Yeah, it's true. :( According to a certain individual the last couple of weeks errr... (*cough) month I have become the most boring blog author ever. I can't help that the author of www.sixoliveplants.blogspot.com is infinitely more creative than I am. ;)
On top of my major writer's block, my computer is being lame again and has decided to distort the color of all my images I try to upload...Have any of you ever had this problem? If so, do you have any suggestions on how to correct it?
Each year I normally look forward to January because we get to clean up the house after the holidays, somewhat of a schedule and routine returns to our lives, and we get to lay low. This year however, it has been quite the opposite. The house has been turned upside down with home improvement projects and kitchen remodeling, I have completely forgotten the definition of schedule and what in da world is routine!??!
The last few months have brought several changes for me. Most of which have been good (smiles) but nevertheless I feel like I'm not accomplishing half of what I'd like to. I have so many plans and projects but I don't seem to be checking things off "the list" as quickly as I should. So.....I've decided that 2014 is the year I start an agenda book and STICK to the agenda book! Also, I am going to really rethink my Internet usage. I'll admit it... I have a Facebook, Pinterest account, and an Instagram. Recently my mom asked me if I was still writing in my journals. Sadly, I had to admit that I hadn't. She and I went on to have a discussion about priorities and social media. She made the comment that in 10 or 20 years things like Instagram could easily be a thing of the past while my journals could be something I could have forever. Even though I wouldn't consider myself an Internet addict, I know some of it is purely wasted time.
My blog has kinda been like a journal for me, so I definitely hope to start posting a little more often. (woot woot)
Like 99% of the world Jan 1, 2014 I made a mental list of my resolutions for the new year. One of which was to eat better and exercise more. I know, I know, how completely lame and unoriginal, but at least I didn't go get a gym membership! (disclaimer: I'm not hating on gym members:)
I've been blessed to never have health issues or a weight problem, but I know I need to drop my junkie teen eating habits and strive to be a clean eating adult;) haha
Thankfully, I was raised by a super healthy, organic eating, herb lovin' mama, who is more than happy to make me a green smoothie everyday.
Last year my # 1 goal was to, "Draw closer to my Savior and learn to fully rest in His will for my life." There were some growing pains, but they were so worth it as I felt Him reel me in. The beginning of last year I had no idea the incredible blessings that were right around the corner. The difficulties I experienced in 2012 and the stretching I endured in 2013, I know were all for the unique purpose of preparing me for 2014. I don't know what all this year will bring, but I do know that God has a plan and I am humbled and awed by His ability to use broken, seemingly incapable people like me to complete His will. What a truly awesome God we serve.
Another goal I made last year was, "To become more passionate about the gospel and about sharing it with others." Last year, God gave me the precious gift of leading a dear woman to Him at the assisted living home where I volunteer. Talk about an amazing answer to prayer! To see the Holy Spirit at work was the most incredible thing I've ever witnessed.
I am discovering more and more that my time needs to be spent loving and investing in others, for people will be the only thing from this life that I can hope to have in the next.
With that being said, may 2014 be the year that I shift my focus from the temporal to the eternal!
Be back soon! :)
"Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen." Ephesians 6:24
m.e.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Monday, October 14, 2013
Courtship
I want to begin by saying that this post will in no way be an attempt to define this process. I merely hope to share with you how we as a family have chosen to approach relationships, what it looks like, and why we choose to call it courtship.
I received the following comment on a previous post announcing mine and Daniel's courtship.
"Don't give your heart to him yet, figure out in your heart if he is what God wants for you. Don't rush things as serious as this. Do not be blind in love. Make sure he lives up to your standards, and do not settle for less. You are young and have your entire life to find the right man. Some people wait their entire lives to find their spouse. And it is worth the wait. And maybe God doesn't intend for you to be married. Maybe He wants you to complete His work in some other profession, such as missionary work or working with those who have less and need help. Or maybe your husband is years down the road and God is wanting you to use that time for good works rather than waiting for your husband who is years down the road. So, don't rush into love, wait for real love, because God only wants us to be loved the way He loves us: for REAL"
I appreciate all of you who take the time to share your thoughts on what I write here on Pecan Pastures, you make blogging so much fun!
Nearly seven years ago (Where has the time gone...seems like just yesterday!) my daddy took me to dinner and presented me with my purity ring. You can read about that evening here.
When he gave it to me I understood that it symbolized much more than my commitment to physical purity, it also represented my commitment to pursue marriage through a process we call courtship.
I promised to save myself both physically and emotionally for marriage and my dad promised to be my protector and to assist me in finding the right man. My parents and I spent that evening praying for God's direction and for the young man who would one day be my husband.
Courtship for us is a season where two people get to know each other with the intention of marriage. We desire for both sets of parents to be a part of the process, guiding, and giving us godly advice and counsel. Also, Daniel and I are never really "alone". Sure, we have times that we go off and talk, but if we ever go somewhere we take someone with us. My siblings often fight over who gets to "chaperon". (:
It is easy with the traditional dating system to somewhat hide the real you because couples are often alone. However when you are surrounded by your family (the people who know you best) the other person gets to see what you are really like and how you respond to others and interact with them. The reverse is also true. It is impossible to pretend to be something you're not in front of your siblings. :p
(I love this picture! It really sums up what my courtship is like. *smiles*)
The other major benefit to courtship is the accountability. Determining what the "proper" or acceptable level of physical interaction is during a courtship will differ from family to family, but for us we see the importance of not focusing on that aspect of our relationship during this season of getting to know one another.
No two courtships will look alike because no two individuals are alike. Situations and circumstances play a major role in how relationships will look.
The goal is that God's will for the couple is determined and that He is honored through the relationship.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
With that being said...I would like to directly respond to the comment I shared above.
I realize that I am young and honestly, I didn't anticipate entering a relationship this summer. I was open to the fact that God might call me to singleness, even if only for a season. As I have stated on more than one occasion, wherever God has you (whether married or single) right now, is His highest calling on your life. Philippians 4:11 Neither marriage or singleness should be elevated over the other, for both are gifts from God. Proverbs 31:10 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
I really wasn't simply waiting for a guy to show up. I was happy and content in that season of singleness He had me in and sought opportunities to serve those in my community.
I believe that we should not post-pone marriage for the sake of "ministry" (unless God has called you to be single) because I firmly believe that scripture teaches that a godly marriage IS a powerful ministry in itself.
For me, it wasn't about waiting for Mr. Right, but rather my goal was to live out the will of my heavenly father. I've experienced the pain and frustration of being outside of God's will and the incredible blessing of resting in His plan for me.
Many prayers went up before we began courting and we are extremely blessed to have family and friends who are continuing to lift our relationship up in prayer!
There aren't many resources on the topic of courtship, but we have found the following to be helpful.
Before You Meet Prince Charming (This is a great book for teenage girls. It definitely needs to be something you talk with your daughters about at a young age.)
What He Must Be by Voddie Baucham (My dad has read this book several times and he and Daniel studied it together over the summer.)
Rejoicing in God's faithfulness-
m.e.
I received the following comment on a previous post announcing mine and Daniel's courtship.
"Don't give your heart to him yet, figure out in your heart if he is what God wants for you. Don't rush things as serious as this. Do not be blind in love. Make sure he lives up to your standards, and do not settle for less. You are young and have your entire life to find the right man. Some people wait their entire lives to find their spouse. And it is worth the wait. And maybe God doesn't intend for you to be married. Maybe He wants you to complete His work in some other profession, such as missionary work or working with those who have less and need help. Or maybe your husband is years down the road and God is wanting you to use that time for good works rather than waiting for your husband who is years down the road. So, don't rush into love, wait for real love, because God only wants us to be loved the way He loves us: for REAL"
I appreciate all of you who take the time to share your thoughts on what I write here on Pecan Pastures, you make blogging so much fun!
Nearly seven years ago (Where has the time gone...seems like just yesterday!) my daddy took me to dinner and presented me with my purity ring. You can read about that evening here.
When he gave it to me I understood that it symbolized much more than my commitment to physical purity, it also represented my commitment to pursue marriage through a process we call courtship.
I promised to save myself both physically and emotionally for marriage and my dad promised to be my protector and to assist me in finding the right man. My parents and I spent that evening praying for God's direction and for the young man who would one day be my husband.
Courtship for us is a season where two people get to know each other with the intention of marriage. We desire for both sets of parents to be a part of the process, guiding, and giving us godly advice and counsel. Also, Daniel and I are never really "alone". Sure, we have times that we go off and talk, but if we ever go somewhere we take someone with us. My siblings often fight over who gets to "chaperon". (:
It is easy with the traditional dating system to somewhat hide the real you because couples are often alone. However when you are surrounded by your family (the people who know you best) the other person gets to see what you are really like and how you respond to others and interact with them. The reverse is also true. It is impossible to pretend to be something you're not in front of your siblings. :p
(I love this picture! It really sums up what my courtship is like. *smiles*)
No two courtships will look alike because no two individuals are alike. Situations and circumstances play a major role in how relationships will look.
The goal is that God's will for the couple is determined and that He is honored through the relationship.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
With that being said...I would like to directly respond to the comment I shared above.
I realize that I am young and honestly, I didn't anticipate entering a relationship this summer. I was open to the fact that God might call me to singleness, even if only for a season. As I have stated on more than one occasion, wherever God has you (whether married or single) right now, is His highest calling on your life. Philippians 4:11 Neither marriage or singleness should be elevated over the other, for both are gifts from God. Proverbs 31:10 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
I really wasn't simply waiting for a guy to show up. I was happy and content in that season of singleness He had me in and sought opportunities to serve those in my community.
I believe that we should not post-pone marriage for the sake of "ministry" (unless God has called you to be single) because I firmly believe that scripture teaches that a godly marriage IS a powerful ministry in itself.
For me, it wasn't about waiting for Mr. Right, but rather my goal was to live out the will of my heavenly father. I've experienced the pain and frustration of being outside of God's will and the incredible blessing of resting in His plan for me.
Many prayers went up before we began courting and we are extremely blessed to have family and friends who are continuing to lift our relationship up in prayer!
There aren't many resources on the topic of courtship, but we have found the following to be helpful.
Before You Meet Prince Charming (This is a great book for teenage girls. It definitely needs to be something you talk with your daughters about at a young age.)
What He Must Be by Voddie Baucham (My dad has read this book several times and he and Daniel studied it together over the summer.)
Rejoicing in God's faithfulness-
m.e.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
forgive me for being so ordinary
Recently I began reading The Journals of Jim Elliot. Jim's life, his story, and his faith captivate me. I wanted to get into the mind of this man who was so completely sold out to furthering Christ's kingdom.
His zeal and his determination to follow God's plan for his life is inspiring but also incredibly humbling.
The more I read in God's word and about the lives of those who are/were so surrendered to serving Him, the more I am convicted that I should be doing so much more. I am disgusted at the time I have wasted on such trivial things and I desire to give more and more of myself to His service.
All of my goals and aspirations seem really small and unimportant.
I am so thankful for a Savior that is so patient with me as I stumble along the path of life! God, forgive me for being so ordinary.
Psalm 145
I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And on Your wondrous works.
6 Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
And I will declare Your greatness.
7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,
And shall sing of Your righteousness.
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And on Your wondrous works.
6 Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
And I will declare Your greatness.
7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,
And shall sing of Your righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy.
9 The Lord is good to all,
And His tender mercies are over all His works.
Slow to anger and great in mercy.
9 The Lord is good to all,
And His tender mercies are over all His works.
10 All Your works shall praise You, O Lord,
And Your saints shall bless You.
11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,
12 To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
And Your saints shall bless You.
11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,
12 To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them.
20 The Lord preserves all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever.
Gracious in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them.
20 The Lord preserves all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever.
In Him-
McKenzie
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Hallelujah's-Chris Rice
Psalm 148
Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
He set them in place forever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart
Praise the LORD
May Psalm 148 encourage you today as you seek to praise and worship your creator!
In Him-
m.e.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Inspirational
"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake
shall find it."
Matthew 10:39
May you have a blessed weekend!
In Him-
m.e.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Me and God
2012 has by far been the most eventful and challenging year of my life, so far. If you had told me all that I was going to experience this year I would have called you crazy. A lot has changed and a lot is continuing to change. Honestly, there have been days over the last year that I didn't even desire to get out of bed. I walked through my days questioning the will of my heavenly father and feeling like my life would never be truly happy again.
When I felt the Lord leading me to end my courtship, I was so confused and wondered why in the world I had to go through that painful experience. I would constantly seek the privacy of my room and through tears pour out my heart to the Lord, begging Him to show me what He was doing.
I have often wondered if God grew impatient with how many times I asked Him, "Why?"
Then, after many days of trying so hard to figure things out on my own, God began to speak to my heart.
He began to show me that there were still "pieces" of my heart that didn't truly belong to Him. There were things that I held on to, desiring my will in those areas to be accomplished and not His.
He showed me that even the "good things" that I desired had become idols in my life. I discovered a love for the world that I didn't even realize that I had. Certain areas where I would have passionately believed myself to be strong in, I found that I was very weak.
I always knew that my joy wasn't supposed to be found in my circumstances, but when my life was going the way I wanted it to, it was so easy to be happy. When God began to move me into a totally different direction, I realized what it meant to really find your joy in Christ.
My greatest fear in life is that I would miss what God has for me to accomplish. I know that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, if I am in the center of His divine will, I will be truly happy...I will have joy!
To help me keep my focus where it needs to be, I remind myself why I am here. "What is man's chief end?" "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever." I was created for His purpose, not my own. Life has so much more meaning when you live each day with a burning desire to please your creator.
I did this post simply because I want to be able to look back over this time in my life and see God at work. I want to remember the things He is teaching me and showing me as I blindly move forward on the path He has set me on. I have no idea at this point what is in store, but I can honestly say that I am smiling at the future.
In Him-
m.e.
When I felt the Lord leading me to end my courtship, I was so confused and wondered why in the world I had to go through that painful experience. I would constantly seek the privacy of my room and through tears pour out my heart to the Lord, begging Him to show me what He was doing.
I have often wondered if God grew impatient with how many times I asked Him, "Why?"
Then, after many days of trying so hard to figure things out on my own, God began to speak to my heart.
He began to show me that there were still "pieces" of my heart that didn't truly belong to Him. There were things that I held on to, desiring my will in those areas to be accomplished and not His.
He showed me that even the "good things" that I desired had become idols in my life. I discovered a love for the world that I didn't even realize that I had. Certain areas where I would have passionately believed myself to be strong in, I found that I was very weak.
I always knew that my joy wasn't supposed to be found in my circumstances, but when my life was going the way I wanted it to, it was so easy to be happy. When God began to move me into a totally different direction, I realized what it meant to really find your joy in Christ.
My greatest fear in life is that I would miss what God has for me to accomplish. I know that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, if I am in the center of His divine will, I will be truly happy...I will have joy!
To help me keep my focus where it needs to be, I remind myself why I am here. "What is man's chief end?" "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever." I was created for His purpose, not my own. Life has so much more meaning when you live each day with a burning desire to please your creator.
I did this post simply because I want to be able to look back over this time in my life and see God at work. I want to remember the things He is teaching me and showing me as I blindly move forward on the path He has set me on. I have no idea at this point what is in store, but I can honestly say that I am smiling at the future.
In Him-
m.e.
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