Hey everyone,

I thought I'd give a short update while I have a some time tonight...

This past weekend was so much fun! Saturday Holly and I picked up three friends and went hiking on a 5 mile trail at the park. I absolutely love the outdoors, fresh air, exercise, and fellowship of it. My sister and I have been striving to take a hike once a week and plan to continue by buying a park pass soon. It's a great way to work out and just spend time with one another. I really enjoyed doing it Saturday with friends and can't wait to do it again.

Sunday evening I left to Alabama to stay with my grandparents, where I currently reside for the week. My grandmother broke her knee last Monday and is in a difficult situation. It's been a pleasure to be here with my grandparents and help them both and I've had a great time with them. I went grocery shopping with my Paw Paw yesterday and picked up a lot of frugal, money saving tips from him that I hope to incorporate one day in my grocery shopping ( ;-) ). I cooked dinner and other miscellaneous things and Mark and I watched one of Billy Graham's sermon from the 1950's. Boy can Mr. Graham preach!

Today I've cleaned, done some laundry and baked a homemade cheese cake. I've been trying to keep my grandma company as much as possible. I can't imagine not being able to walk for two months! She's doing ok so far but she's easily discouraged. She needs lots of prayer.

As for other things in my life go, I am starting a discipleship/Bible study for young girls next month and have been working, with the Lord's help, on writing the lesson. I am SO excited!! Ministering to younger girls has always been one of my passions and I am thankful to see what God is going to do. He is my strength in all of this and I know He will always help me in what He has called me to do.

I am also studying for a CLEP exam coming up and am getting ready to go back to Savannah soon to babysit again, among many other things. Things have been pretty hectic but wonderful!!! I am so happy, so grateful. I give God all the glory and praise for all His goodness.

I don't write many "updates" but thought I'd share what's been happening in my life. I have many colleges I plan to visit beginning next month. I'm still praying about college this fall and am looking forward where the Lord will lead.

Boredom: A Figment of Your Imagination

I walked into the kitchen and I spotted Jeremy staring out the window. He had his face in his hand with a somber expression on his little face.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"I'm boring," he replied.

Of course I had to chuckle because I knew he didn't intend to say he was uninteresting or bland. Instead he simply meant he couldn't find anything to do and therefore felt the "supposed" notion of feeling bored.

I believe that boredom is simply a myth. In our hectic and fast-paced society, you don't hear about it too much. Whether we're a busy person or not, however, there always comes a period we find ourselves concluding that we have nothing to do. It's extremely rare that I discover myself in that box, but in the times I have, I've realized that my problem is not the absence of something to accomplish. Rather, it's because I don't want to perform it. In other words procrastination or laziness is the real obstacle I face.

We truly deceive ourselves when we grumble "I'm bored!" and fall on the couch in frustration. If we would really observe our surroundings and people around us we would realize that there's always something that needs to and could be completed.

But what if you find yourself in a situation where your to-do lists are checked, the house is dust-free, you're the only one at home and it seems like there's nothing else to be done? What now? Instead of flicking on the TV (which is the leading method used to ease "boredom's" poison) why don't you dive deeper into your Bible? You could never read too much! There's so many verses to be meditated on, memorized, and precious time you can spend talking with the Lord. There's no better way you could use your time compared to this! And it doesn't matter where you're at to speak with God. What a privilege that we can pray anywhere.

I think of Paul and Silas when innocently they were thrown into jail and how they used their time to sing praises to the Lord (Acts 16:25). If there's any excuse for boredom it would be in sitting in a prison cell! But their choice to sing is not only a marvelous testimony about rejoicing in difficult circumstances, but in addition a perfect example of using our time wisely. The Bible tells us that our life is but a vapor (James 4:14) and that we are to number our days and use them wisely (Psalm 90:12). Time is a precious thing and there's always something beneficial we can do to glorify God no matter where we are located. Paul and Silas did just that.

In all that we can accomplish, the most profitable way we can use our time will always be the things we do to glorify our Lord and Savior. Whether it's reciting Scripture, helping a neighbor, or singing a hymn, the things we can do for Him are countless. Because of this I truly believe that "being bored" doesn't exist.

So next time this deceitful frame of mind attempts to get the best of you, why don't you do something useful that will honor God instead? Let your action be more than just a reason to be "doing something." Be sure you are using your time wisely and that God is pleased (1 Cor. 10:31). The things in life that truly matter will always be those that give honor to our Creator.

Solution to Anxiety

The ultimate remedy for worry is prayer. Philippians 4:6 is very dear to me and has been proven true over and over again. Life has been so hectic and overwhelming as of late that sometimes my head has felt like it's spinning; yet God's promises never fail me. 

I joined a women's Bible study last month on the book of Philippians and I have been so blessed as we have studied and discussed God's promises together. Discussing Philippians 4 last night opened my eyes further to what a privilege 4:6-7 really is.

I am to worry about absolutely nothing. Whatever concerns my mind and heart I am to bring it before God with thanksgiving. It's not just a matter of prayer but a decision to have a grateful heart and to look at the bright side at the same time. This is not always easy to do--to find good when all is a mess or all seems hopeless--but it's really eye-opening when you do seek to find the good even in the difficult. It reminds me that God's goodness is evident even in the most complicated circumstances. 

So when we do this what is the result? "The peace of God which passeth all understand, shall keep you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (4:7)." There's nothing more sweet than receiving such peace that God is in control and will work everything out for good. Worry truly melts away when you bring your concerns to God. How this bring so much peace to my heart! 

Valentines Day Challenge

Today is the celebration of love, chocolate, and romance. If you're like me and don't have a "significant other," then Valentines most likely means nothing to you. It's very easy to see deliveries of love letters and stunning bouquets to another's open arms and in return be submerged in feelings of loneliness and self-pity. Well, before you pull out the tissue box this supposedly romantic holiday, I have a special challenge for all you "singles". Instead of loathing the absence of a special guy/gal in your life, I'd encourage you to especially lay aside today to focus on God's love, which is the greatest gift we could ever been granted.

I was talking with a dear friend this week and during our conversation she directed me to God and His great love for me. I caught myself thinking as she spoke; "yeah, God's love; He loves everyone. I know. I've heard it a million times before..." I quickly stopped myself realizing how lightly I was viewing it. I was so ashamed! It is because of His love that I am complete. He not only is the God of love (Jn. 4:16) but He loves me personally even when I don't deserve an ounce of it. God's love is the only love that is so deep and so sure!

Man says "I love you." But God says "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 Jn. 4:10 NIV)

...the love of the God who is spirit is no fitful, fluctuating thing, as the love of man is, nor is it mere impotent longing for things that may never be; it is, rather, a spontaneous determination of God's whole being in an attitude of benevolence and benefaction, an attitude freely chosen and firmly fixed. There are no inconstancies or vicissitudes in the love of the almighty God who is spirit. His love is 'strong as death...many waters cannot quench it' (Song, 8:6). Nothing can separate from it those whom it has once embraced (Rom. 8:35-39).

Man says: "I'll love you as long as I live." But God says: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." (Jer. 31:3)

Man says: "I will always love you as long as we're together." But God says: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?...For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature , shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Man says: "I'll love you as long as your lovable." God says: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us up together with Christ (by grace ye are saved.) (Eph. 2:4-5)

God's love is an exercise of His goodness toward sinners. As such, it has the nature of grace and mercy. It is an outgoing of God in kindness which not merely is undeserved, but is actually contrary to desert; for the objects of God's love are rational creatures who have broken God's law, whose nature is corrupt in God's sight, and who merit only condemnation and final banishment from His presence. It is staggering that God should love sinners; yet it is true. God loves creatures who have become unlovely and (one would have thought) unloveable. There was nothing whatever in the objects of His love to call it forth; nothing in man could attract or prompt it. Love among men is awakened by something in the beloved, but the love of God is free, spontaneous, unevoked, uncaused. God loves men because He has chosen to love them... -Knowing God by J.I. Packer p. 112

God's love is the only the deep, abiding, definite, unchanging, personal, pure, everlasting love we could ever have the privilege of being the recipients of. This is reason to rejoice and take great fulfillment. Though God loves the whole world (Jh. 3:16) not everyone has accepted this great love. Only believers know the great depth and price of such a love---which cost God His life.

God's love to sinners was expressed by the gift of His Son to be their Savior. The measure of love is how much it gives, and the measure of the love of God is the gift of HIs only Son to be made man, and to die for sins, and so to become the one mediator who can bring us to God. No wonder Paul speaks of God's love as "great", and passing knowledge! (Eph. 2:4, 3:19.) Was there ever such costly munificence? -Knowing God by J.I Packer p. 114

There's so much on God's love to be dwelt and meditated on. My encouragement to you this Valentines Day, whether you have someone special in your life or not, is to do three things...

First, realize the gift you have been given. Because of His love and the death of Christ on the cross, you have been freed from the power of sin and have the blessed privilege to come boldly before the throne of grace. Your greatest debt has been taken care of and you now enjoy the greatest blessing of being God's child. It cost Him His blood. Realize what love it took to grant you such an honor.

Second, understand that you have what most people are still searching for. Even on this day while many couples express their love to one another, many are still empty and searching for unconditional fulfillment. This is only to be found in Christ. No man/woman could ever complete you and make you happy, no matter how great or wonderful they actually are. Cling to Christ who is the only one that can love you fully and satisfy the deep longings within your soul. Be grateful because so many don't know what it means to be truly loved.

And last, but not least, make it personal. God loves you. He loves you just the way you are there's nothing you could ever do to earn it or make it grow. He chose you and you are precious in His sight. Believe it; meditate on it; thank God for it!

If we take a different viewpoint on Valentines Day, it doesn't have to be a burden for those without a "special somebody." Perhaps the roses, chocolate and love letters will come in the future, but I urge you to don't let Valentines pass by when you already have a "lover of your soul." Dwell on the Lord's love today and take some special time to be with Him. With the kind of love He has granted, continues to give, and will always bestow, we have only reason to be completely satisfied.

How can true love be?

Where can unconditional devotion be met?

To end the search for true love's key,

That every human searches to get,

The one True God of heaven and earth,

Has shown us love like no being can,

His affection was proved from His birth,

As God was born a man,

Giving one's life is the ultimate gift,

How could a soul give more?

From Jesus' death sins from us lift,

It's slaves we are no more,

Jesus loves me; His love is true,

To Him my love is forever due.

-Brooke, sonnet written February 14th, 2008

A Week with Jadon

This is Jadon my little buddy (picture coming soon.) I watched him last week for a family down in Savannah Georgia. I had such a good time and I love Jadon dearly! He's one of the happiest babies I've ever met.

I left Sunday and it took me exactly 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach the family's house. This was my first road trip alone and I had a wonderful time! The drive was the perfect time to pray, think, sing and listen to some fantastic CD's I recently ordered from Vision Forum. The highway wasn't congested being a Sunday, so I had a very relaxing travel.

Jadon and I had a great time together. He'll be 1 year old soon and he's standing up but not walking just yet. Taking care of him brought back a lot of memories of helping Mom with Jeremy. You think you'll never forget all that goes into it but they grow up so fast. It's a lot of fun but taking care of a baby is also a lot of work!

I have never been to Savannah before. Jadon's mom gave me a tour of the city and it is absolutely beautiful! She also took me to see the Georgia coast which was pretty exciting. 

I went to church Wednesday night to one we found off the internet. I had such a sweet time. The first 30 minutes were spent in prayer. This kindest woman invited me to her prayer group and we took turns praying for different request. The rest of the service was spent on the lesson which was on being a doer of the Word. I am so glad I went. The sweet lady gave me a hug and told me to come back next time I came to town.

                                                                                       

I am deeply grateful for this opportunity God has blessed me with. Not only is it great pay but I also earned even more experience of taking care of little ones. It also felt almost as a vacation as I got to tour town and see the coast when I wasn't working. I couldn't be more thankful! We're scheduling for me to work again in March and April. I look forward to doing it again.

Happy Birthday Mom!

My dear Mom,

Words could never express how much you mean to me and how deeply I love you. I thank my precious Lord above upon every rememberance of you (Phil. 1:3). God was truly gracious when He divinely chose to give you to me as my mother. How could I ever convey how exceedingly thankful I am? My heart swells with gratitude as I don't deserve you.

Mom, you are my friend, confident, advisor, encouragement, example, inspiration and so much more. You possess such strength and you motivate me so. The source of your strength is in the Lord Jesus whom you fall at the feet continually. The motivation to seek Him has been instilled since the beginning of my life because of you. If you had not chosen to invest in me from the start, I don't know if I would have ever found the Lord like I know and love Him now.

Your servant's heart for your family and your home has had a deep impact on me as I want to be like you one day. I want to be like the faithful, loving and submissive wife you are to Dad. I want to possess the hope and trust you have in God.

Mom, you have been the prime example to me of what it truly means to be a servant and woman of God. Thank you for all the time you have invested in my life and how you continue to do so.

I am sorry that I cannot be there with you on your special day. Please know how much I love you and what a blessing you are to me and so many others. I pray that your day will be one to remember and that you'll always know how special you truly are.

Happy Birthday.

Love,
Brooke.

God Knows

I know not, but God knows;

Oh, blessed rest from fear!

All my unfolding days,

To Him are plain and clear.

Each anxious puzzled "Why?"

From doubt or dread that grows,

Finds answer in this thought:

I know not, but He knows.

I cannot but God can;

Oh, balm for all my care!

The burden that I drop,

His hand will lift and bear,

Though eagle pinions tire---

I walk where once I ran,

This is my strength to know:

I cannot, but God can.

                  -Annie Johnson Flint