My buddy Kade awarded me the Prolific Blogger Award!

Thanks so much Kade!

Y'all, if you haven't been to Kade's blog yet, ya really need to head on over! 

Besides having an absolutely awesome blog, with an awesome purpose and awesome topics, Kade's also involved in a ministry called
 Teens For Orphans.

You should go check that out too! :)

James 1:27

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

~~~~~~~~

Okayy, and it's my turn to do the awardin'! 

I'll award my little sister, little brother and my mothaa!

They're pretty Prolific if I do say so myself :D

{ok, maybe Cason's not very prolific, but I still ♥ the boy!}

Happy Thursday everyone!

Brightening Your Day

Psalm 139

“O Lord, You have searched me

And You know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

You perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

You are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

You know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in – behind and before;

You had laid Your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.

Too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Where can I flee from Your presence?

If I go up to the Heavens, You are there;

If I make my bed in the depths, You are there.

If I rise on the wings on the dawn 

If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there Your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me

And the light become night around me,’

Even the darkness will not be dark to You;

The night will shine like the day,

For darkness is as light to You. 

For You created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from You

When I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me

Were written in Your book

Before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,

They would outnumber the grains of sand.

When I awake,

I am still with You.”

~~~~~ 

I absolutely love this passage, and I think it's because reading this just really lets us all know how well God knows and loves us.

 He knows every detail in our lives, he knew us before we were here, and he knows exactly how our lives will unfold.

I think at times we're afraid to let people completely get to know us because we fear that someone might find something about us they won't like, but God already knows everything. He's with us - loving, protecting, and guiding us through every situation and trial in our lives.

Isn't it a good feeling to know that God knew each of us before He even made us?!

 He planned what each of us would look like, what families we would be planted in, if we would marry, how many children we would have, and exactly how each detail in our lives will play out.

 Before we could know God, He deeply cared and loved us, and it's a greater love than any of us could even understand.

So, when you're having a not so great day, and maybe you're stressed or feeling discouraged,
 just know that God loves you so so much, and that really should just brighten your day.

It's amazing to think that the God of the universe, the one who created the heavens and the earth, the one who has the power to bring the dead to life, to turn water into wine, who walked on water and fed 5,000 people actually knows your every step.

He hems you in behind and before, and

He delights in you!

Micah 6:8

He has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

He Delights in Me!!

Oh, how I miss the blogging world! ;D

I've been so busy, but I'm going to start blogging more often!

I just have more to say on a Saturday because I have less on my mind.

Last night I totally lost track of time, and it was about 2:45am. before I stopped studying for Psychology.

Anyway, after I got in bed I was just laying there, and I was tired, but I just needed some bible reading! :)

I opened up to this,

Psalm 18:19 He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

Reading that just really made me feel special to think that God delights in me!

That's amazing!

Thinking about that  makes me want to glorify Him more!

 It makes me want to spread His greatness to the people I'm around who don't have Him in their lives because God is the ultimate joy!

I've had to hear from  so many rebellious hearts in both my PSY class, and especially my English class.

I have let it be known that I'm a Christian. Both classes know I'm a P.K. (preachers kid) and just today  my teacher asked me what my school day looks like because she knows I'm home schooled. I told her that the first thing I do every day is scripture reading.

 I don't regret telling her that, but I think it annoyed her  because she stopped making eye contact, and totally stopped listening to me... I mean, she asked... hehee

I know for a fact that neither of my teachers are Christian. For example, today my teacher asked the class what they thought was  a good way to relax, and this guy said "prayer" and she said "naaah, how about meditation."

She also believes that palmists are "on to something" 

Well, in my English class this girl started slamming Christians.

We were talking about things that annoy us, the girl, who I have never heard speak out in class, and so this surprized me, said

 "You know what REALLY bugs me?!? CHRISTIANS!! I mean, they are SO hypocritical!

They think they are soooo spiritual, but they're just as bad as us! They gossip, curse, dress the way they say is bad to dress, and they think they are all perfect, and that's just rude!"

I was stunned! Almost funny... ok, it was funny! But still, I was shocked!

Then the teacher went on with her talking bad about Christians.

 I didn't know what to say!

 I had just been thinking that morning about how I wanted to glorify God, and I was stumped!

I mean, in a small way they're right.

We christians aren't perfect.

We sin, but we know we need Jesus to cover our sins.

Not only would I be a sinner without God. I'd be a joy-less hopeless sinner.

That's really sad, and only gives me compassion for her!

I still wanted to say something, but... what about my grades! haha Just kidding!

The truth is, I didn't know what to say.

It wasn't that I was afraid, I just didn't think it was good timing.

 What do you think I should say in situations like that?

Should I maybe just be quiet and pray for them?

I'm really looking forward to this semester! I can't wait to see how God uses me. He might just be using this time to draw me closer to Him. Either way, its just exciting!

For I Am Not Ashamed... Or Am I?

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Although I would never say I'm ashamed of Jesus, sometimes the things I don't say or tell people about myself really show that I am ashamed.

For example, I used to babysit for a family with 4 young children  and these kids could watch movies I can't watch.

When the mom would bring home newly rented movies to her very excited children, it would put me in an awkward position.

Instead of telling the mom of the family that, out of conviction to live a pure life, I didn't want to watch Twlight or Nights in Rodanthe, I would just avoid the subject and play games with the kids.

Now, looking back on it, I wish I would have said something.

 I know they like and respect me, and it's an opportunity I missed to share my faith with them. I feel I probably could have had more influence. For example, I did share my family's beliefs on not dating and how I'm trusting my parents and God in that whole process. They were so very impressed and very interested. I really wish I hadn't held back in other areas.

Really, in a way, it's selfish not to share it all. It's me being more worried about how they might look and think of me, and that's not what I should be worried about.

 Instead of looking for loop holes to escape these conversastions, I should've been more concerned about their salvation and eternal life, and I should have been looking for natural ways to bring it up.

I'm always saying how I love this family, but if I really did love and care for them, I should've taken every opportunity to share the gospel with them even if it was just through being willing to talk about  the movies they watch that I won't watch.

It would definitely be worth it to me to have a five minute uncomfortable talk and maybe reach these people, and honor God in doing so?

In alot of my dad's sermons lately, he's made the point that if you don't feel awkward in this world sometime, at least, you've probably comformed to and really are apart of it.

My prayer for the new year is that I will not be ashamed of the gospel.

Can any of you think of ways you want to be more bold in sharing your faith in Jesus in the coming year?
If so I would love to hear!

God is Not Dead; Nor Doth He Sleep!

Mr. Davis, one of the men in our church, during prayer request time Sunday, decided to read this poem about peace.

It was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  He wrote this during, the Civil War, a war where our country lost many, Longfellow's son being one of them. He was going through much pain because of his loss, and it was Christmas when he wrote this poem. We live in a war filled dark world, but as this poem reminds us "God is not dead; nor doth he sleep! The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail,"

 I think the meaning and story behind this poem brings so much hope.

Christmas Bells
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Then from each black accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"


Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
~ Luke 2:14 ~

• Ten Things I Love Tuesdays •

 

Here they are!

All ten toes of the baby who I love very, very much.

Psalm 139:14
 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

• Books 'n Blessings •

I love it when God blesses me in little ways. I'm speaking of the  kind of blessing I wouldn't have known I was missing if He just never blessed me with it at all. 

Today we went by Trident Tech to sign-up for my three classes I'm going to be taking as dual credit.

First of all I'm just going to let you all know that I'm still home schooled. 

Although, I am going to be taking two classes every Saturday and one class online. 

My dad is actually going to be taking me to school, and he's going to be standing guard over me there, and I'm perfectly content and happy with him protecting me. He is going to sit outside my classes and have a quiet time and prepare for his sermons. Works out perfectly.

Anyway, after we finished talking with the helpful guidance counseler, he then told us we should head on over to Trident's bookstore to get the books I'll need.

I knew the books were not cheap, but I did't know how much... they were a lot. 

We're talking like $165 for my English 101 book, and I don't remember how much the Computer 101 book was, but it was even more!

Dad and I were looking around and realizing how everything was really going to add up. While we were looking and talking with someone who worked in the bookstore a 24-year-old-ish girl standing close by overheard us talking. When the lady who was helping my dad and I pointed dad to another section I was left still looking through what would very soon be my English 101 book. The 23-year-old-ish girl came up to me and asked, "Did you say you were taking Psychology 201?" and I told her I was and she then pulled out, from her bag, one of the books I would need for the PSY 201 class and she said "I took this class last semester and I tried to sell it back to the bookstore, but they didn't want it. So would you like it?" I told her how extremely thankful I was and now I have one of my books for Psychology! 

Isn't that a blessing?

And I didn't even pray that some random girl would pull the exact Psychology book out of her purse and hand it to me.

God knows our needs even if we don't tell Him, and he always wants us to give the glory to Him for the good things that happen in in our lives.

A lot of times I forget who provides me with good things in my life.... it's always  God!

I'm going to be trying harder and harder to give God glory for everything good.

Actually, I'm also striving hard to even thank God for the not so good times too because I know He puts me through hardship, so He can shape me into His image. 

So let me ask,

has God blessed you lately in anyway?

If so, then will you please share it?

Isaiah 25

  O LORD, you are my God;

       I will exalt you and praise your name,

       for in perfect faithfulness

       you have done marvelous things,

       things planned long ago.

• Jessie's Second Christmas Tree •

•••

Mark 10:14

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 
•••




Merry Christmas!!

•Whatever you do...•

Well, here it is. My masterpiece! I was assigned the task of designing  shirts for a brand new outreach through the women's minstry at my church.(YES!!!! --they count me as a lady!)

I'm going to be a part of the ministry we will be starting to offer tutoring to elementary aged kids. It's going to be once a week for an hour and we're hoping to really be able to provide help for people and share the gospel with the children and their families.

So, what do you think? Should I put the whole two bible verses with a smaller font or just keep it as it is and let verse 24 be our main theme verse?

The front of the shirt will have our church logo on the pocket area.

I can't wait to see it when it gets here!

Hope everyone is having a blessed day so far!

•My Cup Of Coffee•

Q: what's better than finding a dollar in your pocket?

A: Finding a good song on your iPod you didn't even know existed! hehehe

It really is a great song. It's one of those songs that make you feel good. I call those types of songs my "cup of coffee". Well, anyway I have been lying in bed for the past three hours, and I can no longer sleep! Too excited! I was listening to this song over and over. I put it on repeat so I now know almost every word! WOOHOO!

It's a hymn that was written in the 1800's, so this is an old song. I usually prefer the new-er music like: Rush of Fools, MercyMe and Brandon Heath. That type of stuff, but this one was just really pretty! Here are the lyrics.

Jesus I Come

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy blessèd will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the joy and light of Thy throne,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

You should listen to it as well. Here's the song.  My goal is to learn how to play this on my guitar.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Proverbs 2: 2-5

Turning your ear to wisdom

       and applying your heart to understanding,

 and if you call out for insight

       and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver

       and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD

       and find the knowledge of God.