Can I just say how much I adore the movie Courageous!

So great, such a wonderful message!

Marriage Fears

When I think about my future-certain parts of it scare me so much.  Not the job part, and not technically the marriage part.

What I am so afraid of is being married and then 1) Getting a divorce 2) Finding out about an affair 3) Ending up in an abusive relationship.

These things scare me so much that it literally hurts my heart to think about what I would do if they ever happened to me.

I get a little panicky when I think about these things happening to me.

And it's not like I'm expecting perfection, not at all.

I just...want a marriage for life - I want someone to grow old with. I want someone who I can help and will help me through the ups and downs of life.  And will stay faithfully by my side through it all.

Because to me, cheating and abuse are totally unthinkable...very much deal-breakers.  I'm not sure what I should do/can do about this "paralyzing" fear. The only thing I can think of is prayer.

I also just got this neat book/journal for Christmas.  It's called God's Promises for a Woman's Heart.  So far I've only taken a few peeks, but I do look forward to really diving in heart first.

Pausing in such a chaotic life

I know it's been quite a while since I've posted anything-over a month actually.  But I was inspired just now by reading a post by one of my fellow bloggers in Christ's name.  At 110% Surrendered? Katy posted something that made me pause. 

I have been getting so caught up in my own issues, that I forgot that all I need to do is surrender them to the Lord.  He is the only one that knows my true heart and what is best for me.

I need to pause more often and simply listen for the Lord, and meditate on what He is trying to tell me and where He is trying to guide me.

Because I feel like I've gotten separated from the path that I was walking with Him.

A Prayer for Purity

Living a life of purity can be tough in today’s society, but know that you do not have to struggle alone. God stands ready and willing to help you. He loves to hear the prayers of His people, so pray and ask God for His assistance. You may utter your own prayer to God or simply use the prayer for purity listed below.

Lord, I love You and I want to please You. Thank You for loving me and for providing this opportunity to come into Your presence. I know that You honor Your Word and Your Word says, that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins. So right now, I thank You for filling me with Your Spirit and I humbly ask that you forgive me for my thoughts and actions that have grieved Your Spirit. I desire to live a life of purity and I want my very being to be aligned with Your Word.

I know that I am unable to live a life of purity without Your help, so I ask that You lead, guide and direct me in Your ways. Thank you for giving me the freedom of choice, but please help me to make wise choices in every area of my life. Despite what the world says is acceptable, help me to see sin as You see sin. Make me uncomfortable in my sin and in the things that displease You.

Lord, Your Word says, if I love You, I will obey You, so from this day forward I choose to honor and obey You. I want to live for You and I surrender my life and my will to You. Mold me into the woman of God You are calling me to be. No longer will I be bound by my past mistakes and failures. I am walking forward in the newness of life.

Lord, I don’t want to be selfish in my prayer for purity because I know I’m not the only one struggling to live a life of purity, so I pray not only for my purity but for the purity of others. Please help me not to cause anyone else to stumble. Also, help me to be an example of Your love and grace. Remind me of Your forgiveness that I may not judge others, but offer an encouraging word when they stumble.

I pray that the world will be drawn to You and seek to live a life of purity, Holy unto You and let it start with me. I want to stand boldly for you Lord, so please give me strength to stand when I’m weak. Speak to my heart and help me to recognize temptation and flee it. Make me more like You that I may be used for Your Glory.

I, Your daughter, offer this prayer for purity and restoration unto you as humbly as I know how.

In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen

Hair Donation

On Tuesday of this week, I went and got my hair cut-I got 10 inches cut off-the minimum in order to donate.  It felt so good!  I have a LOT of hair-people are always telling me. So I thought I would share one of the gifts God gave me with someone who needs it.  My hair is now about shoulder length, and I'll be growing it out again; but this will be nice for summer-with all the humidity-my hair gets very heavy. 

So for now, I'm growing it out again, and I'm gonna donate it again when it gets long enough.

The girl had to put my hair into two ponytails-rather than just one-because she couldn't cut through all my hair if it was in just one. 

But I just wanted to share this experience with all of you-because it was so rewarding to me.  And to the little girl who was with her mom-I hope it helped show her that giving back is important.

Holy Spirit vs. the spirit of the world

John 14:6 "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'

As Christians, we are hilarious to the world we live in.  People think we are arrogant and ridiculous-yet unsophisticated in today's world.  But according to John 3:18, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's
one and only Son."  This verse shows that we are not arrogant, we are humble. 

We are humble because apart from God, we are condemned.  On my own, I am nothing.

The world only wants to see Jesus as a way, not the way.

Matthew 7:13, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."  Most people in this world are on the wide path.  This is why people call Christians arrogant.

Most people are filled with the spirit of the world, but a few are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is the Way.  I will not water down my beliefs.

Our only hope is Jesus-the one way.  And he is not hiding, he is open for people to find.

Like a burning building with many doors; but only one way to safety.  God has called me to stand by that door and call to the "blind" and urge them to safety and life.  Is that arrogant?

Jesus Christ is the Way.  This is not what the world wants to hear, but what the world needs to hear.

Prayer without ceasing

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today let's focus on "pray without ceasing".  How can that be?  We breathe without ceasing, and our hearts beat without ceasing.  Our other organs work behind the scenes and we don't consciously tell them to work for us.  Can we learn to pray as naturally as we breathe?

In the morning as we wake up we can talk to our God, "OK Father...I'm awake; I'm feeling a little tired and grumpy this morning but I give this day to You and choose to praise You instead!  I praise You for Your beautiful creation, thanks for a comfortable bed and for the breakfast You have provided.  Guide my steps today and show me Your ways."  Then it is time to listen.  This on-going conversation can become a natural part of our day.

So what if I'm feeling weak in spirit and mind and can't even voice my feelings?

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.   Romans 8:26-27

Continue to pray, focusing on people in your immediate surroundings, your family and your brothers and sisters at Valleybrook needing prayer.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

As we spend time praying, God has promised to show us exciting things!

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.  Jeremiah 33:3

It will be exciting to change, grow and practice "prayer without ceasing" as it starts to become as natural as breathing.

More "Spring cleaning"

So with February winding down and Spring around the corner; I thought this would be a good time to do some "internal" spring cleaning. 

I still have some items left on my "normal" cleaning list-like vacuuming, organizing, etc.  But it is also time to take a look in the mirror and rid myself of bad habits any masks I might hide behind from time to time. 

I am watching The Biggest Loser right now online (because I have class 6-9 each Tuesday night and miss the whole thing) and I'm feeling inspired by them, I'm feeling inspired by my newest Self magazine that I just got in the mail yesterday. 

I need to work on clearing out my own mind-essentially forgiving myself of past sins.  Because I know the Father has forgiven me.  But the hardest part is forgiving myself and trying to move past the mistakes of my past.  God gave his Son for our sins, so I need to let them go myself so I can truly live for God. 

I need to realize that my friends love me for who I am-the quirky, nerdy, girlie that I am.  So I need to allow myself to open up to them-God brought them into my life for a reason.  They are just what I needed at this time in my life-especially our time on Sunday nights. 

I need to set aside more time for just Scripture and devotion.  I have not been doing that nearly as much as I know I should or want to.

But that is it for now.  I better go and get ready for work soon. 

God Bless.

End of semester stress

Now that it is December, the increasing pressure from classes is starting to get to me.  I need to stay focused on the Lord.  He knows what's best for me and He will provide for me and get me through this stressful time. 

I have a very important communication and journalism project due next Tuesday-that is the most pressing and important thing right now.  I also have a blog post due for that class and several quizzes coming up in my History class the next few days.

I will be prayer overload along with school overload for the next few weeks.  If you could pray for me also, I would be so grateful.  I need to do well and I have been pretty good all semester-but I start feeling myself slipping and I'm afraid that it will spiral out of control. 

Lord please be with me in the remaining weeks of the semester and help me through so I can continue on next semester in good standing.  I pray in your name, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Quilt!

These are the fabrics I picked out for my first quilt. 

The solid brown (far right) will be the backing.  The circle pattern next to it will be the main border and some of the pieces in the middle.  The light fabric will be the small inside border and the sashing between each "block".  Then the small polka dot, solid red, small circles, solid orange, and the 2 striped (the 2nd striped one is hard to see, but it's the very far right) ones will make up the pieces in the middle.  Instead of typical blocks in the center-there will be longer "ribbons". 

I got these fabrics from Mill End Textiles where my friend works.  She got me a 60% off coupon, and she let me use her employee discount.  I actually saved more money than I spent-such a great feeling. 

I am going on a quilting retreat with my mom at the beginning of November.  I am quite excited to go.  It will be my first quilt, and some great quality time with my mom while having devotions and fellowship several times each day.

Overflowing heart

Wow, I feel like my heart is just going to burst with how blessed I am!  I have wonderful and loving parents that I am SO thankful for; I got an A on my Communication and Journalism exam-which I was quite worried concerning this exam; the weather is gorgeous-80 today and tomorrow, and 70's for the couple days after that-in October-in Wisconsin; I got an A on my first History paper; it turns out my car is okay; I found some great tank tops-I'm very picky about them in regards to comfort and modesty-my old ones were getting ridiculously worn out because I was searching and searching for some ones that I approved of (thanks Old Navy); these great tank tops were on sale too!; I get to go on a quilting retreat with my mommy at my favorite summer camp; the Lord guided me to a great group of ladies for Bible Study on Wednesdays; I get to go back to Ignite Bible Study on Tuesdays this week....

Gosh....The Lord is TRULY amazing.  I am so beyond blessed in my life. 

New Bible Study!

Last night was my first night at a new Bible study.  I have a feeling it's going to be a good one.  There are some great women there.  I am greatly looking forward to learning from them and sharing with them.

Currently we are expanding on the "Live Out Loud" message during Sunday sermon.  It's the study of Philippians and Paul's imprisonment for Christ.

What owns me?

Church last night was so great.  I am so thankful to be a servant of Jesus!

Part of the message last night was about Live Out Loud Christians trading self-promotion for partnership; and how we need to cheer for the Timothys and not just demand the Pauls.

I really need to work on fully accepting the idea that my life is not my own, that my life belongs to Him.  It can be so hard to let go of my earthly desires.  This leads to the idea that if we think we need something in life in order to be ok, it owns me, not the other way around.  And while this is true, we are not really free.

So now I need to really think about what owns me...

Philippians 1:6 was very important last night as well.
       And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
   -It is such a comfort and relief to know that when God starts something, He ALWAYS completes it.

The summary is basically this: God started His god work in me, and He's so intent on finishing it that He's going to complete His work in me, whether I like it or not.

I am so grateful to be a Daughter in Christ!

Live Out Loud!

Can I just say that I am SUPER excited for new series at church...Live Out Loud-The study of Phillippians

Fireproof movie

I just finished watching the movie Fireproof. So fantastic. I'm so grateful that God didn't give up on me, even though I don't deserve it, even when I rejected him.

I have given him an open invitation into my life and heart; and I feel so much better with Him in my life. God is so great.

I just wanted to share this.

Diamonds Devotions-June 29

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." 
     --Zephaniah 3:17

     When my heart is restless and my soul is downcast, I often surround myself with the calming strains of a favorite hymn.  Sometimes when I want to express sheer praise, I'll pick up a happy psalm and just put it to any old tune that comes to mind.  I sing to myself.  I sing to God.  But I'm astonished to think what God sings to me.
     God sings!  Do you think He sings all four parts at once?  Maybe His music, so celestial and heavenly, resounds like a great choir.  No doubt He has invented chords and dischords, major and minor keys that our ears have never heard.  And I'm touched that He rejoices over you and me with an actual melody.  What's more, He quiets us with His loving song.

I have often thought of this when a beautiful hymn keeps rolling over and over in my mind.  Always, its tune lifts my spirit and carries me through the day.  No, I'm not playing a broken record in my head; the song, I'm convinced, is God's melody to me direct from His heart.  He is rejoicing over me with singing, hallelujah, and all I need to do is listen and be inspired.

     Put a song in my heart today, Lord, a praise song or a hymn that You wish to sing to me.  May I enjoy Your melody and may I remember throughout the day that it is Your song.  It is Your singing.

Diamonds Devotion-June 28

"The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she cam from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here."
      --Matthew 12:42

     The queen of Sheba had serious questions about God and His ways and His will.  Not content to sit on her questions, she set out on a spiritual quest that took her on a journey more than a thousand miles over land and sea.  It was a lengthy and dangerous trip, especially for a woman.
     But the queen's search was not a mere intellectual exercise.  "When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions--she came to Solomon and talked with hima bout all that she had on her mind.  Solomon answered all her questions" (1 Kings 10:1, 3).
   
     If you have serious questions about God, His ways, and His will, don't sit on your curiosity.  Let your thirst for God take you on a  journey of questioning.  It's ok to have doubts and to wrestle with spiritual issues.  And like the queen of Sheba, who left Israel fully satisfied, God delights in giving answers to our hardes questions.
     This African queen paid a high price in time, travel, and trouble.  How many of us are willing to seek after God in this way?

Diamonds in the Dust

I'm going to try posting daily devotions from this book that I found at my parents house a while back. 

The book is entitled Diamonds in the Dust: 366 Sparkling Devotions.