Abortion and Planned Parenthood

     Many of you probably know that Planned Parenthood has been selling aborted babies and their body parts, profiting from the death of the unborn. This dark truth has just recently come into the public eye thanks to a series of videos released by the Center for Medical Progress. For those unaware of what's happening, please take a look at Doug Wilson's writeup on the story (http://dougwils.com/s7-engaging-the-culture/ghouls.html) and watch the video below.
     I thought I'd take this opportunity to share an excerpt from a report presented to the General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in 1971. It's not exhaustive, but it provides a solid groundwork on the topic:     

As we search the Scriptures for God's will concerning abortion, we find that the whole abortion issue can be reduced to one question: Is the fetus in the womb of the mother a human life? If the answer is yes, then abortion for the sake of convenience is murder, and the Christian church has the obligation to teach its members to protect and nourish the life of the unborn child. The sixth commandment gives an absolute prohibition against murder (Exodus 20:13), and so murder is never, under any circumstances, to be regarded as a moral option.    

 Often supporters of abortion confuse the issue by pointing to the financial and emotional hardships that both mother and child will face if a pregnancy is carried to full term. Certainly, the pressing social hardships surrounding unwanted pregnancies are enormous, but if an unborn child is a human life, some way of treating the problem must be found other than licensing the hospitals and clinics of our nation to perform mass executions of unwanted children.     So is a fetus in the womb of the mother a human life? I believe the Bible answers with a resounding yes! Consider the following evidence:

1.  God relates in a personal way to the unborn child (Ps. 139:13-14; 51:5; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:44). He does so because the child is created in his image.[2]

1.  The Bible teaches that both conception and birth occur because of the sovereign rule of God (Gen. 21:1-2; 30:1-2; 1 Sam. 1:19-20; Job 31:15; 33:4; Ps. 100:3; 127:3). "It would be a willful act of defiance against the Creator intentionally to kill an unborn child whose conception is so intimately a divine as well as a human act."[3]

1.  The Greek word for "child" in Luke 2:12 (brephos) is used in Luke 1:41, 44 to refer to John the Baptist while he was in his mother's womb. A Hebrew word for "child"(yeled) is used of the unborn in the mother's womb (Ex. 21:22).[4]

1.  Theologian John Jefferson Davis points out that "the personal history of the Son of God on earth begins not when he was 'born of the Virgin Mary,' but when he was 'conceived by the Holy Spirit.' His human history, like ours, began at conception."[5]

1. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit even while he was in his mother's womb (Luke 1:15).

The Bible treats human life, from conception to death, as a continuing experience. To willfully terminate it for reasons of convenience is murder. Faithfulness to the Word of God demands that this truth be taught in the church of Jesus Christ.  

(Taken from: http://opc.org/feature.html)

Marriage- For Better AND for Worse

     As I was taking a walk the other today, I decided to stop by the gas station to get a little bit of A/C on myself. As I was about to leave, the cashier pointed to my shirt that said, "I love my husband", and said, "Are you a newlywed?" I said, "Well, we've been married for a little over 5 months now." :) She said, "In 10 years, you're not gonna want to wear that shirt! I mean, you'll still love him and all, but you're not gonna want to wear that shirt." And then she laughed. She then went on to tell me to have a good day, and she moved onto another customer.

     I couldn't help but think of how sad that was. I don't know her past, but all I know is that I will always Love and cherish Joshua Narwold​! After my parents have been married for 25 years, and I still see the love they have for each other, and I see Josh's parents, and many other couples around me still in love, if not even more now then when they first got married.

     In today's day and age, marriage isn't cherished. When a husband and wife marry, they put aside "for better or worse". They give up too easily. God meant marriage to be for life. Unless you have Christ as the center in your marriage, how can your marriage last? I love Josh, and will continue to cherish him through the good and the bad. Through the rough days, and the good days. After all, Christ did the same for us, shouldn't we show the same love that Christ shows us every day?!

     Now, I realize that people separate and get divorced for various reasons, such as abuse or what not. But, should we give up so easily on marriage? Hard times come, but what do we choose to do in those hard times? Do we choose to lay it down at the foot of the Cross, and cast all our cares upon Him? It's those choices that will make the biggest decisions in our lives. 

     "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'"       ~ 1st Peter 4:8~ (This is a very important life verse for marriage because marriage is a unification of two sinners. No one is perfect in a marriage. There will be times that a husband or wife may fail each other, mess up, or do something hurtful. It is important to remember God's definition of love and know that loving each other deeply can cover all those sins. This verse reminds us the true power of love!)

     "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." ~Mark 10:9~ (When you first enter into marriage, the last thing you are thinking about is divorce! But, through the years of being together, you may enter times of hardship and trails that threaten your relationship. If this is ever the case, allow God's word come into play. You have been joined together under God, don't let anyone or anything separate your love for each other.)   
     "Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." ~Ecclesiastes 4:12~ (Understanding that two is strong than one is one thing. But, understanding two together united with one God is even stronger! The three cords represent a husband, a wife, and God. These three form a close relationship that is not easily broken.)

     "Be completely humble and gentle; Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."~Ephesians 4:2-3~(If a husband and wife are humble, patient, gentle, and selfless in a relationship, this will cause less confrontation and arguments.)

How do you feel like you can reach out to marriages today? How do you feel like you can invest in your own? I'd love to hear from you!

My Year's Journey

     Today, I'm 23 years old. A lot has changed since my last birthday. Some of you may remember my birthday post from last year: 

http://daughterofdestiny-generation78.blogspot.com/2014/07/greater-expectations.html

     A couple weeks after I wrote my birthday post from last year, I found out that Joshua Narwold was interested in me for possible marriage. It's amazing to see how far we've come along. Josh and I have been married now for 5 months, and life couldn't be better. Sure, we've had our rough days, and our days that we've both cried, and called upon the Lord together. But I think it's those days that God uses for His glory, more than others. I seriously love Josh more now, than ever before, and that Love grows stronger every day. 

     Looking back over the last year, I see Gods faithfulness. God was faithful when my dad got into a car accident last year, because a man ran a red light... He was there protecting my dad.
    God was faithful when Josh and I were getting to know each other, through our courtship, engagement, wedding, and now marriage. Gods been faithful to give us both godly parents who raised us up in the admonition of the Lord.
     God was faithful when my little brother had surgery on his little finger from the log splitter; which by the way has healed up quite nicely. ;)
     God's been faithful throughout my whole life, to be there and to never leave my side. He's opened doors, and he's closed doors. He's tried and tested my faith, and He's blessed me beyond comparison. 

     As I look back into my life in the last year, I see that God's faithfulness to me has been far greater than I could've ever imagined! I'm so blessed to have another year that Gods given me, filled with many loving friends and family! God has been so good to me! Another blessing that happened to me this last week, was this piano...

     I've been looking for this exact piano look, style, and color, for years! My mom told me that when I got married, I'd be able to get whatever piano I wanted. Since moving to Ohio with my husband, I've been wanting a piano to start teaching again. I had been looking on Craigslist for a while, and nothing popped up that I really liked. A couple days ago, this popped up for FREE on craigslist! I immediately contacted them, and my husband and I, along with some friends of ours, picked it up on Saturday. I absolutely love this piano, and it's exactly what I've been looking and praying for!
     God's faithful, and He hears our prayers!... no matter how big or small.
     I'm thankful to God for another blessed year, and a husband to share this birthday with. Thank you to all my readers, who've made my blog possible! It's people like you, that read my blog, that help to write, and to keep writing. Thank you all!!! 

Feeling Accepted

     This past week, my husband and I went up to Missouri for a Family Reunion that happens every 3-4 years. It was such a sweet blessing to be able to meet everyone, and feel loved and wanted.

     One thing that many of you many not know about me, is that I struggle with feeling wanted. I struggle with feeling accepted... for who I am. I tend to think of myself very lowly, and often times read too much into things, and feel un-accepted. In most circles that I've been in, there were clique's, most of which I was never a part of, mainly because I felt like people didn't accept me... they didn't make effort to help me be a part of their circle. They didn't welcome me in.
     So when I went to Missouri, and felt accepted by the family members there, I felt very loved. I felt like I did, when I moved here to Ohio. Where people excepted me, and welcomed me into their group. When I was sitting off alone for even just a few minutes, they'd join me, or they'd welcome me into their circle, and let me know what they'd been talking about.
     All of us to some extent struggle with feeling wanted. We want to be loved. We want people to like us... that's the human part of us. If you've never felt like you're on the outside, then I'd encourage you to look at others around you... welcome them into your conversation... even if you don't really want them to. Make people feel like they're loved. It's not enough to just say hi, you need to have a relationship with them. Check up with them every once in a while. Ask them how they're doing... and when they say, "fine." Ask them again... "No really, how's everything?"
     Another thing I ask, is that you try not to talk to the same person every week, and no one else. Especially if they're at church, and you see them every week to begin with. Go out of your comfort zone, and talk to other people... they do exist. ;)
     Any way, sorry to be totally off subject, but hey, it's me. :) I loved my time in Missouri, and meeting so many new people. We played games, stayed up late talking, ate lots of food, we laughed many times, had a tea party honoring Josh's grandmother. (who passed away many years ago from cancer)
     On our way back, we stopped in St. Louis with Josh's parents, and one of his brothers, and stayed at a hotel, went to a couple Museum's, had coffee, took pictures, played games, and rested. :) I've included some pictures below.
     What summer trip have you taken or do you plan to take?
     "This is the day the lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." ~Psalm 118:24~

Isn't Josh going to be a great dad someday?! :) I love you Josh!

 My husband and I both got awarded. :)

 Little Liam was just adorable holding this kitten in his overalls. :)

 My sister-in-law, Joanna, and her husband, Derek, joined us in a cave.

 Most of the family... Jonathan,(Josh's brother) and Ashley, were missing in this pic.

Mission to Myanmar

     Hey all! I'm leaving tonight with my husband to head to Missouri for a family reunion for the week; but before I write my next post, I thought I'd share something with you.
     Mission to Myanmar is a mission that my pastor (Mark Robinette) put together, built on Biblical and Foundational principles. I had the opportunity last month to meet Pastor Naing Thang when he was visiting Ohio, who's the pastor there in Myanmar. He takes care of orphans, and preaches the Gospel in their village. My pastor, one of his sons, and a couple others have had the privilege to travel to Myanmar to help build relationship with the people, and to help tend to the flock of God.
      Pastor Mark Robinette says, Galatians 6:10 says, as we have therefore opportunity let us do good to all men "especially unto those of the household of faith". This has kind of been a theme of mine when doing the work of God in Burma. The idea here, is that doing good is one thing, but doing good for our brothers and sisters in Christ Who are in need.
      They are not in need because they have mis-managed funds; they are not in need because they are not willing to work; they are in need because they are taking care of fatherless children, and spreading the gospel in a country, where being a Christian is dangerous for your life, and certainly unpopular! When we are able to be a blessing to them and help them do the work of God, we participate in the work with them in America. We do so little with so much, and in Burma they already do so much with so little. More thought was that we could help them out with what we have, and then, they could do more.
     I'd encourage you to consider giving a very small gift to Mission to Myanmar. Every month there is a way to give a reoccurring gift on the website. The average person lives on less than five dollars a day in Myanmar, and a pastor can be supported for $150-$200 a month for his full-time living! Even if it's only $5 a month, every month, it adds up, and every dollar is so worth it! My husband and I both whole heartily support this, and we get to see the outcome of what everyone's doing to help!

I'd encourage you to check out the website, and see how much every dollar helps!
http://missiontomyanmar.com/will-my-mite-matter/
My husband also created the logo for Mission to Myanmar, which I think looks fantastic! :)

"If you’re looking for a place to get the most out of your missionary bucks, this is a great place." -R.C. Sproul Jr.For more information, please visit: http://missiontomyanmar.com
Let me know if you have any questions or comments! :)

Love Story Guest Post

Hey ya'll! I had the opportunity to write a guest post about Josh and I's love story and courtship. Head on over to: http://thelongwaytogo.com/josh-and-caitlins-love-story/
to read all about it, and be sure to take a look at their blog as well! :) 
http://thelongwaytogo.com/

Affirming Your Man

     Hi everyone! So, before I got married, I wanted to talk a lot about daughters staying at home and serving their family. Being a keeper of the Home meant a lot to me, and I knew that many wouldn't agree with my thoughts. When I got married, being a Homemaker was finally coming into action. Serving my husband every day has been such a joy. Now, however, I'm no longer a daughter at home. I'm a wife, serving her husband, and a Homemaker who enjoys being a stay-at-home-wife. My vision hasn't changed. Josh and I now share the same vision. However, instead of addressing the stay at home daughter part, I'd still like to continue to encourage those in that area. I'd also like to write about being a wife. I've listened to a lot of talks, and read a lot of articles about marriage lately. I've been inspired. I want to strive to be the best wife that I can be, knowing that I serve Josh, and ultimately serve Christ in the work I do, no matter how big or small.
     With that being said, I'd like to talk about how you should treat your man. For those not yet married, I'd say that you can still learn, for one day, when God might bring you a husband. For those who are men, I'd say, maybe you can comment if you have anything else to add. And for those that are married, whether newly weds or not, I'd say we can all learn something. I'm not a pro, I've only been married for a little over 4 months. But, I thought I'd share my thoughts on marriage so far. Marriage has been the most incredible experience that I could've ever asked for. It's been humbling and sanctifying. While Josh and I have many days where we laugh together, and mess around with each other, we also have days when we cry together because we feel like failures at life. Josh and I both have a personality of low-confidence. So, I've been trying to build Josh up with words and actions of affirmation that I love him and appreciate him. Sometimes, all you need is someone to listen to you, and affirm that you're doing great! Men need to hear that their wives are cheering for them, and that they're proud of them... especially my man! There are days, when I shouldn't have said some things, and I've put my husband down, but I'm striving to glorify God every day. I know that by serving my husband with a cheerful heart, I bring God glory. So, with that in mind, I'd like to discuss how to better affirm your man.
     The question to ask yourself is: How am I building my house up? Your husband should be able to tell how much God loves him by the way you treat him, love him, and admire him. Do you respect him? Do you do everything you can, to show that you love him? It might be coming to your husband in a quiet spirit to talk about a subject, instead of yelling at him telling him that he doesn't know what he's talking about. It might be something as simple as making dinner, making sure the tables set, and getting him some iced chai. (something my hubby loves! ;) ) When you talk about your husband in public, are you speaking good and repeatable things? Or are you saying things that would make your husband ashamed? I find that asking myself these questions a lot, helps. When my husband asks me if I can make him something to eat, even if I'm tired and I don't feel like it sometimes, I tell him, "Sure! I'd love to to serve you in that way!"
     Do you ever find yourself griping and complaining? What would happen if you prayed as much as you complained in your head? We have power and influence over our husbands. How are you doing giving respect to your husband?
     Ephesians 5:22-24, 33, "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything... nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."