A Move And A Change...

As I have mentioned in a few posts about a 'recent situation',
the Lord has given us an official answer that I may now share!
I am amazed how He is clearly guiding my footsteps
and revealing His will to me about the next step in my life.
Here's the story:

Last year when I graduated, I did not feel the Lord calling me to college.
So for a while, I had been planning on preparing to be a missionary
through internships with other missionaries and going to Camp BIMI.

However, a few months ago, I started to not have peace about not going to college.
I felt the Lord may have been calling me to go, but I really didn't want to!
I was praying hard asking that His will would be shown to me clearly,
and that if it was His will for me to go to college,
that He'd make it unmistakably known to me.

As I briefly reviewed some of the Bible colleges around,
I didn't feel right about any of them.
The only Christian college that I felt the Lord wanted me to go to ,
if I went to college, was located all the way across the country in the state of California.
Upon mentioning it to my parents, they concluded that it was just too far away.
So I figured that was the answer and the Lord must not want me to go.
I handed the situation over to the Lord and told Him that if
He really wanted me to go to Bible college,
He'd have to move our whole family to California!
I figured I was 'safe' since that wasn't even an option for my dad's work.

Well, a few weeks after praying that, Dad said he was getting orders,
which we had anticipated being local.
But he said that the orders were not as he expected; they were for California!
I couldn't believe such an answer to prayer and such specific guidance!

The Lord has closed the door to my original plans, and has opened a door for His will!
We received the official orders last week and have about 2-3 months.
I have looked at the college and am beginning
to prepare for majoring in Missions.

I just thought I'd share the story of the Lord's working in my life!
I have been learning a great lesson about how the Lord will reveal His will to us,
and that nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible with Him!
God is so good and worthy to be praised!


"For with God nothing shall be impossible."
~ Luke 1:37

Young Maiden's Daybook - February 22

Today…
February 22, 2010


Outside my window…
Cloudy and sunny.


I am thinking…
Of the big mess in the kitchen I need to attack
when I get off of here... (from yesterday's big meal)


I am thankful…
For a very specific and quick answer to prayer this morning.
I plan to share some big news later or tomorrow!


I am wearing...
A cargo skirt and blue paisley shirt.


I am reading…
Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, 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).


One of my favorite things…
Going thrift shopping!


For education this week…
Praying a lot for wisdom and for the Lord to direct my life.
Brushing up on some grammar, vocabulary, and geometry.
Studying deep in God's Word and writing my book.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
Not just relying on coffee to wake me up Ü
I'm also starting to learn to wake up to an alarm clock.


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
My plans aren't necessarily God's plans for me.
I need to be open and surrendered to God's will, not cling onto mine.


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


Scripture I am memorizing…
None as of yet.


I'm praying for…
The Lord's guidance through my life;
For Him to provide a good job for me if it's His will;
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…
Attending this week's King James Bible Conference at church;
studying my ACT prep book;
possibly looking for a job at a Christian school or daycare;
working hard at playing"The Revolutionary" (by Chopin) up to speed;
cleaning the church with Stephani on Friday
while the children have a Keepers of the Faith meeting;
writing and studying more for my book;
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...
My dad and I yesterday in our matching suits Ü...
(My shirt was pink stripes and his were blue.)


Have a great week!

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A Special Interuption...

Happy 17th Birthday, Ally!
We love you!


Love ~
Dad, Mom, Will, Beth, Carolynne
(and Suzie) *Ü*

10 Sure Fire Ways To Avoid Being a Missionary

A re-post from a while ago, with a topic that's been on my heart lately.

Livingstone as a Missionary Reads the Bible to African Natives
print from allposters.com


1. Ignore Jesus' request in John 4:35
that we take a long hard look at the fields.
Seeing the needs of people
can be depressing and very unsettling.
It could lead to genuine missionary concern.


2. Focus your energies on
socially legitimate targets.
Go after a bigger salary.
Focus on getting a job promotion, a bigger home,
a more luxurious car, or future financial security.
Along the way, run up some big credit card debts.


3. Get married to somebody who thinks
the Great Commission is what your employer
gives you after you make a big sale.
After marriage, embrace the socially accepted norms of
settling down, establishing a respectable career trajectory
and raising a picture-perfect family.


4. Stay away from missionaries.
Their testimonies can be disturbing.
The situations they describe will distract you from embracing
whole-heartedly the materialistic lifestyle of your home country.


5. If you happen to think about missions,
restrict your attention to countries where it's
impossible to openly do missionary work.
Think only about North Korea,
Saudi Arabia, and other closed countries.
Forget the vast areas of our globe open to missionaries.


6. Think how bad a missionary you would be
based on your own past failures.
It is unreasonable to expect you will ever be any better.
Don't even think about Moses, David, Jonah,
Peter or Mark, all of whom overcame failures.


7. Always imagine missionaries as talented,
super-spiritual people who stand on lofty pedestals.
Maintaining this image of missionaries
will heighten your own sense of inadequacy.
Convincing yourself that God does not use ordinary people
as missionaries will smother any guilt you may feel about
refusing to even listen for a call from God.


8. Agree with the people who tell you
that you are indispensable where you are.
Listen when they tell you that your local church
or home country can't do without you.


9. Worry incessantly about money.


10. If you still feel you must go, go out right away
without any preparation or training.
You'll soon be home again and no one
can ever blame you for not trying!


I found this list in Mom's documents and wanted to share
It was originally shared at Standing in the Gap


It was great timing when the Lord let me read this!
My passion for going to the mission field,
I admit, can sometimes get rather small,
even though I know the Lord's called me
and I've made that commitment.
It's sad how so many times Satan tries to
distract us with our own desires .
Even ones that may not seem, necessarily, 'bad'.

For example, I thought it would be nice
to be a nuclear chemist working with
radioactivity and extensive energy research.
Does that seem bad? No... not really.
However, it's NOT what I know God's called me to do!
It's my own selfish desire!
I know that I need to be constantly on my knees begging
Him to keep my soul on fire and to avoid distractions.

I've heard of too many people (so many)
that know the Lord's called them somewhere,
but they've gotten distracted and never went.
I pray very hard I do not become the part of the 90%
who say God's calling them, but go their own way.

I strongly encourage others to really seek God's will.
Teen years( and even before and after) is a very important
time to be seeking and determining what God is calling us to do.
Who knows, maybe He's calling you to a mission field?
The question is, if He is, am I willing to 'die to myself' and go?

Let's not take the advice of the above 10 points...
I'm sure they'll keep anyone out of the mission field!


"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature."
Mark 16:15

"Say not ye, There are yet four months,
and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you,
Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields;
for they are white already to harvest."
Luke 4:35

Young Maiden's Daybook - February 15

Today…
February 15, 2010


Outside my window…
Cloudy skies as the snow from Saturday is melting.


I am thinking…
Of what I need to do after I get off the computer.


I am thankful…
For the lovely weekend of fellowship we had
with a young marine and his dad.


I am wearing...
A blue knit skirt and blue flowered t-shirt.


I am reading…
Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, 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…
Snow! I'm so thankful the Lord blessed us with some!


For education this week…
Praying a lot for wisdom and for the Lord to direct my life.
Brushing up on Grammar & vocabulary.
Studying deep in God's Word and writing my book.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
Not just relying on coffee to wake me up Ü


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
My plans aren't necessarily God's plans for me.
I need to be open and surrendered to God's will, not cling onto mine.


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


Scripture I am memorizing…
Well, I'm not sure. I think I may spend some time reviewing.


I'm praying for…
The Lord to guide and work out a new situation;
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.
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…
Enjoying the next 2 days as dad has the days off;
studying my ACT prep book and reviewing through
Algebra 2 (which I haven't touched in 4 years!) & some Trig;
having a Park Day on Friday; my birthday Saturday *Ü*;
writing and studying more for my book;
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...
Me enjoying my quiet time in the snow that Jesus blessed us with!
All that snow almost made me feel like I was back in Michigan!


Have a great week!

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If you participate, please leave a direct link
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Young Maiden's Daybook - February 8

Today…
February 8, 2010


Outside my window…
Very bright and very cold!!


I am thinking…
Of how good the Lord is to me.
He's blessed me with a wonderful Christian family,
salvation, a good church, and a personal relationship with Him!


I am thankful…
For the great privilege of prayer.
"...pray to thy Father which is in secret;
and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."


I am wearing...
A blue knit skirt and orange/tan collared shirt.


I am reading…
Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, 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);
maybe a few Valentines "gifties";
and (hopefully) more things to make for my etsy shop.


One of my favorite things…
Coloring with my little sisters.
I love to spend time with them and build sister memories!


For education this week…
Praying a lot for wisdom and for the Lord to direct my life.
Brushing up on Grammar & vocabulary.
Studying deep in God's Word and writing my book.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
I'm actually getting up earlier now! (with the exception of today)


A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
My plans aren't necessarily God's plans for me.


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


Scripture I am memorizing…
Well, I'm not sure. I think I may spend some time reviewing.


I'm praying for…
The Lord to guide and work out a new situation;
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.
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…
Post something; cleaning the church with Stephani Friday
while the children have a Keepers At Home meeting;
preparing for Valentines Day;
having a Valentine's 'tea party' with Stephani on Friday;
writing and studying more for my book;
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...
Our dog gazing out the window comfortably...


Have a great week!

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to your Daybook post in the new MckLinky below

Some Recent Projects...

Well, I'm not sure if Christmas is quite "recent",
but I thought I'd share 2 Christmas gifts I made and forgot to share Ü.
I've also finished 2 other projects since Christmas that I'll post.

Here is a cross-stitched angry bluebird for Mom:

(I made sure to tell her that it wasn't 'a hint' Ü)

Here is a cross-stitched note for Dad:


I've also tried picking up the art of painting ceramics.
I've never been into much art, but painting ceramics is pretty fun.
I painted this Christmas bell a few weeks ago:


And today I made a Valentine's Day pouch for someone:
(I'm not sure who yet.)

I received the pattern in an e-newsletter today.
I really like the simplicity of it and the nice look; I plan to make some more Ü.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.
Have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow!

Coconut Cream Meringue Pie

This was my first time experimenting with meringue Ü.
This is a great tasting recipe found in my
Taste of Home Baking Book that I thought I'd share.

COCONUT CREAM MERINGUE PIE

1 unbaked pastry shell (9 in)
6 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup flaked coconut
MERINGUE:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup flaked coconut

1. Bake pastry shell according to directions.
Cool on a wire rack.

2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour, & salt.
Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over
medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly.
Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minuets longer.
Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot
filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring
constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2
minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir
in vanilla and coconut. Pour into crust.

3. For meringue, beat egg whites and cream of
tartar in a small mixing bowl on medium speed
until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1
tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks
form and sugar is dissolved. Spread evenly over hot
filling, sealing edges to crust. Sprinkle with coconut.

4. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minuets or until meringue
is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for 3 hours before serving.

ENJOY!

Young Maiden's Daybook - February 1

Today…
February 1, 2010


Outside my window…
Very bright and very cold!!


I am thinking…
Of the song "The Rose";
I've had it in my head all morning Ü.
"Yes, the Rose rose; and now the foe knows
He lost the battle when the Savior said so.
You thought you could hold me...
Just look at what's empty.
I'm puttin' on a new robe, no longer in grave clothes
Since the Rose arose!"


I am thankful…
(That January is finally over Ü.)
And that our Youth Night service last night went well.
The Lord really blessed in it.


I am wearing...
A pink, flowered, 60's style collared dress.


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…
Technology...
I really appreciate cameras, mp3 players,
computers, etc... I'm glad the Lord allowed
them to be invented!!


For education this week…
Praying a lot for wisdom and for the Lord to direct my life.
Studying deep in God's Word and writing my book.


A keeper at home skill I am learning/using...
I'd like to start trying to get up a little earlier.
7:00 sounds good to me... I just need to do it Ü.


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…
Well, I'm not sure. I think I may spend some time reviewing.



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…
Hopefully being able to post something;
writing and studying more for my book;
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...
My Mom made this picture and I have a nice copy hanging in my room...

"Behold the fowls of the air: they sow not neither do they reap,
nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.
Are ye not much better than they?"
Matthew 6:28

What a great reminder that the Lord always provides!

Have a great week!

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If you participate, please leave a direct link
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