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 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 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

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

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. 

A Strong Tree (a guest post)

Have you ever been walking through the forest and suddenly come upon an absolutely massive tree? One that you don't even need to take a second look, just the absolute size of it and you know it's been around for a long time.

   

And with that long time of life you know that surely that tree has survived a lot to get where it is. Drought, floods, possibly disease, it's stood through storms and winds that knocked down other trees all around it. And yet, there it stands.

A tree doesn't just become strong just naturally, no. The strongest trees have to withstand winds and storms, every time a tree survives a storm it digs it's roots deeper into the ground that is it's foundation and becomes harder and harder to dig out.

This is something I've been thinking about recently in my life and in the lives of my friends, many of us are out in college now. Working full time jobs and many of us have finally moved out. And as promised in the New Testament there will be trials, there will be storms in our lives. The question now is, are we going to let these storms tear us out and throw us around? Or are we going to dig in deep and grow stronger to withstand the next one?

The Bible has a few things to say about withstanding trials and about the strength that God will give us to help us endure. Here are just a few verses:

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this 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." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." Psalms 1:3

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

That tree in the picture up there withstood its life's trials. Will you?

God Bless,

Ryan

A little bit about me:

  I'm a 22 year old Christian guy, nothing extraordinary. I Volunteer with the local Fire Dept. where I lead a Fire Explorer Outpost, getting the High school kids in that are interested and giving them some training to see if Firefighting is a career path they would like to travel down.

I work at a couple other Fire Dept. besides that as a Firefighter/EMT-B. It's not easy work all the time, but it's what I love to do.

The original purpose of my blog (A Long Adventure) was to be a place to put up my stories, pictures and updates from a big Sailing trip that I was supposed to take back in the summer of 2013. But through a string of events and poor communication I never ended up going. I kept playing around with the blog putting up a little story here and there, and the end result is basically what is now an online devotional. Instead of being a type of journal for trips and adventures to different places it's become a place for me to put up the spiritual adventures and lessons that I've been through and that God has been teaching me.

I hope you all enjoy the blog, and I hope God uses it greatly to your benefit and for His glory.

  God Bless,

        Ryan

Beautiful Blessings - 8/6/16

~ being greeted by the library cat at the front desk

~ sunlight on the picture

~ going to work for the first time all week since I had to call in

~ the perfect card for a lovely friend

~ filled with peace as in Philippians 4:6-7

The Reason I Live (a guest post)

{by Naomi H.}

One of my favorite verses in all of Scripture is 2 Corinthians 4:5-6. It says that “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

This verse is a verse that I quote almost every day. It reminds me that my identity is not in the things of this world, but in CHRIST ALONE! HE ALONE is my light, my life, and my salvation. He is my everything, my strength when I am week, my light when all is dark, and my friend when I feel alone.

On the other side of the coin, it also challenges me to evaluate my life and see if I am showing Christ the way that I should. Are all of my words, actions, and even thoughts Christ-honoring? Do I respect and glorify Him with everything that I do?

An old friend of mine had a gift for writing poems. Although the friendship is long over, the poem has stayed with me through the years. I entitled it “Faith Sings a Melody”. Every now and again, I dig it out and read it. It reminds me that the Christian walk is not a destination, its a life long journey. A path that brings us closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Faith sings a melody, glorious and free

In Christ my faith I’ve put, it’s time to lean on He

Who’s died to pay my debt, no more chains on me

A song which rings aloud, for all the world to hear

Now this song I cry, as Christ does now draw near

I’ll sing it loud I’ll sing it proud, best of all to make it clear

I’ve faith in Jesus Christ, my life He does lead

This passion and this love, his commandments I shall keep

This greatest book of all, a blessing now to read

This faith now does tell me, He is stronger than I

And on this mountain top, I lift his name on high

And soon the day to see His face, I know it does draw nigh

Naomi is a good friend of mine, who I met through John. She is going to college for nursing, loves hedgehogs, and has a beautiful heart for Christ! I'm so proud to call her a friend! Best part of it? We are twins in so many ways...including the fact we both love Psalm 27!

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!)

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

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.

Galatians 6:2

Bear one

another's burdens,

and so

fulfill the

law of Christ.

The Sunset

The sunlight laced the trees, 

so I ran down the stairs and out the door

so that I could snap a picture of the trees that seemed to be etched into the sky.

It was breathtaking!

When I came back in, I stood at the kitchen window, and all I could see was depressingly grey clouds. "If the clouds weren't in the way," I grumbled, "it would be a stunning sunset! Psalm 19:1 came to mind, but I kinda pushed the thought aside. A few minutes passed, and I glanced out the window to this:

It was breathtaking!

On my way back in from taking the pictures, I whispered to God, "I guess you proved me wrong!" As soon as I came in and made it back to the window, the sunset had disappeared entirely.

Psalm 19:1 (ESV)

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  

Work Heartily

Life has seemed to have sped up now that I am 18! 

Work has started,

school is getting finished up so I can graduate,

and it just generally seems busier!

I've also been getting to bed earlier due to want and need,

and I've been getting up earlier as well!

You know I've become an adult when sleeping in, means sleeping till 9:30!

Other things have changed as well. Who I talk to, and on what level, seems different even if it's people I usually talk to!

I've found that I really am as flexible as I thought I was while working. 

Sunday, we had an open house at work, to get a feel for things, and to get feedback from customers before our big opening!

In Sunday School that morning, one of our elders who teaches the class I help in, prayed for me and my new job, quoting Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): 

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ"

So, as I head off to work today, with this in my head, I pray you will all do the same! Whether it be work, or leisure, remember to give glory to God through your actions! 

Growing Up & Other Changes!

Phew! So much has happened this weekend! I'm growing up...too fast for my taste, but inevitable.

First things first:

Only 17 days until my birthday!

And I will be 18?!?!

How?!?!?! How am I so old already?!?!?!?!!?

Secondly:

If I'm 18 in only a few more weeks...that means I can date in a few more weeks??

Really?!?! 

I'm scared!!!...

...just kidding!!! I'm really really excited!!! John is a wonderful man!

Thirdly:

When did my friend Elijah grow up??

I don't mind growing up, as long as my friends don't!

Fourthly:

Heidi is actually going to Belize in a few months??? It seems so far away and yet so close!! When did she become old enough to nanny in another country?? Last I knew, we were at a sleepover, giggling over boys and who knows what else!

Fifthly:

I have a job? Like...I really got hired tonight?! I didnt imagine all that??? I really have a date written down on the calendar to fill out paperwork?! For real?!!? :~D Ahh I'm excited!!!!

Sixthly:

...I need to get my permit now...so I have photo ID...I can't stave it off any longer....

Lastly!

If you're growing up like I am, remember this:

You are NEVER too old to go on the swings! Whether you are racing to them to beat your friend and just do it out of sheer pleasure, or you sit down on a swing late at night so you can cry, you're NEVER too old for the swings!!! For which I am really glad!! <3 If I grew up and couldn't go on them anymore, I would miss them!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.