Important Clarification

It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted on my blog. Part of the reason is because our internet has been acting up, and the other part is because I've just been busy. Sometimes I think I get so wrapped up in my "online life"(blogging, e-mailing, keeping up with the sports I like, etc.) that I set it WAY too high on my priority list and spend more time than I should online. God is working with me on this issue, and it's just another nail, holding me to the cross of the crucifixion of my sinful nature, and fleshly desires. It's necessary pruning being done by the Perfect Gardener, but that doesn't mean that it's any less painful.
Another thing I wanted to post about today: Many of you commented on my last post, "Be Still". I am humbled by some of the things people have commented to me on my blog, and also by the amount of people who didn't comment online, but rather told me in person how it blessed and encouraged them. But I'm beginning to feel as though people are seeing and praising MY work, and looking at ME, much more than is beneficial or necessary.
I want to make this clear: My writings aren't MY writings. I want to make sure that is crystal clear!! God gives me the things I write, some of which I post on my blog, and many of which I share with a few others, or just keep in my journal. The only reason I share them is because at certain times God leads me to do so, and then I hope the glory will go to Him, not me.
Apart from my Prince, Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, I am nothing. Everything good in me is because He has washed away the filthiness of my self-centeredness and somehow brought me to the place where I am broken enough for Him to effectively use me for Him and His work. the last thing I want is people to look at my writing, my talents, my service, or my life and say "Wow, she's a great person. She's a fantastic writer. She has amazing talent." No, no, NO! Because none of it, nothing is about me! I want those who observe my actions and my life to say, "There is a girl who genuinely loves God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. Yes, she has many mistakes and shortcomings, but she serves the God who's strength is perfected in weakness', and whose love knows no boundaries. If He can take a selfish, arrogant, complaining teen who has so many struggles, and still prune, break, and mold her into something beautiful, then He can do the same with anybody else!" That is what I desire. Not just for this blog, but for every aspect of my life.

Not to say that I don't enjoy all the encouraging and thoughtful comments, because I sincerely do. I just want to make sure that you don't praise me because of anything good in me that isn't from me. I don't deserve any of the praise or glory from something that isn't any of my doing. Praise my God for all He has done. Then if you wish to share any "leftovers" of your thoughts on the post, etc., leave and comment and I will read it and also be encouraged. But let's give glory, praise, and to the correct and worthy recipient.

On my quest to "Be Still" here are some verses that the Holy Spirit has been using to speak to me, and help me to grow spiritually. Maybe they will do the same for you.
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away. And every one that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee:because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galations 5:13 (I've read and memorized Galations 5:13-26, and by doing so I have been blessed. Read this chapter next time you open your Bible!)