Taste and See!

The last couple days, I've been struggling with a cold/cough. In which case, I can't taste... I've also lost my appetite for several days. Tasting is such a wonderful thing that God blessed us with. You don't enjoy something so much, until it's gone! I begun to realize that God gave us our five senses for a reason... to enjoy the food that He created! However, we do abuse the tongue many times... by the things we say,
or the things we eat that aren't good for us, such as Chocolate, cake, cookies... the list can go on. On one of the days that I was sick, my dad made Chocolate Chip Cookies! Can you believe that I couldn't taste or enjoy the smell of Chocolate Chip Cookies?!
I was looking up Bible verses about tasting, and found in Psalm 34:8, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

~Genesis 1:29~

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food."

God has given us a tongue to distinguish what's sour, what's sweet, what's bad, and what's good. We can enjoy the sweetness of a shake, coffee, tea, chocolate milk, when we have our senses working. So, when I get my taste back, I will be so grateful! :) Here are some other verses that I enjoyed reading. Enjoy! :)

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Mark 9:50

Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Though you slay me

Hello all! Sorry, I meant to post on Good Friday, however, I was struggling with some sort of cold, and was too weak and tired. Feeling better, with just a cough that's extremely irritating!
It got me thinking a lot this week, about when we're afflicted with pain and misery, and I looked up a couple Bible verses.
Romans 8:18

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

2 Corinthians 4:16  
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Romans 5:3-4 

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope..."

Psalm 119:71  "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes."

Psalm 34:19  "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

Not only is all your affliction momentary; not only is all your affliction light, in comparison to eternity, and the glory there, but all of it is totally meaningful! Every millisecond, of your pain from the fallen nature or fallen man; every millisecond of your misery in the path of obedience is producing a peculiar glory, you will get because of that! It might be cancer, or criticism! It might be slander or sickness! It wasn't, meaningless! It's doing something! It's not meaningless! Of course you can't see what He's doing! Don't look to what is seen... when your mom dies, when your kid dies, you've got cancer at 40, when a car careens into the sidewalk and takes her out... don't say it's meaningless; it's not! It's working for you, and eternal wait of glory! Therefore, do NOT lose heart! But take these truths, and day by day, focus on them! Preach them to yourself every morning. Get alone with God, and preach His word into your mind until your heart sings with confidence, that you are new and cared for!
Shane and Shane: Though you Slay Me:
I come, God, I come
I return to the Lord
The one who's broken
The one who's torn me apart
You struck down to bind me up
You say You do it all in love
That I might know You in Your suffering
Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who's all I need
My heart and flesh may fail
The earth below give way
But with my eyes, with my eyes I'll see the Lord
Lifted high on that day
Behold, the Lamb that was slain
And I'll know every tear was worth it all
Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who's all I need
Though tonight I'm crying out
Let this cup pass from me now
You're still all that I need
You're enough for me
You're enough for me
Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who's all I need
Sing a song to the one who's all I need

http://youtu.be/qyUPz6_TciY

A Daughters Struggle

I have been asked to participate in a question by Libby at: http://anoblecallingblog.blogspot.com/
and
Cameron at: http://followerofchristsblog.blogspot.com/
The question was: What is your greatest struggle as a stay-at-home daughter
Hmm... tough question! It seems to be different the older I get. From a 21 year old, stay-at-home daughters perspective, I would say at first it was finding contentment within the home. I had so many family members ask me what I was going to be doing when I grew up, and I couldn't give them an answer. Me, being the first born daughter, my mom and dad knew that when they'd raise me, they'd raise me to be a Homemaker. (Titus 2:5) But, they didn't know what that would look like.
  My great Aunt Pearl told me, "Idle hands are the devil's playground", so I know how important it is to have contentment. There are many days when I still struggle with being content... I have thoughts such as, "When will I get married and have children?" "What can I do today that I can drive around town for?" ..etc.. however, those times when I do feel dis-contented, I have to stop myself, pray, read the Bible, ask God for forgiveness, and think of things that can help my parents out throughout the day. I'd highly recommend the book, "Calm my Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow. I read this book when I was 17, and loved it so much that I bought it for myself.
As I grew older, I became so busy with life that the greatest struggle began to be making time with God. Sure, maybe pray once a day, but I didn't read the Bible, except for family worship every night, and on Sunday's. I began making my life more important than God. So, for me, I have to constantly remind myself that I need to make time for God  Lately, God has been giving me a break in my schedule, and so rather than try and get things done, I've been able to soak in the Word of God joyfully! :) We can all choose to read the Bible every day, but if our heart isn't in the right place, than we can't find joy. If we find contentment in Christ, then we will find contentment in the home. :)
Here are some verses in the Bible that talk about Contentment:
Philippians 4:11-13, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
1st Timothy 6:6, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain."

A Silent Denial

A thought hit me as I prayed this morning: "have I also denied my Lord?"

In my mind's eye I saw a dark, cold dungeon. The air was filled with the putrid stench of rotting flesh and rats. In the corner of one cell sat a large figure hunched over, eyes closed and lips moving in prayer. His body bore wounds that told of many beatings, some fresh and some reopened.He sat there and prayed for his persecutors, his family, his church, and begging God for strength to endure to the end. His persecutors had beaten him time and again telling him that he had but only renounce his faith and he could be set free. They told him he could even continue to worship his God if he only said the words of denial and would no more preach. To merely let him go would mean he would be free to share his faith and many would believe as before. And whenever they killed the "Christ followers" twenty more would spring up in his place because of his martyrdom. But if he relented, if he gave in and denied his faith then no one would believe or respect him after that.

However this man was unwavering in his devotion to God. He would not be silent. He would not be ashamed or afraid of what man would do to him. He would continue to share the Gospel with all those he came in contact with. He would never deny his Lord.

But it got me thinking... I wonder... Have we done that which we would never dream?
Have we--have I denied my Lord?

I imagine often of persecution, imprisonment, and even death for the sake of Christ. Something much like someone holding a gun to my head and asking "Will you say you deny Christ and never evangelize again?" I look them in the eye and say with a resolute passion, "no, I could never and will never deny my Lord." (and then they pull the trigger...? I just hope that if persecution does break out here in America that I will be seen as a threat).

But perhaps our culture has already played the part of the persecutor and has beaten and threatened us until we no more share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We're scared. We're ashamed. It's uncomfortable. I myself succumb to those lies and fears.

We've never verbally denied our Lord, but just the same we've kept our faith secret and silent, content to just blend into this world. Silently we have called the things of this world our lord and forsaken our First Love. If the world or the culture can get us to be silent and blend in then they've won - to them it is better then just killing us off because we will only seem weak and ineffective. And the truth is, that if we Christians are living according to God's Word then either the culture will change or crosses will be erected.

I guess what I'm trying to communicate here is that our silence is denial. Denial of our Lord, denial of the Great Commission He has given us to fulfill.
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
~Matthew 28:18-20~

My heart aches to know that within the past few weeks I've been in conversations where it led to planting seeds about the Lord, but I chose not to because I simply wasn't expecting it. I wasn't looking for ways that I could plant Gospel seeds, and when the situation arose I found it more convenient to remain silent on the topic. I don't want to live as one that has denied the Lord. I want to live boldly and to lovingly proclaim the Gospel to others. I will not hide my light under a bushel, but put it on a candlestick.

Come Christian, you are called to be a light to the world - not to imitate the darkness. To shine forth with the radiant Gospel of Jesus Christ. Oh let us not deny Him in spirit! Let us call Jesus Lord and let our walk be self-evident to that fact.~Grace Elizabeth~
http://allforchristsglory.wordpress.com/

Authentic Beauty

While I was in Russia, I was talking with some Pastors in the Living Room at the "Purcell's House", I excused myself to go grab some more water, when I was gently touched by my hand. An older woman, who I had been getting to know the past couple days, "Mrs. Craig", took me by my hand, looked at me very sweetly, and said, "You are so beautiful!" I smiled, and politely thanked her as I walked away.

Having someone tell you something, whether about your looks, or the things you do, is always so encouraging! :) So, encourage others! It may be hard to do at times, but I can guarantee you, that it will make their day! :)

So, what does authentic beauty look like? What does being Feminine look like? Are we suppose to be a set-apart young woman from the culture? What should our lifestyle look like? Please join me as we study these Biblical principles, and how we can make it apart of our lifestyle!

To start off, here are a couple verses that talk about beauty:
1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
Proverbs 31:30 ESV 

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
Psalm 139:14 ESV 

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
1 Samuel 16:7 ESV 

"...For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
1 Peter 3:4 ESV

"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

As you can see, beauty is mentioned often in scripture! Beauty is more than just nail polish, make-up, and hair. Beauty is so much more! It begins in the heart. Our perception of our beauty and femininity is often shaped by the culture in which we live in. As we seek to live the set-apart life, we will not likely be understood or appreciated by the world around us. often even in the Christian world. But we are not on this journey alone. God is with us, and is tenderly shaping us into His - lilies among thorns in this generation. In His presence is the fullness of joy, and the true, authentic beauty! :) Have a wonderful day! 

When You hit rock bottom

All of us have been there! And for those who haven't, your time will come. All of us know what its like to be at our lowest point in life. Maybe we think we've hit rock bottom, only to have another rock being thrown our way. The rock will hit, and it will hit hard! The rock will hit so hard, that you have no
 one to rely on, except God Himself!
Just recently, my family and I watched a movie called, "Seasons of Gray". It's a modern day story of Joseph, in the Bible. It really made me think of how Joseph truly felt. He probably felt like God had abandoned him. He probably had doubts, fears, pain, and I'm sure he had to deal with forgiving his brothers. Joseph could have chosen to do so many things, but instead, he chose to let God rule his life. Surrendering isn't the
easiest thing to do. It's so easy to just give up the fight. I wonder what Joseph did and thought about
while he was in prison for something he didn't do... Did he question Gods motives? Did he accept his
life, knowing that Gods will was in all of this, and that God was trying to teach him something?
As far as Joseph knew, he'd die in Prison! There are so many things we can learn from in Joseph's life, as well as many others throughout the Bible.

We see in 2nd Corinthians 12:9, "...My Grace is sufficient for you,
 for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Wow! Gods strength is made perfect in OUR weakness!
Here are a couple verses that I thought fit perfectly with our discussion.
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
~Galatians 6:9~
"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and hear my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps..."
~Psalm 40:1-2~
What are some verses that have helped you when you've gone through a trial? What are some ways that you can encourage others who are going through a tough trial in their life right now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHEm-b4IRYk

Learning To Be Still

Hi there everyone! Sorry its been a while since I've posted! I just got back from Russia on Thursday morning at 2:00 a.m., and then went to bed around 3:00 a.m. with little sleep. I took a Benadryl on Thursday night, fell asleep by by 9:00 p.m., and woke up at 11:15 a.m. on Friday morning! :) 14 hours of wonderful sleep! Any way, how do you return to normal life, after being gone for 2 weeks?!
After trying to get my life back together, unpacking clothes, running a couple errands, and doing some other odds and ins, I was reminded about the verse in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Be still? Wow! After being busy constantly in Russia, it was nice just to be still! To thank God for everything that He'd given me, pray, think, and just be in silence!
How often to do we take life for granted? How often do our lives get so busy that we aren't "still"? We are to be still and know that He is God even in the midst of those days that our life is out of control!!!
Let's take a moment of each day, and Be Still! Seek His Face, and Pray! :)
I looked up a couple verses about being still, so I thought I'd share them! Enjoy!
Psalm 37:7

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
Mark 4:39

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Psalm 62:5

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

                                           

                                             http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD2uPRhOPkk

                                             http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMM1hLwDhz0