My Testimony ♥

I don't know if I have ever shared my testimony on here or not. Anyways, I wrote it out September 25th, cause my Small Group leader asked me to share it with our Small Group Wednesday night, the 26th. So, I wrote it out, and then shared it at Youth Group with my Small Group. It's not only my testimony of how I got saved, but I also added where I am now, and how I got to the point I am today, in my walk with Christ. I hope you enjoy reading it! (oh, a couple times I say like last week or a couple weeks ago... Obviously I wrote this a couple weeks ago, so when it says that, it was more like a month or so ago.... but, whatever.) :)

I have had the amazing privilege of growing up in a Christian family for my entire life. I have gone to Church ever since I was born, and I have been taught from the Word of God from a very young age. I got saved at the age of just 4 years old. I don’t remember the date, I don’t remember the day of the week, I don’t remember the time (other than that it was at night right before bed time), I don’t remember who or what made me want to do it, or even what I said. All I know is that something inside my little heart, even though I was very young, wanted Jesus Christ to come and live inside my heart. Kneeling beside my bed, with the help of Mom, I said what is so often referred to as “the sinner’s prayer.” Being so young, it didn’t change or alter my life right away, in a huge way that I can remember, and it wasn’t until I was about 11 years old (the year 2006) when my sister Julianna asked Christ into her heart, that I really truly grasped what it meant to have Jesus living inside me. I wanted to know for sure that I was going to heaven when I died. So, on March 12th 2006 was when I “confirmed” my salvation, to have a date to remember and acknowledge my spiritual birthday. It was even later than this time, though, when I learned what it truly meant to live a poured out life for Christ (I am still learning even now, though, and don’t know even close to everything).
About a month after that, on April 16th, 2006, Easter Sunday, Susanna, Caleb and I got baptized. Sometime after that, I wrote about it in my Bible, and described it as “one of the best nights of my life.”
That was a long time ago, though, and I have come so far since then. I have gone through so much, and learned so much by reading God’s Word on a daily basis, studying the Scripture, memorizing verses, and reading insightful, and helpful books as well as going through many devotional books that have helped me in my pursuit of Christ.
The year 2011 was a tough year for me. No, it wasn’t all bad, but it was still tough. The separation of my parents, along with living at my Grandparents house for a while, as well as many other things, were what caused me to struggle so much. I sometimes failed to see God even in the small things of life, because I failed to look. God IS in each day, but we don’t always see Him, because we fail to look and fail to recognize Him. Although this time was tough, it was during that time that I learned what it meant to fully put my trust in God, and depend on Him for the strength I needed to get through the day. I learned and realized that He IS in control of my life, and I don’t need to worry or fret, because He has my future in His hands, and it‘s all planned out… I can let go of my life and let Him have full control! Also, during that time, I spent a lot of time with God. I learned that “In [his] presence is fulness of joy; at [his] right hand there are pleasures forevermore”, as it says in Psalm 16:11. John Piper once said: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” In spending more time with God, I got to know Him better, was able to draw closer to Him (James 4:8), and started striving to be more like Him each and every day. That makes me think of the song titled “Little by Little” by Olivia Collingsworth. It goes: “Just yesterday, I was so small… I’ve been learning new things as I grow. Some people say I’m getting so tall, where did the little kid go? Inside and out God is making me new, you may not see it happen until He is through. Sometimes it seems that I’m so far away, from all I want someday to be. But His Word says, that He’ll finish someday, all that He started in me. I look at me, and I don’t understand, but God has a vision, and God has a plan. Little by little, I’m changing, I’m growing. Little by little, I hope that it’s showing. I’m not who I’ll be, I’m not who I was, I’m somewhere in the middle; But, God is changing me, little by little.” Now, looking back at that year, even though it was a painful and trying time, I can see God’s hand at work in my life, and how He was using it for my good. Romans 8:28 says: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
The year 2012, (so far, anyways) has been one of the best years of my life, for many different reasons. Not only were there many fun and exciting things I was able to do, new experiences I was able to have, and times of great joy, but there were also many times of serving, helping out, volunteering, babysitting during the summer, learning more about who God is, growing closer to Him, and just being able to be a blessing to other people, putting their needs above my own. That is truly what brings me the most joy, for it is when we put others needs above our own, and give to other people in need that we are truly blessed.♥ Proverbs 11:24-25, says: “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Luke 6:38, says: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Benjamin Franklin said: “Who pleasure gives, shall joy receive.”
There are many commands that God gives us in the Bible, but there is one that God has shown me over and over again this past year, and that is becoming crystal clear to me just now. That command is found in the simple words of Luke 9:23. “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Italics added by me.)
Self-denial, Surrender, I must decrease, and die to self are phrases that became (and are still becoming) very dear to me… Words that God wants me to embrace as my own.
At the beginning of this year, I read something on a girl’s blog that I thought was very good, and I shared it on my own blog, as well. It said this:

For 2012...I have no resolutions other than...
to love a little deeper~
to stand a little taller~
to laugh a little louder~
to speak gently~
to give more profusely~
to live with reckless abandon~
to let faith grow stronger~
to smile in the face of adversity~
to wipe tears from weary faces~
to speak a little less~
to listen a little more~
to carry His burdens for this world~
to rock children to sleep~
to live for Him alone~
to point others to Him~
to radiate with His glory~
to pray more at His feet~
to dance a little freer~
to sing a little stronger~
to be an encouragement to those around me~
to die daily~
to surrender more freely~
to battle with more determination~
to give joy in all circumstances~
to love Him more.

~to be utterly transformed by His renewing grace~
evermore.
daily.
to be changed.
made stronger.
lift Him higher.
forget self.
abandon sin.
lay it all down,
nothing in my own strength
to know the truth
to draw closer
to Him
Daily.
~to see the beauty~
in the colors; taken for granted
in the rainbows that boast of a promise
in the laughter, that shows His heart
in the unknown path of the months to come
in the giving that holds nothing back
in the songs of birds
early spring rain
crisp autumn leaves
snow-capped mountains
desperate prayers
brokenness
surrender
but joy.
my journey home

~to learn to see...
the world with His compassion
to hope with absolute confidence
to serve with His kindness,
His gentleness,
His self-control,
His patience,
and to
abide in His peace
to learn a quiet heart
~to be still~
to radiate with an inner quiet grace
quiet grace
{All in all?}
To live a life that is not in vain.

Also, at about that time, we started up the meetings for the people going to Mexico in April, and we started going through the book “not a fan.” The main theme in that book was about denying yourself, taking up your cross daily, and following Him. In March, I started a book called “Experiencing God” the youth edition. It had Luke 9:23, as well as the call to deny self, and surrender your whole life to Christ, many times throughout. It was about that time that the “Surrender” series were started here in Youth Group. What were they about? Yes; Surrender, self-denial, and the like.
The words of the hymn “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” have become dear to me the past couple weeks, saying: Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
Those simple yet profound words beckon us to die to self, surrender, and give up everything for the sake of knowing, and loving our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A couple weeks ago, Pastor Landon started the series on Colossians. Then, last week, he talked about God having the preeminence in your life. He asked if we were willing to give up other things, in order that God would have the first place in our lives. Since then (last Wednesday), this past week, I have seen or heard those words (either Self-denial, Die to self, Surrender) multiple times each and every day,. Whether in a book, an article in a online magazine I read, a sermon I listened to, someone posting it on Facebook, an email from a friend, a song, or anything else, God is clearly speaking to me. He wants me today to die to self, surrender, and give up everything my flesh desires, so that I may know, love, and serve Him better. And it’s not a one time decision. It’s something I have to decide to do on a day by day, moment by moment basis. Elisabeth Elliot said this: “One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime.” (The verse Luke 9:23 and the words I mentioned came up many more times as well, I just can’t think of the specific times right now.)
My greatest desire as I seek to be more like Christ, and desire to know Him more, is that others see His light shining through me. I want others to feel His presence when they are around me. I want others to be able to look at me, and see His glorious face-not mine. As Hannah Thomas said: Lord I wanna be like a glow stick: bend me and break me until your light shines through me. Isaiah 64:8 says: But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. May I be moldable, so that He may mold me into the person He created me to be-all for His honor and glory. No, I’m not perfect, although I never will be. I’m still learning, and I still have a long way to go. Hebrews 12:1-2 says: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.” ~John Newton

Sarah Joy♥

Wow, so it's been a long time since I have posted (again!). Oh my. Well, I have a post about my Mexico trip coming up VERY soon... I promise, it will be up within the next week, maybe even before. But, right now I just wanted to post some pictures of my new cousin! Sarah Joy Parker was born 7 weeks early on May 26th (4 days after my 17th birthday!:)), weighing 3lbs. 12.5oz. She is the cutest little thing, and she is doing really well! I have been to visit her twice, one time being last this past Saturday, and I got to hold her! It was so awesome. She's adorable. Congratulations to Auntie Jenn and Uncle Dan! Well, here are some pictures I took the other day! :)

Sarah Joy the day she was born. :)

 Me getting to hold her for the first time. ♥

 She's so precious:)

 Susanna holding her for the first time. :)

 I don't know why it's sideways, but I don't know how to change it, so, oh well! :P

 Same with this one... She is so alive and alert for only being a week old, and being so small! :)

 Little tiny clothes... so cute! ♥

 The card that I made for Auntie Jenn, Uncle Dan and Sarah.♥

 Nana holding Sarah for the first time. :)

 So tiny.

 This is my Papa's ring next to her wrist... It could probably fit around her wrist, but it wouldn't fit over her hands and fingers. So adorable! :)

*yawn* 

Making funny faces in her sleep. :) 

I want to share real quick the poem that I wrote about Sarah, and then that will be it for tonight! :)

Precious Little Girl:

Sarah Joy Parker came into this world,

On May twenty-sixth, two thousand and twelve.

***

Welcomed by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends,

Grandparents, too, she’ll be loved ‘til the end.

***

Ten tiny fingers, and ten tiny toes,

Two perfect eyes, and a cute little nose.

***

I know she will grow up to be big and tall,

Even though right now, she is still very small.

***

Mommy and Daddy are so very proud,

But their smiles will be bigger on the day she is found.

***

Her name is just perfect for what she means to us,

Sarah means Princess, and Joy means-what else?

***

You were made in God’s image, a perfect one, too,

And I look forward to watching you learn and grow.

***

Sarah, you are fearfully and wonderfully made,

Even from the time when in your Mother’s womb you were laid.

***

And if the day ever comes when you’ll turn ninety-two,

Still, there could never be a more beautiful you!

***

I love you, Sarah, Auntie Jenn, and Uncle Dan!

All three of you are so special to me!

***

~KNP, 5/30/12~

So there ya are! And like I said, I will have the post about my Mexico trip up really soon! :) Have a great week, everyone, I hope you are all doing well! :)

In Christ,
Karissa♥

Isaiah 55:8-9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Tag, you're it♥

I was tagged by: Christianna (http://livingforchrist95.blogspot.com/) I think this may have been my first tag ever. Thanks, Christianna! :) (sorry it took me so long. When I got it last weekend, I was at a Winter Carnival for the weekend, and I've been sick the past week. I've been working on it, and am finally able to post it!)

First the rules:
1.) You must post these rules (Haha this rule makes me laugh!)

2.) Each person must post eleven things about them on their blog.
3.) Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

Okay, so 11 Things about myself:

1. I.am.in.love. His Name is Jesus Christ. I am a born again Christian, and I am striving to live Set Apart for my King with every breath I take. I’m not perfect, and I sin every day, but I have a perfect and sinless Saviour Who died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, so that I could spend eternity with Him in heaven someday. How could you spell LOVE more clearly than Christ did? YOU COULDN’T! You also can have a relationship with Jesus Christ… Look at the page "God's Gift To You", and then ask me if you have any questions (by comment, or the "Contact Me page!)

2. I have 6 siblings (3 brothers, 3 sisters), I am the second oldest, I am 16 (seventeen in May), I am Home-schooled, I have blonde hair, and blue eyes.

3. This might be weird, but I don’t wear make up. I also don’t really ever plan on wearing make up. These are my thoughts on it: I have decided in my heart that I want to be happy with the way God made me. I do struggle sometimes, thinking oh I’ll just wear a little bit. It won’t hurt. But I know in my heart the reason I would do it. Why? To make myself feel better. In hopes that someone would like me, or I would get someone’s attention. That I would be “prettier”. That isn’t what I want to be focused on. So many girls say that it’s for themselves, or that they aren’t thinking of anyone specific (guys in particular) when they put their make up on. Now, I don’t want to judge, but I’m a girl, I know how girls think, and I almost know for a fact that that is not true. It’s all really a heart issue, and something that girls have to search their own hearts on the matter, but I honestly believe that every girl does it to make themselves feel better about them selves, or so maybe a guy will notice them (like I said, I’m a girl, and I know how girls think). I feel like people wear it, because they are insecure with their “real self”. They wear it so they will feel “confident” in themselves. Why can’t they just be confident in they way God made them? Be confident with who you are in CHRIST. It doesn’t matter what other people think of you, and that’s something I have had to learn and accept as well. It ticks me off when people make fun of other people, call them ugly, fat, say eww, etc. Do you think that’s what God was thinking when He made them? NO! He made them in His Own IMAGE, the image of CHRIST! They are beautiful the way they are, for who they are in Christ. No one person is better than someone else, although some people think they are. (more beautiful than someone else, better looking, etc.) Now, I do want to say, I’m not trying to boast or act like I have never done this, cause I know I have, and I am disappointed in myself for doing that. I read a verse once that really struck me, though. It was Proverbs 17:5 and it said this: Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. I looked up the word “mock” and this is what the definition was:
1: to treat with contempt or ridicule : deride
2: to disappoint the hopes of
3: defy, challenge
4a : to imitate (as a mannerism) closely : mimic
b : to mimic in sport or derision
I also looked up the word “reproach” and this is what is said:
1: an expression of rebuke or disapproval
2: the act or action of reproaching or disapproving
3a : a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace
b : discredit, disgrace
4: obsolete : one subjected to censure or scorn
So, basically when people make fun of others, call them ugly, or whatever, they are “disapproving” God, “blaming” Him, “discrediting” Him, and “disgracing” Him. When I read that, I was like wow! I heard someone say one time (about someone at their Church) “She needs a complete make over!” Things like that make me so aggravated! You’re basically saying that God made junk, and underestimating God (which is dumb, cause God is perfect)… He doesn’t make junk! Everyone was created in His image. I used to say, oh well, you know, to wear make up to enhance your natural beauty… That’s okay, maybe. But now, I think why? You don’t need to enhance anything that God has done. You are perfect JUST THE WAY YOU ARE! If God wanted to make you with makeup, He would have! I read something in a book that I’m going through recently that just made me realize even more the time and money people spend on making themselves “look better”. It said this: “I recently read that in an effort to keep up with the distorted images that girls are exposed to, 8-12-year-olds in this country spend more than $40 million a month on beauty products and teenage girls spend another $100 million.” That amazed me! I would way rather spend my money on feeding an orphan, someone who has no clothes, food, house, family to love them, etc. than on making myself feel better. Another reason I have chosen not to wear it, is because I want my future husband to fall in love with who I am in Christ… I want Him to fall in love with my heart, with me. Not for my makeup! Do you know what I mean? I hope this made sense, and again, please don’t think that I am judging others in saying all this, or trying to make anyone feel bad, just things that I have learned, and what I feel Christ is calling me to do. I heard a quote that said “A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear”, and I agree. (Ha, wow, that was kind of uncalled for, but I felt like sharing that, and now I don’t have to do a post on that, like I kind of wanted to… I figured it would be a good time to share my thoughts on that topic.)

4. This might be weird as well, but it’s something about me… I don’t have Facebook. Read more about why I don’t in the "About" page. (I will say that my Mom has a Facebook, and I go on sometimes and see what people post, sometimes comment, and look at pictures, etc.)

5. I want to have 100 children when I grow up! Haha, okay, maybe not that many, but I’m open to however many God has for me, and I’m not going to prevent myself from having kids. Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. I also would like to adopt, if God has that in my future!♥

6. I had 13 stitches in my neck when I was little… It happened in a Salvation Army, and after it happened, the lady at the register told my Mom that she should “watch her kids more carefully.” (or something like that).

7. I LOVE music! As long as it is worshipful and bringing glory to my King. I love singing along, as well, even if I’m not that good of a singer!♥

8. I feel like God may be calling me to work with Orphans someday. I’m still not 100% sure, so we’ll see what God has for me in the future. I have actually daydreamed of building an orphanage, where hundreds of kids a day, could come and sleep, eat, take a shower, get clothes, and just be loved by those who care for them!♥ (we’ll see what happens with that, but I know anything is possible with God! Luke 18:27, Mark 10:27, and Matthew 19:26)

9. My siblings call me Kris : ) I think maybe a couple of my friends have called me that before, too, but it‘s mainly my siblings.

10. I live in New England (Leominster, Massachusetts♥). It’s weird, cause unless your blog says where you live, you never really actually know where the person who’s blog you’re reading lives (they sometimes give little hints, but I sometimes get curious as to where all my blog readers live).

11. I love meeting new people! I have loved having a blog, and getting to meet new people through this little world! Thank you, my followers, for reading my blog when you have the chance!

Now to answer Christianna's questions:

1. What is something that you dream of doing someday? I dream of doing whatever God calls me to do, whatever that may be. :)

2. Have you ever been on a missions trip? Where did you (or would you like to) go? No, I have not, but I am going on one in April (to Mexico) with my Sister… I can’t wait! You can read about it: here.

3. What is your favorite kind of pet? Dogs :)

4. How do you normally do your hair? I almost always have it pulled back in a ponytail, with a headband.

5. What is your favorite hobby? I have a lot, but I’ll name the ones that I can think of. :) Reading, Drawing, Swimming, Being with friends and family, Holding little babies, Volleyball, Soccer, Listening to music, Blogging, Photography, Unicycling, Roller Blading, Playing the Piano and Violin, Learning the guitar, Making cards for friends and family, texting, chatting, going to Alton Bay, doing tricks on the trampoline, Running, Riding bikes, Snow-boarding, Encourage people, Write in my journal, and Singing.

6. What is your favorite article of clothing (hoodies, PJ pants, skirts, etc)? Either hoodies/sweatshirts, or shirts. (OH, and shoes, if that counts. Haha).

7. Do you play any instruments? If so, how long have you played? I play the piano and violin… I have played piano since I was about 7 (so about 10 years), and the violin I started when I was about 10 (so 7 years).

8. What are 5 words that you would like to describe you? Faithful, Servant, Kind, Happy (or Joyful), and Loving (or Sweet)

9. Do you prefer to be indoors or outdoors? It depends. Probably more likely to be outdoors, though. :)

10. What is/was your favorite topic in school? Ummm, if I HAD to pick one, I would probably say Math.

11. Who do you talk to most on a daily basis? My Siblings or my Mom : )

And here are 11 questions for those I tag! (I used some of the same ones, cause I liked them)! :)

1. What is your favorite Bible Verse?

2. What do you want to do when you grow up?

3. What are 3 words that you think best describe you?

4. What is your favorite song as of right now?

5. What book/books are you currently reading?

6. What do you want to work harder at?

7. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

8. Who inspires you the most (it can be someone from the Bibile, someone historic, or non-historic), and why?

9. What is your favorite article of clothing (hoodies, PJ pants, skirts, etc)?

10. When/Why did you first start your blog, and how far have you come with it?

11. Have you ever been on a missions trip? Where did you (or would you like to) go?

So, that's it! I hope you enjoyed!♥

And, for the people I am going to tag:

Raquel at: God's Daughter (http://god-sdaughter.blogspot.com/)

Melanie at: Forever His Servant (http://foreverhisservant.blogspot.com/)

Emily at: A Life Worthy Of The Lord (http://emilygrace-blog.blogspot.com)

(Sorry, I still can't figure out how to make the blog title link right to the blog by clicking on it.)

Something I read for school today....

When most Europeans in 1492 looked at the Atlantic Ocean, they saw a barrier. When Christopher Columbus looked at the Atlantic, he saw an oppurtunity. Columbus knew that sailing across it would be a challenge, but he envisioned sailing west as the answer that many Europeans were looking for to the problem of how to get to Asia more easily. Everybody saw the same ocean, but the difference was in how they saw it. Columbus' vision opened a new world for the Europeans and for world history. Although it was not what anyone in Europe expected (including Columbus), great blessings came from the world that was discovered.

When God was preparing to lead the Israelites into the land He had promised to give them, He had the people send twelve spies into Canaan to find out all they could about the land. Ten of the spies thought it was an insurmountable problem, while two believer that they could conquer the land with God's help. All of the spies saw the same land, but the difference was in how they saw it. The ten looked at Canaan through eyes of fear and doubt, while the two saw with eyes of faith. How these ancient explorers saw the land before them affected the history of their people from that time forward.

Let's take a look at this story in the Bible. :)

~Numbers 13-14

Chapter 13

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. And Moses by the commandment of the Lord sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel. And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur. Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori. Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph. Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun. Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu. Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi. Of the tribe of Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi. Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli. Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael. Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi. Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua. And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.

So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath. And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence. And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.

And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Chapter 14

The People Rebel against the LORD

And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they. And Moses said unto the Lord, Then the Egyptians shall hear it, (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them;) And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou Lord art among this people, that thou Lord art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night. Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying, Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness. And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

God's Punishment on Israel

And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. (Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea. And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.

The Death of the Ten Evil Spies

And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord. But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.

The Defeat of Israel at Hormah

And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly. And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the Lord hath promised: for we have sinned. And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the Lord? but it shall not prosper. Go not up, for the Lord is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies. For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the Lord, therefore the Lord will not be with you. But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and Moses, departed not out of the camp. Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.

Lessons from the story of the spies:

The majority is not always right. Five-sixths of the spies and almost all of the Israelites were convinced that they could not conquer the Promised Land, but they were wrong. What is favored by the majority and what appears to be popular is no basis for living and making decisions. People (including you and I) can be easily influenced by an idea that appears to offer short-term reward or by a persuasive speaker who has a hidden agenda. We have to live by what is right in God's eyes, regardless of how popular that is, at any given moment.

We become what we fear. The Israelites were afraid that they could not conquer Canaan and would die in the wilderness. Because of their faithlessness, that is exactly what happened to them. They did not conquer Canaan and they dies in the wilderness. If we fear failure, we are more likely to fail by simply trying to avoid failure. If we fear what people think, we will become captive to the opinions of others. If we fear God, on the other hand, we will treat Him with respect and will become more like Him. Fear (except for the fear of God) is no motive to live by.

Look at your world through the eyes of faith. Anyone can make excuses and can see roadblocks and reasons why something cannot happen. The person who trusts God sees what is possible and looks beyond the problems to the solution. The eyes of doubt and fear focus on what is seen, which often includes difficulties. The eyes that see as God wants us to see focus on the unseen: the unseen and powerful God and the goal that God can help us accomplish.

The explorers of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries caught a vision for what was possible, despite the risks, and changed the world. Joshua and Caleb caught the vision of what God promised, despite the difficulties, and entered into the Promised Land. As you explore the life that God gives you, look beyond the difficulties and potential roadblocks and see what God can accomplish through you.

P.S. We finally got some snow the other night! In the end of October when we had that big snowstorm and lost our power for 4 days, I thought it was going to be a long winter. The past couple weeks, I had begun to think and wonder if Winter would ever come. It finally did! :) Have a great night, and a wonderful weekend! :)

In Him, Karissa││Romans 12

Happy New Year!

Happy New Years everyone! I'm a little late, but oh well! :) I read this on Melanie's blog the other day (written by her), and I LOVED it, and so I wanted to share it on here with you all, as well! :)

For 2012...I have no resolutions other than...

to love a little deeper~
to stand a little taller~
to laugh a little louder~
to speak gently~
to give more profusely~
to live with reckless abandon~
to let faith grow stronger~
to smile in the face of adversity~
to wipe tears from weary faces~
to speak a little less~
to listen a little more~
to carry His burdens for this world~
to rock children to sleep~
to live for Him alone~
to point others to Him~
to radiate with His glory~
to pray more at His feet~
to dance a little freer~
to sing a little stronger~
to be an encouragement to those around me~
to die daily~
to surrender more freely~
to battle with more determination~
to give joy in all circumstances~
to love Him more.

~to be utterly transformed by His renewing grace~
evermore.
daily.
to be changed.
made stronger.
lift Him higher.
forget self.
abandon sin.
lay it all down,
nothing in my own strength
to know the truth
to draw closer
to Him
Daily.

~to see the beauty~
in the colors; taken for granted
in the rainbows that boast of a promise
in the laughter, that shows His heart
in the unknown path of the months to come
in the giving that holds nothing back
in the songs of birds
early spring rain
crisp autumn leaves
snow-capped mountains
desperate prayers
brokenness
surrender
but joy.
my journey home

~to learn to see...
the world with His compassion
to hope with absolute confidence
to serve with His kindness,
His gentleness,
His self-control,
His patience,
and to
abide in His peace
to learn a quiet heart
~to be still~

to radiate with an inner quiet grace
quiet grace

{All in all?}

To live a life that is not in vain.

~

I also read this over on Emily's blog, and I really liked it! I hope you are encouraged by it as well! :)

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

- C.T. Studd

I hope you all have a wonderful day! :)

In Christ, Kari§a││Romans 12 ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

The Story of the Three Trees

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

The second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

The third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to

my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.

When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.

One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenter's, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do.

The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped.

At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.

When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things do not seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, but not in the way they had imagined.

The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.

We do not always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

"To this world you might just be another person, but to one person you just might be the whole world."

I hope you all had a good Christmas! Have a wonderful day!

Love, Karissa││Romans 12

P.S. Any thoughts on the new design? I like it, but we have no snow yet, here in Massachusetts, soooo, I'm really hoping we get some reeeaaalllyyy soon! :)

Calvary's Love

If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where there is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into self-pity and self-sympathy; If I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my sinless Savior trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I feel bitter toward those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given room there; if the cup of flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.

~Amy Carmichael

I am Thankful For . . .

...Life/Breath...

...The Bible...

...Friends and family...

...Yummy food...

...Texting/emailing/chatting/blogging...

...Sweet tea...

...Dessert!...

...Slippers...

...The Freedom to worship...

...My youth group/small group/youth Pastor...

...Memories and fun times...

...Music...

...My cozy bed...

...Clothes...

...My Salvation...

...Books...

...Prayer...

...My new baby cousin that is going to be born sometime around next July ;)...

...My Alton Bay friends...

...The piano...

...My violin...

...Cameras/Photography...

...God's creation...

...Hot Chocolate...

...Flip flops...

...Time spent with my Jesus...

...Games...

...God's love...

...Good deals...

...Encouragement...

...I could go on and on all day, but I am going to end with this one...

...YOU! My faithful followers and blog readers!...

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope you had a great day, and ate lots of food! I better go and get some dessert before everything is gone! :)

In Christ,

Karissa

1Thessalonians 5:17-18

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Psalm 100

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PS These are some quotes I read on a blog, and I really liked them. (: Enjoy! (:

Oh, and read the whole blog post where I found these quotes here: (it's really good, please take the time to read it.) (:

https://http//foreverhisservant.blogspot.com/2011/11/rejoicing-in-him.html

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"Do you wish men to speak well of you? Then never speak well of yourself."

"A wise lover regards not so much the gift of Him who loves, as the love of Him who gives. He esteems affection rather than valuables, and sets all gifts below the Beloved. A noble-minded lover rests not in the gift, but in Me (Christ) above every gift." -Thomas a Kempis

"The optimist says, the cup is half full. The pessimist says, the cup is half empty. The child of God says; My cup runneth over." -Anonymous

"God never promises to remove us from our struggles. He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them." -Max Lucado

"We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good; if bad, because it works in us patience, humility, contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country." C. S. Lewis

"Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of a complaint. I can choose to grateful when I am criticized, even when my heart still responds in bitterness. I can choose to speak about goodness and beauty, even when my inner eye still looks for someone to accuse or something to call ugly." -Henri J. M. Nouwen

"The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you." -Robert Louis Stevenson

"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness." -Charles Spurgeon

"Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now." -A. W. Tozer

"Gratitude is our ability to see the grace of God, morning by morning, no matter what else greets us in the course of the day." -Craig Barnes

"No matter what happens each day, at the end of the day I'm one day closer to heaven."

More Than A Carpenter

Hey all!!! I know, I haven't posted in a while, but I guess I just am not as much of a blogger as some other people are. I try to blog when I can, and have the time, and hope you enjoy when I do blog. :)


Last Saturday night, we had a big snowstorm, got a lot of snow, and the power went out at about 11:30. We didn't get it back 'til yesterday at about 3:30. Yeah, it's a bummer not having heat, water, lights, etc. for 5 days. We take too many things for granted in this life, when they could be taken away from us, at any second (literally, it was just like that. Boom, and everything was gone). Thankfully, we did spend some time at my Nana's and Papa's house, and even though they didn't have heat or lights, they had water, and a stove to cook food on. (and a piano. We have a piano, but it is electric, so we couldn't even play it. :P)


One of the nights, that we spent at our house, I was wearing 2 shirts, 2 thick sweatshirts, gloves, 3 pairs of socks, and I was under 4 blankets. I was pretty warm, needless to say. Haha. But, God answered our prayers, and we now have everything back under our reach. It was so nice to be able to sleep in my own warm bed last night, and be able to take a shower today, in my own shower. :) DON'T TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED!!! It is so not worth it. Don't put something off today, saying that you could just do it tomorrow. That person or thing may not be there tomorrow. Just saying. :)


Anyways, I have been reading More than a Carpenter for school.... Today I was finishing up the last chapter, and a story that Josh {McDowell} told in it, hit me in a hard way. I'm not sure why, but it did, and so I just wanted to share it with you all. :) Pages 126-128 (At this point, Josh is talking about when he got saved, and the impact it had on his life.)


There's another area of which I'm not proud. But I mention it because a lot of people need to have the same change in their lives, and I found the source of change: a relationship with the resurrected, living Christ. That area is hatred. I had a lot of hatred in my life. It wasn't something outwardly manifested, but then there was a kind of inward grinding. I was ticked off with people, with things, with issues. Like so many other people, I was insecure. Every time I met someone different from me, he became a threat to me.
But I hated one man more than anyone else in the world. My father. I hated his guts. To me he was the town alchoholic. If you're from a small town and one of your parents is an alchoholic, you know what I'm talking about. Everybody knows. My friends would come to highschool and make jokes about my father being downtown. They didn't think it bothered me. I was like other people, laughing on the outside, but let me tell you, I was crying on the inside. I'd go out in the barn and see my mother beaten so badly she couldn't get up, lying in the manure behind the cows. When we had friends over, I would take my father out, tie him up in the barn, and park the car up around the silo. We would tell our friends he'd had to go somewhere. I don't think anyone could have hated anyone more that I hated my father.
After I made the decision for Christ-maybe five months later-a love from God through Jesus Christ entered my life and was so strong it took that hatred and turned it upside down. I was able to look my father squarely in the eyes and say, "Dad, I love you." And I really meant it. After some of the things I'd done, that shook him up.
When I transferred to a private university I was in a serious car accident. My neck in traction, I was taken home. I'll never forget my father coming into my room. He asked me, "Son, how can you love a father like me?" I said, "Dad, six months ago I despised you." Then I shared with him my conclusions about Jesus Christ: "Dad, I let Christ come into my life. I can't explain it completely but as a result of that relationship I've found the capacity to love and accept not only you but other people just the way they are."
Forty-five minutes later one of the greatest thrills of my life occurred. Somebody in my own family, someone who knew me so well I couldn't pull the wool over his eyes, said to me, "Son, if God can do in my life what I've seen him do in yours, then I want to give him that oppurtunity." Right there my father prayed with me and trusted Christ.
Usually the changes take place over several days, weeks, or months, even a year. My life was changed in about six months to a year-and-a-half.
The life of my father was changed right before my eyes. It was as if somebody reached down and turned on a light bulb. I've never seen such a rapid change before or since. My father touched whiskey only once after that. He got it as far as his lips and that was it. I've come to one conclusion. A relationship with Jesus Christ changes lives.
You can laugh at Chrisitanity, you can mock and ridicule it. But it works. It changes lives. If you trust Christ, start watching your attitudes and actions, because Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives.
But Christianity is not something you shove down somebody's throat or force on someone. You've got your life to live and I've got mine. All I can do is tell you what I've learned. After that, it's your decision.


Isn't that such a powerful story? I thought it was. :) If you have been changed forever by Jesus Christ, have asked Him to come into your life, and are a new creature in Christ, the old things are passed away. Hate is not apart of you anymore. None of your old self should be there. Everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17). It doesn't matter what others have done to you (as you can see by the story of Elisabeth Elliot. If you haven't read her story yet, you definitely should! Through Gates of Splendor). You should still love them, pray for them, do good to them (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28). After all, aren't we trying to imitate our Saviour in everything we do? Look at Christ's perfect example. He died on the cross for the very people that put Him there!!! It's just amazing to think about, isn't it?? :)


Think about this as well. What kind of example are you being to those around you? Are you claiming to be a Christian, but not really showing it by your actions and deeds? What we do, how we act, and what we say to other people can have a profound impact on them and their life, as you can see by what happened in the story. Josh was such a great example of Christ, that his dad saw that change in him, and wanted what his son had!! Make sure you are doing all that Christ wants you to do today. Be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only! (James 1:22-23)


Well, I have to go for now! Hope you all have a wonderful, cozy day, resting in the arms of our precious, and wonderful, amazing Saviour!!


In His Arms,
Karissa Noelle :)))))


Jeremiah 29:11-13


P.S. I have some pictures to upload soon, so be watching for them!!! :)

There

I read this the other day on ylcf.org, and thought it was really good, so I wanted to share it with you! Some of you may have read it, but I just wanted to put it on here anyways! :)

"There"

It was simply titled “There”, but it was one of the most powerful sermons I’d heard. The piece of paper on which I jotted the notes and main points is limp now, for each of the years that have passed since I first heard the sermon have proved to make the message it contained more relevant all the time.


It was a sermon about being There, right where God has asked us to be. It’s not always where we think we want to be, and most certainly not always the place that makes sense to us as humans, but being There is the only place we should be.


For Noah, there was preaching an apparently foolish sermon about something that had never happened before. There was to build a boat- a living testimony to his faith. There was to endure ridicule, reproach, to be called crazy and out of his mind for One Hundred and Fifty years. There was to wait in that arch until God opened the door. Not stepping out a moment sooner, not a moment later than God’s will for him and his family.


For Moses, there was in the palace of the king of Egypt. The king who was cruel to his people and hated his God. There was living the lonely and humble life of a shepherd for forty years, and there was standing in the palace and at the risk of everything, delivering the message to set God’s people free.


For Joseph, there was a servant in the house of a stranger, doing his very best only to be unjustly accused and thrown in to prison. There was then to serve God- and his superiors faithfully, no matter how long and tedious those years must’ve felt.


For Esther, there was in the palace of a heathen king, as Queen – for “such a time as this”- risking her life to save her people.


For Elijah, there was beside the little brook of Cherith, relying on Ravens to bring him food, and trusting that the little brook wouldn’t dry up, until God led him on.


There for him and for each one of these great bible heroes was right where God wanted them to be, and there is right where we need to be, no matter what.


Over the years, the lines from that sermon have often echoed in my heart when the place God asked me to be didn’t always feel so comfortable, didn’t always make sense to me, or so very beautiful as I thought I wanted, and again when I’ve caught glimpses of why He put me right there after all. And I’ve jotted my own notes under the outlines of the sermon, filling in the things that I have learned, that am always learning as I seek to truly be There. Right in the place that He has put me for today. No where else, just right there.


Truly, “the path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.”


May these little notes serve to encourage you in your “there” to be faithful, and to trust Him who makes all things beautiful in His time.


There is a place of perplexity. Sometimes I don’t know why God put me here. It’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and sometimes seems so far from where I want to be, or even where I think I should be right now. But if He puts me there, be there, no matter how perplexing or uncertain it seems, because I know that He knows what He’s doing. He sees the big picture, while I’m only catching a glimpse of the moment I’m in.


There is a place of promise. Our God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or even imagine. No matter what There looks like, if we remain, trusting Him, He promises to make all things clear in His time, that we shall not lack any good thing, that He will be faithful. His word is full of promises to us, and the honor of His throne stands behind the fulfillment of those promises.


There is a place of providence. God has a plan, a beautiful plan for working out His purpose in our life. In our limited human vision, this is not often clear to us, but there is no chance in being there where He has asked us to be- just His promises, His providence. When we step out in faith, right there in the line of duty, providence meets us, and His way, His plans are always perfect.


There is a place of provision. God has more than a thousand ways to provide for every single one of our needs. He has promised to provide for us, and He will be faithful to that promise. If we choose our own place, instead of being There where He has called us, no matter how humble of a there it might be, God’s hand may still protect us, but His provision is not what it would have been or could have been had we faithfully remained there in his will.


There is a place of protection. While we are there, in His will, we will be under His care, even in the very path of danger. “The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or through the sea, but it is a safe path.” Whatever happens there, God is in control and He will not allow anything to happen that is not according to His will, but we must never leave God’s appointed there for any other place, for no other place is as safe as right there where He wants us to be.


There is a place of prayer. Asking God to give us the good gifts that His word says that are ours for the asking, asking for his blessings on others, asking Him to take care of tomorrow, and to give us strength for today. Thanking Him for what He has done, and will do. Sharing with Him as your Friend and Confidant.


There is a place of praise. Praise God for his provision, protection, providence and for the promises that He has fulfilled. “Let His praise be continually on your lips.” We ask often for His blessings, as we should, but how little time we spend in praising Him and thanking Him for the great things that He has done. As we focus our eyes on the blessings He daily has poured out on us in this place, our heart will be overflowing with thanksgiving. Instead of “give me…” and “give me…” or “do this….” or “do that…”, the language of our heart becomes “Thank you”, “Thank you”, “Thank you”.


There is a place of patience. God has sent us there, and if “the brook of Cherith dries up”, if the door of the ark doesn’t open immediately, if the sun is still hiding behind those clouds, wait patiently on His plan, His time, His provision. No matter what appearances may say, stay there until He makes a way. “If there ever was a time for patient trust, it is right now” when you feel the least like waiting. Trust in his purposes, even when they do not make sense.


There is a place of peace. If you are there- in His will- you will have peace of mind and heart. If you are not there, you cannot have true peace or rest. “There” could be in a den of lions, in a fiery furnace, in a ship lost at sea, or in the middle of the most devastating of circumstances, but peace between your soul and God is there because peace is a gift that only God can give. And it is a gift that He delights to give those that trust in His will. It does not mean that there will never be any struggles, or that you will not have to keep putting your heart and mind back into the hands of God, but when you do this, the peace will come.


There is a place of privilege. It is a privilege to be There. Right there in God’s will, right there where He has called us to be. To be a part of His great plan is a privilege, and an honor that we should cherish. All of His instructions are a privilege, and more than a privilege, a joy for those who love Him to obey. And for each thing that He calls us to, He gives us strength and grace in great measure to accomplish. In light of this, why do we complain when there isn’t how we think it should be, when it is a place so filled with privileges and blessings?


This is a picture I saw on someone else's blog, and I really liked it, so I wanted to share this as well! I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)

In Christ,
Karissa :)