthier too.

I am eating more greens and foods that 'don't come in a box.' I only drink pop on weekends. I drink water like it's going out of style. I've ate less fast food, and if I do, I often politely decline fries (even though it very well kills me). I am not eating after 9pm-- smores may have to be an exception! It's really not about losing weight (although I have lost 5 lbs), it's about living and breathing my best self, spiritually, mentally, and physically. I want eating healthy and working out to be a part of the everyday and not the once-in-a-while. I bet if I added it up I've ran over 75 miles since school has gotten out! I've also swam across the lake, wakeboarded, walked, danced, Zumbad, done a few workout DVD's, and smile a lot. I very well am in the best shape I have ever been in, which is a totally awesome feeling!! I may not be the size the world wants me to be, but I couldn't care less. I am Sarah A. Schultz, and I was created to be me as I am. And for the first time, I can honestly say I've never felt so confident and at peace in my own skin.

Praise God!

I get to pack tomorrow for UP NORTH. I can't wait-- for UP NORTH that is!!

Puppy Love

Meet Emme. 4 months old. Golden retriever.

This week the great part of my time, energy, and happiness have been spent with Emme. She is a 4-month old golden retriever with an overflowing smile and heart. Never growing up with furry pets due to parents with severe allergies, I really wasn't sure what to expect, especially since she is such a beautiful and new addition to this earth. We were given great instructions as to her care, and I felt nothing but excited for the week ahead. To be truthful, I've never been a huge fan of pets, simply because I've seen them when they get hyper when a new face walks in, or they'd slobber all over me or bark or do something that simply felt overwhelming and/or threatening. God knew this I am sure, and he has totally softened my heart this week.

But I totally get it now. They simply want to play and love as they know how. And I think I just might say it, oh gosh I think it's coming-- I would love to have a dog someday. I never thought I'd say this! I can't wait to share more and look forward to enjoying our last days as her caretakers.

I can't wait to share of the other adventures we've been on this week! I will share soon. It's been nothing short of a puppy-fun-filled week: )