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

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.