Cling To What Is Good :)

2012-01-10T21:15:00.000-06:00

More purity give me,
More strength to o'ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains,
More longings for home;
More fit for the kingdom,
More useful I'd be,
More blessed and holy,
More, Savior, like Thee.

—Philip P. Bliss, "More Holiness Give Me"

Are you struggling right now? What are you in need of? What are you searching for? I know, just as the song lyrics plead, that I need more purity, strength, and separation from the world. I need a more centered focus on heaven, on reaching souls, and on serving others and God. I need to be more like my Jesus. Sometimes I get discouraged (one of Satan's best tools, by the way) and wonder if I will ever measure up.

I can't. Not alone, anyway. I needed Someone's help, and Jesus was the only One who could offer that help. He truly was tempted just as we are, but lived a perfect—sinless!—life (Hebrews 4:15b) and therefore is the one and only acceptable, eternal sacrifice for our ugly, selfish, heavy sins (Hebrews 10:1-14). His blood was the only thing that could allow me to "measure up" before God (Ephesians 1:7). I was able to come in contact with that redeeming blood through baptism (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4), and now it continues to cleanse me as I strive to take each step in the light (1 John 1:7).

We forget that a lot, don't we? The simplicity—yet the divine significance—of having such a High Priest, such a Best Friend, such a Shepherd...

He knows when we are trying (Matthew 5:8).
He knows when we aren't (cf. Matthew 9:4).
He knows our hearts (cf. Psalm 44:21; Psalm 139:1-4; Acts 1:24)
If you're searching, keep seeking (Matthew 7:7-8).
If you're struggling, keep striving (1 Corinthians 10:13).
If you are a Christian, trust and have faith, because He understands, and He will never leave (Hebrews 13:5b; Psalm 9:10).
If you're not a Christian, ask yourself why; study, because He has given us all we need to know (2 Peter 1:3) and His Word is perfect (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is the single most important thing you will ever decide on.
He knows when we truly desire more—and He is ever-ready to fill that void with His wisdom, strengthening tests, guidance, blessings, purity, humility, comfort, and on and on...

He has done far too much for you and me for us to never begin, or to give up in the middle of the fight.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." -James 1:5-8

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need." -Hebrews 4:16

Memorization

2011-10-05T12:32:00.000-05:00

As children in Bible classes, we were often assigned portions of Scripture to memorize and recite the next time we would meet. I can recall learning the passage and reciting it with pride, only to forget it within a week's time. The same routine continued throughout high school, though this time with academics. Formulas in math were only stored mentally for a short time (i.e. until the test was passed), as were Shakespearean quotes, governing laws, and Spanish verb conjugations.

There are many "popular" Bible passages that people all over the world have memorized: John 3:16, Psalm 23, I Corinthians 13:4-8 are just a few. Theses passages are beautiful, meaningful, comforting, and lovely! Knowing them by heart can bring reassurance and peace in times of trouble and in day-to-day life.

Now let's look at Psalm 119:11, "Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You" (NASB). It seems here that the Psalmist is on to something we too often fail to take notice of. We tend to memorize passages of Scripture that are "feel good" passages--and we should! But do we realize that a tool for fighting temptation is right at our fingertips? Why don't we memorize verses such as Galatians 5:16-17,

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please."

Or Romans 6:12-14,

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace."

Why do we suppress these Scriptures when we begin thinking of passages we'd like to "treasure in our hearts?" Do we maybe not feel good when we read these verses? Do we maybe feel convicted, pierced, pricked to the heart? One of our main motives for memorizing Scripture should be as we read in Psalm 119:11, "That I may not sin against You [God]."

Which passages in God's Word convict you? Which are difficult for you to read, because you know you struggle to follow them? I know I have many, and I need to etch them more deeply into my heart, as well. I challenge us to find those Scriptures--and memorize them, write them down! When we learn to treasure Scriptures that encourage and warn us to keep from sin, we will find that indulging in Satan's destructive traps becomes less and less enticing and obeying God's perfect commands becomes more and more appealing.

Very Quickly

2011-09-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

...shall I update about college! As I type, I sit on a chocolate brown couch outside Room 8 in the upstairs of a very old building. I am joyously eavesdropping on the Chorale practicing their pieces and hoping I can make it out of here before they catch me. :0)

My roommate's name is Timberly; we are so blessed to have each other. We've enjoyed days of comforting one another and nights of ceaseless laughter. A true, not-conformed-to-the-world Christian friend is a valuable, valuable blessing in this generation. We've also added another roommate recently--Franchesca Pearl, Timberly's goldfish, who I'd venture to say has had the longest lifespan of a campus fish-pet yet.

Many blessings has the Lord bestowed upon me in my short time here so far...thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers as I graduated high school and prepared for this step in my life! I hope to organize my thoughts more efficiently and share some encouragement with you very soon. I hope you're enjoying the "little" blessing He puts in each and every day...they're there. :)

Explanation & Things To Come, Lord Willing

2011-07-25T14:53:00.000-05:00

Having a blog is sometimes more stressful than it should be. I haven't posted in a good while, but I'm busy with good things! We had church camp--a convicting, growing experience--and our Gospel meeting. I attended a week of VBS and various meetings at local congregations, and also went on a rafting trip with some friends from camp. All with babysitting, which I still love. I've been able to finish up Nehemiah and Esther recently, and I am LOVING the book of Job right now. Once I start reading, I never want to stop! This summer I have been doing a study of Acts--which I am LOVING as well! (One reason I don't blog as often is because most of the free time I have now goes to the Acts study, which I hope you'll gauge "A Good Thing.")

So, I guess this is kind of an "explanation" blog.

I stress when I don't post, but don't really know why. I also stress about Facebook. That thing is a bummer. I don't particularly enjoy it, but now I get "important" messages (babysitting, college info, time & date & place memos) on there so I feel like I HAVE to check it. If you have a suggestion on how to deal, please share. :0)

Right now I have a bajillion things I want to blog about (especially verses and great things God has done and is doing!) but I want to work on the Acts study. ;0) I hope you'll come back soon, because I do have encouragement to share. Please pray for me! (College starts Aug. 20--I'm in a frenzy!)

Such As These

2011-06-17T10:41:00.001-05:00

My closest companions since beginning the daycare job in February have been persons ages 5 and below. I'm not complaining. :) I miss my kiddos (not just my class of 2 and 3's, but the 4 and 5's next door, too!) from the daycare immensely, but...

This has been the second week of my "new job"--babysitting a just-turned-2-year-old who is as sweet as a whole batch of chocolate chip cookies.

As I type, my mind replays the theme song to Bubble Guppies and something feels quite not right about sitting at a computer rather than a puzzle. Little boy and family are currently on vacation, and I am readying things for church camp; so I won't see him next week either. I miss him already.

This week has also been Vacation Bible School at our congregation. Wouldn't you guess it, I was asked to help with the 2 and 3 year old class. Surely, gladly, and AMEN. :) Every night of VBS, I think we had anywhere from 13-17 kiddos in our age group. WOW. Thankfully, we had a lot of help!

Saturday I'll head to the camp premises to prep for the kids' arrival Sunday afternoon. I'm a staff member again this year...working with--yep, you guessed it--the Peewees.

I never thought I'd be this much in love with a bunch of rowdy, sticky, giggly, whiny, precious, clumsy, cuddly kiddos. This would be the appropriate time to adamantly declare, "I will not, will not, will not be a teacher!"

More clearly now, I am seeing deeper into Jesus' statement in Matthew 18:3, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." I like being with children. They're enthralled by the simplest joys and easy to persuade. Below a certain age, they're sugar-sweet, affectionate, and virtually attitude-free. Many of them have yet to be poisoned by the worldly values that entangle us teens and adults.

I like the innocence, purity, and simple focus of a child.

I want so much to maintain that child-like conversion that was made when I was baptized into Christ, dying to my self and my sin.

I want to trust and obey God, simply because I know He loves me and provides for me.

I want to have a humble innocence, undefiled by lusts of this world.

I want to hear His voice above all else, humbly following where He leads, because "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Mark 10:14)

Shouldn't we all strive for that? My Daddy has always been what I call a "child-whisperer." He can literally look at a crying baby and make the tears vanish. He LOVES holding babies and running in circles with toddlers. Maybe he's discovered that these children are good examples of what we must be like to enter heaven. Cling to the children you know. They'll teach you a few things. :)

End of May Events

2011-05-30T15:31:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm officially an alumnus of my high school. That sounds weird, so I don't like to say it. I think Mama looks plain giddy in this family photo after the ceremony. :)

Grandmommy and me after the ceremony!

Right after my graduation, we rushed down the road to the next town over where Trent was graduating. I really like this picture of us. He is so handsome. :)

On the far right is the church youth director, Keith (and his wife Laurie on the far left). They work so diligently for God and do so much that goes unnoticed. Keith and Laurie prepared a YUMMY dinner for us grads and our families. From left to right: Laurie, Trent, Hannah, Michael, Carter, Keith.

Last Friday was my last day at the daycare. They had summer workers returning, and I suspected my hours would be cut and I would be moved to another class. Plus, gas for my old Ford is getting outrageous. So, I'm just babysitting around town for the summer. I'm really going to miss my kiddos from the daycare...

Today Trent took me on a date. :) I may have mentioned before that Trent speaks one Sunday out of the month at a small congregation out in the country. It's a beautiful ride out there, and there is a nice grassy area behind the building where the church meets. We had a nice drive out there, a picnic, and we enjoyed reading our Bibles & talking in the peaceful setting:

We are so blessed to live in this place. The freedom that I have to enjoy such a peaceful hometown, worship my God publicly, and live with such abundant blessings is one that I am thankful for, especially today. Though I am joyfully and eternally a slave of righteousness to God, I am also free to live a life of service for Him here without fear because of many men and women. I can hardly comprehend their drive, love, bravery, and dedication. God bless them and their families. Happy Memorial Day, everyone.

Lots of Things and Glory to God.

2011-05-20T13:03:00.000-05:00

This is going to be random, but that's okay.

I've started teaching my first Bible class! Although I've helped out before, I've never done it alone. Well, actually God is with me now, so I'm still not solo. :) The class needed a summer teacher, and since I won't have school in the summer, this is a good opportunity! They are 4 and 5 year olds. This is the bulletin board I put up:

You probably can't see it, but I have yarn push-pinned to the world, showing all cultures of children are loved by Jesus. It's simple, but they can understand it! I put it up one Friday night, and Trent went with me so I didn't have to be by myself at night. Not that a church building is dangerous, but anyway...he took World Geography last year, and had a great time poking fun at me making the globe. Apparently I left off Cuba and Hawaii and other places. My bad, people; God loves you, too! The lessons are centered around "Christ's Church Today." I have really been enjoying this--and learning, too.

Our lesson last week involved Jesus preaching and teaching. They had scrolls back then, so I made scrolls for the kids to take home. (My mom did that when she taught that class, so she helped me figure out how to do it!)

The memory verse for that week was written inside: "Listen to the word of the LORD..."-Hosea 4:1a. These are so fun! Also, my good friend Ginny came to worship with me, and she sat in the 4 & 5 year old class with me during Bible class hour. She got a scroll, too, and put it in her Senior Book. :')

We had a church camp meeting last Saturday evening, and I needed something fast and easy to make. I made mini muffins and put them in a basket. I kind of wanted to walk through the woods in a red-hooded cloak to get there, but it was, like, 30 minutes away...

Just thought these were cute. :)

One of the women in the church gave me a cute little cookie cutter SHAPED LIKE A CHICKEN! :D So, a.) I love to bake cookies, and b.) I love country things. So, here they are:

The cookie cutter had a dough recipe and an icing recipe tied to it, so I followed those. I think I baked them a little too long, but they tasted pretty good. I hope you can tell they are chickens. The icing kind of makes them not look like chickens. Hm.

We had Awards Day on Wednesday. It's really dark in our auditorium, but this picture actually turned out good. This is one of my great teachers/friends/mentors , Mrs. Little, and me:

I'm really, really going to miss her.

After Bible class last Wednesday, a little celebration was held in honor of the graduates. One couldn't attend, but here's a picture of Trent, Michael, and me:

And Daddy, Ginny, and me:

I'm really going to miss her, too.

One last thing. I've known all year that as salutatorian, I would have to speak tonight at graduation. I really thought I could pass it up (or make a B in Pre-Cal, so the next in line could speak). But I knew God wanted me to do this. What I have to say is simple, but glorifying to my God. I have been praying that it goes well. Thanks to many friends, I have been thinking on these verses:

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth." ~Psalm 115:1.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous hand." ~Isaiah 41:10. (God was speaking to His people Israel in the Old Testament, but it encourages and comforts me; Romans 15:4).

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." ~Colossians 3:17.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline." ~2 Timothy 1:7.

I'm so thankful for this whole past year, and so thankful He has brought me to this point. I hope and pray tonight goes well...for His glory.

An Example in Selflessness

2011-04-16T16:56:00.000-05:00

Friday, because it had been raining, I took my daycare kids to the gym to play until their parents arrived. When we walked in, one of the other teachers was trying to open a large closet where we keep the trikes, balls, and other gym toys. Probably 10-15 children, screaming for the "big bikes," were crowding around the door. The teacher was able to subdue them just long enough to get the door open. I walked over and did my best to help ration out the toys; the crowd began to disperse and play. I noticed that the door, which normally closes itself if no one is holding it, was staying open.

At the very back of the crowd stood a tiny little girl with a grin on her face, halfway hidden behind the door, holding it open with her sweet little hands. Immediately I went over to her, picked her up, and leaned against the door to keep it open. Hugging her tight, I whispered, "You are so sweet. Oh, you are so sweet." She grinned and rested her head on my shoulder, linking her arms around my neck.

At nearly 4 years old, she has lost someone very important in her life, but you wouldn't know it. She has had to mature quickly, but she doesn't pity herself. She hurts sometimes, but she is strong. She is kind. She is not a selfish child by any means, and that is a lesson for me.

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus," -Philippians 2:3-5

Duty, Honor, Privilege

2011-04-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

"but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts." -1 Thessalonians 2:4

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." -2 Corinthians 5:20

These two Scriptures have been deep in my heart, mind, and soul this week. They are simple, concise, and convicting. Many blessings and lessons from God have entered my life this week, as well as new friends and family in Christ! Amid the joy, my heart has been pierced by God through various brothers and sisters to more deeply acknowledge an incredible truth: when one becomes a Christian, his or her life's purpose becomes none other than to share Jesus. The only reason God allows me another day on this earth is to use me for His glory and His purpose.

We must "present [ourselves] to God as those alive from the dead, and [our] members as instruments of righteousness to God," Romans 6:13b.

We must go about doing good, Acts 10:38, Galatians 6:10.

We must boldly, yet humbly, let our lives proclaim, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me," Galatians 2:20.

We must realize the only way to find ourselves is to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus, Matthew 16:24.

We must allow God to spread the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of His Son through us, 2 Corinthians 2:14-15!

We must acknowledge that even when we fulfill His commands, we are still unworthy, but we have accomplished our duty for our Master, Luke 17:10.

Do we realize that God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)? We are justified, sanctified, freed by His blood shed in death, that we come in contact with through baptism (Romans 6:3-7; 5:9)! We turn from slaves of sin to slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:17-18)! Servants of the Most High God! Ambassadors, representatives, of Jesus Christ.

There is no greater duty, honor, and privilege in this life for any human soul!

I Love Me, I Love Me Not...

2011-04-04T09:43:00.001-05:00

When I was in about 7th grade, I was part of a girls class called C.L.E.A.R - "Christian Ladies Eager and Ready." We began studying this book about Christian womens' self-esteem. I didn't have a copy of the book myself, but I remember our teacher giving us handouts from time to time. I was so young then, that a lot of what was discussed didn't seem to apply to me, so I didn't save my handouts.

Then, when I was about 16, I found a copy of the book at a thrift store! Mama bought it for me (and it sat on my shelf for a year and a half, because I have too many books that are on my "going to read" list). This year I began reading the book. I have one chapter left, and it's been wonderful. Mrs. McKnight held a survey of Christian women, trying to discover the greatest self-esteem builders and destroyers. Each chapter (there are 13) addresses the main ones. I especially appreciate how she relates the importance of a healthy self-esteem to being a faithful and successful Christian woman. It's been a challenging and eye-opening read for me. I recommend it, especially if you have struggled or are struggling with self-esteem issues.

Chapter 12 happens to be about self-discipline. That wasn't included in her survey, but she included a chapter anyway. And, boy, she hit the nail on the head with that one for me. One reason "I love me not"? I have been late to school 7 times this year.

Today makes 8. I hope in years to come my employers won't look back on this post and decide to not hire me because of my lack of punctuality. In fact, I do very well on making it to work on time...

Anyway, actually I knew I was going to be late, and I can't get detention because of work, so I'm hanging out at home. Now, before you write me off as a troublemaker, some of those 8 were legit! Others...not so much. I sometimes stay up late reading (the Bible!) and have trouble getting up in the morning. Sometimes I wake up and remember I didn't pray first, so I lie back down, close my eyes, and *Zzzz...* Other days I do admit my hair just won't quit frizzin', and before I know it, it's 7:51. (And you know the Ones-In-Charge at school won't accept these excuses, especially considering my mother is a teacher and I live 3 miles from school.)

It's almost humorous, I know.

But, it's alright. I can now use my time at home for my Bible studies before work! And, I have lots of birthday cards to be written. I even got to blog. And one suggestion in Mrs. McKnight's book? Keep a tabbed notebook with sections such as "Personal Bible Study Notes," "Goals," "Family & Friends," "Prayer Lists," -- whatever tabs fit your organization and self-discipline needs! So, today (while I'm home) I believe I'll do that.

Blog Catch-Up...

2011-03-28T20:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been working at the daycare for about a month and a half now. While there are still days I am exhausted and overwhelmed, I love my job. It really doesn't seem like a job at all, quite honestly. (Except for getting that paycheck, which always surprises me! Ha!) I have a whole treasure chest of funny and sweet stories in my heart. Plus, I've got several "new" little faces that constantly float around in my mind and are named in my prayers often.

I have a few pictures that I've been meaning to post on here. Now that I have a few minutes, I'll post them and explain. They don't flow together...sorry. :)

So, I'm pretty sure it's legal to show you a picture of my classroom at daycare. (I mean, there's no way anyone could tell what town it's in or figure out any of the kids' identities...) Anyway, there are two other women that work from early in the morning till the time I get there so it's more their room than mine, but still.

The youth group in the church held a Valentine's Dinner for ages 50 and up this year. It was really a lot of fun--and a good learning experience. Our preacher's wife decorated the fellowship hall, as you can see above. I thought it was so cute! (And I can't get over those yellow walls--my FAVORITE color! Oh, but she didn't paint those (ha!), they were already that color.)

Our local newspaper sold advertisement-type boxed sections for Valentine's Day. We live in a small, country town, so this particular message cracked me up. You just have to love people.

In our Wednesday night teen class, we've started something new--and I'm thoroughly enjoying the challenge. Our teacher, Keith, asked us all to choose a book of the Bible we'd like to study more in-depth; we also have a book about how to study the Bible that we're utilizing along with our own personal studies. I'm guilty of "reading a few chapters a day," but not really studying. Sometimes I choose certain topics to study, which is also good, but I've never chosen a single book before. This is challenging! I like it. I chose Hebrews. I'll try to keep you updated on certain readings that I'm studying more in-depth.

Just in reading so far, I came across Hebrews 2:18--"For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted."

One of the greatest things about the Word of God? You can read It over and over, and you always find something new or something you didn't quite grasp before. As I've mentioned before, I struggle in my relationship with Trent. This is a daily battle. I am hesitant to approach God with these struggles, because I know in my heart what a special blessing Trent is and how I should maintain the proper godly love for him. But when I came across this verse, I was comforted immediately. I read it over and over! How could I have forgotten this fact? Jesus was tempted too--without sinning! (Heb. 4:15) Oh, may I draw near to Him, confident that He will have mercy and grace on me in my time of need. (Heb. 4:16)

Remembering to Pray

2011-03-18T11:31:00.000-05:00

There are times I forget to pray. As important as serving and obeying God is to me, and as much as I should love Him and love to talk to Him--I still slip up. It hurts when I realize that I didn't pray about something after the fact. It hurts even more when I do remember to pray for someone or something, and then I don't.

Every time I see a white GMC Z71, my heart aches. I remember a lost soul I need to pray for.

I have a few Spanish songs on an iPod. Hearing one reminds me of a married couple dealing with very stressful times, and I remember the need to pray for them.

As I think of congregations where Trent has spoken before, I always remember a sweet mother who came forward requesting the prayers of the church. I told her I would pray for her, and I remember my word at those times.

I could go on and on. Images, people, places, songs, scents: I am reminded everywhere I go of people and situations I need to pray about. Sometimes, though, I don't pray when I remember these things. A bitter grudge might be barricading my ability to fervently pray for someone. Justin Bieber (I admit) might happen to be the current CD playing in the truck, and I might choose to listen to him instead of following through with my plan to pray during my time alone. Sin may have crept back into an area of my life, and I feel unworthy to go to God in prayer. Perhaps I haven't done anything to help or encourage the person I want to pray for, and I feel guilty praying for him or her if I haven't been an instrument for God in the person's life. So, I don't pray.

At times like these, I know to do what is good and right, but I don't do it (James 4:17). The latter part of that verse says it is a sin when I do that.

Romans 12:12 states, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

Colossians 4:2--"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving."

Thank God for prayer!

I find mercy, grace, help, and a listening ear! Hebrews 4:16 says, "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need."

I am able to draw near to a Father who hears and cares about the names I want to petition for and the situations that need His guidance. 1 Peter 3:12a--"For the eyes of the LORD are over the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers..."

I am able to tell Him--though it's not anywhere near the highest and holiest praise He deserves--that I am thankful for Jesus, and I want to love and trust and serve and obey Him better. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (1 Peter 1:3)

It's a time where I can reaffirm my faith in Him and His promises and bear my soul + all of the sin, junk, dirt, and clutter that I'm afraid to let Him see, although He can already see it. I can confess and let go all of that here, and purpose in my heart to do better with His help. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

I remember here, in prayer, that all of the time wasted in not praying was not because God let go of my hand, but because I refused to hold His. "...He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you..." (Hebrews 13:5)

It's good to remember, and to pray.

New Blessings

2011-03-12T10:31:00.001-06:00

Wow.

Not only because it's been over a month since my last post, but because the last month has been eye-opening, newly blessed, and downright interesting. Apologies are extended now in case I begin to ramble...

The main reason I haven't posted in a while is because...I got my first job! I work at a Christian daycare (and won't reveal anything else specifically, because that's probably against the rules for my blog). More about that later.

I also have had lots of "senior stuff" going on, which hasn't been exactly enjoyable, but I shouldn't complain; I'm just thankful He has brought me this far and helped me through it all. I couldn't imagine being a senior without God...just thinking about the life of someone who doesn't know God makes me piercingly aware of my responsibility everyday to do my best to lead my peers to Him. That is a challenge, but I'm up for it with His help.

My "normal" day is quite different from what it used to be. I go to school, but leave around lunchtime to go to work (we have a program for that) and normally get home between 6 and 7pm. I have to be careful and thoughtful about how I use every minute of my day. Especially with Bible reading and study, prayer, and evangelism. It seems that every spare moment I have is spent praying now--which is a good thing.

Although sometimes I'm worn out, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I spend my afternoon and evening with a group of sweet, precious 2.5 - 5 year old children--souls to which I can show Jesus by my words and actions. Oh, they are precious. Certain days when I'm off work because of school responsibilities, my first reaction is thankfulness for a day to recuperate from the crazy schedule, but then I miss the little ones. I want to cry when they're not in my arms! It's funny for me to recall my first few days there when I thought I was going insane. One of my main goals in life (Lord willing) is to be a wife and mother, but I wondered if I needed to reconsider that. It only took a week to adjust and now, I love it! When I talk to Trent about them, I say, "My little so-and-so," or "My baby ___," and Trent will slowly remind me, "Hannah...you do realize these aren't your children, don't you?" Yes, I do. But when college begins, I don't know how I'm going to let go of them. :')

More posts to come soon, hopefully. Glory to God in all things!

Satisfy Us With Your Lovingkindness!

2011-01-31T15:13:00.001-06:00

I don't really enjoy having my picture taken, but Trent's Mom LOVES taking pictures...which means I've had a lot of practice in the past year and a half. ;) And actually, I thanked her after taking these the other day. If she didn't take our picture so often, I would be seriously lacking some good memories. I like these two especially:

Trent's smile is so natural in this one...I love to see it. :) (And I do not know why my hair looks red.)

And I like how his arm is behind me in this one. Makes me feel like his lady. :)

Trent is in Psalms on his daily Bible chart, and he periodically sends me quick text messages saying, "Wow...Look at [insert verse]." or, "[Insert verse] really relates to what we were talking about earlier." The other day he told me to look up Psalm 90:14:

"O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

I was so excited he mentioned It to me! For one, I have a list (here) of Scriptures to read in the morning. Psalm 90:14 certainly fit into that category joyfully and well.

Second, I appreciate the thoughts of our Lord satisfying us with His lovingkindness. Trent and I have fairly strict rules for showing affection in our relationship, and it is hard. I'm not going to lie, because (well, because it's sinful for one) and if any young teenage girls are reading this blog, I want them to know that it's OK that we struggle--we just must work diligently to deal with those struggles and resist temptation in a way that pleases and glorifies God. (I would love to write a book focusing on that whole topic just for teen girls one day...) Anyway, one thing Trent and I work at continuously is filling our hearts and minds with Scripture and spiritual thoughts. When we allow God to help us achieve this, it leaves little room for inappropriate matter into our hearts and minds. The Lord truly does satisfy us (in Hebrew, this can literally mean "fill to satisfaction") with His lovingkindness. It is a huge comfort to me to think about God filling me up with His love so much that it completely overrides any other desires for sin I may have! His love is THAT satisfying!

Lastly, I've tried diligently for the past several weeks to be joyful. (For Hannah, goals include: a.) stop whining /complaining, b.) always look for the good & something joyful in every situation & setting), c.) focus each day ONLY on the day at hand--it may be my last day!--and what I can accomplish for Christ that day, and d.) PRAY & READ like I should!) When I consider joy, it means much more than mere happiness. I'm reminded of Hebrews 12:2, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross..." Jesus had joy, even when facing the cross, because He knew He would be making a way for us to be with Him for eternity, He trusted God, and He loved God. I've been trying to have that kind of deep-rooted, persevering joy. Sometimes it's tested, but for the most part, I have been so joyful, and this verse only made me more joyful. Reading It reminded me that God is with me as I strive to be a more joyful Christian!

P.S. - Outward appearance is NOT as important as the appearance of our hearts. But, did you know that when you're happier, your skin stops breaking out so bad? Well, girls, it's TRUE! ;)

I sincerely hope you are having a joyful week!

Snow Pictures

2011-01-24T19:34:00.000-06:00

After seeing the snow pictures of a fellow blogger, I remembered I hadn't posted mine yet. I only got a few, because I had taken my camera phone with me and it's battery was dying. They are simple reminders of God's beauty and power in nature, however, and that'll do for me. :)

This was the driveway of Trent's neighbors across the street

This was my view from the top of a hill we had been sledding down. The reason I was looking up is because, well...I was out of breath after walking up the hill, so I just laid down and looked up at God's beautiful painting...as Trent sled down the hill. Then ran back up. Then sled again. Then ran back up. Then I decided to sled for the first time. Ha! ;)

Too bad he didn't have a ring (and we're still in high school) because this would've been a cute proposal. ;)

It wasn't snowing this day, but this was just too gorgeous not to include. I kept getting distracted while I was driving because it was so beautiful, but I at least was stopped here so I could snap a pic! God is the most INCREDIBLE Artist!

O Jesus, I Have Promised

2011-01-14T16:59:00.000-06:00

A few months ago during worship, we were singing "I Need Thee Every Hour." When I looked down at the song book, my eyes were drawn to the hymn on the opposite page: "O Jesus, I Have Promised." After we finished singing the first one, I read the lines of the other song. Never having sung it before, I didn't have a melody to set the words to, but what I read has stuck with me for many weeks and reminded me of Jesus' loyalty and strength through many tempting hours:

O let me feel Thee near me:

The world is ever near;

I see the sights that dazzle,

The tempting sounds I hear;

My foes are ever near me,

Around me and within;

But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,

And shield my soul from sin.

I'm nearly at a loss for words after I read this. These words, although not mine, mirror many of my prayers. Thank God for hope in and because of Jesus!

"O LORD, You hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; You will incline Your ear" -Psalm 10:17

Blogger Blessings

2011-01-13T11:34:00.000-06:00

We were out of school on Dec. 13-15 (snow), Dec. 20-31 (Christmas Break), Jan. 10-13 (more snow), AND we're out Jan. 17 for Martin Luther King, Jr. day. I'm not complaining AT ALL. :)

Although my time out has been spent on school work (a paper, sketchbook, scholarships, etc.), I have enjoyed it. God knew I was getting overwhelmed. (I get overwhelmed a lot, which shouldn't happen with such a mighty Father. This is my fault.) As a remedy, I've been trying very hard to keep my eyes, mind, and heart open to God, His Word, and His hand full of blessings in my life. One such blessing that I know His hand is in? Blogger.

You know on your profile how you can list your favorite books, movies, etc.? One day several months ago, I discovered that if I click on one, it will take me to a page of users that also mentioned that same item. Very neat. Now, when I made my blog, my goal was to encourage young women and ladies in the Lord, and receive that encouragement, too, from their blogs. I knew a few women who blogged, but I still had a longing for that encouragement from teen or young women bloggers who loved Christ. I needed to relate. I clicked on "The Holy Bible" that I had listed under my favorite books, and searched pages and pages, trying to find a couple of young women's blogs that I could read and receive encouragement from. Congratulations, Kacie and Lauren. ;)

So many "coincidences" have come from reading their writings, that I confidently say it is not coincidence. Although I don't know them personally, God daily uses their blogs to remind me that He is so good! That I, as a young woman trying to follow and please Christ, am certainly not alone! I am continually challenged and uplifted, filled with joy and often laugh.

"O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?" -Deuteronomy 3:24

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." -Ephesians 3:20-21

Oh, Lesson Learning.

2010-12-26T15:40:00.000-06:00

Christmastime proves to be a prime season in my life for learning lessons. Hard lessons. They could be much harder, so I'm not complaining. They just aren't always pleasant. But this brings to mind, "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? ... Now, no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:7 & 11) I need to endure this better. But, I'll continue.

I feel that I'm not very good at voicing my opinion without offending. I don't like to offend, or take risks that might offend. One of my biggest internal struggles is when to stand up for what the Bible teaches, and when to be quiet; when to approach someone privately, and when to be bold in the moment something occurs. I consider the boldness, especially of Paul, through Acts, and think of how the apostles were called "these who have turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6), but then recall the my responsibility for peace in Romans 12:18 and 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. In no way am I saying the Bible contradicts Itself; rather, I lack the tact and loving humility to wisely address many topics among friends, even brothers and sisters in Christ.

This skill I lack was especially apparent in a recent conversation with Person A who regaled their version to Person B, which ended....well, not well. I really did mean well in my conversation with Person A, but the way in which I presented it came off judgmentally and prompted Person B to approach me, in which the ensuing conversation I truthfully explained what I had meant, hoping this person still considered me a close, good, well-meaning friend.

Conflict is not my friend. He brings sweat, tears, jittery hands, embarrassment, and scarlet coloring to my face. I had a nice conversation (well, more casual lecture) with my father about this situation; I did glean some good advice: "Never make the same mistake twice." (He's always told me this, but I don't seem to be too good at practicing it, seeing as I've locked my keys inside the truck at least five times within a year or two.) And, "Never single people out." I don't want to do either of these things. I take measures to not repeat mistakes and not offend people. They just aren't working well. Which brings me to my next point. The more I see of myself, the more I dislike; the more I want to be like Jesus. The reason my measures of avoiding mistakes and offenses haven't worked well is because they are mine, not Jesus'. "He who abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." (1 John 2:6) "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 2:5) Why is it so hard for me to understand that? It's really not. It's not that I don't believe it, I just don't do it. Well do I empathize with Paul when, inspired by the Spirit, he wrote, "For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do." (Romans 7:15)

The only way I can learn to cease making the same mistakes and converse humbly without offending while faithfully representing the Word is a.) by studying the Scriptures, learning how Christ reacted, seeing what He said, noting what He did, and b.) by following James 1:25--looking into the perfect law of liberty, not being a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work. Then I will be blessed in what I am doing.

Another Scatter-brained Post :)

2010-12-11T10:44:00.000-06:00

I like when Paul wrote to the church at Colosse, "For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col. 2:1-3) Isn't that GREAT!? :)

The ferns are getting bigger, and we've spent the last week inserting the wire hangers & hanging them. Also, many of the poinsettas are sold now! (Well, some; we still have too many!)

This is my new ornament for 2010! If I knew how, I probably could have made it myself, but I got a pretty good deal. $2! (And it's my favorite color!)

I have a small pink tree in my room, and as I was looking at it the other night, I realized that each ornament means something very special to me. This one is from 2007--it's a BOOKSTORE! The other side has a staircase and two floors of books. :) I should've taken a picture. Hmm.

Speaking of books, I'm reading a rather thought-provoking one right now: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Each chapter is a letter from an advanced Tempter working for the devil, and he writes letters to his nephew, a Junior Tempter. His letters detail how to lead the patient, or person he is assigned to tempt, away from God, and how to make his faith of no effect. Although it's fiction (and one has to remind his or herself that a human, not God, indeed wrote this book, and its contents may not be entirely veritable or in accordance with the Bible), it has enlightened me of techniques that Satan might use to wear me down. Enthralling, and very much worth reading!

Trees and Forgiveness

2010-12-04T13:20:00.000-06:00

Because I enjoy the cheery, sparkly holiday decorations, I've enjoyed seeing...

Grandmama's tree :)

the tree at a nearby arts center :)

the tree in the high school lobby :)

This doesn't have anything to do with decorations, but a.) it is much better, and b.) if you'd like, read Matthew 18:21-35. The passage as a whole details the importance of forgiveness, and the liberality with which we should offer it. This passage in particular means a great deal to me:

"The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I wil pay you all.' Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt." (vs.26-27)

There are days when my sin is so evident to myself, that I can hardly bear to admit my careless shortcomings to God. The shame, the pain, the guilt, and selfishness one experiences can seem so difficult to bring before Him when you are fully aware and convicted. This passage comforts me, because as I see the servant humbly coming before his master and asking for patience as he attempts to pay his debts, I see myself.

The master is moved with compassion and love for his servant, and forgives him of his debts. In this parable, however, the servant then fails to show compassion on his fellow servants who owed him, resulting in his torture (v. 33-35).

First John 1:7-9 is a comforting reminder. Knowing that "if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin, (v.7)" lifts a burden off of our shoulders. We are reminded that although we sin, if we are Christians trying our best to walk in His light, His blood still cleanses us from that sin--if we confess (v.9)and work to change our sinful ways.

I hope and pray that when I am able to confess my sins to God and He forgives me, that He helps me to be one who daily remembers His Son's sacrifice, His grace. I want that remembrance to drive me to work harder to overcome my sins with God's help. I want to be a daughter of God that showers that same compassion and forgiveness on those all around me. Thank God for His merciful, compassionate forgiveness.

Noah's Ark by Mikayla

2010-11-30T16:50:00.000-06:00

I mentioned in an earlier post that my friend Mikayla (also known as MK) had drawn me a picture of Noah's Ark, which brought me immense joy. The Lord has now allowed me to share it with you, due to the cooperation of our scanner. :)

Photos, A Lesson, and Story Time

2010-11-24T12:10:00.001-06:00

This is Trent speaking at a recent youth rally. He spoke on not allowing your past to determine your future. Really good thoughts.

During the break. :)

We are now growing ferns in the greenhouse; don't fret, they'll get bigger (Lord willing).

And...poinsettias! :-)

I would also like to mention my love for African-American voices and admit my desire to sing like Jordin Sparks, Alicia Keys, etc. I just can't. But I try. (When no one but God, and sometimes a certain friend called Ginny, can hear me of course.)

The past few weeks brought me many lessons from God, as well.

One I'll mention now is that when people are trying to show they care, you must learn to accept that it might not look like what you thought it looked like. Trent inquired about what I would like for Christmas. He would mention specific items and expect me to say, "Yes, I like that," or, "No, I would not like that." But I feared that he might have already gotten one of these items and if I replied, "No," he would be distraught. Thus, a somewhat frustrating conversation ensued where I proceeded to explain to him that he should "care enough about me to pay attention to the things I like so he would know what to get me without asking!" . . . (That sounds really mean now, but please know I later apologized with many, many tears.) He answered this with, "Hannah, don't you think if I didn't care, I would wait till Christmas morning and run to the store and grab something?" Ouch. Well, yes, he does certainly care. He just shows it in a different way than I had expected. It reminded me to be patient, but also reminded me of the way God answers prayer. It might not be the answer I want, but He answers with the answer which He knows is best.

Monday, while we walked on the school campus, Ginny and I had a "story-reading" period of time. :) It was rather fun, I thought. She listened as I gave the setting and what lead up to the occurences in Acts 24 (that's where I happened to be on my Bible chart) and then I re-read Acts 17: 16-34. I LOVE that last passage. So many things stick out to me and encourage me, and perhaps they will encourage you, too. The whole book of Acts is and enthralling adventure. And the best part is, it really happened. :)

This link is also timely and thought-provoking.

That's all for now. :)

Handling with Care

2010-11-16T08:32:00.000-06:00

Trent presented a lesson recently titled, "Handle with Care." The correlation between handling packages with care on their journey and handling our souls with care on their journey is incredible. I suppose it should really come as no surprise to us that nearly everything in life can be related to spiritual things; I would reason that God wants it to be this way! One point he made that especially caused me to think: "We must be cautious about who and what we allow our souls to believe."

I don't get angy often (instead, I usually cry when hurt or treated unfairly; I am doing better, though). But, on the topic of misrepresentation of the Bible, false teachers and information, and intentional neglect of searching God's Word--I become indignant. Indignant is one of my favorite words, because it implies anger for a righteous reason. Not necessarily raging anger, but a mature, thought-out, defensive anger for God's truth to be revealed.

Why don't we today take cues from the Bereans? Of them, it was said, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11)

One of the most heart-breaking sights is to see good-hearted people be misled by false teachers of the Bible. There are those preaching a way to heaven besides death to sin and forgiveness of sin by baptism into Christ, being cleansed by His blood (Romans 6:1-7; Ephesians 1:7; Acts 2:38; John 14:6; Romans 5:9). Maybe they are intentionally misleading, but maybe they are oblivious to their fallacy. In any case, someone is neglecting to study the Bible.

How can we ignore the Scriptures? False teachings and teachers exist!

It's a fatal mistake if we just "pick a church to go to" without studying what the BIBLE says about worship, about salvation, about living, about giving, and so on. Our souls are so much more valuable than that! This isn't Burger King--you can't "have it your way." Jesus himself says,

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the way and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14, emphasis added).

A few verses later, Jesus says,

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matthew 7:21-23).

What condition will your soul arrive to God in on Judgment Day? Handle it with care.

Lots of Things

2010-11-08T21:44:00.000-06:00

This post will be covering numerous topics and events (a.k.a - scatter-brained) and I am alright with that.

a.) My friend Mikayla drew me "Noah's Ark" during school on Friday, and I planned to upload it to show you, but our scanner is currently out of order. It made me really joyful, though. ;) Lord willing, after I upload it, you will be joyful, too.

b.) I've listened to three new episodes of The Hey Joe Show with The Equip Network this week. If you are a teen (or, hey, even an adult) reading this, and you happen to have some type of mobile listening device (e.g. iPod, mp3) download these podcasts (they're on iTunes,too)! The host, Mr. Joe Wells, isn't afraid to tackle real, current issues with teens today, and he provides solid biblical insight and advice. GREAT!

c.) I heard Daddy out in the garage earlier harmonizing with the distinctive whirrrr of his air compressor. "So, I'm not the only one...," I pondered.

d.) Saturday night the area youth groups gathered for a time of singing, devotional, and supper. A good friend of mine spoke about the futility of depending on ourselves. He made the illustration (not literally, thankfully) that if one breathes his or her own breath in and out of a paper bag, he or she will eventually pass out. Not surprisingly, the same happens when we depend too much on our own speculation, feelings, and motivation in serving God and doing His will. We have to remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17--and READ our BIBLES! We must believe God when He breathes His Word--truth!--out to us. V. 16 beginning, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God...," do we realize that literally means God-breathed? When He provides instruction for us in Scripture, it is not our place to disagree, and act on our feelings alone. We must trust in His Word and His promises. The whole lesson was wonderfully simple, yet extremely thought-provoking, and perhaps I'll draw clearer connections to this in other posts. ;)

e.) I have had chili for supper twice within a week, and I hear I'll be having it again on Saturday (Lord willing). It's a good thing I like chili now, because I used to be rather opposed to it. I am thankful for all this chili, because 1.) it is especially yummy on cold days, and 2.) it is food to nourish my body. Thank you, Father God, for chili.

f.) This is Trent carving a pumpkin at a recent youth group fall get-together. :) Isn't he cute concentrating? I sure think so. :)

e.) This Sunday was especially wonderful; lots of extra time spent with my Christian family. After worship, we had a meal. And, the youth group had a devotional after evening worship. I'll hopefully tell more of the lessons in this day in another post, but we had lots of visitors, which I am so thankful for!

f.) God is doing lots of great things right now. Not that He isn't always, I have just neglected to open my eyes lately. I am not proud of that, but am thankful that Christians can confess to God when they are struggling, and know He will help us and continue to love us. "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:7-9)

Counting our Blessings

2010-10-08T16:09:00.000-05:00

We have been on Fall Break this week for school, but it's been rough. However, amid some of the sad occurences, I can't help but scold myself mentally for failing to consider all the blessings God has showered on me. Being thankful for my blessings has come up a lot lately, and I want to share how.

Our greenhouse class was blessed to visit a historic park recently, and this is one beautiful view. It was the best field trip I've ever been on! I was so thankful for that day! I hope to add more pictures later!

Our greenhouse class also got to plant and care for some poinsettas recently. This is a nice blessing to me, because I have greenhouse management 2 periods a day, and being able to plant and breathe so easily for two class periods is wonderful! As my greenhouse teacher says, "Don't ya love it? It's just takin' care of what God's given ya!"

It saddens me to say that Millis passed away yesterday morning. He was a blessing in our lives, and we couldn't have ever asked for a better example in Christ. We have thanked God recently for Millis' persevering joy, love, childlike trust in God, and his friendship to us in the last years of his life. We hope with eternal joy to see him again one Day. Trent and I also saw the movie Up the other day...it is so good! One of the cleanest movies I have seen in a long time--a blessing! But, you will cry. It ends unimaginably happy, though. It's worth the tears. :) It reminded us a lot of Millis and how blessed we were to have that relationship with him.

Trent also made fall-themed bookmarks for his grandmothers at our house the other day. (Hope he doesn't see this, ha!) They were simple: solid brown with yellow, orange, and red-orange punched out leaves and a purple ribbon. On the back, he stamped "pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

There are so many more blessings I could share, but perhaps later. For now, I hope this post has encouraged you to remember your blessings, even in hard times. It's something I struggle with remembering, but something we can all work on.

A very good sister--and blessing!--in Christ of mine, Carly, gave us these poems in Girls' Bible class the other day. It reminds me to be thankful for my blessings, and I'll end by leaving it with you:

Happiness is something

we create in our mind,

It's not something you search for

and so seldom find.

It's just waking up

and beginning the day,

By counting our blessings

and kneeling to pray.

It's giving up thoughts

that breed discontent,

And accepting what comes

as a "gift heaven-sent,"

It's giving up wishing

for things we have not,

And making the best of

whatever we've got.

It's knowing that life

is determined for us,

And pursuing our tasks

without fret, fume or fuss.

For it's by completing

what God gives us to do,

That we find real contentment

and happiness too.

-Helen Steiner Rice

Pumpkins

2010-09-27T11:12:00.004-05:00

Saturday, Mama and I came upon a road where some wonderful soul had grown pumpkins and set them out on wagons for the town to buy. They had a cute little tin canister screwed onto one of the wagons, and you could put in your money on the honor system. If you could see my idea of a perfect little town, this setting would be in it. And I was overjoyed, almost to the point of tears, to hop out and pick out a few little baby pumpkins for a quarter apiece! Other wagons had larger pumpkins for $3, $4, and $5. I don't know if these prices are a great deal or not, because I don't know how much they are sold for elsewhere, but I was content.

I'll tell you a story concerning one of these pumpkins. Trent and I went back and got a bigger pumpkin to take to our adopted grandfather, Millis. Millis hasn't been feeling well at all lately, and couldn't be at worship on Sunday. We stopped by to see him yesterday and took him the pumpkin. He was in his bed resting and asked us to set it on his dresser so he could think of us when he saw it. He also asked Trent to lead a prayer on his behalf. Our pumpkin wasn't real pretty, wasn't painted, but just a simple, orange, pumpkin of fall. But to Millis, it seemed to mean so much.

Looking back at this picture I took, I see the crosses on the church building in the background. Please allow me to add that personally, I don't like to wear crosses as jewelry or use them as decoration for a building or house or clothing, because the cross is a very humbling symbol for me, and I don't feel worthy to use it in those ways. . .but seeing the cross on the church building behind the pumpkins reminded me to thank God for the pumpkins. And Millis. And the person who grew those pumpkins and put them out for us to buy. And to be thankful for fall! And the simple joy that can be brought to people through something as small and simple as a pumpkin. Thank you, God, for the small things.

No One's Fault But Mine

2010-09-02T14:01:00.005-05:00

If today I fail to wake with joy
and speak harsh words instead,
Or dwell on my misfortune
rather than the soul misled--
Forgetting "yet not I, but Christ
liveth within me;"
Desire sin I should not seek
and lose eternity--
It will be no one's fault but mine.

Should I neglect to search for truth,
or share it with the lost,
Let satan have his way with me--

and thus ignore the cross;

Excuse myself by claiming,

"I just don't know what to say,"

Receiving hell--eternal home!--

come tragic Judgment Day--

It will be no one's fault but mine.

Perhaps I stop appreciating

all that he has done;

Gain the world, but lose my soul--

despise His only Son.

Ignore the Spirit's pleadings,

foster heartache, shame, and strife;

Search in vain to explain

as I give account of my life--

It will be no one's fault but mine.

Unrevised, undrafted, unedited thoughts.

2010-08-28T13:25:00.007-05:00

Senior year "stuff" is quickly, stressfully, and inevitably taking over my calendars. As a result, I've begun to sit in desperation thinking, "I wish I could forget about all the schoolwork and "senior stuff" I have to do and just sit in silence, pray, and read, study, and meditate on God's Word.

I set aside time to do that, but I always want more. This makes it very hard to motivate myself academically. (In other words, I'm thankful to have the opportunity to get an education, but working on a research paper for 10-20 hours in a subject I'll never have a career in just doesn't compare with the real priority of saving souls.)

God has done so many precise and wonderful things lately amid my complaints and selfishness, but I always tuck those appreciative thoughts into a file in my mind-cabinet tagged, "I should blog about that." Because I'm not an impromptu-blogger. I want to sit down and do a rough draft, revise, edit, reword, add more Scriptures, etc. I always want it to be perfect. But I am not perfect, nor will I ever be.

For this reason--and recent lack of time to properly prepare fully coherent blogs--I would like to admit that most of the blogs from now till May might seem scatter-brained, and might not make full sense, and that's okay. Part of being a Christian is being real.

I'm really a seventeen-year-old Christian young woman who struggles and sins, but is trying to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith! (2 Timothy 4:7)

And, really, undrafted isn't a word to describe an unedited blog. It describes a sportsperson who doesn't have a contract with a particular team yet. And although that makes my blog title imperfect, that's okay, too. :)

I thank you for reading this blog. Please return soon, as I plan to post unrevised, real encouragement and thoughts from God's Word and His work in my life and the lives of those around me!

Love in Him,

Hannah Beth

Book Review: A Change of Habit

2010-08-03T17:28:00.004-05:00

A Change of Habit by Joanne Howe is without a doubt one of the most soul-stirring, truthfully simple personal accounts of coming to Christ I have ever read. In this autobiography, Ms. Howe recounts her childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and partial adult life spent in tirelessly attempting to succumb to the Roman Catholic doctrine perfectly. What a fervor she had to sincerely please Jesus! However, throughout her search for completeness and unfeigned servanthood for God, Joanne came to many life-changing realizations simply by studying the perfect Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:25)

The first seven chapters of this book are used by Ms. Howe to inform the reader of early experiences that prompted and fueled her decision to become a nun. The readers hold a personal eye into the life of one training to be a final professed nun; what dedication, responsibility, and self-control must one have to venture on that path at all! The last six chapters of her book provide insight on the deep, emotional, soul-searching journey Joanne experienced as she truly came to Christ in mind, heart, spirit, truth, repentance, and obedience, recognizing the futility of the traditions of men. (Matthew 15:3,6; Colossians 2:8) Ms. Howe continues through the last chapters to boldly support her enlightened beliefs--acquired directly from the Bible--citing convicting, truthful Scripture.

A Change of Habit is one book I would highly recommend for members of the church, members of denominations and the Catholic church, as well as those are simply searching for answers to life's deepest questions. But as always, be sure to consult God's Word above all other reading, and search the Scriptures for yourself! (Acts 17:11b; Matthew 22:29)

This book can be ordered from Gospel Advocate website.

The Climb

2010-07-28T17:47:00.007-05:00

When you're on a ferris wheel, you're in your passenger car, and yours alone. No matter what your wish, the operator has control of where you go and how long you spend there. There are people in those passenger cars near the top who are afraid of heights; being on solid ground can't come quickly enough. Others anxiously await that climax to behold the panoramic view. Folks in-between know that they won't be there forever, and are either dreading or anticipating their next destination. One thing is for certain of them all: each person will personally experience the differing heights, unique perspectives, and glorious views of the climb of the ferris wheel. There will be times when we have a burning desire to trade seats with a person in a coveted car, but we simply cannot. Do you know what the great, mysterious, enthralling thing is about being on the climb of this ferris wheel? You get a fresh, challenging view of every level, and learn that the view you are experiencing at any moment is enabling you to see more clearly The Big Picture.

Being on a ferris wheel is a lot like life. We all go through ups and downs, joys and heartaches, bright days and dark days. We won't always have the view we want, and it won't always be fair. But we have the "secret" to these inconsistencies of life, you know. Ecclesiastes is filled with these ponderings of life and the fairness--or lack thereof--of it. Philippians, also offers many keys to making it through this journey joyfully! Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 states, "Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God." A few chapters over we read, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all." (Ecc. 12:13) God inspired Paul, a human such as us who had certainly experienced all this life could throw at him (2 Corinthians 11:23-27), to write in Philippians 4:11-13, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

This life won't always be pleasant, fair, convenient, enjoyable, fun, happy, easy, and carefree. But the way we live it is what matters in the end. The climb of this life is what will lead us into heaven one Day. (Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 14:12) There's a song that brings me to tears everytime I hear it. Not the singer, not the melody, but the words. Read these words:

I can almost see it.
That dream I'm dreamin'
But there's a voice inside my head sayin' you'll never reach it.
Every step I'm taking.
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction.
My faith is shakin'
But I, I gotta keep tryin'
Gotta keep my head held high.

There's always gonna be another mountain,
I'm always gonna wanna make it move,
Always gonna be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose.
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side.
It's the climb!

The struggles I'm facing.
The chances I'm takin'
Sometimes might knock me down but
No, I'm not breaking.
I may not know it, but these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah,
Just gotta keep goin'.
And I, I gotta be strong.
Just keep pushing on 'cause,

There's always gonna be another mountain,
I'm always gonna wanna make it move,
Always gonna be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose.
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side.
It's the climb!

God bless you in your climb of life--whatever passenger car you're in--as you fear Him, obey Him, and learn contentment! :')

TURN campaign

2010-07-04T14:05:00.004-05:00

Focus Press is encouraging families across the nation to take part in the TURN campaign to turn off the television for the month of July. To read their letter, visit this link. If we get serious with ourselves, we know that we do not need television, and we are painfully aware of the negative effects it has on our hearts, minds, use of time, individual spiritual lives, and families. If you agree and would like to take part, please prayerfully pass this along to all you know. Although July has already begun, it is not too late to start this challenge now! This is not to say all TV is bad, but you never know--perhaps if we successfully make it through July, we will never need television again!

Consider the alternatives to TV:

reading the Bible, Christian study books, or good books in general!
spend time in Bible study and prayer and conversation with loved ones!
bake for you, your family, the elderly, or anyone who might need help or a break!
visit nursing homes or shut-ins!
listen to Christian podcasts!
do yard work and spend time in God's beautiful nature!
learn to play an instrument!
observe your mother, grandmother, or another woman you know well doing household duties and learn how to do them yourself in preparation for a family one day!
play board games!
draw or paint--you don't have to be very artistic to create something special and beautiful for your room or someone you love!
write...or blog! (just try not to spend too much time online, either)
clean your room and donate or sell what you do not need!
visit historical sites, museums, zoos, parks--have a picnic!
be creative. . .the time you spend away from the TV can and should be used to glorify God, help us live pure and holy lives, and grow closer to others and God!

"Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way." -Psalm 119:37

"Woe to...us?"

2010-06-29T20:05:00.003-05:00

"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." -1 John 1:6

Whenever I come upon the verses in which Jesus says to the scribes and Pharisees, "Hypocrites!" I'm somewhat taken aback. If I were to call someone a hypocrite today, I would very likely be perceived as self-righteous, lose quite a bit of influence as a Christian, and perhaps even be gifted with a black eye, depending on the temperament of the person being referred to as such. Our duty today is to stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13), but teach it in love (Ephesians 4:15). However, Christ had all authority and reason to refer to these people as "hypocrites"--could He use the same term to describe us today?

In Matthew 23, Jesus details the unrighteousness of these scribes and Pharisees. He often exclaims, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" (v. 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29) If we're not careful, we ourselves could be hearing, "Woe to...[our names here]!" Let's consider how we might be guilty of some of those same sins today:

"...for they say, and do not do." (v. 3) Do we tell our friends we're Christians, but fill our minds with foul language and fill our hearts with scenes from impure movies? If we're claiming to others that we bear the name of Christ, but fail to practice living that life, we're being hypocrites!
"But all their works they do to be seen by men." (v. 5) When doing good deeds with the youth group or caring for others on our own, are our hearts in it for God? Or, do we simply desire a pat on the back from our parents, teachers, and elders? If we're only looking for praise, we're being hypocrites!
"...for a pretense make long prayers." (v. 14) Do we think of "going to church" as just another "good person credential," or are we humbly and truly serving God and worshiping Him? If we're claiming affiliation to any religious group just to "look good," we are certainly being hypocrites.
"...blind guides..." (v. 16) Is the way we are worshiping acceptable to God? Are our lives characterized by qualities of Christ? Have we studied the Bible to know how to become a Christian? If we can't justify our actions and words by the Bible, we could be blindly leading others down a path to destruction--and being hypocrites!
"...you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." (v. 28) This sums it all up. Are we "playing the Christian?" If we are, we are hypocrites. God knows the intents of our hearts.

Jesus Christ Himself tells us, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24) We just can't live two lives. Either we serve Satan by living a lie and be called, "Hypocrites!" or serve God by laying aside hypocrisy (1 Peter 1:21) and be called a "good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21) We each must choose our own master and our own eternity.

The Girls That Are Wanted

2010-06-19T10:13:00.003-05:00

My Grandmama cut this poem out of an English magazine a few weeks ago, and I keep it in my Bible now. It's a lovely reminder of what kind of girls are desired for daughters, wives, and mothers, but also I believe this poem is a nice reminder of what Christian young women should strive for. Enjoy. :)

The Girls That are Wanted
By Marie Odlum, 1897

The girls that are wanted are good girls--
Good from the hearts to the lips;
Pure as the lily is white and pure
From its heart to its sweet leaf tips.
The girls that are wanted are home girls--
Girls that are mother’s right hand;
That father and brothers can trust, too
And the little ones understand.

The girls that are fair on the hearthstone,
And pleasant when nobody sees;
Kind and sweet to their own folks,
Ready and anxious to please.
The girls that are wanted are wise girls,
That know what to do and say;
That drive with a smile and soft word
The wrath of the household away.

The girls that are wanted are girls of sense
Whom fashions can never deceive;
Who can follow whatever is pretty,
And dare what is silly to leave.
The girls that are wanted are careful girls
Who count what a thing will cost,
Who use with a prudent, generous hand
But see that nothing is lost.

The girls that are wanted are girls with hearts;
They are wanted for mothers and wives;
Wanted to cradle in loving arms
The strongest and frailest lives.
The clever, the witty, the brilliant girl
There are few who can understand;
But, Oh! for the wise, loving home girls
There’s a constant steady demand.

If Jesus Came to Your House...

2010-06-02T18:10:00.002-05:00

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two
If he came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do.
Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honored Guest,
And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best,
And you keep assuring Him you’re glad to have Him there
That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly Visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they’d been?
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn’t heard?
And wish you hadn’t uttered that last, loud, hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?
And I wonder if the Savior spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?
Would you go right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?
Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read,
And let him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you’d planned to go?
Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends?
Or would you hope they’d stay away until His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.

This poem was read during a sermon one of our young men gave, and I found it to be so intriguing. We all could use a deep thought or two to prompt each of us to make changes in our daily lives to be better pleasing to Him!

Topic study: the church!

2010-04-21T16:17:00.008-05:00

My church?
Your church?
Whose church is it really?
Do we go there or are we the church?
What church should we "join?"
How can we know what is right?
Do we even have to "go to church" at all?
The only way to know is to read God's Word, the Bible!

Facts from the Bible about the church!

"And He is the head of the body, the church. . ." (from Colossians 1:18)
". . .Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. . . the church is subject to Christ, . . .Christ also gave Himself for her," (from Ephesians 5:23-25)
". . . I will build My church. . ." (from Matthew 16:18, Christ speaking)
". . .the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." (from Acts 20:28)
". . . And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (from Acts 2:47)
"not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. . ." (Hebrews 10:25)
Read Hebrews chapters 8 and 10, and Colossians 2:14

From these verses, we can know several things! The church belongs to Christ, and is also called "the body." Christ died and shed His blood for this church, thus purchasing her and saving her. We read that He also said, "I will build My church," (emphasis added) which rules out the doctrines and "churches" established by men. People do not "join" this church; rather, they are added by the Lord after obeying His instructions to receive salvation. Because the Lord owns this church, it bears His name alone. His church assembles together to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24), partake of the Lord's supper (Acts 20:7), and teaching the Gospel of Christ of the New Tesament, and worshiping in the way the New Testament instructs. (read the last bullet's suggested Scriptures). Let's consider more Scriptures! :

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)
"for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:3)
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship 0f the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." (Philippians 2:1-2)

From these Scriptures, we know the church is to be like-minded. The church should dwell in unity and love, having the same good, righteous discernment. Division is carnal, or of the world.

2. How we can know from the Bible what teachings and practices are "right"!

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
"These were more fair-minded than those. . ., in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (from Acts 17:10-11)
". . .he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (from Hebrews 11:6)
"But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25)
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

How great it is that we can know all we need to know simply by reading the Word of God! :) Because He has provided us with thorough instructions on all we need to know, we must daily open the Bible, and diligently search for what we must do to be pleasing to Him. We will be so blessed if we do, because God rewards those who seek Him sincerely and whole-heartedly. As we study for ourselves, however, we must be aware that not all teachings are of the Bible. This is why it is so important for us to search for ourselves, not just take another person's word for it:

"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber." (2 Peter 2:1-3)
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8)
"Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:17-18)

Being cautious was important for Christians in the first century, and it surely is now. We must avoid attending where we know God's Word is not being followed. We can talk to those poeple who teach, believe, and follow false teachings, and show them what God's Word says, but we cannot please God by accepting--and even participating in--the unbiblical practices and worship with them. People will try to persuade us in many directions with many different beliefs. But, the only way we can know what is right is to read and study the Holy Bible ourselves! What an incredible privilege! :)

As we strive to diligently study, reject the world, and seek Him, I want to share with you encouragement from...guess what? The wonderful, perfect Holy Bible! :

"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)
"But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We ought to obey God rather than men.'" (Acts 5:29)
"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)

The Prom Question

2010-03-31T11:58:00.011-05:00

This is a controversial topic among teens, especially girls, in the church. But it is so important to take a clear stand. I will approach this subject from the word of God, the Bible, in hopes that we'll all think clearly before making a decision to take part in this activity or not. Some may not agree, and that is okay. I simply pray that the decision each of us makes will be what is pleasing to our Father God!

Prom is a big deal for a big number of people in this world. I won't deny that fact! I also won't deny that it is enjoyable to have an opportunity to dress up and feel like a princess for a night. But is prom something a Christian young woman should take part in? This is a question I've been studying for a few years, and I would love to share some Scriptures with you to shed some light upon this subject.

1. "What's wrong with dancing?" Galatians 5:19-21 states, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, . . . that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Now lascivious dancing is quite different from bouncing around at a sleepover with your girl friends to pop music. Lascivious means "inclined to lusfulness; arousing sexual desire; indicating sexual interest or expressing lustful desires" (dictionary.com). This kind of dancing is sinful, and "they that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal. 5:21) As if it's not already hard enough to keep a pure mind in this world (with shocking lyrics, lustful images, and lewd movies with tons of sexual content) why would a Christian willingly take part in or even watch dancing like this? Christians are called to "flee youthful lusts" (2 Tim. 2:22) and "not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16). Hannah Colley said it true and well when she wrote in the book Girl to Girl, "I hate to be blunt, but when you fill a gym with pre-teens and teens, turn the lights down low, and encourage them to rub their bodies against each other to the slow rhythm of seductive music, what do you expect? . . . I don't know about you, but I don't want to risk my salvation over a few school dances. It is really not worth it." (p. 153-154)

2. "What's wrong with my prom dress?" 1 Timothy 2:9-10--"in like manner also that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation. . .but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works." Look at these pictures from promgirl.com. If you're a mother reading this and you don't believe that girls actually wear theses types of dresses, ask to see pictures from someone's prom!

Girls, you know as well as I do that when you see a girl whose breasts are "falling out" of her low-cut shirt, you can't help but stare and think "does she realize what I can see?!" And if other girls are staring, you know guys sure are! For Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice's book For Young Women Only, they took a survey of 404 guys ages 15-20 and asked various questions. Look what these guys said they would think if a girl in class wearing short shorts and a spaghetti strap shirt was called to work out a problem on the board (p. 87):

"I wonder what underwear she's wearing."
". . .I wonder if she's wearing underwear at all."
"If I'm not careful, I might start wondering what she looks like with none of those clothes on."
"I'm thinking...is she a virgin?"

How embarrassing! Would we want young men to think of us this way? Absolutely not! Well, that's what guys are thinking on prom night when girls feel "beautiful" in deep V-neck dresses with cleavage bare for all to see. However, I know a guy who says that tight clothing is worse than actually seeing skin. So even if some prom dresses "cover us up," do they cling to our bodies? Another guy I know said that seeing shoulders would tempt his thoughts more than cleavage! So how can we say a strapless dress is better than a V-neck? Guys are wired differently than us, and we have to take responsibility to choose our attire wisely to help out our brothers in Christ. Another survey from the book Girl to Girl included these comments from guys ages 14-24 (p. 143-144; p. 146-147):

"It is important that you realize there are young men struggling in ways you can't understand."
"Girls who show a lot of skin are usually trashy."
"Guys are weak in this area. Immodest dress doesn't help us out."
"I believe a girl professes true godliness when she takes the time to find modest clothes and seeks to dress in a way so as not to be a stumbling block."
You can tell by the way a girl wears her clothes if she is 'loose' or not."
"Whether girls realize it or not, their clothes can be a problem. A true Christian sister will consider how her dress will affect her Christian brothers."

There are guys out there pleading for us to stop dressing to show off, and start dressing to please God. If you've looked at prom dresses lately, you know they're almost all tight or short or low-cut, or barely there. Will we choose to avoid flaunting our God-given bodies and help our brothers and friends keep pure minds? "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

3. "Well, I'll just wear the most modest prom dress I can find and not dance." Say that we can find a very modest prom dress, and we decide just to go for our friends and the food. While I can understand this, I can't help but think of another reason to avoid it altogether: our influence. Read Titus 2:3-5. It says "the older women likewise. . .that they admonish the younger women. . ." This passage is most often regarded as grown women and elderly women being examples to young ladies. But shouldn't teen girls be examples to little girls, as well? You remember being little, having an older girl you thought the world of. If they did something, you thought it was okay, too! What would little girls think of us if they got a hold of some pictures of the prom? Even if we are modest and not taking part in dancing, they'll see the others there who are dressed inappropriately and hanging all over their dates. I wouldn't want to give a little girl reason to think, "Prom must be a fun thing because Hannah went there!" When we're making this decision, let's remember it might have an effect on younger kids or new Christians. We need to "not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way." (Romans 14:13) "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ,. . ." (Philippians 1:27a)

4. "But all my friends are going!" Romans 12:2--"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." This verse is so well-known, but so convicting. Just because the world says something is great, really does not mean it is. Does it fit into God's standards? That's all we should be concerned with! There are plenty of other fun, wholesome, pure activities to do with friends where we wouldn't have to worry so much about falling into temptation or being a temptation for someone else. Our friends might think we're a little weird, but we have an opportunity to explain our beliefs in a humble and loving spirit. Our friends might pressure us to let down our standards for one night, but would that really make them friends at all? "For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." (Gal. 1:10) "But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men."" (Acts 5:29)

5. "You only get one chance to go to prom!" Although some schools allow you to attend your junior year as well (and, also, any year you get asked), most people definitely attend at least their senior prom. The most common phrase, even among those who know they won't particularly enjoy the event, is, "You only get one chance to go to your senior prom." But do we consider the opposite? We only get one chance to stand up for Christ and say "no" to prom. "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desire to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:24) Is attending prom something "so important" to us, that we could damage our influence or let down our Christian standards?

Girls. . .we've considered a lot. And, yes, if we're not careful, we could fall into sexual temptation on a date. We might cause someone to lust after us on a Tuesday by dressing immodestly because we didn't take the time to choose a school outfit wisely. We may damage our reputation at a birthday party by saying something ugly, or during summer vacation by going somewhere we shouldn't. Do you know why any of these things could happen--even somewhere other than prom? Because we're humans, and we're sinners. (Romans 3:23) That's why we have to keep our guard up! (1 Peter 5:8-9) By no means will we ever be perfect on earth. But, with all the temptation and pitfalls so closely associated with prom, why would we want to put ourselves there? By avoiding it altogether and humbly, joyfully taking a stand, we can continue working to "become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, among whom [we] shine as lights in the world," (Philippians 2:15b) Please continue to pray and dig deeper into that perfect word of God! :)

Virtuous Qualities: Princess Belle

2010-03-06T13:13:00.001-06:00

Because I love princesses--and, of course, God!--I can't go without realizing that some of the Disney princesses are immodest. :( While I am saddened at that, I am happy to say this:

A good role-model-sister-in-Christ of mine, Davonne, does an incredible job of teaching her daughter, Lily, modesty! Davonne allowed me use some pictures to show you guys what I mean:

Lily as Cinderella :)

Davonne and "Lily Cinderella" :)

Lily, as she proclaimed herself, "Modest Ariel" :)

What a great way to use Disney princesses as a fun tool to teach modesty! :)

I've come to a Christian approach to continue to enjoy the princesses! I plan to blog periodically about virtuous qualities that some of the Disney princesses possess, and how we as young women in Christ can better exhibit these qualities in our own lives! :) The first I've noticed is Belle. Belle is the protagonist of the Disney film, Beauty and the Beast. Her father is a quirky inventor who has gained a comical reputation with the townspeople. Belle, with a loyal, defensive love for her father, also attracts a certain kind of attention. In the opening song, Belle goes through town as the people hushedly comment:

"Look there she goes that girl is strange, no question! Dazed and distracted, can't you tell? Never part of any crowd..."
"Look there she goes that girl is so peculiar! I wonder if she's feeling well..."
"Now it's no wonder that her name means "beauty"; Her looks have got no parallel! But behind that fair facade, I'm afraid she's rather odd. Very diff'rent from the rest of us, she's nothing like the rest of us, yes, diff'rent from the rest of us is Belle!"
Look there she goes a girl who's strange but special, a most peculiar mad'moiselle. It's a pity and a sin, she doesn't quite fit in..."
( Watch the video here! )

Those are harsh comments, no? Especially as a teen, words are some of the sharpest weapons the world has against us, because we're more apt to care about what others think about us. We often desire to fit in, to look, talk, act like the world. But for a faithful, firm Christian, one should expect to hear these comments--and rejoice! Look at the Scriptures:

"Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:" -1 Peter 4:4 (KJV)
"but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings..." -1 Peter 4:13a (NKJV)
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." -Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
"rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." -1 Peter 3:4 (NKJV)

Belle was outwardly beautiful--and people noticed--but her heart outshined her appearance, and people noticed she was...different. They saw it as a pity! Yet, as the story progresses, you'll see how many Biblical principles she displays:

Belle finds herself putting her own life in danger for her father's, because of the great love she has for him (John 15:13)
Belle kindly befriends a beast no one would dare approach (Luke 10:30-33)
Belle falls in love with the heart of a truly misunderstood, gentle soul. Belle was able to look past what the world sees and see as the Lord sees...the inside! (1 Samuel 16:7)

Let's remember how the character of Belle withstood the world. I want to--and I challenge us all to--learn daily to see as the Lord sees, to put others ahead of myself, to reach out to those deemed "unreachable", and to gladly accept the hurtful comments of others, giving God the glory and praise!

No Wonder!

2010-02-16T15:31:00.001-06:00

Did you know you can go to the House to House website, click on "Freebies," and have a free issue of their teen publication, KAIO, mailed to you? Yesterday (yet another snow day), I enjoyed reading my copy. It's an amazing magazine...I just can't describe in words how much it will help you stay busy in God's Word and encourage you. If you're a teen, PLEASE go check it out! :)

In one article by Caleb O'Hara titled "If it looks too good to be true...," we ponder on Satan's deceptive ways: he uses TV shows that are enticing to the eye and ear to pull in viewers and wear away their morals, he makes popular activities look engaging, luxurious, enjoyable--you name it!--just to get people to look away from God for one moment. Mr. O'Hara also echoed something very wise that's taught clearly in God's Word: "If you like something or someone (or anything or anyone), put your guard on high alert because Satan knows you like it. And if you like it he is going to try to use it to destroy you." God has given me great blessings, but I must be careful about what I do with those blessings. I have a wonderful, godly boyfriend, but we know if we don't pray and seek to please God in all things, Satan will jump right in and do everything he can to break down our spiritual walls and turn the relationship down a wrong, immoral road. One of my favorite TV shows is House Hunters on HGTV, but if I opt to watch that when I really need to be working on my Bible study, even then, Satan is using a good, clean thing to pull me away from my God! "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light." (2 Cor. 11:14)

It's probably entered all our minds at one time or another; thoughts such as "God put these things into my life...He wants me to enjoy them!" or maybe, "Why would God put these things in my life if He knew I'd be tempted by them?" The Bible explains this very simply. God doesn't tempt us...Satan does! He uses worldly things that are not of the Father to draw us away and devour us. (1 John 2:16; 1 Peter 5:8) In James 1:13-15, we read perhaps the clearest answer to our questions. "Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." Do we realize that we are the ones who choose what we're tempted by? Just as we read before, when Satan knows we like something, he'll use it against us if we aren't careful.

Some things we, girls, know in our hearts are plainly sinful:

using foul language
watching movies or shows or listening to songs that promote drinking, sex, lying, cheating, etc.
dressing in ways to attract inappropriate feelings and attention from guys
talking about people in hurtful or rude ways

...but Satan will make these things seem appealing so we'll think they're really "not so bad."

But other things are good, wholesome activities that Satan will try to crowd in so we crowd God out:

sports
hanging out, bowling, watching clean movies, going out to eat, etc. with good friends
reading novels
playing clean games online

Yet, we are to use the good things in accordance with His commands and His teachings--and especially take care not to place them before God. God knows that Satan will try to use the things we like to destroy us, and that's why He has told us, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Cor. 10:13) In Adam Clarke's commentary on this Scripture, he noted, "Satan is never permitted to block up our way, without the providence of God making a way through the wall."

Things of this world will tempt us at times, but thank God for what is ahead if we remain faithful! "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)

Nancy Drew: Giving Me Career Options One PC Game at a Time!

2010-02-10T15:22:00.002-06:00

I'm about to be 17, and I'm a junior in high school. For some odd reason, people seem to think this is sufficient ground to ask such questions as, "What do you want to study in college?" and, "What kind of career would you like?" I don't know. I don't like being asked those questions, because I don't have a solid, sensible answer like many of my peers. Oh, there are many jobs I could easily see myself thoroughly enjoying, but they are separated into two categories: 1.) not reasonable nor realistic; require very exact circumstances that one cannot ever be certain of; would probably not be a well-payed job, and 2.) careers that could work well in my life, especially if God desires for me to have a family, and would pay sufficiently, but still require a certain degree of opportunity. You'll notice that I opt out of careers such as doctor, teacher, nurse, lawyer. Yuck. (And, yes, I'm painstakingly aware that I may be forced to change this mindset in the very near future.) At this point, I would like to introduce the culprit of the majority of these aspirations: Nancy Drew PC games.

When I was about 13, I received my first ND PC game, Nancy Drew: Treasure In The Royal Tower. In this game, Nancy visits a mansion/castle/ski resort in the midwest. She gets snowed in, makes acquaintance with Professor Hotchkiss and Mr. Egan, and finds herself unravelling a historic mystery/legend concerning Marie Antionette. Hence, my love for lodge-like dwellings and monarchial history. I found myself desiring to run my own lodge or B&B.

In Nancy's sixth computerized adventure, Nancy Drew: Secret of the Scarlet Hand, Nancy scores an internship at a mayan museum in D.C. Here, she (I) prepared exhibits, worked with lab equipment--and Dr. Henrik--to decipher mayan heiroglyphics, took care of sales and packages, and even got to have my own set of keys to the place--all while aiding in an ancient mystery with monoliths, artifacts, and carvings galore. I now enjoy museums--and indigenous tribes. To this day, I would still love to be a museum curator.

And now, Nancy Drew: Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake. This is, perhaps, my favorite hopeful. Nancy stays a weekend in her friend's new cabin on Moon Lake, and quickly finds herself engaging in a 1920s secret of speakeasies and mob-gangsters who once resided in the cabin. Along the ride, Nancy finds herself befriending an upright park ranger named Jeff Akers, as well as an eclectic bird-watcher, Red Knott. Needless to say, when my famliy takes camping trips, I imagine myself on Moon Lake, observing and aiding Ranger Akers, beginning my summer job (that will certainly turn into a career) as Junior Park Ranger.

There are others that I've enjoyed: cooking hearty meals for the ranch hands with Shorty--and meeting the charming cowboy Dave--in Nancy Drew: The Secret of Shadow Ranch, boarding a train out west in Nancy Drew: Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon with the witty Hardy Boys, as well as author Charleena Purcell. In Paris, it was surprisingly a joy to be the assistant (who made tea, took photographs, ran errands, learned judo, baked cookies) of Minette, the demanding, moody fashion designer. And I can't say I disliked keeping up the lodge in Canada by cleaning, cooking, and working at the front desk when I embarked on Nancy Drew: The White Wolf of Icicle Creek. Sure, in real life, there probably won't be enthralling mysteries to enhance the excitement and thrill of these jobs. And I know--"it's only a game, you've never actually had an internship at any of those places, and you're going to have to pull your mind into the real world. Now go be a teacher like the three family generations of women before you." But I enjoy this outlet of still being a teen, and I can still hope can't I?

Nevertheless, in all seriousness, I truly only desire a career in which I can please the Lord. I pray for a career in something I'm good at and enjoy--and obviously have ample time for a family--Lord willing; but most importantly, I hope to do something in which I can use my talents to further the Lord's work as a woman in Christ. I will keep praying, not worrying! In Matthew 6:25-34, we receive comfort in knowing that if God takes care of birds and lilies, He will most certainly take care of His people as long as they are truly seeking Him first. We have no need to worry--especially when our hearts and lives are directed towards Him. Another familiar passage in Proverbs 3:5-6 is key for us teens (and, really, everyone!): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Another in Jeremiah 10:23--"O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." Young ladies, I want to encourage you to stop worrying about what you'll do and who you'll marry, even though it's really hard sometimes! The world is looking at us, and they need to see the peace of Christ in our lives. Before choosing a college, career, or husband, we need to get closer to God and His Word, obey Him, worship Him, and let Him work in our lives as He pleases. We do need to try and create a plan, but we also need to remember, "A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." (Prov. 16:9) Keep praying and always direct your plans toward the glory of our great God. :)

Fishers of Teens

2010-02-02T12:23:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone! Thanks to the snow days, I've had lots of time to complete my teen study workbook, Fishers of Teens. My focus this year is to talk to people more about God, and be unashamed to speak up for what is good, right, and biblical. This booklet has helped me gain a better perspective on how and when to approach, what to say, how to prepare, etc. At the end of each of the 9 lessons, I wrote down a few lines of what I really wanted to remember from that lesson. I wanted to share them with you! Hopefully these short reminders can help you, as well. And, as always, the Bible is our main source of instruction. Don't only read these notes I've written--search His Word for your foundation of inspiration and instruction. Also, if you're a teen and you'd like to order Fishers of Teens, click here! Each lesson in the booklet contains Scriptures, stories, questions, and lots of room to write.

Lesson 1-We All Have a Commision: I might be someone's only hope to hear of Christ's love and sacrifice! I can't keep this great treasure to myself!

Lesson 2-An Awareness of the Need: Be friendly, loving, and trustworthy. People will open up to you...there's your chance to let Christ shine and share Him!

Lesson 3-Examining Our Own Convictions: Stick to your convictions, morals, and beliefs...through thick and thin! It's total commitment, all or nothing!

Lesson 4-Things That Hold Us Back: After all He did for us, we must (and should want to!) take the first step to share the Gospel with others--no matter how fearful we may be--and remember it's not us they're rejecting: it's their God and Savior. We have to pray for strength, wisdom, patience, and courage to discipline ourselves to overcome our fears and share the Best News with the world!

Lesson 5-The Courage to Confront: As often as we fear talking to others about the Bible by causing confrontation, what we don't realize is that peace as the world sees it is not exactly as God sees it. As a Christian, I'm supposed to share "the sword" with this world, while having a humble, never-ending, internal peace that only God can supply--regardless of external forces!

Lesson 6-Ambassadors of Jesus: Am I a bright light for Jesus? Am I giving the world a good idea of what Christ is like, what His church is, and how wonderful it is serving Him? It's something I must take seriously at all times--whether work or leisure, whether with Christians or non-Christians. If every Christian performed their service to God like me, what would the world think and see?

Lesson 7-Make Me a Servant: Do I realize what Jesus gave up to save me and be able to help me? He understands me because he went through it--sinlessly. To be like Him, be a servant to everyone. For Him! Do what a servant does, think and speak with gratefulness and humility, and never desire more than you truly need. Be a true, loving, happy, humble, Christ-like servant!

Lesson 8-Being Scripturally Prepared: Do I love God so much that I want to know all I can about Him and His Word? Do I welcome inquiries from others about my God and my faith? I need to! And, I need to maintain personal Bible study and prayer to keep me strong in the Word and strong in courage!

Lesson 9-A Spirit of Gentleness: People won't always want to hear the Gospel. But I can't feel like they're personally attacking me. It's between God and them. My job is to share what I know with boldness and love.

*Please pray for me as I try to reach others this year! Thank you! :)

A Wonderful Snow

2010-02-02T11:09:00.000-06:00

God is good. :)

The Fragrance of Christ

2010-01-13T14:05:00.000-06:00

Do you have a favorite scent? We all appreciate the pleasant feeling associated with soothing scents: I have a peaceful smile when I can smell coffee brewing or a cake baking. We ladies enjoy receiving a bottle of our favorite lotion. Bath & Body Works had ceased selling my favorite "Country Apple", when just the other day they had a display re-featuring this classic scent; when I took the top off, springtime seemed to flood into my memory! Second Corinthians 2:14-15 says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the frangrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." We have a responsibility to God: He sees us as the fragrance of His knowledge to everyone, everywhere! How is our scent? Does God smile in pleasure and love for the wonderful aroma He breathes in by His children? Or does He wrinkle His nose in disgust and disappointment at the reek? Each day we smell hundreds of scents; when we do, let's re-evaluate our aroma and choose the one that will please our Lord.

New "Day" Resolutions

2010-01-06T13:52:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! :) It's cliché, but did you make any New Year's Resolutions? Upon asking my good friend this question, he said, "I make New Day Resolutions to be a better Christian and please God." What a beautiful attitude! People are resolving to eat healthier, make better grades, take up a new hobby; yet, often these are quickly compromised and perhaps, eventually given up all together. "Next year," the person will say, "I'll try again."
But what about in the Christian life? After you become a Christian, you don't make one mistake and say, "Better luck next year," do you? No, instead, we go to our heavenly Father in study and prayer. When we live in the light and follow Christ, we can "confess our sins, and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) With our great God, we don't have to wait a whole year to try again! We can ask Him to pick us up right away, and make the most of each new day. :)

"Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day." -Psalm 96:1-2

To Live or Die

2009-12-30T17:52:00.000-06:00

About a month ago, I had a dream that the school was on lock-down because there were people coming to kill members of the church. I remember my heart pounding and my mind racing, wondering how they would kill me. But I also remember earnestly praying that I would not deny my love and life for Christ. When I awoke, needless to say, I was more thankful than ever to reside in a place where I can worship freely!
A few days after that dream, I was in Acts on my daily Bible reading chart. "Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."" -Acts 21:13. We who desire to follow Him need to work on realizing that because we are disciples of Christ, we've got to be ready to give everything of this life up--no questions asked. Paul wasn't going to be persuaded to avoid danger in serving Christ. He realized what Christ had given up for him! Jesus told His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24) As often as we read and hear that Scripture, how often do we pray to God to mold our hearts into that of a true servant--to completely deny what we want or think, taking on the characterisitcs of our Savior, to follow after God's will for our lives? Many of us live in areas free of church persecution, so it's easy for us to say, "Sure, Lord, I'd die for You!" Maybe we won't suffer a physical death for Christ, but are we willing to die to ourselves, and live this life for Him?

Book Review: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

2009-12-18T10:18:00.000-06:00

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo, is the story of a china rabbit--Edward Tulane--who is the prized possession of a little girl named Abilene. Abilene loves Edward with all of her heart: she dresses him in fine silk clothing, seats him at the dinner table each night, and tucks him into his very own bed at the close of every day. However, Edward abides in his own vanity, forever indifferent to the amount of love shown him. One day, when Abilene's family departs on a ship to London, Edward is thrown into the sea. By a truly miraculous series of events, Edward spends years and years in the hands of strangers, learning about love and learning to love along the way.
This book is certainly a classic, timeless message about the beauty of selfless, sincere love. It is around 200 pages, and a terrific read for anyone from "child" to "child at heart". Although there are 200 pages, the words are fairly large, and the entire book could be read in one 2-2 1/2 hour sitting. Or, spread it out and read a few chapters a night. Whatever way you choose, the time reading this book will be time well spent. I highly recommend it! :)

Validation

2009-12-05T12:48:00.004-06:00

This video, approximately 16 minutes long, is absolutely terrific. You will be inspired. You will be so happy, that you may indeed cry. This 16 minutes will be well-spent. Go out and brighten lives for Christ! "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:16.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao

Can you hear Him?

2009-11-05T12:11:00.004-06:00

Have you ever heard your name spoken in a conversation nearby, and started to listen more intently? Yes, I'll admit to that. Do you ceaselessly change radio stations, eager to hear your favorite song? I sure do! Maybe you're willing to hear a rumor about someone, but not willing to hear the concern of a loved one. I've been guilty of that, too. We listen for lots of things; some things we eagerly and purposefully wait to hear: words in a letter from a loved one, the sound of a doorbell when we expect company, or our name being called to receive an award. Other times, we allow ourselves to hear things without truly considering what we are listening to: hurtful words about an acquaintance, seductive lyrics, and worldly ideas that we sheepishly succumb to.

In Luke 19:47-48, we are told that Jesus taught daily in the temple. The scribes and chief priests, and other leaders did not like Jesus, and they wanted Him destroyed. They looked for ways to catch Him in His words, tested Him; they waited for Him to say something wrong, or say something that they could twist. (Matthew 12:14, Matthew 19:3, Mark 12:12-13) But those seeking to accuse Him could not do anything, "for all the people were very attentive to hear Him."

This brings to mind Nehemiah 8:3. The latter part says, "...and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law." Later on in verse 5 & 8, we read that when Ezra stood and opened the Book to read, all the people stood up! The people were reverent, and they had a yearning to hear and understand. Could you imagine the respect and desire within their hearts!

Are we that more eager to open a magazine than our Bibles?
Do we accept and follow what the world's standards are rather obey than God's commands?
Do we complain to family about our terrible day or excitedly thank God for all the opportunities we had to serve Him?

Are we attentive to Him when He speaks to us through His Word? He's got more love than we can comprehend and bigger plans for us than we can imagine. He's calling to us! Today, let's resolve to be prayerfully attentive to His Word, and thank Him for His ever-helpful hand in our lives.

Revive Me in Your Way!

2009-10-24T12:38:00.004-05:00

One period of my school day is spent working in the office at the high school. My small tasks vary, but one job I usually always have is to sort the mail pile. The library's mailbox is often the first to fill up, because they are subscribed to lots of magazines; they keep just about every kind you can think of, for the students to use for research papers, or just to read in leisure time. Once in a while, I'll see a magazine that looks appealing to me, but I know I have homework I should complete instead, so I return to my desk. Friday, however, I had already finished my homework. The latest issue of Seventeen stood out in the pile, and I decided to flip through a bit before I placed it in the box. Sitting down, my eyes scanned the pages: immodestly-dressed girls, worldly definitions of "beautiful", headlines such as "What Turns Him On", and pages and pages of how a girl can look "sexy". . . .

I was sick. Tossing the magazine into the box, I slowly made my way back to my desk. The first thing that popped into my head was Psalm 119:37, "Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way." I was justifiably angry. Why would anyone publish such impure things--aimed at teenage girls--and why are we so ready and willing to fill our hearts and minds with the contents of these publications? I was reminded of another verse, Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Do these popular teen magazines honestly fit into any of those categories? No way! We who are teen girls (and women in general) in Christ have a responsibility to not go along with things of the world that harm our spiritual well-being. Our friends might not always understand, but because we serve Christ, we must humbly turn away from worthless things, and let Him guide us. Still want a way to pass the time in waiting rooms? Need something to peruse while relaxing? There are plenty of better alternatives!

The Holy Bible! Second Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us this Book contains instruction in righteousness, and all we need to be equipped in this life! James 1:25 tells us It is perfect! Second Peter 1:3? All we need for life and godliness! If the Bible were in magazine form, some of it's honest and good headlines might be, "How To Be Truly Beautiful", "Live The Best Life Possible!", and "Everything You Ever Needed To Know" Wow! :)

KAIO magazine! Previously called "Ignite," KAIO is a Greek word meaning "inner burning desire." KAIO magazine is published by Focus Press for Christian teens!

Think magazine! Think magazine is also published by Focus Press. It has lots of articles about current issues in society, the economy, and the world--all from a godly, Christian viewpoint.

Gospel Advocate Study Books! The Gospel Advocate online store has lots of different types of books, but for our purposes, I'll give the links directly to the Ladies Studies and Teens. I have many of the teen books, and they are easy to understand, well-written, and in alignment with the Word of God. What a blessing to have these!

Christian Woman Magazine! Published by Gospel Advocate, Christian Woman is written for Christians women by Christian women! Although this one is directed towards grown women, I've read many articles that were extremely beneficial to me at age sixteen. Check it out!

Home and Cooking Magazines! Though these are not spiritual-based, they do have the potential to help us become the women God intended, as long as we use them in moderation. Magazines like House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, and Taste of Home contain helpful tips for keeping a nice home and preparing healthy and tasty meals: both things that women have the great privilege to do in the home for their husbands and families. What honorable tasks! :)

I pray we can all realize the importance of steering clear of harmful reading, and instead feeding our minds on godly material, and most importantly, His Word! :) Have a wonderful day!

5 photos from our fall trip

2009-10-21T17:28:00.004-05:00

The Mill at Cades Cove, TN

A cute couple. :)

Wow. God's creation!

At the Mill.

And, of course, my father and me trying on shades. ;)

The Conclusion of the Whole Matter

2009-10-19T13:51:00.003-05:00

Key Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

Think: -what really makes people happy?
-what do people think is their purpose in life?
-what makes us truly complete?

Consider 1: King Solomon. Solomon tried it all; he enjoyed all the pleasure the world could offer! In Ecclesiastes 2, we read how he searched to please himself with wine, big houses, vineyards, gardens, servants, lots of animals, silver, gold, treasures, and then in I Kings 11:3, we read that he had 700 wives and princesses, and 300 concubines!

Q: Was Solomon really happy with all he did and had? Did he find great purpose in earthly value? Did he feel complete enjoying earthly pleasures?
A: No! In fact, he often says in Ecclesiastes, "all is vanity." He realized the uselessness of pursuing earthly greatness and possession. Solomon closes the book of Ecclesiastes in chapter 12, verses 13-14 by saying, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

Consider 2: The prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. He wanted his inheritance from his father right then and there!

Q: Did the prodigal son have everything he needed to make him happy and complete after he had gotten his inheritance?
A: No! In verses 13-14, the Bible says, “And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.”

Consider 3: The rich, young man in Mark 10:17-22 (also in Matthew 19:16-22 and Luke 18:18-13). He wanted to have eternal life, and inquired with Jesus about it.

Q: Was the rich young man happy after he realized he could not prize his possessions over following Christ? Could he be complete and serve God correctly and still cling to his earthly wealth?
A: No! Jesus told the young man that he should share his belongings with the poor, and follow Him, but the young man didn’t like the sound of that. Mark 10:22 says, “But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for the had great possessions.”

After reading about these people, it is easy to see what is truly fulfilling: pleasing God! Solomon knew when it all boiled down that the only thing that mattered was having a respect towards God and obeying Him. The prodigal son, after gaining all he desired, found out that the earthly things he sought brought no lasting happiness. The rich young man also knew he could not please God and simultaneously cling to his wealth.

Lots of teenage girls reason that if they just had the cutest clothes and the perfect body, that everyone would love them and they’d have the best life. Some girls tell themselves that if they could just get a boyfriend everything would be complete. But what is the true conclusion of all that we do? Well, we must first ask ourselves, what is the foundation of all that we do? Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” When it comes down to it, we’ve got to wire our lives with Christ. The only way we’ll find true happiness, total fulfillment, and a clear view of our purpose is when we respect God, study His Word, and obey Him. Then we will have the best life we could ever imagine! :)

Desktops!

2009-09-26T13:07:00.008-05:00

This past summer, my friend Darrin spent the entire break travelling out west and into Alaska with his grandparents. Thankfully, he took LOTS of pictures along the way. Also, thankfully, he is a very creative photographer. I spent lots of my time trying to come up with new adjectives to use on his Facebook photos to describe the scenes he captured; naturally I failed quite often, as there are truly no words to describe God's greatness displayed in nature. I took some of my favorite photos (with permission) and added Bible verses to them to use as computer desktops.

I Will Seek You In The Morning...

2009-09-07T15:34:00.002-05:00

I Will Seek You In The Morning…☼

-a compilation of Scriptures to read at the start of your day!-

☼ “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.” -Psalm 5:3

☼ “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.” -Psalm 1:2

☼ “…joy comes in the morning.” -Psalm 30:5b

☼ “O GOD, You are my God; Early I will seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You…” -Psalm 63:1a

☼ “The day is Yours… You have prepared the light and the sun.” -Psalm 74:16

☼ “Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.” -Psalm 143:8

☼ “to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD…” -1 Chronicles 23:30a

☼ “Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun.” -Ecclesiastes 11:7

☼ “You are the light of the world…” -Matthew 5:14a

☼ “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify Your father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16

☼ “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” -1 John 1:7

Never Alone

2009-08-08T20:01:00.004-05:00

Today at the store, I searched for a different scent of shampoo than what I normally use. Hmm...lavender sounded pleasant! Opening the lid, I took a quick whiff of the aroma to see if I'd like to switch to this one instead, but nervously darted my eyes down the aisle to see if anyone was monitoring my silly actions: there was a woman, however, she was too busy to notice me, because she was doing the same thing! Although it is nice to know others share our quirky habits, we sometimes wonder if there's anyone who shares our hurt, our heartache, and our sufferings... The answer is, yes.

1 Peter 5:8-9 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." Reading this is like sitting in a dark room on a rainy day, when all of a sudden, the clouds part, and the sun's warm rays pour in: everything's going to be okay now. There's just something about not being alone that makes the world softer, friendlier.

Jim Brickman and Lady Antebellum have a song called "Never Alone" that really touches my heart. When I listen to it, I recall all the people in my life who show me I'm not alone! If you'd like to watch the video and hear the song when you are finished reading, you may view it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnNK4Alwbsw

It can be tough to keep going sometimes. You might feel like there's no use in being the good example at school anymore, or maybe that first drink sounds so tempting when "everyone else" is doing it... But remember: "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus was tempted, too? Oh. That changes our viewpoint, doesn't it! And, He never sinned. How much more, then, should we seek His strength and shelter in hard times! (Psalm 18:1-3)

Those of us who are Christians see now that we have brothers and sisters who are hurting, as we may be. We see there are people in this world, who do not know Jesus, that are suffering, too. We also realize Jesus was tempted, yet sinned not, and ultimately suffered beyond our comprehension physically and emotionally...because He loved us. (John 19:1-17; Romans 5:8) "But may the God of all grace, Who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." (1 Peter 5:10) You see, we're never alone. You're not the only one. Rather than indulge in self-pity, let's comfort each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11)! Let's share our sufferings (Galatians 6:2). Show the world there is hope and true, eternal happiness in Christ! Let's gain strength in our God, our Rock, and press on because we love Him, too. ♥

We have an AWEsome God! (Part IV/Conclusion)

2009-07-28T19:55:00.008-05:00

IV: LET US HEAR THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER: FEAR GOD

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him..." (Psalm 33:18a) "As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him." (Psalm 103:13) "The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him..." (Psalm 147:11a) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, wisdom..." (Proverbs 1:7a; Proverbs 9:10a) "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared." (Psalm 130:3-4) "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

We have read and thought about God's AWEsomeness in the last few entries; I've capitalized "awe" because I wanted us to realize how incredible something must be to put us in an honest state of awe! The everyday things we call "awesome" are nothing in comparison to God Himself and all His ways. It has become marvelously apparent that there is none other like our God...that He has such deep thoughts and wisdom...that He is lovingly merciful and forgiving...and now, that He is to be feared.

When I was several years younger, I would hear the phrase, "Fear God," and think, Why should we be afraid of God if He loves us so much? As I grew older, I studied and realized that to "fear God" means to revere Him, to respect Him, to have a reverential awe towards. Now, reasons are quite often revealed to me through His Word and through His work in my life and in the lives of others as to why we should fear God; it is my hope and prayer that through this series, you have been able to acknowledge some of those reasons.

Girls, God truly deserves our reverence. We who are baptized into Christ's body should not take lightly our duties in Him: to be an example to others (I Timothy 4:12), to help others (1 Peter 4:9), to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24), and to fear Him and keep His commandments (Ecc. 12:13)!

The more I meditate on our God's AWEsome traits, characteristics, and ways, the easier it is to talk to Him, to study His Word regularly, to thank and praise Him in good times, to run to Him when I am weak, and to confess to Him when I have sinned and need His forgiveness. Thinking about God's AWEsomeness enables us to realize our complete dependence on Him, and willingly submit to Him, because we see how great He is to us and how much God really loves us! Isn't He AWESOME! :)

Ladies, thank you for reading, and may you be blessed as you continue to study His word and meditate His AWEsome ways!

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all." -Ecclesiastes 12:13

We have an AWEsome God! (Part III)

2009-07-18T22:23:00.008-05:00

III. YOU ARE A GOD OF MERCY!

"If You, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared." (Psalm 130:3-4) "But You, O LORD, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth." (Psalm 86:15) "As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." (Psalm 103:13-14) "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy." (Psalm 103:8) "The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy." (Psalm 146:11)

"Do you ever wonder why God puts up with us?" was the first line of the devotional one day in Power For Today. Mentally, I immediately answered YES! Quite often, in fact, do I wonder why in the world such a great and powerful God puts up with us. The devotional thought continued to discuss how much God loves us, and wants us to choose to love Him in return. That is very humbling: to realize a God who could have just created man to automatically love Him and make all the right decisions, instead created man to have the choice, so that we could experience real care and love in Him, by Him, and through Him. Not only does He give us a choice, but after we choose to obey the Gospel, He knows those who continually seek to respect and serve Him...and He has mercy on them. My very dear friend brought Psalm 130:3-4 (above in blue) to my attention, and every time I read it, it humbles me so much. If God kept track of all our sins after we repent of them--who could honestly stand? Absolutely no one! But we have an amazingly understanding and forgiving Father who pities His children when He sees that we are diligently trying to please Him! (Psalm 103:13-14, see above) I find it so beautiful that God Himself--in all His might and power and wisdom--has such compassion on His children. Doesn't this make you want to try so much harder every day to please Him and run to His arms when you are weak? He loves us so much! :') "Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful." (Psalm 116:5)

We have and AWEsome God! (Part II)

2009-07-10T17:27:00.006-05:00

II: YOUR THOUGHTS ARE VERY DEEP...

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments..." (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10a) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," (Proverbs 1:7a) "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;" (Prov. 2:6) "...His understanding is infinite." (Psalm 147:5b) "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)

Don't you like to feel smart? We've all been in situations where a topic is being discussed of which we know absolutely nothing about. Some will feign knowledge of the subject, while others willingly admit their ignorance. Although the latter may cause us to feel inferior, it's always the better to be truthful. Spiritually speaking, we must be truthful with ourselves, because God already knows: we need guidance!

Jeremiah 10:23 says, "O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." Girls, this makes it obvious we can't choose the right path in life unless God is our Guide! For us to gain His wisdom and understanding, we have to fear Him. We've got to realize just how holy He is--and that we must respect Him and submit to Him as His children to receive His matchless wisdom and guidance.

One of my faithful brothers in Christ always reminds me, "God never asks us to do anything that will hurt us."--and how true that is! "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9) "The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, and teach out of Your law," (Psalm 94:11-12). We won't always understand why God commands things, because we are only human. But we must obey Him, because He loves us and has our best interest at heart! He has the highest wisdom, knowledge, and understanding--such that we cannot fully comprehend it--and will share that with us if we will wholly fear Him and follow Him. How AWEsome is that?! We serve such a loving God! Let us always admit to our need of His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, as we acknowledge to our AWEsome Creator, "...Your thoughts are very deep." (Psalm 92:5b)

We have an AWEsome God! (Part I)

2009-07-03T15:04:00.007-05:00

I: WHO IS LIKE GOD?

"The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?" (Psalm 113:4-6) "For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God." (Psalm 86:10) "Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You Who have done great things; O God who is like You?" (Psalm 71:19) "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You." (Psalm 73:25) "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (Psalm 90:2)

Wow. After reading these verses together from God's Word, can a human being not sit in pure awe of Him? There truly is no one like our God. There will always be people to fail us, betray us, hurt us, neglect us, forget us, use us... but God never will. (Heb. 13:5b) He watches over us, cares for us, protects us, provides peace and shelter for us, knows what is best for us, allows us to make our own choices, but most importantly loves us--even so to send His perfect, sinless Son (Heb. 4:15) to live on this earth and to die for us so that we could be saved and have the hope of a home with Him one Day! (John 3:16)

Look at the bold statements in the verses in the first paragraph. Do we ever stop during our selfishly busy days and ask ourselves Who is like God? When we truly meditate on how great, holy, and completely perfect HE is, it will greatly humble us, and cause us to remember our complete dependence upon Him in our lives. Would we even exist without Him? No. "For in Him we live and move and have our being," (Acts 17:28) May we always keep this statement in the forefront of our minds: "...even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God."

We have an AWEsome God! (Introduction)

2009-06-27T20:55:00.009-05:00

Last week, God blessed me greatly by allowing me to take part in Bible camp as a "peewee camp" staff member. Each day I got to talk to, play with, and serve children from ages 2-8. I also got to meet more of my Christian family, and grow closer with many others as well. There were countless moments when I was able to see God working through people, and it was truly amazing. I made a young, new friend who, everytime I think of her, reminds me to work harder to be the proper Christian example. I saw God's gentle beauty in the green eyes of a small girl holding a butterfly and chasing bubbles. I could hear His teachings and wisdom as a five-year-old boy enthusiastically relayed events in David's life--never forgetting to mention (about every five seconds) that David trusted God. ;) I sensed God's mysteries, wonder, awe, and love in the deep, tender heart of a dear friend as we discussed our lives in Him, and contemplated His greatness... This special friend very kindly and sincerely shared several passages with me that have had me in a humble state of awe for several days now. I would like to share them with you--along with several that I have come across--, but only take a few verses at a time to grasp the awesomeness of our God. Please check back during the next two weeks, as I plan to do blogs in "parts." Thank you for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day.

re-comprehension!

2009-05-28T19:36:00.002-05:00

Hi, girls! :) It's been so long since I've blogged, but school is FINALLY out for summer, and I am so thrilled to have the extra time to write! Now, have you ever had one of those days when you just can't seem to get happy? It's like everything gets you down, you are apathetic, and nothing can excite you? At the end of the school year, it seems I'm more prone to these days. After a couple of weeks wondering why this kept happening, I took some time to talk to God about it--which is what I should have sincerely done in the first place! After being still and silent and praying about everything that has been swirling around in my head lately, I was at peace with it all. God has that amazing power to take our worries and cares away, but we have to seek it! A few well-known verses--that I've taken the time to read as if reading them for the first time--come to my mind when I sit and think about all this:

Philippians 4:6&7- "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." For me, this is one of the most comforting passages in the Bible to any Christian! We are told to many basic things in this short Scripture: don't worry, talk to God about it all, and you'll have a peace, thanks to Jesus, that is so precious and gracious that it's nearly incomprehensible. How...amazing! God's love for us is so beautiful and pure, and we should be so thankful everyday that Jesus died for us so willingly, and we can be at peace with anything, knowing that He will take our cares away, and that we can have a peaceful place with Him one Day!
Matthew 6:33- "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." This is my favorite verse to write on my friends' yearbook pages when signing away for summer, because it is my hope that they will seek to please Him above all. But although I was writing it, I realized I needed to take a second and re-comprehend it; it's so awful that sometimes we just memorize verses, and don't let them pierce us anymore! Instead of stressing and letting myself get melancholy, I should have taken time earlier to honestly speak with God about everything and hand my worries to Him. When we seek Him first, He will take care of us. Verse 32 reminds us that He knows what we need, and we are commanded not to worry in verse 34.
Psalm 46:10a- "Be still, and know that I am God;" This, too, is a popular verse that I needed to focus on. The other night I turned out the lights in my room and opened the blinds so I could see the stars. The feeling of closeness to God while just being around His grand and awesome beauty displayed in nature is just truly indescribable. I find it so easy to talk to God about anything and everything when I am alone in nature--even just looking at His stars through my window. It does the soul so much pure good to sit still and talk to God. Let's all remember this verse and keep it close to our hearts!

I'm so thankful that God works in my life constantly, even when I do a poor job of recognizing it and praising Him for it. Each day is a blessing, and we can choose to make it a good day or a bad day. When we become discouraged and down, let's FIRST look to Him and trust and know that He has the power to make every second of our lives more meaningful than we could ever imagine. God is so good!

Happily Ever After!

2009-03-27T13:36:00.006-05:00

I love fairytales. :) I love movies with happy endings, stories that conclude with "happily ever after," and tales of true love. These types of stories may be "unrealistic" to some, but I thoroughly enjoy them...and I believe I now see why!

The Bible is like a love letter from God. We read plainly, "For God so loved the world..." in John 3:16, and, "He loved us..." in 1 John 4:10, therefore we know that God loves us. If you get a handwritten letter--even a short card--in the mail, you feel appreciated and loved, don't you? Well, God's given you a whole Book! (2 Timothy 3:16) In that Book, we can know what is right and wrong, how to be righteous, what must be done to be saved, and how we can live with God and Jesus eternally one day.

Jesus, our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), died for us. He loved us so much--enough to give everything for us, in order that we could be forgiven of our sins, and work to gain a home with Him some Day. (Heb. 2:17; 1 John 4:10; Mark 8:34; 1 Thess. 4:16-17.)

Doesn't this remind you of the beautiful fairytales we love so much? Well, guess what...it's not a fairytale! :) We can live life knowing that He will return for us. How wonderful it is that we have such a Prince from God, with whom we can live "happily ever after" Someday.

What If...

2009-03-22T17:15:00.009-05:00

" 'If ' is a big word" is the reply I got in a text message from an acquaintance, upon my asking of different "what if" statements. Coming from this person, I stubbornly hit reply, ready to come back with something clever, because I was frustrated. Then, I paused. I cancelled the reply, and re-read the message. "If" is a big word... Something struck me each time I re-evaluated it. Doubtful the person meant much by it, but it's embedded itself into my thoughts, and often comes alive again.

More often than not, I get anxious about "what ifs." No matter the occasion, I can always find something to "what if." It's not that I am a pessimist--far from it--, it's simply that I want to prepare myself for not-so-good outcomes or instances. What if I don't pass chemistry? What if I never find a good husband? What if something happens to my parents? We could what if ourselves all day long, girls! Although I still let these thoughts creep in at times, I strive to give my cares to Him, and let Him take all my worries away. (1 Peter 5:7) It's human nature to worry. But because we are under God's care, we have no reason to worry!

God commands us not to worry. (Matthew 6:25, 31, 34, Phil. 4:6)

Nothing good comes from worrying. (Matthew 6:27)

We don't know what the future holds; some things we worry about may never even happen. (Matthew 6:34, James 5:14)

God cares for us, and wants us to cast our cares on Him. (1 Peter 5:7, Phil. 4:6)

So then, what if we tell our concerns to Him, stop worrying, and focus on doing the work of a Christian--for Him--instead? We are told that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6b) As we think of peaceful things, many of us imagine a beach with calm waves, a wooded area surrounded by wildflowers...or, even waking up on a snow day and realizing you are out of school! :) Each of us have different things that give us a sense of happiness and security. But if we allow God to take complete control, the peace we will receive is so awesome and powerful, that we can not fully comprehend it. God is truly so good. Don't stress; don't worry. . .take each day He gives you, let Him take control, and find true peace in Him! :)

"I Don't Care!"

2009-03-15T20:28:00.003-05:00

That statement is often heard from us teenagers, is it not? We all say it from time to time at least--most commonly, when we don't really mean it. Someone forgets our birthday? I don't care! We fail a test? I don't care! A relationship ends? I don't care! ...We do too care! People say they don't care for many reasons:

to avoid dealing with problems
to look "tough" and resilient
to keep others from asking uncomfortable questions
to avoid confrontation

You know the excuses, ladies. You've said it. The honest truth is, we are human--we care! The only times, perhaps, we may really not care, are such as these:

a friend offers you a peanut butter and banana sandwich or cereal. (Two terrific choices, may I add.)
someone spills coffee on your old paintball tee. (It's already stained; what does it matter?!)
your brother or sister in Him calls at 3 a.m. because they really need to talk. (You won't care if it's 3 a.m.--they're there for you; vice versa. C'mon now, it's family love, y'all!)

So besides instances like these, yes...you care. But there is definitely one never-changing, major-important reason to honestly and completely say the words I don't care: when someone criticizes you for serving and pleasing God. We as Christians...

know that Christ died for us, and we owe our lives to Him. (2 Cor. 5:15)
we will receive the "crown of life" if we are faithful until death (Rev. 2:10)
...there is a place for us in eternity with Him! (John 14:1-3)

That's enough reason right there to tell someone who tells us we are strange, "I don't care!" We are told plainly that we'll suffer at times. (2 Tim. 3:12) (Read about Paul's sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11) When we look at the big picture, though, we don't know suffering like Christ did. At any rate, we teens go through times of strengthening; we are presented with situations in which we can make an impact for Christ, or we can follow the world:

So then, what if your classmate laughs at you when you leave the courts to attend Bible class? Say it then. You don't have to be mean or rude, just simply say, "I don't care if you laugh." In fact, invite them to come with you!
Some kids tell you that you are "too uptight," and you need to loosen up and "have some fun." You explain to them why you abstain from those harmful, worldly lusts, but they think you "need to grow up," and "stop being a baby." Who cares!? If you are following God's Word, and striving to be "blameless and harmless" in a "crooked and perverse generation" (Phil. 2:15), then you are obeying HIM, and that's all that matters.
You ask to leave work early to go with the youth group to a singing. Your boss says he will cut your pay that day. (Well, you might not want to say, "I don't care," out loud...but think it.) Tell him you will take the consequences, because God comes first in your life no matter what!

Girls, when we show the world "we don't care" what they think as long as we are giving it our ALL to please and serve Him, they notice! We have got to take our trials, and allow God to help us turn them into opportunities to take a stand for our Lord. We have got to realize that we can't care what people think about us when it comes to obeying His Word. "...Count it joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." -James 1:3-4.

Next time someone makes fun of you or hurts your feelings because you are trying to please Him, remember--this is your chance to stand for Him; to shine as a light for Him! The following is a well-known verse that we must never forget: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." ~Matthew 5:16. ;)

Staying Pure: Music

2009-03-06T12:13:00.008-06:00

I really value good, clean music. First of all, who doesn't love music?! Music can be a great way to relax and unwind, and can be common ground between friends. But music can be very harmful, too. There is so much out there that just pollutes the mind and causes us to develop an insensitivity to the things that hurt us spiritually. So, when I find a good song, it gains a spot on my mental list of favorites. I know how hard it can be for teens to stray from the popular entertainment sources, but we are called to be different--and that's an honor! Why should we be cautious to keep our minds pure? Read Romans 12:2, Matthew 5:8, 1 Peter 2:9, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2. Today I want to mention some of my favorites, in hopes that you will always be in search of pure entertainment--to be an example to others, and to please God!

I often wonder what expression would be on the face of the apostles if they were hanging out with the youth of today, and one of today's "Top 40" songs came on. Not every song is bad, but for someone who has not been exposed to certain types of music (or someone who has made a commitment not to listen to impure music), it is a shock to hear some of the lyrics that are on the radio. The older I get, the more strict I get with myself about what I listen to. I can no longer listen to a single station on the radio, without having to change it within a maximum of 10 minutes! It seems like the world just accepts whatever message songs have, whatever vulgar lyrics, and whatever implication. We as Christians hear these songs (and know good and well that Jesus would not approve) but continue to listen to what everybody else listens to. We cannot do this any longer. The quicker people run away from temptations, the quicker they can run into God's protective and loving arms. He knows what happens when we fill our minds with bad things--and He doesn't want us to! So what can we do? How can a Christian teen get away from those songs that trash our minds? I have a few tips that I hope will help.

Keep CDs of songs that have a clean, positive message on hand. (Make mix CDs!) If you drive, keep those CDs in the vehicle, so you will not be tempted to listen to inappropriate songs that may be on the radio. (I Cor. 10:13)

If you have and iPod, mp3 player, or CD player, load it down with music that makes you smile (and is clean!) and take it with you when you go places where you cannot control the music, so that you always have a backup.

When your friends play songs that you know are not right, explain to them in a calm and loving way why you would like them not to play that music around you. If they don't respect you, then you probably should not be running around with those people, because they will affect your spirituality in a negative way. (I Cor. 15:33, 2 Cor. 6:14)

Talk to God about your concerns. Ask Him to give you the strength and courage to stand up for what you know it right! He will help you purify your mind, if you are truly seeking to please Him first. (Matthew 6:33, 1 Peter 5:7)

*Some of my favorite artists who have a lot of good clean music are:

-Red Shepherd (alternative/calm)

-Josh Turner (country)

-The Ambassadors, Cornerstone, Essence (acappella)

-Rascal Flatts (country)

-Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (bluegrass)

-Switchfoot (alternative/rock)

-Relient K (alternative/rock

-Diamond Rio (country)

The Road Not Taken

2009-02-20T21:21:00.008-06:00

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

________________________________________

I haven't posted in awhile, but I have so busy--among things, turning sixteen and getting my license! Seems like I have been so wrapped up in things, that I have been slacking on studying God's Word. (Life gets that much harder when I do that!) Well, one thing I know is that if a person doesn't believe in God, they are crazy. He works in my life more than I could even explain, and this is just one little example: Wednesday night while our preacher was giving a short lesson before our Bible classes, I had my mind on that license again. Would the test be hard? What if I failed? What if tomorrow never comes?...Well, what if? I should have been patient and let God handle it all, but once again, I was getting in my own way. I shoved my license-concerns out of my mind and listened to Hoby speak. One of the verses he mentioned was Proverbs 16:17--"The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul." ...Now you know the word "highway" had to catch my attention. Coincidence that Hoby used that verse, allowed me think about it, and apply it to my life right now? Um, doubt it. That's God working right there.

Thursday afternoon came. Three o'clock license appointment. Passed. So that was it? I had my license, it was over. Now, I'm free (with a few restrictions...) to go to town and eat with my friends, to pick one up for a youth activity, to see a movie, to just ride. . . . But I got so worked up in the time leading up to it. Why? Because it was something I couldn't get, something that others had, that I wanted so badly! What does that sound like...? You know, Satan makes sin look enticing. He tells us, "Everyone else is doing it, you don't want to miss out! Hurry!" We want to be a part of it so bad, until ...we are. We do what everyone else does. We watch those movies that we know Jesus wouldn't watch. We say those words. We listen to those songs. We put things into our bodies that could destroy us mentally, physically, and spiritually. What happens after we're doing it? That's it. There's nothing left to long for, to want so badly. We're just stuck in a rut, alone, wanting a way out, to find something bigger and better to live for. Depressing, huh? Earlier you read, "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil..." When Satan tempts you, depart; take GOD's highway! He provides us a way of escape every time we are tempted (1 Cor. 10:13). When you start to lust after earthly things, run to God. Study His Word. Guard yourself with His teachings. Talk to Him in prayer; He knows when you are weak! For Christians, these things will help us "preserve our souls"! By doing these things, it will also be easier to teach those who have not been saved, what God's Word says they must do to "preserve their souls." We have got to (but have got to want to) deny ourselves and our earthly lusts, seek Him first, and set our minds above. (Matthew 16:24-26, 6:33; Colossians 3:2) Without Him, everything we do is useless!

So, here I am. Sixteen, new license, a Christian girl. I can either drive through life's highway, looking for temporary stops and pleasures on earth, and end up ruining my life, losing it all forever... OR, I can depart from evil, seek Him, deny myself, focus on my end and eternal destination, and preserve my soul for ever and ever. Now think back if you can; what did the speaker of that poem do? He took the one less travelled by. What are Christians to do? Enter by the narrow gate, although there are few who go in by it. (read Matthew 7:13-14) I believe I will choose the 2nd road. There, I know I am never alone. I know I've always got a Friend Who keeps me going, Who lifts me up, Who strengthens me, Who never lets me forget where I'm headed, and Who loves me. The road each of us choose will make all the difference. . . .

. . . I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Something New (And Better) For Your iPod!

2009-01-27T11:49:00.003-06:00

If you're like me, you love good, clean, positive music, and whenever you find it, you listen to it over and over. But, like any song you really like, it eventually gets over-played. I'm always looking for new music that a teen in Christ can enjoy. However, I found something on iTunes that's better than any song I've ever heard AND it's free.

The Memphis School of Preaching (http://www.msop.org/) is one of the strongest Christian schools for young preachers that I have ever had the privilege to visit. (A friend of mine attended a training program last summer and I got to visit.) The men who work there are more dedicated to teaching the young men who go to school there than any other staff I have ever seen anywhere. I know that the students are able to get sound teachings of God's Word, and I know they gain an in-depth understanding of It, as well. Recently I visited their website and found podcasts! On iTunes, MSOP has 94 lectures available to download to your iPod (again--for free!). I only downloaded about 15 to start out with; I've listened to three so far, each of which has been eye-opening, heart-warming, heart-wrenching, and completely and solidly based on God's Word. If you have the time (and an iPod)--especially if you are a young person looking for something worthwhile to listen to on your iPod--I strongly recommend for you to take a look at the lectures available. I promise you, you won't be let down. ;)

To download if you already have iTunes:

-go to http://www.msop.org/
-click on "Podcasts" on the left hand side near the bottom
-click on the "Click Here" beside "Already an iTunes user?"
-choose which ones to download!

If that doesn't work, you can always:

-open the iTunes store on your computer
-type in "Memphis School of Preaching podcasts
-click on the logo that appears at the top of your iTunes window
-choose what to download!

God is so good, and He Loves YOU.

Balancing Equations: Can I Serve Two Masters And Be Equal?

2009-01-23T15:38:00.006-06:00

I can't believe I'm making this statement, but...balancing equations is fun. There, I admit it. Now, I'm not a fan of the subject, nor do I really care that much to know the ins and outs of atoms, molecules, moles, grams, specific heat, empirical formulas, molecular formulas, the law of conservation of mass, energy, and the infamous Avogadro's number. :] I'm just one of those people who is perfectly at peace knowing God made the heavens and the earth, and everything else! Despite that, my chemistry class (and view of the subject) has happily taken a turn for the better. :]

Concerning the class, I was able to have my schedule tweaked for the second semester (which I am very thankful to my Father for..!) and I now have chemistry first thing in the morning, as compared to 1:15pm. Walking in that classroom, hearing Spanish guitar from the computer speakers, seeing the sunlight beaming in, a cheery yellow, from the two windows on each side of the board, saying hello to a few of my acquaintances, and saying to my teacher "good morning," are a few of the little moments of serenity that I am blessed to be able to experience first thing at school. I am so thankful that God allows me to have those moments at school to start my school day off right. I usually even have time to read the Bible some before we begin class! Never did I imagine that the word chemistry would be this closely associated with peaceful!

To get to the point, the environment I am in now has made chemistry a little more easier. I'm able to see God's blessings in the same classroom that I use to stress in! Well, we began balancing equations on Monday, and I was completely lost! Now, however, I could balance equations all day long, I enjoy it so much! :] Yesterday I asked myself why in the world I like balancing equations so much. It didn't take long to realize it's because it relates to me spiritually! See, to balance an equation, you have to have the same number of atoms for each substance on each side of the arrow in the center which stands for "yields". If each side of the arrow is not equal and doesn't have the same substances, your equation is not balanced! In my life, I can't live part of the time for God and the other half living in the sinful ways of Satan. You just can't serve two masters! (Matthew 6:24) In the end, we will either be judged as a righteous servant of God, or a sinful follower of Satan. There's no in-between, and it's impossible to balance it out while living divided.

Now for my other point. Remember how I said I didn't really understand balancing equations at first? Well, the first method we learned was just too hard for me! It looked simple, and many of my classmates understood it perfectly. But for me, it was really stressful, and I could not comprehend how I could get my answer from that method! To me, that represents Satan. He makes sin look so simple, like it is the easy way to happiness and a lifetime of pleasure in worldly things and activities. And, many people are lured in and love that way of life. But then we learned a new method--algebraically. The new method clicked instantly with me--but not with those who understood the first method. It was a lot more work on paper than the first method, and sometimes I had to retrace my steps, but in the end, I got the right answer. That represents my life for Christ! In this temporary life, a Christian has to try harder than many people to abstain from worldly desires and lusts of the flesh. Sometimes, I mess up and have to retrace my steps and find out where I failed God. It's a lot of commitment, but in the end, the faithful person will be rewarded with an eternal home with God our Father...forever. That's like the correct answer, that I couldn't get from the first method, and the correct answer that we can't get if we are living in sin.

We who want to follow God have to realize we must give up the ways of Satan, because we will never be able to balance out our life that way. I couldn't understand the first method (representing Satan) at all, but the second method (representing Jesus) led me to the right end result: both sides were equal, correct, and it was all good! "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who go find it." -Matthew 7:13-14. A Christian is never perfect, but their end result will be far greater than anything Satan can deceive you with in this world. Don't be afraid to work hard to get the correct answer!

My Mama.

2009-01-18T16:27:00.011-06:00

"I'm becoming my mother!" is often an exclamation a woman can be heard saying at a point in her life where she stops everything and realizes, well, that she is a lot like her mother! I've heard it said with a shock and sometimes a sigh, but as I say it now, I say it with a smile! My mother is the best woman I know, and seeing now that I mirror her in even only a few ways, without even noticing it, is a blessing in disguise. :)

As you can see in the photo , Mama can be silly sometimes! (Mama, if you're reading this, don't get mad...it's only mouse ears!) This is one of my favorite things about her! She might get confused as I'm telling a story, start giggling, and end up asking me to start over, or she might make a funny face at me in the mall, but I love that she can be silly, and still be classy. Never have I seen my mother be wild or inappropriate; she knows how to have a laughter-filled time while keeping a perfect level of respect for herself.

Although we see many women today get the attitude, "I'm Super-Woman; I don't need anybody and I can get where I want to be all by myself," I love that my mother doesn't think like that. She is the perfect example to me of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31. Mama is submissive to my father, who is the good Christian leader of our household. She makes food for the family, cares for each of us, loves each of us, but even more amazingly: she is the same way to everyone else. I've never met a woman who is more caring and sympathetic to those in need. She never brags about the things she does, or makes a point to tell anyone, she just does these things because she wants to be the kind of Christian woman God wants! She bakes bread, cookies, or meals for the sick, widowed, or lonely. She makes cards and sends them to anyone who may need a smile. She will listen to those who just need someone to talk to, and truly listen! Of all these things she does, she remains more humble than you could ever imagine. I know that God is very pleased with her, and will continue to do good works through her!

I often think of how wonderful my mother is, and how often I fail to tell her that, or show her how thankful I am. I think back on times when I was impatient with her, when I was mean and rude, when I failed to be the Christian daughter God wanted of me... But one thing I know is that only God could have ever created such a beautiful inside-out, tender-hearted person, and blessed me enough to make her my mother. I could never imagine a day without hearing her voice, asking her advice, or just hugging her. God is...incomprehensibly generous and kind to allow me to have a mother like her... I love you, Mama, and I hope and pray that I become more like you everyday that God keeps me on this earth. :)

Time Flies When...You're In Love!

2009-01-15T16:58:00.003-06:00

Since I've started using the "Daily Bible Reading Schedule" card for the new year, I am constantly reminded of God's unmatchable power and complete AWESOMEness! One of my favorite things to do when I read is keep track of verses that stick out to me. (I've been meaning to write about this one for days!) This one actually made me stop everything and smile--realllly wide! :)
"So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her." -Genesis 29:20. ♥ !!! Yay! :D I love love love it. Jacob loved Rachel so much that he told Laban, her father, that he would serve him for seven years just to be able to have her as wife. But Laban gave Jacob Leah, the eldest daughter instead! :( Poor Jacob! Of course, one can only know that because he loved Rachel so much...he worked yet another seven years to be able to have her! Every time I read this verse, I am so amazed at Jacob's persistence to gain the one he truly loved. Ah! ♥
Jacob trusted God and God watched over him. :) I will continue to do the same, and I hope and pray that one day God will show me a wonderful, good man like Jacob. :)

Genesis 7:1

2009-01-05T17:14:00.000-06:00

I've always liked the story of Noah. Ever since I was a little child, I have been taught about "Noah's Ark. (Genesis ch. 6, 7, 8)" (...which makes it all the more embarrassing and strange that I would have ended up saying Moses built the ark when I was in Bible class in 8th grade...) But "Noah's Ark" appeals to me now, because it's easy to relate to as a teen! I'm reading through Genesis right now, and a certain verse I read a few days ago is bold in my mind: "Then the Lord said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation." WOW. Wow! Listen to that..."I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation." [Genesis 7:1.] See, God had become sorry He had made man, because there was so much wickedness in the world. [Gen. 6:5-7.] But, "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." :) Although it seemed like there was no good in the world, Noah and his family were righteous! The Lord commanded Noah to build an ark so that he and his family would be safe from the great, destructive flood. While Noah built the ark like the Lord had said, it's likely that Noah was probably pretty ridiculed during that time. Those who were wicked probably thought Noah was absolutely crazy for obeying this God! But, Noah obeyed GOD. He didn't say, "But, God, what will everyone think when I begin to build this ark?" or, "Can't you just save me and my family without me building that?" No. I believe Noah knew what a blessing it was for God Himself to recognize his family and their continuous obedience to Him, and allow them to be saved from the flood!

Today, how many times do today's Christian teens think, "What will all my friends think if I miss that basketball game to go to Bible study?" and, "There's no fun at "my church". I'm going to "my friend's church" tonight for some real entertainment!" It's an extremely important lesson to learn that, when it comes to obeying GOD, it doesn't matter what people think! Won't it make a greater impact if you say instead, "No, sorry, I'm going to our youth group's Bible study! You should come with me! :)" and, "I'm looking forward to tonight's sermon. I know worship is not for entertainment, and I'm glad I get to sing praises to Him, pray to Him, learn about Him, and be with my Christian family!"

Obeying GOD will come easily when we have a close relationship with Him. Others will see our total commitment to Him when we adamantly turn away the world's ideas of "fun", and find our true happiness in serving Him! One Day, I want to see God look at me and say, "you were righteous in your generation..." Keep Genesis 7:1 in mind as you go through life. :)

The Blog About The Answer To Any And Every Situation Ever Possible That Could Ever Come Across Your Mind Or In Your Life Ever!

2009-01-04T15:38:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking it must be a good sign when the reason you're suffering from insomnia is because you keep thinking of things you want to talk to God about. It's a wonder that God is so easy to talk to and so accessible, but it's so hard for many Christians just stop and pray to Him! Prayer is such a perfect opportunity to talk to our Creator about our concerns, our joys, our hopes, our weaknesses, to thank Him for everything, to ask for His help for us and for others, and to just tell Him how awesome He is! In fact, James 5:13 says, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray..." Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:28 say, "...pray for those who spitefully use you..."

We are to always continue to pray and talk to our Father. Consider these verses:

Colossians 4:2- "Continue earnestly in prayer..."
Philippians 4:6- "...in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;"
Romans 12:12- "...continuing steadfastly in prayer;"
I Thessalonians 5:17- "pray without ceasing,"

God hears the prayers of the righteous (I Peter 3:12 & Proverbs 15:29). The Bible also tells us that the prayer of a righteous man avails much! (James 5:16) That is proof that prayer works! Have you ever prayed about something, and soon found that things worked out? Were you ever worried or distressed about someone or something? Did you pray earnestly to God to take those worries away? Did you trust God and believe that He would take care of the situation? We must trust God, talk to Him, continue to read His word, and share His Word with others. He loves us so much, yet often He is our "last resort" when it comes to our problems and difficulties in life. I once saw a sign that read: "Pray Daily. God is easier to talk to than most people." How true is that!? He deserves our prayers always, not just in times of trouble as a last resort. So...the "answer to any and every situation ever possible that could ever come across your mind or in your life ever"?--PRAYER! :)

2009: Look to the Lord

2009-01-01T06:51:00.000-06:00

You would think after staying up all night at our annual church lock-in that I would be passed out on our living room couch by now. . . Of course, when I get an idea for a blog, you'd better believe I won't rest well until I get a chance to share it with you! ;)

The idea for this blog hit me in the middle of our youth minister's lesson this morning around 1:40 at our first devo of the new year. He was talking about how we go through life, and we sometimes go places where there's no one to tell us, "Trust in God," or, "Look to the Lord in all you do"; obviously it's our responsibility to keep a strong relationship with our Father! We must talk to Him (pray) often, read His Word (our roadmap to LIFE!), and make a point to seek His will in all we do! We must also. . . focus on Him. . .

There was a young man in our youth group whose cell phone had been laying on a table behind me. It was on vibrate, yet still made a very noticeable buzzzz when it went off in the middle of the devo. The first time it did this, nearly everyone looked over at the table, yet the owner didn't. The second time, same thing. The third time, same thing. This continued for seven times, but only once (the last buzz) do I recall him glancing over at the table as if to say, "Please...stop." Each time his phone buzzed, a smirk would appear on the faces of the other teens. Me, too, at first, until I noticed his face: He was still intently focused upon our youth minister and his lesson. And, apparently, he's the only one who truly heard what he was saying to us! I realized that we had just heard (in a nutshell),"Focus on GOD no matter what!", and there was an opportunity to display that focus right then! I think that guy knew that, and was pondering on that when his phone vibrated. And, I also think he knew if he didn't give attention to the phone, that it would make an impression upon someone--it did. After summing all of this up in about fifteen seconds, I smiled to myself (which I truly and honestly love those moments) and I thought, "There's an admirable young man right there."

"Admirable" has become one of my most favorite words since I read it in Philippians 4:8 (NIV). It makes me think, because I realize it takes a lot for me to consider something admirable. But I know that as long as we can keep our focus on God, we will all be able to do admirable things with Him as our Guide.

"Therefore I will LOOK TO THE LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me." -Micah 7:7

Reputation Matters!

2008-12-30T15:14:00.000-06:00

Usually, when asked why I won't do something, my reply is, "I have a reputation to keep!" This doesn't please most people who hear this; instead, their response to that is, "You shouldn't care what others people think!" To a certain extent, I can understand that thinking. For instance, I should not care what someone would think if I were to stand up for what is right among a crowd of wrong-doers. However, when it comes to reputation, I believe it does matter what people think. I will explain why.

We are to be an example to those around us. (I Tim. 4:12) If we are off doing and saying things that Jesus would not do and say, then we are not being a very good example! Of course, none of us is perfect--and we will never be--but we are to try our best to have a mind like Christ. (Philippians 2:5) People know what kind of person we are by our actions. (Matthew 7:15-20) Even if we say we are a Christian, if we do not try our best to be one, they will not be apt to look to us as an example!

Others also take notice to who we hang out with. Often, teens don't want to believe that they will begin to act like the people they hang around. The Bible tells us it will happen, though. "Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." " ~I Corinthians 15:33. If the people we are "friends" with will not accept our ways as a Christian, we have no need to be affiliated with them. After we have tried our best to teach them, if they do not want to better themselves, then we must sever those ties, or else they will bring us down. Sometimes, there are people who seem to be our friends, who in the end, spread our defects, make us look bad, and hurt the reputation we are attempting to build for Christ. We have got to watch out who we are running around with, or others will begin to see that we are beginning to imitate their ways...which, if unrighteous, will be greatly damaging to our building reputation!

The Bible tells us what we are to be, simply! By becoming what God has commanded, we don't have to wonder "who we are," or "how we should live." We will know how to be the right example! Here are some things God wants us to be:

Moral, having integrity. (Titus 2:7)
Reverent, respectful. (Titus 2:7)
Incorruptible, not willing to give way to the devil's ways. (Titus 2:7)
A sound speaker, using good language and words, and being uplifting with our words; they are powerful. (Titus 2:8, Ephesians 4:29, Psalm 34:13-14, Col. 3:8-9, James 3:5)
Humble, meek, seeing everyone as above yourself, not being conceited or proud. (Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 18:4, James 4:10, Colossians 3:12)
Blameless and harmless in a world of perversion. (Philippians 2:14-15)
Joyful! :) (Philippians 4:4, Psalm 35:9, 2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Caring, hospitable, kind & tenderhearted! :) (Eph. 4:32, 1 Peter 4:9, Phil. 2:4)
Forgiving and loving! :) (Eph. 4:32, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Col. 3:13-14, 1 Peter 4:8, 1 John 4:7-11)

I know that it may seem like, at times, the Bible is just a "rule book" of "don't do this" and "you can't do that," (especially to rebellious teenagers...). But when we honestly grasp all God and Jesus have done for us, why would we not want to mold ourselves to fit His standards? I mean, we don't need money or power to become the things He commands us to be. It's all inside us, and He's willing to help us become all that we can be for Him! :)

I'd like to end this entry on this note: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." We can be the best example to those around us, as long as we seek God's guidance in building a righteous reputation. Even when we mess up, keep trying...He knows if we truly desire to live for Him; He knows our hearts! :)

When I'm Weak....I'm Strong?

2008-12-28T12:23:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been disappointed? Well, we all have, of course. It's the nature of humans to make mistakes, which in turn, disappoint people who are closest to them. Sometimes we are hurt so bad, that we think no one else on earth understands our pain...but we are reassured that God always understands! You see, Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Jesus was tempted just like we are; He was greatly distressed at times, too. (Matthew 26:36-38) We, as humans, are extremely weak creatures. People often suffer from intense feelings of hopelessness, sadness, emptiness, or anger because they put their hope and trust in worldly things--which will never suffice! When we're sad, hurt, or angry at someone or something, we must remember these verses:

Hebrews 4:9~ "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God." For a true member of the Lord's church, there is much comfort in knowing you have fellowship with other Christians to share your sorrows and uplift you! At any time, whenever you are weary, you can know there is someone willing to be with you and support you.

Matthew 11:28-30~ "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Knowing as a Christian that we follow such a gentle, loving Savior is comfort in itself. But here He tells us simply that we can find rest in Him! :)

Psalm 46:1~ "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." and Psalm 9:9~ "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." Wow. How comforting are these Scriptures?! HE is our refuge and our strength. This is truly incredible to be able to read and comprehend!

Psalm 118:8~ "It is better to put trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man." If we only put our hope and trust in man, then we will be disappointed sooner or later. However, if we place all our trust in God, we will never ever be let down. It's beautiful!

Philippians 4:13~ "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This is a very well known verse, but nonetheless an extremely powerful one! When we seem to be lower than low, we can be uplifted in Christ. We can overcome anything with Him who strengthens us!

Lastly, I would like to share a passage that is very dear to me, as well as a good friend of mine: "And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~2 Corinthians 12:9-10. How AMAZING! :) God's strength is as it's best when we are weak, because the beauty in His power to take over our heartaches is so astounding! He can heal us of any sorrow, if we only give our all to Him, and focus our lives upon reading His Word, obeying Him, and living for Him.

God's strength is perfect. Let us do all we can to gain understanding of His care for each one of us, especially in our trials, and try harder to help others see the beauty of His love for us. :)

realizations and remembrances.

2008-12-25T17:13:00.000-06:00

Christmas Day. It's a time I like to think of as "cheery", "joyful", "family-oriented"...but today it seemed I had to force myself into that frame of mind. I hadn't gotten much sleep in the past three days, but I thought I would be okay. (Turns out, I probably should have made a point to get more shut-eye than I allowed myself.) I was groggy and run-down, not to mention, not in quite the friendliest mood. This evening I am sitting here, looking back, ashamed, thinking of how I should have been.....

Sometimes I let vain and worldly things get me down: not getting enough sleep, being unhappy with my physical appearance, thinking of bad times past, upcoming stresses, severed relationships, etc. But then at some point something hits me and I wake up and remember: Hannah...have you forgotten how much God has done for you? It's times like this when I regret how I have been thinking, I want to apologize to everyone around me, and I want to help others who may be in the same situation. This is when my realizations hit me today:

While at my Grandmama's house for dinner, I happened to see a story on television of a couple who adopted two children. There was a young boy, and also a little girl. She had a facial condition that distorted her features, and the couple knew that there was only a small chance someone in Ukraine (the country they had travelled to) would willingly adopt and care for her. So they did, and they brought her back to America. They took her to doctors, but there was nothing they could do to make her look "normal" on the outside. She is now a young teenager. They interviewed her and I was in tears from seeing her absolute confidence and joy. "I might not look normal on the outside, but it's the inside that counts! Sometimes people look at me weird and stare, but I know it's just because they don't know yet what's on the inside. " This amazing individual understands incredibly well that "the Lord does not see as man sees; for man look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) She has an outward defect that could hinder her attitude toward life and other people, but she chooses daily not to let an outward effect affect her inward self. I found this so amazing and touching that I wanted to share my thoughts in this blog.

If that story doesn't touch a heart that's been selfish, I don't know what will. Today, I was letting things bother me that I should have let go, even though I was exhausted and felt bad.

Galatians 5:22-23: I should have put so much more effort into displaying gentleness and love toward my loved ones.

Proverbs 15:13: I should have prayed for a merry heart.

I should have remembered 1 John 2:15-17.

I will learn from the "should have's"; It is past, and I know the day is coming to a close, but I also I know I have learned an important lesson, and I hope it has helped one of you.

God blesses us in so many ways that often we fail to see just how truly blessed we are! I know for a fact that I am guilty of this. But let us remember James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." I pray that you and I can do a better job of remembering all our blessings, and I also hope that you and I can have a "fruits of the Spirit" attitude through any and all of our trials in life. :) Have a wonderful rest of the day...and make the most of it.

Others Before Self.

2008-12-21T15:46:00.000-06:00

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also the interests of others." ~Philippians 2:4. In school, I hear quite often these statements from peers: "It's not my problem," or, "Well she said that about me first, so I'm gonna talk about her!" However a young Christian should strive to have a different attitude. We can read that God commands us to be kind and to help others, even if they are not kind and helpful to us. (Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 5:43-44) The problem today, which is absolutely apparent in high school, is that the world tells us that if someone does wrong to us, that we should do the same! The world also teaches kids that we don't owe anyone anything--especially if they haven't done anything for us. Teenagers will so willingly jump to retaliate because the world says that's okay! But how wrong that is! For one, we should not follow the world (Romans 12:2). But even more importantly, our perfect Example, Jesus, was kind to even those who crucified Him: He prayed for them! (Luke 23:33-34) I know that as a Christian young adult, it is my job to set the correct example for my friends, and to be willing to help anyone in need. We are here to serve God and to serve others by showing His love, whether they deserve it or not. Even God's Son came to serve: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many." ~Mark 10:45. May we work each day to have the attitude of a servant, and show all those around us how truly kind our God is.

patience.

2008-12-20T12:44:00.000-06:00

I used to know a preacher who spoke once on patience. He had told of his grandmother making a dish that would take a little while to prepare--needless to say, he didn't have a lot of patience in hearing that. After hearing the sermon, I marveled at what a great lesson it was, but thought I already have patience. Lately, I've come to realize I don't have near the patience I once believed.
When I feel like someone or something needs to change for the better, I want to see it happen immediately. If I'm trying to help someone, I want them to be able to open their eyes and see that right then. In the past few weeks I have realized perhaps it is I who needs to change first. Patience is needed. I see now that when you care about something -or someone- so much that you can't put in into words, you have to put it into God's hands, trust that He'll help you, and work on becoming a better servant for Him and serving others on earth. The hardest part about patience is having to see something go so wrong for so long that there seems to be no hope left...but there's always hope in God. Others may have already lost hope in a situation or in a person, but things have a way of turning around for the best with God on your side. He is the only source of never-ending strength that I have, and I know that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) I realize now that I must have patience, and display the peace I have in knowing God so others can see how truly amazing He is.
I wish that preacher could know how much good has come from that one sermon I've recalled. However, I hope you can see how much good has come from that lesson, and I pray that we can all have more patience with the situations -and people- in our lives.

Danger: Hazardous!

2008-12-20T11:22:00.000-06:00

This photo was taken near Grotto Falls, Gatlinburg, TN on a family vacation. This was the beautiful part, obviously. But what you can't see in this shot is the sign that was just below my feet that read, "DANGER: Hazardous Cliff." Along the way there were also numerous signs that were equally, if not more, disconcerting: "DANGER: Falling Deaths Have Occurred..." I can't say I felt exactly safe, but after affirming my surroundings and staying alert, I was more at ease. Now that I can look back on that hike, I've noticed an analogy: In life, there are so many things that are hazardous to our Christian lives, but so often, we take no time to recognize those things, and they penetrate into our hearts. This causes us to be desensitized to how God has commanded us to live, and we aren't cautious of what we allow into our hearts and minds. But, just like on the path to Grotto Falls, if we pay attention to our surroundings and avoid the hazards, we can see the true beauty and stay on the righteous track! "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." -1 Peter 5:8. We must be constantly monitoring where we are spiritually, because if we are not careful, the devil will be able to trick us, and we will be in great danger. God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him, and He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Let's keep our eyes on Him so that we will be able to disregard the hazardous things in life, and stay focused on the truly beautiful things!

"I Owe It All To Him"

2008-12-20T01:40:00.001-06:00

I owe it all to Him.

The One who gave it all for me,
So I could have a hope;
Forgave my sins and set me free-
The Anchor on my rope.

The only One who keeps me sane
When I don't know what to do;
He can always ease the pain,
He helps me see the truth.

I often fail and wonder how
He still loves me so;
Inside, He sees that I mean well;
He sees my heart, I know.

Sometimes it seems my weaknesses
Throw failure in my face.
But deep inside my Rock, my Strength,
reassures me of His grace.

It hurts to admit, after all He's done,
That I could do so much more.
Dear God, I ask You, open my eyes;
Help me see those doors.

A stranger, a friend --anyone--
I know they aren't just people;
Someone must tell their souls of God;
If I don't try, who'll teach them?

It feels like I'm against myself;
I know what I should do.
But still my fears would hold me back,
I'm letting Him down, it's true.

But I will never cease to pray,
He'll pull me ever through.
He's paid the price; I'm here to serve;
Jesus, I owe it all to You.