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

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 ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

Set Apart Femininity Part 2

This is part 2 to Set Apart Femininity... If you have read the book, you don't have to read through it unless you want to, since it is a little long. If you haven't read it... You really need to get it and read it right now (if you are a girl =P) =) (**Note: I'm really frustrated because when I put a line brake at some points, it didn't work, and just ran it all together. So, I apologize, and hope it won't be too frustrating to you. =P) We often ask the question, "what is the harm of it?"-about reading certain books, following certain pursuits, taking our recreation in certain ways. Perhaps we have been (working hard) and need a change of thought and rest of brain. What is the harm of the latest novel, even if it happens to be rather unprofitable? And we (who have not the time to read one out of a thousand of the real books that have been written) spend a precious hour by deliberate choice over something not worthwhile. We long to live life to the uttermost, to touch souls to eternal issues. Entire separation to Christ and devotion to Him is required. Is there no other path to reach our goal? There it not. Ours should not be the love that asks, "how little?" but "how much?"; the love that pours out its all and revels in the joy of having anything to pour on the feet of its Beloved. The question "what is the harm?" falls from us and is forgotten when we see Calvary, the Crucified, the risen-again Rabboni of our souls! -Amy Carmichael When we lay everything at the feet of Jesus and find our deepest fulfillment, rest, peace, strength, and joy in His presence alone-not dulling our spiritual life with worldy counterfeits- we are ushered into the supernatural, superhuman existence God designed us to live. That's when the presence of God draws near. That's when our prayers are heard and answered. That's when the life we read about in Scripture actually becomes our reality. (pg. 74-76) Most of constantly battle with the fact that God is distant, intimacy with Christ is difficult to obtain, and our prayers don't seem to be heard. But God says, "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). Today's young women aren't finding Him because we aren't searching for Him with all our hearts. We are too preoccupied with watching reality shows, too busy downloading the latest songs on iTunes, and too enamored with Hollywood's newest production to let our whole beings be poured forth in constant and unreserved devotion in the service of the Lord who dies to save us. Most of us feel we don't have enough time for prayer and seeking God. But we don't even consider giving up our nightly TV time, our weekend movie fests, or our iTunes fetish in exchange for spending time in His presence. First Timothy 5:6 says, "She who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives." That's a sadly accurate description of today's young Christian women. Christ-professing modern femininity is steeped in selfish pleasure. And, as a result, we are dead inside. We possess nothing but hollow, propped-up beauty and fake hearts. Christ came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10)Building our life around His pattern rather than the world's does not lead to stiff spirituality and legalism. Exchanging counterfeit worldy pleasure for the eternal delights of God's kingdom does not bring misery and death. It brings abundant life. (pg. 76)

Psalm 16:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Here is the bottom line. The area of worldy entertainment, for most young Christians, has an unhealthy stranglehold upon us. Most of us, if we were honest, would have to admit that we are unbelievably attached to the world's entertainment. Life would seem empty and bleak if we didn't own a TV. Weekends would be boring and depressing if we didn't frequent the local theater to catch the latest Hollywood flick. Even though we supposedly have everything we could ever want or need in Christ alone, we still look to these other means for the peace, joy, excitement, and refreshment that He Himself desires to give us. All we have is the counterfeit version of peace and joy because we aren't willing to let Him give us the real thing. We are too busy programming our TiVos or buying more tickets online.

And despite the fact that it is currently hip for pastors to show clips from the latest blockbusters as part of their Sunday sermons, the reality is that movies (or TV shows) that actually bring glory to God and lead us closer to Christ are the rare exception, not the rule. When we sit in front of sights, and messages that are the opposite of God's kingdom, we allow our minds to be subtly manipulated by the voice of darkness, whether we realize it or not. (pg. 79)

...I can't help but wonder why we as Christ-professing young women are so willing to submit our minds and emotions to an industry that openly mocks the purity of our heavenly Prince. (pg. 80)

Most of us are far more influenced by the pop culture that we are by the Word of God. We can quote our favorite lines from a hundred different chick flicks, but the only Scripture we know is John 3:16. And we wonder why Christ feels so distant.

But it's not just movies and TV that have us in their controlling vise. It's an overall preoccupation with pop culture. Music artists, professional athletes, and movie stars claim far more of our applause and attention than Jesus Christ does.

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols" are the closing words that sum up the entire book of First John (1 John 5:21). Idols are not just golden statues that people bow down to in ornate temples. An idol is anything that claims our attention and affection above Christ. Most of us verbally declare that Jesus Christ is more important to us than our fetish for music and movies. But what do our lives say? Where do we spend the best hours of our day? What do we turn to for enjoyment and comfort?

A pure heart is one to which all that is not of God is strange and jarring. -John Tavler

Pop culture floods our minds and senses with things that are not of God. But for most of us, the glamorized sin that surrounds us is not strange and jarring. It's normal and accepted. In fact, we go out of our ways to enjoy and participate in it. We even spend a huge amount of our time and money on it. And we allow it to capture our minds, emotions, and attention.

Many of us have seen pastors or Christian authors rely on movies (rather than God's Word) to illustrate his or her point. Because Hollywood can so poignantly and artistically capture human angst and emotion, it is all too easy to "spiritualize" movies, blending ungodly messages in with our pursuit of godly truth. But God's truth will not be discovered through profane images, no matter how profound Hollywood's messages might seem. (pg. 81)

Remember that cult leader who gave his followers Kool-Aid to drink, and they all died? Kool-Aid itself is harmless enough. It's a sweet, refreshing beverage that can be safely enjoyed even by kids. But when Kool-Aid is mixed with poison, it changes from a harmless beverage into a deadly toxin. In the same way, when truth is mingled with the poisonous ideas of Hollywood, it brings about death, not life.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15

Be ye not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

A Christian young women I know recently told me that she didn't think her obsession with American Idol was wrong, despite the fact that the very title of the show promotes idolatry. She was convinced that she could see God's nature somewhere amidst all the hype, human glory and celebrity worship.

Pretending that God showcases His truth or His nature through ungodly channels is just a clever excuse for participating in worldy allurements. Scripture makes it very clear that our Holy King is not found amidst worldy glitz or man-made fame. He does not share His glory with men or idols.

Isaiah 42:8

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Romans 1:22-23

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changes the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible men, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (pg. 82)

Christ makes it clear that we cannot love both Him and the things that charm and ravish this world. We cannot be dazzled by the images of pop culture and be captivated by the King of all kings.

1 John 2:15-16

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world in the enemy of God.

The set-apart women of history past were not only willing to give up all the pleasures and enticements of the world for His sake, but they poured out everything they held precious upon Him without reserve, like Mary of Bethany. (Sabina Wurmbrand was even willing to sacrifice her beloved husband and son for the glory of Christ.)

A truly set-apart women is marked by this sacred decorum. She hates the things that God hates and loves the things that God loves, and she reflects this attitude in every dimension of her daily life. Does God stand up and cheer over American Idol? Does he smile with delight over the new Harry Potter movie? Does He get excited about the latest Coldplay album? Or does He grieve over our distracted, wandering, divided hearts? If our Lord does not take delight in the things that charm and ravish the world, neither should we. (And if you believe that God actually applauds the distorted messages of pop culture, you need to become better aquainted with the God of the Bible.) Other "Christian" girls may watch the same movies, listen to the same music, wear the same clothes, and have all the same pop-culture addictions as the rest of the world with just slightly higher morals tacked on.But God has called us to a higher standard-the very same standard of Christ. And I believe it's time we become worthy of the calling we have received. (pg. 83)

Okay, so I could go on and on and type the whole book out, but that is all I will write for now. I hope this has inspired you in some way, and that you will want to read this whole book now! I am going to close with a couple songs by Meredith Andrews. I came across them and found them to be so encouraging. They go along with what I have been talking about (surrendering your life to the Lord, and giving Him every part of your life). I hope you have a wonderful weekend! =)

~~~

Only To Be Yours lyrics: Undivided, strip everything else away Burn the idols, the things in my life That have replaced You I lay my life down, here on Your altar Empty my hands of all I’ve been holding back Take everything I have Only to be Yours Lord, Yours Lord Take it from my hands Until I’m holding onto only You Captivated, You’ve stolen my heart away I’ve been liberated the chains of this world forever broken You laid Your life down Now I surrender, lifting my hands I’m holding nothing back Take everything I have Only to be Yours Lord, Yours Lord Take it from my hands Until I’m holding onto only You Everything I want is found in You Every breath in me, a gift from You I have nothing here apart from You I am Yours Lord, Only Yours Take everything I have Only to be Yours Lord, Yours Lord Take it from my hands Until I’m holding onto You. In Your Arms: I’m turning the world off Embracing the silence Walking away from all the voices That are Screaming in my ear I've been too caught up I've been so stressed out All of the noise replaced the whisper That used to be so clear So I close every door Put my face back on the floor And I'm in Your arms Where I belong There's no other place for me Than right where You are Some things just don't change When I call Your name You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace When I'm in Your arms I’m letting my fears go Giving You control For You are the one who holds me closer In my soul's darkest night Everything I see Is so temporary So help me to run the race before me With eternity in sight Now I close every door Put my face back on the floor And I'm in Your arms Where I belong There's no other place for me Than right where You are Some things just don't change When I call Your name You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace When I'm in Your arms To sit at Your feet At Your table of mercy To gaze on Your beauty, my Lord To drink from Your well And be changed by Your glory How could I ask for more Jesus, how could I ask for more And I'm in Your arms Where I belong There's no other place for me Than right where You are Some things just don't change When I call Your name You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace When I'm in Your arms

Prayer, and Set Apart Femininity Part 1

I have been struggling with in the area of prayer recently. I actually have been for a while. A while back I felt I needed to pray more (and knew I did). I was doing pretty good for a while, and as of late, have been struggling more and more. Oh, you know, I'd say a prayer here and there throughout the day, and when I got in bed, tried to pray, but then I would fall asleep before barely starting. I know it's no excuse, but it seemed like every day I'd be like "I'm going to pray today (not just saying a prayer here and there, but really praying)," and before I knew it, it would be bedtime. I got so frustrated. Well... A couple days ago on Tenth Dot I read Colossians 1:3-12 which is a prayer of Paul for the believers. What did he pray about for these believers?

• He thanks God and prays for the strength of the believers faith.


• He thanks God for their love.


• He prays for the power of the Gospel from their testimony.


• He prays for them to grow in the knowledge of God's will.


• He prays for them to grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding.


• He prays that they will live a life worthy and honoring to God.


• He prays that their lives will bare spiritual fruit.


• He prays that their faith will have endurance.


• He prays for them to demonstrate patience.


• He prays for them to be thankful.

It then challenges us to pray these ten things for a brother or sister in Christ. So, the next day as I was doing my devotions, I figured I should do that. I just started praying, and having a long (and overdue) conversation with God. I honestly felt like I was talking to someone right next to me. I felt so happy and joyful as I lifted up my friends and family in prayer. Sometimes people might say "Prayer is boring though," or "Oh, I don't really have time for 'long prayers,' I'll call out to God throughout the day, 'thanks for making the light be green,' or 'thanks for making it so warm out today, God,' but nothing 'real big.'" Well, that wasn't exactly how I thought, but it was what I was doing, however. Let's look at what God's Word has to say about prayer.

Matthew 5:44c

Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

Matthew 6:6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Notice that it says when thou prayest. Not if you pray, but when you pray.)

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

We also see the results of people's prayer in the Bible.

Jonah 2:1-10

1. Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, 2. And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. 3. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. 4. Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. 5. The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God. 7. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. 8. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. 9. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. 10. And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

There's more, but that is just one I found. So, we can see the power of "a real prayer." A while back I read Wrestling Prayer by Eric and Leslie Ludy. Very good book. If you have not read it, I highly suggest you do.

So, I am working on prayer right now. Working on not just saying a prayer here and there throughout the day, and then trying to pray when I crawl in bed at night super tired. *yawn* =) If you think of it, please pray for me in this area, that I would be more diligent in the time I spend in prayer each day.

(I started this last night and am now finishing it. I read the Tenth Dot for today, and thought it was good and went along, so I added it. =D )

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For a number of very obvious reasons it’s a very good thing that I’m not God! Apart from all the gimme reasons, here’s one that should leave you with yet another sigh of relief. On my throne room would hang a sign: All who enter here had better be bringing pizza…or had better plan to leave without their head attached!" I know, it’s a little crude and a bit long for a small wood sign but hey, if I was a deity, that’s how I’d roll. Unlike you and me who can get tired of people knocking on our door asking for help, tired of our kids constantly saying “dad” or “mom” for the umpteenth million time, tired of that friend that always brings us down, tired of that phone that rings off the hook…God never tires of hearing from His children. Well, at least not in the way that you and I tire. Look at the sign posted at the doors to God’s throne: “Please approach this room boldly!” Wow! The Almighty God of the universe has opened His throne room to the public, and not just so we can come sneaking in like we’re the hired help, rather, so that we will come boldly! into His presence and seek His help: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. — Hebrews 4:16 How do you approach God in prayer? Of course, don’t confuse boldness with arrogance, or with the demanding name-it, claim-it attitude some have. But don’t cower in to God’s throne room, either. God opened up the passage way for us to commune with Him not so we’d apologize for walking in, but rather, so that we’d remember that OUR DADDY wants us to seek Him. He wants us to find Him. He wants us to ask for His help. He wants to meet our needs. And He wants us to ask with confidence, believing He will answer. James reminds us what doubt gets us: But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…that man [the one who doubts]…should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does — James 1:6-8 And what does God command us to ask for in His throne room? He says we can ask for AND FIND mercy and grace to help in time of need. And I think it’s interesting that it’s not specifically stated that it’s our need. But when there is a need for mercy and grace, God’s throne room is open for the asking. And thankfully God’s supply of either, can never run out. God’s grace and mercy are there for us, not because of who we are, but because of who God is. Take time today to pray for God’s grace and mercy about a particular need. Maybe it’s yours. Maybe it’s the need of someone else. But as you pray, thank God that He opened up His throne room and invited you in. Thank Him that He offers mercy and grace in abundance. Thank Him that He supplies all our needs. Most of all, thank Him that you have a Daddy that cares enough to hear and respond to His children’s needs. Pray boldly, right now! --www.Tenthdot.com--

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Now, the other day I posted about surrendering our all to the Lord, and letting Him have control of our whole life, not just parts. I said how sometimes I wonder if I would be willing to give something up if God so asked me too. I feel like I have surrendered everything to God. I've said, Lord, here's my life, do what You will for Your glory. I say to myself "oh, I'd be willing to give something up if God asked me to." But is there more?

Well, that night I read a part in Set Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy, and I thought it went along pretty well with the topic I discussed! It seems recently that has been happening to me a lot. Every time I read something, or see it somewhere, I hear it, or see it, or read it either that day or the next day. God works in amazing ways sometimes to try and get your attention. (Really, the whole book is kind of on this topic, but I just decided to share this part with you since I read it right after posting the last post.) It was really long, so I am going to split it up into a few posts. This is 'part 1' (as you can see by my blog title). If you haven't read Set Apart Femininity, I hope this section of the book will make you want to read it, and if you have read it, well, that you will be all the more glad that you read it in the first place! =) And if there is a guy reading this, I'm not saying that you can't read what I wrote below, but this book is specifically written for girls. =) (And if you read what I wrote, you'll see what I mean. lol)

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Carnal Christians profess Christ as their Redeemer, but their actions and decisions are for the sake of their own interests and for who they are in themselves, rather then for God's interests and for who He is. Their minds are still the workshops of the devil, for he can persuade countless numbers of professing Christians to try and be Christians without Christ. -Ian Thomas

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There are some who would have Christ cheap. They would have Him without the Cross. But the price will not come down. -Samuel Rutherford

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Tell me in the light of the Cross, isn't it a scandal that you and I live today as we do? -Alan Redpath (Set Apart Femininity, pg. 57)

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Last week I opened a letter from a distressed college student named Jennifer. "I just can't seem to have intimacy with Jesus in the beautiful way you describe it in your books," she wrote. "I'm sick of living this half-Christian, half-worldly life. I go around saying I'm a Christian, but my Christianity is not based on a passionate relationship with Jesus. I want to find Him, but I don't knot how."

How many countless thousands of young women echo Jennifer's despair? Our Christianity is based upon the idea of who Christ is, not upon an actual, personal experience with Christ. We may have moments of intimacy with Christ-like during a worship service or reading an inspiring Christian book. But we don't abide with Him moment by moment throughout the day. And if we were to be totally honest, we'd admit that we often feel frustrated with God because He makes Himself so distant. We pray, and He seems not to hear us. We read the Bible, and it is just a blur of spiritual-sounding words. Why, we wonder, does He make being a Christian so difficult? If He really wants a relationship with us, why is He so hard to access?

Christ Himself gave us the answer. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21).

Jesus Christ reveals Himself to those who follow in His steps. He draws near to those who build their entire lives around His pattern. If we feel far away from Him, it is very likely that we aren't truly building our entire existence around Him; that we are living for more for self that for the glory of His name. (pg.68)

James 1:22 says, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." It's not enough to merely read God's Word and esteem it good. Until we actually begin living out what His Word says, we only deceive ourselves into thinking we are living a real Christian life. We might have a form of godliness, but it has no power to actually work in our daily lives (see 2 Timothy 3:5).

We can complain all we want about the fact that God seems so distant, but the reality is that He is not far from anyone who actually seeks Him (see Acts 17:27). He is ready to manifest Himself to anyone who doesn't just hear His Word, but lives it.

The moment we actually deny our self, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus Christ, is the moment we are surrounded with the power and presence of His Spirit-not just every once in a while, but every moment of every day.

We might admire women like Amy Carmichael and Gladys Aylward, but we will never showcase that kind of radiant, set-apart femininity unless we are willing to deny ourselves and follow Christ as radically as they did.

There is a sacred decorum of set-apart femininity, a pattern for daily living that marks a young woman as a true daughter of the King. When it comes to our clothes, words, actions, thoughts, pastimes, and pursuits, we must be, as Amy Carmichael put it, "dead to the world and its applause, to all the customs, fashions and laws of those who hate the humbling Cross." (pg. 69)

We must be consumed with honoring Christ far above meeting our own selfish desires. Not out of duty, but out of delight. Loving Him with such ardor that we relish the opportunity to lay everything we possess at His feet. I love how Amy Carmichael expressed it:

We must look upon the world, with all it's delights and all its attractions, with suspicion and reserve. We are called to a higher Kingdom, we are touched with a diviner Spirit. It is not that He forbids us this or that comfort or indulgence; it is not that He is stern, demanding us to follow a narrow path. But we who love our Lord and whose affections are set on Heavenly things voluntarily and gladly lay aside the things that charm and ravish the world, that, for our part, our hearts may be ravished with the things of Heaven that our whole being may be poured forth in constant and unreserved devotion in the service of the Lord who died to save us.

The sacred decorum of a set-apart young women might be labeled extreme and unnecessary to others, even other Christians. Mary of Bethany lavished her most precious possession upon Christ, pouring every bit of earthly treasure she possessed upon His head. It was an extreme act-a ridiculous outpouring that others viewed as wasteful. But to Christ, it was a beautiful, fragrant offering.

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, "Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor." And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, "Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her." (Mark 14:3-9) (pg. 70) When it comes to pouring out all we possess in radical abandon to the King of all kings, there is no such thing as being too extreme. Nothing we offer to Him out of a heart of loving devotion is ever a wasted sacrifice. What about you? Are you willing to lay aside the things that charm and ravish the world so that your heart may be ravished by the things of heaven? Are you willing to live out the sacred decorum of set-apart femininity even if others labeled you as extreme? If you are, prepare to experience the power and presence of God in your life like never before. Prepare to discover a passionate, daily intimacy with Christ that far exceeds your hopes and expectations. Prepare to join the ranks of heroic, set-apart women throughout history. The answer to Jennifer's heart cry-and the cry of countless other disillusioned young Christians-is right here. If you love Me, says the gentle whisper of His Spirit, keep My commandments. Deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me. (pg. 71)

Reason for my absence, Video, Pictures that prove Spring must be coming and more!

Sorry for the long time since last posting something, my laptop is now finally up and running again thanks to Auntie Jenn and Uncle Dan for letting us use one of their power chords! :) I'm not sure what happened to ours, but it wasn't charging the laptop, so I wasn't able to use it for about a week and a half.

It was actually good for me, (I did go on a couple other computers during that time, but not as much), and I got to see what it would be like to not be able to go on the computer. At times I was frustrated thinking "I really wish I could go on right now. Why can't the laptop just work?" Then I would think, what if God took it away from me forever? Would I be "okay with it" or would I "not be able to stand it?" I still feel like I don't totally understand the aspect of just totally letting go of everything in your life, surrendering it to the Lord, and letting Him have control, but I think this experience (even though it was small) was used to teach me more about what it is like to surrender ALL of the areas of my life to the Lord. Being able to say, God, I surrender my whole life to you, whatever happens, I will give you the glory and will always praise You.

Like I said, I still don't understand it totally, but I think I am learning more and more of what it means to surrender different areas of your life to Christ. One of the things I think I have learned that it means is being able to say "I give this to You Lord. I could live without this. If You took this away from me, right now I would be able to stand it, and be able to say that He is enough for me, even if everything was taken away from me." God is still teaching me, and I'm still learning the process of how to let go of everything myself, and to truly be able to say that if everything else were stripped away from me, I would still have God, and He would be enough to fulfill my deepest desires. He should be being that right now in my life anyways, but I think you know what I mean. This video by Leslie Ludy really touches on what I am talking about, and it came to mind when I was typing, so I thought I would share it with you. It's more geared toward girls, but I think anyone can listen to it, and be encouraged by it.

Isn't that such an encouraging video? I want to be like that guy. If that happened to me, I hope that I would have that same attitude, and be so fulfilled in the presence of God, that even if I was in a dark place for a long period of time, my face would be shining with His love and joy, and I would think that it was like a honeymoon with Jesus, and I would gladly do it again! What a great attitude! And like the video said, we all think we have to have our computer time, our movies, our friends, our starbucks, whatever it is that you go to for comfort when what you really should be going to is the Word of God, time spent talking with God, pouring out your life for other people, etc. There are people out there who are suffering, who have no family, no food, no clothes. And we complain cause we don't like the food, or we want different clothes... Some people don't have any of this stuff! There are so many orphans, and we complain about the tiniest little things that have no eternal value! Sorry, I'm kind of getting off on to a different subject, but I'm just speaking from my heart. I didn't really start this post thinking I was going to write all this. lol. Anyways, like Leslie said at the end of the video, are you willing, my friend, to give it all up now, in order to have a honeymoon with Jesus? I sometimes think about that myself. I think would I do that? I think, how could I live without the computer, or my cellphone, or my blog, or whatever it is? But, I must learn to give these things up, so that I can have a honeymoon with Jesus. (**Not that I think that you have to give it all up, and just totally don't do it anymore, etc. But you have to make sure you are not making it your number one priority, or putting it above God in your life, for then whatever it is that you are putting first becomes like a god in your life. You have to be willing to say, if God asked me to, I would give this up**) I hope that I am making at least a little bit of sense. I just get really tired of lots of different things sometimes. Not that I'm perfect, cause I'm far from it, and nothing without Christ! Okay, I think I will leave this subject now. I may come back to it later, we'll see how it goes. Now for some pictures that I hope prove that Spring has to be coming soon! :)

Abandoned sweatshirts :)

Birds hanging out at the bird feeder :)

Fresh Green Grass! :)

I just stuck this was one in here cause I wanted to post it. I zoomed it in a little, but that's it. :)

Flower Buds on the trees :)

After it rained :)

Well, right now I am eating a yummy chocolate chip peanut protein bar and drinking water in case you wondered. lol. Today Susanna wanted to go for a walk, (we have been wanting to start taking walks/jogs, so we finally started :P ) so her, Mom, Julianna and I went around the block. When we started out it was just drizzling rain, and by the time we had about 5 minutes left, it was raining pretty hard. It was so refreshing and nice though! We were pretty wet when we got back, but like I said it was nice. Julianna and I twirled through the rain as we walked! :)

We did stretch a little before, but I think we are going to be sore tomorrow, cause we pushed ourselves a little bit for the first time. lol. But, it was good. Then we came home, and had eggs, grits, turkey sausage, and raisin bagels for lunch! Yummy to my tummy! lol.

Well, before I head out for the night, I want to share a song with you all that I heard when I was listening to Air1 on-line the other day. It was the first time I had heart it, and I really liked it. I wanted to share it with you, because the words are indeed what I would say to you if I were talking to you face to face. Whatever you are going through, my friend, whether bad, good, or in-between, remember to always be strong in the Lord, and never give up hope. God has His hands on you, don't live your life in fear. I will let the words finish! As you listen to them, know that this is my prayer for you today, and what I hope you will remember and do as you go throughout your day. :)

The Words I Would Say lyrics

Three in the morning, and I'm still awake

So I picked up a pen and a page

And I started writing just what I'd say

If we were face to face

I'd tell you just what you mean to me

Tell you these simple truths

CHORUS:

Be strong in the Lord

And never give up hope

You're gonna do great things

I already know

God's got His hand on You

So don't live life in fear

Forgive and forget

But don't forget why you're here

Take your time and pray

These are the words I would say

Last time we spoke you said you were hurting

And I felt your pain in my heart

I want to tell you that I keep on praying

That love will find you where you are

I know cause I've already been there

So please hear these simple truths

CHORUS

Say... from one simple life to another

I will say... come find peace in the Father

Be strong in the Lord

And never give up hope

You're gonna do great things

I already know

God's got His hand on You

So don't live life in fear

Forgive and forget

But don't forget why you're here

Take your time and pray

And thank God for each day

His love will find a way

These are the words I would say

In Christ,

Karissa Noelle <3