Learning To Walk

     Today, I took my little 6 year old brother to his PE+Plus class. As I was reading a book, I noticed that he came down the hill, looking very upset. When I found out why he was so upset, he said, "Everyone's playing basketball, but I can't... it's too hard!" I asked him if he even tried it, and he said he did, but that he gives up. I then proceeded to tell him that when he first learned to walk, that he fell down constantly, but that he didn't give up, that he tried, and kept trying. He kept on moving, and trying to walk, until he succeeded.
     How often have you tried to move forward in your own feeble power and ended up in a heap on the floor? You think you can do it, and God allows you to try. Proving to yourself and everybody around that you're simply not up to the task, you give up or give in. And just then, He reaches down with those loving hands and lifts you up to walk you through the barriers of your life- in His limitless strength.
     That's the promise. He gave it to you and to me, and He stand behind His word. He stands behind you too. He may allow you to fall, but He'll never allow you to be defeated. That's the idea to set securely into your heart. Don't let life's commotion shake it away from you, because it carries hope. Whatever you may be facing today, don't give up or give in. Wait for those marvelous, loving hands to cover our own- be ready to laugh with delight as He walks you, in His power, to places you never thought you could reach.
     What are some ways that you felt like God was teaching you to Walk?

Philippians 4:12-13

"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."

Psalm 31:24

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!"

Romans 12:12

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

1 Corinthians 13:7

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Galatians 6:9

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Encouragement for Brother's and Sister's in Christ

I was asked by Andrew Howard to write a post on his blog: http://sotkbroadcast.blogspot.com/
The topic he wanted me to write about was...
How older sister's are to encourage their physical and spiritual brothers as
 they are striving to be men for God. So, I thought I'd share it. :) I feel very unworthy to write this, but as a 22 year old young woman striving to serve and encourage my
fellow brothers in Christ, I feel honored to complete such a task.

First of all, I asked a couple of  my brothers, what their thoughts were, on how sister’s in Christ can encourage them, and these were their answers...

Corey (23)

By Increasing in knowledge and understanding of God’s word. Decreasing in the frequency of sin. increasing Christ like qualities. Increase in faith and trust in God. (“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” ~ 1st Corinthians 11:1)

Ethan (19)

Talk with them, and interact with them

Austin (16)

Dressing modestly, because the way someone dresses or even how someone acts, reflects off of them. When brothers see how someone dresses/acts, it can very possibly be a stumbling block for the brothers in Christ. We need to remember to act as Christ, because people see those attributes that we have; and if it doesn’t reflect Christ but reflect the flesh that is in us, it can become a stumbling block.

As I have talked to many brothers in Christ, I have come to realize that not only do we serve the same God, but we all need encouragement on various issues. With talking to men, they've told me that the one thing they wish women would talk to them about is, Theology, the Bible, and various History characters. In today’s culture, studying about these kinds of things, to some, is considered a, “man’s job”. I however, don’t agree. In 1st Peter 3:15, it says, “ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…”

In today’s culture, many men and women, don’t know answers. I didn't start studying about Theology and Historical Characters until 1 ½ years ago. I've been enjoying it so much,
that I can now ask young men and older men, any questions I have, or get their
thoughts on a certain subject. 

Studying Theology isn’t just for guys; And the men that I talk to, love to talk about Theology!

So, to all those young men out there, don’t give up the fight! Study about the Bible, study about Theology, study about the laws of God, and most of all, memorize scripture!.. so that you can be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you!

To all the young women out there, this is how we encourage our brothers in Christ! Learn to study these things. Discuss them with other young men! Don’t be afraid to ask questions! 

May God bless His Kingdom, as we help those in Christ seek to Glorify Him!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

~Matthew 6:33~

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.”

~1st Corinthians 3:10~

“To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

~1st Thessalonians 3:13~

“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.”

~2nd Thessalonians 2:13-17~

Blessings in Christ!

Caitlin Baughman

http://daughterofdestiny-generation78.blogspot.com/

Update on my brother

Thank to all those who've been praying for my little brother. I'd like to give you an update. My dad wrote this to our family and friends, so I'm just copying and pasting what he wrote. Since he knows the medical field more than I do.:)

Elijah had an accident today that involved the log splitter. He will be okay, but he has lost the tip of his wedding ring finger (he isn’t getting married yet-we will figure that out later). We spent the evening in the ER. They did X-rays that showed the accident had taken the top of the bone and the top and side of his flesh completely off. He was a brave one...once they numbed his finger-he went from screaming to talking, laughing, and joking. He will probably have to have surgery. If this happens they will have to shave more of the bone off to make a skin flap to close the wound. He will no longer have a nail on that finger and it will be a little shorter than the rest. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, strength for Amber and I, and our finances. We have not met our deductible and it will likely cost many thousands of dollars.

 

We thank God it wasn’t worse, he is resting peacefully, and he proudly displays a big bright orange bandage around his fingers. 

 Update #2

Hello everyone,

It is a true blessing to see the body of Christ at work. I have seen many request and questions, so I will try to address in this update. But first the pictures...

 

Picture 4-This is the x-ray, notice the top of digit #4 (ring finger) missing. Bone and flesh are significantly exposed.

Picture 1-A close up of his new dressing. He has exchanged his orange finger in for a green one. I think this might make him a better gardener...(levity is a good thing in our house)

Picture 3-Elijah showing off his new green dressing. Notice the shirt he is wearing “Live for Adventure”, I think he got more than he bargained for...

Picture 4-This is Elijah relaxing with newly received gift. Todd Strawser brought over some homemade get well cards which were enjoyed by all of us.-Thanks Todd!

 

Today Amber took Elijah to the hand Surgeon (an “in-network” provider-Praise God! That will save us $1000 on our deductible). He wants to do surgery on Friday morning. Elijah had no appreciation for them taking off the bandage to see the wound. You might think he really liked the orange bandage, but really it had stuck to the wound and opened it back up-poor little guy! They did get him to stop screaming; Amber took it pretty hard, but for a different reason. Work kept me from attending.

 

The surgeon has an “A” and a “B” plan for the surgery: “A” plan-try to save the nail bed, shave the bone, and close the wound with what is left. “B” plan-take a graft of skin from the fat pad down below his pinky finger to close the wound. Elijah will be going under general anesthesia (a danger in itself) because of his age. They are estimating 45 minutes OR (operating room) time.

 

We are continuing antibiotics and minimal pain meds. He is in good spirits and likes his new bandage better than the first. :)
Thank you all for your prayers! We're hoping that Elijah will be well enough to go to the zoo on Saturday for his birthday. Praise God it wasn't more serious! :)