Godsidences

Well, I woke up this morning to about 3-4 inches of snow! Isn't God amazing, I love it when I wake up to snow. Most people think I'm crazy, but I just love it! I keep thinking about how blessed I am, you know, I was talking to some friends last night about the requirements for the bridesmaid dresses all (but one) of us will be wearing (the other one will be in a wedding dress) and was a little bit worried about the ability that I would have to find one that would work. So, this morning I got online to see what I could find and don't you know I found the perfect one! And it was on sale! So I called the Bride, and told her, and informed her that we would have to go to Boise to pick it up, and once again God stepped in, she happened to be planning a trip to Boise this weekend, and I happen to be free this weekend (That's a first!) sooooo....it looks like I will be going to Boise this weekend. Now, I know that this does not seem profound to most of you, but in a way it is, because God is just that kind of a God, He is just so good that he cares about things fitting together!

A New Call For A New Year

Good morning everyone! What a beautiful day. God is so good and I am looking forward to all that he has for me in this coming year. I was praying the other day and asking Him what He had for 2010, and I really feel that as the decade changes God is getting ready to launch something new.

There is a call coming, a call to action. For far too long the Church has stood there in silence, maintaining its image and its dignity....it is time for a change. The Lord is calling His people to a new standard, He is dropping a new plumb line. Look around you, just look for it for one minute, and you will see. I believe that it will hit the youth first. The leaders of this new generation will begin to arise, I can see it coming.

I know that this sounds a little bit...different than what many of you are used to, but it is there. I am so excited! I can see God moving in my generation and I know that there is something big up His sleeve. Just as we see the evil of the world beginning to mature, the good of the world is also. The sons of God are beginning to know their place. You may ask the question "What is the answer to the womb of Islam?" Well I know the answer...It is the womb of Zion, the answer to the sons of Islam are the sons of God. I am not saying that we Christians have to have tons of children necessarily though I am not apposed to it, what I am saying is that one man, one son of God with his God behind him, one man in maturity will always be enough to answer what the enemy is doing.

What then does a Son of God look like, to put it simply, the perfect example is Jesus. We are not all Jesus, but we are called to be like Him. Paul with God behind (and in front of him) was enough to answer the Roman government, Peter with Jesus inside of him was enough to answer the call of the Jewish government....Elijah with God at his side was enough to answer the 800 prophets of Baal. We as Christians are called to mature as Sons of God, to mirror Christ. So I ask you, what does Christ look like fully manifested in you? If you were every bit of who God made you to be, what would you look like? What would you do? What would you say and think?

How do I get there? You may ask, well, for the complete answer to that question you must go to Jesus and ask Him who you are, but I will tell you what know. You come to maturity by simply reading the Word of God, and doing what it says. Listen to His voice, which you will know by reading the Bible. Read and Obey. That in itself will propel you to where you need to go.

That is what God has laid on my heart today....be encouraged, look up, and know the good things that God has in store for those who love Him...

Holiday Drama

Well, that was probably the longest and most dramatic 5 days I have had in a very long time. I guess I should just start from the beginning...I finished Christmas shopping Tuesday night, and got everything ready for the next week...nothing special. Wednesday morning I got to have coffee with my best friend Alisha where she and her husband announced that they are going to have a baby! (I actually knew the day before, but that is OK) I am so excited for them! They have been trying for a long time, and it seems that God has finally answered their prayers. Then I went home. It was a good day, filled with anticipation, for my other best friend was being induced and she was about to have her first baby. We waited all day to hear about it, I talked to them that morning but nothing had happened. About 10:30 we received news that the baby had died in the birth canal. She was only 3 lbs at full term, so there must have been something wrong...much of the rest of the night was spent in tears. Remarcably Stephanie, the mother spoke with me around 11:30, and said that she was at peace, and knew that precious Mikayle was with Jesus. She amazes me so often with her simple trust in God, and her ability to let Him do what He wants. Not many people could handle something like this the way she is. I was really struggeling for a while, it was so unexpected, so I prayed and asked God to show me how this was about Him. He reminded me of all of the children that died the year that he was born, because of His birth; He said that all of the children that die that way have a purpose and destany, no matter how long it took them to fulfill it, and that little Mikayle fulfilled hers.

Then it was Christmas Eve, and I was actually able to enjoy it, because of Gods faithfulness, we baked, and everything came out perfect. We watched movies, and played games, and enjoyed eachother. Some friends of ours came over that night and we had hourdurves for dinner. Through the middle of all of this we heard that my brothers fiances mother caught her husband with his girlfriend and they are getting a divorce, but not telling the younger son so that he will not have a bad Christmas. We then ended up in a deep conversation with their son, and all that he is going through (dramatic point number 3) which ended well...then of course, it was off to bed uncharistractly early.

Christmas morning was wonderful, up early and had an absolutely wonderful time. Everyone was blessed, and liked what they got, we were all smiling, and thankful. Mom made breakfast cassarole, which was delicious, and we spent the day being lazy and enjoying ourselves. That afternoon abut half of the family went over to some friends house, and the other half watched a movie. The day ended about 12:15.

Saturday was good, my brother came home late on Christmas, so we did not get so see him, so Sat was spent with him, and eating leftovers, and reading, and playing with all of the new toys. It was mostly uneventful.

Sunday was interesting...started pretty good, except that my sister could not go to church because of feeling ill. She is better now. The most dramatic event is that my family is all heading down to MO to visit my grandmother today. They started planning and packing yesterday, and discussing what they were doing, which turned into discussing the way my brother relates to his fiance and the family, which in turn became "what now? " which resulted in a wedding date! Thats right, my little brother is getting married Feb 20th! Thankfully it will be small. When that was finally over, we recieved news that one of my fathers friends from 10 years ago died. It was a bit of a shock, apparantly he collapsed in church, they say it was his heart. After that we prayed together, and then I left. What ever will I do with all my free time?

So, in the end it was a very eventful weekend, I hope you all had a great Holiday, and that you know how much the Lord loves you. Considering the events of the weekend, He must be the reason for the hope that lies within me, for it certanly does.

McCall

This weekend was so much fun! Every year all of my moms family goes up to McCall to celebrate Christmas the weekend before, so that you can do whatever you want on the actual Christmas. So, we all gathered at the camp, and started the festivities.
Friday: Started with picking up my cousin Grace on the way and singing Christmas Carols at the top of our lungs and trying to see through the fog. When we got there it was mostly just talking and enjoying each other and drinking hot chocolate, seeing that we did not get there until like 10:30 or so, but that is part of the fun anyway. We also had to figure out where we were staying, which meant trudging through around three feet of snow.
Saturday: Let the fun begin! We sleeped late, and went upstairs for a lazy breakfast and more talking, but we soon went back down stairs to get dressed and ready to go. First was sledding. There is a large hill right outside of the main kitchen and living area, which is perfect for sledding, it was a blast! Especially with the dog running around and trying to stay out of the way. After the sledding we went into town to go shopping at some antique stores, which was interesting, and then we all met up at the ice skating rink. Unfortunately I always get hurt....but I escaped uninjured this time! We had fun, did you know that you can see someones personality when they skate?
After that we went home, and they were just beginning to set up the gingerbread houses! I, with the help of Grace and Tony made a very beautiful house. The chimney looked real, and had smoke, there was a flower garden in the back and a couple of beautiful trees in the front. It was a bit of a colonial style with a green roof and pink and white sides...Christmas lights completed the look!
When we completed the Gingerbread Village, some of the cousins went sledding again, but my cousin Grace and I stayed inside and sang Christmas Carols while grandpa played the accordion. He was a little rusty, but that just made it more fun! I love it when he plays. About 11 all of the kids were sent out of the main room so that the adults could work on stockings, so we all went and watched a movie. After that it was off to bed...
Sunday: A rude awakening by my cousin Tyler who was very ready to open his stocking. Came upstairs and got coffee, opened my stocking, and breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn't as weird as it could have been.....and believe me, it has been! Then we watched other people open theres, and when everyone was Finally there, we all began the gift exchange. It was a lot of fun, I got Breakfast at Tiffanies, and a journol with Audrey Hepburn on it. Which was just about perfect for me. It is a big family, so that took a while, and when it was done there was a big breakfast, and then everyone got ready to leave. On the way back down the mountain we sang again, and had a really good time.
What a way to enjoy the last Christmas in McCall...

Blessings

I have to say that I am shocked at all of the wonderful things that God has done for me. I was really not sure what to expect this Christmas, we don't have a tone of money to spend on presents; it is my first Christmas away from home; there is a possibility of moving; there were just a lot of things that factored in. The one thing that I was not counting on, that perhaps I should have is that God is a God of love, and He likes to bless His people.
He has so abundantly blessed me this year. I told you about the train ride, which was fabulous, but I have not yet told you that I was also able to see a professional ballet of The Nutcracker, which is one of my favorite Christmas stories! Not only that, but He has blessed me with the ability to bless other people this year. I have been able to give donations, and buy presents and all sorts of things. I love doing that! He also blessed my by providing for my sister to come and visit me all week. All in all, this has been one of the best Christmases I have ever had, and it is only the 18th! We still have a trip up to McCall this weekend where we will go ice skating, build gingerbread houses, play in the snow and spend time with family. I just have to marvel at how amazing God is, and how faithful he is to provide the little things.
I am overwhelmed by His goodness and graciousness, and all that He has done for me. I really cannot express in words all that I feel right now. Everything I have is from Him, all that I am is because of Him, and all that I will ever do is for Him. Oh praise the everlasting God! For His mercy and loving kindness. His love endures forever!

Merry Christmas

My Weekend

Oh my! I'm sorry that I haven't written in a week, I guess time flies when you are having fun! Which is just what I did. I went to Boise last weekend to a womens' conference that my mother was speaking at, it was really good! She was talking about what women do when they do not find their identity in Christ. In general, they will go to three places, first...the man in their life, be it father, boyfriend, or husband. When they find that he is not God and messes up, they turn to their children. If only their child has strait A's, or is nicely dressed, then maybe they have done something right, and they find validation there. Inevitably, they will not measure up to the standard of perfection, and the womans validation often turns to her job. Sometimes that means a successful business woman, or sometimes they find their identity in being a home school mom. The problem is that with each one of these, there is something missing, you see, God created us to find our validity and identity in Him, and until we do that, we will not have peace.

Our next stop in Boise was with family, which is always fun. This year was really cool because my Aunt had a job as a Caroler on a train. It is one of the only passenger trains left in this part of the country, for there are very few left, and it takes groups of people on "adventure rides" if you will. This December it was taking people to the North Pole where they could see Santa, on the way there were carolers. Now, because our aunt worked on the train, we got in for a fraction of the price. It was a blast!!!! I had so much fun! We went up into the mountains, where it was snowing, by the way, and they sang any Christmas song that you wanted. We saw Santa, and had milk and cookies, and the train itself was just amazing. I will deffinatly do that again!

Whats Happening....

So, God is doing so much right now that it is hard to keep up with it all. First of all, a good friend of mine is engaged, which is awesome. The school that I go to is brand new, last year I effectively represented exactly 1/2 of the student body, and this year we are getting all kinds of interest online, and support from all over the world. We have 6 students this semester, and may have more next semester.
God is also showing me new things that He wants to do in my life, and with the people around me. I love having direct communication with the man in charge :). There are some other things that are going on as well, but I don't really want to plaster them online, so I will not put them here. Another fun thing that is going on is that my mom is doing a womens conference in Boise this weekend, and I just may get to go! Im really excited, because I really wanted to. I dont get to hear her teach (other people) very often, of corse I get to have her as a mother, so she teaches me all the time which is awesome, but I want to see what she says to other people.
Well, I have to go...have a great day!!!

New Beginnings

This week was my 20th birthday. I am excited, and a little bit scared. I know that this brings on a new phase in my life, and I cannot wait to see what God does. I know how much I changed in the last 10 years, and I cant help but think that I will change just as much in the next 10. It feels so weird to no longer be in the teens, but life most definitely goes on. I have a feeling that what God is going to do with me as an adult is a much bigger plan than what I originally thought.
My birthday was good, for all who are wondering, some friends surprised me with a cake, and dinner, and dancing which was a lot of fun! I got to go home, and my sister took me out to a movie, (not the best movie, but that is ok). I had cake and ice cream with my family, and we were able to just hang out. But I think the best part is was the morning of my birthday, I had sleeped in a little longer than I wanted, and had to get moving, but when I opened my eyes I heard God whisper "Happy Birthday." to me, and I just knew that it came with snow. When I actually got up there was no snow, but I didn't think too hard about it, but a few minutes later, little tiny flakes of snow came fluttering down, and by the time I was dressed, a soft blanket covered the ground. I was soooo excited! Not only for the snow, which I love, but for the simple assurance that I really do hear the voice of God, that He really is my friend, and that He really does love me.

This Time

What is it about this time of the year that I love so much? Could it be the chill in they air? The warm smells inside? Perhaps it is the cozy sweaters and looking out at the falling snow? It may be the memories of other birthdays, or the excitement of the Christmas season. Or is it the idea of spending time with family?....What if its just the thought of wassail and eggnog? I think the thing that I love the most about this time of year is that everyone, young and old, rich and poor, stops and remembers what Christ did for them. Even those who do not believe sing songs about it, and read stories about it. Though it is sad that they have no idea of the significance of what they are singing, the words are still being sung.
You could say that this is a time of hope, love, and giving, but I have more often observed that it is a time of worship and praise. The Christmas carols sing of the glory of God, the plays tell of changed lives, the gifts (should) tell of selfless love. It is a time when man puts aside their differences and comes to a realization (however brief) of who God really is. There is a story I remember about WWII...It was Christmas Eve in a red zone in Germany, and the Nazis and the Americans had been fighting all day, it was now night and they were both sitting in the trenches trying to keep warm when the Americans began to hear the soft tune of Silent Night carry over from the Germain side, they began to sing along. It being Christmas Eve and no one wanting to fight, the two sides got out of their trenches and met in the middle where they sang and ahem...drank together. The next day they were fighting again, but for a brief moment the terrible loss of life in that war ceased to celebrate King Jesus.
Some people hate the fact that we begin to celebrate Christmas a month before it actually comes, but what I say to them is that sometimes people need a month to sit down and remember what this whole thing is all about...

Thanksgiving

Well everyone, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I was particularly excited this year because it was my first year to be living on my own, so it was the first time that I had to travel home for Thanksgiving, which was actually kind of neat. Of course when I got home I was met with warm smells and hugs from family, which was a pretty good start to the long weekend.
Thanksgiving day was really nice, I got up to a big cup of coffee and some baked oatmeal which was delicious, and (tried) to watch the parade, I did end up seeing a little bit of it, which at this point is a blessing ;). We then helped in the kitchen a little bit, and decided to watch a movie. At about 2:30 we ate a wonderful meal, and I probably ate a little bit too much, but it wasn't bad.
Friday was the crazy day. As you can imagine, the house was not...clean, but thankfully it was not bad ether, because that morning we got a call from our Realtor saying that she had not gotten the memo that we canceled, and had already advertised an open house for 11:00 the next morning! So, as my parents took my grandmother to the airport, us kids cleaned, as quickly and as well as we could. The thing that really made it crazy was that we were all leaving on Saturday for a few days, so not only were we getting ready for an open house, but packing for a trip as well! We cleaned, and washed clothes, and took down Thanksgiving, and put up Christmas, and by midnight, we decided to buy cookies instead of make them, but all in all the house looked wonderful, and we all had a good time with lots to be thankful for.
By the way, the open house went quite well :)