An Old Fashioned Sunday and Other stuff...

Sunday was very neat.

We walked into church to a different atmosphere than the norm. The blinds to the windows were opened and in each sat a kerosene lamp. The pulpit looked a little different and everyone was dressed in old fashioned attire. I don't think I've ever seen so many ladies wearing bonnets! Each woman wore a dress to her ankles with a matching apron while the guys were dressed in old suits or overalls. I truly felt like I was in a different time period. Afterwards we met downstairs for a huge feast like the Pilgrims gathering for celebration.

Some of us stayed at church all day in our old fashioned attire. Like every Sunday we went to the nursing home where we gave a short church service for the elderly there. When we returned to church we had a special time of testimonies and thanksgiving. The part I enjoyed most, however, was the evening service. We turned out all the electrical lights and had our evening service by kerosene lamp. It really felt like the old days then :)

So that was a brief summery our church's "old fashioned Sunday" event. It was great fun and I really enjoyed being able to wear my "pilgrim" dress all day. I, however, just don't know how the ladies managed wearing them 24/7 in the good old days. It amazes me that they wore those thick and long dresses out in the fields, in the hot sun, and while doing everyday chores. It really beats me how they did it.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Noticed I said "Thanksgiving" and not "Christmas." You want to know what bugs me? I find it ridiculous to walk into Wal-Mart with Christmas trees and decorations flooding the aisle when Thanksgiving is next and far down the calendar (they began this absurdity in October.) It's like they have forgotten or skipped Thanksgiving all together! My sister and a friend and I were at the mall last week and what did we hear? Christmas music. Jingle Bells and more Christmas tunes ringing from the roof tops. Not to mention Christmas lights and Christmas trees and whatnot. Come on people, can't you wait?!

Before you think me a Scrooge please know that I will be more than happy to start thinking about Christmas after Thanksgiving. But until then I think we should take one holiday at a time. People just get too hasty, don't they?

I'm looking forward to being with family tomorrow and eating all the delicious food. I am so very thankful for life. I couldn't be more thankful for God and my family. I'm so blessed!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Don't forget to thank the Lord for all His grace. God bless :)

Take a Walk

What do you do when you're angry, stressed or down in the dumps? I usually go for a walk. I immensely enjoy to occasionally take a stroll no matter what my mood may be. I find it relaxing and a good time to breathe and think. I love meandering down an old dirt road, hiking through the woods, or walking along the ocean's shore. I not only appreciate the exercise but it's also rejuvenating. Perhaps sometimes even romantic. Hiking, exercising or having a long conversation with a friend: I love all the aspects of taking a walk.

Going for a walk is also a lovely time to commune with God. There's been many times I've taken a walk to this certain spot on our property to dispel my heavy heart to the Lord. I'm so glad that God doesn't get tired of hearing from me. He's the only one I can count on to truly listen to my burdens and truly care about them. Not only does He listen but He's the only one that can actually fix them as well. It always makes me feel better.

I encourage you to take a break sometime from the busyness of life and go for a stroll. Talk to the Lord, take a breath of fresh air, and enjoy God's creation around you. You'd be surprised how much better you'll feel afterward.

Challenges With the Rapture in Mind

Christ is coming soon! Did you realize that there's specific things the Bible instructs us to be doing because of this glorious coming event and while we're waiting for it? They are some of the duties of the Christian life but I never viewed them in the light of the coming of Christ. I found this very interesting. Let me share....


Challenges for the rapture: specific things we are to be doing

• 1) He is to attend the services of the Lord regularly.

"...Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb. 10:25)

• 2) He is to observe the Lord's Supper with the rapture in mind.

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." (1 Cor. 11:26)

• 3) He is to love believers and all men.

"And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men...to the end he may stablish your hearts...at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." (1 Thess. 3:12-13)

• 4) He is to be patient.

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (Jam. 5:8)

• 5) He is to live a separated life.

"...we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself..." (1 Jh. 3:2-3)

"...denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:12-13)

"And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." (1 Jn. 2:28)

• 6) He is to refrain from judging others.

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God." (1 Cor. 4:5)

• 7) He is to preach the Word.

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word..." (2 Tim. 4:1-2)

"Feed the flock of God...and when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Pt. 5:2, 4)

• 8) He is to comfort the bereaved.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven...wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thess. 4:16, 18)

• 9) He is to win souls.

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire..." (Jude 21-23)

• 10) He is to be concerned with heaven.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." (Col. 3:1-4)

-(Taken from Willmington's Guide to the Bible by Dr. H.L. Willmington)

Wow, I think this is amazing. These are some precious things we must remember and practice (including lots of other things!) while keeping Jesus' return in mind. May He find us faithful!

Watch This Video

I've been thinking a lot about the Rapture lately. I have studied Revelation recently in my correspondence course and we are studying prophesy at church. It's exciting!! The end times are approaching, Christ is coming for His church and He's coming soon!! 

The question is: are you ready??

Note: Scroll down to mute my playlist in order to hear the video

Confessions of a Homemaker Wanna-Be

I believe that the occupation of a homemaker and mother are the most significant, fulfilling, special and rewarding jobs a woman could ever have. Ever since I can remember I have desired to one day be a "mom." I've always loved babies and as a young girl I knew that one day I wanted to get married and have several children of my very own. That desire has never left me; In fact, it has only grown over the years.

The example of my own mother and other godly women in my life has inspired me most in these aspirations. My mother is a full-time homemaker and has educated me from start to finish and continues to teach my siblings in their homeschool education. Because of my Mom I have been privileged to witness what motherhood is all about for many years. Mom has used her time, talents and her life to raise and educate her children in the ways of the Lord instead of running after a career or her own ambitions.

I discovered the blessings of children because of my siblings and the manner my Mom treated and spoke about little ones. I remember a time during each of Mom's pregnancy of her gently rubbing her hand over her pot-belly telling me that "the fruit of the womb is His reward" (Ps. 127:3). I knew children were blessings not only because my Mom told us that God said so, but I observed that truth in the lives of my siblings. Each baby that God has brought into our family has been our joy and our delight; Each addition has been our blessing. The more our family grew the more God blessed and the more joy we received. I enjoyed helping Mom with each of her pregnancies and sometimes when I held my sibling as a tiny infant I couldn't help but desire the day I would have my very own.

When I became older I discovered my desires in the light of God's Word. I realized that this was more than just a longing He gave me but something the Lord had made me for! I was made for man (1 Cor. 11:9) to be his helpmeet (Gen. 2:18), to raise children (Ps. 127:3), to train them (Prov. 22:6; Deut. 6:7), and to be guardian of my home (Tit. 2:5; Prov. 31:27).

After entering highschool I began receiving that never ending question from everyone, "What do you want to be when you graduate??" I'd sincerely reply by sharing my true hopes though I knew that the profession of homemaker wasn't very popular in today's culture. Through the years a few people have encouraged me on but a majority have looked at me quite confused. Many are puzzled and ask that surely there's something different/better I'd like to do; some people have become silent after I shared and a few have looked at me like I'm simply crazy.

After receiving the same looks and reactions so many times, I sort of came to a point that I didn't want to reveal to anyone my aspirations even though that desire was still deep within me.

Thankfully God has worked on me about this. Even currently though I know that being a helpmeet, homemaker and a mother is one of the most priceless professions I could ever want or pursue, whenever I receive that dreaded question about my future ambitions I still occasionally stammer around and am afraid to admit my true passion. You know why? Because I realize that most won't understand. And you know what? They generally don't. Being a mother is not an esteemed calling today. We simply have been indoctrinated by our culture and have rebelled against God's created roles.

Another reason I think I "shy away" from telling others my true hopes is because of false assumptions. I want to get married one day and I am not the least sorry, but I guess it's the fear of what others will think when you also add that you want to be a homemaker as your full-time career too. With these combinations many automatically assume that either you're on the hunt for Prince Charming or either you're sitting idly waiting for tall, dark, and handsome to arrive galloping on his horse. After all, you obviously can't become a wife and mother until you have tied the knot!

While it's true that some who wish to be wives are discontent in their state of singleness and are in desperation to finally find "the one," I do not want to be perceived this way because for one I am not. I am trusting in God to meet my future husband in His perfect time and I am quite content being presently unmarried. Please don't get me wrong, I am looking more than forward to the day comes and I meet the man God has for me, but I am utterly happy where I am. I know God still has things He wants to accomplish in my life as an unmarried lady so I am right where I need to be. Sure, there are days I wish the day of matrimony would be approaching more quickly, but I know that God will not keep me single a day longer than it is a part of His plan. He IS GOD, remember? He knows best and has a purpose better than I could ever dream :)

The revelation hit me that whether people understand or not isn't significant. Why on earth should I ever be feel the slightest bit guilty or ashamed of desiring such a sacred calling? If God's Word is clear that this is His idea and I believe this is perhaps a job the Lord would have me fulfill in the future (if it's His will for me to marry), I have no reason to be embarrassed. Ever.

It's easy, however, to feel awkward since it is hard standing alone. It's difficult when people look down on you for aspiring to accomplish something you think God would have you to do. It's tough when it's not the popular path. But then again the whole Christian life is that way. We're called to stand alone and to be separate; The Christian voyage is about being unconformed to the world around us and purposing to live like Christ would have us to. So the truth be told that if I ever marry I want to be a homemaker and a mother and in the meantime I choose not be ashamed of desiring this high calling.

What might God be calling me to accomplish the years while I am unmarried? I'm still praying about this but I know He has a plan. I'm not certain if and what college He may have me attend, what ministries He may allow, what job opportunities He may give, or what doors He may open. I know what He wants me to accomplish in the present but for the future things still look hazy. But this I do know, that whatever God has for me I will follow whether I am to ever marry or not. God's ways are higher than my own and I pray I will follow whole-heartedly. And while I still yet hope that perhaps being a future wife and mother are part of that plan (as it is still my deep desire), it's all up to Him.

With God's grace the next time someone asks me what I would like to do one day I will unashamedly reply that if the Lord wills I'd like to further God's kingdom by being a helpmeet to a godly husband, a keeper of our home, and a mother to many children to raise to be warriors for Christ. I see no other ambitions I'd rather pursue and I will never regret desiring it.

Another Birthday Shout Out to a Good Friend!

Happy 19th Birthday Amanda!!!      

                         

I hope that your birthday has been a wonderful one!

I have known Amanda for about 3 years now and she has been a really sweet friend to me. I met Amanda online through a small Christian ladies' forum and our friendship grew from corresponding on our blogs at Homeschool Blogger, e-mail and we also were able to talk on the phone.

This June I had the incredible opportunity to meet Amanda in person. I was so excited when the Dixon family informed me that they would be passing through our state while on vacation. It worked out perfectly for them to stop by and visit for a few hours. I can't explain how it felt to finally meet someone that you've gotten to know so well and to see faces that you have seen in pictures for so long. It was the neatest thing :)

I loved the whole Dixon family right away (there's 10 of them total!). Their family is such the sweetest thing and it was amazing to meet them all. Amanda, Jocelyn and Rachel were just like they are online--sweet, thoughtful, godly girls.

Today is Amanda's birthday and she  is 19 years old. Amanda, I hope your day has been a lovely one! I'm so blessed to have you as a friend! Thank you for your friendship and godly encouragement. Keep seeking the Lord and pursing Him as your first love.

Happy Birthday!!

Love,

Brooke.

Jeremy Says the Cutest Things

I was getting ready for church this morning and Jeremy walked into my room all dressed up and exclaimed, "Brookie, look how handsome I is!" It was SO cute!!

During vacation our Grandpa bought Jeremy his very first wallet. Jeremy pulled out a fake card from inside it and asked me, "Brookie, what does this say?"

"It says 'kid's credit card.'" I replied.

"I'm not a kid," he responded, "I'm a man!"

:) Jeremy is so cute and says the cutest things some times. He's growing up so fast...

Time For Tags!

Miss Sarah tagged me with a popular tag you've probably seen going around the blog-sphere. All you have to do is write 6 random facts about yourself. That's it :) I like doing tags so I'd thought I'd do this one:

1) One of the things I enjoy doing is singing with my sister to the radio while driving with the windows down in the car :)

2) My family and I used to have two pet peacocks. We bought them at a flea market and we named the male Petey and the female Pauline. It was amusing watching them walk around our yard. A wild animal eventually got the male (probably a fox) and our grandpa accidently ran over Pauline. We were all in the car and he was backing out of the drive way when we felt a huge *thump*. That was the end of her....Poor Pauline :(

3) I don't eat sweets/sugar.

4) I regularly drive barefoot. I learned to drive this way because I felt it was easier than wearing shoes and now it has turned into a terrible habit. What am I to do on a fiercely cold winter day and I'm wearing thick boots....? I suggest one never to learn this way and start such a bad habit!

5) My favorite article of clothing is skirts. A few find this odd but it doesn't bother me. Ever since I participated in a challenge back in February to wear skirts for a whole week---I have been hooked! I've always loved skirts but this year they have been a majority of my wardrobe. I have nothing against modest pants and I wear them sometimes and when the occasion calls but my personal preference are definitely skirts. I've worn pants most this week because my family and I have been on vacation fishing at the lake and it honestly has given me a greater appreciation for skirts. I feel and act more like a lady in them. I was eager to wear my skirts again!!

6) I'd rather read than watch TV. It's actually very rare that I sit down and watch television unless it's a movie or something important like presidential debates.


Another tag; This one is all about your favorite things concerning the season fall!




1. Favorite Smell? Cinnamon


2. Favorite Food? Turkey and Dressing


3. Favorite Color? Soft red


4. Favorite Drink? Hot tea and coco

5. Favorite Treat? Homemade sweet potato pie


6. Favorite Place to go? Taking walks on colored leaf paths and hiking through the woods


7. Favorite Candy? I don’t care for candy


8. Favorite Movie to watch? The Village


9. Favorite Clothing to wear? Light sweaters and flowy skirts


10. Favorite Outdoor Activity? Walking and hiking

11. Favorite Football Team? Alabama Crimson Tide


12. Favorite Fall Holiday? Thanksgiving


13. Favorite Haunted place? ?


14. Favorite Food at Thanksgiving Dinner? Turkey and dressing and my grandma and aunt's potato salad


15. Favorite Pie? Sweet potato


16. Favorite Fall Hobby? Crocheting and scrapbooking; Reading a good book wrapped up in a warm throw

17. Favorite Fall Memory? When I buried Holly in a pile of raked leaves and watched her try to scare our Dad by popping out of the ground :)


18. Favorite Fall Sight? The majestic site of multicolored trees and mountains


19. Overall Favorite thing about Fall? The crisp air, pretty colors, and celebrating Thanksgiving with family


20. Overall Favorite Season? Have a lucky guess? :)

One more:

i am: God's child and so privileged to be

i know: that I take so much for granted

i want: to love God with all of my heart

i have: the best family in the whole world

i wish: i wasn't so selfish

i hate: my sin

i miss: all my grandparents who live so far away

i fear: the presidential elections, even though I know I shouldn't

i feel: like I have so much to learn

i hear: the dogs barking and the showers running

i smell: a light aroma of leaves burning

i crave: a hot bubble bath

i search: the Scriptures to hear from my Savior

i wonder: who my future husband is, where he is, and what he's doing right now...

i regret: that I don't read my Bible as much as I should

i love: country; everything country. Country fields, green grass, meadows, open blue skies, and gazing up at the stars at night

i ache: in my head. I have a bad headache :(

i care: most about my relationship with God. I feel most miserable when I feel so far away from Him...

i always: strive to achieve excellence

i am not: your average teenager

i believe: that sadly many know about God but don't really know Him

i dance: when no one is looking

i sing: in the shower

i cry: when the occasion calls for it

i don't always: go to bed on time, which isn't a good thing...

i write: in my journal and fill it's pages with my deepest thoughts and dreams

i never: want to be outside God's will

i listen: to sermons while I walk in the morning

i need: God's help to overcome bad habits

i can usually be found: Being lost in a good book

i win: when I do what's right

i lose: when I disobey

i confuse: lots of things that aren't coming to mind right now...

i am happy about: that I am saved!!

i imagine: Where I will be in 5 years...

A Love That Lasts

My family and I went to go see the movie Fireproof last week and what a fantastic movie it was. I am thrilled to see such godly stories and messages projected onto the movie screen! If you haven't seen it I'd highly encourage you to go see it soon! It was very well done, God-glorifying and the movie's message greatly touched me. I think the movie portrayed many ideas but the one and that spoke to me most was what true love is all about.

True love is a subject the Lord has been teaching me this year. I've known the fact that love is much more than what most boyfriends and girlfriends have for each other these days but I don't think I have understood what it truly indicates for awhile now.

I really got to thinking about the true meaning of love after I read a novel earlier this year by Karen Kingsbury. It's rare that I read fiction but I happened one day to spot it sitting in our bookcase and I had to finish it after reading the first few pages. The story was about a godly woman's husband caught up in an affair. Biblically, Katherine (the main character), had the right to leave her husband because of his adultery, but instead she was determined with God's help to restore their marriage because of the commitment she made to him many years ago at the altar. She realized the seriousness of the marriage covenant when she had promised to love her husband no matter what happened. She didn't have to seek restoration but she wanted to. It was a beautiful and powerful story of forgiveness, love and redemption. It demonstrated the kind of love the Lord would desire us to have to one another and it really left an impression on me.

It was so refreshing to see the same message in Fireproof. It greatly touched me because the concept of true love is so rare today. It is one thing many of us lack and I do believe if couples knew the price of it before they married many divorces could be avoided.

The world has a very shallow definition of love. Romantic love between a man and woman is the only form that most are acquainted with. We have been greatly deceived by this unrealistic interpretation through the movies, television and songs around us. But instead reality and common sense reveal that couples who love each other don't always feel ooey gooey about the other person! Sadly, most people don't know love any other way because the world's ideas is all they've ever known and experienced. And once those "lovey-dovey" feelings leave, they automatically assume that love must not be there anymore.

Many of us commonly use the word "love" flippantly these days. We hear dating couples repeatibly throw the words "I love you" around without seriousness or commitment. "I'm in love" and "we've fallen in love" are popular declarations. Everyone frequently and casually uses the word in exclaiming such things as, "I love going to the beach," or "I just love pizza!" Perhaps this is the same attitude we have many times in how we treat other people. Why do we "love" pizza? Because it satisfies our cravings. In the same way we usually love others only because that persons pleases us, makes us happy, and benefits us in some way. Do we really have any idea of the actual meaning and price of this four letter word?

Let it be known that the world has no idea what love really is. They absolutely have not a clue. Because it is equated frequently with romantic feelings it's no wonder marriages one by one are breaking apart at rapid speed. Marriages cannot be built upon feelings and fairy-tale butterflies. If they are they will not survive through the storms. And difficulties will come. No marriage is promised romantic bliss throughout the entire covenant.

This is what real love is:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
—I Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

The Word of God is the only way we can identify true love and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a is the ultimate test. I think we as Christians have read this verse so many times that we've lost the meaning of it. But these are the characteristics of what real, genuine love actually looks like. These qualities are clearly portrayed in God and in our Lord. I really like what John Coblentz said:

"Contrary to popular thought, one does not "fall in" love. One can easily enough fall head over heels into lovely-dovey feelings. One can fall into sexual sin. But the love that holds marriages together through years of good and bad times is cultivated through wise choices and faithfulness to one's commitments. God not only tells us what love is like, but He also has shown the meaning of love by the way He relates to us. He is committed to our good even through great personal sacrifice. He is faithful. He is patient and kind. He shows us respect even when we do not deserve it. He stays true to His standards and true to His commitments to us even we fail Him. God's own example defines love for us and shows us how we are love in the covenant relationship of marriage."

God is the ultimate example of sincere love! The Bible tells us that He IS love! (1 Jh 4:7) The way that God shows love towards you and I is how He wants us to love other people.

Biblical love is:

-The act of one person seeking the good of another
-Unselfish concern for another's welfare
-Sacrificing for the good of another
-Selfless giving without anything in return

It is:

-Patient
-Kind
-Does not envy
-Does not boast
-Not proud
-Not rude
-Not self-seeking
-Not easily angered
-Keeps no records of wrongs
-Does not delight in evil but in truth
-Always protects
-Always trusts
-Always hopes
-Always preserves
-It never fails

God has shown and continues to show all of this to us even though we don't deserve any it. That is TRUE love!

Knowing what true love is I would now like to briefly dispel the world's lies by examining what true love is NOT.

True love is not selfish. It is almost impossible to genuinely love someone when you are self-centered. True devotion will always lead to action for what's best for the other person and you can't do that if you are being selfish. At the beginning of the movie Fireproof, Caleb and and his wife were very self-centered people and that's a great reason why they were having so many problems. True love is not selfish.

Premarital sex is not true love! Our culture teaches that love and sex should go hand in hand but this is a deceptive lie. Sex is only allowed by God within the covenant of marriage. Outside of marriage it is not only a sin but it is purely selfish. It breaks my heart to hear of couples committing fornication in the name of "because we love each other!" It's far from true care and devotion. Premartial sex is not patient, it is not kind, it does not protect and it is selfish. It is not love!

True love is not a feeling. It is very grievous because love today is considered primarily an emotion. "I love you because I feel love towards you and when I no longer feel that I don't love you anymore." It's a weak foundation which doesn't endure. Do you think Jesus felt like dying on the cross for us? No, He loved us so much that he chose to do so. Although real love can be and is often accompanied by strong feelings, love cannot be based exclusively on how we feel. It is not entirely an emotion; No, it's not void of feeling but it is not lead by it either. Rather it is an action or a deliberate choice. You choose whether you want to love or not show love to someone. Jesus CHOSE to die in our place. When couples say, "I don't love him/her anymore. We fell out of love with one another..." in reality they made that choice to stop loving and it was most likely never really love in the first place.

The feelings obvious weren't involved when Caleb first starting showing kindness to his wife in Fireproof. She was cold, unresponsive and showed no feelings of affection back towards his caring gestures. But he didn't give up and instead continued showing her unselfish love even when she didn't deserve it. That's what Biblical love really boils down to: it is loving the person even when they don't deserve it. It means giving without anything in return.

This is exactly what Christ did for us. Do we deserve his gift of salvation? Of course not! Did Jesus deserve to die? Absolutely not! But Jesus truly loved us and suffered so we could be reconciled with God. Jesus didn't need the cross but we did and because of that He died for us. That is Biblical love. I don't think I'll or anyone else will ever truly understand the cost and debt of that kind of love.

In a marriage or any relationship there will be bumps in the road but it is the choices that get you through not the feelings. This is the foundation that solid marriages and relationships are built upon. It's not easy but it is much more sacred and long lasting that romantic feelings will ever be. It is the kind of love that God has portrayed and continues to give us and that we need to share with other people.

Is it hard? Yes, it is. It certainly doesn't come naturally. The Bible tells us to love our enemies! Do you think that's a part of our nature to do so? Certainly not. And if we were to wait until we "felt" like loving the people we don't really care for do you think it would ever happen? But since we are children of God, loving others (whether that'll be our spouse, future spouse, family, friends, strangers or enemies) is what God has called us to do. We are to love as He loved. Aren't you so thankful for that kind of love that God faithfully shows toward us? I sure am!

Conclusion:

Let me end by sharing a quote by Harriett Sun:

Only after experiencing and knowing the unconditional love that God has for us, the love that drove God to send his Son to die for us on earth, can we begin to love others with the same quality of unconditional love.

We can only genuinely love by God's example and with His help. It is my prayer that as we experience the love God continues to give to us that we will desire to give it out to others. It is the only kind of love that lasts and survives through the highs and the lows. May we be persistent to choose to love others as God is so faithful to do to us.

• Extra note:

Test your relationships and take the "Is it really love?" test:

Ask yourself these questions:

▪ Are you patient with each other?
▪ Are you kind to each other?
▪ Are you never envious of each other?
▪ Do you never boast about yourself?
▪ Is your relationship characterized by humility?
▪ Are you never rude to each other?
▪ Are you not self-seeking?
▪ Are you not easily angered with each other?
▪ Do you keep no record of wrongs?
▪ Are you truthful with each other?
▪ Do you protect each other?
▪ Do you trust each other?

Quick Note

Just want to share that Holly and I are both starting a blog exclusively for sharing pictures. It is private and only for family and close friends. So if you're one and would like to be invited please let us know. We will be posting photos on it hopefully soon! We must have your e-mail in order to let you in.

I just finished taking a test for the Bible course I am doing. It's coming along well. It's really neat because I just found out on Wednesday night that another lady in our church is also doing the program. Finally I have met another who is enrolled in the Liberty Bible Home Institute besides me!! Very neat.

Today was a great day. I watched the Hargis kids and all went swell. I am excited to see doors the Lord may be opening.

Life has been very busy but wonderful. I've had so much to journal but not enough time to! I now need to hit the hay for another full day tomorrow...

God bless,

~~Brooke

He Must Increase---But I Must Decrease

By: (J. R. Miller, "Ministry of Comfort" 1898)

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men--to be seen by them." Matthew 6:1

One of the most difficult lessons to learn, is self-effacement. It seems to us, that we have a right to put our name on every piece of work we do, and to get full honor for it. We like people to know of the good and virtuous things we do--the kindnesses we show, our gifts, our sacrifices, and our services.

SELF always dies hard.

John the Baptist, in his life and ministry, illustrated the grace of self-effacement as few other men have done. When he first began to preach, great throngs flocked about him. But when Jesus came--the crowds melted away from John and went after the new preacher. John rejoiced in seeing Jesus thus honored, though at the cost of his own fame. "He must increase--but I must decrease" was his answer, when his disciples grew envious of the Galilean Rabbi. He understood that the highest use to which his life could be put--was to add to the honor of his Master. He was glad to be unnoticed, to have his own name extinguished, that the glory of Christ might shine the more brightly.

Renunciation of self should characterize all who follow Christ. They should seek only to get recognition for Him, willing for themselves to be unrecognized and unhonored. Yet not always are the Master's friends content to be nothing--that the praise may be given to Christ. Too often do they insist upon having their own name written in bold letters on their work. It would be the mark of a higher degree in spiritual attainment, if we were willing to be anonymous in every service for Christ.

Not only should we do all our work for the divine approval--but we should not be seeking to get our own name on what we do. If it is done solely for the honor of Christ, why should we be solicitous to have everybody know our part in it? Should it not be honor enough--to have Christ accept our work and use it?

Only what we do for the honor of Christ--is really gold and silver and precious stones in the spiritual building; all the rest is but wood, hay, and stubble, which cannot abide.

Are we willing to do deeds of service and love, and then keep absolutely quiet about what we have done? Is there not among us, too much of the spirit which our Lord so severely condemned--sounding a trumpet before us--when we are going out to do some deed of charity, some act of kindness?

"Everything they do--is done for men to see." Matthew 23:5

Wordless Wednesdays

Occasionally I'm going to be participating in a weekly theme I found from other blogs called "Wordless Wednesday."  You basically just post a random picture without typing any post to it. I've obviously wrote a little bit today so it's not exactly "wordless," but I wanted to introduce it  :)

The picture I am sharing with you is a candid shot I took of Holly yesterday.  She was out in the yard studying and I thought it was pretty.

Keeping Short Accounts

One morning, I had baked blueberry biscuits for breakfast. Afterward, the cookie sheet contained a mess of biscuit, flour and blueberry remainders. I put it in the sink and went on to something else.

Later in the evening, I found Mom in the kitchen vigorously scrubbing the sheet where the scraps were now stuck on as glue.
"You know Brooke," she told me, "you should had let it soaked or had washed it earlier when it was easier to clean."

I apoligized and then it dawned on me how similar this is to our spiritual lives! If I had washed the pan that morning I could have taken a sponge and could have cleaned it effortlessly. But the longer I waited, the more stuck it became, the harder it was to clean, and the more elbow grease had to be used. This can be easily compared to our walk with God. When we sin we should take care of it right away and should never wait to get things right with God and other people. So many times I have caught myself thinking, "I can deal with this later," or "I will apologize when I feel like it," or, "before I go to bed I will be sure to make restitution." But instead we should never wait to get things right. Some of the best advice my pastor has given me and that I have kept in mind is to keep short accounts with God. What does that mean? When you mess up get it right then and there. Acknowledge your sin and ask forgiveness. If we wait our sin can easily become worse which could include further problems, bitterness, or a hardened heart.

Sometimes it can be discouraging because we fail so often. I know I do. I remember one week I was striving to keep "short accounts" and was finding myself apologizing to my family members many times in a day. But how blessed we are to have a forgiving God that doesn't expect us to be perfect (because we can't!) but rather to get back up and try again.

Proverbs 24:16

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.

I think the most important thing to remember in "keeping short accounts" is that sin is destructive and separates us from God. The sooner we take care of it, the better things will be including our relationship with God. We can't approach our Lord with sin and usually the longer we wait the sticker it becomes!

James 4:8

Draw night to God and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners, and purify your hearts ye double minded.

Keeping short accounts---it's a worthy goal. It may times takes humility but it's worth it. Believe me, it will save you lots of pain and problems in the long run!

Short Update On Life

The season of fall is faintly beginning to fill the air. The mornings are a bit cooler and the leaves are starting to change their colors. I don't want summer to end even though I enjoy snuggling under cozy blankets, colored leaves, soft snow, warm tea and sitting by the fireplace. I will miss taking walks in the warm morning sun. But that's the way its got to be and change is nice some times.

Amber and Autumn have been accompanying me on my morning walks as of late. We all jog up to the neighbor's deserted house (which is used for his bridal photography company but he's never there) and is surrounded by woods and lots of wild life. I've seen quite a few deers and recently a huge turkey up in a tree.

God has blessed Holly and I with t-shirt printing jobs these last two weeks which we are grateful for. We finished an order for 150 last week and have an order for about 115 to complete by Sunday. God is very gracious. He is always faithful to provide right when we need it :)

I will begin babysitting next week and I am looking forward to seeing the kids again. It's more than just a job to me but sort of a ministry as well. I have been giving the older two kids short Bible studies and such. Their enthusiasm to learn more about God has really encouraged me. It surprised me at first because I wasn't expecting that sort of reaction from them--actual excitement to have a "Bible study." But last time I tried to have one, Chase, the 12 year old, went rocking on his electric guitar instead and politely said he didn't want to do it today. So, anyway, I am praying God will use me as He desires. Chase has been saved for about 2 years but isn't really growing, and Chloe' told me recently that she hasn't accepted Christ as her Savior. Please pray for these kids and me as well. This will probably be the last time I will have to spend all this time with them and I want to use it for God's glory.

I was excited to receive a package in the mail recently of the Bible study materials I had ordered. It's the official leader's guide and I am now in a period of "training." There's several CD's I have to listen to which contain such subjects as learning how to disciple young girls, leading an effective meeting, how to be a good role model, etc. Maybe I will be able to start a discipleship group for girls soon. I'm still praying though.

God has been teaching me a lot lately. How dependent I am on Him. I'm so grateful for His grace and that He still loves me despite how imperfect I am.

I Heart Homemade Bread

I absolutley love homemade bread!! It makes an ordinary sandwich taste delightful. Not only does it taste delicious but it is very healthy and filled with many vitamins. Baking fresh, homemade bread has so many benefits.

I try to bake a few loaves every weekend so we will be stocked for the upcoming week. We use our own organic wheat (which makes it good for you!), and grind it into flour. So that is the first step in baking bread.

Want to see the whole process? First I...

Mix the ingredients into the mixer (which is the easiest way to do it)

After the dough rises for about an hour, take it out of the mixer.

Knead it.

Let it rise once again.


Bake it.

Remove from oven.

And then you have your delicious masterpiece!

Oh yeah, so good....

The kids love it!!


I then wrap up the remainders....

...and freeze for the rest of the week.

And there you go! That's how's it done. Not too bad, aye? What a blessing to bake from scratch! It really does make a difference.