Daily Verse

"For what is our hope or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at His Coming?" 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Monday, August 31, 2009

School

School officially starts tomorrow! I am really excited, which is good, because I almost wasn't. There was a misunderstanding a few weeks ago, and I thought that I had an extra week, however that has been fixed, and I am now happy to be starting back up tomorrow.
I am taking Chemistry and Ethics this semester, which is going to be interesting. I am glad that I am only taking two classes, because working full time sure has an affect on my free time. I am excited to learn, and I am not sure what class I am more excited about. I cant wait to start ethics, I have been waiting since last summer to do that one, but I also did not have good science classes in school; I love science, and I am finally going to get to learn some :) .
I am soooooo busy all of a sudden, and I am not sure how much I like it, but you know, I think that once I get into a routine, I will really enjoy it.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Why Worry?

Why is it that Christians these days are so worried about the government, and the state of the world rite now? I understand being concerned, in fact We are here in order to help those whom we are concerned about, but we are supposed to do that by bringing them Hope in the Good news. I have seen more Christians these days fretting and working tirelessly to stop all that is going on, which to an extend is good, but it has gone too far.

As Christians, we know the truth, we know that God is in fact, in control, and that He is seeing his plan out. The Bible tells us to dwell on good things, to bring hope, to keep our eyes on Jesus, and yet, so many of us are so worried about all that is going on, and trying to stop it (in our own power) that we have lost sight of why we are here. In my opinion, yes the world needs help, and we must help them, but the only way to do that is by giving it all to God. All our worry and doubt, fear, fretting, refusing to take Sabbath (which is in fact medically beneficial) in order to do what God only can do. Psalm 37 says "Do not fret, it only causes harm, for yet a little while the wicked will be on the earth, and then they will be no more." Can we not heed this advice, this command?

It seems that we have forgotten the victory in which we are supposed to walk. We know the truth, and the truth is true and even if someone has an argument, we are correct, and need not be ashamed of that fact, and the truth is, God is so big that what He says will come to pass, and He has given Jesus the victory, the power, and the glory... Really, in thinking about how big God actually is, though I cannot fathom, one thing I can say to give you an idea is that the Bible says "He holds the stars." One star is 3 trillion miles from the other when they are close together, that is in our galaxy, the Bible is talking about a Universe.

The fact of the matter is that there is good news, a kind and loving, merciful and just God is the sole creator, and He will have his way, not only this but He has made a way and allowed us to enter into this glorious victory and abundant life in His son Jesus, who really did do what needed to be done, and really does invite you to join him in his inheritance. Because of this good news, we know that though we must do what we can to better our government, our nation, and our world, we need never be worried nor afraid, for as it says in Exodus 14:14 "He will fight for you, you need only to be still."

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Step 1

I have to say that I am truly amazed by what God is doing in my life rite now. Though I am not involved heavily in ministry, or volunteer work, He has found many little ways in which to use me.
It is amazing that just a little word here and a little act of kindness there can turn a situation completely around.

Last night I was doing some heavy praying and writing down what God said to me, and I was challenged to really begin to know Him in a deeper way. I went through my movies and got rid of the ones that I did not think that He would like, and spent the rest of the night in the Word. This morning when I got up, I fully intended to do something profound this week, so I settled down in my chair to see what He would say. To my surprise, He told me just to be conscience of Him throughout the day. That is the first step.

Though I have no idea what He will bring tomorrow, for today I am going to stay focused on Him, and what he is doing, and follow His lead.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Espresso Machine

I have decided that I need to buy myself an espresso machine. Just a small one with one portifilter, and one steam wand, but an espresso machine nun the less. Because, every morning I feel as though I would enjoy a cappuccino, but I don't have a way to get one, so I drink coffee. This is usually fine except for the fact the in order to get the equivalent amount of caffeine, I have to drink an actual cup of coffee which I can never seem to get through in the allotted time. Thus, every morning I leave a half full cup of coffee on the counter, when a cappuccino is half the size and what I wanted any way.

Not only would an espresso machine be beneficial to my morning routine, but I enjoy lattes and espresso and cappuccinos so much that I would in fact save myself a lot of money by just doing it myself, and seeing as I know how to do it (better than most) I think this is a rather clever scheme that I have come up with. Here though, lies the dilemma. I must now decide what quality of machine I should buy. I am not going to get the 30$ one because it is made of plastic, and I dont think that I need the 150$ Kitichen Aid model ether. I could then opt for the 6o$ machine, but I am not really sure if that is the one that I need. Should I get the one that is at Walmart, or find one of better quality? Do I get one now, or wait until I can buy a better one?

I have to say that I will most likely wait a few more weeks and then buy the 60$ modle, but there is still room to change my mind. I guess we will just have to wait and see...I will inform you when I finally do buy it.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Prayer

Lots to pray about...unsure of a few things, but blessed and excited to see what God does.

Pray with me?

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Accomplished?

I was thinking the other day about what the standards used to be for a woman to be considered "accomplished". She had to be able to play an instrument, sing, dance, draw, speak another language, sew, know how to be a hostess, and all of the rules of civility, she had to have a certain way of speaking and general knowledge of the news of the world.

What has happened to our standards?! I have decided that I want to become "accomplished". However, in today's world there is much more that must be achieved in order to do this. We must now have a general knowledge of math and science, we must know about the work place and how do e professional, we must know computers and how to cook. (surprisingly, many women did not know how to cook, but that is due to the fact that it was then in fashion to have servants do that) We must also know generally about our cars, and instead of how to sip tea, we need to know how to get all of our stuff from the car to the office with grace.

As you can see, things are now different, most of what I have mentioned in the first paragraph has nothing or little to do with the society in which we now live. But I maintain that it is still important and good that any and all young women should strive to become an accomplished woman.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tea and Austen

I am really excited, my friend Rachel came over last week and had tea with me. It was not a big deal really, but it was still fun. The reason I am excited is because we have decided to regularly meet for tea, and we are going to begin to read Jane Austen books out loud to each other.

First of all, I love Jane Austen an am excited to read her books, second of all I love having tea with people, and last and most important of all, I love being with my friends and am excited to be with them and enjoy having fellowship with them.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Church Camp

I had such a good weekend! I came home Friday night and got to spend some time with just my sister because everyone else had already headed up to Island Park. We stayed up until 5:30am talking and laughing, and watching movies, we had a blast. Then we got up and headed up the mountain around 10:00 am. When we got there my brother made it a point to hang out with me. That was amazing! He is the kind of person who other people hang out with, not the kind that hangs with other people. We really got to connect, and I am going to remember it for the rest of my life as a good day because of that.
We just had a really good time up there, lots of people, and stuff going on. I watched them all play dodge ball, and I got to swing on a swing set, which I have not done in a long time. There is not really a whole lot for me to say about it, but just take my word for it, we had a good time! :)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Sigh

Hey everyone, sorry that I have not updated in a while, it has been a busy week. I stayed home this weekend with the intent to relax and get some rest, but it has actually thrown off my whole week! After a very quiet and relaxing evening I could not sleep until 3am and am still trying to catch up on my rest.
I also started going to the gym this week which was a huge step for me. I am really enjoying it, even though it is a discipline to do it every day. I was not able to go yesterday, but that was because I went out to my friend Rachel's house and danced with a bunch of people. We had a lot of fun, I love swing dancing, and was even able to teach a few people how to Foxtrot. Tonight I get to go to Church and help with the children, and then I get to stay home on Thursday, which is really good, because I am headed out again for the weekend on Friday after work. Although, instead of going home for the weekend we are all going up to Big Springs (the headwaters of the Snake River) for Church Camp out, and will be back home for a couple of hours on Sunday evening. I guess that summer is going out with a bang this year. :)
I guess I will end this one by wishing you all a very Happy Wednesday!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Islam

Well this is an interesting article that my dad forwarded to me... But do not loose hope dear saints of God, for we know who is in control, and who wins this war...

Please pray for the Peace of Jerusalem! (Psalm 122:6)
>
>
> A MUSLIM EUROPE - How Close?? - THE FACTS
>
> In a generation or two, the US will ask itself: "who lost Europe?"
> Here is the speech of Geert Wilders, a member of Parliament from the
> Netherlands, at the Four Seasons, New York on Sept 28, 2008:
>
> AMERICA as THE LAST MAN STANDING
> -by Geert Wilders.
>
> I come to America with a mission. All is not well in the old world.
> There is a tremendous danger looming, and it is very difficult to be
> optimistic. We might be in the final stages of the Islamization of
> Europe. This not only is a clear and present danger to the future of
> Europe itself, it is a threat to America and the sheer survival of
> the West. The United States as the last bastion of Western
> civilization, facing an Islamic Europe.
>
> First I will describe the situation on the ground in Europe. Then, I
> will say a few things about Islam. To close I will tell you about a
> meeting in Jerusalem.
>
> The Europe you know is changing. You have probably seen
> the landmarks. But in all of these cities, sometimes a few blocks
> away from your tourist destination, there is another world. It is the
> world of the parallel society created by Muslim mass-migration. All
> throughout Europe a new reality is rising: entire Muslim
> neighborhoods where very few indigenous people reside or are even
> seen. And if they are, they might regret it. This goes for the police
> as well. It's the world of head scarves, where women walk around in
> figureless tents, with baby strollers and a group of children. Their
> husbands, or slaveholders if you prefer, walk three steps ahead, with
> mosques on many street corners. The shops have signs you and I cannot
> read. You will be hard-pressed to find any economic activity. These
> are Muslim ghettos controlled by religious fanatics. These are Muslim
> neighborhoods, and they are mushrooming in every city across Europe.
> These are the building-blocks for territorial control of increasingly
> larger portions of Europe, street by street, neighborhood by
> neighborhood, city by city.
>
> There are now thousands of mosques throughout Europe. With larger
> congregations than there are in churches. And in every
> European city there are plans to build super-mosques that will dwarf
> every church in the region. Clearly, the signal is: we rule.
>
> Many European cities are already one-quarter Muslim: just take
> Amsterdam, Marseille and Malmo in Sweden.
>
> In many cities the majority of the under-18 population is Muslim.
> Paris is now surrounded by a ring of Muslim neighborhoods. Mohammed
> is the most popular name among boys in many cities. In some
> elementary schools in Amsterdam the farm can no longer be mentioned,
> because that would also mean mentioning the pig, and that would be an
> insult to Muslims. Many state schools in Belgium and Denmark only
> serve halal food to all pupils...
>
> The history of the Holocaust can no longer be taught because of
> Muslim sensitivity. In England sharia courts are now officially part
> of the British legal system..
>
> Many neighborhoods in France are no-go areas for women without head
> scarves. Last week a man almost died after being beaten up by Muslims
> in Brussels, because he was drinking during the Ramadan. Jews are
> fleeing France in record numbers, on the run for the worst wave of
> anti-Semitism since World War II. French is now commonly spoken on
> the streets of Tel Aviv and Netanya, Israel. I could go on forever
> with stories like this. Stories about Islamization.
>
> A total of fifty-four million Muslims now live in Europe. San Diego
> University recently calculated that a staggering 25 percent of the
> population in Europe will be Muslim just 12 years from now...
>
> Now these are just numbers. And the numbers would not
> be threatening if the Muslim-immigrants had a strong desire to
> assimilate. But there are few signs of that. The Pew Research Center
> reported that half of French Muslims see their loyalty to Islam as
> greater than their loyalty to France. One-third of French Muslims do
> not object to suicide attacks. The British Centre for Social Cohesion
> reported that one-third of British Muslim students are in favor of a
> worldwide caliphate. Muslims demand what they call 'respect'. And
> this is how we give them respect. We have Muslim official state holidays.
>
> The Christian-Democratic attorney general is willing to accept sharia
> in the Netherlands if there is a Muslim majority. We have
> cabinet members with passports from Morocco and Turkey. Muslim
> demands are supported by unlawful behavior, ranging from
> petty crimes and random violence, for example against ambulance
> workers and bus drivers, to small-scale riots. Paris has seen its
> uprising in the low-income suburbs, the banlieus. I call the
> perpetrators 'settlers'. Because that is what they are. They do not
> come to integrate into our societies, they come to integrate our
> society into their Dar-al-Islam. Therefore, they are settlers.
>
> Much of this street violence I mentioned is directed exclusively
> against non-Muslims, forcing many native people to leave their
> neighborhoods, their cities, their countries. Moreover, Muslims are
> now a swing vote not to be ignored.
>
> The second thing you need to know is the importance of Mohammed the
> prophet. His behavior is an example to all Muslims and cannot be
> criticized. Now, if Mohammed had been a man of peace, let us say like
> Ghandi and Mother Theresa wrapped in one, there would be no problem.
> But Mohammed was a warlord, a mass murderer, a pedophile, and had
> several marriages - at the same time. Islamic tradition tells us how
> he fought in battles, how he had his enemies murdered and even had
> prisoners of war executed. Mohammed himself slaughtered the Jewish
> tribe of Banu Qurayza. If it is good for Islam, it is good. If it is
> bad for Islam, it is bad.
>
> Let no one fool you about Islam being a religion. Sure, it has a god,
> and a here-after, and 72 virgins, but in its essence Islam is a
> political ideology. It is a system that lays down detailed rules for
> society and the life of every person. Islam wants to dictate every
> aspect of life. Islam means 'submission'. Islam is not compatible
> with freedom and democracy, because what it strives for is sharia. If
> you want to compare Islam to anything, compare it to communism or
> national-socialism, these are all totalitarian ideologies.
>
> Now you know why Winston Churchill called Islam 'the most retrograde
> force in the world', and why he compared Mein Kampf to the Quran.
> The public has wholeheartedly accepted the Palestinian narrative, and
> sees Israel as the aggressor. I have lived in this country and
> visited it dozens of times. I support Israel. First, because it is
> the Jewish homeland after two thousand years of exile up to and
> including Auschwitz, second because it is a democracy, and third
> because Israel is our first line of defense.
>
> This tiny country is situated on the fault line of jihad, frustrating
> Islam's territorial advance. Israel is facing the front lines of
> jihad, like Kashmir, Kosovo, the Philippines, Southern Thailand,
> Darfur in Sudan, Lebanon, and Aceh in Indonesia. Israel is simply in
> the way. The same way West-Berlin was during the Cold War.
>
> The war against Israel is not a war against Israel. It is a war
> against the West. It is jihad. Israel is simply receiving the blows
> that are meant for all of us. If there would have been no Israel,
> Islamic imperialism would have found other venues to release its
> energy and its desire for conquest. Thanks to Israeli parents who
> send their children to the army and lay awake at night, parents in
> Europe and America can sleep well and dream, unaware of the dangers
> looming.
>
> Many in Europe argue in favor of abandoning Israel in order to
> address the grievances of our Muslim minorities. But if Israel were,
> God forbid, to go down, it would not bring any solace to the West. It
> would not mean our Muslim minorities would all of a sudden change
> their behavior, and accept our values. On the contrary, the end of
> Israel would give enormous encouragement to the forces of Islam. They
> would, and rightly so, see the demise of Israel as proof that the
> West is weak, and doomed. The end of Israel would not mean the end of
> our problems with Islam, but only the beginning. It would mean the
> start of the final battle for world domination. If they can get
> Israel, they can get everything.
>
> So-called journalists volunteer to label any and all critics of
> Islamization as a 'right-wing extremists' or 'racists'. In my
> country, the Netherlands, 60 percent of the population now sees the
> mass immigration of Muslims as the number one policy mistake since
> World War II. And another 60 percent sees Islam as the biggest
> threat. Yet there is a danger greater than terrorist attacks, the
> scenario of America as the last man standing. The lights may go out
> in Europe faster than you can imagine.
>
> An Islamic Europe means a Europe without freedom and democracy, an
> economic wasteland, an intellectual nightmare, and a loss of military
> might for America - as its allies will turn into enemies, enemies
> with atomic bombs....

I think that it is safe to say that we need to be praying...Have a nice day...

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Am I Crazy?

Well this weekend was insane...that being said, it was also wonderful. I had been praying hard all week that God would get us to Dallas for Aaron's wedding. The situation was that we (my whole family) had felt that God was sending us, my sister and I, thereto bless them, but we had no money with which to buy a plane ticket. We decided that the cut off was Wednesday when I got off of work, and that if nothing had happened by then that I would just come home for a long weekend. What do you think happened?...nothing. I got in the car Wednesday at 5 and decided to head home, little did I know what God had in store for me.

I cried for about three hours, mostly because I was upset with myself for being upset, and was a little bit better when I got home. When I got there we watched some Dean Marten and Jerry Lewis, which was really funny and helped a lot, but I still did not understand. So on Thursday I hung around and visited with some ladies from my church at the coffee shop, and thought about going to the zoo. It was a pretty normal day. It was Friday when things got crazy.

When I got up on Friday I went downstairs and my mom pulled me into the living room and told me that the money to go to Dallas had come in the night before! I was shocked, a little too shocked to be excited just yet. We spent quite a while deciding what to do. The problem was that plane tickets go up dramatically in price when you are buying them the same day that you are flying. We did not know if we should just fly me up, or the both of us, or just stay home (at this point I was ok with that) so we decided to pray. When we prayed my mom felt that God told her to drive us down there. So that is what we did

Here is the situation, it is 1:00, the wedding is at 2:00 tomorrow, and it is a 22 hour drive and we loose an hour in the time change. We still have to pack. So, in fifteen minutes we ran around the house, threw everything in the car and headed out the door. We left home at 1:15, and began our long drive through the night to Dallas. This was insane.

We have a GPS system in the car, which in most cases is nice and gets you where you need to go, however, it usually wants to take you the scenic rout, so we ended up in some pretty odd places in this very large country of ours. Why we passed submarine missiles in the middle of Wyoming I will never know, that is not really close to an ocean.

The culmination of our insanity was when we were flying (my mother was speeding, which is something that she does not do) through Dallas and my sister and I were changing clothes and getting ready for the wedding in the back of the car. We were a few minutes late, but we made it. I still cant believe that we did.

I was there Saturday night, and Sunday morning, and then on Sunday afternoon I flew back into Salt Lake City so that I could be here at work on Monday. Mom and Abby are still on their way back, but I just have to say that sometimes the things that God has you do are Crazy!

About Me

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Thoughts in the life of a sold out Christian, who happens to not care what people think of her, and cares exceedingly what God thinks of her.