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?

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!

 

Brilliant Blog Bouquet Award / Sunday Morning

My sweet friend and fellow blogger, Sarah awarded me, or my blog rather.

 

Questions:

1. If you could have a "flower pen name" like we have here on our blog, Violets and Daisies what would it be? This will probably be the longest answer. I would say Zinnia for many reasons. It's a fun name. Who wouldn't want to sign off as Zinnia. Also, it was my grandmother's favorite type of flower, so it's kind of grown on me. (Well, not her favorite but one of her favorites.) The flower, when looking at flower meanings, represents thoughts of friends and lasting affection which I think suits me (my sister agreed). Plus the flowers bloom in March, which is the month I was born. So there was just to much going for it to not choose Zinnia. I know, TMI. (The translation, for those of you who "don't speak text" : to much information.)

2. What is your favorite ever Bible verse and why? Galatians 2:20 which says "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

3. What are the blogs which inspire you most? My top 5 would be the following.
1. Maidens of Virtue is very good, I find the three sisters' posts very inspiring or funny or just a good read. I am currently enjoying the short story series very much!
2. Echoes of Now Miss Jade Valcarcel is an incredible writer, I find her blog very sincere and moving. (She's also a writer for Set Apart Girl.)
3. Fruitfulness at Home A blog (also written by three sisters) of some friends I also like to reed and see Michelle's photography
4. All She Has to Say has good, applicable lessons from another young Christian lady, encouraging and sometimes funny.
5. Desiring God Blog has encouraging, helpful posts like this one.

4. If you and your friends could visit any country in the world, where would you go? I guess one of the "I" places, Israel, Ireland, maybe Italy. =)

5. If you have one, feel free to share your testimony as to how you became a Christian.
I am so thankful to be raised in a Christian home. It has blessed me more than I know. So since I was raised going to church I've heard the amazing Gospel story countless times, and when I was younger I said "the sinners prayer" every time I had the possibility. I have no idea how many people came up to my parents and said, "Congratulations, your daughter just accepted Jesus as her Savior today." But, as you may have guessed, they didn't mean much. Of course I loved God and wanted to go to heaven, I knew I was a sinner, but I loved me more. I lived for me. I remember vividly the day when I was thirteen years old and I truly cried out to God that He had to save me and wanted to let my flesh die in Christ and I wanted to live in the Spirit. It wasn't until I turned sixteen that I started to really grasp surrender and of course it is an on going process as the Lord continues to work in me until the end. Philippians 1:6

 

~Rules~
Put a link to who gave you the award. Post the award to your blog. Answer the questions. Choose 5 blogs to receive the award. Let them know you've awarded them.
The Questions: 1. If you could have a "flower pen name" like we have here on our blog, Violets and Daisies what would it be?
2. What is your favorite ever Bible verse and why?
3. What are the blogs which inspire you most?
4. If you and your friends could visit any country in the world, where would you go?
5. If you have one, feel free to share your testimony as to how you became a Christian. Have a blessed weekend!

I also saw this musical tag on Sarah's blog. It was so funny that I thought I'd just pair it with this post.

RULES 1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 20 friends. (Since this is an old tag this doesn’t really apply anymore, but if you’re reading this you’re absolutely welcome to steal it as well! Please do!) 5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.

 

QUESTIONS
If someone says "Are you okay?" you say… 
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite, Op.71A - Coffee (Arabian Dance)

Am I okay?  I guess I just need some coffee, or (more likely) I need to dance!

 

What would best describe your personality? 
Shackles (Praise You) by Mandisa

I guess I feel shackled? (That's a real word right?) "Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance! I just wanna praise You, I just wanna praise You!"

 

How would you describe yourself? 
Drifting to Far From the Shore by Aaron Weil Band (Basically an unknown singer who does Christian Bluegrass.)

. . . Um. Drifting? That's bad.

What do you like in a guy/girl?
All the Fun by Paul Overstreet
I guess I like all the fun!
 

How do you feel today? 
Crucified by Salvador
I feel that everyday. (Gal. 2:20)

What is your life's purpose?
There You Go by Caedmon's Call
To get going!

What's Your Motto? 
The Ninety and Nine by Andrew Peterson
Good motto.

What do your friends think of you?
Don't You Want to Thank Somebody by Andrew Peterson

I guess they think I oughta be more thankful.

What do your parents think of you? 
Be Thou Near To Me by Selah
Haha.
 

What do you think about very often? 
For I Know the Plans by Word of God Speak
I'm always planning.

What is 2 + 2? 
Beauty and the Beast from the soundtrack

Haha, the one song from that soundtrack I have on my ipod! Well, it is four words right? 

 What do you think of your best friend? 
Sinking by Michael Peacock

They're sinking?

What do you think of the person you like? 
Lord I'm Gonna Love You by Keith Green
I'm just not sure how to comment on that one.

What is your life story? 
Circles by Alison Brook
Spinnin' in circles!

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
(I've Got A Gal In) Kalamazoo by Glen Miller
I want to be a gal in Kalamazoo! (Not really.)

What do you think when you see the person you like? 
Someday Soon by Francesca Battistelli
Haha. Yeah, that's right! (Perfect song.)

What will you do at your wedding? 
I Stand Amazed by Bart Millard

I guess I will.

What will they play at your funeral? 
A Prayer by The Blind Boys of Alabama

That will work.

What is your hobby/interest? 
He Will Come by Mandisa
I just keep " Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" Titus 2:13

What is your biggest fear? 
As You Therefore by Nathan Clark George

Um, speaking gibberish is a big fear of mine, since I do it quite often. "What is your biggest fear? As You Therefore!" Does that make any sense? Well, that's about how I speak somedays. =)

What is your biggest secret? 
Esengo by Selah
From what I could tell by searching the internet it means "glory". Which doesn't make much sense. . . again.

What do you want right now? 
Fofar Sodger/ Trip to the Skye/ The Birdie by 25 Years of Celtic Music

I want the birdie, I want a trip to the skye, and I want fofar sodger? Translation please?

What do you think of your friends? 

Take Another Run by Paul Overstreet
That's right, let's not give up, dear friend. We can take another run at it.

What's the worst thing that could happen?
It's Been a Long Time by Mark Shultz

The worst thing that could happen is waiting to long until it's to late.

What is the one thing you regret?
The Jug of Punch by Celtic Wonder 

Uh. . . yeah, hmmm. 0_o

What makes you laugh?
Suddenly by Daniel Bashta

Surprises? Sudden changes?

What makes you cry?
Carol Ann by Michael W. Smith

Carol Ann, you make me cry.

Will you ever get married?
1945 by Jamie Grace

Right. . . I would have gotten married if I live in '45?

What scares you the most? 
The Parting Glass by Shaun Davey
Saying Goodbye. True.

 Does anyone like you?
Here For You by Branded
My daddy! (It's a daddy, daughter song.)

If you could go back in time, what would you change?
What Wondrous Love is This by Fernando Ortega
Through God's amazing love I can know that I needn't change a thing. All things work together for good to those who love Him. (Isn't Fernando Ortega the greatest ever?)

What hurts right now?
The Chasing Song by Andrew Peterson

My legs are a little sore from running around.

What would you want to say to the person who tagged you (if you were tagged)?
Love Enough by Andrew Peterson
"In stubborn spite of our stubborn spite we are loved nonetheless, we are loved all the more and I believe there is love enough for the taking." Sing with me, Sarah, I know you listen to Andrew Peterson's music.
 

What will you name this post?
Sunday Morning by Javen

Well I hope you all have a great Sunday morning! Oh, I forgot to tag/award people. Here we go:

Rachel @ Rachel's Blog
Reina Laaman @ Reina Laaman

Abeeda @ Abeeda's Journey

Sarah, Jenny and Julia @ Maidens of Virtue

and Heather @ The Things I Love

 

Have Fun,

Ashlin

You Better Believe It!

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." ~ 1 John 4:1

I really appreciate the way my mom does that. When she visits a church, hears a teaching, and things of that sort she tests it against the Word. She doesn't pick apart every little thing that was said to argue it, but I can see the way she personally tries the spirit of it even when it seems to many to be a good sermon filled with good arguments to back up their point.

When a person teaches, they will -in general- emphasize the Scripture that supports their own view and try to discredit the verses that support the opposing view.




To often we go to church and accept all the preacher says without question. We are trusting our eternal soul's destiny to them.

One's personal opinion, or a particular tradition one inherits is of no importance when searching the Scripture. When one accepts a view largely in blindness adhering to it without there own investigation of the Scripture they are likely to be deceived. We must be careful. It is very easy to fall into such a snare when we make added teachings or respected men a final authority. As I said, this happens largely out of blindness on our part, but when we allow someone else to interpret God's Word for us we are making them our final authority and trusting them with our eternal soul's destiny.

Commentaries can be helpful, strong Christian friends can bless one's growth, preachers are needed, but we must, out of a whole-hearted love for the Lord and thankfulness of the pureness of His Word, search all Scripture before accepting any belief.

No mere man can know the mind of God. We all must be open to correction.

Say you had the opportunity of speaking with Paul the apostle. That's right, the man once known as Saul who heard the Lord's voice -spoke with Him!- and through whom God wrought special miracles, so that his handkerchiefs were brought unto the sick and the sick were healed.

Indeed, you had one or two hours to hear Paul preach. You would want to take notes, record every word, right? This guy was one of the major authors of the Bible after all! I think most of us Christians would receive his every word.

Well, Paul taught some in a synagogue in Berea, and they received his words, but they didn't accept them without question. They daily searched the Scripture to see whether or not what he taught was truth. Acts 17:11 calls them "more noble" for readily receiving the word and searching the Scripture.

When I feel presses with a question (or questions) about the Word of God, I want to find a respected teacher's writing on the subject, or ask my parents. All of that can be fine as long as we long as we remember preachers, teachers, brothers and sisters in Christ, they are only people maybe close to God, but they do not have God's omniscient, divine, boundless knowledge. God has given us His words. May we never despise them by accepting another person's. The first and last source we look to should be the Lord. 

Romans 14:5,6 says, "One man esteemet one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks." [emphasis added]
Brothers and sisters in Christ will have different beliefs sometimes, but we should each understand why we believe what we believe. Not have are argument with excellency of speech, "not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God"! (1 Cor. 2:4-5)

Beloved in Christ, God will bless the students who diligently search of His Word. How often are we told to seek for truth in the Bible?

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and abraideth not; and it shall be given him."

~James 1:5

Saved

Recently a friend and I discussed the difficult subject of how actions contirbute to our salvation (not to say that we can be saved by our own doing). I felt I could not possibly convey all that I believed on that in one e-mail, even if it was very lengthly.

I thought it would be helpful if I studied the subject more closely and wrote out a blog post on this so that I could gather my thoughts.

At the first church I ever remember going to, the pastor would give an altar call/the sinner's prayer at the end of every sermon. While that's deffinitely not always bad thing, it isn't always a good thing either. So I naturally came from the point of veiw that once you say a prayer you're saved, and their is nothing you can do to change that. Still I believe that once saved one can never loose one's salvation, however I fear for those who believe and live with a saved-by-grace-no-need-to-work attitude.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 says, "Now if anyone builds on this foundation [which is Christ] with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

My granddad is a preacher and I have often heard him say how sad it will be when people will get to heaven and see that the earthly riches and acheivements they have worked for will be worthless. "Those Christians will have no reward in heaven" he says with frown and a shake of his head, "but I want a crown."

Often times when we read passages like 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 we read "he will receive a reward" and we look forward to that. Which is good. But we forget to think about it saying "If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." I think to few Christians have a healthy fear of God.

Hebrews 10:26-27, 30-31 "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries... For we know Him who said, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Don't think the judgement is only for those who are not Christians. You an be saved and still appear before God with "spot and wrinkle".

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all [must all!] appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences."

Pay close attention as you read this: 2 Peter 2:20-21, "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them."

The warnings are there. No one is hidden, all must give an acount before God someday. (Hebrews 4:13)

Jesus Christ alone is qualified to be the Judge of all mankind. Only He has ever lived a perfect life. Not only that, but He knows what it is like to be a human being and He understands the difficulties His people have while living in this present, evil world (Hebrews 2:14-18).
Upon what things will we be judged? Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:14; Matthew 12:36; 1 Peter 4:17; Luke 12:3; 1 Corinthians 4:5.

God says that individuals will have to account for all of their works, our secret sins, even every word we have spoken will be judged. It doesn't matter if you were just a kid having fun, or if you "didn't really mean it". That includes the motive for our works."Every man's work shall be tried to see of what sort."

What standard will we be judged against? John 12:48; Revelation 20:12

God will judge us by the things written in the "books", His Word (both the Old and New testements). The Bible contains God's laws, the standard of righteousness by which everyone is judged. But at the same time, some have better opportunities to understand and learn to obey God's law in this life than others. God's judgment is perfectly fair. He says "to whom much is given, much is required". Luke 12:48. Teachers of God's way will be held to an even higher standard. James 3:1.

Why does Philippians 2:12 tell already born again Christians "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling"? Because although we are completely saved, we still must work toward righteousness not in own might, but as we ask, seek and knock so will He answer. Read Luke 6:38.

A recent survey of church goers showed that,

10% of church members never attend church.

70% never give to missions.

75% never engage in any church activity.

80% never attend prayer meetings.

90% never have family worship.

95% never win a soul to Christ.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.

Maybe, worship has just become a "form of Godliness" because too many of us do not have a right vew of what it means to live "in Christ".
To many Christians are "scarcely saved. (1 Peter 4:14-18)

Even though this is already very long, I want to end with a quote: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me" (John 14:6). Even this glourious directive is tragically limited when seen as a rebirth reference. "Coming to the Father" applies powerfully to growth in knowing. We can obey the Lord with scanty understanding and scarcely know Him at all.We can be healed and forget to go back and thank Him. Close friends keep in close touch. The ultimate intamacy is as a bride with her bridegroom. Rebirth does not guarantee we will be "presented before Him without spot or wrinkle." He is able to complete our cleansing, if we grow in His likeness, ingest of His nature, diligently seeking to grow "in the knowledge of Him".

Both "it is finished"(John 19:13) and "author and finisher" (Hewbrews 12:2) are repeatedly mis-read. {See page 211. [His work is finished]} This is not demeaning of the Lord's magnificent work. "By which also ye are saved [not thoroughly and instantly, but progressively], if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you [such as 1 Corinthians 3:3, 4:2, the whole letter], unless [or else] ye have believed in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:2) "We then as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain... now is the day of salvation." Written to believers. Have we sought Him today? He will achieve in us increasing salvation from blindness and sin and mature our faith if we love Him and seek Him dillegently in the prayer closet, working out our own [Matthew 25:9] salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12-13)."

~Ashlin

Olympic Resolve in Prayer Life

We see the passion and determination in the faces of athletes taking part in the Olympics; they give their all to do their very best.

Together as the Body of Christ, we can stand in the gap and pray for the nations with the same fervency and purpose as athletes who compete for a heavenly prize.

The first Friday of every month from 7:30 to 9:30pm, CST you can pray with the GFA family via live streaming services. @: gfa.org/prayer This Friday night, let's believe the Lord will do miracles in the lives of those who have no hope throughout Asia.

Intercede for one another, cry out for the lost, ask God to meet the needs of the helpless and weak. Just like the speaker says in the video above, sometimes it is uncomfortable to know what is going on, we don't always like to hear about those in dire circumstances with great need of our prayer, but what a privilege it is to take on the burdens of others and bring them before the throne of God. "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" -Gal:6:2

Blog Award

Today I'm awarding the lovely girls below:

Ashley

Three Maidens
Shelby

Breana
Heather
With the Liebster Award!

Thanks so much Mareelana and Eve for giving it to me!

The Liebster is awarded to bloggers with less than 200 followers. It is an opportunity to shine the light on great blogs and their authors in an effort to build readership.

Rules:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.

2. Give the Liebster Blog Award to five bloggers and let them know in a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Have faith your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.

5. Have blogging fun!

I Was Awarded

The rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award.

2. Write seven things about yourself.


3. Pass on to seven other bloggers.


4. Tell the seven awardees of their award! :)

The person who awarded me:

Melanie 

 

Thank you so much, Melanie. I'm grateful that you (said you) like my blog, and for awarding me. (I have to say, I never thought I was "stylish")


Seven things about me:

Number one: It wouldn't be a lie if I told you I have the potential for being one of the worst human beings alive. (I almost was and sometimes almost am.)

Number Two (and probably the most important): My sin is forgiven because of Jesus' death and resurrection. I am a new person continually trying to let Christ live through me.

Number Three: Galatians 2:20 is my favorite verse, and it explains the way I try to be perfectly, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Number Four: I'm not really important so I don't have seven things to say about myself. I'm not going to post about myself, just about what the LORD is showing me and doing to me.

Number Five: When I'm am uneasy, worried, sad or troubled I find peace in Christ Jesus. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) As my grandad says, if you can't sleep at night "don't count sheep, talk to the Shepherd."

Number Six: I would encourage anyone who reads this to join the Bible Bee this summer. If you have friends/family ages 7 to 18 you should tell them about it too. If you are older than 18 you can still be a part of the Bible Bee by volunteering, encouraging your church to host a Bible Bee, or donating. (Being in the Bible Bee was one of the best decisions I've ever made.)

Number Seven: I want to share a story with you I read recently. It is sad and beautiful, but it is a picture of sacrificial love. Hope Does Not Put To Shame

Seven Bloggers I'm awarding:

Ashley


Sam

 

Riah

Lauren

Catlia

Michelle 

  

Eve 

 

All seven of you have wonderful blogs. I look forward to reading your blog posts. Thank you!