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!!

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 - 11/3/15

~ Root beer floats with the birthday girl!

~ Listening to her and her bro jam on the piano! lol It was a lot of fun listening to them improvise....made me grin! :~D

~ Seeing the Milky Way! Its soooooo beautiful!

~ T-bug and her first Bible!

~ Pouring over old photos of my friends and seeing how they have changed!

Beautiful Blessings - 8/29/15

~ Being the first to spot the beautiful moonrise!

~ Hearing about my family's adventures at the fair!

~ Being able to do my bible reading on the kindle when my eyes are bothering me!

~ Enjoying a yummy dinner of soup and toasted cheese with bacon ;~)

~ Having adoring kitties take care of me today when I wasnt feeling well! <3 

Beautiful Blessings - 8/23/15

~ Face painting kids at the Church picnic! T-bug wanted to be a teddy bear (so Mom did that) and then later on wanted a bunny on her arm (so I did that)! :~D

~ Lip-syncing & dancing with T-bug on our way to Church!

~ Beginning with my daily Bible reading again after a long hiatus!

~ Psalm 138....verses 3 and 8 in particular!

~ Hearing this quote in the sermon:

God has a purpose in where he has placed you. Be satisfied and productive there, and do what you can to prepare where he may take you. 

Photo-A-Day - Day 22!

"Life" -  Matthew 10:39!

(I took this yesterday, but I wasnt able to post it lol!)

Photo-A-Day - Day 15!

"Words" - to make up for yesterday's lack of post, here are some verses from Psalm 119! God's words are encouraging, life-changing, and something I am very thankful for!

Pneumonia and why I'm thankful for it!

Nearly 2 weeks ago, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. Pneumonia is not fun, in case you want to know. You're exhausted, your lungs ache, and you just feel blah! Today I actually feel like I'm getting better. It's rather nice I must say, and while I could talk about my pneumonia, I'd rather talk about some things I find amazing and I'm so thankful for!

First of all, people who have been praying for me! So many of my friends, my family, my parents' friends and people from Church have been praying for me! To know that people care that much about you is truly amazing. For all of you who have been praying, thank you. It means so much to me!

Secondly, my friends have been a big source of encouragement! From quick "how are you?", to long emails full of alliterations, to listening to my ceaseless chatter, or even coming over for a visit, it's been so encouraging! I'm so thankful for their encouraging words, verses they've shared and just giving me something to laugh about! (Even though laughing really hurt for a while....  ;~)They've been such a blessing to me! Thank you, my dear friends, for everything you've done!

Thirdly, my family, specifically my parents. They've let me get in extra naps when I've needed them. They've given me space to just sit quietly to rest. They've gone out on snowy nasty days to get my medicine, and freezing-cold days take me to the doctor's. They have done so much for me. Thank you Mom and Dad!!

This pneumonia has been a test of my patience. I've wanted to do things, go out to the library/post office, help around the house, etc., but I've been unable to. Instead it's given me a chance to sit, and study my Bible. It's given me a chance to spend time in prayer and pray for others. I've even been able to encourage others which is hard to do when one is busy. I'm very thankful for this time of quietness. God is so good!

(Two little munchkins hopped on my lap while I was resting one day. They were cold from playing outside and ready for some delicious hot chocolate!!)

Be Still

I never like talking about my personal time with God while I'm praying or studying the Bible, but I wanted to share something special with you all.

For the past few days, I've had to get up at 6am. It's been rather lovely watching the world awaken. Yesterday, I had the brilliant idea of grabbing my prayer journal and using the time before the girlies wake up to spend some time in prayer. Last night I decided I'd do the same today, as it was rather nice to be uninterrupted and it would be a perfect time to do so. So this morning I grabbed my prayer journal, and this morning I grabbed my Bible as well. I decided I'd sit on the couch, and my kitty came up & curled up next to me. He was a slight pest, but it was nice nevertheless, because I was freezing! I was about to turn on the light so I could actually see, and I paused by the window. The sky was just starting to lighten, and it was breathtakingly beautiful! As I was standing there thinking to myself, how quiet and still it was out there, Psalm 46:10 in my head. The first part actually. "Be still and know that I am God." I just stood there and was amazed....then I thought to myself, hmmm, I'll read Psalm 46. So I did. Then I spent some time in prayer, and had a lovely start to my morning. 

 

 

Later this morning, I had someone who needed prayer. I went upstairs to the top of the stairs where the sun was streaming. Usually when I go to the stairs, I'm at the bottom, but the sun was beckoning me. (Anne of Green Gables moment) If I'm not able to go to my room, I like to sit on the stairs as it's a quiet place. As I was kneeling there in prayer, I could feel the sun on my back, and I turned around and the window was just beautiful! The sun was streaming in and everything was aglow in the warm sunlight! Again, I heard the words, "Be still and know that I am God." Twas a wonderful morning to say the least.

 

 

This afternoon was a bit stressing, but as I walked to dance tonight, the moon just set the world aglow with it's shimmering light. I paused a minute to gaze at the stars and the moon, and again, I could just feel the words, "Be still and know that I am God."

When I returned home from dance this evening, I grabbed the camera and headed back outside so I could observe the sky. As I stared up at the sky, I whispered softly to myself, "Be still and know that I am God." 

 

God is the I AM. He says:

"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" - John 14:6

"I am the Vine" - John 15:5

"I am the Good Shepherd" - John 10:11

"I am the Resurrection and the Life" - John 11:25

"I am the Bread of Life" - John 6:35

"I am the Light of the World" - John 8:12

Even in the midst of a busy day, God is there. He is the I AM. (Exodus 3:14) And when I've stressed out today, or gotten frustrated about something, those words have softly come to me like a gently whisper.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

Christmas - Ways!

Over the next 4 days counting down to Christmas, we'll be reflecting upon this wonderful season!

Previous posts:
Christmas - Glory!  

Christmas - Before & After!

Christmas - Time!

Today, I'd like you to do something simple...

Read Luke 1&2 and Matthew 2....

Read it first in your own Bible, the one you use every day....

Then read it in another version (or 2!)....

And then slowly....read the first translation again...

Take time to think....

Ponder....

And marvel, at the wonderful story of the birth of our Savior!

The Pleiades

 (Picture credit goes to my Dad. Taken a few years ago)

Every winter, since I was a little girl, I would scan the winter sky for the Pleiades. 

 Every year I'd search until I found them. 

Today I found them in the night sky, and I'm still amazed that yet it's such a tiny constellation, they're mentioned 3 times in the Bible.

Job 9:9 (ESV)

Who made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the chambers of the south.

Job 38:31 (ESV)

Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion?

Amos 5:8 (ESV)

He who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning and darkens the day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the Lord is his name.

From here, they seem so small, yet they are stars which are a clear indication they aren't. 

Stars fascinate me. 

I could look at them for hours. 

While the Pleiades may not be one of the larger constellations, or more important ones, they're always there. 

Year after year. 

For centuries.

It leaves me in awe.

Psalm 147:4 (ESV)

He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names

Isaiah 40:26 (ESV)
Lift up your eyes on high and see:
    who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
    calling them all by name,
by the greatness of his might,
    and because he is strong in power
    not one is missing.

The stars were created by an Almighty God.

When I see what he has made, I'm in awe of his power.

God is good.

Thank you God for making the stars!

1 Timothy 4:4-5 (ESV)

 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Prayers in the New Testament

This will be a similar post to the one I did the other day on the Psalms. I will give the reference, and then do my best to say who was praying, and the reason they were praying. I encourage you to take some time to study these. (This obviously does not include every mention of prayer).

Matthew 6:5-15

Jesus was giving an excellent example of how to pray.

Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus prayed the night he was betrayed. He was praying that the Father's will be done.

Mark 14:32-42

Another telling of Jesus' time in prayer the night he was betrayed.

Luke 11:1-4

Jesus set an example of prayer for his disciples. This is similar to Matthew 6:5-15.

Luke 22:39-46

Jesus prayed hard on the night he was betrayed. It says that his sweat was like drops of blood.

John 17

 Jesus prayed for himself, then for his disciples, and finally for all believers. This is the longest recorded prayer he prayed.

Acts 4:23-31

The Early Church prayed the God would show his miraculous power and enable them, so that they could continue to share the Gospel with others.

Ephesians 1:15-23

Paul thanked God for the believers in the city of Ephesus. He prays that they will understand the power and majesty of who God is so they can know him better.

Ephesians 3:14-21

Another prayer from Paul. He prays that they will have Spiritual Strength. I personally memorized this a few years ago.

Philippians 1:3-11

Paul also thanked God for the believers in the city of Philippi. His prayer was that their love for God would abound, and that they would be able to discern what is right.

Colossians 1:3-14

Paul was thankful for the believers in Colosse. So he thanked God for them! He also prayed that they would be filled with knowledge of God's spiritual wisdom, and understanding.

 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12

 Paul wrote this to the believers in Thessalonica. Now you may wonder why I'm including the portion of thanksgiving, and not just the prayer. It is important to remember to praise/thank God for what he is doing. Paul's prayer was that God would make them worth of their calling.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

This time Paul asks for prayer. Prayer for protection, and that the word of the Lord would be spread!

Philemon 1:4-7

Paul thanks God for what he hears of Philemon's faith. He prays that Philemon will continue to be active in sharing his faith.

Prayer is poignant and powerful. I pray that you will take the time to read these prayers. And maybe take the time to study prayer in the New Testament on your own. God's word is so powerful. When we take the time to study it, especially like the topic of prayer, it can change us.

Praying During Times of Trouble

 James 5:13 (ESV)

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

With that being said, I could end it there. Instead I'm going to share with you some things I've learned from a man named Habakkuk.

Habakkuk was struggling. A lot trouble, evil, and suffering was going in the land of Judah. When he saw the trouble going on, he cried out to God with questions. Why was God letting all these bad things happen? How could God allow these things to happen? (Habakkuk 1:2-4) God replied to Habakkuk's cries.

Habakkuk 1:5 (ESV)

Look among the nations, and see;
    wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
    that you would not believe if told.

Then God said to Habakkuk that he would be raising up their enemies to punish them. When he was told this, Habakkuk was confused. Why would God use evil to punish evil? 

Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV, italics mine) 

Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,
    but the righteous shall live by his faith.

God told Habakkuk that they would be punished for their evil deeds. When Habakkuk heard this, he started to praise God through prayer (Habakkuk 3).

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (ESV)

Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the deer's;
    he makes me tread on my high places.

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

 So what was the point of all that? Habakkuk was going through hardships, yet he didn't desert God. Quite the opposite, he went to God and told him exactly what was on his mind. He listened to what God said, and accepted it with faith and praise. (I highly recommend that you read the book of Habakkuk on your own).

What about us? In John 16:33 it says that we will have troubles in life. It's inevitable. We all will go through troubles of some kind or nature. In Psalm 46:1 it says that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. So what should we do when we encounter trouble? We should go to God and tell him everything that's on our mind. Then we need to put our complete trust in him.

1 Peter 3:14-17 (ESV)

 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

When troubles come, trust in God. Pray and tell him what's on your heart. Let him guide you through the difficult times you encounter. 

I pray that this will encourage you not to give up when troubles come.

*This post took a while, as I wasn't sure what God wanted me to share with you. I had been praying about it when a friend mentioned they had been reading Habakkuk. It was an answer to prayer!*

What is Prayer?

What is prayer? A friend of mine put it this way: 

What is prayer? Talking with God. Having deep communion with him daily, being in his presence for a time, knowing that God is with you, would be all good answers to what prayer is.

 Prayer is indeed, all those things. Prayer is simply talking to God. He knows our thoughts (Psalm 139:2), so whether our prayers are out loud or in our head/heart, he hears them.

Jeremiah 29:12 (ESV)

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

 God promises that when we pray, he will hear us!

1 Peter 3:12 (ESV)

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

    and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Jesus gave us an example on how to pray in:

Matthew 6:5-13 (ESV; italics mine)

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

 Wow. That's a lot to take in. Let me break it down so it's easier to understand.

First praise God! Thank him for what he's done that day or even praise him for being who he is! What ever you'd like to praise him for, go for it!

What's important? God is! You must remember that he is in control, he is important, and while we can ask him about anything, ultimately, his will will be done.

Provision for things on earth and in heaven. You can ask God to provide you with what you need. (And remember needs are different than wants!)

Protection from the evil one. Satan is prowling like a lion ready to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We need to constantly ask God for this. We can not fight this fight alone. He will be with us and he will help us if we ask him.

Wow, we've already gone over a lot about what prayer is, and things to pray for. I have a few more things to share with you before we conclude this first post.

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

Do not worry about the things going on in your life. Drop them all in God's lap (Psalms 55:22). Pray about everything and anything! Tell all your requests, your thoughts, about your day, etc, to God! And don't forget to thank him! He has blessed us more than we deserve!

So what is prayer?

Talking to God! 

We do this by:

Praising him!
Remembering who he is!
Asking for provision and protection!
Remembering that God has everything under control,  and is listening to our petitions and requests!

I pray that this is insightful and will be a blessing as we start our series on prayer!

Bustling Busyness

We arrived home from camping. We were unpacking the cars and putting away stuff so we could get dinner ready. In the midst of the bustling busyness, I noticed that T-Bug was not around. The other 3 girlies were at a friend's house across the street, but T-Bug was no where to be found. I looked around the house and found her sitting in the middle of porch surrounded, on 3 sides, by bags. She was just sitting there playing with a couple princesses and a Sweet Streets hotel.

It struck me how life can be so busy, yet you can still find time for the little things. She was not bothered by the bustle around her. In fact she completely tuned it out.

Tune out the busyness today; find a quiet place. 

Read, sip some tea, study your Bible, pray, or just sit.

Psalm 46:10a

Be still, and know that I am God.

Learning in Ecuador

 Today's guest post is from a friend that went on a mission's trip to Ecuador. My friend wrote this in her journal while she was there.

Monday, July 6, 2014

I can't believe I'm leaving Ecuador tomorrow. This has been one of the best trips ever. I love the children, the workers the people, but we have to leave tomorrow morning. Something I've learned from this trip is that God will provide, but in his time. I was super stressed out, thinking about me and N needing to get the money, then when A and K joined I got even more worried and with L on top of that, I just didn't know how we would ever get the money to go. Then I got worried that our planes wouldn't make it, we wouldn't be able to get in due to our passports not working, and all the other little things like making sure each and every one of our 17 suitcases got into Quito fine.

But God has sen us through it all. Even the language barrier, the feeling of being left out it was all fine. God worked it out and I had no reason to worry about anything at all. A has been the animation, K has been the laughter, and L, God bless you girlie, she's been the nurse who has helped each and every one of us girls who have gotten sick. God knew that I would need each and every girl on this trip, for the encouragement, the love, the joy and the friendship they have given me over the past seven days.

I'm glad I came. While I can see myself working at an orphanage like this one in the future, I know that God wants me home right now and I'm alright with that. All I need to do right now is trust him, knowing he is going to provide, but in his time and his way. All I need to do is pick up the rocks and let him do the rest....okay, so maybe I do need to keep up with him, letting him work in my life and not hardening it or turning away from him. God is good and enough, my all in everything I do. He's never going to leave me or forsake me, nor will he ever pretend to be someone he is not. God is good all the time and I can take comfort in that.

You know, before I left Sunday last week, I was having an emotional time. I wasn't eating well, I was nervous (of course) and worried and then people started giving us hugs telling us goodbye and that's when the tears came. Then during worship I just couldn't sing. But M, (love you girlie!) tossed me a note that said, “Hebrew 13:5­6 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be contend with what you have because God has said, 'never will I leave you, never will I forsake you' so we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.What can man do to me?'”

God as never left me. He never turned his back on me, he's been right here, by my side, helping me even as I think I'm alone. It's such an encouragement especially as I feel a little left out, or alone, I can remind myself that God will never leave me. He's had his hand on me, on this trip, the whole time and I've seen him work through us girl, especially myself, through this trip. It's such a blessing and I'm really, really, really glad I came to Ecuador and didn't let my selfishness or sadness stop me from disobeying God.

­- H

Throwback Tuesday: Catherine Booth

Catherine Booth was the wife of William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army. She was often known as The Mother of the Salvation Army. She became a Christian at a young age, and it is said she read the Bible through 8x by the age of 12. She and her husband began The Christian Mission in 1865 in London's East End. The name was changed 13 years later to what we know now, The Salvation Army.

"I know not what He is about to do with me, but I have given myself entirely into His hands."

Catherine Booth

In His Own Image

Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

So God created man in his own image,
    in the image of God he created him;
    male and female he created them.

It amazes me that in the Church, how many people hate their body. 

They feel that they are too tall, too short, too small, too large, too fat, and too skinny. 

They feel that they are ugly.

I've been thinking a lot about this recently.

To the world I'm too tall, too fat, too blah, too tanned, and too gangly.

But to God, I'm perfect.

Because he made me.

And he made you too <3

The world is full of lies, and we need to block them out.

Ephesians 4:27 (NIRV)

Don’t give the devil a chance.

 

Don't let him convince you that you are not lovely.

 

You are precious and perfect just the way God made you!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

 

 When you complain about your body, and listen to the world's lies, you are not glorifying God.

You are basically telling him that being made in his image doesn't mean a thing to you.

And that makes him sad.

Today, I want you to thank God for the glorious life and body he has graciously given to you.

Always remember that you are precious to him no matter what you look like. <3

Keeping up with my Resolutions and some Ramblings

I'll be updating the list of books I read here. I'll be posting the books every other week or so, on the blog itself. :~)

I was reading through the first 8 chapters of Genesis last night when this verse caught my eye:

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remains,

seedtime and harvest,

cold and heat,

summer and winter,

day and night, 

shall not cease.

It is a very unique promise, amazing in fact! 

In other news, it's snowing. Constantly. :~) It's quite beautiful.

I also had a lovely time celebrating 2014 with many friends. 

On New Year's Eve I went skating and sledding with a bunch. 

For New Year's Day, some friends came over to spend the afternoon. :~) We went for a cold hike and spotted a Red-shouldered Hawk! 

Very beautiful! 

Well I'm off to snuggle with my cute and furry kitty-cat!  :~)