tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34564300778732223722024-03-14T11:12:38.775-07:00Content In His WillLord, I Give You My Heart, Help Me To Be Content In Your Will.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-25427655523672476952016-10-30T15:13:00.000-07:002017-07-04T15:57:30.071-07:00<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> Daniel: chapter one.</span></h3>
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In the book of Daniel, the first chapter, we discussed and
learned many things of importance. To start off we talked of how the book of
Daniel tied in to true education. We
discussed how there is a large difference between being schooled and having
education. School is a place. A place where knowledge is conveniently placed
before apt pupils and forced down the throats of dull ones. It is a place that
seeks to prepare for later life the students that will have to go and live it.
But is a head learning all that is required to give a well-balanced life? Or is
it only focused on one part of the life ladder. The ladder that I have alluded
to is the three runged ladder of education. Education has three main points.
The physical, mental, and spiritual. In the physical plain it’s all about what
feels good. School? Who needs that? Mcburgers? That sounds nice. It’s all about
getting through life in the nicest way possible. They are the followers, the go
with the flow people. Then there are the intellectual people. The ones on that
second rung. School is all that they are about. They are the leaders. They sit
and think and come away with answers instead of questions. And then there is
the spiritual. The rung that combines the other to in the harmonious
development. Without the other two it would be rather incongruous, like a super
exclusive monk or something. Like I was saying. The place ‘school’ has focused
mostly on the second and first rungs. A head knowledge. Something that will
make leaders in the world. But we need leaders other than in the world. We need
leaders in the church and ones who will take stands for Christ. That is what
true education is about. Not just developing one of the three areas, but a
harmonious development of all three. In this area of our lives we have so many
things swirling around in our lives. So many things that could so easily bring
us down from the heights that God means we attain to. True education provides stepping-stones
to success in Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But true education
can be kind of hard to find these days. Not many places offer it. But come to
think of it, as long as you have a Bible you have true education. And most
Christians have one, all though it’s getting shamefully less common that they
read it. But when you do read it you will find true education, for the Bible
says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Deut. 4:6. Christ
offers it without money and without price. Bringing Christ into the life will
develop the mind in a most amazing way. And you will learn how better to use
your physical capabilities for the glory and honor of the one who made you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In Babylon I
don’t imagine that they had really and truly true education like we have at OH.
Daniel and his friends got placed in the leading schools of the day where the
Hebrew God was not acknowledged. But God himself was the teacher of Daniel and
his three friends. They learned from Christ what really mattered in life. Yet
without the other components of the three runged ladder, they would not have
been of use where God needed them. Through His word and His servants He shed
the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in their lives. They grew in
knowledge and stature and favor with God daily because they allowed the Most
High to be their first and best teacher. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, that’s all good and well only, if you
know what to do with all the information I’ve laid out. I think it’s time for
some practical application. First of I would say that we need to be a lot more
grateful for the opportunity that God has given us to be truly educated. Here
at OHA we have everything laid on the line for us and yet… well, we still just
don’t seem to have it together. What was really sad was a few remarks I heard
the other day. The young person said this. “When I was sent here I wanted to
bring something that wasn’t allowed. I was told I couldn’t do that because
every one at the school I was going to where Christians, <u>they</u> would obey
the rules. Then I got here and I haven’t found one person who always obeys the
rules.” HOW SAD! I am Christ witness to some one who has not yet given their
life over to Christ and some how I have failed. We as a school have failed.
Another comment “I know I should be eating but I’m not going to eat what I
don’t like. Every one here hates the food” ok, maybe its not what we are used
to, but complaining won’t help, and its standing in the way of one young
persons journey. They are destroying themselves and using us as an excuse. I’m
not proud of myself. I have such an amazing opportunity, and some how I’m not being
the Daniel I always meant to be. Not standing up for my faith. Where have I
fallen by the wayside? Another comment I hear. “My parents didn’t send my
brother here because they love him. Basically I’m the unloved one so I got sent
to the prison.” What kind of picture are we painting? What is our life
testimony? Apparently it still has a long way to go yet. And I’m glad that God
can make something beautiful from our mistakes. If we don’t use the God given
teachers, then God himself must be our sole teacher until we are ready to let
the earthly ones take their place again. God has a place for each one of us and
It is my responsibility that I learn what that place is and how Christ wants to
use me in it. If we think that this is captivity, then what was Daniel placed
in? and yet is the book of Daniel full of complaints? Is he discontented and
melancholy? No. He put his earlier training to good use and became a mighty man
for God. Oh that we would be an army of mighty men, of mighty youth, ready to
do God’s bidding at a moments notice and be always on the alert for how God
would have us live, just as Daniel was. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-56904297681611995062016-04-17T14:15:00.001-07:002016-04-17T14:15:15.742-07:00Proverbs 14:26
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(This is a speech that I had to write for English class a while back. I hope you enjoy it.)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I
have a question for you. Have you ever struggled with fear? When you
where younger it might have been fear of the dark, but as you got
older it might have spiraled into a real fear complex. For me it
started at age ten when a two year rejection started. It wasn't my
fault that a couple of my friends decided to reject me, but I felt
that it was and I became afraid. Afraid that no matter how hard I
tried I might always be rejected. As I have watched people over the
years I have noticed that many if not all of them have at one time or
another struggled with fear. That is why today I will be speaking on
the difference between fear and fear of the Lord and how we can
change from the one to the other. </span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A
little while ago I was faced with a frightening and challenging
experience that deepened another part of my fear complex. My fear of
the unknown. By this time I was just plain tired of my fear. I had
lived in fear for the past 5-6 years of my life and I was ready to be
rid of it. But I really didn't even know where to start so I called a
trusted and godly family friend for advice. After I had explained the
situation to her she told me this. “Kaitlin, these thoughts of
doubt and fear you are having are not originating from you or from
God. They are thoughts of the devil who is taking advantage of you in
this way in order to take over your life. If you give him even the
smallest little portion of your heart he will seize the rest by
force. The only way to keep him out is to hand your life over the one
who is the author of peace and trust and confidence. Keep your mind
stayed on Him and He will direct your paths.” That made sense. But
how could I get rid of this fear? How could anyone? It all seemed so
impossible. I was slightly confused, so I started out on a search
through the Bible and the spirit of prophesy. I will just share with
you a few of the things that I have found. </span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Part
of this new search routine I implemented was a nightly Bible reading.
On the first night of the Bible reading I came across this verse. “In
the fear of the Lord is strong confidence and His children shall have
a place of refuge.” proverbs 14:26. At that moment this verse
became my motto. That was exactly what I needed. Strong confidence
and a place of refuge. But If you will remember there was a certain
stipulation to having the confidence and place of refuge. You had to
fear the Lord and be His child. I was afraid, but what was the
difference between my fear and the fear mentioned in this verse. I
didn't even have a very clear idea of what the fear of the Lord might
be. The answer only became clear as I was reading in the spirit of
Prophesy one day. It isn't a cowardly fear that we have toward the
Lord, but and entirely proper fear that regulates the christian
experience. It is a fear that we will come short of the glory and
majesty of God. It Is a fear born out of love. Just to illustrate
this point, lets take a moment to imagine a young boy. This boy is
sitting in a corner with a guilty look on his face. His fingers are
sticky and one hand is hidden behind his back. The reason for these
actions become apparent when we observe the stolen sweets in the hand
behind his back and when we here the lads name being called by his
father. The child knows he has done wrong. He loves his father and he
is upset that he has disobeyed and will make his father upset. He
also knows that his father loves him to much to let him get away with
any wrongdoings. What would it mean if this boy hadn't disobeyed, but
rather had walked in fear of his father? Well, it would mean that he
would reverently obey his father in honor of His fathers wishes. Not
because he was afraid but because he knew that his father loved him.
Loved him enough to punish any disobedience. And the boy loves the
father. So he walks as he knows his father would have him to. So,
when we fear the Lord it is a fear that says, “I don't want to hurt
you dad.” and also a fear that says, “I know that you love me so
much that you wont let me get away with anything.” </span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But
why would God want us to fear Him in the first place? Lets just take
a moment to look at that. I think that this verse explains it best.
“Oh, that there where such a heart in them that they would love me,
and keep my commandments always that it might be well with them and
with their children forever.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Alright,
so, not we know a.) A fear of God brings confidence and refuge b.)
The fear of the Lord is a reverent obedience to His will, and c.) The
Lord would have us fear Him so that He can bless us and future
generations. </span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But
now what? What is we know we need to fear god but we already have
fear overtaking our lives?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Well,
let me just say a little something about the habit loop. Their are
three points to the habit loop. The cue, the action, and the reward.
In the case, the cue would be something that comes up and arouses our
fear complex, the action would be letting ourselves dwell on these
thoughts and the reward is less then appealing. A big pity party. So
all we have to do is get in there and change that middle step, what
we do with that fear, and the rest should take care of itself. But
how? Let me remind you of a Bible verse. It goes like this, “Thy
word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” We
all know that David wrote this verse, but how could hiding Gods word
in his heart keep him from sinning? It was because, as he filled his
mind with things of God, the things of the devil began to be crowded
out. Whenever he remembered a verse he was being reminded of what the
Lord had done and what the Lord was willing to do in His life. It
helped David, might not it help us? I mean, satan was the one who
brought all these thoughts of fear in the first place, so it stands
to reason that if we fill our minds with things of God and crowd the
devil out, that the problem wouldn't be nearly as great and we would
be much more able to deal with it. I think that one thing the devil
particularly hates is someone who fills their mind with holy things.
Why? Because it makes for particularly cramped quarters and the new
tenants are not sympathetic to his way of doing things. Then He has
to leave bag and baggage and go find a new home. </span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But
why is refilling our mind so important? Let me bring your attention
to a certain Bible story. Do you remember the parable of the man who
had an unclean spirit in his home? He wasn't happy with the current
state of things, so he sent the devil out and began house cleaning.
Well, after a little while he decided that it was pretty good and he
sat down for a rest. Meantime, the devil had been out house hunting.
While he was thus occupied he came across seven more of his friends
doing the same thing. They all wanted to see his old house that he
thought so highly of, so they trooped of on a little side tour. When
they got there they saw the beautiful empty house and the man asleep.
Well, being very logical, they tiptoed in and set up camp before the
man had a chance to wake up. When he did he was in a worse fix than
he started out in. Lets transfer this story to our situation. Lets
say that a few little thoughts of fear and doubt have taken up
residence in your mind. You don't like them there so you send them
away. Then you sit down all happy and self satisfied. You declare a
little holiday from work in the Lords vineyard and prepare to take a
spiritual nap. But while you are thus occupied those little thoughts
go searching for a house. While they are out they come across more of
the same and start telling them about how nice and comfortable that
little house was. Well, all the rest convince the first that perhaps
there is a little nook of that house still unoccupied that they could
take possession of. When they arrive they find you spiritually asleep
and you mind more empty then when they left, so they squeeze in and
set up house keeping. Now we have a problem. But what if, when you
kicked the naughty thoughts out, you had started praising the Lord
and telling others what He had done for you. What if you memorized
scripture and hymns. What if you prayed more than you texted? Why,
then when those naughty thoughts came back, well, the house would be
just to full and they would have to leave again. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">But
does this stuff really work? I mean we don't want to go to all the
work to fill our minds and change our fear if its not really going to
work and we will always be a slave to fear. Let me tell you
something. After my first frightening experience, the Lord decided to
test me and see how I would cope. Down the rode came another trial,
straight toward me. It was a repeat of that rejection I was telling
you about complete with an apparent refusal to forgive. At first I
let this experience overcome me. I didn't understand what I had done
and I just felt like crying. The devil was working super hard to
reestablish his fearful doubting headquarters in my mind. I was
rather slow to realize it, it took a couple of hours for the impact
of what was happening to hit. But when I realized what was happening
I decided to put my new plan into action. I started praising the Lord
and reciting scripture. I chased all the fear and doubt away and kept
my mind fixed on Christ. Praise the Lord, I was able to rise above
the doubt and fear my mind was soon at peace. That situation has
resolved itself, but it serves to illustrate what the Lord can do in
a perviously fearful and doubting heart. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">So
my friends, I encourage you, what ever your fear may be, replace it
with the fear of the Lord and the praises of His name, and you will
find strong confidence and a place of refuge for you are His child.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-5470108964544597152016-04-17T14:13:00.001-07:002016-04-17T14:13:22.145-07:00
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<span style="font-family: American Typewriter, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Faithfulness</b></span></span></div>
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(these are just some random thoughts I had the other day. Not very poetic or anything, I know:)<br />
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<br />
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what is
faithfulness?</div>
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How would you
describe it?</div>
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Is it like a rock,
Solid and firm?</div>
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Or is it like the
rain, refreshing from above?</div>
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Or maybe like the
dew, refreshing from beneath?</div>
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Is it sort of like
an ocean, with water never running out?</div>
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Would you say it was
a mountain, never to be moved from its foundation?</div>
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<br />
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You may describe it
in all these ways and more.</div>
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But I could describe
it in just two words: My Lord.</div>
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For he is like a
rock, solid and a firm foundation.</div>
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He sends His Holy
Spirit to rain upon us without fail.</div>
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He is like the dew,
refreshing when there is no rain in sight.</div>
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His love, like an
ocean, will never run dry.
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He is a mountain, a
strong tower, one that will never be moved.
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Great is His
faithfulness.
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-74474285596815132742016-04-17T14:08:00.000-07:002016-04-17T14:09:43.832-07:00My YFJ experiance 2015<style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 120%; }</style>
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(just a heads up. if your name is misspelled, I am sooooo sorry!)</div>
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Wow! How much
happiness, How many tears. How many glad smiles, and how many forced.
How
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<br /></div>
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many blessings, and
how many unperceived. How many Joys and how many trials. How many
lessons
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learned, and
knowledge gained. How many friends made and souls reached. I could
never come to the
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end of what YFJ and
this summer has come to mean to me! Yet because of the many questions
that
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people have asked me
about my experience, I will attempt to place it in a nutshell for you
to read here.
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First off,
I'll give a little background to my leaving Arkansas and flying off
to Washington. I had
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never heard of YFJ.
That is, until Leasa Hodges came and gave a little talk about it here
at OHA/C in
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the spring of 2015.
When I heard about it I was interested, but didn't give it much
thought as we live on
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rice and beans, and
certainly didn't have $700 for YFJ. Besides, I already had plans for
my summer. I
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was earning my way
to Young Disciple camp and ASI convention. But God had another plan.
It just so
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'happened' that my
dear Mother was asked to drive Ms. Leasa to the airport. How
surprised was I when
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I heard my mothers
voice on the phone telling me all about YFJ and how I had been
<u>offered</u><span style="text-decoration: none;"> a </span>
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scholarship when Ms. Leasa hadn't even met me. I was immediately
excited!
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Yet money was still a large issue. Who has $800 dollars
floating around for a flight to
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Washington? Well, It just so 'happened' that my Daddy dear was able
to find a flight for $500! And yes,
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it just so 'happened' that I had $500 floating around! Well, not
exactly floating around, but in the bank,
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which I happen to think is better:)
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Ok, great. But I had never flown before. Was I supposed to go
by myself? That was kind of scary!
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<span style="text-decoration: none;">W</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">ell,
as you can probably guess, the 'happenings' continued. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Nathan
received a call. A call from Vivian </span>
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Seiler, the assistant director of ASI YFJ. She asked if Nathan would
consider being the dean of boys at
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YFJ. The only problem was that Nathan already had several jobs lined
up for the summer. But after a
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few calls, he found out that he was not needed after all. So he was
free to accept the position of boys
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dean. Wowzie, so now I had the bestest big brother in the world to go
with me on my first airplane ride
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and to a place where I new absolutely no one.
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Before I go further I must explain something. When I say “It
just so 'happened'” I mean that it just
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
so happened that God just so happened to plan that it would just so
happen to me. In other words it was
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
planned. :)</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Anyway, first day of YFJ, and I was still slightly
apprehensive. I had already been there for a few
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">days
and I new two things I didn't want. Number one: Linwood church
assignment. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Number two:
Laura </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
as my Bible worker. Well, as you have already discovered, God has a
wonderful sense of humor. Yes,
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
you guessed it, I was both placed in the Linwood church and had Laura
for my Bible worker. And by
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
the end of the program I learned that that was the church, and the
Bible worker, that where best for me.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
And I thoroughly enjoyed it!
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
My Bible worker was wonderful! On the first day of outreach
she gave me and my wonderful
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
outreach partner, Lacey, Journals. Instructing us that we where to
write in them all of our outreach
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
experiences to look back on when when we where having a down day. All
the experiences, where we
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
saw God lead, where we new He had been there. I distinctly remember
writing a list of prayer requests
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
in the back of mine. It wasn't a very long list, only two items. I
wanted to see one of my Bible study
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Contacts decide to get baptized, and I wanted to be used to reach out
to some one. More about that later.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">
Living in the dorm at UCA was a totally new experience for
me. I had never had a </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">roommate</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">before
and never spent much time away from home. My very first day I
received my </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">roommate.</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
And </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">she
was the best </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">roommate</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
I could have asked for. Vashti and I both wanted our sleep and both
wanted </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
a tidy room. So our room was (almost) always spotless. When Miss
Julie (our dean) came around to say
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">lights
out was soon, our light where almost always already out and our
breathing even and steady. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Lets
</span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">just
say we made life easier for the deans as some of the girls didn't
like to go to bed on time:) </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">But
she </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
was also a great roomie in other ways. We got along grandly and had
lots of long talks. Also her quiet,
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">daily
devotions and her christlike life inspired me.
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">O</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">ne
of the students who came was having a tough time, I could tell. He
was really </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">struggling</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">with
the Holy Spirit and was so miserable in doing so that he had quite
the attitude. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Within the
first day, for various reasons, he was</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
asked to leave. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">We
thought that was the end of it. But in two days or so he </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
was back. He went up front and asked our forgiveness, saying that he
had had a complete heart change
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
and that God had finally gotten through to him. But we could tell he
was still struggling. It was then
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
that I really saw the unity, teamwork, and Christlikeness of that
group of young people. They banded
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
together around him, assuring him that they forgave him and where
praying for him. Then followed
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
days of fasting and prayer for him. It was truly beautiful. At the
end we got to see him recommit his life
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
to Christ in baptism.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Their was one slightly crazy girl. Crazy in a good way I
mean. She was happy and bouncy. But
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
not really my type. Then about halfway through the program,
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
she came back from her church site in tears. Like, really crying. We
thought something terrible had
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
happened and we didn't know what to do. She asked Ms. Julie for a
place to pray, and was led to the
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
front of the chapel, in the fading beams of light. There she poured
out her heart to the Lord and gave
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
her life over to Him. It turned out that she had come for all the
wrong reasons. She wanted close friends
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
and fun. But it turned out that nothing could fill that hole in her
heart but God. And she finally realized
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
it there with Christ. Something had happened, Christ had touched her.
We also saw that sweet girl
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
baptized.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
I could go on and on, but I think I'll share one quick
story of my own. We are told, that during the
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
meetings, we are to act like we don't know each other. We are to go
mingle with the people. Talk to
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
them and make them feel welcome. But during church services we
usually do sit together. Which is a
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
big relief for me as the effort of moving out of my shell and talking
to people I've never met before is
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">slightly
out of my comfort zone. On this </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">particular</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Sabbath </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">I
walked in and was on my way to the front </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
row to sit with my friends. That is, I was on my way until I saw that
one lady on the back row, all by
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">herself,
and looking terribly alone and scared. That's when the battle </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">inside
me </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">took place. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: Look at that
lady.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: Yep, I see her
(as I continue in my way)</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: Stop</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: (stops) Why?<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: Have you seen
her here before?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: Well.....
Nooooo, I think she's a visitor.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: Exactly.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: Exactly what?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: You know what I
mean.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: But why should I
go sit by her? For once I'm free to sit with my friends and for once
I intend to do it!</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: Are you sure?<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: Yes I'm sure!
Well..... pretty sure anyway.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: You really
ought to sit with her.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: I know.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: If you know,
then what are you going to do about it?<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: Well.........</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: You know what I
would have you to do!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: Yes I know,
but......</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: But what?
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: Yes God, I'm on
my way.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: Thats better,
I'm proud of you.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: Now if you will
just give me the strength...
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God: But of Course.
I'm <u>always</u> by your side!</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After this
silent battle of the heart I slipped into the pew beside her and
began to make small talk
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
with her. As I
talked with her, it turned out that she was a visitor, and she was
pretty uncomfortable and
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
lonely. In the
middle of song service she asked to be excused and left the church
for a few minutes.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When she came back
it wasn't very long before she burst into tears. She sat there
sobbing for a few
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
minutes while I sat
there speechless not sure what to do. I wracked my brain trying to
think where in
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
the church they
might keep tissues. I was still trying to come up with a solution to
the tissue problem
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
when she asked for
one and I had to go look for one In earnest. I finally was able to
find something
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
suitable and brought
it back to her. That poor lady cried through the entire church
service. At the end of
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
the service I talked
to her a little bit and this is what she told me. “Thank you Soooo
much for sitting by
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
me! I suffer from
depression and anxiety attacks, and here I felt welcomed and loved”.
I went home
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
amazed at how God
had worked even though I had been so unwilling!</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wow,
I've just sat here telling stories, and half of you don't know what
YFJ is, or how it works!
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, YFJ (Youth For
Jesus) is a part of ASI that was started to give young people the
tools that they
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
need to make a
difference in their church. To be the future AND the present of the
church. To make a
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
difference in there
own lives and in the lives of others. Its a month long program
starting July 6 and
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
going through August
9. Months before the YFJ kids get there (theres about 40 of us every
year), the
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bible workers are
hard at work in the area. They work with churches, do surveys in the
community for
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bible study
contacts, and work with those contacts for awhile before we get
there. Once we get there a
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bible worker is
assigned 2-4 of us and they are the ones that we do Bible work with
every afternoon.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There where six
churches that we worked in this year. In each of those six churches
in the spokane WA
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
area we had an
evangelistic series. Each church had two student speakers with the
pastors preaching for
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
some of the nights.
YFJ also helped out at <i>Your Best Pathway To Health</i> this year.
We did Bible studies
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
with our Bible
workers and surveys as well.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Heres a
quick rundown of our schedule.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
6:00 Rise and shine!
(this was a lot earlier for some of us!)</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
7:30 Breakfast
(prepared by an early rising crew, which included me for part of the
time)</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
8:45 Worship (have
to give the cleanup crew some time to get the kitchen in tip-top
shape before
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
worship:)</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
9:00 class. We had
speakers come in such as Jack Phillips, Lee Vendon, Sean Nebblett,
and many other
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
wonderful speakers.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
12:00 Chores, for
those of us who weren't on breakfast duty.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1:00 Lunch.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2:15 everyone
gathers for outreach. We gather in our church groups and pray. Then
we gather together
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
in a big circle and
sing</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2:30 off with our
Bible workers to the field.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
5:30 Bible workers
drop us off for supper at our various churches. This is also our time
to decide what
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
we are doing for
special music and practice for it.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
6:30 everyone to
there post, whether it be greeter, registration, prayer room, or
anything else.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
7:00 Meetings start.
Those of us who are doing main sermons, health talks, special music,
or children's
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
meetings, are
starting to get a tad nervous at this point. Although I think health
talks where my favorite
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
part of what I was
able to do at my church.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
8:00 meetings end.
Home now right? Nope! We wait until everyone has left.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
9:15-10:15 everyone
is finally back at the dorm.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
9:15-10:15 basically
when everyone has returned we gather for worship. Girls with Ms.
Julie, and Boys
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
with their dean who
happens to be my big brother.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When worship is done
we all scamper to bed! At least thats how its supposed to work! Some
of the
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
girls (and I assume
the guys) didn't like to cooperate all of the time.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wooooow, busy
schedule right? Yep! I got an average of 6 or 7 hours of sleep every
night, give or take a little bit. But it was all totally worth it! I
just suggest that you began taking vitamin C's and such about a year
in advance to get your immune system in tip top shape! Thats another
thing. I didn't realize the extent of their wish to keep us well
until I started to get sick myself. For a few days I didn't even tell
anyone. I kept on working and going on outreach even though I was
losing my voice and I didn't feel to good. But when I got a fever I
decided I should at least tell some one. So I told them. After I was
done with my chores and it was almost time to leave on outreach. I
know, bad me! I can hear you scolding me, and I plead guilty! Well, I
was asked to stay back, of course, and I got a nice long rest. But I
went to the meeting that night anyway. Yes, yes, double bad me! When
I got back the medical personal was there in force. Well, the
Assistant Dean that is. Christina had me all fixed up in no time. On
the way back to my room I was weighted down with charcoal, vit. C,
Yuck (yes, thats an actual medicine, and Yuck is its actual name!),
and throat coat tea. Wowzie, despite the fact that I lost my voice
for a week and a half, at least otherwise I got all better quickly!</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lets see. I
can't end without talking about the music at YFJ! If there wasn't
music it just wouldn't be YFJ! There where probably 10-15 people who
brought there instruments and at least that many who, like myself,
played, but didn't bring their instruments. Everybody who didn't play
sang, and sang with great gusto! I can't count how many times we sang
Onward Christian Soldiers, Soldiers Of Christ Arise, Battle Hymn of
the Republic, Never Part Again, and Oh yes, those Christmas songs.
There where several kids who loved to sing the christmas songs. I
thought it was rather nice to sing christmas songs in July, but not
everybody agreed with me. I have no idea why (look of innocence on
face).
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh, the free
days! I can't forget the free days! When I first got there, YFJ
hadn't even started. But those free days where filled with cleaning
and getting to know my roommate. But other then that we had two free
days every week. Sunday and Thursday. On our first free day we went
swimming at a lake in Idaho. That was a lot of fun! I was pretty
tired though, so I only swam for a few minutes before falling fast a
sleep on the dock. I didn't wake up until kids started running past
me toward a paddle boat that had just been lent us. And, since of
course I wouldn't miss it, I woke up quickly and joined them. That
was a lot of fun, although at first we mostly went around in circles.
<br />
Then we went Ice skating. I really enjoyed that! I had only
been ice skating twice before, but I enjoyed doing amateur twirls,
and making it around the rink in 38 sec. But that was when I was
starting to get sick, so toward the end I mostly just rested.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then there was
inner-tubing. That was quite the experience for me! I had never been
inner-tubing before, so when the man handed me the larger inner tube,
I thought nothing of it. Now, those of you who know me, know that I
am rather short. So when I was in the tube I tried to reach the water
but I couldn't. Not that well at least. Because I couldn't reach the
water very well, I had to go with the flow, which happened to flow
toward the shore all down the river in my case. At least for the
first part. Christina kept having to tow me to the middle in her
inflatable kayak. At last I caught up with some friends who had
slightly longer arms and was able to hold on to there tubes while
they kept us moving. But then, in the rapids, I was unable to hold on
to their raft. So I was on my own again. By this time I was at about
the second to the last rapids when I came up with a brilliant idea. I
would sit on the very front edge of my tube and hold on to the
handles behind me. That way I could steer with my feet quite well and
yet still have stability from leaning backwards. Or so I thought.
This worked remarkably well at first. I past person after person as I
propelled my self along backwards. It worked well, until I turned
around to go down the last rapids. Then as I was just entering the
rapids, my feet hit a rock and it flipped me over into the icy water.
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Other then the frigid water, and
being battered against the rocks, and being a self-taught swimmer,
and having everyone thinking I was drowning, It was great fun! I'd do
it again. That is, when the water is warmer!
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We also had a
slip and slide twice. That was a lot of fun, other then burning my
feet on the hot cement of the parking lot at the top of the
hill while waiting for a chance to slip and slide. I never did make
it all the way to the very end though I tried with all my might. But
it was so much fun that the other didn't really matter.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Near the
end of the meetings in our churches we had the appeal for baptism. Do
you remember what I requested near the beginning? I just wanted God
to use me to bring one person to him and for them to give their lives
to Him in baptism. Well, during the whole YFJ program I, and my Bible
worker, and been going to visit one of her contacts. Her name was
Kacey. Kacey had had a rough life, but when she prayed to God to
guide her, moments later Laura showed up on her doorstep. Kacey is
one of the sweetest people you could have asked for. As we did Bible
studies with her, it was a joy to see her grow closer and closer to
God. Well, on the day of the baptismal appeal Laura went and brought
Kacey to the meetings as usual. She listened thoughtfully throughout
the meeting, but when the appeal began, down went her head to the
classic head-down-in-hands-during-appeal position. Laura and I gave
each other understanding looks and began praying with all our might.
We prayed and prayed and prayed! I can't tell you how hard we prayed!
Slowly Kacey lifted her head and more slowly still rose from the
chair and made her way to the front. I felt like shouting for joy! Do
you remember my notebook? The one I had written my prayer requests
in? Do you remember how I had written that I wanted to be used to
touch someone and I wanted a contact of mine to decide to be
baptized? Well by this time I had become fast friends with Kacey. I
had sat with her at every meeting and together we had grown. She had
touched me just as much as I seem to have touched her. And then she
decided to be baptized! Oh the joy! I didn't get to see her be
baptized, but only because we had to leave before she had finished
with her baptismal studies. That gave me such a thrill, I can't even
tell you. I went around after she went up for the call telling all my
friends. It was so thrilling!!
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After the
meetings where finished, off we went to Pathways to Health. Pathways
was an amazing experience. When we got there we went outside and sang
to the many people waiting in line. It was rewarding to hear a woman
ask for amazing grace again and again, and to hear her crying and
crying. After we went through several stations singing, we went
inside to our various stations. I went back to the massage station
and helped give massage and talk to various people. Kacey got new
glasses and several other people from our church got services that
they needed.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ok, well as some
of you know, we got to go to ASI at the end of YFJ. Wow! I would have
gone and done just that if it was the only option. It was so amazing!
Every year after YFJ all the students go to ASI and participate in
the youth program as well as going up front once or twice. We go up
front because we are sponsored by ASI and so we do a little talk
about what all went on with testimonies and such as well as singing
our choir song.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway. The
first day of ASI found us running around finding rooms and roommates
and getting all settled in. I think they had a sense of humor when
they put my brothers room together because He ended up having all
three Josephs in his room! It was pretty funny.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Youth
meetings where entertaining and instructional. We had Sean Nebblett
In charge of youth meetings and he was more than capable! We learned
first aid, fire safety and went out to practice water rescue which
was a blast! It was all right up my alley and I had the bestest time.
We also learned a scripture passage and we learned our different
personalities which gave us the opportunity to see what our areas of
ministry might be. I learned so much! (sorry folks, I found that the
gift of prophesy does not belong to me, you will have to be content
with friendship evangelism)</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
At the end of
ASI we had a goodbye party where we all gathered in one of the hotels
for pizza and a slideshow. We where all sad to see everyone leave,
but for me it was exciting knowing that now these kids where all
leaving equipped to make a difference in their world! If any yfjers
read this they are bound to point out missing parts and slight errors
in my memory, but for now this is it:) my YFJ experience in full!</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-44445787340608779862015-09-27T15:06:00.000-07:002015-09-27T15:06:11.102-07:00Bells in Heaven, Bells on Earth<div style="font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2538/3787156783_bec38230bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2538/3787156783_bec38230bc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
Don't you hate that feeling? The feeling you get when you're waiting for news that is very important to you? You get this feeling in the pit of you're stomach. Your sure you made it. Wait a minute, you hadn't thought of that, you probably won't get in after all. But surely they wouldn’t say you can't join. Oi yoi yoi, why are you even thinking about this any way? Its just making you stressed. Well, thats about how I feel right now. I have wanted to join bell choir for about nine years now. The list comes out tomorrow. Have I made it? That long hoped for, long dreaded list. What will it reveal? Will they stick me in small choir instead? Small choir isn't bad, but its not my ideal. I sing a lot. I love to sing, I sing all the time. I sing while I work. I sing while I do school. I sang in the GYC choir. I sing in large choir. I've sang in children's choirs all my life. I sang with a quartet for four or so years. Now, I just really want to play bells. Again, I wouldn't mind small choir, and I would enjoy it I'm sure, but it's not my ideal.</div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
Its got me thinking though. I'm so anxious about this list. What about another list? What about that list in that book? The list of names. Will my name be on it? Will your name be on it? Why am I so anxious about the one and not the other? Hell isn't forever. We know that. But its not the ideal, by far. There is something so much better!!! Better than we can ever imagine. And our hope of seeing that something better hinges on that list. It's time for you and me to start getting anxious. And I don't mean worried. I mean start getting active, start living the faith that we preach. Start doing what we said we'd do all along. It's time to get moving, and its time to do it now!</div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
“Lord, may the footprints that I leave, lead them to believe. And the life I live inspire them to obey”</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-46632233991909425192015-09-23T15:55:00.000-07:002015-09-23T15:58:21.887-07:00Back to school <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://yourhub.denverpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dog-on-books-300x204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://yourhub.denverpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dog-on-books-300x204.jpg" /></a></div>
Well, as most of you already know, I have lived at this wonderful place<br />
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<a href="https://ouachitahills.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/DSC_0152-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://ouachitahills.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/DSC_0152-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With this wonderful lady<br />
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<a href="https://www.ouachitahills.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMG_1959-654x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://www.ouachitahills.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMG_1959-654x1024.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
and all the other wonderful people<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.asiministries.org/site_data/2/assets/0008/0920/Ouachita_Hills_1_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.asiministries.org/site_data/2/assets/0008/0920/Ouachita_Hills_1_medium.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I was home-schooled. that is, until a few weeks after school started here. then guess what? I did what I thought I wasn't going to do for at least another year. I became the latest OHA student. I've only been here a few weeks, but I LOVE IT! yo, you guys really ought to come down here. Any and all of you. become new students with me at this wonderful place I call my school!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-51777085224338259822015-05-05T14:36:00.000-07:002015-05-05T14:36:20.997-07:00Smile and Praise God!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpJv_ma4_RLEKm40lyvDsTMtyOaeQlS_x6yIDrZ05NFV2HlZRBo9YqCvrCGodYEq2DM3gus-Srq8avAK4tfsVFLpGWlUcCXhDmHM4_ck9Ca8uR_EnAjlDRnJkathMdFkjaiA2rHu32Kns/s1600/kitten+pic.+Praise+the+Lord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpJv_ma4_RLEKm40lyvDsTMtyOaeQlS_x6yIDrZ05NFV2HlZRBo9YqCvrCGodYEq2DM3gus-Srq8avAK4tfsVFLpGWlUcCXhDmHM4_ck9Ca8uR_EnAjlDRnJkathMdFkjaiA2rHu32Kns/s1600/kitten+pic.+Praise+the+Lord.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have been trying to decide for a while what to write for a post. This morning, when I came across these paragraphs in the Ministry of Healing they really hit home, and I just had to share them. Praise God and Smile!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Nothing tends more to promote health of
body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a
positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and
feelings—as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are Heaven bound,
how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all
along the was to our Father's house? {MH 251.1}</i></div>
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<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Those professed christians who are
constantly complaining, and who seem to think cheerfulness and
happiness a sin, have not genuine religion. Those who take a mournful
pleasure in all that is melancholy in the natural worlds, who choose
to look upon dead leaves rather than to gather the beautiful living
flowers, who see no beauty in grand mountain heights and in valleys
clothed with living green, who close their senses to the joyful voice
which speaks to them in nature, and which sweet and musical to the
listening ear—these are not in Christ. They are gathering to
themselves gloom and darkness, when they might have brightness, even
the Son of Righteousness arising in their hearts with healing in His
Beams. {MH 251.3}</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>It is a law in nature that our thoughts
and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them
utterance. While words express thoughts, it is also true that
thoughts follow words. If we give more expression to our faith,
rejoice more in the blessings that we have,--the face and love of
God,-- We shall have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can
express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from
appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have
joy as a wellspring, never failing, because fed by streams that flow
from the throne of God. {MH 251. 4}</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Then let us educate our hearts and lips
to speak the praise of God for His matchless love. Let us educate our
souls to be hopeful and to abide in the light shining from the cross
of Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the
heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our
privilege to maintain a calm repose in God. {MH 253.1}</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-10308769027975793152015-03-08T11:31:00.001-07:002015-03-08T11:31:06.321-07:00<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Contemplations
in an ice storm</b></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Its monday morning
and frigid cold. I wonder briefly why my fan is turned off since I
usually have it on throughout the night. As I come into the living
room it seems unusually dark to my sleep numbed brain, but I don't
really figure out whats happening until my sweet little brother hops
into the room.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Kaiti,
Kaiti, the powers out! Won't this be fun! Look at the ice”</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
His Staccato
statements push the last of the sleepy cobwebs from my brain as I
look out the window. There I behold one of the most beautiful sights.
The World is covered in ice ½ inch thick. Icicles hang from
everything. The sky is still a dusky grey, but even then the ice
seems to shimmer and shine.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I smile, then
shiver, as I think of the possible days without electricity. The
house is already beginning to feel the chill. We do have a fire
place, but seeing that my room is on the other side of the house, I
foresee cold days in the future.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As night draws on,
the chairs are being instinctively drawn toward the fire, and throw
blankets are drawn closer about our shoulders. My little brother
shivers and shakes as he tells us how much he likes power outages.
During super we wonder how long we will be on a bread diet due to the
stove not working. This is not a pleasant thought to me, as my
stomach gets upset if I eat to much gluten.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the cozy glow
of the lamplight we prepare for the night. Couches and couch cushions
are pushed closer to the fire. Armfuls of forgotten blankets are
pulled out of back closets. Candles are lit and bedroom doors are
latched to keep the heat in.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The light slowly
leaves the room and we hop into bed even though its only about 7:00.
theres really nothing to do when its frigid cold and dark. I lie in
bed hoping the electricity comes back on soon. Some one told me
during the day that last time there was an ice storm like this, the
power stayed of for 2 weeks. I hope thats not the case this time,
because the water is really to cold for a shower and my hair is
already nasty.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the morning
it is still very cold. The house is staying between thirty and forty
degrees according to me. But Daddy says that its probably really
between forty and fifty. Still, I think thats pretty cold for inside
a house! Breakfast is pretty cool, if you know what I mean. The honey
will hardly come out of the bottle, But I wait for it Because I
really need to get this honey lemon syrup made. I don't want to get
sick as there is a field trip next week.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After breakfast
I head out for one of my favorite pastimes, Taking pictures.
Yesterdays weren't that great because the sun stayed behind the
clouds all day. Today the sun is out and the world looks like a fairy
land. I gasp as the cold air hits my face. It's probably about
thirty-five degrees right about now. twenty minutes, and thirty
pictures later, I come up with about five that are my favorite. I
Want to put them on the computer, but electricity is still off and
the computers charge ran out yesterday. I guess I'll have to wait.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's the next
morning and the power is still not turned back on. Some people say it
should be on within 2 days, while others say they don't expect it on
for 2 weeks. I tend to hope for the shorter time although this is
turning out to be highly fun, if frigid.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a
countdown going, although I guess it's really a count up. I glance at
the clock and realize that we have been without power for 58 hours.
Just as I make this discovery there is a series of beeps and the
lights switch on. Everyone is highly happy, except my little brother
who says he wishes it would stay off for ever.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Its all over
now, has been for an hour, and I sit here contemplating this
experience. I come to realize how noisy my house really is. The
washing machine and dryer are running, The dishwasher is running, the
heat is running, the ceiling fan is running, momma is talking on the
phone. And although I never realized it before, our house is quite
noisy. I contrast it to just a few hours ago. Complete silence except
for the crackling fire, pages turning, and family conversation.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My mind
transitions to that beautiful ice. I feel sorry for the poor trees,
the buds where already coming out and then, wham, here comes the ice.
It sounded like hunting season with lots of branches falling to the
ground with an explosive “Crack”.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #0000cc;"><span style="background: transparent;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Then
it hits me. I remember that in everything there is a parallel, an
object lesson. I set my mind to finding out what it is. </span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">It</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">hit
me then</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">.
Those branches that fell to the ground, many of them had buds on
them. They where living, yet they where not strong. Then came the
ice, the trial, and all the </span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">imperfect</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">
branches where </span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">broken.</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">
The branches looked like a living part of the tree yet they fell when
trial came. They didn't really have a good </span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">connection.</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">
I find myself admiring the branches that remain. The trees really
look better with the dead and imperfect branches gone. That makes me
think of something else. Through the storm, or trial, the trees where
perfected. They where tried, as it where, yet they came out
strengthened, ready to meet the next test better. I realize that its
its the same with me. I don't always </span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">appreciate</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">
the storm, yet in the end I am </span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">strengthened</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">
through it. I think next time I will try to </span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">accept</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">
my trials more cheerfully, unders</span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">tanding
that they are from the Lord, to strengthen and perfect me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Job 23:10</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But He knoweth the
way that I take: When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-26441253410550603902014-09-11T15:12:00.000-07:002014-10-14T12:17:09.872-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksI57L4GjxdvvI0OwmVRACuR7vht7SO6_s6pKfqLtxQyvKw7K7fLyZOIhFMgatcLSEOvuAgFMiU9mqjJMhe9PSemXC-UF4dhASNDc1VRZkzD9Q7zXpLhoFuyOk50oWQJi47LpwsyZe7UF/s1600/causes-writing-letters-numbers-backwards-800x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksI57L4GjxdvvI0OwmVRACuR7vht7SO6_s6pKfqLtxQyvKw7K7fLyZOIhFMgatcLSEOvuAgFMiU9mqjJMhe9PSemXC-UF4dhASNDc1VRZkzD9Q7zXpLhoFuyOk50oWQJi47LpwsyZe7UF/s1600/causes-writing-letters-numbers-backwards-800x800.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
A letter to a friend. A letter of pleading. A letter of longing. Oh, if only she would give her life to Christ. She would be so much happier.<br />
I agonize with God as I try to think what to write. Now I know what Ellen White must have felt like as she wrote those many letters. You are always hoping you said the right thing.<br />
I pray as I turn back to my paper and continue writing. Oh how I want her as a star in my crown!<br />
"Please Lord", I whisper, "give me guidance and wisdom, you know her heart so much better than I do."<br />
I smile as I think back on my life. It is only just recently sense I have been truly walking with the Lord, But oh how sweet it is! I wonder what the rest of my life holds. What I will do. Who I will marry. I'm glad God worries about all that stuff so that I don't have to. I wonder how God can keep all that stuff strait. somehow my finite mind just can't comprehend it.<br />
I smile again as I catch sight of my hand lying on the paper. My mind seems to always wander just when I have a task for it to do.<br />
I start to write but the pen soon lies still again as I wonder how she will take this letter after how my past life has been. I have always tried to influence her for right, but one can cannot truly give what one does not truly have.<br />
I break into song as I think of all that Christ has done for me. Oh, how I love Jesus.<br />
The letter is finished now and I put it away hoping for the best.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-5087410738625240442014-08-27T07:22:00.000-07:002014-10-14T12:18:19.968-07:00<div class="ringtone">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kkBajlmE6-NX_gz3fHrvtFDJf3TRj8G4HKVIu1zZ3R9jtSHgvX0AVdzmmtCOVdz6GLgfWKaIGyw7Xxb_KFkfl1Q5c8m_YyUKPlaYegJqxk0MMxVMaibpF4na7estHvuKrhGTr4A3SLE1/s1600/3033.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kkBajlmE6-NX_gz3fHrvtFDJf3TRj8G4HKVIu1zZ3R9jtSHgvX0AVdzmmtCOVdz6GLgfWKaIGyw7Xxb_KFkfl1Q5c8m_YyUKPlaYegJqxk0MMxVMaibpF4na7estHvuKrhGTr4A3SLE1/s1600/3033.png" height="76" width="200" /></a><b> </b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>"A Living Prayer"</b></div>
<div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;">
In this world I walk alone with no place to call my home<br />
But there's one who holds my hand<br />
The rugged road through barren lands<br />
The way is dark, the road is steep<br />
But He's become my eyes to see<br />
The strength to climb, my griefs to bear<br />
The Savior lives inside me there<br />
<br />
In your love I find release<br />
A haven from my unbelief<br />
Take my life and let me be<br />
A living prayer my God to thee<br />
<br />
In these trials of life I find<br />
Another voice inside my mind<br />
He comforts me and bids me live<br />
Inside the love the Father gives<br />
<br />
In your love I find release<br />
A haven from my unbelief<br />
Take my life and let me be<br />
A living prayer my God to thee<br />
take my life and let me be<br />
A living prayer my God to thee
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-34716150177582404032014-08-27T06:54:00.002-07:002014-10-14T12:19:23.814-07:00<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwWYPhZ9tpKFQFmR0Fpvo3sPQ8xP3v9Qdv7FXCGbP_bGkpQYvgeDeEdWJIQqZysiCtCeLFQcheRLueer1nV_SY6mGCD_MGBsrTKekDoCF6tTXiHPshRxIyn6e6QHS7iXUL99ZIBDKJz3F/s1600/127005706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwWYPhZ9tpKFQFmR0Fpvo3sPQ8xP3v9Qdv7FXCGbP_bGkpQYvgeDeEdWJIQqZysiCtCeLFQcheRLueer1nV_SY6mGCD_MGBsrTKekDoCF6tTXiHPshRxIyn6e6QHS7iXUL99ZIBDKJz3F/s1600/127005706.jpg" height="128" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
A burned hand (all across my fingers) - not fun<br />
Sewing lessons two days after burning my hand - not fun<br />
Trying to eat lunch with a ice pack on my hand - not fun<br />
Walking through wal-mart right after my icepack melts and no pain killer, pain at about 8 - not fun<br />
<br />
But you know what? Praise the Lord! why? because He is good! Only mild burns, my hand was good enough to do my sewing, I learned that it is possible to eat lunch with my left hand, I can bear pain at an 8 without crying and dancing around. And even though I got burned, I had a ton of fun this weekend to make up for it! College retreat was so much fun! Wonderful meetings, leader and psychology after sundown, swimming Sunday, and a picture with the cheese pot before it burned me!:)<br />
You know what? I learned that no matter what I am going through, I can praise God! no matter what happens, or what seams to spoil my fun! being a grumbletone does not help matters and God has made sure that there is always something to praise Him about. Isn't God good?! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-82792943893701919822014-08-14T13:06:00.001-07:002014-10-14T12:19:47.225-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyUBVBAF5P0mNCqCa5_r-yA34U5bmSwjsVMcwgG-4MKGKCUsaWRoXmyCRtAa7w5A7kWr_PkggwQuOawKCEm_TXaC4CbwrgKRXh5iUMSUGMzMw4RqprmC5FvQ_sknMuEzByxGbBR0hCjNn/s1600/Charles_Haddon_Spurgeon_by_Alexander_Melville_face0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyUBVBAF5P0mNCqCa5_r-yA34U5bmSwjsVMcwgG-4MKGKCUsaWRoXmyCRtAa7w5A7kWr_PkggwQuOawKCEm_TXaC4CbwrgKRXh5iUMSUGMzMw4RqprmC5FvQ_sknMuEzByxGbBR0hCjNn/s1600/Charles_Haddon_Spurgeon_by_Alexander_Melville_face0.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Charles Spurgeon had bean preaching for many weeks on the Holy Spirit and how to be filled by him. One day after church a lady from his congregation came up to him and said "pastor, why must you keep preaching about the holy spirit? why don't you reach about another aspect of christian living now?" Spurgeon paused for a moment, then said "My friend, We Leak."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-69601896123466081922014-07-18T07:08:00.000-07:002014-10-14T12:20:00.887-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZodpCsttu5gAXs3-77OJGfGpKkcPwYma5IOzLt0tEVVdNnVRQAsAzhk7z5AU8HhtOWhHJGY0KvFBRd_350P6ipefAmcMNYR3F0PGrdGYYELNmOQLNiPx8-r3GTUwnhyx88d0m1GADf8F/s1600/sun-rays-through-clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZodpCsttu5gAXs3-77OJGfGpKkcPwYma5IOzLt0tEVVdNnVRQAsAzhk7z5AU8HhtOWhHJGY0KvFBRd_350P6ipefAmcMNYR3F0PGrdGYYELNmOQLNiPx8-r3GTUwnhyx88d0m1GADf8F/s1600/sun-rays-through-clouds.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">"Oh, weary dreary, my life is so uncheery" Is a familiar phrase to all pilgrims progress part II fans. I forget the mans name, but all he would see was the muck and the flees, the molehills and the straw. For this man was a muck raker.</span></span><br />
I have been recently reading through this book and thought I would bring out a lesson from the muck raker. If you remember, there was an angel waiting to place a crown of life on the poor mans head, yet he would not heed it. he did not believe that the voice was for him.<br />
this reminded me of something. often times I have heard people make the comment "oh, but that is not for our times". I wonder, what do they think the Bible is, a history book with rules for nations past? No, I think not. The Bible is indeed a history book, but with lessons and rules for nations present. The angels of God are waiting with crowns of life, Christ Himself would like to put one atop each of our heads. Yet though the way to the celestial city is made plain, they say "oh, but that is not for our times".<br />
I thought of something else that is a bit more obvious when you read the story. That muck raker did not see beautiful things, not because there where none, but because he looked for the molehills and the flees. By beholding we become changed. although He would not begin to look like a flee, yet his mind would become as small and worthless as a flees brain from constant association with them. There are many good and beautiful things all around us, yet, if we continue looking for the muck, that is hat we will find and that is what we will become like.<br />
May God deliver me from the Muck raker's plight. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-18934915088269760442014-07-15T13:34:00.002-07:002014-10-14T12:20:24.518-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieu8J8qrHRGPKmKElY0YZl7xs3NVYBjY2uoK4dtO6ihg0QiLNVvnCqjYmw-HestKqjnkKbQxWeanOiS1KqkWLmzr5IfgJBqQWtZ9LJ3vo9peX2UX_PgS6R81Te6FeOLlCZcDjhGbgIJIP7/s1600/Jesus-Christ-Pics-23011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieu8J8qrHRGPKmKElY0YZl7xs3NVYBjY2uoK4dtO6ihg0QiLNVvnCqjYmw-HestKqjnkKbQxWeanOiS1KqkWLmzr5IfgJBqQWtZ9LJ3vo9peX2UX_PgS6R81Te6FeOLlCZcDjhGbgIJIP7/s1600/Jesus-Christ-Pics-23011.jpg" height="200" width="159" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 130%;"><b>You Are My Wholeness</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In You, I find forgiveness.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, in You I find release.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's a wonder You take</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">all the blunders I make</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">and so graciously offer me peace.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In You, I find true friendship.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, Your love is so free of demands.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Though I must hurt You so,</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You keep letting me go</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">to discover the person I am.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And like a father, You long to protect me,</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">yet You know I must learn on my own.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, I've made my own choice</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">to follow Your voice</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">guiding me on to my home.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You, You are my wholeness.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You are my completeness.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My soul, my weary soul</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">can rest in the depths of Your love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">-Author Unknown </span>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-65435167239574631902014-07-15T13:28:00.001-07:002014-10-14T12:21:10.797-07:00<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0MexWvBXXVLBjKNrFX_Rx4UquctcWa2PkR3x3yCjAMHeogd4MdqNmpJs123IO2no-HHkUWvrGJSUe7NTMSYSBT3KtsTGlG0wRuRxCJ9EwALEMPr88T7ZRwQlsWmAeF8Ec0qfu1kRqVLc/s1600/2010-01-29-full-moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0MexWvBXXVLBjKNrFX_Rx4UquctcWa2PkR3x3yCjAMHeogd4MdqNmpJs123IO2no-HHkUWvrGJSUe7NTMSYSBT3KtsTGlG0wRuRxCJ9EwALEMPr88T7ZRwQlsWmAeF8Ec0qfu1kRqVLc/s1600/2010-01-29-full-moon.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> A</span> dark night, a full moon. Who could resist this perfect picture taking opportunity? I surely couldn't, so after returning from a friends house it was straight to the camera and not straight to bed, for me. I love taking pictures and although I don't have the best equipment to take the kinds of pictures I like taking, they usually turn out O.K. <br />
This full moon was not an ordinary moon. Oh no, it was supposed to be some sort of super moon. I guess the way it works is that last night the moon was supposed to have appeared larger and closer to the earth for some odd reason, don't ask me why. So even though it appears the same in pictures, I felt I just had to get a picture of it. Why? I don't know. Probably just because it was unusual and I had never taken a picture of the moon before.<br />
Anyway, as I was sitting there staring up at the moon through the view finder, I thought of something. If those scientist new about the moon coming to the earth, if they knew why and when and how, how come they don't know about the other soon coming? I came to the conclusion that what you study is what you find. Those scientist know a lot about the moon, they study and read about it, they watch it and know its patterns of travel. I also drew another comparison between the scientist and us. They acted like they new, they spread the news, they where excited about it. We know about Christ second coming, we read our Bibles, we hear about it from the pulpit, Ellen white has written much about it. Yet, even though The Second Coming is much greater then the appearance of the moon, Do we act like we know, do we spread the news to every kindred nation tongue and people, are we excited about it? <br />
Today let us learn a lesson from the scientist and the moon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-45388956989600446602014-07-15T13:19:00.000-07:002014-10-14T12:21:22.071-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY81NnFW-EkpeFyj9exq2UoxxYFx9KN2hGbn2rvOgKmCzV3ZQertz2Mrhb7vWDR__azqvHZLqsvkbr0lzpiXVCJhgyBshed7H_67xdB5_yCMurY9uGC68gVr_GftQzk32Y2jBoPRdiYxCT/s1600/Moms+Rose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY81NnFW-EkpeFyj9exq2UoxxYFx9KN2hGbn2rvOgKmCzV3ZQertz2Mrhb7vWDR__azqvHZLqsvkbr0lzpiXVCJhgyBshed7H_67xdB5_yCMurY9uGC68gVr_GftQzk32Y2jBoPRdiYxCT/s1600/Moms+Rose.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> “</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">M</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">orning Already?” I asked myself sleepily as I hopped out of bed and into my quick, ten minute shower. Even though we got beck late the night before from a long day of canvassing I new it would not do to sleep in, for one decides quickly, in this work, that both showers, and devotions are essential parts of everyday life. <br /> Hopping out of the shower, I grabbed my devotional material and headed out to find a quiet place to read and pray. Sorry to say, I don't remember what I studied that morning, But I do remember what I prayed. “Dear Father in Heaven, As I go out today to do your work, Please help me to have a love for the people.” This I prayed because some days I would find myself upset that people where not buying books, not because I thought they needed them, but because I needed them to buy them. This state of things I was determined to change! <br /> After a hurry flurry morning of breakfast, worship, stalking our bags, and all the other things that go into a canvassing program morning, we where finally in the van and on our way. I don't remember who picked me as a prayer partner, But I do remember telling them to pray that I would have a love for the people that day. <br /> First drop off—A trailer park. Trailer parks are usually Ok, so I started out with a will. I began getting a little bit confused as person after person rejected me. What was I doing wrong, why was I not getting any books out?<br /> Second drop of – A street of houses. I was determined to get a book out here. As I walked from house to house I started getting agitated. All these people needed Christ SO badly! There attitudes where unchristlike, they had TV's playing, or music blaring. I could just see the pain and hurt, the need, in their eyes. <br /> All this was really getting to me as I was dropped of at my first string of businesses ever. I was scared stiff, but as everybody was having good success at their businesses, I decided that I would probably do as well. But at my first business I was kicked out, the second one everybody laughed at me, and the third one everybody sat stony faced as I said my canvass and then, not so politely, asked me to leave the premisses. <br /> This was to much for me! I sat down on a nearby bench and burst into tears. As I sat there, I forced myself to ask the question “Why am I crying? Is it because I am discouraged? Is it because they where unkind to me?” But I honestly could answer “no” to both of those questions. As I sat there I began to pray, and as I prayed I realized why I was so upset. It was the people. All of those millions of people. People who needed Christ. I had what they needed, and I could give it to them for a reasonable price. Yet they could not see, and they would not take it. <br /> A little prayer, it only took a moment and not much thought. Yet it changed my whole perspective on canvassing. As I was reading in Pilgrims progress part 2 recently, I came upon a phrase that is repeat over and over “Ye have not, Because Ye ask not”. As I thought about this it brought to mind many things that I wished for, that I wanted, yet was I asking for them? Willingness in all situations, a song always in my heart, and a smile always on my lips. Always knowing what Christ would do in a situation, Going to Indiana camp in the fall. Being able to keep up with my school work during the year, and many, many more. All these things I probably have mentioned in prayer at least once, but what about persistent earnest prayer? A little thing, a little prayer, yet it could mean so much. It could change your whole life!</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-73069655402946101272014-07-10T14:59:00.000-07:002014-10-14T12:22:39.200-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjQSLvbp9bxRh21yNKRCcv0okic2j0SO1o6V50crRPSLwvXdU1o_ObFw2qfprD6aU0Nfuz4z1Z9JGGb9HO3LqBkQC4S6KVMUlVQP7SWXty4A6XdkPXRNsTpfIR1b_Ivu5lvOoRDfJ26zF/s1600/_DSC8863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjQSLvbp9bxRh21yNKRCcv0okic2j0SO1o6V50crRPSLwvXdU1o_ObFw2qfprD6aU0Nfuz4z1Z9JGGb9HO3LqBkQC4S6KVMUlVQP7SWXty4A6XdkPXRNsTpfIR1b_Ivu5lvOoRDfJ26zF/s1600/_DSC8863.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> A Mothers Love</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> walked out of my front door, camera in hand, hoping to get some great wildlife pictures that day. I love taking pictures, and I love Nature. So it stands to reason that my favorite kind of photography would be nature photography:)<br />
Around where we live we have things like, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, bunches of bugs, flowers, frogs, snakes, and many other things. The stuff is there to get a good picture of, it just depends on if you can find it! And today I was determined to find something worthwhile.<br />
I was praying as I walked around the dirt road, Picture walks often double as prayer walks for me, and vise versa. As I walked, I noticed that everything seemed to be quiet that day, nothing was stirring, all was still. now that was great for a prayer walk, but not so great for a picture walk! I believe in praying for the little things as well as big things, so as I walked I prayed that the Lord might help me find something to take a picture of and a lesson from it too.<br />
Just as I had finished my little prayer, I came upon a nest of four little killdeer eggs (pictured at the top of the page). I have always found bird eggs to be beautiful and interesting, so I bent down to examine them closer and take some pictures. As I snapped the pictures, I heard a swoosh of wings, then a volley of cries from the mother who had landed not far away. looking up, I saw one of the most pathetic, and heroic sites in nature. The mother bird began to come slowly toward me, Dragging one wing, falling over every little bit for affect. I new what she was up to, having read about this often, but decided to see how far she would go in her attempt to draw me away.<br />
As I walked back and forth, snapping Pictures, I thought about this mothers love. she had no way of knowing that I would not hurt either her, or her little ones. She was willing to lay down her life for her 'children'. That got me thinking about another parent. our father in heaven was willing to come down to earth and die for his children!! "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not parish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16) we've heard that verse so many times, I hear you say. But how many times have you really stopped to think of the import of that verse. Christ was willing to die for all of us. And if it was our sins that killed him, must that mean that every time we go against God that we kill Him anew? I don't know about you, But I sure have learned a lot from that Killdeer.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456430077873222372.post-13095072341856130972014-07-10T13:07:00.002-07:002014-10-14T12:22:57.932-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>his, I was reminded of in an experience I had this summer.<br />
I had always wanted to go canvasing. Actually I had been begging to do it ever since I was a little girl of nine. yet my parents always said "when you are just a little older". As a young child it was difficult for me to resign myself to that, yet since I had been taught from a young age to take my troubles to my friend Jesus, I quickly began asking God daily to make it possible for me to go on a summer canvassing program.<br />
In the spring of 2014, it looked like my prayers would be answered. A family Friend asked if I would like to come to a program out in Kentucky. I was delighted, yet troubles with this program started early. First, they had to make sure that they had room for me. then they said I could only come part of the time since I had to be 14. Next was that I had to find rides. I found a ride there, and a ride back. The only problem was, that the ride back came a week later then I needed it. So then We had to figure out a place for me to stay. We thought of one place, but the people there where not getting back with us. It was one day, only ONE DAY, until I was leaving. Truly there seemed to be no way! Yet God <u>did</u> make a way! the afternoon before I was to leave, I got a phone call saying that a place to stay until my ride came had been all worked out!!!!!!<br />
I love the way God plans these things! though that experience was hard on me, God did make a way, and strengthened my faith through this experience. I could have cried, I could have despaired of ever getting there. but, because I surrendered my will to Christ, He was able to Make it a wonderful Faith Building experience for me. I Just Love how God makes His Ways!!!<br />
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Kaitlin :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0