Something Else to Do

It was Chirstmas time and I felt overwhelmed. I had so many people to buy for, gifts to make, gifts to wrap, parties to go to and food to cook for those parties, along with everything else that goes on in life. I was ready for things to slow down.

Shortly after Christmas it was time to get Relay for Life fundraisers going. That meant brownies to bake for the bakesales, flyers to print for advertisement, carnivals to help organize, more baking to do, and lot of meetings to attend.

While in the middle of raising money for the Cancer Society a lady I work with was about to retire and I was volunteered to compile a scrapbook for her, a service that I hated to turn down. So things got even busier.

Now all of those activities are over and my life has calmed down to a slower pace . . . but not for long. The garden is already requiring some attention and before long we will be picking green beans, freezing corn, and canning tomatoes. A revival in our area is coming  up, I'm going on a 4 day trip out of town, and there is always studying to do.

I'm starting to see that life never slows down, really. Once it gets going it doesn't like to stop. I realize I'm not even close to being as busy as some people are, but for the place and time I am in life right now, this is busy.

I'm also starting to see that it's good to stay busy. When I'm busy I get more everyday things done and I'm more likely to be content with my life. When I don't have much to do I dread doing chores and I have more time to think about the negative things in my life. I also become a little selfish since I have more time to do things for myself.

So that is why I am looking forward to the projects that lie ahead and finding things to do now.

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8

My Answer to the Poll

Okay, now it's time for me to answer my own poll. But first I'd like to say how surprised I am by the response. I just knew that the majority of the voters would say they didn't like being teenagers, but actually 53% said they like being a teenager and only 30% disliked it, leaving the other 15% with those who are content in every age they find themselves in which you could actually add to the 53% making a total of 68% who enjoy being a teenager. (I hope I didn't' confuse you!)

So I'm sure you've probably already guessed my response by now. I don't mean to sound critical and I certainly don't want to complain or throw myself a pity party, but quite frankly, I don't' like being a teenager. The reason for that is because I know I have an attitude at times, I know I am a "know it all" every once and a while, I realize that I am picky about my clothes, AND I DON'T LIKE IT! I don't want people to see me as the "teenager". Now truly, mama would probably tell you that I am not near as bad as most teenagers, but I am still a teenager. My age still has a 1 in front of it!

Another reason I don't want to live these years over again (when I get through them) is because I never fit in and I always felt awkward. Somehow I think that this may be the case for the rest of my life sense most of the world is living contrary to the Bible which puts me in the minority and feeling awkward may just be a part of my shy personality.

Nevertheless, ever sense I have been working at the hospital as an "adult" with other adults doing adult things, I have felt less pressure. In fact, everyone in my department is either old enough to be my mother or grandmother . . . and I love it! Most adults are much better at controlling their attitudes and they are mature enough to know that it's rude to stare at you with this look on they face that says, "You're weird."

Yes, I realize that I will probably have to deal with attitudes from time to time no matter how old I get and life will never be easy, but I agree with mama: the teen years are not the best part of a person's life. That is a very comforting thought!

The Way Life Is

~written September 5, 2009

Today while I was sewing a pair of culottes (which just happened to be a very aggravating pattern) I stole away for a few minutes to read some articles online and see what everyone in the blog world was up to. I looked at pictures and read about one girl who was making a beautiful apron for her friend; another woman was busy keeping house for her handsome farmer and watching after a rambunctious little girl while another young woman, donned in an quaint prairie dress, visited friends on an old farm. Others portrayed a life full of baking, gardening, shopping at the thrift stores in their spare time and sipping on spice tea while they read a good book. Their lives all seemed so perfect. So full of feminine beauty and old fashioned elegance!

After looking at just a glimpse of these seemingly wonderful ladies lives, I all of a sudden felt boring in my flowered cotton shirt, faded blue jean skirt, and pony tail. As I got back to my sewing I felt as if my life was missing something. I didn’t know if I should make another dress from era’s gone by, bake a loaf of delicious homemade banana bread, sit down with a cup of Russian tea and read that book that I’ve kept putting aside, or get back on my quilt that I started a year ago. Somehow I just felt like I needed to do something to make my life more interesting . . . or enjoyable. But instead my day was spent fretting over a pair of culottes that I had put off making until the last minute. Sitting at a sewing machine and ripping out seam after seam is not exactly what I call a romantic day in the country.

No, my life is not anywhere near perfect. I work a full time job Monday through Friday, I might watch an episode of The Waltons for enjoyment in the evenings, my room isn’t always clean, I usually don’t get around to my to do list until the last minute, and I often find myself stressing over things that I won’t even remember in a month’s time. The fact of the matter is: sometimes life is stressful. Sometimes life isn’t that perfect picture of ease and beauty. Sometimes we will lose the time and even the desire to do those extra little things that make our lives seem special. That’s life. How do we get through each day? Only with God's help.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

God is in Control!

Once again God has shown me that only HE knows what is going to happen in my life. As soon as I think I know what is going on and have everything "figured out" (even when it seems to line up with the Bible and past experiences) God proves me wrong. I could get mad and tell God "I dont' want it to be this way!" or "Now I will look foolish because I acted like I had everything under control!" But I know there is no use in doing so. God is in control in my life and the easiest way to be happy is to let God have His way.

So I sit back and say, "Yep, I was wrong again," and enjoy the journey. I wonder what miraculous thing God will do next?

December in Pictures

Hello, my dear readers! I hope everyone had a great Christmas as mine was! I enjoyed the Christmas season but I believe now I am ready to go forward and prepare for what ever God has in store for me in the next steps I will take. I hope that now I'll have more time to focus on other things I need to get done (articles to write, college work to finish, organizing that is desperately over due, . . .) but I suppose that isn't too much for my schedule. I have been busier!

During the Christmas season I was awarded the Lemonade Award by my sister Bethany, and the Uber Amazing Blog Award by Under Southern Skies. Thank you both!

I turned 18 this month.

Amy's Birthday was this month.

. . . and mama's

. . . as well as Ryan's!

Ryan and Daddy bought two more cows for our farm. The middle two black ones are Roxanne and Rocket.

Christmas morning @ 6 A. M.

Right now I am going to work on some more posts and articles. : ) I hope everyone has a great weekend!

If I Had My Life to Live Over Again

By Erma Bombeck

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.


I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what. Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who DO love us.
Let’s think about what God HAS blessed us with.


Life is too short to let it pass you by.We only have one shot at this and then it’s gone.


I hope you all have a blessed day.

God's Will is Perfect

From the time I was entering the teenage years I began to find an interest in Christian magazines such as Hope Chest and Stepping in the Light. The articles in these magazines were written to help young girls before marriage. Over and over I read about girls who saw that even though they were certain that they knew what they were going to do, God had other plans. They finally came to realize that only God knows what the future holds.

Reading this for years made me think that I wouldn't make the same mistake because I knew better. Now as I sit here at my desk thinking about the past two years, I see that I was so wrong. Even though I didn't realize it at the time, I was just like the other girls. I suppose we all have to experiance it for ourself to really understand what it is to trust God.

I just knew that God was going to let things work out the way I thought they would. Everything seemed to be going so well, it seemed that God was answering my prayers, and all the puzzle pieces were coming together. Everything seemed perfect in my eyes and I gave God the glory for it.

Over the past month I have seen all my dreams vanish. All of a sudden everything changed and my dreaming came to a halt. Out of all the ways my story could have went, this was not how I ever expected it to go. I was left confused, afraid to dream. I didn't plan this.

Now I see that this is all part of God's plan for my life. If things had went as I wanted them too I would have been in a mess. My Lord knew that my plan was not the best for me so He graciousely and lovingly took my dreams away. Now am trying to live day by day, asking God what He wants me to do. Which reminds me that as Paul said in Romans 8:26, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Perhaps the wisest prayer we could ever pray is "Nevertheless not my will, oh Lord, but thine be done."

Even though this is not how I was hoping things would turn out, I can clearly see that this is God's will and truly His will is good, perfect, and acceptable.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

Strangers

Last week God has allowed me to go through an experience that has given me a better appreciation for missionaries. I never thought about what they face every day in this way.

Let me explain . . .

When I turned 16 I got my first job at a Christian owned restaurant. The owners (husband and wife) were members at a good Baptist church I have been to before, the husband being the song leader at the church. The night manager didn't have the same beliefs as me and my family, but he did try to live for God to a degree. One of the assistant managers was a Christian while several of the employees were faithful Christians as well. I was surrounded by good people. My co-workers who weren't believers had a respect for me either because I was a child of God or because they saw me as "still a kid". Several times when someone slipped up and cursed in front of me they apologized and said they didn't know I was there. This may not have been just because of what kind of Christian I was, but because Christians were respected at that restaurant.

Even a lot of my customers were Christians! This restaurant came to be a gathering place for all the members at the Baptist church where my bosses went as well as other churches. I made some very good acquaintances while working there. I loved my job!!!

But . . . it wasn't exactly close to home. So when an opening came at a restaurant nearer to my house, I was inclined to take it. Here, I believe I am the only Christian employee. The two ladies who claim to be Christians don't show any fruit and their actions show that they are not aiming to please Jesus. The women I work with live wicked lives, just like I would if I were not graciously saved by the blood of Christ. I am constantly reminded that I need to be an example to them, but it's not always easy.

I feel like a stranger. Sometimes I feel like no one there likes me. I feel all alone. Unbelievers don't care if they hurt your feelings. It doesn't bother a unbeliever to look past you and act like you are not there. Some unbelievers don't understand that everyone makes mistakes. Unbelievers don't care to make things right between each other. This might not be such a big deal if I only saw them a few hours a week, but I have to spend 40 hours a week with them in one small building. I'm not complaining, infact, things went a lot smoother this past week. It varies from week to week. Some times I feel like I can't take it another day, while other day's I don't find it so hard to hold on for a little while longer. Still, things would be a lot easier if everybody would try to get along.

I never realized how much of an impact God's love has on a person. I grew up around Christians so that was all I ever knew. Lost souls are so different. I know they need to see a Christian that consistently lives for God and cares deeply about others. They need to see that there is joy in living for God. But am I able to do that? It is hard to love them when some don't even want to talk to you. It's hard to show them that the Christian life is one of peace and joy when you don't feel like smiling?

Then I am reminded of countless missionaries who were hated for thier belief. Not just in the past, but in the time that we live in now. Just a few years ago a missionary over seas was threatened to be bombed in his home. He was obviously hated. How could he continue to preach God's love in such an atmosphere? One thing is for sure, he probably wasn't as sensative as me! Even so, it still had to be hard to go on when no one in the country seems to support you. It takes great Christians to be missionaries.
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Now I feel like I know a little bit more about the missionary life. Unless God calls me to be a missionary I will never know exactly what they go through, but I think God reveals little things to us so that we will know how to pray for them. So pray I will! I will pray that God will give them the heart of Jesus who said while he was dying on the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Four Down, One To Go!

I am done with another quarter of college!!! At times it seemed like this quarter would never end, but actually it went by pretty fast. It has been a good quarter - I didn't get behind too bad, it wasn't too hard, and I had fun - but I am ready to take a break. Hopefully now I will be able to blog more durring the next two and a half weeks. But if you don't see me on here that often then you know I will probably be . . .


reading
studying my Bible
going for walks
cooking
cleaning my room (a must!)
spending quality time with my family
playing the piano for long periods of time (I get tired of only getting to play for 15 minutes a day)
singing with my sibling
and probably doing a little bit of shopping.


In between all these activities I will try to write some post for my "little spot on the web". But no matter what I do, I will just enjoy being free from all the worries of college! Ah, the joy that comes from having free time!


By the way, did I mention that I am so excited about being done with this quarter?!

A Recipe For a Good Day

from February 23, 2008 . . .

Last week was a very good one for me. Two days specifically, were two of the best days I have had in a long time. Life is so much easier when you are in a good mood and I believe it is easier for God to use you as well because your heart is open. You will have a better chance at having a good day when . .

Your heart is right with God

This is the first step. The Bible says inPsalms 43:5, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." When everthing is right with God I always feel so much better than when things are not. When it has been a while since I read my Bible and I only pray short prayers not from the heart, I start to feel sluggish or listless. But when I turn my heart back to where I should be I feel the life come back to me! Everything is always better when I have God by my side.

You get plenty of sleep

Last week I was . . . well . . .behind in my school. That means I had to work extra hard to catch up before my tests and homework assignments were due. Two nights before they were due I stayed up late to get everything done. When I was finally able to collaps into bed after 11 PM, I fell asleep with no problem and didn't wake up until the alarm went off the next morning. The sleep I got those two nights were so refreshing! I went about my day as happy as can be.

I think for some it is "cool" to go with hardly any sleep. They think that it is mature or adult-like to be so busy that there isn't enough time to get enough sleep that they really need. But when we have a good nights rest we will be able to get a whole lot more done the next day. In the long run, we will make more of our time if we take the time to rest.

You eat healthy

It was a Wednesday afternoon. After I got off work I had to run by the grocery store to buy some baking goods for mama. After I found everything I needed I slowly walked past the bakery section of the store. There were cakes, pies, cookies, cup cakes . . . a lot of deliciouse sweets! Yes, I knew that I had already had snacks the previouse Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, but I was craving sugar pretty bad! As I walked towards the checkout lane I thought I might find some kind of candy bar on the self. However, the shortest lane was the only one that didn't have any snacks in the isle. Oh well. As I drove home I considered stopping by Dairy Queen for an ice-cream. A cookie-dough blizard would be really good right now! But do I feel like spending all that time in the drive thru? (They are usually slow.) So I then thought about stopping at a convenient store for a Snickers Bar. That's when I realized just how much trouble I was in. I was addicted to sugar.

The next two days I didn't eat any sugar at all. Since then I have had a little bit on the weekends and maybe a bite or two of a snack durring the week, but not every day. I noticed right off that I had more energy and my mind didn't feel foggy. I was able to think clearer and I got along with everyone so much easier. Amazingly, I even talked slower! I always talk fast, and there are some words that I have tried to say slower but I really couldn't make my mouth slow down. After I (sort of) gave up on the sugar I was able to talk without people saying, "Huh?" This shouldn't be surprizing because sugar is known to cause hyperactivity in children. Now I know that it also makes your mouth hyper too! ; )

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

These are a few things that I have been trying to do lately that have really made a differance in me. Of course I still have those days don't go very smooth to say the least, but I don't know if I will ever be rid of them. Other things that will help is exercising a few days a week and getting at least 15 minutes of sunlight every day. I have failed in fitting those two things back into my schedule. : ( But I'm still trying!

But above all, make sure your heart is where it needs to be. Even if you are the healthiest you have ever been, God can make you misserable if you are not obedient to His Word. God always comes first!

What Are You Living For?

In order to live a meaningful life, one needs to have a goal. Something they can aim their energy and ambition towards. When I don't know what I should do in life it always helps me decide what is important when I remember what I am living for.

We can all say that we are living for Jesus, but do our actions say the same? A lot of times we live to please ourselves. Every day we want to find ways to have fun and make our self happy. Who doesn't want to have a great life filled with joy and pleasure? But if you live to be divinely happy, you will be disappointed over and over.

Most good things in this sinful fallen world don't last very long. A friend reminded me of this when he said, "Marriage is like a hot tub. Once you get in it's not so hot." This man has a good marriage, but I know what he was talking about. When a couple is courting, life seems great in the googly-eyed, excited, bubbly state that they are in. But after being married a while the excitement wares off and life is just life once agian. True and deep love will still remain, but not in the same way that it did when it was new.

If you live for your family, they may not always be there.

If you live for your husband/future husband, he will dissapoint you.

If you live for your friends, they will dissapoint you.

If you live for money, you will never be satisfied.

If you live to please your self, you will be unhappy in the self centered state you are in.

But if you live for Jesus Christ, you will live a life filled with joy, love, peace, and contentment. Yes, there will be hardships, but God will be there with you the whole time. Your husband might not be, your friend may forsake you, your money may run out, you may give up on having fun, but God will NEVER LEAVE YOU. He is always faithful and true. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. He is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. He is a shelter in a time of storm. He is a comfortor that giveth us a song in the night. He is the one that has prepared a place for us with many mantions and will one day wipe away all our tears. He is all we need and worth living for.

So the question remains. What are you living for? I assure you, if it is anything but to please God, you will be dissapointed. Live the ultimate life. Live for God!

A Great Day at Work

Isn't it so funny how we can forget such simple things that make life easier? I use to pray every morning on the way to work that I would have a good day and that all would go as smooth as possible. Every day didn't go as well as I wanted it to, but the majority of my time was great. Lately I have forgotten to pray over my day. This morning however, when I remembered to ask God for His help I had a surprisingly good day. I was able to focus (something I'm sure the manager was happy about!), stay busy, my mouth actually said the words correctly instead of getting tongue tied, I got along with people I usually don't and the day flew by! That just shows that God want to be a part of every area of our lives and He will bless us when we go to Him for help.

If you're having trouble at work, in school, or any other area, maybe you simply need to pray or about it. Pray can do great things!

Recommended Artical

The other day I came upon an artical called The Grass is Always Greener at Young Ladies Christian Fellowship. Ever since I read it I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. Mrs. Ruth Weichmann said, "You have probably heard the saying that 'life is not a bed of roses' . . . I have long maintained that, despite the saying, life is like a bed of roses." Her insight on the subject is very helpful. I don't think I could say it as good as she did, so I thought I would link to the artical so that you could read it for yourself. The article is well worth your time.