Opinion

Hi all, before I started writing on my blog again, I thought i should ask your opinion on something. I have heard a lot of different opinions on how often you should write on your blog. Some people say not that often to give the readers a chance to read what you've written. And others say to write very often so that you can get more readers
interested in what you've written...

so, what do you think I should do? Should I write like 3 times a week? Every other day? once a week? Let me know, and I'll try to please everyone... : )

The 11th Anniversary

Today marks the day that my dear little sister, "Grace Elizabeth Baughman" would have had her 11th birthday.

For those of you who don't know the story or don't remember, I'll tell you.
The Beginning...
It was a crisp fall morning from what I remember....
I had just woken up, and my cousin was still sleeping. (my cousins came with my grandparents to visit us...my cousins parents would be coming later the next day)
Since my cousin was still sleeping, and knowing how long she sleeps, I went out to the living room....there I saw my Grandma...crying...with her hands on her head. I didn't think I should interrupt her, so I went back to my room. My cousin had just
woken up, and was rubbing her eyes.
My Grandma walks in the room then, her eyes, swollen from crying. She says, "Caitlin...your mom went to the hospital this morning...Grace died." I held the tears back as it stung me. I had prayed to God for a little sister, and now, I didn't have one! "God...what are you doing???"
I asked inside myself.

Grace Elizabeth Baughman was a still born at 8 months pregnancy. She was sick, and my parents didn't know it. My mom felt something was wrong, and so my dad rushed her to the hospital. My mom got to hold Grace for a few minutes before she
was taken away with one of the nurses.

My mom came home a few days later; eyes swollen from crying so much.
She had carried little Grace for 8 months, and now...she was confused.

The Funeral was that Saturday. Our family and friends flew out to visit us in our distress, and for the funeral. I had worn a light green dress with flowers on it. I was
only 9 years old at the time, and I as well was confused.

As the weeks flew by, my mom and dad still hadn't healed. We had wonderful friends watch us kids, which at the time was Corey,(11) me,(9) Ethan,(6) and Austin. (2)
I was enjoying my time with my friends, and didn't realize what a hard time my
mom was having recovering from this loss.

That Thanksgiving, we were at our usual family reunion, which was in California at the time. We were at my Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Danny's house. We were celebrating my grandma's birthday, which wasn't for another few weeks, but we celebrated it any way. My Grandma opened her card, and tears filled her eyes. She stood up, and gave my parents a hug saying, "Congratulations!!!" I was totally confused...what was in the card? "What did it say?" I asked. My dad said, "Mommies going to have another baby!!!" Wow!!! Unbelievable!!! God had answered my prayer!!!

On June 11th...Joy Elianna Baughman was born, weighing 4 Ibs. and 5 Onces. She had a cleft lip, a hole in the roof of her mouth, and was not breathing...UNTIL...my dad said, "Joy! Joy, stay with us sweety!" And she started breathing. She was in the NICU for a week, and with a few surgeries a few months after she was born...she
was a normal little girl! God had answered my prayer!

So...my mom and dad named "Grace" Grace because God blessed us with her, which is what her name meant...we named "Joy" Joy, because God gave us yet another blessing of Joy!!! "Where Grace abounds, Joy Prevails" is what my mom named her Journal.
Our family went through a long journey, but going through this journey has caused my parents to KNOW that God is SOVEREIGN!!! And Ruler over all!
Tonight, my mom is taking an art class...she cried because, she feels like, even though the pain is still there, that she can finally start over. She can enjoy her life as it passes her by, and going through life she is learning that God is in control, and that
he has a perfect plan for everything!!!

...So, that's the story of my sister, "Grace Elizabeth Baughman"...
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to HIS purpose."
~Romans 8:28~

God, give me the Strength to Stand!

Recently, a friend of mine told me some things that she needed prayer for. I felt so special, to know that she trusted me by telling me her hurts and pains.
Sometimes in life, all we need is a shoulder to cry on, or someone to tell us that it's going to be okay. We need the strength to stand, and sometimes, God gives us friends to show us just that. God is our ultimate Strength!

So, when we need strength...where do we go to? Whom do we turn to?
My siblings this past week, have had this dry cough. For my 14 year old brother, Austin, it's not as big of a deal, but for my 4 year old brother, Elijah, he coughs so much at night that he can't breath, which scares him, so he cries...keeping specifically my parents up all night! So in the morning, my parents need Gods strength to get through the day. They can't make it without Him.

When we are most desperate, we cry out to God, and God strengthens us to get back up again and stand. So, maybe you have a friend whose struggling. Maybe their struggling to put food on the table, maybe their struggling financially, or maybe their struggling in some other way. Whatever they are struggling in, offer to pray for them, and see if there's anything else you can help with; whether it's cooking for them, offering to watch their kids for the day, (whether you feel like it or not) or something else. Show a little encouragement to them, and let God use you to give them the Strength to stand! And the next time you feel weak, pray to God,
"God, give me the Strength to Stand!"

Have you ever had one of those days when your life was so chaotic, and you're so grumpy, and yet when you go to the store you go with a smile on your face any way and you say, "Everything's fine!" ?

I had done that recently...I was babysitting for some friends of ours, and when I came home that day, I was...grumpy. I yelled at everyone in my way, and didn't care what they thought. It wasn't until later that day that I was convicted in my heart what I had done that day.

Life is like that, isn't it? We hate it when people treat us badly, so why do we turn around and do the same thing? I found this poem online, and I thought it fit
perfectly to what I'm talking about. Enjoy!

Family

Author: Unknown

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said good-bye.
But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
But the family you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."
By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.
"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found them, out by the tree.
I picked them because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like them, especially the blue."
I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

Listening in the Quietness of the Desert

Have you ever gone through a trial so bad, that you felt like you were in a deep, dark hole without a way to get out or knowing which way was out? I have! My parents have! Maybe you're having a hard time finding a job, or trying to figure out what to do with each child you have. Maybe you're experiencing something so big, and so dramatic, that you don't think it will ever be over.

I remember watching this movie we have called, "Hinds Feet on High Places". It's one of those low quality films, but it's just enough to make you cry. I'm sure many of you know how the story goes, and if you don't, I encourage you to find out! Any way, "Much Afraid" is at one time in the desert, lonely, and trying to figure out the "Shephards" (God's) plan for her. It is at this time that her two companions help her to trust God. When "Much Afraid" goes through the wilderness, it's dark, cloudy and stormy, and it's through this storm that she learns that God is always with her.
When we go through trials in our life, as hard as it is, we need to understand that God has a plan out of that trial. We may not see it at the time, but God does!
The next time your in the desert or wilderness...STOP! LISTEN! It's in this desperate time that you hear God's powerful voice!

Ginny Owens wrote a song called, "If you want me to", and I thought it was perfect to share with ya'll. The song is beautiful as well!

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
(James 1:2-4) (NASB)

If You Want Me To:
The pathway is broken and the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here.
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley if You want me to

'Cause I'm not who I was when I took my first step; And
I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet. So if all of these
trials bring me closer to You, then I will go through the fire if You want me to.

It may not be the way I would have chosen, when You lead me through
a world that's not my home. But You never said it would be easy,
You only said I'd never go alone.

So when the whole world turns against me, and I'm all by myself; And I can't hear You answer my cries for help. I'll remember the suffering, Your love put You through, And I will go
through the darkness if You want me to.

When I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout! I'm gonna look into Your eyes and see, You never let me down. So take me on the pathway that will lead me home to You, And I will
walk through the valley if You want me to; Yes, I will walk through the valley
if You want me to

Are you truly Blessed?

Today’s big question: are you truly blessed?

Happiness is something most people want. In fact, I think we have read somewhere that everyone has the right to the pursuit of happiness, but what is true happiness?

Our verse today is the first of the Beatitudes. The word “beatitude” is from the Latin rootbeatus, which means blessed or happy. As you read through these statements of Jesus from His great sermon, you will notice each one starts with the word “blessed,” or in some translations the word is “happy.” Yet there is a much deeper meaning to the meaning of this word than just a favorable feeling. This term actually conveys the idea of fulfillment and complete satisfaction.

The island of Cyprus has been called the “Blessed Isle,” because it was thought to have everything necessary for life contained within its small coastline perimeter. It was self-contained and filled. This is really the meaning of what true blessedness is in respect of the Beatitudes. This blessedness speaks of the actual realization of a true satisfaction and fulfilled joy.

Jesus is never surface deep. The happiness of knowing Him is not like the happiness I feel when I receive a piece of birthday cake. In knowing Jesus, I am completely fulfilled in my life, and there is nothing else that I need. My salvation, eternity, and sanctification are to His glory, and I cannot think of any greater desire. When we come to know Jesus Christ, we come to know true satisfaction in life. Nothing else in this whole world can satisfy—not riches, fame, power, or even my own beloved earthly family.

My satisfaction and joy is only found in Christ and His Cross. There is no one else in whom I can know there is complete victory. No one else has taken the judgment I deserve and paid for my sins. There is none other in whom is found true and everlasting kingship, and there is no one else who is all-encompassing and possesses everlasting mercy, grace, and love.
Only Jesus.

Are you blessed? If so, you will be able to relate to the satisfaction found in the contemplation and realization of the Beatitudes. As my mother would say, “It will bless your socks off.”

Today’s big idea: blessing is more than a happy outcome—it is a complete and
satisfying joy in our Savior.

(Excerpt from Answers in Genesis articles)

Rodeo Queens and...

Many of you may not agree with me on this issue, but I feel like it has to be discussed. Last night, our family went to the "free" day Rodeo at our local fairgrounds. Before it all started, there were, "Rodeo Queens" that were elected and chosen before judges. There were about 12 girls between the ages of maybe 14 and 18. They wore shiny, glittery shirts, cowboy boots and hats, tight jeans, curled up hair and a fabric symbol across their chest saying,
"Rodeo Queen"and some other things.

That's how today's culture is...isn't it?

We flaunt our bodies as if it were some fashion show; and make our body shape stand out. We've lost the term "modest". There is no such thing any more to this culture. What they call modest, is basically besides the under garments, a shirt and short...not realizing how tight things can be can really draw
attention to themselves.

I once heard a story about a professor...he was teaching classes, and there was this one young woman that stood out. She wore tight clothing, low cut shirts, and flaunted her body everywhere she went. The professor was drawn into it, but knew that it was sin especially since he was married and had kids waiting for him at home. He told his wife about his issue. His wife thanked him for being honest, and she asked him what he was going to do about it. Well, the next week, he met with the board of directors, and they got together with this young woman. They told her about the professors struggle, and she immediately burst into tears. You see...she didn't know that it was a sin to be dressing like that. She didn't realize that the way she walked, talked, and dressed was tempting this young man. So, the next day when she came to class, she dressed in loose clothing, that covered up everything. She soon became a Christian after that.

Some women don't know how to dress. Some ignore it, and some don't even know what's right and wrong. Regardless, the Bible tells us..."Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly..."
(1st Timothy 2:9)

So, I'm NOT saying that you can't wear, this or that, and that you have to dress this way and that way...but I am saying that we need to be careful with our thought process behind our clothing. Are we dressing the way we do to draw a certain attention to ourselves? Are we even thinking that some of the things we wear, make other people stumble? I don't want anyone to get across me wrong, and to think me very judgmental, but I would suggest maybe asking yourselves, or better yet, your brother/dad/husband/sister/mom what they think about your clothing. There may be nothing wrong with your clothing or
how you dress, but I would at least discuss it with them.
Who knows, you just may be surprised.