finding fault--where you least expect it.

Sometime near the end of my first year as a homeschooled child (I attended a private school through kindergarten), I discovered that homeschooling and tiny private schools were not the only way of education. Through the proclaiming wisdom of one little friend or another, I became in the know about "those yucky public schooled kids," and several proven "facts": all public schoolers hate homework, never study, make fun of the teachers, pass notes every minute, spend two hundred dollars a day on new fashion accessories, and worst of all, pick on lonely kids. Back when I was so "in the know" about public schoolers and their detestable follies, the one "fact" that struck me as unforgivable was this one.

I have always hated seeing someone left out. Especially if it's someone who is quite a bit different from the rest of the crowd--maybe the girl at the party who is last chosen in the game because everyone knows she is terrible at soccer, maybe the boy at camp whom no one wants to sit by because of his squeaky voice and chatter about Bionicles. In my younger, oblivious days which were mentioned above, I would literally day dream about attending public school and being the "rescuer" for every lonely kid that was being picked on. I imagined interrupting the barbie doll blond bullying the trembling math whiz, saying something smart, and whisking the victim off to safety. I could see myself clearly--the champion of the outcasts, the teacher's favorite who stopped hallway fights and always did her homework.

And then...I grew up. My eyes were opened, and I realized how silly I was being, even though my heart was in the right place. I truly did want to diminish loneliness in the world...but I finally realized that the "yucky public schoolers" were few and far between, and actually, for every percent of meanies in a public school crowd, there was destined to be a matching number in the homeschool circle. This was truly fact--for I myself witnessed it, as time went on. I met amazing public schoolers, but also ones whom I would rather not spend five minutes with. I developed my friendships with dear homeschooled friends, but discovered at the same time a few who could be defined as"under-cover bullies--"downright mean boys and girls who were forming cliques right in my homeschooling community. And I realized something else: all along, despite my righteous intentions, I had been no better than the trembling math whiz's blond bully.

..Looking back at my past actions, and even thoughts, I could see that there had been countless times where I had been exclusive--maybe not so much in action, but being reluctant within about including someone who wasn't the most enjoyable personage, or wanting to be with my little circle of friends instead of reaching out and forming strong friendships with "different" people.

You see, there are cliques everywhere you go. At the tender age of seven, I believed that public schoolers were the only ones capable of exclusion. I had a lot to learn. There is a wonderful, yet pricking :) Bible verse which warns us against pointing fingers:

"You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

(Matthew 7:5)

...this is one that has been so hard for me to grasp, and apply to my own life. So many times I find myself judging and getting mad at people who leave me out and act as though I am not worthy of their friendship. I dwell on their faults, their cruelty, and don't stop to consider whether I have always been inclusive, friendly, and genuinely glad to be seen with someone who everyone else turns up their noses at.

It's funny. This post was originally going to be entitled,"You Can't Always Be Popular." It was going to cover in great detail all of the aspects of getting left out--how in the coming years you will see friends come and go for no reason, how you need to get used to people constantly deciding they don't want to be friends, etc. I can just see myself ranting and raving about people who have hurt my feelings, hated me for no reason, etc...but, for some reason, as I began typing, the LORD gave me better words to write.

As I erase the original title, now, and put something more suiting in its place, I am coming to the realization that this post was not for you--it was for me. You, my friends, are merely listening in as my Father teaches me, even through my little blog post on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

beware of perfection.

"It's inside beauty that counts."

" Pretty isn't everything."

"Stop trying to be perfect."

You've heard this same old story before--dozens of times, no doubt. The three sentences that ring true yet quietly within a world like our's. "Pretty" is everything in this Kingdom...and if we're really honest with ourselves, it's a large part of our own lives, as well. I mean, come on. We're girls. We want to be gorgeous. We want to be slender, blonde beauty queens with large eyes and perfect hair.

 We want to be perfect.

I was playing around on Picnik today, using the upgraded features in a sneaky way {hint: snipping tool}. :) Hehe. I experimented with the airbrush, the wrinkle remover, the highlighter, the mascasra, the eye bright, the blemish fix, the teeth whitener...

The result? 

A perfect me.

..Or, at least, as "perfect" as I could get. I mean, compare to this, the ordinary me:

...Uh-huh.

::sigh::

Okay, I'll admit it: I wish that first photo were me, and not the second. The more I stare at it, the more my desire grows for a face without under-eye-shadows and bags, no moles, darker and thicker eyelashes, lighter hair, smooth skin, a perfect complexion, brilliantly white teeth, and sparkling eyes. Okay..maybe not *as* fake-looking as the dolled-up picture...but..somewhat similar. I mean, what more could a girl want?

Perfection is dangerous. Know why? Because there never will be true perfection. Even if I really looked like the fake girl in my touched-up picture, I would still want more: longer hair, slimmer waist, bigger eyes.

Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.

(Proverbs 27:20)

I need to stop dwelling on "I wish..", and embrace how God has made me: totally unique and owning a face of beautiful imperfection. Will I still want what that other girl has? Yes. Will I still feel that twinge of jealously every time I see some prettier than me? Yes. But prayer changes things, and I know that if I bring my trials to the Lord, He is ready and willing to open my eyes and change my heart.

If you take anything away from this post, let it be this:

Pretty is everything to the World, and always will be. But you don't have to let the quest for perfection overcome you. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and everything else will soon become hazy and distant.

On a minor note, take my Picnik-ed photo into account the next time you see a celebrity photo. Isn't it crazy what they can do with editing, nowadays? :)

Beware of perfection.

P.S. To my commenters: aww, thank you, y'all. You shore do know how to make a gal feel good. ;) And you know what? Now that I think about it..I like the second picture better, too. :]

I Gave You All I Had, and You Tossed It in the Trash...

..Recognize those words? You may or may not, but just FYI, they are some of the lyrics from a popular secular song called "Grenade," by Bruno Mars. Basically, I believe it is about a guy who claims his girlfriend would never do anything for him, though he would "catch a grenade for her, jump in front of a train for her, put his head on the blade for her.." etc., etc., etc.

Yeah. Kind of pointless--I mean, isn't the guy supposed to be the brave knight in shining armor, anyways? ;) And what in the world is he even doing with a girl that apparently doesn't love him back?

:)

..Hehe. Yeah. You're probably wondering why I'm even posting about a song I don't get and think is rather silly. Well, this post isn't really about the song, though the song did inspire me. You see, I hear it all the time in the stores, and, as it is a catchy and simple tune, it likes to pop into my head at times. :/ Especially one line--the one you read in this post's title:

I gave you all I had, and you tossed it in the trash,
You tossed it in the trash
You tossed it in the trash...

..I got to thinking about that line, and what it meant. How true it rings for so many teens today. I mean, listening to those words, instead of picturing a guy mad at his girlfriend for being unloving, I see a girl, sitting all alone...exactly like the above picture. ^^ Staring out the window, her heart torn in two. Just a few days ago she thought she was loved, she thought this guy loved her, so she gave him everything. Her whole heart, her emotions, her body.

And now, just like the wind, he's gone--and all she has is her broken heart.

I gave you all I had, and you tossed it in the trash...

Yeah, I can make myself cry if I think about this too long. Because I know that this is exactly what has happened to so many girls out there--they want to "go with the flow," do it all, have it all, "be in love" with this guy...but then, all too soon, it's gone. And they're left with nothing but harsh memories. Not saying this is always the case, but I just started thinking about how often it is the case with today's world--in a time of "summer boyfriends," and "winter boyfriends," and ten-year-old first kisses.

Seriously, people, is this what we really want? What is going on with this earth?

It's more than sad. We should be crying for our world. And more than that, praying.

I gave you all I had, and you tossed it in the trash..

Don't be one of them, friends. Don't be the girl sitting at the window, whispering these words as the rain pours down. Don't give everything you have away, until you're certain it won't be tossed in the trash. Keep hold of your heart firmly, and stay safe in His arms.

♥

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I know this is sort of a serious post, but I had this on my heart and wanted to share. Bear with me. Love y'all!

I'm Still Alive {I Think}!

Well, I'm still here. Flesh and bones, alive and breathing. As much as I would enjoy being in Heaven right now, I am pleased with the present circumstances, though saddened and moved for the countless people who believed Mr. Harold Camping, and spent every penny. Gave up their jobs, homes, educations.

Have lost a grip on their faith because of this tragic lie.

Most of all, I feel for Mr. Camping himself. This wasn't a hoax he was trying to make others believe, he truly believed it. He is bewildered, and probably terrified. Also, he is not man enough to admit his mistake, and is now hiding out with all the blinds drawn and the doors locked, unable to face the mocking, weeping world that he has so impacted.

Poor Mr. Camping. Oh, Lord, reach him. Show him at last who you truly are--not One to be calculated, or played with, but One of mercy, forgiveness, and understanding of our human errors. ♥

..On the bright side, at 6:00 p.m. last night the world was still here, and I was on my way to the Count of Monte Cristo Ball. Many good things happened there, which I will post about {with pictures!} when the time is found. Many good people were met, as well, including the dear Miss Anna, Miss Michaela, Miss Eyebright, and Miss Hadley. ♥ More on that, upon a future date.

Also on the bright side, to my immense delight, I found that I was nominated to recieve the:



..if it were up to me, I would certainly not be "Blogger of the Month," but as it is I am secretly very thrilled. It is the first such award I have recieved, and I am full of thankfulness for the fact that my little blog has been a blessing to even one person out there...this is my ultimate goal. ♥

Thank you, Mary, for this sweet award~~ladies, visit her tremendously cute blog while you're at it. You won't be sorry! :)

I know this post should be all about the ball, but I simply have limited time at the moment, and wanted to cover these little topics first. I will be back, friends...in the meanwhile, have a blessed Sunday evening.

Fanny Crosby and Paul the Apostle will have to wait, but thank you LORD, I don't have to wait to be with Jesus. ;) ♥

Lord's Day Blessing~



Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

(2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Image: "In The Garden" by Fredericke Childe

Cleaning Toilets...Praising God?

It's Saturday. And if you're a normal family, you know what Saturday means: the special chores. Vacuuming, dusting, mopping, garage cleaning, and, the best of the best--toilets.

I have been cleaning the toilets in our home since I was old enough to hold a rag. With all that experiance, I really don't mind the job...I mean, someone has to do it, right? But there are times when I feel like complaining. Why do I have to clean the toilets, of all things? Can't I be the mopper? The duster? Anything other than my current station?

I was reading my Bible this morning in 1st Corinthians, just dreading getting out of bed to do the usual chore. My eye fell upon this verse:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

(1 Corinthians 10:31)

I stared at it for a moment, and felt quite guilty. I hadn't ever actually complained out loud about cleaning toilets, but in my heart I was being rebellious. And to make it worse--I had just been contemplating the idea that I needed to get "out there" and do more for the Kingdom. Help the World. To get me back on track, the Lord decided to show me that He wants me to serve right here in my home...right now. Cleaning toilets for all I am worth. 

We can't shine the kind of Light we want to the World until we respond to our callings within our homes, among our family members. God showed me that today, and I intend to make up for my past hardened heart.

By scrubbing the toilets even harder today. :) 

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...

"He loves me, he loves me not...he loves me, he loves me not..he loves me.."

Human love can keep you guessing. At least, in its beginning stages. How many nervous young ladies have plucked at a flower's petals or counted an apple's seeds, desperate to find out whether their "beloved" returns their affections?

I remember reading a book as a child in which one of the characters plays the "He Loves Me" game for fun. I thought it was quite a silly idea~~being at the age where boys were playmates and not subjects for romantic feelings~~but nevertheless, I determined to try it. With no one specific in mind, I skipped out of doors and pulled a daisy from the garden, then proceeded to pluck its petals one by one, mimicking the lines I had read:

 "He loves me, he loves me not..."

Much to my dismay, by the last petal it was determined that whoever "he" might be, I was unfortunatley unloved. Not to be disappointed, I took up another daisy and went at it again.

"He loves me, he loves me not..."

Ah! With some triumph, I plucked the last petal as the words, "He loves me" were spoken. This time, I was satisfied. Feeling assured that I was destined for a happily-ever-after future, I returned to my book.

~~

..Have you ever been unsure of someone's love? Was there a time when you have wished for a flower to determine where their affections lay? Perhaps it wasn't 'romantically' as of yet...but, nonetheless, love had you confused. Unsure. Ready to pluck at a petal to just be assured of something--anything!

The world likes to twist up the definition of 'love' to make it look either cheap, fairy-tale-perfect...though even this is quite capable of slipping away at the mere stroke of midnight. This, my friends, is human love, and what is expected of it.

Aren't you glad that as sons and daughters of our King, we can fully expect to not be left in bewilderment when it comes to His love, or any other that He may have in our present and future? We don't have to 'pluck petals' with God. It isn't,

"He Loves me, He loves me not.."

..with our Lord. It is simply,

"He loves me, He loves me, He loves me..."

..on and on, forever and ever.


~Above image found via this site~

Why Do You Seek the Living..Among the Dead?



He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

(Luke 24: 5-7)

There will be no giveaway posted today, in honor of Resurrection Day.

By His Wounds...



{Via}

And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed."

(1 Peter 2:24)

Friends, let us remember Him this "Good Friday."

Insecurities: Leave them on the Cross!

{via}

Girls are full of insecurities. That's just the way we are. We're self-consious about our looks, our bodies, our performances...the list could go on. We think we're overweight, so we starve ourselves and end up as an unhealthy bag of bones, depressed and confused. We think we're not beautiful, so we pile on the make-up and straighten our hair and get plastic surgeries until we {think} we look acceptable.

This isn't at all how God intended for we, His beloved daughters, to be.

...Do you remember, way back in Genesis, when Adam was lonely? God, in His loving kindness, provided Eve to be the perfect partner Adam was in need of. With great awe and wonder, the Man exclaimed,

"This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."

 {Genesis 2:23}

..Or, in other words: :)

"Oh. My. Goodness. She's...gorgeous! I can't believe it..."

What do you think Eve looked like? She may have been very beautiful. In fact, I am certain she was very beautiful, because she was God's perfect creation. But, she may have not been considered "gorgeous" by today's standards. Who knows? Nevertheless, Adam thought she was wonderful, and so did her Maker. And if God thinks something is "very good," then you better believe it is! ;)

What does that say about us? Well, we, too, are made in the image of God. Of course, sin entering the world has made it possible for us to become unhealthy and sick, so it is our job to take care of the "Temple" the LORD has entrusted us with as best we can. Still, through Christ's work on the cross, we are seen as flawless beings. Straight hair, curly hair, large nose, small nose...we are equal beauties in His sight. And through Christ's work on the cross, our insecurities don't have to be a burden anymore.

What are your insecurities? Your face? Your hair? Your voice? Stop fretting about them and leave the thing that plagues you, because it's not perfect, on the cross. Chances are it's flawless in God's sight! :)

LORD's Day...

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses

  

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses...

                             

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own!

And the joy we share, as we tarry there

None other has ever known!

  

~Happy Sunday, dear friends! May the Lord bless you on this, His day.~

::Song: "In the Garden," by Austin C. Miles::


{By the way,  and AMAZING GIVEAWAY is going on over at "The Twinners Reviews and Giveaways!" If you are a photographer in need of a camera, click here...}

What Song Do You Sing?

...You're just gonna stand there and watch me cry?
Well that's alright because I like the way you lie...

Do you ever write songs?

..Just, you know, to write them?

You know they're terrible, you know you could never make anything off of them, and you would die before showing them to anyone, but they reflect what your heart is singing, and so, you write them.

If this is the case, then you are a songwriter. Just like me. :) I've written a few songs in my liftetime--mostly in the form of poems which I have yet to set to music, but nevertheless, they are songs.

Most people write songs about heartbreaks and boyfriends and being dumped and oh-I-hate-you-so-much stuff. The above lyrics are from that type of song--*"I Like the Way You Lie."* (Please see disclaimer below...I do not endorse this song!) 

Why?

Well, sometimes, it's tempting to want to pour all of your "grouchyness" out onto a sheet of paper. It makes you feel good to spill out the things that have gone wrong, the things that you are fuming about, the people you aren't feeling kindly toward at the moment. :) Afterall, that's how most of the big singers make their money--by complaining through their lyrics. It's what we want to hear, because somehow, knowing that another person is going through exactly the same things as us makes us feel better.

If you write songs and poetry and all that good stuff, and find yourself pouring self-pity into your works, I have a suggestion to make:

Why not write about Jesus, and the heartbreaks He's fixed within you?


*Note on the lyrics used at the beginning of the post: I do not in any way endorse this song, I simply heard the chorus awhile back and have no idea if it's an "okay" song or not. My guess is that it isn't--I just used it to illustrate the point.*

Be Still and Know...

Have you ever stopped what you were doing, just for a moment, and breathed in the quietness?

~*~

...Your surroundings might still be busy, a crowd might be surging past you, clamoring and shouting.

But you, you are still, you are silent.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go to the mountains with a part of my family and some friends for a skiing/snowboarding trip. We are blessed to live only about two hours from "the slopes," so we go as often as possible with our five-time night pass.

It was our last run of the night. There were very few people still out, and we just managed to clamber on to the final lift.

The night was clear, but a few small snowflakes were gracing my cheeks as the steady purr of the lift's motor began.

About half-way up, the lift suddenly halted--someone had most likely taken a spill getting on or off, and all was postponed as they struggled to their feet.

It was calm. Beautiful.

Breathtakingly silent.

It was just me in the moment of tranquil, listening to the little voice inside of me that whispered,

"Be still and know that I am God."

Pause for a moment, my friends, in the midst of your daily busyness, and listen.


{Via}

here i am, there they are..{pray for japan}

here i am, sitting cozily at the laptop upon our large green sofa.

there she is, lost in a street of rubble, crying and alone without her mother.

here i am, watching the rain splatter on the window panes, feeling calm and cozy within our heated home.

there he is, struggling in the water, desperate for help as a lone survivor.

here i am, frustrated at the low internet connection.

there they are, standing in a forlorn circle around the bodies of their family.

how spoiled i am.

how desperate they are

for help in this time,

and

for God.

::pray for japan. pray for this world.::

"I will never leave you or forsake you."

{Hebrews 13:5}

Flirting: "So What" or "So Wrong?"

{The Flirtation; Eugene de Blass}

Every young gal has a little tool built into her that can be used when it pleases her. {I say "young" because this post is directed more towards the pre-teens/teenage young lady.} Likewise, every guy has a little tool built into him that can be used when it pleases him. 

What is that tool?

Flirting. 

..Yes, the well-known, well-used thing that comes to light when males and females are together. So why do we flirt? According to the Social Issues Research Center:

Why do we flirt? Flirting is much more than just a bit of fun: it is a universal and essential aspect of human interaction...

{*cough* ...pardon me for a moment...*HAHAHAHAHAHA!* ...okay. Now..}

~*~

...In other words, flirting, to the average person, is normal. A simple means of communication. A way to have fun and feel self-assured. Girls naturally feel insecure about themselves, so getting attention through flirtation is relieving. Something like, "Hey, I'm not as unattractive as I thought! This guy actually likes me?"

..Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

I recently read an interview with a Christian young man who was asked, "What do you consider flirting, and what do you think of a girl when she flirts with you?"

His answer: "..To be honest, flirting can be very fun...if not taken too far!" 

..That led me to write this post. And I'm not saying I'm an expert on this topic--no way! I simply want to share my views, and then hear yours. :)

~*~

Let's start with what the Lord tells us through Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

I highlighted the parts of this scripture that seem to almost discuss flirting. God is telling us to honor Him in everything, keep our hearts pure, and dwell only on the things that reflect Him.

Next, let's look at what the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines our topic as:

Flirt, verb \ˈflərt

a : to behave amorously without serious intent

b : to show superficial or casual interest or liking ;

also : experiment

c: to come close to reaching or experiencing something ("Flirting with danger," etc.) 

 

 

So, it looks like we're dealing with behaving in a seemingly amorous {love-struck} manner superficially, coming close to something {real interest}, but not quite getting there. Playing with the affections of another human being. Experimenting. For fun.

 

Sound God-honoring to you? 

~*~

Purity of the heart is something that the Lord puts an emphasis on greatly. Your heart is the "wellspring of life," {Proverbs 4:23} and what is within it/what you value effects your life. Is flirting really something that is thought-worthy? Is it a "so what?" Or "so wrong!" matter?

Let me get one thing straight before I go on:

There is no such thing as "minor flirting."

 A.k.a., "flirting that isn't taken too far." A little bit of flirting is a lot of flirting--no exceptions. If you want to flirt, you can't take it any farther than that. To examine this a little further, let's go through the aspects of flirting which benefit you:

~~~

1.) Attention makes you feel secure about yourself.

2. It's fun.

3.) It's enjoyable to talk about your recent flirting escapades with your girlfriends. :)

4.) A little bit once in awhile isn't going to hurt anything..

~~~

...Sounds okay, doesn't it? Now, let's take a peek at the aspects of flirting which hurt you:

~~~

1.) You give a piece of your attentions and emotions {your heart}--which are to be saved for one future person alone--over to countless people as the years in your "flirtation business" roll on.

2.) You come to find that a certain person who was flirting with you isn't really interested in you at all..they flirt all the time. *insert heartbreak that didn't need to be a part of your life*

3.) Someone {down the road in life} may think that you really *are* interested in them because you gave them false attention..big mess. o_O

4.) One by one pieces of your heart are given like candy to every eligible being that comes around, and when you finally find that One of Your Dreams, all you have are the wrappers and crumbs.

5.) Your future marriage gets messed up early on because you just have to flirt with that one over there..it's a habit by now.

6.) All of this isn't how God meant it to be.

~~~

It looks like flirting really isn't a "so what?" matter. Think about it--do you really want to give your heart away to someone whom you may not even be remembering a ways down the road? Or even if this is your destined partner, there is no way to know that now, so many years in advance--and you don't usually start off a good, healthy relationship through flirtation.

I'm not saying to completely distance ourselves from members of the opposite gender; more that we should just be aware and in control of our actions/emotions at all times. If we desire a pure heart, God will honor our motives and help us to stay within our boundaries. Stumbling is allowed, too, my dears! Nobody's perfect...myself least of all. ;) Remember:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

{Philippians 4:13}

..sound God-honoring to you? I think so. :)

A Slap in the Face?

{Via}

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well."

{ Matthew 5:38-40}

Today I just felt led to post on a subject that most bloggers don't post about. Not that it's forbidden or horrible or anything, I guess no one really thinks to start typing out a sermon, that's all! ;)

Don't worry, that's not where I'm heading. I was just thinking.

And thinking gets me to wanting to write it all down.

And writing it all down gets me to wanting to share it with the world.

..And what better way to 'share it with the world' than to blog it?

Have you ever been slapped? No, I don't mean literally slapped, as in a "right-in-your-face-stinging" slap..though that is a possiblity too.

Have you ever been slapped?

Brutally, sharply, nails-grating-across-a-chalk-board words that are thrown in your face and hit you like cold water. Or simply a cold attittude from someone whom you get the "hate" attitude from. A cold e-mail. A hurtful blog comment. A distant friend.

..It's no fun, is it? I have recieved my fair share of cold shoulders, or "slaps," and while I know what the Lord says to do when we are provoked, everything inside of me screams insults and "slaps" back. Some people are better at "slapping" than others, too, I've learned. Which makes things all the more precarious.

What to do, what to do? As children of God, we obviously should not respond to slaps and stings with more of the same. Here are a few things that help me to stay on the right track:

First and foremost, cry out to God.

He will honor your wish to follow His words, and will give you the strength you need! 

Count to ten.

Old news, I know. But really, it does help. It's amazing how much calmer you are ten seconds after you recieve a cool remark or open up a sharp e-mail than you would have been had you responded right at your first impulse.

Truly strive to "turn the other cheek."

It's easy to read these words, or think you are going to obey, but when you really stop to think about what it means, it hits you.  

Love unconditionally.

Maybe the slap wasn't really a slap. Or it was, but it was a bad day for someone. Forgive and forget, and never hold grudges. :)

 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

{Luke 6:28}

I'm in My Own Little World

This song recently came out, by Christian singer/songwriter Matthew West. I really like his music, and this is one of my favorite songs so far...it just really strikes me how true this can be of all of us! Read the words, listen to the music, and ponder, dear friends. Are we stuck in "our own little worlds?"

~My Own Little World~

by Matthew West

In my own little world it hardly ever rains

I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe

I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet

In my own little world

Population me

I try to stay awake through Sunday morning church

I throw a twenty in the plate but I never give ’til it hurts

And I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see

It’s easy to do when it’s

Population me

(Chorus)What if there’s a bigger picture

what if I’m missing out

What if there’s a greater purpose

I could be living right now

Outside my own little world.

Stopped at the red light, looked out my window

I saw a cardboard sign said “Help this homeless widow”

Just above that sign was the face of a human

I thought to myself, “God, what have I been doing?”

So I rolled down the window and I looked her in the eye

Oh how many times have I just passed her by

I gave her some money then I drove on through

In my own little world there’s

Population two...

(Chorus)

I don't wanna miss what matters

I wanna be reachin' out

Show me the greater purpose

So I can start livin' right now

Outside my own little world,
My own little world.

LORD, forgive us for staying in our comfort zones, and failing to truly reach out.

Blessings,

::Lucia::

"Beauty is As Beauty Does!"



"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the LORD shall be praised.."

                                                               {Prov. 31:30}

~*~

~Outward appearance is valued least to God!~

The Hills We Run



 

{Image Source}

The hill was starting to get to me by the time we reached the last incline. My legs were burning, my footsteps were heavy, and my breath was coming shortly. I peered ahead through the misty fog at the turn in the road just ahead. Ah, the mailbox at last--our agreed stretching point. My sister Olivia and I were on our daily run, and ascending our daily mountain. Well, it wasn't exactly a mountain--more like one of those hills that is just short of being a cliff and leaves you gasping for breath before you have taken three steps. We slowed to a stop beside the mailbox, and gazed down the hill at the distance we had covered with a sense of satisfaction. I always had this feeling--a mix of relief that we were done, healthy exhaustion from the exercise, and the pride of what we had accomplished (not to mention the small fact that hundreds of calories were now mine to consume ;).

We sat, resting in the damp stillness, our hearts still beating wildly and our breath still just out of reach. 

"This," I found myself thinking, "Is like life."

...Had I said it outloud Olivia and I would have had a good laugh about how philosophical and solemn it sounded. As it was, I kept to myself, and gazed down again at the slope we had conquered.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

You may be wondering what I am talking about. On the other hand, you might be pointing your finger at me, shouting, "Cliché! Cliché!"

..You are right. It is a cliché. How many times have I heard the expression,

"You have to get over the next hill! Life is one long hill; you have to get to the top before you can appreciate everything fully."

..or something like that. Who knows. But the thing is, it really 'clicked' for me that day atop the mountain, and I have been reminded of it every day since:

Life is one big hill. Some parts of the hill are steeper than others.
 I, Lucia Marie, haven't even made it up halfway yet--
but I've had my fair share of gasping for breath.
I have yet to feel the burn of tired legs and lungs.
Nevertheless, I know this is true:
When I reach the top, I will look down and see all that I've accomplished--
yes, the many times I've fallen,
yes, the triumphs and the just--barely-making-it parts.
When I reach the top, I will feel the satisfaction of finishing my duty,
and the anticipation of what is waiting for me on the other side.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

{...Just a thought for the day that I thought I'd share. Keep running this race strong, sisters and brothers in Christ! The top of the hill is in sight.}

*smiles*

~*~

Blessings,
-::Lucia::-   

January "Featured Daughter of Vision"

~Hello, Ladies!~

I am pleased to announce my *newest* "project" which has made its way into the monthly schedule of "From Under My Little Umbrella." I think it will be lots of fun, and I know everyone will enjoy it.

Introducing...

Note from the interviewer:

I was super pleased to interview this lovely young lady, whom I actually have met {she came and spoke at our church a few times, we receive her newsletter, etc.}! I was excited to find that she also blogs at:

Journey of Faith

...where you can read more about her, catch up on what's happening in Uganda, and see pictures of her work and life there! Pretty good stuff. :)

Interview with Miss Ruth Howard

My Uganda Story

Hello, Ruthie! I am so pleased we have the chance to hear about your life and work for our LORD. Most of us don’t know much about you, so could you please introduce yourself?

Hi, my name is Ruth "Ruthie" Howard and I am currently serving in southern Uganda. I was born in Houston, Texas, but lived almost my entire life in Northwest Oregon, in a delightful small town, Clatskanie, that I am happy to call home. I was homeschooled for most of my elementary and high school education and earned my GED in 2000. I worked for 11 years at The Clatskanie Chief newspaper, where I learned so much personally and professionally, gaining many valuable skills. I worked at the newspaper until God opened this current chapter of my life. Right now I am working with Shepherd's Heart International Ministry (SHIM).


Since arriving in Uganda in January 2010, I have primarily been involved as coordinator for SHIM's Child Development (child sponsorship) program. I also delight in serving in communications (creating newsletters and helping with e-mail correspondence), assisting in hospitality at the island base when visitors and teams come, and co-leading a weekly girls' Bible study at the island's secondary school. Most recently, I began teaching computer classes to some of the secondary school students.



{Ruthie riding in a SHIM boat, which is used to get to and from the island}

 You are currently living and working as a missionary in Uganda. Where exactly are you located, and how did you become involved with Africa and missions work?
I am indeed in Uganda, and this country, the "Pearl of Africa," is on the east side of the great continent of Africa. Interestingly enough, Uganda is about the same size as the state of Oregon, in square miles, and much of it is very green like Oregon, too. I am just north of the equator. SHIM, the ministry I work with, is based on Lingira Island, about five miles in circumference and located approximately 15 miles from the nearest port city of Jinja. SHIM's outreach is mainly to the Buvuma Island chain, which includes about 52 islands. Lake Victoria, the world's second largest lake, has more than 3000 islands scattered across its surface, and is shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.


Honestly, I had never dreamed of nor desired to come to Africa until about four and half years ago. However, while working at the newspaper, I prayed about becoming involved in some ministry or missions work, though I didn't know what or where. I shared these thoughts and desires with a good friend and long-time mentor of mine, Karina (Thomas) Smith, who was home on a visit in July 2006 from Uganda, where she had been serving since 2003. I was surprised and speechless when Karina asked if I had ever thought of coming to Uganda. Truthfully I hadn't, until that moment.


Through a number of amazing comfirmations, God showed me that this was the opportunity I had been praying for. So, about three months after Karina's initial question, I was on a plane bound for Uganda. Though originally planning to stay for only three months, I remained in Uganda for nearly five months, from Oct. 2006-March 2007. It was during that time, that God led Karina and some others to found SHIM.


On returning home in 2007, I pursued a ministry training opportunity. But, when God closed the door on that, I returned to working at the newspaper, where shortly thereafter, I entered one of the most challenging times of my life, becoming one of only two main writers at the paper. I knew that someday I would want to return to Uganda, at least to visit some of the wonderful people I had met on my first trip, but didn't know how or when. About two and a half years later, God showed me that I was to return to Uganda, not just to visit, but to be involved in a specific ministry here. So, after much prayer, planning and preparation, I came back in January 2010. I now feel God's leading to remain here for the foreseeable future, though I do plan a visit home this summer. : )



{Ruthie with her friend Amanda and their "Morning Star" Ladies' Bible Study}

Is there anything about Uganda that was especially hard for you to get “used to?” =) Adapting to and understanding a different culture has probably been the most difficult thing for me. Here in Uganda, personal space and personal time are not as valued as in America, where the rights of the individual are much more stressed and valued. Here, family and community always come first, which has its good and bad points. Dirt, certain smells, heat and bugs have also taken some getting used to. : )

Are there any specific things you believe the Lord has matured you in since your arrival in Africa?
During the past year, God has shown me more and more of my true self, which isn't always a pretty picture. But, as He has uncovered my faults, sins and weaknesses, I have also seen His amazing mercy and faithfulness to me, and that He desires to lead me into freedom and more abundant life. Giving Him my past, with its sins and hurts, is one way I believe God has matured me.


I have also more clearly seen how God has uniquely shaped and designed me, using in-born qualities and past experiences, for certain types of ministry, like teaching, working with youth, and communication. Knowing God has shaped you for a specific purpose, gives you a greater passion to fully walk in that purpose!


Seeing God work through me, in spite fears and weaknesses, has also been a point of maturing. That He would take me, transform me and use me, a once-very-shy country girl, who hardly wanted to leave the house, is baffling, but it is indeed because of His great grace and goodness!

God does some amazing things! Is there anything 'astounding' that happened to you/those around you that you knew was His Hand at work?
Earlier this year, it was very exciting to see a young Muslim woman, who was living on the island, recommit her life to Christ (she had been a Christian until she was forced by an uncle to marry a Muslim man, who already had five other wives). This dear girl was the mother of a very young premature baby, Hope, born four months early. God provided the resources and the means for Lynet and Baby Hope to return to Kenya, where Lynet is from, and begin a new life. When they have traveled from Kenya to visit us on occasion, it has been a joy to see Lynet's changed life and hear of her involvement in her church. Baby Hope is no longer small and weak, but gaining strength and weight. It is wonderful to see God work in hearts and lives here!


I have also been part of various seminars and crusades during the past year. Witnessing God rescue people from witchcraft and other bondages, restore others who have backslidden, and observe the hunger for God's Word and His ways among His people, are all "astounding"! : ) It is a privilege to be a part of what God is doing in Uganda.

Can you tell us anything about your family back home?
My dad and mom, Fred and Bonnie, live in Clatskanie, in the same house we moved to about 24 years ago. They are both well, enjoy doing things together and being active in my home church. I have one younger sister, Leah, who is in her fourth year working as a staff member at Mt. Zion International School of Ministry near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the school in 2007.



{The Nile River!}

 Modesty is something many of us are hoping to promote and see in others. I have noticed that you seem to be a wonderfully modest lady—has this always been an important issue in your life, and are your young lady friends/students in Uganda concerned with it as well?
Because of a wonderful church atmosphere and godly parents, mentors and friends, modesty has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, being immodest really didn't occur to me, since nearly everyone around me embraced a standard of modesty. As I have grown older, I have seen the value and importance of being concerned for one's modesty and how a lack of it can affect one's witness and those around you.


Unfortunately, it saddens me to see a certain level of immodesty among the young women here. Many have adopted western styles and fashions, which are often too short, too tight, etc. I am thinking modesty will need to be a teaching topic sometime this year.



{Ruthie and four other single women involved with SHIM}

What would you say to girls who feel called to serve God in the mission field? My first word of advice is to be faithful right where God has you now. I initially heard this counsel several years ago from a fellow missionary, just as I was beginning to plan for Uganda. I believe without a doubt that God uses every circumstance and season of our lives to prepare us for what He has in the future. So, wherever God has you, whatever you are doing, as mundane as it may seem, be faithful in it. You never know how God may use what you are learning now for His purposes sometime down the road. The Bible tells us that God honors those who are faithful with little, by giving them more.


Secondly, get to know missionaries and their work. Ask to be included on any update or newsletter mailing lists, so you can follow their lives and know how to pray for and encourage them. God is very active all around the world, and if you are interested in missions work, then knowing what is happening, can be very helpful and eye-opening.


Thirdly, missionaries fill a variety of roles and serve in various ministries, whether it be discipleship and evangelism, administration, communication, building, teaching, media, agriculture, etc. Virtually any skill or talent can be used in some way on the mission field. Don't limit how God can use you.


Above all, love God and love the people He puts in your path!


Any closing words?
Lucia, first off, I am so honored that you asked to interview me for your blog! Secondly, I would say to your readers, that sometimes people view missionaries as these great spiritual giants. Perhaps some are, but most are ordinary people, who are serving an extraordinary God, in a place away from home. Really any Christian is also a missionary, since we were all given the "Great Commission," (Matthew 28:19-20). You can be a missionary in your home, school, neighborhood and community - sharing the love and light of Jesus to lost and hurting souls.


Thirdly, don't be afraid to contact any missionaries you know. Some may not always have the means or time to return all of your correspondence, but it is a great encouragement knowing people care and are interested in what you are doing. Also, don't forget to pray for your missionaries - this is the best thing you can do for them.



{The Pentecostal Church in Uganda}

Thank you so much for your time, Ruthie. May God bless you in your work for Him, and we hope to see the ministry in Uganda prosper even farther and touch many hearts!
Thank you for your interest! And, please keep praying for the ministry here in Uganda, that God would continue to transform hearts and lives by His love and power.