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.

-------

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.

The Gift of God

Christmas is first of all celebration of God's love toward man. The babe in a manger is more than just a tender child. He is the image of God...He took on a body of human flesh so that he might bear in that body the sins of the world. He made possible the gift of God---eternal life (Romans 6:23). That is the sum of the Christmas message.

Don't get lost in the scope of it all.The incarnation of God in Jesus Christ is nothing if it is not personal. God loves you, individually. He knows you better than you know yourself, yet He loves you. He entered this world, took on human flesh, and died on a cross to bear your sin, to pay the penalty for your iniquity, to remove your guilt. He did it so you might enter into His presence....

Take another look at the manger this Christmas. Look beyond the tender scene and see what Jesus Himself knew even before He came---that He was born to die.

He died for you. He bore your sin. He purchased your salvation. He guaranteed your sanctification. He destroyed your enemy. And He became a sympathetic high priest. Even as you read this, He is seated next to the Father in heaven, ready to make intercession for you (Hebrews 7:25).

~This is God's gift to you~

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

(From God's Gift of Christmas by John MacArthur p. 118-119)

Jeremy snoozing on the drive home from Grandma's.

There's No Place Like the Smokies!

Excuse me for the lack of posts. My family and I have been on vacation at the Smokey Mountains (one of my favorite places) for the last week. Our Grandparents and our aunt and uncle joined us and we had a very enjoyable time. We were able to do much Christmas shopping and have a lot of fun with the family.

We went to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Aquarium on Tuesday. I love that place and in my opinion it's way better than the Georgia Aquarium, even though Georgia's claims to be one of the best in the world.

I find it fascinating to be able to view thousand of sea animals from all over the world in one place. It's very educational and entertaining.

Each of the creatures are so intricately designed. They're complex, unique, distinct, and astounding in their own personal way. How can you observe them without acknowledging their Creator? It baffles my mind how one could not do so and believe they "occurred" by chance. Who else could have imagined such detail and created such wonder? Not only is each creature amazing in their design, but they fit so perfectly in their ecosystem that even if one is missing or over-population occurs all the rest suffer. Only God can create such splendour!

We were able to go out to eat on different occasions. I found it humorous that one place offered a choice of dessert titled "Lydia's Chocolate Suicide." How ironic. ;) So good it's worth to die for, right? Or perhaps it's so fattening it's a killer? (lol)

On one occasion we were leaving and Jeremy (my three year old brother) stopped a waitress and told her she was beautiful! He's never done anything like that before so it was cute and quite hilarious. The woman was in her late 50's or 60's and apparently he found her attractive. She had to bend down to hear him speak and didn't understand him at first. She understood the second time and she was evidently flattered. :)

During the trip Grandma taught me how to make her homemade turkey and dressing. It's a recipe I always wanted to know how to cook so I am very appreciative that she took the time to teach me (it's so delicious!!). Grandma also surprised me with a turkey roaster after we returned from shopping. Now I can cook turkey and chicken in half the time. How thoughtful of her :) I am looking forward to using it.

We were also able to spend the day at Dollywood before we left. The park was absolutely stunning and glowing in Christmas lights. It was a lot of fun (click here to see some pictures from my sister's blog.)

We are now preparing and looking forward to Christmas. I still have Christmas shopping to be done among other things. Autumn had a nasty temperature of 103 degrees yesterday. Thankfully she is much better today.

I have lots to be done so I must leave. I had to update though---2 weeks absent from posting is not acceptable in the blogging sphere! ;)

Blessings to all!

Flee from Fornication

Over Thanksgiving weekend my family and I enjoyed a few Christmas movies at my grandparent's house. During this time it occurred to me how frequently movies portray a man and a woman entering together into an empty house: alone. Sure, this is not new or a shock and I realize much worse things transpire in America's motion pictures, but this none-the-less stood out to me. The camera reveals the two casually entering and exiting an absent home without thinking twice. If they're in love they'll sometimes sit by the fireplace, snuggle up real close on the couch or even "innocently" sit on the bed to talk (like they did in two particular movies that we watched). Usually nothing happens (please note: we're talking about clean films here! Films exceeding this activity is obviously another story!) but it's just a fictional tale. In real life this would be a greatly playing with fire.

I utterly detest how Hollywood tries to convince us that this is perfectly normal, acceptable activity and that we're somehow stronger than temptation or temptation isn't a part of the picture at all.

The question we should ask is: what does the Bible have to say about this? Is this activity acceptable? Is it o.k. for a man and woman to be alone in an empty house even with good intentions?

God is unquestionably clear and His command can be summed in two words:

*FLEE immorality*

• 1 Cor. 6:18- Flee fornication...
• 1 Tim. 2:22- Flee also youthful lusts....
  
• 1 Thess. 4:3- ...abstain from fornication...
  
• 1 Peter 2:11- ...abstain from fleshly lusts...
  

Flee means to RUN AWAY. To run, leave, exit, escape, get out as fast as you can. Don't linger and try to discover how long you can test the temptation---Run as fast as your legs will take you!

You may be thinking: " Ok, I realize I am not to commit fornication, but this really means I am only to run if something immoral is soon to occur. Being in a vacant home with the opposite sex doesn't necessarily mean I will commit fornication!"

Please don't be naive if this is your position. The point is not to wait for immorality to transpire but instead to run to prevent the urge to sin from ever blossoming. Fleeing from fornication means escaping not just in the midst of temptation but also from any situation or place where immorality could occur (and alone in an empty house is a great possibility.) So if temptation is probable you better run as fast as you can!! God doesn't want you to test the fire before you run but rather to run before the fire begins. That is how we fight the battle--we prevent it from taking place.

Jam 1:14-15 ~ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Joseph is a great example of a man who fled from temptation. The story is that Joseph was working as a slave for Potiphar, the captain of the guard over Egypt. The Bible tells us that Joseph was a very handsome man and that Potiphar's wife took notice.

Genesis 39:11 says that Joseph went into the house to do some business and that there was no one else there. This is when Mrs. Potipher made her move toward him and what did Joseph do? He ran!

Gen 39:12 ~ And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

Joseph could have tried to reason with her while trying to knock some sense in her head or he could have even given her a lecture on his religious beliefs---but no, he RAN. He fled and quickly left her presence. Not a word, not a reason, and he was gone! He had the perfect opportunity to succumb to her wishes. No soul was around and I'm sure Mrs. Potiphar was a beauty. But he understood that messing around with temptation is never wise and instead he picked up his feet and exited as quickly as he could--so much so that his garment ripped in the process!

The world is rapidly desensitizing us. We view these "innocent" scenes in clean films where couples enter and exit each other's homes, sit in a dark vehicles, softly kiss at the fireplace or have deep discussion on top of their bed. We easily dismiss it if nothing immoral happens but at the same time, if we are not on guard, we quickly accept the behavior while not realizing it's just what Hollywood wants us to do! They want us to not only accept it but to do it ourselves. It's a deceptive lie that essentially says, "see, these people did this without sinning and you can too!"

Perhaps we think that somehow we are superior and we can "handle" the temptation. This is foolishness and disobedience to God. God tells us to RUN and not to give into our flesh!! Matthew 26:41 says that the flesh is weak and indeed it is. If we think we can linger in the presence of temptation and resist it we are dead wrong! If David was a man after God's own heart and he fell to lust and adultery, who are we to think we can stand against sexual temptation?

1 Corinthians 10:12 ~ Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Instead of being brain-washed by Hollywood we must persistently renew our mind according to the Word of God. It's important we keep in mind that:

1) Our flesh is weak

Matt. 26:41 ~ Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

2) We are not to make any provision for our flesh

Rom. 13:14 ~ But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

3) And we are to flee from our fleshly lusts

2 Tim. 2:22 ~ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

It couldn't be more clear.

This leads me to another topic along these lines. If we realize our flesh is weak, we are not to make any provision for our flesh, and we are to flee from lust: then how much physical affection/activity should be allowed between dating couples?

So many books and articles I have read have posed the same question many, many times before in these 5 words: "How far is too far??" It seems to be one question many couples are continually seeking answers. Essentially the question is rather: "How much affection can we permit physically without sinning?".

The answer is simply: NO LUST. This is God's uncomplicated response from His Word. No activity between unmarried couples should provoke any sinful lusts which cannot be righteously fulfilled. The answer is so simple yet so serious.

God's Word says that there is not to be even a hint of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity among believers (Eph. 5:3 NIV). Wow, not even a hint?! This no doubt includes lust.

Eph 5:3 ~ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

We must realize that lust is sin. The Bible says when a man lusts after a woman he is committing adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:28). If any physical activity causes lust it simply should not be done.

This poses a question: should one kiss prior to marriage? Frankly, I would say that's up to the couple. Some can do so lightly and innocently without lust or temptation; most, however, can't. Kissing is not a sin but lust certainly is. It's passionate kisses that take us to the next step to compromise and once it starts it's hard to stop. It would be wise to never invite the temptation in the first place. I think Romans 13:14 is a strong warning that perhaps could be applied to kissing and can sum up the above as well:

Rom 13:14 ~ But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.


Conclusion:

God values purity and calls us to be pure because He is (Lev. 19:2; 1 Pt. 1:16). While many increasingly ask "how FAR can I go?" we should as children of God should ask instead, "how PURE can I be?"

"How much can I save for my future mate?" Instead of "How much can I get away with?"

"How can I protect our purity and prevent us from sinning against God?" instead of "How much temptation can I handle?"

Because of this we should desire the greatest standard of purity possible. It's what God requires of us and it's so vital to our Christian walk. It doesn't matter how weird or strict the world thinks we are. We are accountable to HIM and no one else. Our purpose on earth is to glorify God and one way we do this is by striving to live pure lives as we become more and more like Jesus Christ. Don't ever believe the lies of the world that purity isn't important or we can fight temptation on our own. The world has no standards but we as Christians must for the greatest purpose of honoring and obeying our Savior. Doing what it takes to obey Him will always be worth it.

What are your thoughts on this? Any additional ones? If so I'd love to hear them.

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...