Holy Spirit Humble Pie

The Lord has been laying it on my heart to blog about something He has been dealing with me on, and the devil has been fighting me all along. In my Bible reading this morning, it was confirmed to me that this is what the Lord would have me write about. (I LOVE when that happens) So, here we go!

Sometimes when people (I am talking about myself here) get saved, they want to jump in head first, and automatically know better than everyone else, including those people who have been saved much much longer than they have. I know this happened to me. The Lord saved me, I was excited, and I automatically had higher standards, better convictions, and was overall a better Christian than just about everyone in my church. HAH! If only I knew the truth. Thankfully, the Lord has brought people in my life to show me otherwise and squash me back down to my actual size.
It is really easy as a born again believer to get caught up in appearances and use peoples' outward appearances as a sort of litmus test for someone's spirituality. Although it is true that your heart condition is pretty well reflected in your countenance and your behavior, that does not mean that someone is not saved or spiritual just because they may not have the same standards as you (or me). I think that people hear the word "Pharisee" a lot but don't really ever think it applies to them too. I believe that we can act like Pharisees today and a lot of times do. Here is a recent example of just that: "You mean that so and so went to see New Moon??!!? That is so WICKED!" LOL. That is the abbreviated version of that outburst of mine. While I do not think it is a good idea for a Christian to go see a movie with underworld type creatures in it, is it really my place to say anything about it? Well, no. Sometimes I watch things that are probably not the most spiritual and I am sure the Lord is not pleased with it. So really, there is no difference. Judge not.
Another thing I have noticed recently is not only getting caught up in peoples' appearances, but also getting caught up in peoples mistakes rather than their victories. If there is anyone reading this who has never messed up, never slipped up and said something you shouldn't have, or never done anything wrong since you were saved, please let me know. If you say that you have not faltered in any way, you are a liar. How do I know that? Well, here is what I read this morning: "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Psalm 103:14. We. That is all of us. We are all nothing but dust and dirt and filthy rags. Were it not for the imputed (Charged to the account of; attributed; ascribed) righteousness of God on our record through faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ, we would be cast in hell for eternity. So, if someone gives you a gift of some sort, and you do something different with your gift than the another person who received the same gift, does it mean you are any more loved or any better than them? The same person gave the two of you the same gift. Obviously you are loved the same. (I am having a hard time containing my thoughts LOL! Maybe that's why women aren't preachers...or aren't supposed to be anyways)
So this is the jist of my thought. Give grace where grace is due. Would you want someone to extend grace to you in a similar situation? I can look back at people whom I have had to extend grace to and say, man I hope they would do the same for me (give people a fair chance). Don't sweat the small stuff (and it's all small stuff, right?). And most of all, love. Love is sooooo important. "And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." 1 John 3:23- That means love everyone, right? "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" 1 John 4:20- That means definitely love your fellow Christians. We will be spending eternity together anyways!
That's really all. It was kind of scattered, but I hope it was a blessing to you. The Lord is really working on me in my ability to forgive and to love people, even if they aren't just like me or maybe are not easy to be around. Love them anyways, that's what the Lord told me to do.

I am blessed

I have been so busy lately that sometimes I forget to stop and see the wonderful things that the Lord has blessed me with. My salvation, my church, my family, my job, the wonderful man I am courting. The Lord has be SO GOOD to me! For the past two weeks, I have been going going going and fighting stomach issues, so I easily have let some things slide. Then yesterday, at work, I realized that Anna Sophia was growing exponentially right before my eyes. It was a jolt back to reality. Time to slow down a bit, Anna! Watch the little ones grow and enjoy it. Get to church a little early and drink a cup of coffee with someone. Stay after a few minutes and fellowship. Don't just read your Bible, but take the time to ponder and apply it. Enjoy the little pleasures in life, like playing peek-a-boo!
Here's a picture of Anna Sophia doing just that, peek-a-boo!

Lessons in Love

I started reading a book at Thanksgiving called "Created to be His Help Meet" by Debi Pearl (it is a KJV only book). I stopped after the intro and first chapter because there was a journal entry and I just didn't have time to do it (yeah, Lord, thanks for dying on Calvary for me, sorry I don't have time to study the precious word you have preserved for me...what a JERK I am!!). So anyways, I finally got convicted about pushing this book aside and picked it up. This "assignment" was totally optional (although I didn't pay $12 for a book only to get half of the blessing I can from it..haha) but I finally sucked it up today and did it. What a blessing it was to me. It is forever in my journal, so I can go back whenever I want and be reminded of what the Lord helped me with today.
What is this assignment you might ask? Go through the scriptures and find the following words or traits as they relate to a woman of God. Write the verses in your journal and ask the Lord to help you work on these areas.
1. Virtue
2. Graciousness
3. Wisdom
4. Prudence
5. Goodness
I would share with you what I got, but it was so much fun to do it for myself. It would be really cool to compare with someone!
It is going to be really hard to for me not to blog this entire book but that would be unfair to the Pearl family, so I encourage you to get your own copy. Just the chapter titles alone are convicting! www.nogreaterjoy.org Also, if you have read it, let me know how it blessed you. I am excited about this book!

"And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Genesis 2:18

God Gives Grace

Yesterday, as I was setting the table, talking to Dusty, and preparing for my mom's birthday dinner, the doorbell rang. I had seen the Latter Day Saint missionaries in my neighborhood earlier, and I had a little bit of an attitude about it. I answered the door and stood outside to listen to what they had to say. I was polite. They told me a little about themselves and their religion (even complimented me on my skirt), and then asked me if I was interested in them sitting down and talking to me about the Book of Mormon. I kindly declined and sent them on their way.
Not a minute later, I was hit with guilt for being a terrible witness I had been for the Lord. How bold they are to come and knock on my door and tell me about what they believe and I didn't even ask them if they were saved. I drove through my neighborhood and the next neighborhood over to look for them but they were gone. I don't know if Mormons believe that the Bible is true in its entirety and if they believe in salvation by grace through faith plus nothing minus nothing, and one day I will have to stand before the Throne of God and give an account for those girls.
So today I encourage you to be bold. I need the Lord to give me grace to not dwell on my shortcomings, and courage to be bold for Him. I pray for that today, and daily.


"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16

Wordless Wednesday!

IT'S A GIRL!!!

Just wanted to give a big congratulations to my sister Melanie (her blog is on my blog list and is entitled "Praise Ye the Lord"). She and her husband David will be having their first baby...a girl in May! YAY!!

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalm 127:3

Thanksgiving

This is my Thanksgiving post. I had a wonderful extended weekend in the mountains with my sister, brother in law, neices, nephew, and parents. We all squeezed into my parents little tiny one bedroom (the future master bath currently houses a futon for extra sleeping) cabin in Virginia. It is a work in progress, but it sure has come a long way!! We love going up there to get away from the city life and slow down. The Lord has really blessed me with a great family and with a great place to get away. I hope you enjoy my pictures!

A close-up of our homemade cornucopias and tipis that we made with the kids for place settings and table decor! Cute!

The table. Rustic, huh?




Savannah was loving on the ever-patient Shai. Savannah and I really bonded this weekend. It was wonderful! She is such a pleasant baby!




Tessa's kids. Aiden, Abby, Bella, and Savannah picking out the Christmas tree. Aren't they precious?? They loved running through the trees.




Haha! Tessa and I were trying to jump and click our heels at the same time. I just thought this was funny. Isabella is looking like she thinks we are crazy!




This was my sleeping area. It was pretty cold out but with an electric blanket under the sleeping bag, it was very cozy. I enjoyed sleeping outside.




I pulled off the road to take this picture of the sunset coming home. It really doesn't do it justice, but it is still beautiful! "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Psalm 19:1

Thanksgiving Week

Starting Sunday, this week has been a week of Thanksgiving. My pastor has started calling it "Thanksliving". I like that. Sunday morning he preached out of Jonah about the "fare" you have to pay for disobeying the Lord. It was really interesting, especially since I personally have a hard time waiting on the Lord, and I like to do things my way. So those messages are the ones I really need to hear. Sunday night he had a few of the "preacher boys" who aren't all "boys" get up and preach for a little bit on Thanksgiving. A couple of things still are constantly replaying in my mind from that night. First of all, was a young man named Joshua who surrendered to preach at summer camp this year. He referenced Psalm 100:1 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands" and he said "it doesn't say make a beautiful noise". I like that! The Lord doesn't expect us all to sing like angels or play an instrument like a pro. He just wants us to do it all for HIS glory. I thought that was really great.
Then Doug preached out of 2 Corinthians 9:15 "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift". Have you ever stopped to think how unspeakable it is that the God sent his Son to die for us? Can you imagine sending a brother, sister, neice, nephew, grandchild, child, husband, wife, best friend, or anyone that you love dearly to die in such a way that Jesus did? I can't! But the Lord did. He sent His son to die for us, so that we (unworthy, sometimes ungrateful sinners) could have eternal life. That is truly unspeakable. So I am thankful for that!!

Last night was our first night of our two night Thanksgiving revival. Brother Rob Carlson was the visiting preacher all the way from Canada. He used Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." and preached on having a dream, and knowing if that dream is of the Lord. Here is how he said you can know: 1. Does it have some eternity to it's duration, 2. Does it have some elasticity to its direction (there again, waiting on the Lord and beign willing to change your mind if He says so), 3. Is it based upon the scriptures?, 4. Do you have joy in pursuing and fulfilling that dream? I thought that his message was such a blessing! I cannot wait to see what the Lord has given him for us tonight!! Maybe I will just have to blog about it tomorrow (=
Happy Tuesday! The Lord is good!


Psalms 106:1 "Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Conviction!

Have you ever been thinking about reading your Bible and then all of the sudden, out of nowhere a book or verse pops into your head? I love when that happens. I especially love when that happens and it is something you have read or heard time and time again, but this time it is like a lightbulb goes off. That happened to me this morning. I wasn't even reading my Bible. I was just feeding Anna Sophia, and all of the sudden Titus 2 popped into my head. So here is what I read:

1But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
9Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
10Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Okay...am I discreet? sincere? righteous? Do I speak things that cannot be condemned? Do I keep from saying things that can't be used against me? Do I deny ungodliness and worldly lusts? AHHHH!! No! I don't! I mean, I try. But seriously, am I giving the Lord my very best? I think I could definitely try a little (or a lot) harder. I wanted to share this with everyone, since I read it and shrunk in size with every word...until I felt like a speck of dirt. Oh wait, I am just a speck of dirt.




"For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Psalm 103:14

I'd Rather Be Fishing

So the other day I was thinking about fishing. I love fishing. I haven't been since I worked at summer camp and taught fishing camp for a week. So I pulled out my disc of pictures from fishing camp week, and it brought back so many wonderful memories of waking a bunch of whiney kids up before sunrise, forcing food down their throats in order to avoid sick and whinier children, getting in an old rickety van, driving to a local farmer's field, avoiding cow stampedes and aggressive donkeys as we walked through the field (not to mention cow piles), and finally arriving at the pond for a morning of fishing. If I didn't describe that in a way that made you want to do it one summer, then I apologize. But it was definitely worth it all. The cat fish and bass in that pond were pretty big, and the sunfish and blue gills were overabundant. After a hectic morning with spastic children, it was easy to unwind on the pond bank. If I had been living for the Lord then, it would have been a great time to reflect and pray.

I think I definitely need to go fishing again, although it is getting too cold now. I should add "likes to fish" to my husband list. Anyways, this post is kind of random, but I just wanted to put it out there that fishing is wonderful, and I thoroughly enjoy it. Here are some pictures...Yes I am wearing pants. This was wayyy before the skirt thing :)

I really like this picture...

This one wouldn't rotate...hmmm...big ol catfish though!

He was soooo excited about this one!

I did not like this part, but cleaning them was even worse :) stocked trout pond by the way, it was our supper

The kids got all the big ones...

And I got all the little ones... :)

Now Presenting....ANNA SOPHIA

That's right folks! The little love of my life is finally making her blogger debut. In case you don't know, I am a nanny. Five days a week, nine to ten hours a day. Anna Sophia is the name of the little girl I keep. I am coming up on a year with her, and I couldn't love her more. So without further delay, here she is!!

BEAUTIFUL!

We like to play dirty.

She loves her nanny :)

She was so sleepy after our trip to Ambassador

She is obviously not a farm girl, just look at the disgusted look on her face!

Prince Charming, in a nutshell

Have you ever looked back and said..."wow I could have saved my self a whole lot of heart ache if I had (insert regret here)"? It is so easy to beat yourself up over things, but I honestly believe (because I know it is true with me) that most of the things we mess up are honest mistakes. Would I have seriously dated 4 guys knowing that I was going to end up with a broken heart in the end? No! Of course not!!

Well I am reading a book called "And the Bride Wore White". It is wonderful. If you are a single woman, or a mother to a single daughter READ IT! Some of it has been really easy to swallow and some if it has been really difficult (like the chapter on staying single in your heart until you have a ring on your finger to avoid a broken heart). Every chapter has a journal assignment and sometimes extra writing activities. A couple chapters ago I had the assignment to make a list of characteristics I desire in my future husband. Let me just say that if I had made this list as a teenager (it also is necessary to desire to live for the Lord and honor Him in your relationships and I wasn't doing that as a teen) but if I had made this list five or six years ago (and stuck to it) I probably wouldn't have dated a single one of the four guys I chose to date. None of them fit the mold (only one even came close). So just for fun, I am going to share that list (especially since my sisters and cousin are the only people who read my blog).
P.S. I hope my parentheses don't annoy you. I love them and think they are great.

THE HIM LIST
1. His other love

• He must love the Lord with all his heart
• He must serve the Lord in some way
• He must be a spiritual leader
• He must be willing and able to lead me, teach me, and grow with me in Christ

2. Personality

• Funny, witty
• Adventurous
• Family Oriented
• Hard-working
• Enjoys playing games
• Likes cats and children
• Likes camping
• Good with big crowds
• Deep thinker
• Emotionally in touch and open
• Respectful and Chivalrous
• Committed
• Honest
• Likes my big family (especially my mom and dad)
• Kind of nerdy
• Likes being outdoors
• Laid back (someone has to balance the control freak in me)
• Educated
• Do-it-yourself-er

3. Dreams/Goals

• Wants to live on a farm, or at least in the country with some animals and a garden (hey a girl can dream!)
• Wants to have a family
• Dreams of living a (close to) primitive, non-materialistic lifestyle - such as living off the land, and off the grid

4. Physical Traits

• In good shape for hiking, running, etc. (tree climbing is bonus points)
• Handsome
• Good smile
• Has loving, soul-searching eyes
• Can dress GQ for church and rugged outside of church

That's it. If you fit these traits please call at.....hahaha just kidding. The Lord will send him to me if that is His will. I do believe in love and happily ever after :)

"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord" Proverbs 18:22

NEW HAIR!!

So I have been so sick of my hair and not sure of what to do with it...So today I went and got about 4 inches cut off of it, and I got bangs. I love it!! A new haircut makes you feel like a new person. =) heres a picture.... p.s. Candice also taught me how to tease my hair. pretty exciting...

Fun Little Quiz...

1. Where is your cell phone? in my pocket
2. Your hair? about to get cut tomorrow!!! YAY
3. Your mother? the best of the best
4. Your father? the funniest person I know
5. Your favorite food? greasy NY style pizza
6. Your dream last night? usually I have really awesome vivid dreams...but I can't seem to remember last night's
7. Your favorite drink? Dr. Pepper
8. Your dream/goal? dream...to live on a farm that is self-sufficient
9. What room are you in? the office
10. Your hobby? reading (journalling is getting up there too)
11. Your fear? murky water (sorry tessa, I had to say the same thing)
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? not in Charlotte and not single
13. Where were you last night? at home
14. Something you aren't? NORMAL
15. Muffins? not store bought
16. Wish list item? prince charming!
17. Where did you grow up? Charlotte
18. Last thing you did? tried to upload pictures on here, failed.
19. What are you wearing? hoodie, jean skirt, knee high socks (and my feet are still cold)
20. Your TV? paused (lol)
21. Your pets? Yma (pronounced ee-muh)
22. Friends? just a few...but wonderful
23. Your life? wonderfully hectic at times...
24. Your mood? sleepy
25. Missing someone? honestly, yes
26. vehicle? STATION WAGON!!
27. Something your not wearing? hairspray...that is unusual for me
28. Your favorite store? realistically? wal mart; if I had money? american eagle
29. Your favorite color? green green green
30. When was the last time you laughed? hmmm I laughed really really hard last night with Tessa. She sang "let's get digital" to the tune of "let's get physical" by Olivia Newton John. It doesn't get much better than that
31. Last time you cried? I don't know...
32. Your best friend? hmmmm. Yma
33. One place that I go to over and over? church and work
34. Facebook? yes
35. Favorite place to eat? hmmmm...Ruby Tuesdays. bottomless fries

Weekend Recap

So I have pretty much had a great weekend. I feel my relationship with the Lord growing and therefore, so are my relationships with other people. On Friday night I had Anna Sophia and Jason late so we went to the church for the Fall Festival. We had lots of fun singing and just hanging out while the kids played. After I left work that night, I went back to the church where the young folks were hanging out playing games. And I love games. Saturday morning (after only 5 hours of sleep) I went to the VA hospital in Salisbury with Tessa and Bryan and the kids, and after that we went to Concord Mills for Aiden's birthday. The guys spent almost 4 hours in Bass Pro Shops while we shopped around and had lunch. It was lots of fun. Tessa and I went running after the kids were in bed and then I came home to Melanie, David, Meredith, and Lucas making wontons and egg rolls. YUMMY! We had lots of fun experimenting with different dessert wontons. We ate on the living room floor and watched "Elf" (my favorite Christmas movie, tied for first with "White Christmas"). I didn't get to bed too late last night, and I had a great church service this morning. The Lord has really blessed me with the people He has put in my life. I am so thankful for all of them!! Here are some pics from Saturday. You will have to excuse my appearance...I had just been running :)

Flowers from my family I nanny for :)

Menfolk in the kitchen!

How do you like the duck sauce??

Making the homemade duck sauce

The first dessert wonton

Silly girls

Braces are a good thing!!

Chocolate, toffee, caramel wonton. It was amazing

I love my little Meggy

Recreating the accidental butt slap from last weekend

Our makeshift asian dining area

The before

It's dark, but it's funny

Pregnancy + Egg Rolls = Weird faces

The aftermath...it was so delicious!

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. " Proverbs 18:24

It won't always be like this you know...

I remember when a friend of mine wanted me to stop what I was doing with my family to talk to them, and I said, you know, it won't always be like this. I won't always live with my mom and dad and get to sit on my mom's lap. Or play a game with them in between dinner and bedtime. I have learned lately to appreciate what I have while I have it. I can remember things that my neices and nephews used to do or say or that Anna Sophia was just doing two months ago and she isn't anymore. It's amazing how quickly things change. One day (if it is the Lord's will of course) I will get married, possibly move away, and start my own life. Then I won't need my parents anymore. I won't be able to make them dinner or clean up after them or do things that maybe sometimes seem like a burden. Often times I have to stop and remind myself...it won't always be like this you know...
Also, I got to try the buffalo chicken sub at subway and it is WONDERFUL. I also bought a "new" vintage dress that I can't wait to show off!! The lady at the store said it was very Laura Ingalls and I should probably shorten it. I didn't tell her how much I dig Laura Ingall's style.
Well, I just looked and saw that Anna Sophia has a runny little nose and a soggy diaper so I should probably grab that. (She won't always need me you know...)

"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." Proverbs 10:22

Let's Start at the Very Beginning...A Very Good Place to Start

This is my first ever post and I am very excited. I just got back from my sister's house and realized how envious I was of her blog. I started mine in May I think and never touched it. So here I am. I am an early twenties single and pretty happy with that. Not to say I would complain if the Lord sent along my Prince Charming, but I think I can be somewhat patient :). I am a full-time nanny to a 13 month-old little girl named Anna Sophia. She is WONDERFUL! I have been caring for her for 10 months now. Sometimes I forget that her family isn't my family, and we are all okay with that. Maybe I can convince her mom to let me put some pictures up here. She really is my pride and joy. I have five brothers and sisters and seven neices and nephews and two more on the way! My family is wonderful. I also am learning to sew, although I have to say it is a little too tedious for my short attention span.
I love the Lord. He has been mighty good to me. Sometimes I even forget how undeserving I am, but I usually get humbled pretty quickly :). I guess that is all for today.