God is in Control

I am so thankful that God is in control over my life. Even when I am in the midst of uncertainty, sorrow, or confusion, I can rest and possess great peace because He is God and He is my God. He is the only wise one (1 Tim. 1:17) and He desires my good. Knowing this I can surrender myself into His loving hands because He knows what's best for me. I'd be a fool to doubt His sovereignty and His ways for even a second. God has promised to never leave me (Heb. 13:5), to complete the work He has begun (Phil. 1:6), and that all will work out for good in the end (Rom. 8:28). Acknowledging this gives my soul great peace and He satisfies me in every way (Ps. 107:9).

Overflowing Thoughts...

Overflowing thoughts. It describes my blog in every way because that's exactly what it is---a special spot to pour out some of my opinions, beliefs and ponderings.

I was thinking about my goal this year for "beside the brook," and I am hoping to try to share a lot more "thoughts" with you. I warn you, however, that a lot I believe is controversial to the culture. Actually I would say just about everything is. But Christianity is all about non-conformation---to the world that is. Becoming conformed to Christ's image, however, is what life's all about and our our greatest goal and purpose as Christians.

If my blog accomplishes anything else, I pray that it will bring you closer to our Savior and if you don't know Him you'll find Him soon. Yes, I do write about frivolous things sometimes, but I hope that in the end the main emphasizes you will discover here will always point you to the God of glory and the truths of His Word.

I've consider to quit blogging many times (perhaps you can tell from my lack of it), but the more I consider my purpose the more I realize how good it could be and how much I enjoy it! So I have decided to keep on going. Whether you'll read or not is up to you. I just want a place to write my, well...overflowing thoughts with you from the perspective of an eighteen year old. If you do choose to stick around, I hope it will encourage you in your walk with Christ. We can make it a journey together. And because of that it keeps me writing; I have so many thoughts and so much to share so stay tuned!

Some of Last Year's Reads

I kept record and I was able to read 29 books in 2008. And to think I was only 1 away from 30! I really wish I had been able to read more. Twenty-nine really isn't alot as it averaged about 2-3 books a month.

I thought I'd share some of my favorites from 2008 with you and perhaps give you a taste of some books you can read for yourself in 2009! (Note, these are not in any order.)

1. Passionate Housewives Desperate For God by Jennie Chancy and Stacie McDonald.

This is absolutely one of my favorite books. It was so good I read it twice. ;) Jennie and Stacie did an excellent job exposing the myths and lies of the "housewife" stereotype according to the culture and instead reveled to us true "liberation" through God's Word and His high calling of wife, homemaker and mother.

What I loved most about this book was the realization that without the Lord and the greatest purpose of serving Him you can't be content and fully satisfied with doing anything, including any vocation (especially being a homemaker/mother!). I also appreciated the great emphasis on what God truly desires and what He calls the greatest: being a servant.

If you haven't read this book, I'd strongly encourage you no matter your age to pick it up and read it soon.

2. Choosing God's Best by Dr. Don Rannikar

Definitely one of the best books I have read concerning guy/girl relationships. If you liked I Kissed Dating Goodbye or Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris (which I highly recommend by the way) then you'll love this one. Chapter 5 was extremely valuable with the message being that God must always be the number one in our lives and we must use our single years to deepen our relationship with Him while preparing to be a godly mate. If we want a godly spouse we must be a godly person.

If I could sum the overall message with a few words I guess it would be just the encouragement and emphasis to wait on the one God has for you and to wait on His timing.

3. Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris

Our culture expects our teen years to be a time of rebellion, irresponsibility and immaturity. Instead of conforming to this "stereotype," The Harris twins inspire us to get out of our comfort zones and do hard things for the glory of God. This is truly a life-changing book and it's honestly time I read it again! Everyone needs to read this. (By the way, there is no age-limit to do hard things; click here.)

4. In the Best Possible Light: Godly Femininity in the Twenty-first Century by Beneth Peters Jones

A lovely book that not only shows us what true Biblical femininity is but also how to be so inwardly and out.

6. His Chosen Bride by Jennifer J. Lamp

Jennifer's heart for the Lord is so evident through her writing! She inspired me very much in this book with her topics of applying Proverbs 31 as a single young woman and living for the Lord with our whole hearts. This book is appropriate and useful for girls of wide ranges of ages, perhaps 12 and up. Miss Lamp (who is now married) covers so much ground in her book---you'll learn so much. But most importantly when you finish you'll greatly desire a stronger relationship with the Lord, which is the whole purpose for her project.

7. Where's Mom? by Dorthy Patterson

Although quite thin, this book is full of truth and wisdom. Mrs. Patterson's personal testimony was very touching and her writing is very thought provoking. This is defiantly a "must" read.

8. Feminine By Design by Scott Brown

Yet another book crammed with truth from God's Word. Showing the beauty of godly femininity, it is definitely a blessing.

9. Intimate Friendship with God by Joy Dawson

Very good book. It focuses on the fear of the Lord and gives a greater understanding to what it is and how we should respond. I loved the long list in the back of all the verses from the Bible on the fear of the Lord and the promises for those that fear Him.

10. What's An Alpha-Beta-Soupa?: the Indispensable Guide to College Success and Survival

I found this book to be a very informative and helpful read from also a Christian perspective. I tell you, if covers everything regarding college. Choosing a school, getting prepped, choosing a major, college life, roommates, making good grades, fiances, and lots more. If you're planning on going to college or even in the midst of it, you should definitely buy this book!

11. Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliot

This was an encouraging book. I was blessed and inspired to read the journey of Elizabeth's and Jim's relationship. The things I learned from this book was the blessings of patience, the beauty of purity, and the rewards of waiting on God.

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Well, that is a few of the 29 books I have read in 2008 that I would also encourage and endorse you to as well. I have a long list of reads I want to absorb this year. One of my 2009 goals is to read a biography every month. I believe that reading about fellow brother-and-sisters-in Christ, and especially missionaries and martyrs for the Lord, is very beneficial for one's walk with God. I have already found this to be true as I read my first one for January.

We have a large collection of biographies from Heros of the Faith and I have picked 12 for the year ahead. This is my monthly reads I have chosen:

Jan. -- Watchman Nee (excellent so far!)

Feb. -- Fanny Crosby

Mar. -- Jonathan Edwards

Apr. -- Amy Carmichael

May -- John Bunyan

June -- William Tyndale

July -- Jim Elliot

Aug. -- John Wycliff

Sept. -- Some Gave All (biographies of 4 different missionaries)

Oct. -- Hudson Taylor

Nov. -- William and Catherine Booth

Dec. -- Billy Graham

I have shared many books with you today! Are there any books that you have thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend? If so, please share! :)

Short Summery of 2008

We have officially entered 09'. 2008 was a fantastic year for me. It was one of the best! I look back over it and I am so touched and grateful of all of God's blessings. He has been faithful to bless us in numerous, countless ways. God has been my strength this year--my dear friend. I don't know how I could have gotten through without Him (I wouldn't have!). He has once again provided, protected, taught and blessed me. He is so gracious and good and I give Him all the praise!!

Many things occurred last year. A few would be: Autumn accepted Christ as her Savior, Amber and Autumn were baptized, I graduated from high-school, Holly and I attended a 2-day woman's conference in Alabama, I started piano lessons, took two trips to Bob Jones University, my sister and I enjoyed our first rode trip just her and I to our great aunt and uncle's (had a blast), took the ACT test, I volunteered and attended a summer camp, and our family was able to enjoy a few vacations among many other things.

What a great year it was!! I am grateful most for God and all that He taught me, my wonderful family, the friends He blessed me with, God's blessings of health, and for my beloved church family where God has done so much in our lives. I couldn't thank Him more.

I pray that God will continue to shape me and that all that I do will glorify Him. I praise God for such a great year and I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in 2009.