A Young Christian Life

You're a boat

2011-08-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

"A boat in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for."--Anonymous

A lot of times we feel like boats being overcome by storms in our lives. But Jesus lets us go through these hard times to make us stronger and built our trust in Him. So don't stay in the harbor, in your comfort zone. Don't sit around and not share Jesus love. Let His winds take you where He wants you. Set full sail and trust that He will keep you safe in the storm.

New Day - Avalon

2011-04-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

GENEVA!

2011-04-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is the view from a dorm room at Clarke hall. I can't wait until this fall. That's where I'll be. The freshman dorm at Geneva college. http://www.geneva.edu/page/index

I'll also look forward to taking advantage of their fitness center! :)

The girls I meet there are so nice! All the professors are Christians, and the professor I'll have is very nice I got to talk with her at lunch. She has an adopted daughter from Guatemala which is very cool! It just felt like home over-all! I slept a full 10 hours! :) on the floor none-the less that's great for me, even with sleeping pills. :) It also helped that I had only gotten 2 hours sleep the night before lol. But anyway, when I was there it was like God was saying to me. "If you come here, you'll be following my path, but you can still go to a state college but you won't be happy there..." I'm so happy, I feel like my life is really coming together now. :)

COLLEGE!!!!

2011-03-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

I am getting stressed about making my final decision between Edinboro and Geneva. I have to decide what is more important to me, being an hr. closer to home, and having guitar lessons opportunity, or going to a Christian college.

Inspirational Quotes

2011-03-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

Remember, you may choose your sin, but you can't choose the consequences. - Jenny Stanford

People need loving the most when they deserve it the least. - John Harrison

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initives and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves. [maybe Abe Lincoln]

Life can only understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards. - Soren Kierkegaard

The best and most beautiful things in this world
cannot be seen or even heard,
but must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller

Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truely endless. - Mother Teresa

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. Henry David Thoreau

Wherever you are, be all there. - Jim Elliot

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying saying "I will try again tomorrow."

That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong. - William J.H. Boetcker

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle - unknown

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Stay in the sunlight. Benjamin Franklin

When Satan reminds us of our past, we should remind him of his future. - Author Unknown

A flower has to go through a lot of dirt before it can bloom.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Imagination is what we could be. - Albert Einstein

Obsticles are those frightening things you see when you take your eyes off the goal. - henry ford

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world"
"Think of all the beauty that is still left in and around you and be happy." - Anne Frank

Love sought is good, but given unsought is better. - William Shakespeare.

It is our choices that show us what we truely are, far more than our abilities. - J.K.Rowling

A man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weeds.

Ultimatley you are doing what you do for one of two reasons, to serve oneself or serve God.

Don't go through life, grow through life. Eric Butterworth

God's Grace

2011-01-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hope you are all as blessed as I was by this story.

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak.... "I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What do you have there, son?"
"Just some old birds," came the reply.
"What are you going to do with them?" I asked.
"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time."
"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?" "Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them." The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?" "Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!"
"How much?" the pastor asked again.
The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?" The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free. Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story: One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught a world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"
"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!" "And what will you do when you are done with them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly. "How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!" "How much? He asked again. Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life."
Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price. The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit.

I've paid my dues!

2010-04-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

The reward you receive for a job well done is getting a bigger, harder job to do. Many of us believe that once we demonstrate how strong, how good, how smart we are, life should give us a break. We believe we should be home free. Nothing could be further from the truth about the way life works. The trees with the strongest branches and deepest roots are those that have withstood the heavy winds and stormy weather, season after season.
You must never become tired of reaching, stretching, growing and becoming better and better. The old folks called it "moving from glory to glory!" You must always keep in mind that the more you know and the more you can do, the more you will be called upon. Yes, you have a right to be tired. Yes, you are entitled to a much deserved rest. Once you get rested, get ready! Life is going to bring you a big task to preform, a deep mystery to resolve, a harder job to work on, and a greater victory than you have ever had before.
From "Faith in the Valley"
By Iyanla Vanzant

See you in heaven!

2010-02-16T15:17:00.000-08:00

This is an email forward that was really inspiring for me so I thought I'd post it here.

I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day. As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, 'I will work for food.' My heart sank. I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind.. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car. Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: 'Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square.' Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town.. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor. 'Looking for the pastor?' I asked. 'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.' 'Have you eaten today?' 'Oh, I ate something early this morning.' 'Would you like to have lunch with me?' 'Do you have some work I could do for you?' 'No work,' I replied 'I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.' 'Sure,' he replied with a smile. As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. Where you headed?' ' St. Louis ' 'Where you from?' 'Oh, all over; mostly Florida ..' 'How long you been walking?' 'Fourteen years,' came the reply. I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling.... He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.' Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences.. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment... A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God 'Nothing's been the same since,' he said, 'I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now....' 'Ever think of stopping?' I asked. 'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads...' I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: 'What's it like?' 'What?' 'To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?' 'Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me.' My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused He turned to me and said, 'Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.' I felt as if we were on holy ground. 'Could you use another Bible?' I asked. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. 'I've read through it 14 times,' he said. 'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see' I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful. 'Where are you headed from here?' I asked. 'Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.' 'Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?' 'No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next.' He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things. 'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked. 'I like to keep messages from folks I meet.' I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, 'I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.' 'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.' 'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!' 'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked. A long time,' he replied. And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed.. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, 'See you in the New Jerusalem.' 'I'll be there!' was my reply. He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?' 'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.' 'God bless.' And that was the last I saw of him. Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them.... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them. Then I remembered his words: 'If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?' Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office.... They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the New Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will....... 'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again..'

Baptism

2009-08-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

As I stood on the bank of the river, I remembered a day about 2 years ago. The day I stepped into the water of a baptismal tank and committed my life to God. I remember the water soaking my robe and the water dripping on the floor. I remembered the people singing "Take my life and let it be... consecrated Lord to thee..." And now here, four of my very good friends were being baptised. Joy filled my heart and I prayed that we would all stay true to our beliefs and someday soon we would say, "Heaven was cheap enough." All the trials and tribulations will seen like nothing in comparison to what Jesus has in store.

June 5

2009-06-05T12:02:00.001-07:00

I picked 60 quarts of strawberries yesterday. Today is the last day of 10th grade! I have to go to karate class now...

May God give you...

2009-06-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for each prayer.

There is a place...

2009-05-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

theme song from 07 Family Camp-Meeting. By the Nebbletts.

There is a place upon this earth
that stands unrivaled in it's worth
It is a home where Jesus reigns,
and angels love to dwell
where father, mother, girl and boy
are satellites of Heaven's joy
and servants of the King of Kings
while on the earth they dwell.
Chorus:
When Christ is the life of the family,
that home is a light in the land
a beacon so bright, it shines through the night,
as proof that a family can stand,
when their home is in Jesus hands...
There are times when the world looks dark
when wind and storm have left their mark,
when clouds have covered up the sun
and all is cold and gray
But in our hearts there shines a light,
the Word of God, the ways of right
when it its ways we walk and stay
the darkness turns to day...
Chorus
There is a call for every soul,
each father, mother, boy and girl,
to live a life that speaks of love
in service here below
and all throughout the ages blessed
when we have found eternal rest,
we'll be at home with Heaven's Best...
our Savior, God, and King...
Chorus

Looking back...

2009-04-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

There were times when…

I didn’t know what depressed meant
I just had fun
I was happy
I was innocent
I was naïve
I didn’t cry
I wanted to smile
I was content
I wasn’t stressed
I just lived life carefree

666 revealed

2009-04-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrvotdYYXlM

Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky

2009-04-15T03:29:00.000-07:00

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ezekiel 18:4

Cholera, a very infectious disease, was common a century ago. The bacteria settled in the intestines and poisoned the whole system. Severe diarrhea and vomiting weakened victims until they died within a few days. Thousands of people succumbed, and doctors could do little to help.

Today we can get a vaccination to help us from catching the disease, but in 1893 no one knew how to do this. The only way to keep from getting sick was to keep away from people with the disease. This was hard when an epidemic hit a town, because people were ill in almost every household. It was absolutely necessary to boil all drinking water.

In the fall of 1893 a cholera epidemic raged in St. Petersburg, Russia. Ignoring the danger, Peter Tchaikovsky drank unboiled water. He was thirsty, and boiled water was not available. He didn't want to take the trouble to boil water, and wait for it to cool. He wanted a drink right now.

Within a few days, the man who wrote the Nutcracker Suite was dead, for cholera germs are no respecter for persons. The results are the same whether you are rich or poor, dumb or smart, famous or unknown. Cholera germs don't care if you're a brilliant scientist, a gifted musician, or an escaped convict.

Sin is a lot like the cholera germ. It is easily caught from brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors. Just notice how fast a filthy joke makes the rounds. One child brings it to school, and soon the whole class has heard it. Who teaches kids to swear? No one. Bad language seems to be in the air. One person infects another until we have a real problem on our hands.

Television, radio, cassette players, books, and magazines, as well as our friends, carry the germs of sin. Some of us are like Tchaikovsky, taking no precautions against infection. We think that somehow, because we are Christians, we are immune. We aren't. Sin is no respecter of persons.

Although there was no cure for Tchaikovsky's cholera, there is a remedy for sin. "The blood of Jesus Christ... cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7). Notice it says it cleanses us from ALL sin. It totally washes us clean, not just one sin here and there, all of it! Don't leave a single germ in your system! Ask Jesus to wash you totally clean, blot out all the sins in your book. Thank God, we don't have to die.

Let there be light

2009-04-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well summertime is on it's way! I got my first bug bite of the year! :) Today a electrical box was making a weird smell after our power went out. So we were scared there was a fire in the house. So I had to carry out the 2 gerbils cages (4 total) and 3 rabbits and the dog out of the house just in case. Turned out it was a stupid made in china box that was like smoking. Plus the rabbit had bit the cord before so that mighta had something to do it with. But we had 3 other ones and only one of them works, what happens is it is a battery back up that sounds an alarm (a really annoying alarm) when the power goes out so you can have time to turn off your desktop. SO... anyway thankfully it was a false alarm fire. But the power was out for at least 50 minutes and my dad finally went and turned the fuse back on... it was funny cuz I was chillin in my room singing "Shine Jesus shine" and the second as I was saying let there be light, there was light! :) I got a kick outa that. Well God Bless you, whoever took time to read my blog today.

How can I fear?

2009-03-30T15:51:00.001-07:00

When shadows fall and the night covers all
There are things that my eyes cannot see.
I never fear, for the Saviour is near.
My LORD abides with me!

How can I fear? Jesus is near!
He ever watches over me!
Worries all cease; He gives me peace.
How can I fear with Jesus?

When I'm alone and I face the unknown
And I fear what the future may be,
I can depend on the strength of my Friend!
He walks along with me.

How can I fear? Jesus is near!
He ever watches over me!
Worries all cease; He gives me peace.
How can I fear with Jesus?

Jesus is King! He controls everything!
He is with me each night and each day.
I trust my soul to the Saviour's control;
He drives all fear away!

How can I fear? Jesus is near!
He ever watches over me!
Worries all cease; He gives me peace.
How can I fear with Jesus?

Cinderella

2009-03-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN7_qbOpuWs

Steven Curtis Chapman is such an inspiration to me!

One - Day Church

2009-03-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.onedaychurch.org/home.html
This is a really cool site that tells about how many churches are needed in places like South America and Africa. They even have pictures from Ecuador and Mozambique where they are working on churches. Check out the website! You can donate $1500 and thats enough for a whole church! I am gonna ask my Sabbath School teacher about taking an offering to support it.

Sometime

2009-03-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

By May Riley Smith

Sometime, when all life's lessons have been learned,

And sun and stars forevermore have set

The things which our weak judgements here have spurned,

The things o'er which we greived with lashes wet,

Will flash before us out of life's dark night

As stars shine in most deeper tints of blue,

And we shall see how God's plans are right,

And how what seemed reproof was love most true.

Then be content poor heart;

God's plans, like lilies pure and white , unfold;

we must not pull the close-shut leaves apart,--

Time will reveal the chalices of gold.

And if, through patient toil, we reach the land

Where tired feet, with sandals loosed, may rest,

When we shall clearly see and understand,

I think that we will say, "God knew the best!"

THE STARFISH POEM

2009-03-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a wise man

who used to go to the ocean

to do his writing.

He had a habit of walking

on the beach

before he began his work.

One day he was walking along

the shore.

As he looked down the beach,

he saw a human

figure moving like a dancer.

He smiled to himself to think

of someone who would

dance to the day.

So he began to walk faster

to catch up.

As he got closer, he saw

that it was a young man

and the young man wasn't dancing,

but instead he was reaching

down to the shore,

picking up something

and very gently throwing it

into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out,

"Good morning! What are you doing?"

The young man paused,

looked up and replied,

"Throwing starfish in the ocean."

"I guess I should have asked,

why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"

"The sun is up and the tide is going out.

And if I don't throw them in they'll die."

"But, young man, don't you realize that

there are miles and miles of beach

and starfish all along it.

You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely.

Then bent down, picked up another starfish

and threw it into the sea,

past the breaking waves and said-

"It made a difference for that one."

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-03-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

I heard about this movie from plugged in, focus on the family. It's R rated so it's not good for little kids, but the guy rating it said he thought it should have been rated Pg-13. So not all R rated movies are terrible. It's actually 2 hours long! It won an academy award, best film. It has a lot of violence, but the movie is about love conquering evil. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/28/2503993.htm

It really touched my heart. I wanna rescue all those poor Indian children!

Values of Heroes

2009-03-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

Corrie ten boom Amy Carmichael

Taken from http://heroesofhistory.com/

FAITH it's an acronym !

Fearless

Applied

Instructed

Tireless

Humble

Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried or pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is. ~Amy Carmichael

This is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite heroes, Amy. My other favorite is Corrie Ten Boom. Since one of the qualities of a hero is humbleness, I'm sure Amy would not consider herself a hero, nor would any of the others on that site. You should check it out, it's really inspiring. There are other sites that have history on these people too. Check out answers.com or wikipedia. If you really wanna read a lot about her, get her biography. I haven't read it for a few years, but if I can find it, I would read it again. I'll probably end up getting it from the local library.

Never Forget

2009-02-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

I just wanna share a devotional with you all.

It's from 24.7.365 ONE YEAR IN THE LORD

By Dawin Esmond

In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the Lord had commanded concerning them.

Deuteronomy 1:3

December 26, 2004 saw one of the most tragic events on earth's history. A huge earthquake deep in the Indian ocean sent massive 100-foot waves toward Sumatra, Indonesia, devastating much of the coasts of southern and southeast Asia. the earthquake measured 9.1 on the Richter scale, and lasted between 8-10 minutes. in that brief period an avalanche of water was unleashed that claimed more than 230,000 lives. That it happened on the day after Christmas seems an extra-cruel twist of fate.

While the earthquake destroyed countless lives, one group of poor villagers survived, in fact, everyone in their villages survived! The Moken, known as sea gypsies by some, live on the surin islands off the coast of Thailand. they have no written language, so knowledge is passed on from generation to generation through the retelling of their history. they have awesome memories.

No earthquake had hit their region for more than 500 years. Yet through storytelling the moken had passed down an important warning: When the waters of the ocean recede rapidly, [as in a tsunami], flee immediately to higher ground. Generation after generation, for 500 years, this message was passed on. And when the tsunami of 2004 began, the moken remembered the teaching of their elders, and immediately fled to the highest point they could, 113 feet above sea level. Their villages were destroyed, but all of them lived.

The book of Deuteronomy is God's oral warning to the ancient Israelites and to us today. In this book Moses recounts the leading of God in Israel's past, and he warns the Israelites to always obey God in the future. (Today, in Deuteronomy 1-3, you began reading Moses oral history of Israel's journey.) God did not want the Israelites to repeat their past mistakes, and He doesn't want you or me to do so either. Never forget the past and how God has lead you. The lessons of the past can save us in the present and future if we learn them well.

If Jesus came to your house

2009-02-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

By Lois Blanchard

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two,
If he came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do.
I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored Guest,
And all the food you'd give him would be your very best;
And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have him there
that severing him in your own home in joy beyond comare!!!
But when you saw him coming would you meet him at the door
with your arms outstreched in welcome To your heavenly visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let him in,
And hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?
Would you sing the songs you sing and read the books you read,
And let him know on which your mind and spirt feed?
Would you take Jesus everywhere you'd planned to go
or would you have to change your plans for just a day or so?
Would you be glad for him to meet your closest friends?
Or would you hope they'd stay away untill his visit ends?
Would you be glad to have him stay for ever on and on,
Or would you sigh with great relieve When he at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
if Jesus came in person to spend some time with you.

Going Deeper

2009-01-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

How do I read the Bible?
Taken from http://www.vision2025.org/index.html

Here are some practical tips on how to read the Bible.
If we are going to set aside time to read the Bible, we have to plan ahead. If we don’t plan it, we will never do it.It is wise to start with a realistic goal. Don’t be over ambitious. It is better to spend a few minutes every day than to spend an hour and a half the first day and then to give up.

If you have never studied the Bible before, you might like to set aside seven minutes every day. I am sure that if you do that regularly, you will steadily increase it. The more you hear God’s word, the more you will want to hear it.

Mark tells us that Jesus got up early and went off to a solitary place to pray (Mark 1:35). It is important to try to find somewhere we can be on our own.

You may want to take a hot drink (or something to wake you up), the Bible, your diary and a notebook. Use the notebook to write down prayers and also things you think God may be saying to you. Use your diary as an aid to pray about each stage of your day, and also for jotting down things that come to your mind. Start by asking God to speak to you through the passage you are reading. Then read the passage.

If you are a beginner, I suggest reading a few verses of one of the Gospels each day (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John)You might find it a help to use Bible reading notes, which are available at most Christian bookshops.

Ask yourself three questions:
1) What does it say? Read it at least once and, if necessary, compare different translations.
2) What does it mean? What did it mean to the person who first wrote it and those who first read it? (This is where the notes may be helpful).
3) How does it apply to me, my family, my work, my neighbours, the society around me? (This is the most important stage. It is when we see the relevance to our own lives that Bible reading becomes so exciting and we become conscious that we are hearing God’s voice).

Finally, we must put into practice what we hear from God. Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24) As the nineteenth-century preacher D L Moody pointed out, "The Bible was not given to improve our knowledge, it was given to change lives."

southern ten commandments

2008-11-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

Ten Commandments
Some people have trouble with all those 'shall's' and 'shall not's' in the Ten Commandments. Folks just aren't used to talking in those terms. So, in middle Tennessee they translated the 'King James' into ' Jackson County ' language......no joke (posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro , TN ).

(1) Just one God
(2) Put nothin' before God
(3) Watch yer mouth
(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'
(5) Honor yer Ma & Pa
(6) No killin'
(7) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal
(8) Don't take what ain't yers
(9) No tellin' tales or gossipin'
(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff

Now that's plain an' simple. Y'all have a nice day!

"Faith...

2008-09-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

is the art of holding on to things your reason once accepted, despite your changing moods." C. S. Lewis

Somebody Needs Your Sympathy

2008-09-12T12:39:00.001-07:00

By Walter E. Isenhour
Somebody needs your sympathy,
Your words of comfort sweet;
You'll find him somewhere if you look,
Perhaps he's on the street;
Or maybe in a lonely room, --
An invalid on his cot;
Perhaps he's suffered, suffered long
Although you knew it not.
Somebody needs your sympathy,
Your prayers amid the strife;
Perhaps it is a mother dear,
Who's suffered much in life;
Or some forsaken girl or boy
Beneath the world's cold feet,
Unnoticed by the passing throngs
They chance so much to meet.
Somebody needs your sympathy,
A doctor, or a nurse;
Or preacher wearied with his toils,
Whom men despise and curse;
Or teacher, who has done her best
to educate your child;
Or man in business, worn and tired
Whose brain is almost wild.
Somebody needs your sympathy --
A beggar by the way;
Or father bent with many cares,
Who longs to hear you pray;
Or maybe some poor sinner lost,
Because you passed him by;
Or wretched soul that's strayed from God
Who very soon shall die.
Somebody needs your sympathy,
Within a prison cell,
Though guilty of a crime, yet he
Would like to hear you tell
The story of redemption true,
And how he can be saved
From evils, sins and wickedness
That have his life enslaved.

me singing a scripture song

2008-07-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

As the deer

2008-07-09T18:48:00.001-07:00

a quote

2008-06-12T19:02:00.001-07:00

The reward of a thing well done is to have done it. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

'Stop! Acts 2:38!'

2008-06-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

Acts 2:38An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services,
when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled: 'Stop! Acts 2:38!'
(Repent and be Baptized, in thename of Jesus Christ, so that your sins may be forgiven.) The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done. As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar:
'Why did you just stand there?
All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you.' 'Scripture?' replied the burglar.
'She said she had an Ax and Two 38s!'Send this to someone who needs a laugh today and remember:
Knowing scripture can save your life - in more ways than one!

LOVE

2008-06-02T07:19:00.001-07:00

Being in love with being in love = lust

God's Handiwork

2008-05-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures with my very own camera. Please don't use without my permission.

Does young = naive?

2008-05-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

Most people think that older people are more responsible, and are more trustworthy. I've found this true in my home. When something needs done, and it's very important, I'm asked to do it, not my younger sister. Sometimes this is true. Sometimes older folks are more responsible and trustworthy. But the only way they are who they are today was by shaping their character when they were young. The way they got to be who they are today was by learning through making mistakes, and learning lessons.
Here's a thought question. How are young people going to learn their lessons in life if they aren't given the chance to do so? What will they become if they're not given proper training? What I'm trying to say is don't oppress children and make them feel unable and uncapable. Don't scold and lecture and make a big deal out of a little mistake. Sometimes a child might need a firm hand, but not all the time. A soft answer turneth away wrath. You don't want to make a child mad and only obey out of fear. God is love, and we are the "God" the rulemaker to young children. So we need to show love if we want to cultivate love in our children. Children copy what they see. They pick up on things so quickly, they're like sponges! We have to be very careful what is influencing them.

But then you come to teenagers. They're a different story. They're growing up so fast and are confused sometimes. Life is changing and they have to adapt to a whole new way of life. New responsiblites and jobs and experiences await at every bend in the road. They have to conquer new temptations and obstacles. They need prayer and encouragement, and loads and loads of it!

There are great men and women today that when they were young, no one thought they would amount to much. The man who made Charlie Brown cartoons was a highschool dropout. He didn't give up though, he kept drawing cartoons until he got a job and look where it took him! I know people personally who are pastors and leaders. They were party animals and did drugs and all kinds of bad stuff when they were young. That doesn't mean they're still bad people. They learned from their mistakes. They turned their lives around, they gave their lives to God. This one pastor I'm thinking of was lead to the Lord through a young friend of his. His friend was a strong Christian and was a good influence on Him. They were eating together in a restruant one day and his friend helped him say the sinner's prayer. We need people, strong Christians like that to bring the lost sheep to Jesus. We should never condem people and think we're better then they are. We have all sinned. No one is perfect. We need to be a light for Jesus and show others the way.

Just because you try something and fail, doesn't make you a failure. A failure is someone is gives up and stops trying. A failure is a quitter. Thomas Edison tried more then 1000 times to make a lightbulb. But in the end, he succedded! We wasen't a failure those 1000+ times. He wasen't a quitter. His tries didn't always work, but in the end he succedded! The Wright brothers weren't successful their first time either. They had to try many times before they made an aircraft that could actually fly.

You can't plant a seed and expect it to grow a tomato overnight. It just doesn't work that way. It takes time to cultivate and grow. But you have to go in the right direction. If you take one step in the wrong direction, all the following steps will bring you father and farther away from your target.

Some things take practice and that's okay. Even if you're naive now, that doesn't mean you always will be. If you don't try now, then what will change when you get older? What are you waiting for? Do it now!

Balls of Clay

2008-05-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

A man was exploring caves by the Seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened balls of clay . It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him.
As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the balls of clay one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could. He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock..Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.
Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into theocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.
We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person. Sometimes we throw them away even when we know their value.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gembegins to shine forth.
May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in family and friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.

Goodness

2008-05-19T10:01:00.003-07:00

by EGW
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matt. 12:36, 37.
God would have us individually come into that position where He can bestow His love upon us. He has placed a high value upon man, and has redeemed us by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, and we are to see in our fellow man the purchase of the blood of Christ. If we have this love one for another, we shall be growing in love for God and the truth. We have been pained at heart to see how little love is cherished in our midst. Love is a plant of heavenly origin, and if we would have it flourish in our hearts, we must cultivate it daily. Mildness, gentleness, long-suffering, not being easily provoked, bearing all things, enduring all things--these are the fruits upon the precious tree of love.
When you are associated together, be guarded in your words. Let your conversation be of such a nature that you will have no need of repentance. 'Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption' (Eph. 4:30). 'A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things' (Matt. 12:35). If the love of the truth is in your heart, you will talk of the truth. You will talk of the blessed hope that you have in Jesus. If you have love in your heart, you will seek to establish and build up your brother in the most holy faith. If a word is dropped that is detrimental to the character of your friend or brother, do not encourage this evil-speaking. It is the work of the enemy. Kindly remind the speaker that the Word of God forbids that kind of conversation.
We are to empty the heart of everything that defiles the soul temple, that Christ may dwell within. Our Redeemer has told us how we may reveal Him to the world. If we cherish His Spirit, if we manifest His love to others, if we guard one another's interest, if we are kind, patient, forbearing, the world will have an evidence by the fruits we bear that we are the children of God. It is the unity in the church that enables it to exert a conscious influence upon unbelievers and worldlings.- -Review and Herald, June 5, 1888.

12,000 dead!! and feared 18,000 buried!

2008-05-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

family mourning their dead. Many children died when schools collapsed.

Giant Earthquake

2008-05-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

CHENGDU, China - A powerful earthquake toppled buildings, schools and chemical plants Monday in central China, killing about 10,000 people and trapping untold numbers in mounds of concrete, steel and earth in the country's worst quake in three decades.
The 7.9-magnitude quake devastated a region of small cities and towns set amid steep hills north of Sichuan's provincial capital of Chengdu. Striking in midafternoon, it emptied office buildings across the country in Beijing and could be felt as far away as Vietnam.

Last night people slept on the streets and anywhere safe. Right now as I'm writing this, it's noon there. It's tuesday there, but just the end of Monday here. So really this happened on Sunday, and I didn't hear about it until today? I feel so sorry for these thousands of people. It shows how soon to the end of the world we really are. Jesus is coming soon! Read Matthew 24

The TEEN commandments

2008-05-07T06:24:00.001-07:00

THE TEEN COMMANDMENTS

1) Don't let your parents down.....They brought you up.

2) Choose your companions with care.....You become what they are.

3) Be master of your habits.....Or they will master you.

4) Treasure your time.....Don't spend it.....Invest it.

5) Stand for something.....Or you'll fall for anything.

6) Select only a date.....Who would make a good mate.

7) See what you can do for others.....Not what they can do for you.

8) Guard your thoughts.....What you think, you are.

9) Don't fill up on this world's crumbs.....Feed you soul on the Living Bread.

10) Give your all to CHRIST.....HE gave HIS all for you.

You take me back

2008-05-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Carried Away (sonicflood)

2008-04-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

I don't listen to the band sonicflood. I heard this song on sweetascake3 channel on Godtube.com
I just had to do my own version! Here it is:

Global Warming? Evolution?

2008-04-28T06:13:00.001-07:00

Some people are so worried about Global Warming. But what I don't get is about the Evolutionists. If they really think that all the polar ices caps are going to melt and cover the earth in water, why are they so worried? Wouldn't we just adapt into water creatures? lol
But really, Jesus is coming back before the world is destroyed. Sure, it will come quite close to the end before Jesus comes, but He will save us, we don't need to worry about global warming. We were made to be good stewards of the earth in the garden of Eden, but we haven't been doing a very good job of it over the past couple hundred years.
Another thing, after the Flood God promised He would never again flood the whole earth with water. So we don't need to worry about adapting into water creatures! I think fish are awesome, but I wouldn't want to be one! haha

Luk 12:27

2008-04-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in1722 all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Shocking Message

2008-04-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is a powerful preacher. Of course I don't believe that people in hell will burn forever, but still his other points are good.

My Kingdom

2008-04-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

A little kingdom I possess

where thoughts and feelings dwell,

And very hard I find the task

of governing it well;

For passion tempts and troubles me,

A wayward will misleads,

And selfishness its shadow casts

On all my words and deeds.

How can I learn to rule myself,

to be the child I should,

Honest and brave, nor ever tire

Of trying to be good?

How can I keep a sunny soul

To shine along life's way?

How can I tune my little heart

To sweetly sing all day?

Dear Father, help me with the love

that casteth out my fear;

Teach me to lean on thee, and feel

That thou art very near,

That no temptation is unseen,

No childish grief too small,

Since thou, with patience infinite,

Doth soothe and comfort all.

I do not ask for any crown

But that which all may win

Nor seek to conquer any world

Except the one within.

Be thou my guide until I find,

Led by a tender hand,

Thy happy kingdom in myself

And dare to take command.~Louisa May Alcott

I love this poem! I memorized it a few years ago, when I was reading the book "Little Women" by Lousia May Alcott. It's such a beautiful peom, it should be a hymn!

Proverbs 6:6

2008-04-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

{I took this picture}
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

My beloved animals

2008-04-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Guy, Border Collie, age 10
Chloe (late) & Missy, Mini Lops, age 3 months
Guy rolling in the grass
Jeffery Dandelion (late)

and it was so

2008-04-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

Gen 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

Light the Fire

2008-04-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

eXpelled

2008-04-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

I found out about this new movie coming out this month. It looks so awesome... check it out! http://getexpelled.com/

how great thou art

2008-04-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Great or small

2008-03-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

God loves us all

John 3:16

2008-03-02T12:21:00.001-08:00

Josh Turner - Long Black Train

2008-02-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

More then you'll ever know

2008-02-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

More then you’ll ever know
Watermark

Something brought you to my mind today
I thought about the funny ways
You make me laugh
And yet I feel like it's ok to cry with you
Something about just being with you that
When I leave I feel like I've been with God
And that's the way it ought to be, yeah
Chorus:
Cause you've been more than a friend to me
You fight off my enemies
Cause you have spoken the truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
Just to know you've been on your knees for me
Oh, you have blessed my life
More than you'll ever know
Yeah, yeah, yeah, more than you'll ever know
Yeah, yeah, yeah
You had faith
When I had none
You prayed God would bring me a brand new song
When I didn't think I could find the strength to sing
And all the while I've been hoping that I'll
Do the kind of praying for you that you've done for me
And that's the way it outght to be, yeah
Chorus
You have carried me
You have taken on a burden
That wasn't your own, yeah
May that blessing return to you
A hundredfold
Oh oh yeah, a hundredfold
Chorus

come higher take #2

2008-02-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

beautiful vows

2008-02-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

these are beautiful. I think everyone should make up their own special vows like this.

favorite hymns on violin

2008-02-14T08:00:00.001-08:00

All hail the power of Jesus name

This is my Father's world

Come higher

2008-02-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

NEW DAY

2008-01-31T18:11:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRFOlPVPDNs
Here is a video I made with my friend Korah and my sister Maranda.

Showers of Blessings

2008-01-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

Ask, and it shall be given you,

seek and ye shall find,

knock and it shall be opened unto you.

matt 7:7

Each day there are showers of blessings

sent from the Father above,

for God is a great, lavish giver

and there is no end to His love--

His grace is more than sufficient,

His mercy is boundless and deep,

And His infinate blessings are countless

and all this we're given to keep,

If we but seek God and find Him

and ask for a bounteous measure

Of this wholly immeasurable offering

from God's inexhaustible treasure-

For no matter how big man's dreams are,

God's blessings are infinitely more,

For always God's giving is greater

than what man is asking for.

~Helen Steniner Rice

ASK HIM TODAY

2008-01-24T15:56:00.001-08:00

"I conceive that pleasures are to be avoided if greater pains be the consequence, and pains to be coveted that will terminate in greater pleasures." Michel Eyquem de Montaigne

Relying on God

2008-01-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

Do you often find yourself focusing on your own sorry state and not relying on God to do His best for you? If so, then you probably need to take an honest look at your tendency toward self-pity. If you need to, you can defuse self-pity by doing several things.

1st Stop basing your happiness on how you compare with other people. Don't get sucked into the comparison game. Too many people waste their lives pursuing things they don't really want just because they can't bear the idea of someone having something they don't. Ask yourself this question: "Am I really lacking something in my life, or am I just coveting what someone else has?"
2nd When you feel those old feelings of self-pity rising, redirect them into compassion for others. Look around for someone who might share your feelings of loneliness, and find a way to comfort that person. Get your focus off your needs, and help meet someone else's.
3rd Learn to use feelings of loneliness as an opportunity to draw closer to God. A girl in her midtwenties who recently married told me that she was lonliness as God's call to her heart. "When I felt lonely, I would think, 'God is calling me back to Him,'" She told me. Duting these times she learned to pour out her heart to God and talk with Him. Now she wouldn't trade those intimate moments with God for the world. ~ Joshua Harris

Messages to Young People

2008-01-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

I've read the book before, but not all the way through in order. So now I'm going through and keeping a notebook with all my notes and ideas. So far I've covered chapter 1 and I already have 3 pages of notes.

Look to Jesus

2007-12-30T12:27:00.000-08:00

Do not compare yourself to others and use them as an example. If you do so you will find yourself puffing yourself up and feeling more "righteous" them others. Or even if you don't, you'll still feel prideful and feel "good enough" and "not as bad as so-and-so so it's not really THAT bad.

Instead look to Jesus, and you will always see your need for improvement and your constant need for a Savior. For we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Abide in his Love!

~His maiden in training, Alyssa

Maranda playing the Narnia Theme song

2007-12-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

True Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas

2007-12-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

During the 16th century’s religious wars in England, many believers were not able to practice their faith openly, so they had to find other ways to pass on their beliefs. The song
The Twelve Days of Christmas is one example of how they did it. It was a mnemonic device to teach Christian beliefs to youngsters. The song goes, “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” The “true love” mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. Each of the items in the song represents something of religious significance.

The partridge in a pear tree
Was Jesus Christ who died on a “tree” as a gift from God.
Two Turtle doves

Were the Old and New Testaments, another gift from God.
Three French hens
Represented faith, hope, and love, three gifts mentioned In 1 Corinthians 13.
Four calling birds
Were the four Gospels that sing the song of Salvation through Jesus Christ.
Five golden rings
Were the first five books of the Bible, also called The Books of Moses or the Pentateuch.
Six geese a-laying
Were the six days of Creation.
Seven swans a ‘swimming
Were the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit found in Romans 12:6-8
Eight maids a ‘milking
Were the eight Beatitudes
Nine ladies dancing
Were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit from Galatians 5:22,23
Ten Lords a ‘leaping
Were the Ten Commandments
Eleven pipers piping
Were the 11 faithful disciples
Twelve drummers drumming
Were the twelve points of the Apostles Creed.

Thus, when they sang The Twelve Days of Christmas, they were teaching their faith and the unbelieving world had no clue as to what they were doing!

Is pain bad?

2007-11-29T16:58:00.000-08:00

We have a duty as Christians! When you are faced with persecution, think of it as a road-sign telling you you're on the right track!

Does anybody see her?

2007-11-25T18:57:00.001-08:00

Depression... part 1 of 4

2007-11-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Distorted Beauty

2007-11-06T06:25:00.001-08:00

Real beauty is from the inside! No wonder our perception of beauty is distorted! Mayby we should look to each other like God does... look to the heart instead to the outside appearence...

8 Reasons Why I Don't Share My Faith

2007-11-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

This is a neat video I found on Godtube.com
We have reasons, we think they're really good reasons, but the truth is that they're just big excuses!

New Day

2007-11-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

This song is so true! I just love it! It's so encouraging, especially when you're feeling down.

Well it’s a new day
Oh, it’s a new time
And there’s a new way
I’m gonna live my life for thee oh yes
Passed away and the new has come
Praise God! It’s a brand new day

Looking back on yesterday there’s so much I regret.
Trying to put the past away but it’s so hard to forget
But then over the horizon, I see the dawn is drawing near.
And I realize the sun did rise, tomorrow’s finally here!

Well it’s a new day
Oh, it’s a new time
And there’s a new way
I’m gonna live my life for thee oh yes
Passed away and the new has come
Praise God! It’s a brand new day

Sometimes when I wake up I think about the day before.
And all the things that I’ve done they keep knocking at my door.
Then, I look outside my window, at the glorious sunshine.
And because I am a new creation I can leave it all behind!

Well it’s a new day
Oh, it’s a new time
there’s a new way
I’m gonna live my life for thee oh yes
Passed away and the new has come
Praise God! It’s a brand new day
Praise God! It’s a brand new day
Praise God! It’s a brand new day

You can listen to this song on http://www.purefashion.com/that's the only place I've heard it on... if you don't click "enter site" you can listen to the whole song.

trust

2007-10-30T09:08:00.001-07:00

what do you do when you run out of it? what do you do when someone breaks it?

New Start

2007-10-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

The author (Shannon Kubiak Primicerio) wrote it one night while she was in college and felt she needed a new start.

I come to the altar with no Isaac to bring
Just the desire to be loved and the hope for a ring
I've waited, I've worried, and I have failed to trust
So take from me this desire and teach me as You must
All alone before You, my heart I spill
With laughter and tears this empty vessel fill
I am looking, Lord, no longer for a man
But now to You, and what You have planned
I am gifted and growing and I want to serve You
Just show me where to go and who to serve as I seek
to follow through
And if alone You want me, for years to come
Isolate and teach me what is to be done
I can't fight You any longer, I am too weak
I am done with fool's gold and real treasure I seek
I want You, O Lord, to put a twinkle in my eye
I want You to be my focus and not any other guy
But even as I say this, part of me holds back
Help me to see that singleness is a blessing and not an attack
Lord, help me not to feel worthless, unblessed, and alone
Help me to throw my cares at the foot of Your throne
As You want me to wait, Lord, please put a hold on my heart
Help me not to give it away to someone who will tear it apart
As I lay my desire down at Your feet
Help me to be honest and my promises keep
Help me in loneliness to focus on the Cross
And when I feel left out, help me count it as loss
I don't want to struggle; I am too tired to fight
Help me to keep on and do what is right
Remove from me this jealousy and replace it with joy
Fill my thoughts with You, O Lord, instead of a boy
On the altar of sacrifice I place my desire
And I ask, Lord, right now that You'd burn it with fire
Please accept it, O Lord, for it is all I have to give
Help me to let go of this bondage and truly live
Take all of me, Lord, even when I am opposed
Help me to trust in You, the One who always knows
On my knees I fall, with tears on my face
And I ask, Lord, only that You'd meet me in this place
Altars are for bloodshed so, Lord, here's my heart
Take it from me now, and grant me a new start.

El Shaddai

2007-10-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

My first GodTube video. I've already got 141 views! I'm very excited. Do people really like my singing that much?

I need you to love me

2007-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite barlow girl songs

Dear Jesus,

2007-10-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa

You'll be my friend forever
And here's the reasons why
You make me feel like a better person
You're there for me when I cry

You help me to look at life in a whole new way
It helps me have a better day
And when I'm depressed
You help me straighten out my mess

You sing a sweet little song
And pretty soon I'm singing along

What do you want me to do?

2007-10-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

"I'll say what you want me to say, Dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be" the words of one of my favorite songs keeps ringing in my ears. I want to follow the Lord all the way, but sometimes I say or do the wrong things. I might be doing chores or something, and all of a sudden I hear a quiet, inaudible voice in my head:

“Alyssa, you need to take my yoke, you’re bearing unnecessary loads on your back, let me help you.”

My conscience can make me feel so guilty sometimes. Even when I’m not doing or thinking or anything wrong at the moment, my conscience has the habit of bringing weird, unpleasant things back to my memory.

“I have already dealt with that issue, Lord.” I say, “That’s all taken care of; I thought that it was all over with. I told them I was sorry, and I asked for forgiveness and they said they forgave me. I asked forgiveness from you, and I am truly repentant. Why isn’t it over with; I did everything right, I thought everything was taken care of.”

“You have been forgiven by me and those involved. You have done everything you must do, except for one thing; One very important thing. You haven’t forgiven yourself. You need to learn to forget the bad memories and leave the past in the past. You must let go or I can’t take it all away from you, you’re still holding onto something, it’s clenched tightly in your hand. Won’t you let me have it? I know it’s troubling you. It’s a big burden. Let me make your burden light, take my yoke, for it’s easy, and you know you want to do what’s right.”

“Yes, Lord, I want that very much, I don’t just want to just be a professed Christian. I want to walk the talk! Please help me to do your will; I know I can’t do anything in my own power.”

“I will always be here for you. When you come to me, you must let go, surrender all, so I can cleanse you from all unrighteousness. If you hang onto just one small worldly pleasure, then that isn’t true repentance.”

Growing Up

2006-10-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

Growing Up
By Alyssa Powel, age 14

Since I am a teenager myself, I basically know how most kids my age, and younger kids, feel about themselves. They may feel uncertain about the future. For example, a seven year old might say "I want to own a pet shop when I grow up;" and then at age twelve the same child will say "I want to be a nurse when I grow up." Of course this child is still to young to decide such a big decision as a life career, but it proves that children change quickly. Sometimes a child might feel unstable in their surroundings, they might have a fear of the dark, monsters, or kidnappers. After awhile, though, they realize there is no such thing as monsters, and they outgrow these fears.
Many other things also change as you grow older. You start looking at the world around you differently, more grown-up like, not so childish. When you were a kid, you thought of boys as "just friends" and "playmates." But when you start to mature, usually around age thirteen, all of a sudden your viewpoint of the opposite gender changes. You look at them through different eyes. How you look at yourself also changes. You look at your self and try to make yourself look more attractive. Maybe a new hairstyle and new clothes; or for girls, wearing make-up. When you mature, your mind grows as well as your body. All these new changes affect how preteens and teenagers feel about themselves and each other.
Another thing that changes when you mature is how you relate to people, how you make friends. When you were younger you asked what your friends what their favorite animals were, what their pet's name was; and how many toy cars and legos or dolls they had. Now those things aren't as significant in life. Now you ask what sports they enjoy, what their hobbies are, what is their favorite subject in school, and what they want to be when they grow up. In that manner you find what things you have in common, the things that really effect how we relate to each other. Toy cars and legos, dolls and dress-up relate more to when you were younger, when you enjoyed those types of things. But now that you have new hobbies and interests, you relate to your friends differantly, and they also have new things in common with you.
Looking at the changes in your life can help you better understand the changes you see in your friends. Try putting yourself in their shoes and ask yourself how you could help them feel better about themselves. Maybe try praising your friend when they make an A in Math when you know they are struggling in this subject. Or telling them you're proud of them when they do a brave thing. Everyone can use some praise to help them boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. The best place for this praise to come is from their peers. Praise from their peers will make him or her feel accepted and admired. Don't ever hesitate to tell your friend how you feel about them, and your friendship. Communicating in your relationship will make your friendship blossom and grow in ways you never dreamed of.
These growing years are very critical. And because children are growing and changing so much in their own lives, it is harder for them to focus on forming solid, life-lasting friendships. But it's not impossible to make new friends during these years. Make sure to look for good character qualities in other young people, and don't hang out with just anyone. Be picky and don't hang out with the wrong crowd just to make yourself look 'cool.' If you do you're just deceiving yourself. Listen to your parent's guidance and counsel in chosing friends. A person who you think is your friend may not really care for you much at all. Guard yourself and only listen to people who you know for certain really care about you. Try to be nice, and follow the golden rule but don't get to attachted to someone. Believe me, if you get too attached to someone, and some arguement comes up, it really hurts if they refuse to believe you. If someone unintentionally hurts you, or says something unkind, go to them and tell them how you feel. Never hide your feelings inside and keep a grudge. Believe me, I know all about it... from personal experiance.

What's UP?

2006-09-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day of school at Pa Cyber. Below is a copy of my first English assignmet, Retelling the story "The wise old Woman." I hope you like it like I did.

English 8 - Part 8

2006-09-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

Unit 1 Lesson 1

Retelling a story by Alyssa Powell

This traditional Japanese tale is called "The Wise old Woman." It is retold by Yoshike Uchida. It takes place in a small village in the western hills of Japan. The main characters are the young lord who rules the village, and a young farmer and his old mother.

The young ruler decrees that all the people in his village over age 71 to be taken to the mountains to die. Everyone must obey or be punished. Slowly all the old people disappeared and the young lord was pleased.

One day the young farmer's mother turns 71. He is very sad and doesn't want hi mother to leave. But she insists that he take her away so he won't get in trouble. So he carries her in the mountains, he trudges along all day. When they get far enough, he just can't bring himself to leave her there. So he takes her back home, all night long her carries her back and he sneaks her back into his house without any notice. He digs a small underground room for his mother to hide in. He tell no one of their secret. Two years pass and still his mother is living in hiding in her own village.

One day the son came home in a despairing mood. His mother noticed and asked him what was wrong. He told her that the Lord Higa from the town beyond the hills had threatened to conquer their village and make it his own. But he also told them that he would spare them if they gave him 1000 ropes of ash. The young lord had never heard of ash ropes. He called his wise men but they didn't know how to make ash ropes either. "Surely it is not possible to make ash ropes," they said, "how could anyone make a rope with ashes? Ash crumbles at the touch of a finger." When the son told his mother about Lord Higa's threat, she wasn't worried. She just laughed softly and said, "Making ash ropes is simple! Just soak ordinary rope in salt water and dry it well. When it is burned, it will turn into an ash rope, but will not fall apart!" "Mother, you are very wise," he said. And he went to tell the young lord. The lord rewarded him with much gold. The village was spared.

Later in the story Higa sends two more puzzles and threats. Again the lord and his wise men were puzzled. And again the wise old woman told her son the solutions to the problems.

Finally the Lord asked the farmer who helped him solve the hard puzzles to save the town. He told him the truth and the lord realized his mistake of ridding the town of old people. From that day on, the old people were allowed to live long and happy lives. Lord Higa never threatened them again.

THE END

Love Story book review by me~

2006-06-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Love Story
by Judy Savory

If you are striving for a close walk with Christ.
If you are struggling to keep above the storms of life.
If you batter with depression.
If you deal with any issues.
Then this book is for you!

It tells of a young dancer called Rhonda, who was searching for something even more in life but not finding it. After all, she had everything this world has to offer, didn't she? MONEY, a mom pushing her forward into her ballet career, glamor and prestige. And dreams of a beautiful wedding to Carlton, her fiance~.

But God has other plans for her life. He gave her anew career, anew "mother" and anew fiance~. She surrendered all to Jesus, she laid it all on the alter, and found what she had been seeing he whole time.

When Rhonda met Jesus,
she started life anew.
That is what I want for myself,
and it's what I want for you,too.

Blessings, Alyssa Beth Powell

p.s. I took the pictures as well... enjoy.