Remembering Him In Our Youth

(A rough draft excerpt from the book I'm working at writing, Falling In Love With Jesus)

The Lord has a special heart for young people.
He created it so that our youth is full of energy, life, and potential.
Our years of youth are the most important years;
we are becoming who we’ll be for the rest of our lives.
Satan knows this, so he will try even harder
to get the hearts and minds of us in our youth.
He’s going to try in any way that he can
to keep us from being all sold out for the Lord.
If he can get us now, it’ll surely be easier to keep us later.
(Likewise, if we’re on fire for God now,
it’ll be more likely to stay that way later.)
Those blessed with the vigor of youth should use every opportunity
to do for the Lord that which they won’t be able to do in the future.
Sadly, most of the time when I converse with elderly people,
they’re constantly telling me how they
wish they started living for the Lord sooner.
Oh yes, they may be ‘on fire’ for God now,
but they are more physically restricted now than when they were younger.
Think of how greatly the Lord can use someone who is all sold out for Him,
and still has their whole life to do it!
Young men and women who are not bound by physical limitations
can use their strength and energy to glorify God.
Unfortunately, teenage years and young adulthood is often
the most misused times of too many people’s lives.
They often take their abilities and strength for granted,
and as a result, they limit their effectiveness for Christ.
There are so many things we allow to steal our time
that we should be using for Christ and abiding in Him.
The majority of our youth today are so consumed with dating,
relationships, rebellion, selfish pursuits, or whatever it may be;
And thus, they are wasting the very precious years of their youth,
which could be used completely for the glory of God.
Romantic relationships, particularly, are the biggest snares
that Satan uses to tempt our Christian young people;
And through it, will gradually yet surely destroy their lives and testimonies.
Just take a look at an average youth group!
The most common topic of discussion is to hear about
“who’s with who” or “how nice looking so and so is”.
Instead of edifying one another and talking about what the Lord’s been doing,
so many of today’s Christian teenagers are too busy being ‘on the make’.
That’s a sad situation!
How sad it must make the Lord as He sees His youth
throwing away their precious years.
He’s said, “Let no man despise thy youth;
But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation,
in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
We are to be using our youth as an example;
to edify other believers in the faith.
The purpose of youth is not to live a ‘carefree’ life and
“have all the fun we can get while we can”;
it is the most valuable time in our lives that we only get once!
It is the only time we have to prepare for the rest of our lives!
What a great and essential task, yet so many are so careless with it.

“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee
in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart,
and in the sight of thine eyes: But know thou that for all these things
God will bring thee into judgment.” Ecclesiastes 11:9
I think this is a great reminder to beware about following our hearts.
We must remember that we do give an account for every thing we do.
If we think that we can live our youth in selfish pursuits
or rebellion, we must remember:
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:8
So many times, it’s easy to fall for the mindset of enjoying
and spending our youth, forgetting the purpose of these years.
These are the years that we need to spend seeking
God’s perfect will for our lives, being completely surrendered to it,
Getting prepared for the life He has meant for us to live,
and serving Him to the fullest of the ability that He gives us.
We need to be dying daily. (“…I die daily.” 1 Cor. 15:31)
Now, dying is not suppressing.
When we die to ourselves, it brings forth much fruit.
We must not suppress our sinful desires,
but rather put those away and use all that energy for the Lord.
Instead of using our passion and energy being focused on romance,
earthly pursuits, or whatever it is, let’s put that passion
to good use and use it for Jesus!
We all have zeal, fervor, and life in us…
why not apply it all to an eternal perspective?
We crave love and romance; let the Lord fulfill that longing.
He is waiting to fill any and every longing we have.
“Delight thyself in the Lord;
and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4
That is truly taking control and leading our hearts,
instead of allowing our hearts to lead us.

We may figure that we’ll live our lives now ‘while we can’
and perhaps ‘serve God’ and live for Him later.
Well, the Lord tells us,
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…” Ec. 12:1
Sometimes, young people seem to think that they
can serve the Lord “when they’re married”.
While marriage does open different doors of opportunity,
it doesn’t hold the key to the only opportunities!
Actually, God is saying quite the opposite in 1 Corinthians 7:32-36 -
“But I would have you without carefulness.
He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord,
how he may please the Lord; But he that is married careth for the
things that are of this world, how he may please his wife.
There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin.
The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord,
that she may be holy both in body and in spirit:
But she that is married careth for the things of the world,
How she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit;
not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely,
And that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.”
Marriage isn’t the only way that we can serve God through!
As a single young person, we have
opportunities that married people don’t have.
We can entirely and completely be sold out for Christ,
serving Him, and enjoying our time with the first Love of our life.
Joel 2:3– “Therefore also now, saith the LORD,
turn ye even unto me with all your heart…”
Now is the time to live for Him.
Not tomorrow, not next month, not some odd years from now;
Let us remember Him now.
Instead of focusing on relationships and the world around us,
may we build and nurture our relationship with Jesus now,
So that we may have the rest of our lives to enjoy living for Him;
and not spend a lifetime regretting that we didn’t.

Young Maiden's Daybook - January 25

Today…
January 25, 2010


Outside my window…
Cloudy with some intervals of sunny.
Had a big wind/rain storm last night Ü


I am thinking…
Of how good God is!
There are some things He's been working in
lately that I hope to share soon!


I am thankful…
For the wonderful, sweet privilege of prayer,
and seeing the Lord answer even the 'big' things.


I am wearing...
Well, I'm not quite sure what I'll wear today yet Ü


I am reading…
Proverbs, Ezekiel, Luke, 1 Corinthians;
"Fascinating Truths" by James Knox
"The Lost Cause Series" by James Knox
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris


I am creating…
A book that I've been praying for 5 years about writing
(Falling In Love With Jesus);
and (hopefully) more things to make for my etsy shop.


One of my favorite things…
Going thrift and pawn shopping Ü


For education this week…
"homecollege" a.k.a Daughter at Home University =)
I'm looking at different mission boards and
planning to study for their requirements.
Studying deep in God's Word.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
Scheduling... I still need to sit down and make one.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
That nothing at all is impossible with God!
He has really brought that home to me!


A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Staying in prayer and more Bible studying.


Scripture I am memorizing…
Genesis 12:2-3 with my online friend.



I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life;
when, where, and how He wants
me to get to the mission field.
That He would show me His Truths from His Word,
and help me to be forgiving and have grace toward others.
The Lord to bless and to grow our church.
Also praying that He sends more missionaries to
the much needed country of Greece and the rest of the world.
And for some missionaries I know in Greece to
raise the money to start an Independent Baptist Church there.


For the rest of the week…
Planning to post about something;
writing and studying more for my book;
preparing for another youth Sunday;
responding to some letters, comments and emails;
spend extra time with my wonderful Savior;
and whatever else the Lord sees fit to send my way.

A picture I'm sharing...
A wonderful reminder from God's Word...

"When I consider thy heavens; the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
what is man that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man that thou visitest him?"
Psalms 8:3-4

Have a great week!

To learn how to participate, click HERE.

If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below

Young Maiden's Daybook - January 18

Today…
January 18, 2010


Outside my window…
Very sunny and it's starting to warm up.


I am thinking…
Of the song I hear playing,
"Across The River"


I am thankful…
For the privilege of having been raised in America.
I'm so thankful for our freedom in our religion,
as well as the many blessing we enjoy here.


I am wearing...
Well, I'm not quite sure what I'll wear today yet Ü


I am reading…
Job, Proverbs, Ezekiel, 1 Corinthians;
"Fascinating Truths" by James Knox
"The Lost Cause Series" by James Knox
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris


I am creating…
Words to another song I'm writing,
beginnings of a book I've prayed about writing,
more steel guitar and lead guitar arrangements for our upcoming cd,
and (hopefully) more things to make for my etsy shop.


One of my favorite things…
Having a nice, clean, and organized bedroom!


For education this week…
"homecollege" a.k.a Daughter at Home University =)
I'm looking at different mission boards and
planning to study for their requirements.
I'm going to start studying nursing/medical skills,
as I'm really starting to get ready for the mission field.
Really studying more about doctrine
and planning to be doing some Bible studies.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
Scheduling... I still need to sit down and make one.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
Being truly content where the Lord has put me now.
There is work I can do for Him wherever I am,
even as I'm preparing to go to the mission field.


A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Staying in prayer and more Bible studying.


Scripture I am memorizing…
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 with my online friend.



I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life;
when, where, and how He wants me to get to the mission field.
That He would show me His Truths from His Word,
and help me to be forgiving and have grace toward others.
The Lord to bless and to grow our church.
Also praying that He sends more missionaries to
the much needed country of Greece and the rest of the world.
And for some missionaries I know in Greece to
raise the money to start an Independent Baptist Church there.


For the rest of the week…
We're having a young Marine over today,
as it is Martin Luther King Jr.'s b-day
and there's no work for Marines;
practice steel guitaring and learning more;
a Keepers meeting on Friday
(but I plan to clean the church with my friend);
posting something besides a daybook post Ü ;
responding to some letters, comments and emails;
spend extra time with my wonderful Savior;
and whatever else the Lord sees fit to send my way.

A picture I'm sharing...
Well, I'm in a crunch for time,
so I'll just post a pic of the ocean last year...

Can't wait to go again sometime!

Have a great week!

To learn how to participate, click HERE.

If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below

Songwriting ...

As I've mentioned for a while, I've been picking up songwriting,
as I plan to sell CDs in the 'nearish' future Ü (next year, maybe?).
I was always terrible at anything to do with writing
and it's a pretty tedious task writing songs,
so I've been asking the Lord for Him to write through me.
Thus, I give the Lord complete credit for these songs He has allowed me to write.

Three weeks ago I finished composing my 1st song, "No Greater Love".
And today I finished my 2nd song entitled, "You Are Forgiven".
I recorded myself singing them both (with the guitar)
and thought I'd share them.


NO GREATER LOVE




Why did He save me from the death ahead of me?
And how could He bless me when I caused His misery?
What makes Him wait for me when I have gone astray
Saying, "I forgive; come back, my child, today"?

(Chorus)
No greater love than this, the love my Savior gave.
His compassions, they fail not. His mercies are new every day.
He bought salvation for a world that caused His pain.
Jesus, this you've shown to man from up above:
No greater love.

Why did He free me from what I could have been?
How could He want me when I rejected Him?
What makes Him mindful of me throughout the day?
Reaching down, He holds my hand and guides my way.

(Chorus)

You said for one a righteous man would scarcely ever die.
But while we were yet sinners, you freely gave your life.

(Chorus)




YOU ARE FORGIVEN



It was early in the morning;
The men were standing by.
They said, "This woman sinned, she has to die".
But Jesus said that he without sin,
first should cast a stone.
Then one by one they left her all alone.
She knew that her sin she should have died for,
But Jesus said, "Go and sin no more.

(chorus)
My child, you are forgiven.
No man condemns thee, nor do I.
For you my blood was freely given
So that you might have new life;
I paid sin's price."

Searching for a way,
From my sins to be set free
As I saw the death that lay ahead of me.
Then I heard Christ took my place;
He paid for every sin.
So I fell down on my knees and asked Him in.
I knew full well that I deserved to die,
But Jesus said, "I came to give you life.

(Chorus)

So many times I wonder how He loves me
When I fail Him oft and wander from His way.
Yet He waits with open arms to help and guide me.
Still loving me, I hear Him gently say:

(Alternate Chorus)
"My child you are forgiven.
Your debt is paid; your sorrow was mine.
For you these blessings I have given.
Come now, partake of new life divine;
I paid sin's price."



I'll be composing arrangements for my
other instruments to go with them as well.
I also plan to work on song #3 soon!
(I already have a tune and rhythm for it)

I'd love to hear your feedback.
I hope you are all having a great week.

Young Maiden's Daybook - January 11

Today…
January 11, 2010


Outside my window…
It is cold and crisp with a very blue and sunny sky.


I am thinking…
Of the funny realization I just had as I
saw that I had 3 daybook posts in a row!
I really should set aside some extra time
to post something else soon!


I am thankful…
That I may know that I am saved and not have to doubt.
The same grace that got me saved can keep me that way!


I am wearing...
Brown house dress


I am reading…
Job, Proverbs, Ezekiel, 1 Corinthians;
"Fascinating Truths" by James Knox
"The Lost Cause Series" by James Knox
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris


I am creating…
Words to 2 other songs I'm writing,
beginnings of a book I've prayed about writing,
more steel guitar arrangements for our upcoming cd,
and (hopefully) more things to make for my etsy shop.


One of my favorite things…
Listening to the steel guitar in songs!
(it's not so easy playing it though!)


For education this week…
"homecollege" a.k.a Daughter at Home University =)
I'm looking at different mission boards and
planning to study for their requirements.
I'm going to start studying nursing/medical skills,
as I'm really starting to get ready for the mission field.
Really studying more about doctrine
and planning to be doing some Bible studies.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
Scheduling... I need to sit down and make one.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
Being truly content where the Lord has put me now.
There is work I can do for Him wherever I am,
even as I'm preparing to go to the mission field.


A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Staying in prayer and more Bible studying.


Scripture I am memorizing…
Proverbs 31:10-31 with my online friend.



I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life;
when, where, and how He wants me to get to the mission field.
That He would show me His Truths from His Word,
and help me to be forgiving and have grace toward others.
The Lord to bless and to grow our church.
Also praying that He sends more missionaries to
the much needed country of Greece and the rest of the world.
And for some missionaries I know in Greece to
raise the money to start an Independent Baptist Church there.


For the rest of the week…
going to the chiropractor today;
practice steel guitaring and learning more;
either a Park Day or a Keepers meeting on Friday
(it depends on the weather);
posting something besides a daybook post Ü ;
responding to some letters, comments and emails;
spend extra time with my wonderful Savior;
and whatever else the Lord sees fit to send my way.

A picture I'm sharing...
A squirrel "fishing for food" in our flooded birdbath feeder...



Have a great week!

To learn how to participate, click HERE.

If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below

New Year's Fun!

My Mom did this and I thought it would be fun as well Ü.

Feel free to do it too.

Post the first sentence of your first blog post of each month.
(I've skipped Daybook posts)
You can also add a favorite picture from each month.
Here are mine:

~January~
Wow, I haven't posted since last year :) lol




~February~
It was last month and I woke up in the morning somewhat late.




~March~
The past week or so has been so busy and just flew by!




~April~
Today was a usual Friday of having our
close friends coming over for pizza.




~May~
This week I spent time running errands,
cleaning, & studying my foreign languages




~June~
I know, it's a little tacky for a title, but it's true!




~July~
Things have been quite busy this summer...
I don't recall all that we've been doing
but the days are passing by quickly.




~August~
As I was preparing crafts for VBS the other day,
I decided to seize the opportunity and listen to a sermon.




~September~
Thankfully, summer is finally coming to an end
and we've gotten our first taste of fall this week!




~October~
Wow! I apologize for hardly posting lately!




~November~
"It's hard to fall when you're on your knees."




~December~
I just recently finished my cross-stitching
project I was making for my friend for Christmas.

Young Maiden's Daybook - January 4

Today…
January 4, 2010


Outside my window…
It is cold and crisp with a very blue sky.


I am thinking…
Of how fast that past year (and decade) went by.
And how futuristic it sounds saying "twenty-ten" Ü


I am thankful…
For a great watch night service we went to New Years eve.
We visited a church and sang special music,
had a fellowship and prayed into the New Year.


I am wearing...
Khaki skirt and brown 3/4 sleeve shirt.


I am reading…
2 Chronicles, Proverbs, Ezekiel, Mark;
"Fascinating Truths" by James Knox
"The Lost Cause Series" by James Knox
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris
"Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss with Mama ;o)
"Passionate Housewives Desperate For God"
by Jennie Chancey & Stacy McDonald


I am creating…
A "full band" arrangement for the song I wrote,
more steel guitar arrangements for our upcoming cd,
and (hopefully) more things to make for my etsy shop.


One of my favorite things…
chicken nuggets with Sweet Baby Ray's spicy BBQ,
with some perogies on the side...
which I'm enjoying for lunch now!


For education this week…
"homecollege" a.k.a Daughter at Home University =)
I'm looking at different mission boards and
planning to study for their requirements.
I'm going to start studying nursing/medical skills,
as I'm really starting to get ready for the mission field.
Really studying more about doctrine.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
Budgeting.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
Submission, not just obedience.


A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Staying in prayer and more Bible studying.


Scripture I am memorizing…
Proverbs 31:10-31 with my online friend.



I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life.
That He would show me His Truths from His Word,
and help me to be forgiving and have grace toward others.
The Lord to bless and to grow our church.
Also praying that He sends more missionaries to
the much needed country of Greece and the rest of the world.


For the rest of the week…
Completely reorganizing my room;
going to my dad's promotion ceremony tomorrow
(he'll be a Master Sergeant!);
my sister, Carolynne's, 6th birthday on Friday;
responding to some letters, comments and emails;
spend extra time with my wonderful Savior;
and whatever else the Lord sees fit to send my way.

A picture I'm sharing...
I entitled this "Voice of the Lord"...

"The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;
The God of glory thundereth, the LORD is upon many waters."
Psalms 29:3

Have a great week!

To learn how to participate, click HERE.

If you participate, please leave a direct link
to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below