A Letter to Married Couples

Dear Married Couples of Many Years,

Love. Something we share every day. As we begin to make plans for our wedding, and marriage, love is constantly "in the air". I find myself watching other couples enjoy each other and their married life. I used to watch the young ones, the ones who were just married, but more and more I find myself watching you. The ones who've been married for decades upon decades.

Has it been easy? Hardly! Yet you've stuck together through it all. Some of my favorite couples at work have been like this, and they enjoy each other's company. They come have coffee and chat for an hour before going out about their day. One of my favorite couples from church came in for a waffle cone (and lunch!) the other day. Feeling inspired about my waffle cone post, they headed out for a tasty treat.

I loved watching them. Always giving each other their full attention. Holding hands; putting her arm around his waist; sharing an ice cream cone; enjoying the front porch bench. Same at church, he plays the piano and she smiles wide as she closes her eyes to listen to him. He always makes sure she is taken care off. Always looking out for one another. Just being together. It is beautiful.

John has learned that quality time is one of my favorite things. I can tell I'm loved when he just sits there on the couch with me while we watch a movie, or play a game, or I read a book. That's when we have a thought or a question come to mind that spirals into a deep conversation. Some of the time we just figure out how to resolve an issue, or what we can do that is best beneficial to the other.

Love is a subject you could never write enough about. There are not enough words in the heavens to cover all the aspects and facets of love. This is a snapshot of love, the love I'm excited to share with John. Knowing in the life ahead it'll be hard, but every night when the day is done, we can end it by being together. Remembering the love we share by God's grace and glory.

So thank you to you, the older couples I see daily, weekly, monthly, or even once a year. Your love for each other is shown through the time you spend together. I see it in your eyes for your spouse. I see it in the way you put your arm around the other during service, in line, for no reason except to say "I'm here and I love you."

Thank you for your example,

Moriah

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Philippians 1:9-11

March Musings - Day 30

Food is important. Like really important. I usually do a pretty good job at eating 3 balanced meals a day with a snack here or there. This evening though, I was nauseous. I ate a good breakfast and lunch like always, but a lack of dinner (even though it wasn't even late yet....this was at 5:30-6 oclock!) make me feel terrible! (Thankfully I have a super sweet fiance who I am slowly getting addicted to Panera ;) hehehe!)

It got me thinking about my new Bible. I have a great one for reference, but for reading and learning, I needed a new one. If I go without reading, I get spiritually nauseous and can't think straight. Yet if I read God's word, and rely on it for getting though the day, I will feel much better! I'm thankful for my new Bible, and am quite excited to use it!!

March Musings - Day 7

Sometimes it's too easy to look at the clouds ahead, the stop signs, the red lights, and just feel discouraged. It's hard to keep going when everything seems against you!

That's when you take time to stop, and look back on what God has done for you. <3

Don't get discouraged by the darkness ahead, travel in faith knowing God has you. He will see you through it to end! Count the many things He has done, and thank Him for it! There is a purpose for everything, and if you keep going, He rewards the faithful.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Hebrews 10:23

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfect of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

(I also highly encourage you to read Hebrews 11!)

Don't give up, weary traveler! God is with you!

March Musings - Day 3

"But he knows the way that I shall take;

when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

My foot has held fast to his steps;

I have kept his way and have not turned aside.

Job 23:10-11 (ESV)

I read this a couple days ago, and these verse have stuck with me! They've encouraged me in many ways, and I'm glad to have read them. We drove past the major power lines today. Normally that wouldn't be of any consequence as they cut through several near by fields. But today they had some pallets fashioned in such a way that they had created a vast road alongside the power lines so that they could do some work. It made me think of these verses.

God knows the way we should take. Sometimes it's the paved path; sometimes it's a path put down before us, plank by plank. We might not even know the next plank or step that we have to take, but if we stay on His path, when trials come, we will come out as gold.

I encourage you to stay on God's path, even if the paved one seems easier, His way is better! Don't lose faith, just take one step, one day, one plank at a time! <3

Fully See

I looked out just now and saw the moon! A faithful witness of the hope God has bestowed upon John and I. (Psalm 89:37) The beauty was overwhelming, and should you be up later tonight, stay up to see it!

As it disappeared behind a cloud, I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV) - For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

We may not know the future, what it holds, what will happen, but God is faithful. Just like the rising of the sun and the setting of the moon. So when I see the moon, I'm reminded of the hope I have in Him.

Hebrews 6:19 (ESV) - We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain....

Do not despair, or be discouraged. He is faithful to care and provide for you. He will send someone out of no where to hold your hand and pray for you when you cry. He will orchestrate things in ways that leave you in awe. He will provide hope when life is beating you down.

I shall leave you with this:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

Shadows of hope!

I encourage you to read Romans (particularly chp 4, the beginning of 5, and chp 8). I did so the other day, and it brought such inexpressible abounding hope, that I became misty eyed. To read stories of the ones who walked in faith before us, and see ourselves living in the same way is incredible! Abraham and Sarah are quickly becoming my favorite people in the bible. As I was reading Romans 4, verses 20-21 jumped out at me. They are a powerful poignant reminder of God's promises to myself, to John, and to the world around me:

Too often we don't give God enough credit. God is God; He is the ultimate supreme King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Compared to Him, we are nothing. We truly are. He created us, and He knows what our lives shall be like from this day forward. If we cling to Him, and those shadows of hope that linger during the hard times, we shall emerge victorious!

Two more verses I'd encourage you to look up are, Romans 8:37, and Romans 16:20. Romans 8:37 is my favorite verse. In fact, I wear it on a necklace quite often to remind myself that God knows what's going on, and I need only to trust Him. Romans 16:20 made me misty-eyed again when I finished reading through Romans. To see God's sovereignty over all is a humbling thing. To know He intercedes for us, is another.

Romans 8:24-28 (ESV)

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 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. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)

 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

I encourage you today to read the Scriptures, to not lose hope, and see the Lord working in the shadows (not the literal form, but behind the scenes) to bring us closer to Him!

The Power of a Story

The power of a story can be an incredible thing! Whether it's reading a book to a child, or sharing a story about "the olden days", a story can change your mood, or give you something to think about! Going back through history, you can see how the stories were passed down from generation to generation. Each had a purpose, or a moral to them. Some were about events that occurred; others about how to live the best you could be. The Bible was originally passed down through the spoken word, memorized carefully, and preserved through generations. The books rich with examples of how God calls us to live, work, and show His love, kept the Christian faith alive! 

Stories are a big part of the relationship between John and I! The first time we began to flirt was when I taught a story, and he copied me blatantly! (I should sue him! ;~) Haha!) Anyways, from the beginning, stories are a part of our relationship. We started sometime last year, telling each other stories about silly things or about what might happen someday when we serve God. One of my favorites was one he told about a bunny! They bring us a smile when one of us may be sad or bring us hope when we are discouraged. Sometimes they even remind us of how God always is faithful even during hard times!

Today I want to share a little story of my own, that happened today, two years ago! <3

Once upon a time was two people contentedly emailing back and forth. Those two people were actually John and I. I was working on a blog post, and asked his advice when the tables turned, and the following conversation ensued.

J: Hey moriah could you be praying for me i have some things that have been weighing on my mind heavily lately and im very on the fence on what to do. :-/

M: It is awesome! I certainly will be praying!!! :( God will show you what's right. He always does..... idk if it would help, but Psalm 13 came to mind :~) 

J: Did that seriously just come to you this moment!

M: Um yes....I memorized it this past spring, and it popped into my head! 

J: Thats crazy it. Its like perfect to answer my question i mean wow im kinda speechless right now.

M: Weren't we just saying how awesome and amazing God is?? :' ) 

J: Its just its what ive been asking God for. I think he may have finally granted me my request. I really cant believe it.

M: I'm so happy for you John! That's wonderful!!!

J: Yeah at least i think He is saying i can have what i asked for im still a bit nervous but i think its a yes?

M: I'm sure it will be clear soon, in due timing :~)

J: Thats what i said 5 years ago.... Its been a long battle. :-/

M: :( do you mind telling me about it or no?

J: Um i dont know if i should it isnt bad but i dont know give me a second to think.

M: I understand if you don't. :) 

J: Its so hard i want to tell you because i know you could help but i dont know what the reprucussions of that would be this has happened once before and it didnt go so well last time.

M: I trust you to use your discernment. :~)

J: Ok you what just whatever. Ok for the past few years ive been asking God for a girl one who would fit into his plan and that i could you know "date" for the next 4-5 years i tried and failed twice to interpret Gods plan and i felt like a complete failure for the longest time. And now i think He is beginning to reveal His plan to me after all these years. So yeah thats it.

M: Sometimes God uses trials like that for us to learn and grow. I'm very happy for you :~) 

J: Yeah you are right and ive been learning why its been this way over these years but still i just feel like this girl is going to just be another failure for me to carry with me and i dont know if she even likes be back its rediculous i just dont know and im afraid to say anything for fear of killing our friendship which happened before as well. I just feel stuck.

M: Ah I see...quick story.....last guy I liked I told him so. I was scared stiff from making the mistakes I've made in the past. He didn't feel the same way but he agreed to pray. While my friendship with him became more brother-sister, we both could clearly see God's answer because of our honesty with each other. Now I have an awesome "brother"....honesty is best.

J: Ok ok....well you said it honesty is best moriah i like you its you the one who God put in my yead out of no where ive prayed about it and now you know what im sick of just sitting around its not why ive been so nice to you but through us talking its just been in my head for a while. So there i said it and now you may reject me but please make it quick ive been waiting for closure on this for a while...

M: Oh John! I like you too! You know last week when we were talking?? That was the day I knew I'd never be more than a sister to my friend.

J: Wow im just completely blown away right now you have no idea i wish you could see my face right now. :-D

And they have lived happily ever after! Well, mostly! ;~) The end!

Beautiful Blessings - 8/17/16

~ having my blog for 4 years

~ seeing how it's evolved and changed in the past few years

~ excitedly looking forward to see what I do the next few years

~ enjoying all the guest posts I've had to celebrate

~ ways God has used it to bless others

The Golden Rule (a guest post)

{John S.}

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12)

I’m sure many of you reading this know of this verse or have at least heard this saying sometime in your life. However at least I have found this to be one of those extremely tough verses to follow. I mean naturally our response to someone we don’t like or someone who has harmed us is to try to get even. However, when you read this verse it never discriminates against anyone. It just says others. That means anyone and everyone. When deciding on what to write for this post the first thing that popped into my mind was our society today and all the nonsense that the news keeps broadcasting. Everything from the major issue of racism to the push for homosexual rights all across the world. The general tone of the media is hatred towards people you don’t like. However we as people like to look at the big issues that seem so distant from us. However this verse is so important to our daily lives as believers. I know I’ve been on a few outreach trips through my local church. One particular thing me and my group did was go to Clinton Square in the city of Syracuse, New York and hand out free bottles of water to people who walked by. We didn’t sit there with signs protesting and we didn’t even push the gospel into people’s faces unless they asked about it. The whole time we were there most of the people that took the water were confused as to why we did this. In a world so filled with hate and bigotry showing a small bit of selfless kindness was foreign to most people. In fact a number of people took one look at us and went out of their way to avoid us, even going as far as to walk blocks out of there way just so they didn’t have to hear the message that they assumed we were saying. I can’t begin to say how many times I have seen Christians or “Christians” stand on street corners with megaphones and just shouting out the gospel for the world to hear. Which normally according to the Bible would be good, however when they do it and someone comes to cause trouble they lash out and yell at them and get angry. They show complete disregard for this very well, known passage and for the other teachings of Christ that say to show love and to not respond with hatred towards those who seek you harm. Luke 10:25-37 now this passage I’m sure a number of you have heard before. If you can’t quite remember it’s the story of the Good Samaritan. Here Jesus illustrates the point I’m trying to make better than I ever could. To love those who need it even if those people hate you for no good reason. So to all who read this keep this little thing in the back of your mind. Be kind and loving to everyone around you. I know people can be ridiculous and annoying and mean. However when that little voice in your head tells you to snap and get angry with someone remember this beautiful promise to help you fight that urge.

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

-------------------------

John Schairer is an amazing boyfriend (although I'm biased), a strong man of faith, and a wonderful friend (and again, I'm biased)! He's going to Clark Summit University to become a pastor, a call he has had for many years!

On Butterflies and Caterpillars (a guest post)

{Melissa M.}

Caterpillars. All they do is crawl around on the ground and eat. It takes forever for them to get anywhere.

Butterflies. Transformed, new, free. They can flutter above things, dancing in the air, not having to plod around on the ground.

My mom told me a bit about how God was teaching her about a particular butterfly. As she was sitting on a rock one morning, her attention was directed to a bright, yellow butterfly. She saw it easily flutter over a fence, dancing in the air without any cares. She thought about caterpillars, and how they can only crawl along on the ground, and how it would take such a very long time for a caterpillar to scale a fence! When living in defeat, we can be like that caterpillar, just plodding along through the trials, but God has a better way.

One day recently my Grandpa fell. He’s done that twice recently, and one of the times he had to go to the hospital. I was sitting out on our front porch swing when I lifted my eyes and saw that same beautiful butterfly hanging around by my cousin’s tree. I was reminded that it’s possible to soar even above the harder trials.

Just this week, the butterfly again fluttered over our family’s camping trailer. We’re getting ready to go on a trip, and the butterfly was once again a reminder that we can soar with Jesus above any trials that may come during it.

The Holy Spirit is able to help us soar even when things really hurt. If we let Him, He can show us things we’ve never dreamed possible and help us to be more like Christ, even in the middle of it all. And in the end, He’ll make all things beautiful.

“He has made everything beautiful in His time…” Ecclesiastes 3:11

“God works all things out for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

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My name is Melissa Morgan, and I am a 15 year old Christian who loves writing, praying, and being with those who love Jesus. I enjoy talking about what God is doing, getting to know people better, and hearing whatever God has to say. I also love dancing and singing, and spending good quality time with friends and family. 

Beautiful Blessings - 8/7/16

~ waking up to sunlight out my window

~ cookies in Sunday School perfectly describing the ways God answers prayer

~ resting and blogging between church and work

~ having John with me when we went to prompt care for my asthma attack

~ ending the night with a grilled cheese for dinner

Beautiful Blessings - 8/4/16

~ on the upswing except for my cough

~ ballooning our friend's front door to wish him a happy birthday (it was a surprise!!)

~ visiting a friend at work

~ splurging to bless others just cause you love them

~ fighting with T-bug over John

~ eating dinner by the lake with my family

~ and enjoying the view with John

~ cute coasters to add to my hope chest that John and I found on a date to Walmart for cat food XD (we go on very exciting dates lol!)

~ knowing no matter what, God is good, faithful, loving, and just!

Learning in Belize - A Sequel to Learning in Ecuador (a guest post)

{by Heidi S.}

Last time Moriah asked me to be a guest on her blog, I gave her a journal entry of my time in Manta, Ecuador. This time, I thought I would share how God has been faithful in the past 2 years, and what he's doing with me here in San Pedro, Belize (Central America)

Two years ago, upon leaving Ecuador, I reflected on how God never left me. All through the trip he had his hand on everything. Upon leaving America for Belize, I see the same thing. He has been faithful every step of the way. I started a nanny job in November 2014. I never thought I would ever leave them. They had adorable children, and I told everyone that I planned on staying with them until the youngest children were old enough to go to school. And they were my plans. Clearly, God had a different path for me.

It was September 2015 that I really felt like God wanted me to do something else, to go somewhere else. I prayed about it, asked friends and family for advice, read the bible, and prayed more. In November, on my birthday, I announced to my family that I was taking this leap of faith and applying to be a Mission Nanny. I waited until after the holidays and in January of 2016 I was accepted to be a Mission Nanny.

Mission Nanny is an organization that sends a volunteer nanny to families that are working around the world in bringing others to Christ. Once I applied they had me pick 3 families that I had prayed about serving. My top three choices were Belize, Honduras and Uganda. Two weeks after giving my choices, I was told that the family in Belize was interested in having me come be their nanny.

I had a phone conversation with the mom here in Belize and felt even more peace about it. She asked me to come on board for their July-September quarter at a school they teach. A and I (mom and dad of the kids I nanny for) work on a campus for a school called YWAM. (Youth With A Mission) Here at YWAM, there are people from ages 18 to nearly 63. A and I, help in leading these people towards God in discipleship classes (Learning who God is and how we can love and serve him more)

Back to me in America. I had to go through the fire of telling the family I nannied for that I was leaving. I did that at the end of February and just like I prayed, they were okay with it and encouraged me to follow my goals and dreams. I was so thankful for their understanding. In May I left the family that were knit in my heart and began to prepare for Belize.

Something I prayed daily for was God to help me leave my family, friends and home. I asked that he give me people who would welcome me, that the children I would nanny for here in Belize would like me, that they wouldn't be spoiled.

And through each one of these, God has been faithful and blessed me better then I thought possible. While I had a few nerve-wracking adventures along the way of getting here (hey, everyone needs stories to share, right?) I got here safely. I have two beautiful roommates that I love talking to and whenever I need to share something, I can count on them to be listening ears. I have two children that, while they have their moments (what child doesn't?) are very happy little kids and are fairly content.

I've had some ups and downs within in the past month that I've been here. I've gotten sick twice (swollen lymph nodes, lack of energy) I've had a few mishaps with little F-girl who is in the process of being potty trained. J-boy doesn't always nap when he should. I'm an introvert, so I don't usually seek out fellowship as much as I could. I mess up. I make mistakes. I'm not perfect.

But God is. And I'm thankful for this beautiful, messed up life I've been given. Never once has he failed me and I know I can place my future in his hands. While I may not know where he has called me next after Belize (there's another hundred roads I could take at the end of September) He is faithful and will show me when the time is right.

“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deut. 7:9

You can follow her adventures at her blog, Mary Poppins: A Practically (Im)Perfect Nanny!
(P.s. you really should read her blog...because I came up with the name ;~) heehee!)

Beautiful Blessings - 7/30/16

~ finding the perfect cards for birthdays and just cause

~ finding the perfect trail to hike

~ finding the biggest leaf we could today

~ finding abstract scuplture on the trail

~ finding at least 35 frogs in the pond

~ finding friends to talk to and make you laugh

~ finding friends to talk on the phone and encourage you

~ finding the perfect boyfriend who comes over and lets you cry

~ finding that the same boyfriend is great at scooping much needed ice cream

~ finding blessings even when life feels blue <3

God is good :~)

Why do I headcover?

(sporting a new one I purchased recently)

I have blogged in the past about my reasons for wearing skirts (you can read them here and here), & now I'd like to blog about my reasons for wearing a simple headcovering. I've been led to do so for many years, but it wasn't until a year and a half ago that I began to do so all the time. Every time someone wishes to discuss this, they go straight to 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. I encourage you to read it, although I will not be using that passage. Instead I will be using Ephesians 5:21-24.

Ephesians 5:21-24 (ESV)

"...Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands."

I wear my headcovering to show I am under the authority of my parents, my beau, and more importantly, the Lord. I am quite stubborn by nature, and several times God has reminded me of my headcovering & why I wear it, which changes my attitude. Am I flawless at this? By no means. I am still a sinner saved by grace, but it is an action that I can do to let those with authority over me, lead me when that needs to happen. Now I listed three people with authority over me spiritually. My father and mother, & my beau (aka boyfriend, but in this case beau is a better term to use). As I am still in my parents' household, I honor their spiritual wisdom and discernment. My beau John, however, may make you raise an eyebrow. 

We are simply dating, & we are not engaged. Why would I list him? Simply because I know someday I will marry him & will then be under his headship. By covering my head, I submit to his authority as I regard him as the leader in our relationship. We work together, but he has final say, even regarding ideas or opinions that I may have. I value and trust his decisions in leading us. It's not easy some days as the Enemy gets to us, but it is worth it in the end. God's ways and plans are much better than my own.

I encourage you to read the various verses with the words submit and submission if you so desire to pursue it. I hope you understand why I cover my head. It is simply in reverence and submission to my glorious King!

Purposeful Pain

Recently, I've been getting some nasty knots in my back due to work. Usually they're in my shoulders, so after a few days of stiffness, and if I remember, I'll ask John to rub them out for me. Sometimes it just needs a little rubbing, and other times it needs quite a bit more. After all is said and done, my shoulders are relaxed, my back feels better, & my neck as well. I'm very thankful for John removing the knots. The pain from rubbing out the knots can be nothing, or rather intense. Occasionally I will squeeze his other hand to death so he can keep going. I know deep down that if I just wait until he is all done, I know that I'll feel right as rain again.

Now, keeping that in mind, why do I forget that important truth when God does the same thing? 1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV) says "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." The painful trials we may face in our life, whether it's a paper cut or a deep wound, God will work it out the rest of the way. Sometimes we just need to have patience and wait it out. Sometimes we just need to squeeze his hand and cast our cares* upon Him. I encourage you today to remember this as you go about the rest of your day and into your week. You may be going through something painful, but it's for a time, and God will work out those knots the rest of the way for your good!

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (ESV)

*Isaiah 41:13 and Psalm 55:22

Write Them On Your Doorposts

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

~ Deuteronomy 6:5-9

A Reflection in Latin

After 12 years of school, I've graduated! In the past 12 years, I've learned many things in which I'll go into detail below in Latin.

Dancing: As of now, I've been dancing for 15 years! Dancing has become an important part of me as I use it for ministry. I'm thankful for a talent I can use to glorify God! On my email signature, I have the saying:

Semper Saltantem! Always Dancing!

Perseverance: I've learned to keep working at things, and to not give up. Countless times, I gave up on math or some other hard assignment. But when I picked it up again, if I kept at it, I was able to conquer it!

Vene vidi vici! I came; I saw; I conquered!

Thinking: I learned how to think outside the box. Whether with schoolwork, dancing, or teaching, I've learned that there isn't just one way to do things. So why not be creative?! 

Creativum cogitandi magnam habet remunerationem! Creative thinking has a great reward!

Life: It will have many roads, many choices, and many opportunities. God's way, is obviously the best one to take, but quite often it isn't the most popular or a well-worn route. Nevertheless, it's the way to go!

Ambulate in via iter minus! Walk on the road less traveled!

And finally:

Non scholae sed vitae discimus! We learn not for school but for life!

Even though I'm done, I won't stop learning! There are still adventures, and things to learn in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead!

Carpe diem! Seize the day!

Join me in this adventure ahead!!!

Guess who graduated??

Phew! I have graduated!! 

12 years in our house and 12 years of school!! I started this blog at the beginning of my high-school "career". It seems impossible that it was 4 years ago this August. I digress....

So now what?? Well, I plan on working for at least the next year! After that we will see where God takes me. No plans for college for now, which is alright with me. :~) I also plan to continue my letter ministry now that I have more time. I'm really excited about that!

All in all, God is good! The fact that school is behind me took a cloud off my head. Now I am finding time that was there before that I am now aware of for spending time growing closer to God, reading again, and anything else that comes my way!

*parties* ;~)

Dandelion Christianity

A Dandelion:

A flower pesky, hard to remove, and constantly spreading it's seeds. It is not a pretty flower, like a rose is. Yet compared to a rose, a dandelion is much hardier. A dandelion can be found anywhere, from gardens, to palaces, to a meadow, or a sidewalk crack in a city. Anywhere and everywhere their seeds can grow, they do so.

Dandelion Christianity?

Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20a, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

Dandelions do the finest job in my opinion. They are firmly planted, whether in areas of fertile land or literally between a rock & a hard place. They just need the sun (or Son as the case may be) to grow. They spread their seeds the same way we are called to spread the gospel.

Today I want to challenge you to be a dandelion.

Stand firm where you are right now (1 Corinthians 16:13)! Be a light to those around you, even if you're not the best at sharing the gospel, because your actions will speak louder than your words (Matthew 5:13-16). Don't let the trials of life crumple you just because you're a rose that can't take the stress of life, but let God use you to spread love and grace to those around you.

Show others that you're not afraid of the life on this world, for Jesus says in John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Dandelions aren't the prettiest, the fanciest, or the greatest flowers on this earth. But they are practical in the fact they know their job and do it well. Lastly, I ask you to remember this: some flowers last after they have been picked, and they keep the appearance of being alive inside, but on the inside they are dead. If you pick a dandelion, they wither within the hour. If you leave God, or give up when times get tough, you will wither just like the dandelion.

Be a dandelion in a world of roses.