Daughter of Delight

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. God has had me in a busy, yet exciting season. He continues to show me His faithfulness daily and for that I am THANKFUL!!!

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

2009-10-08T05:03:00.000-07:00

May I encourage you to read the lyrics from the hymn below. Read the truth and let your heart be refreshed with the love of our Father…Such grace!

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
-Stewart Townsend

Tomorrow

2009-10-05T04:53:00.000-07:00

“Tomorrow is a happy thing; it is one stage nearer glory, one step nearer heaven, one more mile sailed across life’s dangerous sea, one mile closer to home. Tomorrow is a fresh lamp of the fulfillment that God has placed in His firmament. Look forward to tomorrow with ecstasy, because our Lord may come. Tomorrow, Christ may be on this earth. “Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matt 24:44) Tomorrow we may all be in heaven.” -Charles Spurgeon

How exciting the day will be when we will meet our glorious Savior! There will be no more pain, no more suffering, and no more tears! After reading the above quote I was freshly reminded of what our call as Christians is on this earth. Christ died to save wretched sinners as I to bring glory to Him in all we do. As I was reminded last night at my church singles meeting, “Biblical discernment involves critical thinking.” We must take some time in everything we do to ask, "Does this glorify God? Is He honored by this decision?" The race to the finish line isn’t always easy. It takes much strength, but God is ready and willing to help us. All we must do is ask and it will be given. He will provide the grace we need to get through anything.

When you think about tomorrow, what comes to mind? Are you living in light of eternity?....

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

There will be a day with no more tears,
no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place,
will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always
- Jeremy Camp

Glories of Calvary

2009-10-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

"Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy, cast off that I might be brought in, trodden down as an enemy that I might be welcomed as a friend, surrendered to hell’s worst that I might attain Heaven’s best, stripped that I might be clothed, wounded that I might be healed, athirst that I might drink, tormented that I might be comforted, entered darkness that I might have eternal life. My Saviour wept that all tears be wiped away from my eyes, groaned that I might have endless song, endured all pain that I might have unfading health, bowed His head that I might uplift mine, experienced reproach that I might receive welcome, O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou could spare me, help me to adore thee by lips and life, O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise, sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood, hell’s gates closed, heaven’s portal open, O conquering God, show me the cross, mighty to subdue comfort and save."
-Valley of Vision

Isaiah 53:5- “But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.”

“My heart is filled with a thousand songs
Proclaiming the glories of Calvary
With every breath Lord how I long
To sing of Jesus who died for me”
-SGM

He Will Heal…Hosea 6:1

2009-09-28T20:46:00.001-07:00

I read the following words from Spurgeon this morning and was greatly encouraged! I pray you are as well!

“I believe that God, who has appointed it, has also measured your trouble, set its bounds, and will bring it to an end. His gracious design is in all your difficulties. Do not think that God deals roughly with His children and gives them needless pain. ‘He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.’ (Lam. 3:33). ‘He has torn, but He will heal.’ Has God not helped you out of one trouble after another? Do you suppose that He will leave you in this trouble?

This particular water in which you are struggling, is intended and included in this promise, ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers; they shall not overflow you’ (Is. 43:2).

Ask for grace, that you may believe while you are still under the cloud. Regardless of how dark the cloud, it contains blessings. ‘If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth’ (Eccl. 11:3).”

Best Cake Ever!

2009-09-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

About a year ago we found the following recipe in the news paper as an award winning cake. Ever since then, it’s become a family favorite! If you’re a fan of mint and chocolate then you’ll most definitely love it!

Chocolate Cake with Mint Whipped Frosting

1 Package (18.25 oz) devils food cake mix with pudding

1 cup sour cream

¾ cup water

½ cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 ½ cups chilled heavy whipping cream

1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

½ tsp peppermint extract

1. Place cake mix, sour cream, water, oil, eggs and vanilla in large mixing bowl. Blend with electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes. Divide batter between 2 pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 28 to 32 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly pressed with a finger. Cool 10 minutes in pans set on wire racks. Run dinner knife around edges of cakes and invert onto cooling rack.

2. Prepare frosting: In large bowl combine whipping cream, confectioner’s sugar and peppermint extract. Using electric mixer, beat until stiff peaks form. Place 1 cake layer right side up on serving plate. Spread top with frosting. Add second layer, right side up, and frost top sides of cake. Place cake in saver or cover with dome; refrigerate.

Decorating:

-Just for fun I always add a few drops of green food coloring in the icing so it looks like mint.

-If you really like chocolate, we like to take a Hershey’s bar (or any kind of milk chocolate) and shred it all over the cake with a cheese grater.

If you try it, be sure to let me know what you think!

"My Grace All-Sufficient Shall be Your Supply"

2009-09-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

Fear not I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God, I will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call you to go,
The rivers of sorrow will not overflow,
For I will be with you, your trials to bless,
And sanctify to your deepest distress.
When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be your supply
The flames shall not hurt you, I only design
Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

-Charles Spurgeon from “Beside Still Waters”

The Gift of Family

2009-09-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

As I’ve grown up over the years I’ve continually become more grateful for the Lord’s gift of family. Whether there’ve been tears of sorrow or grief, or joy and laughter, God’s used every season my family has walked through to draw us closer to himself and each other.

I was reminded of this precious gift while spending an entire month with them just about every second of the day. We very quickly realized once we left Jacksonville that there weren’t going to be many moments that we had “alone” time.

Some of my favorite times were…
-Staying up way too late in the back of the camper having “pillow talk” with my sisters.
- All of us huffing and puffing as we hiked a trail up to a gorgeous view or overlook of God’s glorious creation.
-Sitting around the campfire to stay warm in the freezing cold weather.

So many memories were made on our trip that I will never forget. I can’t even begin to name them all! I’m increasingly grateful for how the Lord uses each one of my siblings and parents to help sanctify and encourage me. I pray as years go on and my family grows bigger, that our relationships will continue to grow strong and bring much glory to our Heavenly Father.

Thank you, Lord for the wonderful blessing of family!

Last But Not Least....

2009-09-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Cody, Wyoming. The Black Hills. Driving Home!

Yellowstone & Grand Tetons

2009-09-14T06:42:00.001-07:00

Oh The Joys of Pictures

2009-09-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Pictures from:
Seattle, Washington
Gig Harbor
Olympic National Park
Pacific West Coast

Glacier Pictures

2009-09-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Beginning of Lots of Pictures

2009-09-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the first set of pictures (they're also on facebook). Some of them you've already seen, but there are a lot of new ones too. I'll be posting more over the next few days.

These pictures include:
The first 3 days of driving to the Badlands
The Badlands
Driving to Glacier

Home Sweet Home!

2009-09-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

We got back to good ol’ Jacksonville, FL yesterday around 7pm. As much fun as I had on our trip, I was filled with so much joy when we drove into our neighborhood and I stepped foot into our house. It was a wonderful feeling coming back to one of my most favorite places! I’m extremely grateful for the Lord’s protecting hand and for the gift of family. It was a trip of a lifetime!

During our 3 day drive home, mom and I came up with some fun facts and lowlights (since we’ve shared most of our highlights) of our trip....

Most asked questions:
What are we doing tomorrow?
How much longer until we get there?
What’s for dinner?

Top 5 most popular places:
1. Glacier
2. The Grand Tetons
3. Yellowstone
4. Badlands
5. Mt. Rushmore

Lowlights:
-Stuck in traffic in Seattle A LOT
-We ate out twice and both times we wished we hadn’t
-Altitude sickness
-Trip to the emergency room two hours from where we were staying (in the middle of Yellowstone) with no cell phone reception.
-7 mile hike through brush our height
-Didn’t see a bear

Random:
-We made 53 gas station stops to re-fuel
- Did 33 loads of laundry
- Drove 9,000 miles
- Who caught the most Z’s while driving 9,000 miles: Drum role please…..Ryan and Amber!!!
- Spent 8 nights in Wal-Mart parking lots

Wildlife:
Buffalo- Yellowstone and Black Hills
Deer- Everywhere
Pronghorn/Antelope- Black Hills
Donkeys- Black Hills
Mountain Goats- Glacier and Black Hills
Coyote- Yellowstone
Jack Rabbits- Badlands and Cody
Wolves- Yellowstone
Prairie Dogs- Badlands and Black Hills
Big Horn Sheep- Badlands
Chipmunks- Everywhere
Elk- Yellowstone
Moose- Yellowstone
Turkeys- Badlands
River Otters- Yellowstone
Peacock- Port Townsen
Golden Eagle- Cody

Food:
Favorite snacks: pretzels (Went through 8 bags!), granola bars, and fruit.

Our Chuck Wagon meals: Spaghetti, Tacos, Grilled Chicken, Hamburgers, Hotdogs/Brats, Steak, Chicken Piccata, and Beef Stew. Most of these meals we had twice. If we didn’t cook, we had a sandwich or leftovers.

Lunch: Just about everyday we had a picnic lunch that consisted of sandwiches, sandwiches, and more sandwiches :). Most days along with sandwiches we had grapes and chips.

Breakfast: Everyday for breakfast we had cereal, oatmeal, toast, or fruit. Two mornings when we had time we had bacon, eggs, and toast.

More pictures coming tomorrow!

Our Last Supper!

2009-09-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

We’ve had another long day in the van. We’re almost to Chattanooga, Tennessee and tomorrow we’ll be home! Tonight we had our last supper at Cracker Barrel! It was delicious and a much needed stop!

We're pretty tired in these pictures after two straight days of driving!

Wildlife!

2009-09-06T07:39:00.001-07:00

Feeding the wild donkeys in the Black Hills....

A type of mountain goat

One of our encounters with a stuffed bear...didn't see an alive one.

Koyote in Yellowstone

The buffalo like to cause traffic jams

Female elk in Yellowstone

If you look up in the top right corner you'll find our "spider monkey" Ryan standing on a rock.

One of our many adventures through the woods =)

Chipmunks were everywhere, but oh so cute!

Pictures!

2009-09-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

One of the colorful hot springs in Yellowstone

The Yellowstone Grand Canyon!

Momma and her munchkins

The Black Hills & Mt. Rushmore

2009-09-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

The first day in the Black Hills we went to “Jewel Cave.” We rode an elevator 300 ft. into the ground and toured the cave for an hour and a half. It was 49 degrees! Was a very cool experience, but we were all glad when we came back up to the sunny and fresh air! That afternoon we took a quick peek at Mt. Rushmore because we knew we were going back to see it at night along with a video presentation. Once we got back to our campsite, dad, Victoria, Karah, and I went to a field close by and played a game of dodge ball and soccer.

Yesterday we went on a drive called “Wildlife Loop.” We saw some buffalo, prairie dogs, pronghorn, and donkeys. The donkeys were very friendly! With the parks permission, we were aloud feed them. In fact, they didn’t leave us alone until we did! They were a lot of fun, but some of them were a bit aggressive which caused dad to pull out his fist a few times! Last night we went back to Mt. Rushmore. They do a very nice outdoor video presentation and light up the mountain when it’s over. The grounds surrounding Rushmore are very patriotic!

We left our last campground this morning at 6am and are on our way back home!!! If everything goes as planned, we’ll be back late Monday night.

Day 21

2009-09-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

We spent this morning at the Buffalo Bill Dam and white water rafted in the Shoshone River this afternoon. The weather was beautiful, but the water was freezing. It was a nice ride down the river…Not too rough at all!

The rest of the day we caught up on laundry and are packing up to leave in the morning for the Black Hills/Mt Rushmore. We will arrive by tomorrow afternoon and will be there for 4 nights. After the Black Hills we’ll be on our way home!!!

Blogger is having some technical problems with uploading photos so I’m still unable to share any. Hopefully whatever the problem is will be solved over the next few days. I will be trying from time to time.

Yellowstone & Cody

2009-08-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting! Our internet connection hasn't been the greatest and it's been very slow. We had a lot of fun in Yellowstone! Everything from the wildlife to the geothermal geysers were beautiful. We also spent a day in the Grand Teton National Park. It was unique in its high peeked Rocky Mountains, and we had gorgeous weather!

We did however, have a few complications due to the high altitude. We camped at 8,000 ft. above sea level and drove as high as 10,000 ft. By the second day the 3 youngest of our group started to show signs of high altitude sickness. Unfortunately, the symptoms for Joshua resulted in a two hour ride to an emergency room. Without going into details, we should just say God was faithful to meet his needs and he is now fine.

We are now back down to camping at 5,000 ft. in Cody, Wyoming which seems to only be yielding a few stomach pains. Last night we went to a rodeo and experienced a real wild west show. Today we visited the Buffalo Bill museum and watched a gun show on the streets of downtown Cody. Tomorrow we're hitting the rapids!!! YIPEE!

We're all still having a lot of fun, but definitely ready to back to home sweet home!

Here is just one picture from Yellowstone. I will try to post more tomorrow. Like I said, the internet connection is very slow and it takes a while to get them uploaded.

Day 15

2009-08-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

We all woke up early yesterday morning and headed to Olympic National Park. It reminded us a lot of Mt. Rainier…Beautiful snow capped mountains! We hiked 1/2 a mile straight up and saw a very pretty 360 degree view of the area….Victoria and I ran some of it and both decided that it wasn’t a good idea after the fact :). While eating lunch, lots of dear came out to see us. I think we counted 9. Some of them were babies and adorable! The weather was wonderful!

We headed back to our campground mid afternoon, ate a yummy dinner, and packed up again. We are now on our way to Yellowstone! It will take us two days to get there. Last night we rode a Ferry because it saved us from driving 90 miles around Seattle. It was a 30 minute ride and we had a great view of the city. We stopped driving around 12 last night and got back on the road again at 8:30 this morning.

Today is another full day of driving. We’re hoping to be in Yellowstone by tomorrow afternoon. Not sure if we’ll have internet connection while there so I might not be able to post over the next few days. Keep checking back!

On the Ferry....It was really windy!

Candace & Victoria in the Tent

2009-08-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

To clarify ahead of time, the disgusting belch came from Victoria not Candace! :)

Two Week Update!

2009-08-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Twas two weeks ago when we journeyed afar
Packed up our stuff and left in the car
Drove through the arch as we continued our march
Went on to the Badlands where we became parched
The wind blew fast, but the view was vast
Saw some rock and Victoria went “bok!”

Wal-Mart is the best because we get to rest
It’s where we get our food so we stay in a good mood
We stock up on supplies and say our goodbyes
Continue on our quest to the best of the west

We went to Glacier National park
And saw the stars when it got dark
Walked on the clouds tried not to be loud
It gave us much luck for we saw a big buck
The wild flowers were pretty, they made us get giddy
We didn’t see a bear so Josh yelled “no fair!”
Montana was golden, the sky so grand,
It made our family its biggest fan
Saw some cattle then left for Seattle

Our great big van, it was hard to park it
But we sure were glad when we saw the market
Flowers, fish, and veggies galore
Then went on to the first Starbucks store
The Space Needle was grand, saw all of the land
No one in Seattle has a nice tan

Mt. Rainier was next, standing so tall
Saw lots of fir trees, both big and small
Covered in snow and ice
It looked so perdy and nice
It was a really long ride but worth the drive

Had a day of rest and cleaned up our mess
Did all the laundry so we could stay dressed

Woke up in the morning had eggs and toast
And headed off to see the Pacific West Coast
Hiked through a rain forest first time ever
Pretty amazing for our first endeavor
Victoria fell off a tree and scraped her knee
We watched the wave’s crash and Ryan got smashed (literally!)

Went to the beach and got dirty feet
Skipped some rock and saw a peacock
Started the day changing our tires
Ended with steak sitting around the campfire

With two weeks to go, we hope to see more snow
Especially a grizzly and maybe a doe
Hope you enjoyed our poem, for it gave us something to do
Next stop is Yellowstone! Yippity do!

Written by: Ryan, Amber, and Candace (And a few lines by Victoria and Karah)

Day 14

2009-08-23T21:32:00.001-07:00

This morning we got all our tires changed on the camper and headed north east of Olympic to our campground in Fort Flagler State Park. Spent most of the day walking on the beach enjoying the cool and sunny weather.

Tonight we’re all staying warm around the campfire and its girl’s night in the tent :).

Tomorrow we’re headed to Olympic National Park!

Ryan is Chief of the fire

We re-stocked our pantry for the 3rd time today!

It's cold outside tonight!

Day 13: The Pacific West Coast

2009-08-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

This morning we hit the road at 8am and headed off to see the Pacific West Coast. Two hours into our drive we stopped, had a picnic lunch and hiked through a rain forest (Only one in the US!). Got back on the road and drove for another hour and a half to see the Pacific Ocean. The weather was a bit chilly, but very nice. The beach we went to was surrounded by rock and drift wood...Couldn’t see any sand. The water was freezing and the surf was rough.

It took us a good 4 hours to get back to our camper. It was definitely a long day in the car. What was supposed to be a scenic highway wasn’t very scenic, but we had lots more bonding time in the car :).

After dinner we packed up again and headed to another Wal-Mart parking lot so we can get up early and get new tires put on the camper. We'll then head out to a campground closer to Olympic National Park and will be staying there for two nights. After Olympic is Yellowstone!

It's harder than it looks :)

Dad making fun of us!

Day 12: Gig Harbor

2009-08-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

We spent most of our day around our campsite. Were able to catch up on some sleep and mom made us a nice breakfast. This morning and early afternoon we spent a couple hours cleaning…Mom did the laundry, dad and Ryan cleaned up the outside of the camper and Amber and I tackled the inside. It gets pretty dirty with 8 people going in and out of the woods all day!

Later in the afternoon we drove down to the Harbor and walked around for a while. The weather outside is great! Tonight is movie night! It’s been a wonderful day of rest.

Tomorrow we’ll be headed to see the Pacific Ocean!

The leaves are starting to change already!

Karah picked me a flower :)

Beef stew for dinner :)

Day 11: Mt. Rainier

2009-08-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

We got back on the road again yesterday morning and headed to Mt. Rainier. It took us a good 3 ½ hours to get there, but it was worth it! The mountains were beautiful and were surrounded by thousands of Boston Fur Trees. They smelled so good…It was just like Christmas! The weather was wonderful…Sunny, slight breeze, in the low 80’s. We had a picnic lunch and went on a very short hike, just enough to see the pretty views.

Our new campground is southwest of Seattle in a little area called Gig Harbor. The weather is chilly, but wasn’t too cold to eat outside :) Today we’re taking the day to rest, hang out around our camp site, and maybe take a ride to see the pretty harbor. We’re definitely ready for a day of rest…Been going none stop ever since we left Jacksonville. While at this campground we’ll be taking various day trips to Vancouver and Victoria British Columbia, Olympic National Park, and maybe a trip to see the Pacific Ocean.

Day 10: Seattle, Washington

2009-08-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

We left Spokane, Washington this morning at 6am...Gained another hour of sleep last night so we woke up rested and ready to take on another busy day. We stopped an hour east of Seattle in a very nice state park because it turned out that it’s going to be a busy weekend in Olympic National Park and all the campgrounds are booked. We were able to some what keep the plans we had…spent this afternoon in downtown Seattle in Pikes Market. Saw lots of fresh produce, sea food, and beautiful floral arrangements that were dirt cheep! We also saw the first Starbucks ever! The out side structure is nothing like they look today. The city was very cool to see, but very crowded!

Tomorrow we’ll be headed to Mt. Rainier; it’s over 14,000 ft. tall! We’ll probably hike a trail or two while there and then we’ll be on our way to Olympic National Park for a couple days. Tomorrow we’ll also be the furthest away from Jacksonville while on this trip! We’re continuing to enjoy our time in the Wild! Crazy! West! Definitely an exciting and fun adventure!

There were hundreds of flower bouquets that all ran from $3-$15. We couldn’t believe it!

Ryan and Josh rode the Space Needle to the top. This is the view they had...If you look closely, you can see Mt. Rainier in the top left corner.

More Glacier Pictures

2009-08-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

On our 7 mile hiking adventure!

Glacier!

2009-08-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

Glacier National Park was absolutely amazing! The weather began cold and rainy but cleared up the second and last day. Despite the weather being a little dreary it was still beautiful! We hiked two trails yesterday, one through the clouds to gorgeous 360 degree views of mountains to a lake, and another to a waterfall. We encountered lots of wildlife along the way including a 7 point buck walking right beside us, and mountain sheep. This morning Ryan, Amber, Victoria, Karah, and I decided to take on a 7 mile trail. Dad, mom, and Josh dropped us off and then went to catch up on the laundry :). The description of the trail was a lot different then it ended up actually being. We ended up walking through deep woods and brush that was sometimes taller than our heads. It took us 3 ½ hours to get through but we made it. I don’t think we’ll ever forget that hike! Victoria and Karah were troopers…they kept up the whole time! We couldn’t help but laugh most of the time. I think we all agree that Glacier was the prettiest place we’d ever been!

We are now headed to Spokane, Washington for another overnighter in a Walmart parking lot and to stock up on supplies. All this mountain air must be making us extra hungry, as we seem to be eating twice as much as we do at home. Tomorrow we’ll be on our way through Seattle, Washington to Olympia National Park. Everyone is well and we are learning that you gotta,”Love the one your with.”

After walking through the cloud on Hidden Lake Trail.

You can't tell here, but we were getting wet!

More pictures coming soon...

Day 5

2009-08-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

Things are going well today. Karah woke up this morning dizzy and nauseous and has gotten sick a few times (we think due to lack of sleep.) She’s been sleeping most of the time in the van. We’ve been driving through Montana all day and will be stopping in Missoula late tonight. The drive through the mountains has been beautiful! We are now 4,400 feet above sea level.

We’re all pretty sore after rock climbing yesterday. Hopefully we’ll be in great shape by the end of this trip!

I woke up this morning at 5:30 and went for a walk before we left. This is what I saw! Absolutely gorgeous!

The Bad Lands

2009-08-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

We’re all doing great! This morning we went on a beautiful hike through the bad lands. The scenery was breathtaking! We came back to our campground to eat lunch and hang out for the afternoon because it was so hot and then drove back out after dinner to the highest point in the park to see the sun set. So far we’ve seen rabbits, horses, a bull, big horn sheep, and prairie dogs (so cute!). We’re having a blast! We leave tomorrow morning at 6am to head to Glacier National Park. It will take us two days to get there, but we’re all ready for the next step on our adventure!

Driving Day 3

2009-08-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

We’ve reached our first destination—“The Bad Lands”

But first, here’s how our day went…

We arrived in Sioux City, Iowa last night at 12:30 and left around 9:30 this morning. We drove through South Dakota all day today. It was very pretty…lots of farm/Prairie land, cows, corn, etc. About an hour after we left this morning we stopped at an RV dealer because our trailer brakes were loose. Dad and Ryan thought the problem was fixed but they still aren’t working correctly…Hopefully soon we’ll be able to figure out what the problem is. Even though we had to stop for an hour we got a nice picnic out of it! We all sat under the trees and enjoyed the scenery.

While driving along the highway dad saw lots of signs for “Corn Palace” so we decided to stop since it was right off an exit. It was an arena with lots of fun facts about corn and the outside artwork was made with all kinds of colored corn cobs. It was nice to get out of the car for a while and stretch our legs out.

We arrived in “The Bad Lands” around 6:30 tonight. It’s absolutely gorgeous out here! It’s cool outside at night but tomorrow during the day it’s going to be a high of 101! We are trying to get out early in the morning before it gets REALLY hot. We had a nice dinner outside and then went on a walk. We are all ready for a good night sleep! We gained another hour tonight! Woo hoo! But, on the other hand we’ll be losing that sleep on our way back home :(.

That’s all for now. Here are some pictures of our day! Wish I could share more but they aren't uploading very fast.

Mr. Darcy :)

At "Corn Palace"

Attempting to fix the brakes

Driving Day 2

2009-08-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

Last night we were able to get an extra hour of sleep because we gained an hour of time. It was much needed! We all woke up rested.

The day started off with four new tires on our van. Last night we noticed we were bumping around on the road way too much so dad had them looked at. The Walmart we stopped at last night (We are stopping at Walmarts as we travel to our camping destinations.) happened to have a tire center so that was a huge blessing. While dad was getting the tires fixed the rest of us got some groceries and hung out in our camper.

We left St. Louis, Missouri around 12:30 and are hoping to be to Sioux City, Iowa by 1am tonight.

Josh is doing exceptionally well! You would never know he just had surgery!

Everyone is hangin’ in there!

Downtown St. Louis, Missouri

YAY for new tires!!!

Everyone in the back seat(s) playing Scategories :).

We're On Our Way!

2009-08-10T18:23:00.001-07:00

Hello all! The Harrington family and our stowaway Ryan Pesce are on the road and heading out to the wild, wild, WEST! We left Jacksonville at 6am this morning and are hoping to be in St. Louis, Missouri by 12am tonight. We have another full day of driving tomorrow and are hoping to be in the Badlands National park by Wednesday afternoon. We are all well, but pretty tired due to lack of sleep with the circumstances that happened this past weekend. During every stop we've all gotten out of the van and played 10 minutes of an active game. Today was frisbee! Josh is doing great! He hasn’t been complaining about pain so that is a good thing. Please continue to pray for safety! Check back tomorrow for another update! Wish I could add more pictures, but our internet connection is running very slow right now. For now, here are a few funny quotes from our day.

Mom: “This is NOT a mandatory pee stop!”
Mom: “An apple a day will keep the doctor away” in her sweet caring mom voice.
Mom: Someone (not going to mention who) was complaining about being bored in the van and mom replied with, “Close your eyes and enjoy being bored.”
Dad: “She’ll have to pee her pants next time”
Joshua: “Dad, you gave me a Chucke Cheese token not a quarter!”

From One Thing to the Next

2009-08-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

I returned home late last night from the worship conference. Our time there was amazing! I don’t have time to share details right now but I do have some pictures!

Early tomorrow morning my family is heading out west for four weeks. Check back daily for updates! I’ve been given the roles of photographer and blogger :). Please pray for safety!

Also, my little brother Joshua was rushed to the hospital yesterday with appendicitis and got emergency surgery last night. They did it laparocopically so his recovery will be fairly quick. Please pray for strength and a quick recovery as we travel. He’s been such a trooper! Thank you!

Worship God '09

2009-08-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

Monday morning I'm heading up to Maryland to attend the Sovereign Grace Worship Conference in Gaithersburg. The conference doesn't start until Wednesday, but I'm going up ahead of time with a group of friends from various Sovereign Grace churches to spend some time in D.C and Baltimore. Please be praying for the Lord's protecting hand as we travel and that He would meet us in a mighty way. I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures to share when I return home!

Sushi Night!

2009-07-30T07:40:00.001-07:00

Last night I went out with some girls for sushi (and some not for sushi ;-). We had a lot of fun! It was the first time I'd ever tried it. There are definitely other foods that I would enjoy before sushi, but needless to say I thought it was good :). Here are some pictures of the evening...

Even So, It is Well With My Soul

2009-07-29T13:23:00.001-07:00

The Lord has been so very kind to me over the past few weeks. Every day that goes by I become more aware that the Lord knew I needed these few weeks not just for physical rest, but to find rest in my soul. He has been so kind to meet me even during the most painful times of recovery. I have been overwhelmed by caring words and encouraging e-mails!

I will be the first person to say that the Lord most certainly does use pain and suffering to draw us closer to Himself. How gracious of Him to shower so many blessing upon my life.

During my recovery time I’ve been going through a study titled “Nurturing a Heart of Humility” by Elizabeth George. The study is on the life of Mary and her example of humility. This morning I read through Luke 1:46-55 and was inspired by Mary’s example of magnifying the Lord through prayer. Her prayer overflows with information about God and the wonderful things He does for us!

“A heart of humility is a heart that prays…”

Mary’s Example:

Luke 1:46-55- “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. God behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the might from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Singles/Youth Cookout

2009-07-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

While in full recovery mode, I was able to get out of the house on Sunday and visit with some of the people I love most. Here are some pictures to enjoy!

Update

2009-07-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Despite being on hardly any pain medication, I’m doing well. I’ve been able to get up and walk around more which is a good thing. I think the worse part is over! Thank you Lord! I’m anticipating being able to get up and do more over the next few days, but I’m also very grateful for the down time.

I would greatly appreciate continued prayers!

"When I am Weak, He is Strong"

2009-07-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful truth that I can boast in. For I am nothing without the love of my Father in Heaven who gives me strength to get through life’s difficulties!

The new pain medication was just as bad if not worse then the first one. It made my headache get worse and made me so nauseous that I got sick. Today I’ve been rotating back and forth between Tylenol and Ibuprofen. I’m still in a lot of pain, but it’s much better than the horrible headache I had last night. Please continue to pray for strength during the healing process.

Surgery Update

2009-07-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

I’m home safe and sound. I’ve had some difficulties with the pain medication I was given (headache, nausea, and dizziness). My mom was able to get a hold of the surgeon to get me a different one. Hopefully it will work, it hasn’t kicked in yet.

Thank you all so much for the prayers, phone calls, text messages, and e-mails I’ve been receiving! God has been so kind to bless me with such caring friends!

Please continue to pray that the pain medication would work and that no other complications come up.

Thank you!

Miami!

2009-07-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel down to Miami with some Orlando friends. The purpose of the trip was to serve the Sovereign Grace church in Miami, “Palm Vista Community church.” The Lord was so very kind to meet us. We had a lot of fun and made many memories. I didn’t take a lot of pictures (I know, crazy right?! ;D), but I did get a few. Enjoy!

I Am With You

2009-07-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, I was scanning through Spurgeon’s “Beside Still Waters” and I came across the following quotes. The Lord has been very gracious to refresh my soul through them over the past few days. I pray they encourage you as well.

“There is no burden which, if we lift it cheerfully and bear it with love in our hearts, will not become a blessing to us. God means our tasks to be our helpers; to refuse to bend our shoulders to receive a load, is to decline a new opportunity for growth.” –J.R. Miller

“Blessed is any weight, however overwhelming, which God has been so good as to fasten with His own hand upon our shoulders.” –F.W. Faber

“The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls.” –Richter

As some of you know, this Wednesday I will be getting surgery. Please pray that the peace of God would flood my heart, that any fear welling up in my heart would turn into trust, and for strength during the recovery time. I am very excited for the week or two I’ll have to rest and spend time with the Lord. God has ordained this surgery for a purpose and I know much good will come out of it. Thank you!

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

Frowning Providence = Ultimate Happiness

2009-07-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

I’ve come across the following quote a few times in the past week and it’s just too good not to share… I pray you're encouraged!

“If, in His loving plan you have to bow before what appears to be a frowning providence, you can be sure that He’s got your ultimate happiness at heart. He’s working to free you from your worries, not by giving freedom from trouble, but by arranging circumstances so that as you go through them you’ll experience the truth that He is everything He says He is.” - Elyse Fitzpatrick

Psalm 94:19, 22- “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul...the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.”

Shelter in the Storm

2009-06-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have a shelter in the storm
When troubles pour upon me
Though fears are rising like a flood
My soul can rest securely
O Jesus, I will hide in You
My place of peace and solace
No trial is deeper than Your love
That comforts all my sorrows

I have a shelter in the storm
When all my sins accuse me
Though justice charges me with guilt
Your grace will not refuse me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
Who bore my condemnation
I find my refuge in Your wounds
For there I find salvation

I have a shelter in the storm
When constant winds would break me
For in my weakness, I have learned
Your strength will not forsake me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
The One who bears my burdens
With faithful hands that cannot fail
You’ll bring me home to heaven

-By Steve & Vikki Cook and Bob Kauflin

Isn’t that comforting?! I’ve been freshly encouraged by the lyrics from the above song. While walking through a season of many difficult circumstances I can have peace because no trial is deeper than the love of Jesus Christ…such grace!

Thank you Lord that you are the source of all joy and that I can find rest in my soul amidst the worlds temptations! Thank you for faithful hands that never fail!

Psalm 59:16-17- “But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”

Family Fun!

2009-06-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my family headed to my grandfather's house for the afternoon and evening. We had lots of fun swimming and hanging out by the pool (with some great tunes in the back round :). My grandfather cooked us up some yummy burgers and then dad put on a firework display. What a wonderful time! There's just nothing like spending a day with family!

In Christ Alone-Verse 4

2009-06-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

This verse has been very comforting to me today! How glorious eternity will be! No matter what circumstances I’m facing now or will ever face, “Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand!”

Hebrews 12:1- “…Let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Fun Times!

2009-06-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from when my parents were out of town, the singles rock climbing event, and the church family movie night.

In Christ Alone- Verse 3

2009-06-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
John 8:12- “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
Matthew 28:2-6- “And Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do no be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come see the place where he lay.”

And as He stands in victory
1 Corinthians 15:55-56- “O death, where is your victory. O death, where is you sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
Galatians 3:13- “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’”

For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
1 Peter 1:18-22- “Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefather, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake, who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”

In Christ Alone- Verse 2

2009-06-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
1 Peter 3:18- “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.”

This gift of love and righteousness
Romans 5:5- “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who have been given to us.”

Scorned by the ones He came to save
Matthew 27:29- “And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail the King of the Jews’”

Till on that cross as Jesus died
Romans 5:6-8- “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The wrath of God was satisfied
Romans 5:9- “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

For ev'ry sin on Him was laid
1 Peter 2:24-25- “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of you souls.”

Here in the death of Christ I live!!!

In Christ Alone- Verse 1

2009-06-15T18:27:00.001-07:00

For about a week or so now, I keep finding myself singing “In Christ Alone” in my head (and sometimes out loud =). I decided to put scripture to the lines of the verses. I’ve found this to be very helpful and beneficial. Check back over the next few days for the others verses!

In Christ alone my hope is found
2 Corinthians 1:10 –“He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.”

He is my light, my strength, my song
Psalm 27:1- “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; whom shall I be afraid?”

This cornerstone, this solid ground
Isaiah 28:16- “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.”

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
2 Timothy 2:19- “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’”

What heights of love, what depths of peace
John 3:16- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”

Colossians 3:15- “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful.”

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
Psalm 34:4- “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

My comforter, my all in all
Isaiah 51:12- “I am he who comforts you!”

Here in the love of Christ I stand!!!

Glory to God

2009-06-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks between the NEXT conference, various messages, scripture, and the book “Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ” by John Piper, I’ve been coming across many different points and quotes on giving glory to God. Take some time to read through them—I’ve been challenged!

-Seeing and savoring Jesus Christ is the most important seeing and savoring you will ever do.

-If you don’t prize Him above all things, you haven’t apprehended His true worth.

-The deepest longing of the human heart is to know and enjoy the glory of God. We were made for this. “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth…whom I created for my glory,” says the Lord (Isaiah 43:6-7). To see it, to savor it, and to show it—that is why we exist.

-We were created—that He might “make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy” (Romans 9:23).

-The sun of God’s glory was made to shine at the center of the solar system of our soul. And when it does, all the planets of our life are held in the proper orbit. But when the sun is displaced, everything else falls apart. The healing of the soul begins by restoring the glory of God to its flaming, all-attracting place at the center.

-Christ does not exist in order to make much of us. We exist in order to make much of Him. Christ is not glorious so that we get wealthy or healthy. Christ is glorious so that rich or poor, sick or sound, we might be satisfied in Him.

-To love the glory that comes from God, means we love Christ.

-The pursuit of God’s glory becomes the pursuit of godly ambition.

-The problem isn’t seeking glory—it’s where we find it.

-We are wired for glory!

1 Corinthians 10:31- “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

1 Peter 4:11- “Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as the one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong dominion and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Have you been giving God glory in all things?
Do you prize Jesus Christ above all things?
Is God’s glory shinning at the center of the solar system of your soul?

More Pictures

2009-06-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

The following are pictures of random recent events. Lots of cute, darling kids that bring so much joy into my life! =)

Maryland/NEXT 09'

2009-05-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

I’m back home! NEXT was incredible! I will post more on our time there later on. For now, here are pictures. Some of them you’ve already seen, but there are lots of new one’s too!

NEXT Day #2

2009-05-24T20:41:00.001-07:00

Today, during the first session we heard a message from D.A. Carson. He spoke out of John 1. It was incredible, but I will say a lot of what he said flew over my head, so I’m going to have to go back and listen to that one again.

Tonight we heard Kevin DeYoung speak an excellent message on the life of Jesus. He spoke out of Luke 8 and expounded on three different miracles Jesus performed in that text (Calming the sea, healing a demon possessed man, and healing a woman). He challenged all of us to ask the question, do we have faith that Jesus can heal us or rescue us from the battle of certain sin issues? The main thoughts that keep coming back to my mind are “draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” “The gospel is not what I have done for God, but what He has done for me,” and “The problem isn’t that we don’t feel bad about our sin, it’s that we don’t feel bad enough.” Such a wonderful message!

Everything else has been going great! I’m loving this time away of being in the Lord’s presence though worship and prayer, and being able to catch up with the wonderful friends that the Lord has been so gracious to bless me with! He is good and faithful!

NEXT Day #1

2009-05-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

We are at NEXT and so far everything has been amazing! Last night Josh Harris spoke a message on the preeminence of Christ. One of his questions was, when was the last time the words of Jesus changed your plans? For me, it was a fresh reminder of God’s sovereignty in my life over the past couple years. So many times when I expected plans to be different, God changed everything, and though it’s been difficult at times, I can truly say it’s been for my good and His glory.

I won’t be able to update too much while I’m here because there isn’t much down time and the internet isn’t free at the hotel. Please be praying that God would continue to meet us, pour out His Spirit upon us, and for rest :). Thank you!

Here are some more pictures taken during the evening session last night.

Maryland Day #2

2009-05-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today, Amber and I had a great time with family! We started the day off going to a quaint little café for breakfast with my grandparents, followed by a visit to my 95 year old great grandmother’s house. While there we visited with her and my great uncle who lives right next door. We had a lot of fun with them… they caught us up on a lot of family history and we got a tour of the house that she’s lived in since her husband built it in the 1960’s. After visiting with them my grandfather gave us a small tour of where my mom grew up, we went to Bob Evan’s for lunch, then all the gals headed to the mall and did what we do best….shopped till we dropped! We went back to my grandparents house and ordered some of the best crab cakes you’ll ever come across. They were delicious! And after dinner we took a trip to Bruster’s Ice Cream. Of course it was oh so yummy! It was a fun-filled, yet tiring day! There was much laughter involved, which means, the day was GREAT!

Here’s a few pictures of our day!

My great grandmother has about 350 bears collected through out her house. This was just one of the piles.

Such a wonderful woman!!!

On our way back from shopping with the top down...

Thought you all might get a kick out of this! This is Amber holding Joshua as a baby and I'm holding my mom's step-sister Becky.

Maryland Day #1

2009-05-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today my sister and I flew up to Baltimore, Maryland to spend a couple days with some family we don’t get to see very often before we attend a conference called “NEXT” (formerly known as New Attitude). Our Plane was about an hour delayed due to bad weather, but we made it safe and sound.

Check back daily for updates and maybe a picture or two! =)

Single's Work Day

2009-05-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday some of the singles from church had the opportunity to serve a non-profit organization in Jacksonville called Angel Wood. They are a group of people that provide help and care for children with disabilities. We volunteered at one of the homes doing a bunch of yard work. We had an absolute blast working together!

Mother's Day Pictures

2009-05-15T11:04:00.001-07:00

This year for Mother's Day I got sneaky and took some updated pictures of Josh, Victoria, and Karah for our momma. Enjoy!

I know this is early, but...

2009-05-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you, moms for the way you sacrificially serve your Husbands and children! Your hard work does not go un-noticed!

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” (Proverbs 31:28-29)

Grace and Gratitude

2009-05-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Romans 11:35-" Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"

The answer is nobody!!!!

There are many times when our culture thinks otherwise. We're disappointed with our family, neighbors, work, the waitress, the sales clerk. Ultimately we are disappointed with God. He hasn't given us everything we want! I find myself being that person way too often!

In Randy Alcorn's book, "The Grace and Truth Paradox" he states:"If only we could see our situation clearly even for a moment. We deserved expulsion; He gave us a diploma. We deserved the electric chair; He gives us a parade. Anything less than overwhelming gratitude should be unthinkable. He owes us nothing! We owe Him everything! When you realize you deserve nothing better than hell, it puts a 'bad day' in perspective, doesn't it? If I grasp that I deserve hell, I'll be filled with gratitude not only for God's huge blessings- including my redemption and home in heaven-but also for His smaller blessings: sun, rain, a beating heart, eyes that see, legs that walk, a mind that thinks. If I don't have these, I'll be overwhelmed with the knowledge that I have plenty I don't deserve. And because Christ allowed Himself to be crushed under the weight of my sin, I'll enjoy forever a clear mind and perfect body."

What a great reminder of the grace that God has so richly poured out on such wretched sinners as I. How great it is to walk out into the world and answer the question "how are you doing?" and be able to answer with great gratitude that I am doing better then I derserve!!!

The Attitude of Gratitude

2009-05-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

This morning I read the following story and was oh so convicted! It is amazing how one woman's grateful heart affected so many others!

"By today’s standard’s she should have been an unhappy, troubled woman. Her father died when she was quite young, leaving her to be raised by her mother and grandmother. As a result of a doctor’s careless error when she was only six weeks old, she was afflicted with lifelong blindness.

The tragic and traumatic experience of this woman’s childhood years would have given most people more than enough grounds for a lifetime of self-pity, bitterness, and psychological disorders. Yet, in her autobiography, Frances Jane Crosby wrote, “It seemed intended by the blessed Providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation.”

The doctor who destroyed her sight never forgave himself and moved from the area, but there was no room in Fanny Crosby’s heart for resentment. “If I could meet him now,” she wrote, “I would say ‘Thank you, thank you’—over and over again—for making me blind.”

The blindness that many would have considered at best an accident, and at worst a curse, was considered by Fanny to be one of her greatest blessings. She accepted her blindness as a gift from God. “I could not have written thousands of hymns,” she said, “if I had been hindered by the distractions of seeing all the interesting and beautiful objects that would have been presented to my notice.”

Fanny’s first poem, written when she was eight years old, reflects the perspective that was hers until her death at the age of ninety-five:

Oh, what a happy child I am,
Although I cannot see!
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.
How many blessing I enjoy
That other people don’t
So weep of sight because I’m blind,
I cannot, no I won’t!

For over a century, the Church has reaped the rich benefits of one woman’s thankful heart, as we sing “To God Be the Glory,” Blessed Assurance,” “Redeemed,” “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me,” and countless others of the 8,000 songs that Fanny Crosby wrote in her lifetime.

In a world that has forgotten how to be grateful; the example of this beloved, blind hymn-writer seems extraordinary, if not downright odd! But, oh, what a price we pay for our personal collective ingratitudes!"

Pasta and Game Night!

2009-04-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

The Battle is The Lord's

2009-04-28T04:56:00.001-07:00

The following quote from Charles Spurgeon brought much encouragement to me this morning! It’s a wonderful reminder of how GREAT God is and how I can get through nothing without His help! Hope you’re encouraged as well!

“I may be addressing some godly people who are terribly distressed. You believe that God will bring you out of your affliction. Maintain that faith, and if deliverance does not come for a long time, maintain it still. Can you lean on the Lord? Can you grasp the Invisible? Can you forget all other helpers? Can you hold His hand and let everything else go? If so, you glorify God and you will be delivered!

If you must have your own bow and sword, then the battle depends on you, and you cannot plead God’s promises. Put the bow aside, hang the sword on the wall, and go to Him who is better than bow and sword, rest in Him, and He will gloriously work so that His name is magnified and you are blessed. I pray that the Holy Spirit will apply this truth to your heart. Oh for grace to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him! In His time and in His way He will work out your deliverance. Nothing will stop Him. Remember, 'The battle is the Lord’s'"

Happy Birthday Karah Lee!

2009-04-23T04:25:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Karah! Thanks for being the sweet and caring little sister you are! I hope you have lots of fun today! I love you!!!

Jeremiah 29:11-13- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart.”

The First Commandment

2009-04-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

“The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly, by thinking, meditating, remembering, highly esteeming, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing of him; believing him; trusting him; calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man; being careful in all things to please him, and sorrowful when in anything he is offended; and walking humbly with him.” –The Westminster Larger Catechism

Everyone of those verbs mentioned is very significant and rich in their meaning, aren’t they? As I read over them, I can clearly see how I fail to know, acknowledge, worship, and glorify God, at all times, as my only true God.

In her book “Idols of The Heart” Elyse Fitzpatrick helps partially walk us through the list:

-Thinking about God. Do I think of God continually or only infrequently, such as when I want or need something?
-Meditating on God. Do I meditate on His character- His holiness, His goodness, His love?
- Remembering God. Do I remember Him in everything I do and say, or do I rarely think of Him?
-Esteeming God. Am I highly esteeming Him, or do I highly esteem or value other things?

Those are all challenging questions, but oh so precious and convicting! If your answers were “no” to one or more, don’t be discouraged because “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace!!!” (John 1:18)

Yes, More Pictures :)

2009-04-21T18:49:00.001-07:00

These are from this past weekend while some Orlando friends were in town....

It's Ready!

2009-04-20T05:39:00.001-07:00

My new discipleship blog I shared about in my last post is up and running. Feel free to stop by and check it out!

Beautiful Adornment

Continued prayer would be wonderful!

Announcement

2009-04-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure if I shared this on here before, but for a year now God’s been stirring my heart to find a way I can reach out to the middle and high school girls I know. I’ve thought about many different options and I believe that God is having me start a discipleship blog for these girls. My prayer is that I can be an encouragement to them as they face daily circumstances the world brings.

On the blog (with God’s help :) I’ll help walk the girls through subjects like:

-The Gospel
-Relationships with friends, parents, and guys
-Modesty
-Time management
-Biblical Womanhood (as a daughter and young lady)
-Cultivating a love for the home

That’s just to name a few…Most of the posts will have a “girly” spin. My desire through this blog is not to take away from any biblical counsel given from their parents or “get in the way” of their relationship with God, but simply to be an encouragement to continue growing in those relationships and fight hard in bringing glory to God in all things.

I would like to continue posting on this blog, but the other one is taking up a lot of my time right now in the beginning. So sorry if you see oodles of “picture” posts =). Hopefully after the other one is up and running I’ll be able to post on here more often.

I’m not sure what God has in store for the new blog (how long it will last/what it will turn into), but God has given me much faith to try it out and I’m excited to see how He will use it!

Feel free to spread the word! I believe God is calling me to reach many girls, not just the one’s I come in contact with daily.

Please pray:

-That God would provide grace and wisdom to speak into these girls lives.
-For time to post
-That I’ll have everything up by next Monday, April 20th =)

Thank you all so much for your support, encouragement, and prayers (I’ve already received so much). I am so blessed!

Spring!

2009-04-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

My All Star Sisters

2009-04-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Eating Green Beans is Fun!

2009-04-10T08:54:00.001-07:00

Last night my mom, Amber, I were sitting at one end of our kitchen table talking and we heard a laugh coming from the other end. We looked up and saw this….

Who woulda thunk that eating green beans could be so fun!

Rest for the Weary

2009-04-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

As I was praying for God to direct me to words that would encourage those feeling weary and in need of rest, He led me to the following quote by Charles Spurgeon. Please read it through and find rest for your soul…

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” What a glorious inheritance! Walk up and down it. Rest on it. It will be a soft downy pillow for you to lie on. Climb the creaking staircase of your house, lie down on your hard mattress, wrap yourself in a blanket, and look out for the winter of hard times. But do not say, “What shall I do?” Just hum, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” This will be the hush of a lullaby to your soul, and you will soon slumber peacefully. He will supply your need. He will give you whatever you require. Ask in faith, never doubting, and He will give you what you really need.”

A Blog Request

2009-04-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

I’ve received a blog request…”There are many times that we need rest for our weary lives and there are other times that we need to let God fill us with His spirit and press forward. How do we balance out the difference?”

Over the next couple days (as time permits) I’ll share my thoughts on both.

For now, find rest in these precious words that Jesus spoke: Matthew 11:28-30- "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

His Perfect Timing

2009-04-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

As I awoke this morning and began to make a mental to-do list of all the things that needed to be done, I began to feel a little overwhelmed…For me, Monday’s usually bring quite a bit of stress. The Lord was kind to remind me of His precious truths…

Every single task that needs to be accomplished today will be accomplished with the Help of our faithful Shepherd in Heaven. He will grant us grace to walk through every circumstance, strength to get things done, and kind words to speak. Because He is faithful, He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can handle on THIS very day….

1 Corinthians 10:13- “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he WILL NOT let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

What’s on your to-do list? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Let me encourage you to remember God faithfulness as you journey through today and this week, for He is our sustainer through all things. The Lord will provide the time and strength to get everything accomplished; whether today, tomorrow, or next week, it will happen in His perfect timing!

Philippians 4:13-"I can do all things through through HIM who strengthens me!"

Today, instead of complaining about all our daily tasks, let's ask God to help us!

Matthew 7:7-8- "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."

Let Your Requests Be Made Known to God

2009-04-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

Psalm 94:17-18, 22- “If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up….The Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.”

Because we’re not all-wise or omnipotent, none of us know what our futures hold. For me, not knowing what my future holds or what the outcome of a situation will be can become, at times, a temptation to worry or fear. What God has taught me over the past few years is the precious truth that He is good and that He DOES release us from trials and tribulations in His perfect timing. Whether it’s God’s will to calm our storm or add another dimension to it, we don’t know. What we can be sure of, though, is that when we approach our gracious Father with prayer and praise, we’ll be freed from all our fears, and we’ll know the guarding power of His love, as Paul reminded the Philippians….

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:4-7)

Charles Spurgeon said, “There is no place to which you can be banished where God is not near, and there is no time of day or night when His throne is inaccessible. The caves have heard best prayer. Some of God’s people shine brightest in the dark.”

God Reigns in The Storm

2009-04-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

“The assurance that we have in the midst of our storm is that God’s ear is always open to our cry and that He’s not punishing us for our sins but rather has poured out every drop of His just wrath on His innocent Son. He’s with us even in our failures and is using them to benefit our soul and cause us to love the cross more and more”-Elyse Fitzpatrick

Because God loves us, and because He’s so kind, He promises that He will never leave us alone. We aren’t orphans, searching through the world for a Father who will love, protect, and provide for us in the midst of our storm. Even though we don’t see His physical body, He has given to us His Spirit for our comfort, and gives us all the assurance and truth that we need. We need not fear or anxiously look around for help. Our help is standing right in front of us, He is the One who endured the worst of it, for He will strengthen, help, and uphold us. Let’s transfer our focus from our suffering to His. Because of His suffering, the afflictions we’ve endured in the past, afflictions we’re enduring now, and afflictions we will endure in the future surely have/will come to an end…

1Peter 4:12-12- “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

“If ye trust in Him, ye shall receive strength; therefore, howsoever great your opposition may be, ye shall not be weary: If ye confide in and attentively look to him, ye shall have continual courage to go on, and never faint in your minds.” -Adam Clark

Today God is Strengthening My Heart…

2009-04-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days I’ve been walking through some circumstances that have tested my trust in our Almighty Father in Heaven

The Lord was quick to remind me of His love in the midst of these circumstances and bring comfort to my soul out of Isaiah 41:10- “Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I WILL strengthen you, I WILL help you, I WILL uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

God IS at work through all these situations, and in the end, He WILL prove to be faithful!

“You cannot serve Him in your strength. You can only serve Him in the strength He gives as you need it…Be of good courage, for today He will strengthen your heart.” -Charles Spurgeon

Trust Brings Contentment

2009-03-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Each day that goes by God continues to show me more reasons why He places trials and tribulations in the lives of His children. If everything in life were a smooth and easy path with no bumps along the way, there would be no reason to trust God through anything. Can you imagine what life would be like if we didn’t have to wait for anything? God has ordained that we walk through difficult times so that we may draw closer to Him. He uses those circumstances to grow faith in our hearts and to remind us that He fits all things together even when we cannot see it!

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14- “Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.”

As we learn to trust God in all things, contentment will become an act of worship. The soul worship of God is to be content with what He gives. When we humbly yield to God’s plan and purpose for our lives, He is pleased, and most of all, He is glorified! How wonderful it is to think about the fact that our lives can bring worship to His Holy name! When we give all our questions to God, when we don’t grumble about the past or become anxious about the future, when we place our tomorrows in God’s hands, we are free to wake up every morning and say, “Lord, this is the day that You have made. Show me ways I can glorify You in it!”

Let's read through Philippians 4:11-13 one more time….

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

As we journey through life day to day, let’s remember Paul’s example of contentment in the Lord and ask God for help when temped to grumble or complain about His chosen portion for us!

Just for Fun

2009-03-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here's some recent pictures...

Content with My Role

2009-03-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

Do you believe that God is the Blessed Controller of your roles? Has He given His best to you?

Jesus said, He came not to be served but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). He asks you and me to live our lives with the same purpose. Jesus humbled Himself and took the role of a servant. He used His assigned role to minister to those around Him and to give the ultimate gift of His very life.

If we want to be ones of contentment, we must choose to acccept our portion, our assigned roles from God. We must make the choice to dwell on the positive aspects of our roles in life. If we don’t, we’ll be discontent, always wanting something different from what we’ve been given.

We’ve been given a trust. We’ve been entrusted with many things: our natural gifts, our spiritual gifts, our financial resources. Our greatest role in life is to trust God! In His sovereignty, He has said it is in this role that we can best glorify Him. Will you trust that your assigned cup and portion come from His loving hand? Will you choose to use your role as a place to serve others?

Let’s pray and ask God to help us!

Hope you all have a blessed weekend! Check back on Monday for more on contentment! =)

Content to Be Me

2009-03-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Psalm 139:1-5, 13-16, 23-24- “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me….For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them….Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me (verse 1). Every aspect of David’s life was searched out and controlled by what God knew. God was intimately acquainted with all of David’s ways (verse 3), even before He created him. David said God’s knowledge was so complete that it was as if He has scoured every detail of David’s life. God knew David’s actions, but more incredibly, He knew his thoughts.”

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (verse 14) Have you ever thanked God for His loving supervision of your creation? Have you praised Him for creating your personality? Can you say with David, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made?" When God fashioned us in our mother’s womb, He embroidered us with great skill. If we are displeased with our physical form, we’re really arguing with God. God wants each of us to praise Him for His workmanship in creating us.

“I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of; for to have been thought about, born in God’s thought, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest, and most precious thing in all thinking.” –George MacDonald

God has a plan- a purpose- for each life: “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them (verse 16). The Almighty Creator of the universe has a prepared purpose for us to walk in. He created us because He had a plan for us to fulfill. How loved and unique we are! All of our abilities and disabilities were created to fit the unique plan God has. Every circumstance we encounter God is using to do what He desires in and through us.

“God created our inmost being and fashioned us in our mother’s womb so that we might be equipped to fulfill the plan that He set out for us even before we were born. Who you are is not a biological accident. What you are is not a circumstantial accident. God planned both for you.” –Jerry Bridges

In Ephesians 2:10 we read, that you and I “are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” When we’re not pleased with the talents, gifts, and abilities that God has Sovereignly placed in our lives, we are not convinced that God is the blessed controller over ALL things.

“God invited you to cooperate with Him to form the canvas of your life. If you yield to His artistry, the character of Christ will be reflected through the picture of your life. Stand back and look at the picture. What do you see reflected? Do you see the character of Christ, or do you see frantic activity? Do you try to paint with colors of character or colors of accomplishment?”

Let us remember that our inward character is our adornment (1 Peter 3:3-4)!

Content with Circumstances

2009-03-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Most of us can categorize our lives in both positive and negative ways. We could write a glowing list of the positives in our lives, and could then write a list of all the sobering negatives. Both the lists are most likely true, but our view of each list should be different.

How do you categorize your life? Let me encourage you to list the positives and negatives in your life and then let’s ask ourselves, which list do I spend the majority of my time dwelling on?

“Two women looked through prison bars
One saw mud the other saw stars”

When you look at your two lists, is your gaze looking down at the mud or is it lifted to the stars?

I’m sure that every one of us, at some point in our lives, has been in/are in circumstances that appear to be prison bars. God wants you and me to learn to be content in the “prison bar” circumstances because after all those circumstances are what God has Sovereignly ordained we walk through so that we may draw closer to Him. How do we learn to be content in those circumstances?....

We learn in Philippians 4:11 about Paul’s contentment “in whatever circumstance.” In the beginning of chapter 4 Paul describes our part and God’s part. First, our part, “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Basically what that verse says is, don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything and tell God all your needs.

When confronted with negative circumstances, we have a choice: Will we pray about the problem or will we worry about it? As I’ve recently learned, when we make the choice to pray instead of worry, we will personally experience God’s peace (God's part- Philippians 4:7). What a promise! Let’s learn to take our thoughts captive and dwell on the positive!

“Beware of what you dwell on for that you shall surely become” – Ralph Waldo

Today let’s choose to give our anxieties to God, choose to pray sacrificially, choose to be thankful, and choose to dwell on the positive! We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

My Journey to Contenment

2009-03-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Recently I’ve been doing a study on contentment out of Linda Dillow’s book, “Calm My Anxious Heart”. I've been freshly provoked as I think about the many things in my life that at times, I’ve failed to find contentment in…Please join me over the next couple weeks as I expound on what I’ve learned in the areas of finding joy and contentment in the midst of all God ordained circumstances. My prayer is that through the posts you’re encouraged as we embark on a journey to contentment together, finding God as our blessed Controller over all things!

Philippians 4:11-12- “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In every circumstances, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Just looking at Paul’s life shows us how amazing these verses truly are. Paul lived a life full of anything but positive circumstances. He wrote them while imprisoned in a dark, dreary dungeon. He was chained, he was lonely. I’m sure he wondered if all he had done to serve Christ really mattered. Paul’s life was anything but perfect and controlled; yet he said, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” Amazing!

“I know of no great simplifier for all of life. Whatever happens is assigned. Does the intellect balk at that? Can we say that there are things that happen to us that do not belong to our lovingly assigned “portion”? Are some things, then, out of the control of the Almighty? Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good. As I accept the given portion other options are canceled. Decisions become much easier, directions clearer, and hence my heart becomes inexpressibly quieter. A quiet heart is content with what God gives.” – Elizabeth Elliot

The following is a list provided from the study. Practicing them has helped me tremendously in my daily fight to grow in contentment though ALL circumstances. Let me encourage you to do the same. It is difficult at times, but as we read out of Philippians, we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us and God’s grace is ALWAYS there to pick us up when we fall and fail to recognize the GOOD in our circumstances…

-Never allow yourself to complain about anything- not even the weather.
-Never picture yourself in any other circumstance or someplace else.
-Never compare your lot with another’s
-Never allow yourself to wish this or that has been otherwise.
-Never dwell on tomorrow- remember that [tomorrow] is God’s, not ours.

At all times, in all circumstances, Christ is able and willing to provide the strength we need to be content!

Father, I thank You that You are Sovereign over every situation and circumstance that go on each and every day. I pray that you would grant me the grace to find You as the blessed controller over all circumstances. In every situation may I be one who points my gaze to the cross, and just as Paul did, learn to find contentment in the most dreary circumstances in life.

Faithful Shepherd

2009-03-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

“There is nowhere we can go that He has not been there before us… We walk always in the shadow of His presence and His care… for the Shepherd doesn’t call His sheep to unfamiliar pasture- He has promised that, where we are, we will also find Him there.” –B.J. Hoff

Have you recently seen Christ in your circumstances? Do you see Him at work when things don’t go as planned? How about when running late and stuck in traffic?....

Isn’t it comforting to know that God is Sovereign over ALL circumstances (relationships, work, finances, etc.)?! It bring much joy to my soul when I remember that He’s graciously ordained every step we take even if it’s not an easy step. The best part about it all is that every circumstance we walk through whether easy or hard, all serve two purposes… they are for our GOOD and God’s GLORY!

Something that has helped me keep my gaze on Christ in the midst of stressful circumstances is quoting Psalm 118:24- “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Every time I quote that scripture verse I’m freshly encouraged and reminded of God’s Sovereignty over all circumstances. I’m reminded to take a step back and find the good in the stressful moments rather than complaining about the circumstance.

Let’s learn to be grateful for ALL God has provided for us (even troubled circumstances) and remember that “THIS is the day that the Lord has made…Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!”

Rest In God's Presnece... Exodus 33:14

2009-03-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

Please read through and find rest in God through the following encouraging words from Charles Spurgeon…

Nothing can harm you if God is your refuge. David said, “You are my rock and my fortress” (Ps. 32:3), and every believing child of God may claim the same promise. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (Ps. 46:2-3), “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Ex. 33:14). May these inexpressibly precious promises be fulfilled in your life today.

What could your heart desire or your mind conceive beyond the blessedness of these assurances? God’s presence and God rest is a ring of finest gold set with the choicest pearl. This blessing is worthy of God, and only His boundless love could proclaim.

Think these promises over. Chew on them as food for your soul. Let the Holy Spirit speak these words with power and your innermost soul will be satisfied with the best of heaven’s food.”

Happy Birthday Christine!

2009-03-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Christine! Thank you for the faithful woman of God you are and the example of one who trusts in the Lord! You’re friendship is a blessing! I love you!!!

Still Here...

2009-03-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting recently… I can’t believe it’s already half way through March... This year has been flying by! I’ve been incredibly busy lately, but I’m loving every bit of it! I’ll be honest, there’s been a bit of stress in the midst of the busyness, but God is always faithful to sustain when walking through those circumstances. He’s provided much time recently for serving projects which has been an answer to prayer. I know God has me exactly where I’m supposed to be right now and I feel as though He has many things in store for the rest of this year! Hopefully this week I’ll be able to do some more in-depth posts so ya'll come back now! =)

Expect Trials to Multiply

2009-03-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

The following quote from Charles Spurgeon has brought much encouragement to me today. I pray it does the same for you!

“God does not put heavy burdens on weak shoulders. God educated and tests our faith by trials that increase in proportion to our faith. God expects us to do adult work and to endure adult afflictions only after we have reached a mature status in Christ Jesus. Therefore, beloved, expect your trials to multiply as you proceed toward heaven…

Do no think that as you grow in grace your path will become smoother and the sky calmer and cheerer. Quite the contrary! As God gives you greater skill as a soldier of the cross, He will send you on more difficult missions. As He more fully equips your ship to sail in storms, He will send you on longer voyages to more boisterous seas, so that you may honor Him and increase in holy confidence.”

You're So Good to Me!

2009-03-10T04:43:00.000-07:00

“Though troubles fall like rain, this precious truth remains…Lord You’re so good to me!”

Does that ring a bell for you? That line from the Sovereign Grace song “You’re So Good to Me” has been my theme song lately. Why? Because it speaks such gospel truth! Every time I’m tempted to despair or forget God’s faithfulness through troubled times, He asks, “Have I not been good to you in the past”? If He was good and faithful then, He will most certainly be good and faithful today and forever!

Maybe you too have been prone to doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness through troubled times... Let me encourage you to find a song to sing or a verse to recite in your head when fighting that temptation. Today when unexpected circumstances arise, what will I sing? “Lord You so good to me!!!”

Romans 8:28- “For we know that for those who love God ALL things work together for GOOD, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

The Time is Now!

2009-03-05T17:00:00.001-08:00

Over the past couple weeks on the girl talk blog they’ve been doing a series of posts on single woman finding the best deals of the single season. “Best deals” meaning all the different opportunities that we should be taking advantage of. Deals that bring glory to God and will help prepare us for the season of marriage and motherhood.

In today’s post Janelle Bradshaw wrote, “Bringing up children, showing hospitality, caring for the afflicted—these aren’t things the godly woman does one time, like a community service requirement. Good works are what she is giving her life, energy, time, and heart to. Good works are what she is all about.”

Have you ever heard anyone say, “My life will start once I get married”? Sad, but true, I’ve heard that saying many times and that is the mentality of many single woman today. I myself have been tempted to think that way before, but by God’s grace He kindly corrected my thoughts. My single friends, the time is NOW, it is THIS very day that we are to be preparing for the time when Lord willing we will be wives and mothers. Being a submissive wife and nurturing mother is not something that will happen overnight. It takes time and work! One way we can test how submissive we are is by our response to our dad or other godly leaders in our lives. The way we respond to them will most likely be the way we respond to our future husbands. Are we loving towards our siblings or children in our churches?

Are good works what you’re all about? Let me encourage you to take a step back and look at all the ways you’ve been serving or where you need to pick up the slack. Writing things out always helps me. Is there a family you know in need of a babysitter or a mom who needs an afternoon off? It doesn’t take much time… Let’s think and then take action! Let us not wait! Let’s seek every opportunity we can to do good works!

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can.” -John Wesley

Be Thou My Vision

2009-03-04T20:04:00.001-08:00

Over the past couple days I’ve not been able to stop singing the familiar hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” Part of the reason why is because I was deeply ministered to while singing this song Sunday night. I was freshly provoked to point my gaze to the cross in ALL situations, even the very small ones. After doing much meditating on the lyrics I’ve searched for some different scripture verses that tie in with the song… Hope they encourage you today!

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Psalm 34:1- “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be on my mouth.”

Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Psalm 111:10- “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding, His praise endures forever!”

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

1 Timothy 6:12- “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Ephesians 6:11- “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

Matthew 6:21- “For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.”

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

Even so...it is well with my soul!

2009-03-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Amber and I went down to Orlando and what a wonderful time it was. The whole time there we felt like we were on a retreat…We were able to catch up with many friends we don’t get to see very often and during all the meetings (singles, church, and a worship and ministry night) the Lord was faithful to meet us. We both realized that we needed to break away from all the chaos of life for a couple days. I came home very refreshed (and tired, but thank God for caffeine!) and ready to take on a busy week….

Over the past couple weeks the Lord has delivered me from many challenging obstacles and turned them into joyful circumstances. I’m becoming more and more aware of why God had me where I was over the past couple years even though, at times, it made absolutely no sense. Though I’m still just as busy and maybe even busier than I was, the Lord has brought much joy to my soul and has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders. Things are still kind of crazy for my family. It’s especially hard not having dad at home, but God continues to be faithful. He has been our rock during troubled times! Words do not express how overwhelmingly wonderful His love has been to me recently. I’m continuing to see glimpses of His faithfulness and learning to rest in the arms of my Daddy in Heaven through difficult times. Though still walking through a season of the unknown…strength is rising as I wait upon the Lord! How kind He is!

Psalm 62:5-8- “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”

Lamentations 3:22-23- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Fun With the Neikirk's!

2009-02-27T21:24:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the privelage of going and hanging out with the Neikirk kids for the evening. We had a great time... Jared made us all delicious pizza, we played games, read books, Lacey made us dessert. What more could you ask for?!

Lacey making dessert with leftover Bruster's sundae bar toppings :)

Kennedy and Trevor were ready for theirs

Justino showing us all his guitar skills

Silly faces...

Sweet Mary

Something was funny :-p

Thanks Neikirk kids for letting me hang out with ya'll for the night! I had lots of fun!

Girl's Night Out

2009-02-27T21:05:00.001-08:00

This past Wednesday night Lana and I had the opportunity to spend the night with some of the high school and middle school girls from church. We had a great time goofing off and getting to know the girls better. I was very encouraged talking with them all and hearing what's going on in their life. I was also able to spend some time praying with one of the girls. It was a wonderful evening!

Lana and Lacey

Sweet Laura and Lydia

Lacey painted my nails :)

Sisters!

Laura and Lydia

Cici, Lacey, and Victoria at The Loop

Victoria and I patiently waiting for Karah =)

Recent Pictures

2009-02-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

Mi
This was last Friday night...we were all driving to go somewhere and we hit completely stopped traffic on the highway. We sat there for about 30 minutes and the boys got out of their cars...boys will be boys :-p (Jason, Kevin, and Ryan)

Elisa

At our last home group meeting I had child care and taught all the kids on being kind to every member of your friends family. The following are all the kiddos (the one's that were there) with their beautifully colored pictures...

Carter

Zion

Josiah

Tyler

Photo taken by Elisa =)

During the National Championship game... Gotta have a few goofy shots :-p

Cutie pa tootie!

And just incase some of you forgot. THE GATOR'S WON!!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2009-02-25T14:18:00.001-08:00

Phew! Things have begun to get very busy for my family again. We’re always busy, but this week has been exceptionally CRAZY…Spring Garden Centers have opened back up! Over the weekend we got everything closed at Bruster’s and on Monday we started opening a few garden center locations (That is how my dad does things, when he closes one business, he opens another :) ). This year we have six locations, all in Jacksonville. I’m loving everything I’ve been doing, especially the fact that I’m able to work out of our home with my mom. I must say that I’ve got the best co-workers in the world! =) Hopefully the initial chaos will slow down a bit over the next few weeks.

I’m still receiving many phone calls and e-mails asking how I’ve been feeling! Once again, thank you all so much! I’m almost completely better! Praise the Lord! I’ve still got a slight cough and every now and then will have tightness in my breathing. I’m just happy to be able to get back to work. I’ve kissed the couch goodbye! =)

On anther note…this weekend Amber and I are taking a mini road trip down to Orlando on Saturday to visit some friends and go to a couple meetings. I’m pretty excited! So if you live in Orlando and didn’t know that, surprise… we’re coming! =) Can’t wait to see you all!!!