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)
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!
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
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)
Once upon a time, there was a girl talking to a tree. Like all good stories, this one has a peculiar beginning. Where was I? Oh yes! The tree! I was talking to the tree! Now why was I talking to the tree? To put it plainly, I was practicing a bible lesson using the tree as an audience. Now, since I was rather obvious, standing at the edge of a parking lot talking to a tree, a guy noticed me.
Now, I had noticed this guy, but from the very first time I really took notice of him (despite I had met him the year before), I found him downright odd.
I mean, really people, why?! Doesn't this guy have a sense of what you should wear? Although, for all you Mitford fans, I'm sure he could give Ms. Rose Watson a run for her money! (Actually, he was just participating in a game). Anywho, this guy noticed me. Why did he notice me? Well to quote him, "Any girl who talks to trees is a girl I want to get to know."
So when he asked me, albeit nervously, for my email, I gladly gave it to him. However what I didn't know until now, was that he had already acquired it by devious means because he is a dork and a genius. I remembered I had his email from the previous so I emailed him first when I returned home from camp.
And so began our chatting over email. At first, I hated him, because I liked him, but I didn't know what on earth to do with him! I mean, what would *you* do with a guy who asked you for your email? I mean come on! Usually I was asking everyone else for theirs! Well, after a month of talking, I invited him to come see us dance at the State Fair. I was shocked when he said he would come! And then I got butterflies. Like, how on earth was I going to tell my Dad that there was a GUY coming to see me dance?! I did the most sensible thing I could do...
...I didn't say a word. Which of course didn't help with the butterflies and heat of the day. When the first show came and went, I waited in expectation for the second. Maybe he wouldn't come, maybe I wouldn't need to explain this to my Dad. Maybe...oops, he's here. Well, I guess I better run over and give him a hug. Oops, I tackled him. Oh well. Wait, now I need to introduce him to Dad. Oh, he said something. Hi John! Afterwards, I realized with horror that he spent $10 dollars on me (aka the price of the ticket to come to the fair). I was doubly mortified.
After another month or so, I plucked up my courage to invite him and his Mom over for a campfire. They actually came. Now, I really didn't know what to think of him! I didn't hate him like I did, and in fact, I liked him! Oh boy....now what? I can't date yet, I'm only 16! We had a marvelous time though! He ran off my sisters' energy, and was even a gentleman & offered me a seat! Okay...yeah, I liked him. A couple weeks passed, and finally, he summoned up his courage to tell me he liked me. I don't think I could breathe for like 5 minutes between shock and joy and shock; did I mention shock? A guy actually liked me?! ME?!
He came to a dance show a few weeks later, and afterwards joined us for ice cream. We wanted to get a picture of the two of us, but we were both pressed for time and scared so this was the best and only one we got. But we liked it none the less. He started coming over for dinner once a week or so. In a way, it was unofficial courting, and I like that it was. Soon the fall disappeared, and it was Christmas! John told me that he had a special present for me, but I wasn't sure what it could be....
...Needless to say, it was so beautiful, it knocked my socks off! I felt very silly that all I gave him was a Bible Commentary for Seminary the following year. It was a cold winter, but still quite lovely! John joined us in January for the Folksmarch. It was hovering around 0* F that day, but since they asked us to come take pictures and have my sisters & I perform Irish step, we went just the same. We did our dances, but by the end of my dance, I was so winded I could barely breathe!
The weeks that followed, I began getting quite tired. John kept coming over and encouraging me. It was the sweetest thing! Then, we started planning the big day-trip! We were going up the Saranac Lake Ice Festival! Heidi, John, and I would ride in his car, while my parents and sisters rode in the other! We had so much fun, as Heidi and I got to catch up, and although I had been very tired the week before, my spirit was bright and full of excitement!
We even got our second picture together!
And I loved watching him enjoy the fireworks!
All in all, despite a grumpy car, nearly getting stuck in a snowbank, and a miserable snow storm, we made it home safe and sound at 2 am the following morning. I was so exhausted I stayed home from Church. The next day I shoveled like a gazillion feet of snow...which made my asthma act up. Throughout the week it got steadily worse, and at the end of it, we went to prompt care. Twas then that began my journey with pneumonia.
John came over every few days to check up on me, and say hi. I slept a lot, and pretty much just did a day at a time. I wasn't getting any better, so we went back to the doctor's...that's when we discovered I had mono! I was about halfway through it, so now I just needed to wait it out. John continued to come over and help through it! My Aunt told me when she had mono that's when my Uncle won her heart, and the same was true with this. My 17th birthday was fast approaching!
We decided upon going out with Elijah, Heidi, John and I, with Mom on an evening out! We first would dine at Spaghetti Warehouse, dressed to the nines, and then we would go to the Palace Theatre to see "The Princess Bride."
Before he arrived he had gotten me two presents that were...unorthodox to say the least. First presented to me was a box of fresh mangoes six in all. I enjoy mangoes so this was a funny little treat I would enjoy long after.
The next gift was even better! Since we couldn't date officially, he came up with a substitute for flowers. Kittens! A large bouquet of stuffed kittens! We decided since there were nine to name them after the planets. After he gave them to me, I sent the one we named Pluto back to college with him to remember me by.
We went out and had a wonderful evening! Twas the best birthday to this day! (Although since today is my 18th, today has a good chance of being even better!)
The months passed, and I got over my mono, albeit I dealt with migraines. He came over quite often, once or twice a week. He would come with us to Grandma's at night, and help sweep, or join us for a movie (I had to educate him with the classics). I began to count down the days until we went camping! John would be able to join us for the last 3 days, which meant I'd get to see him for his birthday!!
He joined us late Thursday night, and the next day was his birthday! We first celebrated by climbing my favorite mountain!
We had a lot of fun, and yes, again, Heidi was with us. She came up a few days before to camp with us and was to leave the following day. We then went to see Buttermilk Falls in Long Lake. After dinner, we celebrated his birthday with a delicious chocolate cake!
We ended the night with a lovely campfire!
The next day we bid adieu to Heidi, and then had a quiet Saturday at the house. John read to the kids which was quite amusing.
We headed home after Church the following day, and it was definitely one of the best birthday's ever! We began to count down the days till he went away to PA for Seminary. He would be going there for three years, and this was going to be his first year down there. We had a very tearful goodbye, but we were full of God's peace!
When he came back for fall break, we got a good picture of the two of us, to continue with our season picture. Christmas came and went, and this year I gave him a beautifully framed copies of some of his favorite passages. He in return gave me a necklace that says "I love you to the moon and back". (I must confess I guessed what it was...only I thought it was the word Pluto instead of moon). We had fun playing Scrabble and drinking tea and going for walks as it was a warm Christmas.
We realized a few days before he left that we had failed to get a picture of us for our winter picture! So to make sure we got one I devised a plan to secretly join him while his parents took him down to college. Turns out I did a good job because as soon as I arrived at his house he was shocked! We were able to get the pictures and then we were off to bring him to college. T'was a great deal of fun! His Dad took the picture, so it now means a great deal to us as something sorrowful happened next.
Twas the third Monday in February when John received word to skip class and come talk to someone. He did, and found out that his father had passed away. It was a very hard time for us all. We grew closer, and I grew up over night. Every night, my Mom and I went over to spend time with his family. During the calling hours and funeral, I stood at his side.
Looking back, the year before with mono, and all those trials, prepared us for this time. God was very good to us all! After a week of being up here unexpectedly, John went back to college for a couple weeks until it was time to come up for spring break!
I went to his grandparents house that first Sunday he was back, and had a lovely time! Despite our first fight, we declared it was the best break ever!
About 10 days later, he came back for spring break.
We got together with Heidi and Elijah for a picnic!
Twas an amazing time full of laughter!
So now you see us? Wonder how we got together? Well, this is our story! Tis been hard, but God has blessed more than words can say! So, now as I am 18, we can officially date! Nearly 2 years of waiting has been just what we needed. I am so thankful for all the trials that has made us both grow in new ways! God is good!
So what does the future hold? We shall see! For now, we will close this chapter and open the next to see what adventures are in store!
I just donated 101 baby hats! I made them over the course of fall/winter, and just got around to donating them. I was aiming for 100, but when I counted them up the other night, I only had 99. Logically, Id make another and we would have 100 to take to New Hope. After making another, I counted them up this morning, and discovered I had 102! Quite perpuzzled, I had Mom count them again and it was 101 (I trust her counting skills lol!). Oh well, I thought to myself, and put them in a couple cute bags. When I got there I gave them to the lady and told her there was 101, and how that came to be. She smiled and said simply,
"There must be a need for that extra one."
It got me thinking, God often does that. We have an extra pair of shoes, or extra money in our pocket, an extra cup of coffee, or maybe extra time...and God uses it for a reason! Embrace "that extra one"! :~)
Our country is doomed, there is no doubt. The perfect America is fading (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Yet we panic because we think this is our kingdom, our place, our purpose. It isnt! We can not change the way people think, but we can remember what God tells us to do. We must act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8)! There is a purpose for everything, and God is still good in the midst of the miserable ways of men! Read Isaiah 40...God is sovereign over us all! He brings rulers down (40:23); He is higher than all we can imagine (all of chp 40 shows this)! I truly dont know why I was suddenly burdened to write this, but I was. Keep your eyes on JESUS (Hebrews 12:1-3!)!! I watched "The Hiding Place" put out in 1975 tonight, and Corrie ten Boom herself made a cameo at the end. She said, "There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still". So do not look at the world! The world is corrupt! Instead remember Romans 12:2! (I am purposefully making yall look these verses up because I want you to truly read God's word for yourself). Let God transform you, and work in you! Let His light shine before men, so they may see your good works and glorify the Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16)! We are a chosen people, so do not worry about what a day may bring (Matthew 6:34), but proclaim God's excellencies (1 Peter 2:9-11)! God has a plan for you, and its gonna be hard and its gonna be rough. We are going to experience things we dont want to, but that is when we need to remember that God is in control!
Psalm 27
The Lordis mylight and mysalvation;
whom shall I fear?
TheLordis the strongholdof my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
One thing have I asked of theLord,
that will I seek after:
that I maydwell in the house of theLord
all the days of my life,
to gaze uponthe beauty of theLord
and to inquire in his temple.
For he willhide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.
And now myhead shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to theLord;
Hear, OLord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said,“Seekmy face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
Formy father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me in.
Teach me your way, OLord,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.
I believethat I shall look uponthe goodness of theLord
in the land of the living!
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
There is no pit so deep, in which God's love is not deeper still! -- Corrie ten Boom “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ― Corrie ten Boom "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” ― Corrie ten Boom
I took a bit of an impromptu blogging break this month with life being so crazy! I was getting stressed out Saturday night so my friend Neona suggested that I journal to sort things out and destress myself. I then came up with the brilliant idea of using a journal T-Tot gave me to make myself a to-do list/day planner so I can mentally see everything I need to do.
It wasnt until I started working on this that I realized it wasnt Paris but Venice! And I have had it for a whole year lol
This is my verse for the year!
I split up everything into seasons!
I am also sprinkling in Bible verses just because! :~)
Its already been a huge help! And if you notice in the picture before this, blog is checked off....and you guys are the lucky ones to receive that checkmark!
The back of it has the note T-Tot left for me Christmas 2014, and the calendar for this year in case I need it! :~)
I shall resume Beautiful Blessings now that I have a journal to remind me about it. ;~) And someday Ill continue the hats...someday lol! We shall just wait and see!
Today's Beautiful Blessings:
~ A journal to keep myself sane!
~ Verses that mean a lot to me!
~ Seeing God's hand in many a thing recently!
~ And growing a bit stronger in my faith each day <3
~ Remembering the lovely Saturday I had this past weekend!
