Devotional for the New Year, Part 1

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

~Proverbs 3:5-6

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We're fast approaching a brand new year. Yet another year looms before us, full of joys and sorrows, blessings and trials. That may seem scary to some-the thought that the unknown lies before them. But as for Christians, we're comforted and joyful-looking forward to the wonderful blessings that lie ahead. Sure, we know that there will be some disappointments, sorrows and trials, but we know that nothing occurs apart from our Lord's will-His good, pleasing and perfect will. His plans for us are always better than anything we could ever hope for, imagine, or plan for ourselves.(Eph. 3:20)

At the beginning of this year and throughout it, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. There will be times that you have no idea why a certain circumstance is happening to you and you may feel like God couldn't possibly have His hand in it, working it all together for good. But let my testimony serve to remind you that our blessed Lord and Savior does work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Trust completely and wholeheartedly in Him. He's the only one who is completely trustworthy. He planned, before the foundation of the world, exactly what would happen to us and our families throughout this coming year. So, trust and look expectantly to what the Lord has planned for you this year! :)

During 2008, from the first day of it to the very last, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths! He has promised to do that. Everytime you face some big decision this coming year, before you do anything, ask God for guidance and for His will to be done in your life. Consult His Word, as well, to refresh yourself with what His commands, statutes and principles are. This will help you to make your decision in accordance with Him and His Word, in order to bring glory to Him. And do not make a decision and do something that is contrary to what God's Word clearly says, thinking that that's what the Lord is calling you to do. Just because He may not come down from heaven and personally punish you for what you're doing, doesn't mean that He's calling you to do what you're doing, and that it's His will. Because He will never ever call you to do something that is contrary to His commands!

In conclusion, don't fear the upcoming year! Look forward to it, knowing that God will be there with you and will be leading you every step of the way(Joshua 1:9 & Proverbs 16:9). Trust in Him fully and always and acknowledge Him and His will in everything!

My testimony of God's goodness and His trustworthiness

I was born in Conroe, Texas, a city about 40 miles N of Houston. I enjoyed it tremendously-both sets of grandparents lived within about 5 miles from us, and so I grew up really enjoying spending the night with them, having big Christmas, birthday, and Thanksgiving get-togethers, and having some really special visits with them. I now have many blessed and very treasured memories that I will happily carry with me forever, memories that I look forward to sharing with my own children someday. We attended Mims Baptist Church, and there, I grew up with some dear friends. I enjoyed being a part of the children's choir, participating in Bible drill, and having parts in the musicals our children's choir put on. It was all so much fun and I thoroughly enjoyed my life there. The thought of us possibly moving never entered into my mind, and I just assumed that I would live there in Conroe forever.

You can imagine my shock when my father began talking of us moving sometime. He became acquainted with the Chattanooga, Tennessee area and we made our first trip up there to "check it out" in 2001. I wasn't too worried about us ever moving there. I just thought that it was all a bunch of talk that would never amount to anything. A few years later, as we began preparing to move, however, my shock very quickly turned into grief, fear, sorrow and anger. I was very angry with my father for leading us to move. I was angry that (as I felt at the time) I was being torn away from my friends, my family, and my happy life. I cried myself to sleep some nights, just thinking about leaving my dear friends and precious family. I had some fear also as to what I would face in Tennessee- would I make friends? Would I hate it there? We moved on January 26th, 2005-I was 12 1/2 years old and in the 7th grade.

I was so pleasantly surprised when I attended the first Wednesday night meeting of the youth group of our new church, Brainerd Baptist. The girls in my grade immediately welcomed me as if they had always known me and we soon became the best of friends. We had a great time together. However, something I thought would never happen happened. In the late spring/early summer of 2006, Daddy began talking about us changing churches. I thought, at first, that he was just joking for some reason. But he wasn't. Come to find out, the Lord had been working in his heart, changing his convictions to line them up in accordance with God's Word, showing Him the truth of the Doctrines of Grace, and showing him the sinfulness of our youth group and how detrimental it was. Then I discovered that he was searching online for reformed Baptist churches in our area. Once he found one, we would be changing churches and begin attending the reformed one. I was furious. I even remember(I'm ashamed to say) saying something to Daddy such as, "I can't believe you're doing this to me again! You've already torn me apart from my friends once; I can't believe you're doing it again!" I was so upset. I was so happy where I was and didn't even want to think about leaving my friends again. I began to think I must be dreaming-this definitely couldn't be happening again. Could it?

Daddy ended up hearing about a family who was going to begin a reformed theology Bible study on Friday nights, in the hopes that the interested families would one day begin a reformed baptist church. We attended the first Bible study, which was held the first Friday in September 2006. There were 6 other families besides us there. When we began attended the Bible studies, I was so bitter and upset. However, the family who began the Bible studies were planning on beginning the reformed church in the spring of 2008. In the meantime, I thought, I could still attend Brainerd on Sundays and Wednesdays, so things wouldn't really be any different. Plus, I thought, with their plan being so far in the future, things would probably fall through before then. So, I began to calm down and return back to my happy self. However, plans changed, and we began meeting together as a congregation on December 10th, 2006. I was so upset! There would be no more Sundays at Brainerd.

It has now been almost a year and a half since we began meeting together for Bible studies, and our church has been an actual congregation for a year. And I couldn't be happier! I praise God and thank Him every single day for taking me from Texas and for then taking me from Brainerd Baptist and placing me instead in this new wonderful, wonderful church. I not see how detrimental the youth group at Brainerd was. It was very unBiblical. The guys and girls there thought about nothing but who was dating who, what boy liked what girl, etc. I praise God for taking me out of and rescuing me from that place. Since the church change, the Lord has introduced me to Vision Forum and has radically changed me and my convictions. Without knowing it, I had become feministic in some areas. The Lord, in His grace and mercy, has shown me the sinful error of my ways and my past convictions.

Unless God had drawn me out of Texas and out of Brainerd, I never would have been changed. And I never would have met the sweet, likeminded families in our church. They are such dear people. I wish I could say that during the two moves, I had been fully and wholeheartedly trusting in my Sovereign Lord and His perfect plans, and was completely yielded to His will, and not my own. I also am ashamed to say that I was not fully submitting or honoring to my earthly father during the two ordeals. I was terribly unhonoring and did not joyfully submit to him as I should have. I'm so thankful that the Lord grabbed a hold this vile, wicked, wretched heart and changed it and its convictions, to put them in accordance with His Word. I was stubborn, unyielding and angry at Him for moving me-not once, but twice. I'm so ashamed of how I acted during those times. But I'm so thankful that the Lord was patient with me, and didn't allow me to have my own way and what I wanted, but rather moved me and by doing so, forever changed me. Praise Him for His goodness!

I wanted to share this testimony with you, in hopes that the Lord would use it to teach you the following lessons:

1. The Lord has always been and will always be completely trustworthy. You can always trust in His plans for you, and know that they are for your good, even if it doesn't always seem like it.
2. God's plans for you are and will always be better than you could ever imagine, hope for, or plan for yourself.

Just trust in Him-He will never let you down!

Question Game!

I saw this on my dear friend, Allison's, blog and thought it would be fun if I did it myself! :)

ENJOY!

Are you a Christian? Yes! :)
If the above answer was yes, how old were you when you became a Christian? I was 8.

FAVORITES:
What is your favorite Bible verse? I have so many favorites!! Proverbs 3:5-6 are very special to me, as is Proverbs 16:9. They're very comforting!

What is your favorite Old Testament book? Ruth, Psalms or Proverbs!
What is your favorite New Testament book? Acts
Who is your favorite Old Testament character? Ruth and Abraham
Who (with the exception of Jesus) is your favorite New Testament character? Paul for sure!
What is your favorite book and/or series? So Much More and Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth. I also love the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke.
Favorite movie- The Love Comes Softly movies, The Nativity Story and Pamela's Prayer(a movie on purity)
Favorite music-Hymns, Praise and Worship, and comforting piano music.
Favorite song- I have SOO many!! In Christ Alone, Before the Throne of God Above, None But Jesus, Come Thou Fount, Be Thou My Vision, etc. etc.
Favorite food-Chicken and almond soup and my grandmother's wonderful cornbread dressing.
Favorite subject in school-History!(thanks to Vision Forum!)
Favorite trip you’ve taken-to visit my precious great-grandparents in Indiana(in a really small town with nothing but corn fields and barns. :))

LEAST FAVORITES:
Least favorite book-I have no idea, so I'm just going to pick a book that I know I would hate: The Feminist Declaration
Least favorite movie-I can't really think of one.
Least favorite song-Songs that always get stuck in my head.
Least favorite food-Green peas! I can't stand them!

Where are you reading in the Bible right now? Psalms and Acts
Are you trying to memorize any portion of the Bible right now? Yes!
If the above answer was yes, what is the reference to the portion you are memorizing?Proverbs 31:10-31
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I love my name! If I was forced to change it, I would change it to Sarah Elizabeth, another name I love(and the name I want to give to my first born daughter).
Are you allergic to anything? If so, what? Nothing that I know of but pollen and ragweed.

Do you play any instruments? What? Sadly, no, but I want to learn piano, flure, violin and harp!(although I can play a couple songs on the piano, with one hand. lol)
Do you like to sing? Yes!
Do you know how to cook? Do you like to? Yes!! I LOVE cooking and baking. I enjoy trying out new recipes, and I see cooking as a way to serve those people around me, and to be a blessing to them.

Do you like to help people? I love helping people! I enjoy making someone's day brighter and love serving people in any way possible. That's one of my favorite things to do.

Do you like children? Like isn't the right word for me! I LOVE children. They're a tremendous gift and blessing from the Lord and I pray that I will one day be the mother of many blessings!

Do you babysit? Yes and I really enjoy it.
Are you a morning person or a night owl? I'm too much of a night owl, and am working towards becoming more of a morning person.
Are you organized? Most of the time .:)
Do you like to read? I LOVE reading! It's my favorite thing to do. My room looks like a library. lol
Do you consider yourself creative? Sort of. I hope to become more creative in the future, though, especially in the area of frugality.
Are you fun to be around? I hope so! :) My friends tell me I am.
Do you play any sports? Yes If so, what? Only for fun; I'm not on a team or anything like that. I enjoy basketball, badminton and volleyball.

Do you write letters? Yes! :) I have 4 dear friends from church that I write letters to, as well as to my grandmother.
Do you email? Yes!

Without looking at the time, what time do you think it is? 9:47
Now what time is it really? Woah!!!! 9:47!! (I promise I didn't peek!)
What’s the most recent song you’ve had stuck in your head? How Great is His Faithfulness
What’s the most recent trip you’ve taken? A family vacation to Indiana for Thanksgiving.
Ever been out of the U.S.A.? Yes. To Mexico.
Are you homeschooled? Yes, and I feel so blessed to be! I love it. And, in my opinion, it's the Biblical way to receive an education.
If so, have you always been? Yes
How long did it take you to complete this tag? 17 minutes

Allright, ladies!! It's your turn!! You have to answer these either on your blog or in a comment! Can't wait to see your answers!

Question and Answer Week: Responses Part 4

I received the following questions from my new friend Jade, who I met here in blogland. :)

Thanks so much for your new questions, Jade! I was excited to see that you had sent me more. If you ever have anymore, please don't hesitate to let me know and I will be happy to answer them!

What's your favorite book in the Bible?

Wow! It's way too hard to pick just one, so I will list my top favorites! :) I really love the book of Psalms. It's so comforting and beautiful. Acts is another very favorite. The apostles' boldness and their commands to be bold(in teaching the Word) really challenge me. Also, Proverbs is always challenging me to live in a more godly way(and that book contains the guideline for womanhood that I so desire to live out). I also like the book of Ruth; I just think it's so beautiful. I also like any passages that have to do with womanhood, femininity and daughterhood.

Do you like to wear skirts?

Yes, I do!! I think it's fun. :) My favorite types of skirts are full, flowy ones! To be honest, for the past few months, I've begun wearing just skirts, dresses and jumpers from day to day. My father definitely didn't force me to, but he did make it known that he loved it when I looked like a distinctly feminine lady. So, I dress this way to please him. Also, I just happen to love dressing this way, because I love anything old-fashioned(and back then that's all women wore). Also, I see it as a way to renounce feminism, at least to some extent, because when radical feminism came to our country in the 1960s, that's when women began wearing jeans, pants, trousers, etc. Also, I just think that God wants us females to embrace our femininity and desire to look as distinctly feminine as possible; I see my dressing this way to be an outward showing that I love my roles that I've been given by God as a female. When I read Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin's book, So Much More, I was really convicted when I read the chapter about femininity and they mentioned how our clothing should be distinctly feminine and shouldn't be blurry(in other words, shouldn't be looking so much like men's that we almost can't tell the difference). However, after having said all that, please don't think that I in any way look down upon females who do wear pants. :)

What do you think about make-up? Do you wear it?

I don't see anything wrong with wearing makeup. As long as you don't go overboard, and make your face immodest! :) I think it's wrong to wear so much that you bring a lot of attention to yourself. Plus, when wearing makeup, the "natural look" is a lot prettier and more attractive than wearing a whole bunch of makeup! I don't happen to wear any, mainly because my face is so sensitive and would break out if I had foundation, etc. on it. However, I have thought lately about maybe wearing some eye shadow. I'll have to talk to my parents, though, before I start doing that. :) I adore lip gloss, though, and wear it all the time(not an over abundance though ;))!

What kind of books do you like to read?

My favorite are character building books and books on Biblical femininity, Biblical womanhood and Biblical daughterhood. I also adore Christian fiction. One of my very favorite series is the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke. Her books are so good! My favorite thing to do is read!

Question and Answer Week: Responses Part 3

I received the following question from a new friend of mine, Kathleen, who I met through blogland! :)

Thanks so much for your question, Kathleen!! If you have anymore, please don't hesitate to send them to me!

What sort of homeschooling do you do? What is your family's approach? (Classical, school-at-home/curriculum, Charlotte Mason, eclectic...)

Great question! I'm currently in 10th grade. For the past 10 years of my homeschooling(kindergarten through 9th grade), we did things a little differently than we're doing this year(and will be doing the next 2 years). For the past 10 years, we had used the ABeka curriculum(a great Christian curriculum) for every subject. This year, we're only using it for my science(biology), math (geometry), and spelling. This year, however, we decided that I needed more in-depth study. We were amazed when we found out that Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin had the equivalents of college educations at the ages of 17 and 15 respectively. That knowledge has been the motivation for what we're doing now with our homeschooling. As I said, I still use ABeka for the above mentioned subjects. With history, and Bible(theology) however, I'm reading various books, rather than just a textbook for the whole year. This is providing me with a much more in-depth study of these subjects, and has truly been a blessing so far. In fact, I'm reading some college-level books(such as Christianity and the Constitution by Mr. Eidsmoe). We get these books from Vision Forum, American Vision, etc. For English/Composition class, I'm studying various topics such as feminism, and am writing articles and essays on those topics(I will be posting these articles here on the blog as they're written!). My little 9 year old brother, Andrew, is being homeschooled as I was at his age, and will continue to be until about 7th grade, at which time he will begin schooling as I am now.

Thanks so much for your question!

Question and Answer Week Extension.

Hi, ladies! I hope all of you are having a wonderful day! I wanted to let you all know that I'm extending Question and Answer week indefinitely! At any day, and any time, you can now send me any questions you may have, in interview style, and I will be happy to answer them for you! You can post your questions in a comment or you can send them to me via e-mail: living_for_my_Lords_glory@hotmail.com . Then I will post those questions here on my blog, along with my answers. This Q and A week is for the benefit of those of you who may not know me as well, due to the fact that you may be new to my blog, etc. However, this is also for those of you (i.e. my church friends) who have known me for a while but have some questions you would like answered. These can be questions regarding my beliefs on Biblical womanhood, Biblical femininity, and Biblical daughterhood, questions regarding my testimony, questions regarding my favorites, (i.e. favorite color, movie, recipe), etc.

Have a great week ladies! I'm looking forward to receiving your questions!

(And to all of you who have asked questions that have not been responded to yet, please check back soon, as I will be answering your questions asap!)

Christmas Decor!

Here's the Christmas tree in our second living area. It has a country look. :) Here's the tree in our living room. I was in charge of it, and wanted it to look elegant. So, I chose maroon bows, gold and cream colored ornaments, sparkling crosses, and the beautiful angel you see. Do you like it?
Here's one of the nativity ornaments on our smaller tree.


More pictures of our decor to come soon! I would love to see pics of yours as well!

Christmas Question Game

I first saw this question game on the beautiful In Beauty and In Grace blog, and thought it would be fun if I did this myself! :)

ENJOY!

Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper!!!

Real tree or artificial? I love the smell of a real tree, but an artificial one is more practical for us, since we have a dog and cat who would like to drink from the tree's water bowl, and plus we like to keep up our tree for a while.

When do you put up the tree? The weekend after Thanksgiving.

When do you take the tree down? Usually the weekend after New Year's.

Favorite holiday theme? Hmmm.....well, I don't really know if this is what the question means, but I really enjoy cozy, family gatherings for Christmas (i.e. all gathered around a raging fire, sipping hot cocoa, singing Christmas carols while someone accompanies on the piano, etc.)

Favorite gift received as a child? Hmmm.........it would have to be either my easy bake oven or my cashier set.

Do you have a nativity scene? Yes! I love nativity scenes. They're a beautiful reminder of the true reason for the season-Christ Jesus and His birth. They remind me what a blessed give He is. My great-grandmother has a beautiful nativity scene. When she bought it (it has about 15 pieces!) it was white, and she then painted it all by hand. It's simply beautiful!

Hardest person to buy for? My grandfather on my mom's side is definitely the hardest person in out family to buy for!!

Easiest person to buy for? my Daddy

Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't really think there has been one that I haven't liked.

Mail or email cards? Cards in the mail are so special, and I always look forward to receiving them. E-mail cards are ok too.

Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol

When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I find something I want to buy for someone. :)

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No.

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham and my grandmother's WONDERFUL cornbread dressing. (and pie as well!)

White lights or colored on the tree? I like both. White lights give a more elegant look, while colored lights make it more country/traditional looking.

Favorite Christmas song? That's hard! There are so many that I like! I really like "Joy to the World" and "O Holy Night". What beautiful songs they are!

Travel for Christmas or stay at home? I enjoy having Christmas Day at home, and then traveling somewhere to visit family/friends either a couple days before or after Christmas.

Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Yes-Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen(and Rudolph! :))

Angel on the tree top or a star? In the past, we had always had an angel on the top of our tree, but this year we have 2 trees-one has an angel and the other has the Christmas star. I really like both.

Open the presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? If you're going to open all of your presents on one day, then I would have to say that you have to do it on Christmas Day! :) In our house, though, we each open one gift on Christmas Eve and then do the rest on Christmas morning.

Most annoying thing about this time of year? I like the Christmas crowds in the mall, etc., but it sometimes gets annoying when you get into those traffic jams in the parking lots!

What do you love most about Christmas? Being together with family and friends. Making memories that will last a lifetime. Remembering how blessed we are to have Christ, our Savior, in our lives.

Ok, ladies! Now it's your turn to answer!! Post your answers on your blog or in a comment! I'm looking forward to reading yours!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!

Wishing you and yours a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

(and a blessed New Year!!!)

I pray that all of you have a very blessed Christmas! I hope you all have a wonderful and enjoyable time with your family, friends and loved ones. May the Lord richly bless you during this holiday season!

(and I'm going to want to hear all about your Christmas! So, after Christmas-be sure to leave me a comment and tell me all about your celebration!)

Question and Answer Week: Responses Part 2

I received the following questions from a new dear friend of mine, Jade, who I met through blogland.

Hi, Jade! Thanks so much for your great questions! It was fun answering them! If you ever have anymore, please don't hesitate to send them to me!

How long have you been blogging?

I began this blog on August 12th, 2007. So, I've been blogging for a little over 4 months now. I can't believe it's been that long-it seems like just yesterday that I began it! :)

Why did you decide to call your blog "By His Grace and For His Glory"?

Wow, that's a great question!! About a year or so ago, I came across a book with that title. I loved the sound of it, and as I prepared to start up my blog, that name popped into my head again. As I thought more about it, I discovered just how much it applied to me. It's only by His miraculous grace that I am even desiring to be a homemaker, a mother of many blessings, a feminine lady, etc. Before, I had been influenced by some of the lies of feminism. So, it's only by God's amazing grace that I would even desire to live out Biblical womanhood, and it's by His work in my heart that I love and embrace my calling as a young woman living under my father's roof. And, in my life, my whole goal and mission is to bring glory to Christ in everything I say, think and do. My desire is that others would see Christ when they look at me and view the way I live. So, "By His Grace and For His Glory" just seemed like the perfect name for my blog.

Do you like peanut butter fudge?

Yes, I do!! Peanut butter fudge is great. It's funny you should ask me that-I just received some in the mail yesterday for Christmas from my great-grandmother and have really been enjoying it! :)

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Have a great weekend and a blessed Lord's day, Jade!

Question and Answer Week: Responses Part 1

I received the following questions from a friend of mine from church, Monika.

First of all, I want to thank you, Monika, for all of your great questions!

How did you get the idea to start this blog?

Wow, what a great question! To be honest, I didn't get the idea until back in June, but the Lord began working in my heart to draw me and lead me to start a blog like this back around this time last year. For Christmas last year, I received Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin's outstanding book, So Much More, from my parents. I read it, and the Lord radically changed my convictions in a lot of areas through the reading of that book. I began to look at the culture around me through different eyes, and began to see how so many many young women my age were being influenced by the horrible and detrimental heresies of feminism. The Lord began to show me the huge need of godly and feminine influences for these such ladies. It was then (back in June, or so) that I began to feel like the Lord was wanting me to begin a blog, one that would be an encouragement and strength for those ladies who have likeminded convictions, and also an edification for those ladies who have feministic beliefs. I didn't actually begin the blog, though, until August 12th.

Who is your favorite woman in the Bible?

Wow, can I only choose one?! That's going to be hard! :) If I could only choose one, I would have to say Mary, our Lord's mother. More than likely, she was around my age(15), when she became pregnant. Because she was unmarried, to be found pregnant (especially since she was betrothed) would have meant utter disgrace. She would have been looked down upon, ridiculed, and would have been the object of severe disdain and scrutiny. People would have criticized her and distrusted her. And, despite all this, she joyfully and happily submitted to her Lord's will and willingly and wholeheartedly trusted in her Master's plan. She knew that the people around her would look down upon her with disdain, yet she joyfully said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." What an example! I desire to be more like her in my own heart and life. All too often, I worry over things and don't trust fully in the Lord as I ought.

What are you studying in school right now?

I'm currently in 10th grade. For math, I have geometry (which I don't like at all! :)). For science, I have biology this year. For Bible class, I'm currently reading The Battle for the Beginning: Creation, Evolution and the Bible by Mr. John MacArthur, Jr. It's a wonderful book! I'm also memorizing various Scripture passages. For history class, I'm currently reading an in-depth study of the Pilgrims, which is also very good. I also have spelling class and for english/composition I'm studying the history of feminism for some articles I will be writing on it soon.

How did you start coming to our church?

Back at the beginning of last year, the Lord was working in my father's heart, showing him the Biblical truth of the doctrines of grace. The Lord was also showing daddy the problems of our current (at that time) church's youth group, showing how detrimental it was. During the summer of last year, Daddy began searching online for reformed Baptist, family-integrated churches in our area. In August, he discovered that Mr. Goodpaster and his family were planning to begin a Reformed bible study for Friday nights, in the hopes that he and the interested families would begin a church. We began the bible studies at the beginning of September 2006, with 5 families, and then began meeting on Sundays as a church in December. In the past year, each and every family of this church has been such a tremendous blessing. The completely Biblical preaching has changed me, edified me, and blessed me so very much. I praise God for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful, wonderful church.

What is the homemaking skill you're best at and/or enjoy the most?

My very favorite homemaking skill is cooking and baking. I really enjoy cooking-I see it as a way to serve my family. I love trying new recipes, mixing together the ingredients to create something special, and seeing the dish take shape. Seeing the happy looks on the faces of my family members while they enjoy whatever it is that I made, brings me much joy. One thing that I really enjoy doing is making cookies and/or brownies and giving them to Daddy to take to the father/son meetings on Wednesdays at church. I see it as a way to be a blessing to them and to serve them, and it brings me joy to know that they've enjoyed the treat.

I also really really enjoy doing handiwork, such as sewing, crocheting and doing cross-stich work. I just love doing projects to create things to help beautify our home. I also enjoy making these things for my future home. I'm hoping to receive a hopechest for my 16th birthday(which isn't until July) and I look forward to filling it with lovingly made items for my future home. I would also love to learn how to knit and embroider.

What is the one you are worst at/or hate the most, if any?

I don't like cleaning bathrooms all that much, or dusting. But I do enjoy seeing the finished product!

Many believers lately seem to be looking into male and female roles a lot, and how they are designed and what makes them different. I've been thinking about it a lot myself, as I told you once, and I see your blog is meant to encourage young women to follow God's plan for them. This is all important. But I wonder, what, in your opinion, are some things both men and women are made to be and can do in Christ? What is some common ground they have?

Wow! What an outstanding question! There are some roles and jobs that men and women have that cannot and must not overlap. For instance, it's the man who is to be the head of the home(1 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Timothy 3:12) and the woman is to submit to her husband(Titus 2:5b, Ephesians 5:22-24). It's the man who is to be providing for the family, out in the workforce (Genesis 3:17-19, 1 Timothy 5:8), whereas the woman is commanded to be a homemaker( 1 Timothy 5:14, Titus 2:5). It's the man who can be a pastor or elder(1 Timothy 3:1, Titus 1:5-7, etc.), not the woman-women are not to be in leadership positions of any kind(1 Timothy 2:11-12, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35). However, there is some common ground. For instance, contrary to ancient Jewish culture, women do have the ability and opportunity to read God's Word and learn from it. Women also have the ability to witness to others, and to teach people what is found in God's Word(they must not do so in leadership positions, such as in the church, however). A woman has the ability to teach other women the principles and commands concerning women found in God's Word (Titus 2:4). Also, the office of deacon may be open for women. I'm not completely sure. In Romans 16:1, we read that Phoebe was a deacon. Also, in 1 Timothy 3:11, it says that deacons' wives must be sober, etc. A study bible that I have points out that in the original greek, this may actually be translated women, rather than wives. In other words, women may be able to be deacons, providing that they meet the qualifications. Or, the passage may be saying that a deacon's wife may also serve right along beside her husband. Either way, I think that a woman can be a deacon if she feels that that's what the Lord wants her to do, providing that that's what her husband wants her to do as well. Because the office of deacon is not a leadership role; it's a serving role. Therefore, I think that's some common ground.

Are you a night owl or a morning person?

I'm more of a night owl. I'm trying to overcome this, though, because I want to be more of a morning person. The Proverbs 31 woman does not eat the bread of idleness, so I'm trying to prepare for my future home and for being a wife and mother by getting up earlier in the mornings, so that I can get more done and accomplish more throughout the day.

What are some traits, likings, etc. that you share with your parents?

My father(and my mother as well) is a sensative person and so am I. I can be overly sensitive at times. :) I can't stand to see other people upset, hurt, sad, or mistreated. I can get pretty teary eyed over things like that. :)

We all really enjoy old movies and spending time together playing games, etc. We also tend to get annoyed with overly immature people(although we can get crazy, as well, especially late at night.:))

Did you ever make a really embarassing typo here on the blog and not notice it for a while?

I usually check my posts for typos before I publish them, so I don't think I have. But, for all I know, there's a post somewhere on my blog with a very embarassing typo that I have no idea about! :)

Is your birthday coming up? Some of the comments seem to indicate that. It could just be Christmas, now I think about it. When is your birthday, though?

My birthday isn't until July 12th. I'll be 16. :)

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Thank you so much for your questions, Monika! I really enjoyed answering them-it was a lot of fun. :) If you have more, please don't hesitate to send them to me!!

Have a wonderful weekend and a blessed Lord's day!

Daily Bible Verse

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand, in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

~Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV)

Christmas plans

How will you be spending your Christmas this year? What are your plans? I would love to hear about them!

Back when we lived in Texas, our Christmases were very very busy! Both sets of grandparents lived within 5 miles of us. We would spend Christmas Eve with one set. Then, on Chistmas morning, it would be only the 4 of us up until about noon, when we would drive to my other grandparents' house, where we would spend the rest of Christmas Day. We were rushing here and there, and though it was busy, we really enjoyed it! Now, however, the closest family we have are an our and a half away, and we usually see them a few days after Christmas. So now, the 4 of us enjoy a leisurely Christmas morning. We wake up around 8, open our presents, and then eat a special breakfast (i.e. chocolate chip pancakes, cinnamon rolls, or french toast). The rest of the day is spent watching Christmas movies (i.e It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol) and enjoying the gifts.

So, what about you? What are your Christmases like? And what's your very favorite part about Christmas?

Christmas Traditions

Does your family have any Christmas traditions? If so, I would love to hear all about them!!

Every Christmas Eve, we drive around our neighborhood, etc. to look at the Christmas lights and other decor people have put up. Afterwards, we return home and enjoy mugs of hot chocolate while Daddy reads to us the Christmas story from the book of Luke. It's such special family time, and makes for some dear, treasured, and precious memories that will last a lifetime! After that, we each open one gift. Beginning last year, I had a new idea for that part of the night! Rather than just hand my parents and brother their gifts, I instead hand them each a wrapped envelope which contains a clue (such as, "I contain your next clue. I'm cold and store food."). There will be 3-4 clues, each leading them closer and closer to their gift, until the last one reveals where the gift is hidden. It is SOO much fun, and my parents just loved it last year. So, I must say, that will probably become a tradition as well now! :)

Please tell me all about your family's traditions!

Hi, Ladies!

My deepest apologies for not posting a devotional today! I was swamped, as I'm sure you can imagine, with Christmas preparations, etc. In the very near future, I plan to answer the questions you've sent (thank you so much for them!), post our 2007 Christmas picture, pictures of our Christmas decor, posts on femininity, women's roles, homemaking, etc. So, please keep checking back often.

I want to let you all know, that once the new year begins, this blog will be new and imroved!! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday will still contain devotionals. But on the other days, I will be posting many more articles on feminism, feminity, what God has to say on a daughter's roles in the home, women's roles as outlined in Scripture, modesty, purity, etc. I promise-you won't be disappointed! :)

Computer Update! :)

Hallelujah! Our computer is now up and running again! :)

Computer Update

Hi, ladies! Well, here I am at the library, because our computer still isn't working! :( Dell sent us a computer part and it hasn't helped any, so I don't know for sure what we're going to do! Please pray that we won't have to buy a new computer! Also, please pray that the computer is fixed soon! I really miss posting on here, as well as looking at other people's blogs, so I'm really hoping we have a working computer again soon! In the meantime, please continue to post your questions, and I will answer them all as soon as our computer is working again.

Have a blessed week!

P.S. What are your plans for Christmas this year?

Bad News!

Hi, ladies! Well, I have some bad news. Our computer crashed today! I'm currently at the library. We don't know for sure when the computer will be up and running again, for we don't fully know what's wrong with it. I will be back here at the library on Monday. Until then, please leave more questions, if you have them. Also, feel free to e-mail me any time, and remember: I love receiving your comments!

I'm so sorry for this inconvenience! Please pray that our computer will be fixed and up and running again quickly. Thank you for your prayers, and I hope to be posting more soon!

Have a wonderful weekend and a blessed Lord's Day!

~Rebekah

Daily Bible Verse

Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

~Galatians 1:3

Question and Answer Week

Hi, ladies! I hope all of you are having a wonderful day! Well, I'm beginning something new this week, entitled Question and Answer Week. From now through next Wednesday, you can ask me questions in interview style. You can post your questions in a comment or you can send them to me via e-mail: living_for_my_Lords_glory@hotmail.com . Then I will post those questions here on my blog, along with my answers. This Q and A week is for the benefit of those of you who may not know me as well, due to the fact that you may be new to my blog, etc. However, this is also for those of you (i.e. my church friends) who have known me for a while but have some questions you would like answered. These can be questions regarding my beliefs on Biblical womanhood, Biblical femininity, and Biblical daughterhood, questions regarding my testimony, questions regarding my favorites, (i.e. favorite color, movie, recipe), etc.

Remember: questions can be sent from today through next Wednesday.

Have a great week ladies! I'm looking forward to receiving your questions.

Devotional #34

Hi, ladies! The devotional I posted yesterday by Mr. Spurgeon was based on Acts 14:22. If you don't mind, I'm going to do my own devotional on this verse. I love what Mr. Spurgeon had to say, but there were some things I wanted to add. :)

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"We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

~Acts 14:22b (NKJV)

If we're Christians, we will face trails, tribulations and persecution in this world. It's guaranteed. If we're truly God's children, the world will hate us. In Matthew 10:22 we read, "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake." In John 15:18-21, Jesus says, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me." As God's children, the world will hate us, despise us and persecute us, whether it be in thought, word or deed. If we're truly living the way God's Word commands us to, then we will be radically different from the world. If we're Christians, we're been sanctified, which literally means "to be set apart". As the verse above said, we're been chosen out of the world. We do not belong to the world any longer, so we must not live and act like we do. We must act as much like Christ as we possibly can. The term "Christian" literally means "little Christs". If we act like true Christians, then the world will persecute us. They will belittle us, think we're strange, mock us, and the list goes on. But, praise God for these persecutions! It is because God has saved us and adopted us into His family that we face these persecutions! Blessed be the name of the Lord for choosing us out of the world, for cleansing us, redeeming us and saving our souls, and for preparing for us a place in Heaven with Him for eternity! It is because of this that we are persecuted. So let us thank the Lord for our persecutions! Let us see them as opportunities to glorify Christ's name, and to be a light in this dark and sinful world!

Not only will we face persecution from the world, but it's also guaranteed that we'll face tests and trials from God Himself. These, as well, are blessings, and we ought to see them as such! These trials and tests that He sends us are to test our faith and trust in Him. And, I don't know about you, but sometimes I need my faith and trust in Him tested! I find myself not "Trusting in the Lord with all my heart", but rather "leaning on my own understanding". And this is sinful. All too often I look at situations through my eyes instead of God's eyes. I look at things through my nearsighted eyes, rather than trying to look at them through the eyes of God-that see everything-past, present and future. I all too often forget that everything that happens in my life is a part of God's "good, pleasing and perfect will" and that "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." We all need to have our faith and trust in Him tested, because it is only during those times that we fully come to realize and understand that He has everything under control! He has every little detail of everyday already planned out-He planned everything even before the foundation of the world. Yet, we little Christians, seem to always forget that, and instead we worry, fret and don't fully trust. The Lord took care of His disciples when they were in the boat during the raging storm, but what did He say to them? "O you of little faith!". I don't know about you, but sadly, I deserve that title just as much as His disciples did. I know that the Lord works everything together for our good and for His glory, but I don't end up living like that! So, praise God when He tests you and gives you trials to test your faith and your trust in Him. These are blessings! They bring you closer to Him and make your relationship with your Savior more intimate. In James 1:2-3 we read, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." Amen!

Something else that we must never forget is that the Lord is always with us, throughout every trial, tribulation and persecution that we face. In Joshua 1:9, we receive this beautiful command: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." In Deuteronomy 31:8, we are issued this blessed promise:"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." The Lord is always there for us, ready to comfort us and give us strength and encouragement when we're experiencing life's trials and tribulations. All we need to do is just run to your Savior's arms and be covered in His love.

We will, as this verse in Acts tells us, face many tribulations. Those may be persecutions or they may be trials and tests. But whatever they are, they are blessings! One of my all-time favorite books is The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. In this life changing book, Christian goes through trial after trial after trial. He is beaten, scourged, persecuted, mocked, and he has to leave all those who are near and dear to Him. This is the cost of being a Christian! But, throughout the book, Christian endures, he blesses His Lord and Savior, and at last, after a long, tiring, journey filled with pain, despair, and tribulations of every kind, he at last enters the Kingdom of God! And, I can't even begin to express to you his joy and happiness when He enters Heaven. Imagine with me for a minute, that you are a Christian and you go through life never facing a single persecution, never experiencing any pain, trials, tests or tribulations of any sort. Now, when you enter Heaven, sure you'll be happy to be there. But it wouldn't be as wonderful, as glorious, as happy or as joyous if your life would have rather been like this: You go through life on earth being hated and despised by the world, being persecuted, being mocked and made fun of, experiencing all sorts of almost unbearable tribulations, trials and tests. Then, on the day you enter Heaven, the life you had endured while on earth would make heaven all the sweeter, all the more blessed! You would be even more thankful to be there and would be praising your Lord and Savior all the more for choosing you out of the world. And you know what else? I think you would also praise Him for all the trials and tribulations that you experienced while on earth. For they brought you closer to Him and made Heaven all the more magnificent. This is the way it was for Christian in The Pilgrim's Progress.

So, dear sister, next time you face a hard and trying time, trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, and wholeheartedly thank Him for that blessed trial or test that He has given to you to endure. For they really are blessings-they will bring you closer to Him, will test your faith and trust, and will make Heaven all the sweeter!

Wow! I wasn't expecting this!

Here it is, almost the middle of December, only a couple weeks away from Christmas, and you know what? We have our windows open!! It's supposed to be a high of 77 today! In Tennessee! In the middle of December! How good God is!! For the past few weeks, we had been experiencing temperatures that were far below normal. And now God has richly blessed us with this beautiful weather! Blessed be the name of the Lord! Mama and I love to have our windows open, but we certainly didn't think we'd be able to have them open in the middle of December! But what a blessing! We sure are taking the time to enjoy it, because all too soon (starting on Thursday) the temperature will begin to drop again!

What's the weather like right now where you live?

Where is everyone??

Ok, ladies, where are all of your comments? I'm beginning to miss your sweet words of encouragement, as well as your questions, etc.! :) Please keep sending those comments!

Devotional #33

Here's another beautiful devotional written by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I pray that it is a blessing to you!

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We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

~Acts 14:22

God's people have their trials. It was never designed by God, when He chose His people, that they should be an untried people. They were chosen in the furnace of affliction; they were never chosen to worldly peace and earthly joy. Freedom from sickness and the pains of mortality was never promised them; but when their Lord drew up the charter of privileges, He included chastisements amongst the things to which they should inevitably be heirs. Trials are a part of our lot; they were predestinated for us in Christ's last legacy. So surely as the stars are fashioned by His hands and their orbits fixed by Him, so surely are our trials allotted to us: He ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have upon us. Good men must never expect to escape troubles; if they do, they will be disappointed, for none of their predecessors have been without them. Mark the patience of Job; remember Abraham, for he had his trials, and by his faith under them, he became the "Father of the faithful". Note well the biographies of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and you shall discover none of those whom God made vessels of mercy, who were not made to pass through the fire of affliction. It is ordained of old that the cross of trouble should be engraved on every vessel of mercy, as the royal mark whereby the King's vessels of honor are distinguished. But although tribulation is thus the path of God's children, they have the comfort of knowing that their Master has traversed it before them; they have His presence and sympathy to cheer them, His grace to support them, and His example to teach them how to endure; and when they reach "the kingdom", it will more than make amends for the "much tribulation" through which they passed to enter it.

Daily Bible Verse

Hi, ladies! I hope you don't mind, but I'm doing something a little different today. Instead of doing a devotional today, I'm going to post a verse instead, and then will do the devotional tomorrow. I hope that's ok with all of you! :)

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To all of my dear friends, both from church and from "blog land":

"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."

~Numbers 6:24-26

Devotional #32

Hello, ladies! I hope all of you have had a wonderful week! I wanted to share this outstanding, life-changing devotional with you. I pray that it will be as big of a blessing to you as it has been to me. It's written by Oswald Chambers and is found in his wonderful devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, which I very highly recommend!

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Intimate with Jesus

"Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known me?" ~John 14:9

These words are not spoken as a rebuke, nor even with surprise; Jesus is leading Philip on. The last One with whom we get intimate is Jesus. Before Pentecost the disciples knew Jesus as the One Who gave them power to conquer demons and to bring about a revival(see Luke 10:18-20). It was a wonderful intimacy, but there was a much closer intimacy to come-"I have called you friends." Friendship is rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit. The whole discipline of life is to enable us to enter into this closest relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His Word, but do we know Him?

Jesus said, "It is expedient for you that I go away"-in that relationship, so that He might lead them on. It is a joy to Jesus when a disciple takes time to step more intimately with Him. Fruit bearing is always mentioned as the manifestation of an intimate union with Jesus Christ(John 15:1-4).

when once we get intimate with Jesus we are never lonely, we never need sympathy, we can pour out all the time without being pathetic. The saint who is intimate with Jesus will never leave impressions of himself, but only the impression that Jesus is having unhindered way, because the last abyss of his nature has been satisfied by Jesus. The only impression left by such a life is that of the strong calm sanity Our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him.

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Ladies, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a blessed Lord's Day!

Daily Bible Verse

Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being.

~1 Corinthians 10:24(NKJV)

Devotional #31

Pray without ceasing.

~1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)

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How often to we obey this verse?? I would venture to say that it's not very often! Of this verse, John MacArthur writes the following in his study Bible: "This does not mean pray repetitiously or continuously without a break, but rather pray persistently and regularly." Of course this verse doesn't mean that we must be in prayer at every single moment of the day. That would not be possible! But we need to always be in the spirit of prayer, so to speak. One practical way to obey this command is to, throughout your daily tasks, to offer up little prayers of thanksgiving and praise, or prayers asking for help, strength, etc. These such prayers aren't audible to other people, but God sure does hear them, and this is a wonderful thing to do to keep yourself close to God, to make your relationship with Him more intimate, and it's a great way to obey this verse. If you find yourself in need of strength, may it be strength to act in a Christ-like and loving way, or maybe strength to be bold and stand up for and preach your Biblical convictions, etc., then just offer up a prayer right then and there. What a comfort and help it is to do this! Once you begin putting this into practice, it will become such a wonderful habit. I often find myself praying to God thanking Him for a little blessing such as a beautiful sunset, or asking for strength, help and guidance, or praising Him for His beautiful and creative creation. It's become such a habit that I don't even consciously think about doing this anymore. It's just become a part of my day to day life. And what a blessing it is! I highly encourage you to put this into practice! It will bring you so much closer to God, and will give you the peace that passes all understanding.

Something else that I'm guilty of doing that shouldn't be the case is whenever someone has said something hurtful to me, or if I'm having a bad day when it may seem that everything is going wrong, or if I'm just really upset and worried about something, the first thing I tend to think is, "What friend can I call to talk to about this?" or "I really really need to go talk to Mom or Dad about this." While it is very very important to talk to your parents when you're going through a tough time, the first person you should run to, even before you talk to your parents about the situation, is your Savior. The first thought we should have when we're in the middle of a tough situation is, "Oh I just can't wait to run to my Savior's arms and pour out my heart in prayer to Him." This ought to be our natural response whenever we face a hard, upsetting or trying time. Our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ought to be so intimate and close that this would automatically be our first thought. It ought to come naturally. When faced with an upsetting situation we ought to immediately desire to run to Lord's embrace to seek comfort from Him. All too often, though, I'm guilty of not even thinking about running to the Lord for encouragement and strength until after I've allready poured my heart out to my parents or to a likeminded friend about a certain situation. This should not be the case, ladies! Let us begin putting into practice now that whenever we are faced with a hard or trying day, that we immediately run to the Savior's open arms, pour out our hearts to Him, and ask Him for comfort, peace, wisdom and strength. This should be our first response to whatever problem arises. After we've done this, then is the time to go to our parents, pouring out our hearts to them as well, and asking them for advice.

Throughout your days ladies, pray to your Savior "without ceasing". Go to Him daily in prayer. This is so very very important!

Daily Bible Verse

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preferene to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13 (NKJV)

Devotional #30

Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord!

Psalm 135:1

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Do you praise the Lord? No, I don't just mean praise Him on Sunday mornings in church, while singing a hymn. I mean do you really praise Him? Do you praise Him day in and day out? Do you praise Him in every single circumstance, and is the praise of your Savior continually on your lips, throughout the day? All too often today, when we hear the word worship or when we think of praising our Lord, we just think of singing hymns to Him on Sunday mornings, and worshipping Him while at church. Yes, it is very important-in fact, we're commanded-to sing praises to Him and it's also very, very important to attend church and to praise Him and worship Him there. But praise and worship is much more than that!

My father has often reminded us that life is not about us-it's about Christ! It's about serving the Lord, obeying His commands, glorifying Him, and living our lives in such a way that He receives all the honor, praise, adoration, glory and worship. Daddy often likes to recite 1 Corinthians 10:31: "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Everything we say, do, and think throughout the day is to be glorifying and honoring to Christ, and should be bringing praise to Him. When we are obeying His commands, that is a form of praise. We are glorifying, honoring and praising Him when we are living the way He commands us to. His praises are also to always be on our lips! We are to often be praising Him, not only in singing, etc., but we are to also bring praises to Him by witnessing to others about Him. By telling others (those in your family, friends, acquaintences, etc.) about the wonderful blessings God has given you, the miraculous works He has performed in your heart and life, you will be praising God as you ought to be! We should always be telling others about His goodness, and are to be praising Him always.

Next time you're having a hard day, are frustrated over something, or things just don't seem to be going right, look for something for which to praise the Lord for. Believe me, you won't have to think very long before you find a whole big list of blessings from Him! Continually praise Him throughout your days, despite what your circumstances may be. Live your life in such a way that anyone who comes into contact with you will automatically know, without a doubt, that you are His, by the way you live-by living a life of praise to your Savior.

Daily Bible Verse & a Prayer Request

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

~Philippians 4:8

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Ladies, would you please pray for me? Beginning this past Monday, I developed a cold. However, I now have laryngitis as well. :( So, if you would, please pray for me, that the Lord would bless me with a relatively speedy recovery. Thank you all so much! I'm praying that you all have a wonderful weekend and blessed Lord's day!