Sunshine Award

Thank you, Sarah, of Sarah, Plain & Average for awarding me. . .

I love the name of the award. =)

THE "GUIDELINES"

- Thank the person who nominated you.

- Answer the questions from the person who nominated you.

- Nominate a few other bloggers.

- Write the same amount of questions for the bloggers you nominated.

- Notify the bloggers on their blog.

- Put the award button on your blog.

SARAH'S QUESTIONS:
1.  What color are your eyes?  What would your dream color be (if any)? That’s a funny question, I think. Because, up until about a year ago I’ve always said my eyes were hazel/brown. In reality, they are just plain brown, but the turn a little green or sometimes more golden when I’m wearing certain colors or the lighting is right. So, my eyes are brown, but my dream color would be hazel. Hehe! =)

my eyes, unedited       =P

2.  How tall are you? What’s next, “How much do you weigh?” “What’s your shoe size?” Just kidding. I’m just giving sweet Sarah a hard time. ;P I am 5’7”, the same height as my great-grandfather. (He’s measure himself with me more than once, haha.)

3.  If you could be ONE fictional character, who would it be and why? (this applies to books and films) A this is literally the most difficult question I’ve ever been asked in a questionnaire! Ah! Haha…. *deep breath* Okay. So, after pacing the floor a few times, I’ve decided. My original thought was ‘anyone in Narnia who loves Aslan’, most likely Edmund, maybe Lucy. But then there is the real world that I really am in love with already, so I thought maybe Anne of Green Gables. Finally, I decided I would love to be Nancy Drew. From the original series where Nancy was sophisticated and glamorous, not the modern books, movies or TV shows. She was beautiful, charming, never partial to others, and had two amazing friends. (Not to mention one amazing car!) I was really bad at reading as a kid, but I would spend over an hour to get through one chapter of Nancy drew, when I wouldn’t spend ten minutes to read anything easier.

4.  Would you prefer a walk in the sunshine? or a stroll by the light of the moon? 

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds. ~G.K. Chesterton

To see the Summer Sky

Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie -

True Poems flee.

~Emily Dickinson

We all live under the same sky, but we don't all have the same horizon. ~Konrad Adenauer

Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars. ~Henry Van Dyke

Look at your feet. You are standing in the sky. When we think of the sky, we tend to look up, but the sky actually begins at the earth. ~Diane Ackerman



I don't walk in a place like this, but it's pretty.

Now, if God made the clouds so beautiful, did He not mean us to gaze upon them and be thankful for them? ~Alfred Rowland

No sight is more provocative of awe than is the night sky. ~Llewelyn Powys

Sorry. . . to answer your question, I’d prefer a walk in the sunshine.

5.  What would your dream profession be?  (For example, if my life had taken a different path, I would have wished to become a professional ballerina.) :] Okay, my dream life would consist of three proffessions. 1, I would be a dancer. A really great dancer. I would perform in the streets, at the park, and of course with the studio I studied at. 2, I would run a small group home for foster children/orphans. 3, I would be a teacher/tutor.

And in my dreams these were simultaneous. Yeah. I know. Never gonna happen.

6.  What is at the top of your To-Be-Read pile, or skyscraper? I’m reading The Warden and the Wolf King, Good, and Touching Godliness through Submission.

7.  If you had a "pet" dragon, what color would he/she be? and what would his/her name be?  Feel free to be creative. It’s color would match the sky. My dragon would change from magnificent sunrise hues, to blues from pale to brilliant. Sometimes, he would look grey with a menacing storm. Always ending the day with as many colors as the rays of a sunset until he finally sleeps with a blanket of velvety black and the stars light in his eyes. I would call him Shamar שָׁמַר it means "to keep, watch, preserve" in Hebrew.

8.  If you were to discover that you were the long-lost princess of a distant realm, what would be your first reaction? I hope they don’t need a ruler, because to be honest, I’m a fan of the world I live in now and I'm looking forward to my future right here. Ahem. Where’s my sense of adventure?! I mean to say, Wow! I knew it! Let me go tell my people!

9.  What is your favorite book of the Bible? Favorite verse? My favorite book of the Bible?! Oh, c’mon Sarah! Um, Psalms, Matthew and Philippians are probably my top three. How can can I share one favorite verse from an entire book? Every word of God is amazing and perfect!

The two verses in Psalms that are always at the front of my mind, and always cause my heart to praise are Psalm 73:25-26 and Psalm 94:17-19

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.  My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

And

“Unless the Lord had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.
In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.”

Philippians 2:17-18 are basically the theme verses of the book, imo. Paul says, “Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.  For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.”

In Philippians 4:1 Paul says, “Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.” I love that verse. I love to read that verse.

But then again, I love the book of John...

10.  Do you have a dream car?  If so, what is it? I looked up the top ten dream cars and Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is gorgeous! Of course the price rage was $497,875 - $545,470… The first car I buy will be in a price range $2000 - $3000. But when I’ve used that car til it’s death my dream car has only two requirements. 1) that it would be a vehicle that is economical but 2) still seats a lot. I’d love to have a car big enough for my whole family to ride with me, or at least have room for plenty of friends. =)

I would like to award the following:
Jenny and/or Julia at Maidens of Virtue
Susanna at Susanna's Blog
Risa and/or Sam at Books Ballet an Basketball

and... I guess who ever else wants it because my mind is drawing a blank!

My questions:
1. What is one thing you tend to spend most of your time doing?
2. What is your favorite job/chore to work on? (Some work is satisfying and fun!)
3. If you could have any pet (wild or not) what animal would you like?
4. Do you have a favorite book? (What is it?)
5. Name what you like most about your best friend.
6. What does your best friend like most about you?
7. Favorite time of day?
8. What is a song you've been enjoying/listening to a lot lately?
9. Favorite snack/meal you make for yourself?
10. What is your main love language?

Music Video

For you...

So, China, whatchya think?

I'm back.

Over a month ago, I couldn't have dreamt up half of what took place the month I spent in China. It was fun, and scary, and incredible, and difficult, and energizing yet exhausting. Altogether, it's truthfully indescribable, though I keep trying to find better words to use.

 

I'll pictures do most of the speaking. All I can really say is that I am so, SO thankful!

 

This is a picture from Hong Kong.

We spent just two days in Hong Kong, before going to mainland China.

The city lights on the water looked even better in person.

The church Lottie Moon originally served in, from so long ago, is still standing.
(Penglai, China)



The lights where unbelievable. Every city we went to was like it's own light show.


We met so many people in China! They were all so welcoming and friendly.



And made so many new friends!

That's a jump photo, btw. The bottom got cut out. =P

My sisters are so beautiful, I was so blessed to be with them both for this trip.

This is my granddad teaching, and a beautiful young lady, Willow, translating.

We experienced a part of Chinese culture everywhere we went.

Left to Right: Grandad, Me, (the back of) my older sister

We got to practice Chinese water color. We had never used paper of brushes like that.

We drank a lot of tea (so happy!!) and even found out people went to school to learn to prepare tea 'professionally'!

 

 

This friend took us to a tea shop to taste tea professionally made. One black tea we tasted was from 1926!

 

We saw lots of dragons... =)

 

Huge cities, with buildings, buildings, buildings, and people, people, people everywhere!

That's me!

We even got to learn to make real Chinese food, not 'American Chinese food'. They taste nothing alike!

 

Obviously, over 33 days, there were hundreds of pictures to choose from. It was very difficult to just choose a few, and I'm sure there were much better pictures I could have put in place of some of these. But I hope you enjoyed the little glimpse. I may share some actual stories of things we did in China at a later date. But for now, I'm just trying to catch up with life at home, and find a way to remember everything we did myself. =)

 

Many people have asked, "so what did you think?" about China. I kind of wonder, what did China think about us...

Always There

 

When I am less than I should be
And I just can't face the day
When darkness falls around me
And I just can't find my way
When my eyes don't clearly see
And I stumble through it all
You I lean upon, you keep me strong
And you raise me when I fall

You are there when I most need you
You are there so constantly
You come shining through
You always do
You are always there for me

When life brings me to my knees
When my back's against the wall
You are standing there right with me
Just to keep me standing tall
Though a burden I may be
You don't weary, you don't rest
You are reaching out to carry me,
And I know I'm heaven blessed.

You are there when I most need you
You are there so constantly
You come shining through
You always do
You are always there for me

You are there when I most need you
You are there so constantly
You come shining through
You always do
You are always there for me

You are there when I most need you (you are there)
You are there so constantly (so constantly)
You come shining through
You always do
You are always there for me

For me

10 Days . . .

I have ten days left . . .
and then,

CNA & Caregiver classes are over.

I have ten days left . . .
and then,

I'm on an airplane headed half way across the world.
To China.
For 33 days.                                (Some days, the thought can't even fit
                                                    into my mind, it's that big.)

I've already passed my State Board exam to become a certified nursing assistant. (woot!) Soon I'll take my State Board test to become a licensed caregiver. (hollah!)

I can honestly say, if I never use either of those certifications, this last year has been amazing. There were plenty of days I would NOT call my CNA classes amazing. Most days, actually. But I've grown more than I thought I could in one year.

I've met some wonderful people through this. From the elderly widower with incredible stories of his faith and his love and his life, to some beautiful classmates who have never failed to share their smiles.

I've also gone through stress, and relationship... strains. Some days I cried out in the pain, 'God, I can't take this if You don't take it with me!' I have even been mocked and out-right insulted for my faith and my life-style, but by God's grace I was able to look back into the eyes of those mocked me with love and forgiveness. And in the end, I was able to share my faith with those who scorned it. And I wouldn't take back the scorn for the opportunities, and I so thankful.

I hope when people saw me, they didn't see a brown eyed girl, with purple streaks in her hair, that was basically like anyone else. I hope they saw a girl that was in love with God, and wanted nothing more than to have joy in Jesus alone, her Savior.

I hope I showed them love.

Honestly, if I had the chance, I would talk with each one of my classmates individually, and tell them how much God loves them. Because He does. He loves you so much, that He longs after your heart. Longing that you would spend time in His love, getting to know Who He Is.

Seek Him.

Only in Him, is true, unending, unconditional love. His love is not based on what you do or if you love Him or even care about His love. He loves you because He is love. Because He created you, and He wants you to find purpose and joy and LIFE in Him.

If only you could see how much I want you know this. How my heart aches for His love. I long for His love to grow greater in me, and be increased in others! I wish I could tell you HOW WONDERFUL it is. There is nothing good in my life, that didn't come from my God! My life is an adventure with my Savior. He gave me joy, where there was once only bitterness. And the unknown in my future doesn't have me worrying, because I know, He knows how my future will play out. To Him it is no different than my past, and my present: in His hands.

You. Are. Loved. He loves you. 

You.

Are.

Loved.

Let this truth shatter every other lie that is fighting for a place in your head and life at this moment. I could write on forever, about how I'm so not perfect and life is hard.
But when my words cease, may you walk away with the thought that I am like you and we are loved beyond the pain.
It's that simple.
Beyond all else,  you are loved. He loves you.

Good Morning Lord

I got this in my inbox this morning. I hope it blesses you, as it did me.

Verse of the Day -- Psalm 25:14 The secret [or intimacy] of the Lord is
for those who fear Him . . .

Thought for the Day 

God longs to be close to you!

Mini Bible Study for the Day

How many Christians long to have a more intimate relationship with God?
The word "secret" in this verse is also translated "counsel" or
"intimacy." To fear Him means to obey Him. It means that because we
recognize the majesty and awesomeness of who He is, we long to obey
Him, or please Him, in every sense of the word.

Obedience is our gift of love to Jesus Christ, and He promises that in
return for our obedience, He will give us greater intimacy with Himself
and the Father.

He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me and he
who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will
disclose myself to him. --John 14:21 Every time--every moment--we consciously choose to allow God's Spirit
to be in control of our lives, we become closer to and more intimate
with Jesus Christ.

♥Ashlin

Home Schoolers...

THIS is a great article. Want to see a study on why a homeschooler probably doesn't have to fear being unsocialized or ill prepared for college?

Go read this: http://www.usnews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2012/06/01/home-schooled-teens-ripe-for-college

What Do I Know?

I just heard this song, What Do I Know by Sara Groves. And it really meant something to me, it touched me. It's a sad song, but it will probably mean a lot to you if you are grieving right now. At least, you'll really understand the emotions of it.
I have seen this, the way life ends "too soon" at 80 or 90 years old. I've seen it a lot doing clinicals in a long-term care facility. I was just talking with a fellow student about why we feel like an aging body that starts breaking down, why death, is so un-natural. Because God made us to live forever. We were created for an eternity.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Precious in the sight of the Lord, Is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Revelation 14:13

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4

"O Death, where is your sting?"
I Corinthians 15:52-57
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

” O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?”

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Poem

The night I first saw you
You were
Scared
       Hurt
              Angry
                     Lost
You wouldn’t look into my eyes
Your gaze was fixed
Downcast
You wouldn’t trust me
Wouldn’t dare
To think that I might last
Any longer in your life
Than those who scarred your past
I loved you, held you,
Gave you a piece of my heart
Gave it up forever,
Though I knew we might part
But you didn’t want
My love
Afraid it was an act
You refused it
Pushed me back
The words I spoke to you for healing
You fought like an attack
You were angry
I don’t blame you
I was angry for you too
Your hurt was deep
Your pain was vast
I didn’t know what I could do
But the God Who made
And loved
You
Is the God
Who’d see us through
With time
You came to trust me
Your numb, closed heart
Began to feel
And it was beautiful
When you smiled
God would whisper, “Spirit, heal”
But then, too soon
Came the fateful day
When we had to say
Goodbye
Yet that could not take my love away
I’ll know your name
I’ll see your face
I’ll love you still
Until I die

Waisting My "Young Years"

A lot of people say I should get a job (or two) and hurry up and enroll in a good college. They tell me, from a good heart, that I need to have savings and a sure source of income for an unsure future.

Well, I’m not juggling jobs and college for one reason: God’s ways are not man’s ways. And I want to follow His will above others, even my own.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” Proverbs 22:1

I am asking God to give me a greater character in this life than a career.

(PLEASE UNDERSTAND: I am not saying that you are out of the will of God if you have multiple jobs and earning a college degree.)

But God hasn’t called me to do that. Right now, according to a lot of people, I look more like I’m wasting my young adult years. I’m not working very hard to save up for a car of my own, a home for myself, a career for my future.

Maybe God knows exactly what I need, and all the things I have are exactly that. That in turn means that all the things I don’t have, are things I do not need. It is possible that if I had a car, a high salary job, a career or college scholarship, then that is where my confidence would lie. Or maybe I would let my confidence lie in the bank. How much have I saved? Will it get me through what I need for this year, or how about this month? But money doesn’t help anyone, unless the Lord is their first provider. (Ps. 127:1)

Don’t hear what I’m not saying. I’m not saying stay home, and be a slothful bum who says “Oh, but God will provide.” I’m not saying we’re to do nothing and trust God. I’m saying we’re to do something; trust God! And if He calls you to go, go! And if He calls you to stay, stay! And if He says you need to work at this and not at that, then work this way and not that way!

For me, (and most believers and some point or another) that means trusting Him even when it looks wrong to everyone else. Even when it looks wrong to ME, I want to follow His will. Sometimes I think, “God? Doesn’t what they’re telling me make a little sense? Shouldn’t I be doing more? How can I help You when this is all that You have me doing? How can I bless others if I don’t work more? I’m so glad to be a daughter who can live at home with her family, but shouldn’t I support myself a little more?”

And He says  “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) And, “whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7)

The fruit of obedience doesn’t come in a day. But the seeds do sprout, and fruit will be harvested. It is stored up for the perfect season, and it does not rot away.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” Proverbs 22:1

"Veil of Tears" Film Release

Gospel For Asia is opening a film this week in theaters across the U.S., Veil of Tears. Please check for information regarding theater locations, remaining simulcast options, or more information about "Veil of Tears."

Yes, this film does talk about a wieghty subject. It is uncomfortable to hear of a real life tradgedy being lived out along side you in this world. It is easier to ignore, or forget. And though this film is about Asia's most mistreated, it's still described by the Dove Foundation as a film "that will cement your belief in the possibility of hope."

This film will be showing for only one week, starting tomorrow. I hope you are all able to go see it. But if you are not, please pray that God would use this film to bless and move those who do go see it to serve as the Body of Christ should.

What Others Are Saying About "Veil of Tears"

"When I saw it, I knew I would never—could never—be the same. 'Veil of Tears' has taught me how to pray, to give, and to make a difference for Christ." - Joni Eareckson Tada "'Veil of Tears' was so moving and informative. I want everyone to watch it and join us in making a difference in the lives of these women." - Francis Chan

"A well-produced, powerful and shocking exposé. 'Veil of Tears' will have you in tears." - Ray Comfort, Living Waters "A powerful, riveting film . . . that grabs at the heart and won't let go!" - American Family Association

"'Veil of Tears' asks the question, 'Do we care?' Now it's up to us to answer." - John Schlitt, PETRA (Lead Vocalist) "This factual account of the oppression of millions of women in Asia must be told. Though the story begins with tears, the Good News is that help is on the way through the ministry of compassion seen here." - Robert Coleman

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)

 

 

"The man who would know God must spend time with Him.” - Tozer 

Awards!

The Rules:

1.  link the blog that nominated you for the award.

2.  choose eleven bloggers to nominate that have less than 200 followers.

3.  answer the questions given to you.

4.  let the people who you've nominated know when you've done so.

5.  you can't nominate the person that has nominated you.

6.  create eleven questions for the bloggers you've nominated to answer.

7.  you must follow the blog that nominated you. (yeah, I crossed that out.)

Sarah's Questions:

 

1.  Where were you born? In the desert, a Catholic hospital named after a saint. Funny thing: All of my five siblings were born at a different hospital!

 

2.  If you could meet any ONE fictional character, whether from a book or movie, who would it be?  When I was a little girl, I would have ridden on a magic carpet with Aladdin/Abu! Now, I might just have lunch with Captain America, I feel like he'd have something worthwhile to talk about. Plus he's, like, a superhero!

 

3.  Do you prefer coffee or hot tea? Yes! I crave coffee more often, but I drink twice as much tea because it doesn't have the bad effects of coffee. *sigh*

 

4.  If you had (or do have) an abundance of money, what is your ideal dream vacation? Some place in South America would be my first choice. But I wouldn't care as much where I went as I would with whom I went with. With my family, I would be happy anywhere.

 

 5.  If you could travel to any time period (Medieval era, western 1800s, 1950's, etc), where would you go? I'd love to go back in time to right around 30 A.D. and hear Jesus talk, and see what the culture was really like, and feel what his follower's felt.

 

6.  Medieval or Futuristic? Meh.

 

7.  Would you rather travel cross country in a plane or car? I've never flown in a plane, so for now, I'd have to say car. =)

 

8.  If you could be either an Elf, Dwarf, or Hobbit, which would you be? An elf. (Keebler, please) =P

 

9.  Do you prefer to play a musical instrument or simply listen? I prefer to play only when it sounds good - thus I always prefer to listen. lol

 

10.  Who is your best friend?  (This isn't a test, it could be (me!) a sister, Pippin, or a pet--which, if this is the case, you seriously need to get out in the world more.) I don't have just one. If you want to know who my best friends are, refer to question 4.

 

11.  What is your favorite TV show? This is a tough one. . . I like The Amazing Race, Barefoot Contessa, and The Dick Vandyke Show lots! So I like a variety . . .

My 11 Questions:
Who is one movie/book character you've always related to?
Which of your pets has been your favorite pet?
What is one song you've really been enjoying lately?
If you could change something about yourself what would it be?
Who was the first Christian to really affect you, and leave an impact?
When is your birthday?
What is your favorite snack food?
Would you rather go to the doctor or the dentist?
What is the most difficult thing you've ever done?
How many siblings do you have, and where do you fall?
How many children do you imagine yourself having?
 

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

And now for the Sunflower Award!

Rules:

1.  Share 11 facts about yourself

2.  Answer the 11 questions set by your nomination blogger- Nominate 11 bloggers

3.  Set questions for the nominated bloggers.

11 Facts (or fiction) About Me:

 

1. I would love to write children's books someday.

2. Lord willing, my two big sisters and I will be on our first airplane trip, headed to China this June!

3. I'm an extrovert and a social butterfly who feels shy often.

4. I've been trying to learn Spanish my entire life. (Does that say something about my poor work effort or my great dedication??) :/

5. I have very little strength in the area of discernment. When I don't ask for fact-checking/advice in my life, I get duped.

6. I love to watch musicals! Gene Kelly, Doris Day, Fred Astaire. . . I've seen vast collection of musicals, over 30.

7. Along those lines, I'm a fan of 40's fashion.

8. I hated chocolate until I was a teenager. Now I love dark chocolate; 80% -85%!

9. I'm a good cook, but not a great baker.

10. I'm into health. I like to research, exercise, etc..

11. I like to dance. A lot.

Since it was a combination of two awards, Sarah only asked five more questions:

1.  What color are your eyes?
Hazel / Brown.

2.  Would you rather read a book or watch a movie?
Watch a movie -I'm not good at reading.

3.  Who is your favorite Disney princess? (Elsa and Anna count!)
Tiana, from The Princess and the Frog, or Mulan, from. . . ya know, Mulan.

4.  If given the choice, would you rather write a letter or talk on the phone? One or the other, texting is not a choice in this question.  :]
Probably talk on the phone.... although receiving a letter is so sweet!

5.  If you could do something drastically awesome, and wouldn't have to worry about being judged by others, what would it be?  (i.e. get a haircut you normally wouldn't choose, buy an expensive something you've wanted all your life, etc.)

I would learn a song on my guitar. Then I'd go out to a busy street and play and sing for everyone passing to hear.

 

My 11 Questions:

What is your favorite word/phrase?

What are you most thankful for right now?

What is your greatest strength?

What is a pet peeve of yours?

Do you have any funny quirks?

You tend to say ______ a lot?

You have a lot of . . . .?

You need more of . . . ?

Someday, you hope to be . . . ?

You believe strongly in . . . ?

One person who always seems to make you smile is . . . ?

 

And finally, I award:

Mrs. Dake

Rachel

Ava

Kayla

Susanna

Moriah

Haley

Jade

Abby

Michelle

 

 

 Thank you very much, Sarah!

I hope everyone has a lovely day!

 

The Activity of Faith - Devotional

" We also err in thinking that waiting on God ceases when we receive what we’ve been waiting for. It cannot be likened to waiting for your Starbucks “Grande non-fat Vanilla Latte”, or your German Chocolate cake to cool before you can frost it. That kind of waiting is temporal; it has an end. The Christian never stops waiting on God. Waiting on God is not so much an action, as it is a posture of your soul. "

Read the rest here.

 

Lamentations 3:25 KJV The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.


Look for a blogger award post coming next. It's taking a little longer than I thought it would, but it shouldn't be too long of a wait.

Read This...

http://daddystractor.com/2014/02/24/the-heartbreak-of-foster-care/

So true.

On My Heart

Lately, I have been thinking. Just sitting and thinking, working and thinking - spending a lot of time in thought... about a few things. Things that God, my Father, has been teaching me (again).

So, here are some things I have been learning (relearning).

1. I took this spiritual gifts test: www.sdrock.com/giftstest and I was wondering... if the Spirit of God has given me gifts in certain areas, how am I using them? What are my strengths, what are my weaknesses? I wonder what God is preparing me for, and how He wants to use me in the future. But then again, it may not be the future - it may be today. Is there some place I could be a vessel of God's grace today, but I am too focused on other things to see it? Father, I pray that I would have open eyes, that your Spirit would lead me. And that I would follow.
  
So what am I to do with this? The more I study the Word, the more I see, it is not that complicated.

"Trust in the Lord, and do good . . . delight yourself also in the Lord. . .  commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. . . Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Ps. 37:3-7

To trust Him,

Delight in Him,

Commit my way to Him,

And Rest
in the Lord.

 

I guess I have floated accidentally seamlessly in to my second thought...

2. Ashlin, Study His Word!

"Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Ps. 51:6

There is no truth apart from God's word, and there is no wisdom except from the Lord. There is no life or growth unless the branches abide in the Vine. John 15:5. I have heard it said many times, you cannot be stagnant in your Christian walk; you are either moving forward or you are slipping back. It is foolishness to think otherwise.

"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness." Proverbs 30:12

The Bible is like a mirror. If we do not look in it, we will not see our filthiness. Father, do not allow me to have blind eyes. Let me see my sin so that I won't stay where I am, but be cleansed by Your grace!
Go has given us such beautiful promises in His word for those who will seek Him.

"He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust; His truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Psalm 91:4

3. Prayer. God works in mysterious ways. For whatever reason, He has chosen to work through prayer. He has commanded us to pray. And He has shown us many examples of the power released through the prayers of His saints. Mtt. 14:23, 21:22, Lk. 18:1, Rom. 8:26, Acts 6:4, Prov. 15:8, James 5:13-16, Eph. 6:18, and Rev. 8:3-6 are just a few.
In my own life, He has shown Himself mighty through prayer and I give thanks for the recent reminders He hast sent me to pray.

I am so thankful for the family I have and the people God has placed in my life that encourage me and help me to relearn these simple truths.

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together, I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed." Psalm 34:3-5

C. S. Lewis

“The Weight of Glory.”

It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare.
All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics.
There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilisations — these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit — immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.
This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously.

- C.S. Lewis