Hi guys, thanks for reading!!
I have made a whole website for myself so from now on I will be blogging there. It's www.johart.org
Thanks for your support!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Sorry!
Hi guys!
Just a quick note. Sorry I haven't posted, but my sister's moving to the UK in two days, so i'm trying to spend every moment I can with her. I'll have more free time on my hands once she goes.
I'm praying for you guys!!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
A Quiet Place
Verse of the day:
Then each went to his own home. But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. John 8:1
This verse may not seem that significant. But the Mount of Olives was where Jesus had his quiet time and talked to his father.
Every Christian has their own special place where they meet with God. Me, I mostly do it in bed (especially since I do it as soon as I wake up), but it can be anywhere for me, I don't have a special "place." I've done it at the kitchen table, on the couch, and at a cafe/restaurant, just to name a few. I sometimes even wake up early for my quiet time, have my quiet time, and then go back to sleep (this mostly happens when I'm feeling extra tired).
Where do you meet with God??
Then each went to his own home. But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. John 8:1
This verse may not seem that significant. But the Mount of Olives was where Jesus had his quiet time and talked to his father.
Every Christian has their own special place where they meet with God. Me, I mostly do it in bed (especially since I do it as soon as I wake up), but it can be anywhere for me, I don't have a special "place." I've done it at the kitchen table, on the couch, and at a cafe/restaurant, just to name a few. I sometimes even wake up early for my quiet time, have my quiet time, and then go back to sleep (this mostly happens when I'm feeling extra tired).
Where do you meet with God??
Friday, January 17, 2014
When God Moves
Verse of the day:
Now there was a famine in the land - besides the earlier famine of Abraham's time - and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. Genesis 26:1
Wow.
I am in awe of God today.
First of all, I have said before that the bible character I relate to the most is Abraham. Today I did an online personality test that included historical characters the most like you in the results. Guess which historical character I'm most like?
You got it. Abraham.
I also started the Priscilla Shirer bible study Gideon today. By the way, check out her bible studies, they rock! I loved The Resolution for Women, and today's was awesome too. And she is such an entertaining speaker!
Anyway, I started Gideon. When I watch the video for the first session, Priscilla was talking about how we need to obey God and how we sometimes miss God's opportunity for us for something (she's more eloquent than that). My heart was stirred and I knew deep down what God wanted me to do, but I keep coming up against (legal) obstacles (no, God's not telling me to do something illegal. There's just a lot of red tape).
Anyway, after doing Gideon, I finally was ready to read my bible for the day. Every day I read a few chapters all over the bible - whatever I have to read for the plan I'm doing on YouVersion, whatever I have to read for the Good Morning Girls bible study, a chapter of Proverbs corresponding to whichever day of the month it is, the chapter after the last bible verse I read, and whatever chapter we're up to for the Karen Kingsbury New Testament Challenge on Facebook.
I was almost done, when turned to Genesis and came across the above verse (as you can see, it's the first verse of the chapter, so I feel as though it smacked me in the face). Suddenly, it was clear. I need to obey God. I have one more option, and although I was humming and haaaing and asking God what he wants, I was leaning towards not doing it. But today I know I am.
What are some of your experiences with God?
Now there was a famine in the land - besides the earlier famine of Abraham's time - and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. Genesis 26:1
Wow.
I am in awe of God today.
First of all, I have said before that the bible character I relate to the most is Abraham. Today I did an online personality test that included historical characters the most like you in the results. Guess which historical character I'm most like?
You got it. Abraham.
I also started the Priscilla Shirer bible study Gideon today. By the way, check out her bible studies, they rock! I loved The Resolution for Women, and today's was awesome too. And she is such an entertaining speaker!
Anyway, I started Gideon. When I watch the video for the first session, Priscilla was talking about how we need to obey God and how we sometimes miss God's opportunity for us for something (she's more eloquent than that). My heart was stirred and I knew deep down what God wanted me to do, but I keep coming up against (legal) obstacles (no, God's not telling me to do something illegal. There's just a lot of red tape).
Anyway, after doing Gideon, I finally was ready to read my bible for the day. Every day I read a few chapters all over the bible - whatever I have to read for the plan I'm doing on YouVersion, whatever I have to read for the Good Morning Girls bible study, a chapter of Proverbs corresponding to whichever day of the month it is, the chapter after the last bible verse I read, and whatever chapter we're up to for the Karen Kingsbury New Testament Challenge on Facebook.
I was almost done, when turned to Genesis and came across the above verse (as you can see, it's the first verse of the chapter, so I feel as though it smacked me in the face). Suddenly, it was clear. I need to obey God. I have one more option, and although I was humming and haaaing and asking God what he wants, I was leaning towards not doing it. But today I know I am.
What are some of your experiences with God?
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
How Free Are You?
Verse of the day:
This matter arose, because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. Galatians 2:4
This is how I feel about 9/11.
When 9/11 happened, even though I grew up here in Australia, I was 14 and in Grade 9. 9/11 was the first world news I was old enough to pay attention to (other than Princess Diana dying, and even then I only knew because my mum made a fuss about it). I remember the night before, mum and I had gone to see Bridget Jones' Diary, which was fun - at 14 years of age I didn't get out to see movies much. Although, by the way, I now hate that movie because I associate it with feelings of guilt - guilt that I was having so much fun while other people were suffering.
Anyway, the next morning - Wednesday morning - I woke up and mum told me what had happened. She told me it was world news and a big deal. I remember thinking yeah, right. But once I got to school and we watched the news on TV - no classes - I knew she was right.
I was thankful and so amazed and awed at God (I had only become a christian on Christmas Day the year before) when I learnt about the pentagon - and what it meant.
I had a best friend at that time. She may not be my best friend anymore, but she is my oldest friend and our families have grown up together, so she's like a sister. Her family had moved to the US in June 1999, with the intent to stay for 3 years. Her dad worked at the pentagon. However, they ended up moving back to Australia in June 2000 - after just a year. Had they been there the 3 years, I have no idea what would've happened, and I don't even want to think about it.
Wow.
Anyway, this is how I feel about 9/11 and terrorists. That people have infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have and to make us slaves.
What are your memories of 9/11?
This matter arose, because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. Galatians 2:4
This is how I feel about 9/11.
When 9/11 happened, even though I grew up here in Australia, I was 14 and in Grade 9. 9/11 was the first world news I was old enough to pay attention to (other than Princess Diana dying, and even then I only knew because my mum made a fuss about it). I remember the night before, mum and I had gone to see Bridget Jones' Diary, which was fun - at 14 years of age I didn't get out to see movies much. Although, by the way, I now hate that movie because I associate it with feelings of guilt - guilt that I was having so much fun while other people were suffering.
Anyway, the next morning - Wednesday morning - I woke up and mum told me what had happened. She told me it was world news and a big deal. I remember thinking yeah, right. But once I got to school and we watched the news on TV - no classes - I knew she was right.
I was thankful and so amazed and awed at God (I had only become a christian on Christmas Day the year before) when I learnt about the pentagon - and what it meant.
I had a best friend at that time. She may not be my best friend anymore, but she is my oldest friend and our families have grown up together, so she's like a sister. Her family had moved to the US in June 1999, with the intent to stay for 3 years. Her dad worked at the pentagon. However, they ended up moving back to Australia in June 2000 - after just a year. Had they been there the 3 years, I have no idea what would've happened, and I don't even want to think about it.
Wow.
Anyway, this is how I feel about 9/11 and terrorists. That people have infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have and to make us slaves.
What are your memories of 9/11?
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
What's Your Value?
Verse of the day:
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads to poverty. Proverbs 14:23
I was listening to Dave Ramsey last night, and he was talking about your economic value.
Now, I forget exactly what he was saying, but the point was, you earn what you put in.
I am unemployed, and I'm trying to get any job I can to make money (and hopefully move out of my parents house!). I do get a disability pension, but I don't want to live on the government's money, I want to live on my own money. Plus if I were to live on my own, the pension is barely enough to scrape by.
The harder you work, the more money you're going to make. It's as simple as that. People who work 3 jobs like crazy to save money earn more (or they should), than people who are at the same level who work just 9-5.
Now, why do senior positions or positions that need qualifications earn more than lower positions? Because the person to get those jobs have already put in the hard work to get to where they are.
One job I realize my parents did really well is to promote a work ethic. My 2 siblings and I all have a good work ethic - if we are at a job, we are good workers. I know in my last job I worked my butt off - even though it didn't equate to more pay.
Don't be lazy. Have a good work ethic.
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads to poverty. Proverbs 14:23
I was listening to Dave Ramsey last night, and he was talking about your economic value.
Now, I forget exactly what he was saying, but the point was, you earn what you put in.
I am unemployed, and I'm trying to get any job I can to make money (and hopefully move out of my parents house!). I do get a disability pension, but I don't want to live on the government's money, I want to live on my own money. Plus if I were to live on my own, the pension is barely enough to scrape by.
The harder you work, the more money you're going to make. It's as simple as that. People who work 3 jobs like crazy to save money earn more (or they should), than people who are at the same level who work just 9-5.
Now, why do senior positions or positions that need qualifications earn more than lower positions? Because the person to get those jobs have already put in the hard work to get to where they are.
One job I realize my parents did really well is to promote a work ethic. My 2 siblings and I all have a good work ethic - if we are at a job, we are good workers. I know in my last job I worked my butt off - even though it didn't equate to more pay.
Don't be lazy. Have a good work ethic.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Prospering
Verse of the day:
Sound thinking makes for gracious living, but liars walk a rough road. Proverbs 15:13
Sorry! I completely forgot to post yesterday. I have no idea why it completely slipped my mind (shouldn't it be a habit after 3 weeks?)
Thanks to Dave Ramsey, I am currently trying to get control of my finances. I've gotten a bit of a setback this week (I couldn't get a visa to work in the US so I no longer have a promise of a job), but I'm hanging in there. I'm up to baby step 2.
But it's not the only thing. This year, I'm trying to be wise in all aspects of my life. Wise with my money, wise with my time, and wise with my resources.
I started off the year figuring that if I manage my money properly, God would make sure I was taken care of (at least).
But there was a surprise for me! I checked the balance on my student loan, and it was almost half of what I thought it was! God is taking care of me!
If you walk with God, he will reward you, like he did me already this year.
In what ways has god surprised/rewarded you?
Sound thinking makes for gracious living, but liars walk a rough road. Proverbs 15:13
Sorry! I completely forgot to post yesterday. I have no idea why it completely slipped my mind (shouldn't it be a habit after 3 weeks?)
Thanks to Dave Ramsey, I am currently trying to get control of my finances. I've gotten a bit of a setback this week (I couldn't get a visa to work in the US so I no longer have a promise of a job), but I'm hanging in there. I'm up to baby step 2.
But it's not the only thing. This year, I'm trying to be wise in all aspects of my life. Wise with my money, wise with my time, and wise with my resources.
I started off the year figuring that if I manage my money properly, God would make sure I was taken care of (at least).
But there was a surprise for me! I checked the balance on my student loan, and it was almost half of what I thought it was! God is taking care of me!
If you walk with God, he will reward you, like he did me already this year.
In what ways has god surprised/rewarded you?
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Tell It Like It Is
Verse of the day:
The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight. Proverbs 11:1
Honestly, I'm not up to writing something today, but this is what I am taking from the verse of the day: tell it like it is (preferably without hurting anybody). God hates people who are dishonest.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Who Am I?
Verse of the day:
Then they grilled him: "Confess. Why this disaster? What is your work? Where do you come from? What country? What family?" Jonah 1:8
Who are you? I am an aspiring author, and I come from Adelaide, Australia. I am the oldest of 3 children.
I once heard this: there are ten unchangeable things that make a person unique:
Then they grilled him: "Confess. Why this disaster? What is your work? Where do you come from? What country? What family?" Jonah 1:8
Who are you? I am an aspiring author, and I come from Adelaide, Australia. I am the oldest of 3 children.
I once heard this: there are ten unchangeable things that make a person unique:
- The way God made us
- Our parents
- Our brothers and sisters
- Our nationality
- Our mental capacity
- Our time in history
- Our gender
- Our birth order and placement in our family
- The fact that we grow older as the years pass, and
- The fact that life is a race against time and the best way to use that time is to serve God and others
(Thank you to the Duggars for that bit of wisdom).
While I don't agree with all ten things (the last two are universal, they don't make us unique), I believe the other eight are carefully planned by God and that he has given us these things that make us unique for a reason.
Okay, I'm hoping I make sense. For example, I was born to in Australia to an Australian family for a specific reason. I was given the parents and the siblings God had planned for me.
I often say or think I wish I lived 100 years ago. While that would be great, I have congenital heart disease, and I know for a fact that if I had been born 100 years ago I wouldn't have survived very long after birth. God doesn't make mistakes.
So don't wish away things that you can't change, because you'll miss the plan God has in the circumstances you are in.
What way can you see God's plan in your circumstances?
Thursday, January 9, 2014
God's Plan
Okay, so I don't have a verse if the day today. I had one all ready, but it doesn't go with how today has gone.
Today hasn't been the best day of my life. You know that job I got in the US? I got word that I couldn't get a visa, so I can't go (which is what I've been aiming for since I was 13!). I also thought it was God's will for me to go.
However, I am still going to take a trip there sometime. Or to London (my sister's moving there for a year). I don't know.
Please pray for me as I figure out my next move.
Today hasn't been the best day of my life. You know that job I got in the US? I got word that I couldn't get a visa, so I can't go (which is what I've been aiming for since I was 13!). I also thought it was God's will for me to go.
However, I am still going to take a trip there sometime. Or to London (my sister's moving there for a year). I don't know.
Please pray for me as I figure out my next move.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Hope
Verse of the day:
The mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers. Matthew 12:21
When you hear the name of God - whichever name it is (God, Jesus, Lord, Christ etc) - how do you feel? Hopeful? Joyful? Something else?
I was listening to a podcast today, which had a man talking about being saved. Being saved is all well and good, but he was telling a story about a man and a woman who got married. The woman said to the man "I love you, you've done so much for me, but take me home to my parents."
She refused to live with her spouse. This preacher was saying that this is what it is like when we get saved and then refuse to change our ways - it's like being married and refusing to live with them.
I know, sometimes, when you give your heart to God, you don't 'feel' anything. But emotions aren't everything. I have been a christian long enough to know if I don't feel like reading my bible, I should still do it because then I grow closer to God, and THEN I 'feel' like it. The more in love with God you are, the closer you are to him, the more you feel.
So, again, I ask - how do you feel when you hear the name of God? Nothing? Or something?
I'm praying for you guys!!
The mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers. Matthew 12:21
When you hear the name of God - whichever name it is (God, Jesus, Lord, Christ etc) - how do you feel? Hopeful? Joyful? Something else?
I was listening to a podcast today, which had a man talking about being saved. Being saved is all well and good, but he was telling a story about a man and a woman who got married. The woman said to the man "I love you, you've done so much for me, but take me home to my parents."
She refused to live with her spouse. This preacher was saying that this is what it is like when we get saved and then refuse to change our ways - it's like being married and refusing to live with them.
I know, sometimes, when you give your heart to God, you don't 'feel' anything. But emotions aren't everything. I have been a christian long enough to know if I don't feel like reading my bible, I should still do it because then I grow closer to God, and THEN I 'feel' like it. The more in love with God you are, the closer you are to him, the more you feel.
So, again, I ask - how do you feel when you hear the name of God? Nothing? Or something?
I'm praying for you guys!!
Friday, January 3, 2014
A God Who Is Angry
Verse of the day:
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Psalm 38:1
Whenever I hear someone who cries this out, my heart goes out to them. Because they don't know, or they have forgotten, that God is merciful. Yes, God gets angry. But if your heart is in the right place, he will give grace and mercy.
And now, for your pleasure, a scene from Gilmore Girls. (I know I do this often, but Gilmore Girls can relate to anything.)
Lorelai: Is it okay that Max and I aren't Jewish?
Luke: It's okay by me.
Lorelai: No, but I mean to stand under it. God won't smite us or anything?
Luke: I highly doubt it. Besides, God would have to get a license from Taylor to do any smiting in Stars Hollow on a weekend, so I'd say you're safe.
I'm praying for you guys!
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Psalm 38:1
Whenever I hear someone who cries this out, my heart goes out to them. Because they don't know, or they have forgotten, that God is merciful. Yes, God gets angry. But if your heart is in the right place, he will give grace and mercy.
And now, for your pleasure, a scene from Gilmore Girls. (I know I do this often, but Gilmore Girls can relate to anything.)
Lorelai: Is it okay that Max and I aren't Jewish?
Luke: It's okay by me.
Lorelai: No, but I mean to stand under it. God won't smite us or anything?
Luke: I highly doubt it. Besides, God would have to get a license from Taylor to do any smiting in Stars Hollow on a weekend, so I'd say you're safe.
I'm praying for you guys!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Paying Attention
Verse of the day:
Abishai brother of Joab and son of Zeruaiah was the head of the Thirty. he once got credit for killing three hundred with his spear, but he was never named in the same breath as the Three. 2 Samuel 23:18
A lot of the time society pays attention to the wrong things, and the wrong people. We pay attention to people who shouldn't be getting that attention. The two major examples of this that I can think of are Miley Cyrus and Charlie Sheen.
Sure, Miley Cyrus started out well. She was clean, she was a good role model, she was outspoken about her faith and she was on a tween TV show - Hannah Montana. But then she started going off the rails - nude photoshoots, drugs, and, more recently, raunchy lyrics and videos. Last year, her big hit was Wrecking Ball, and she twerks in her underwear. And what does she get for this questionable behavior? Attention. She had the most searches on yahoo.com in 2013.
And then there's Charlie Sheen. Granted, I've never been a fan of his, but I remember when he got kicked off Two And A Half Men for bad behavior. And everyone knew he'd been doing drugs for ages. But what did he get for that? Attention. That story was really big on social media.
Also, when was the first time I learnt who Angelina Jolie was? When she broke up the marriage of Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt.
Why do we always seem to idolize people who exhibit bad behavior? I really want kids one day, and I'm going to be very careful how I parent them. I don't want them turning on the TV or the computer and watching raunchy music videos, or listening to songs about sex or being high or hungover or with swear words in them.
God tells us to think of things that are good and pure (Philippians 4:8). When Miley's latest questionable behavior is in the news, or when I hear that Lindsay Lohan's been arrested again, I like to turn it around by praying for them. Because sometimes I think celebrities need our prayers most of all.
Thanks for reading!
Abishai brother of Joab and son of Zeruaiah was the head of the Thirty. he once got credit for killing three hundred with his spear, but he was never named in the same breath as the Three. 2 Samuel 23:18
A lot of the time society pays attention to the wrong things, and the wrong people. We pay attention to people who shouldn't be getting that attention. The two major examples of this that I can think of are Miley Cyrus and Charlie Sheen.
Sure, Miley Cyrus started out well. She was clean, she was a good role model, she was outspoken about her faith and she was on a tween TV show - Hannah Montana. But then she started going off the rails - nude photoshoots, drugs, and, more recently, raunchy lyrics and videos. Last year, her big hit was Wrecking Ball, and she twerks in her underwear. And what does she get for this questionable behavior? Attention. She had the most searches on yahoo.com in 2013.
And then there's Charlie Sheen. Granted, I've never been a fan of his, but I remember when he got kicked off Two And A Half Men for bad behavior. And everyone knew he'd been doing drugs for ages. But what did he get for that? Attention. That story was really big on social media.
Also, when was the first time I learnt who Angelina Jolie was? When she broke up the marriage of Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt.
Why do we always seem to idolize people who exhibit bad behavior? I really want kids one day, and I'm going to be very careful how I parent them. I don't want them turning on the TV or the computer and watching raunchy music videos, or listening to songs about sex or being high or hungover or with swear words in them.
God tells us to think of things that are good and pure (Philippians 4:8). When Miley's latest questionable behavior is in the news, or when I hear that Lindsay Lohan's been arrested again, I like to turn it around by praying for them. Because sometimes I think celebrities need our prayers most of all.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy New Year!!
Verse of the day:
What's left of the people of Judah will put down roots and make a new start. Isaiah 37:31
I'm back! And so happy to be here. I've found I don't read my bible much when I don't have to, so you guys are my accountability partners.
Today is to make a new start. To forgive and forget things that have happened (within reason. It's fun reminiscing!)
A couple of people on blogs I read have decided they didn't want to do resolutions this year. I understand that - I wasn't quite sure whether I wanted to or not either! But a couple of days ago, as I sat in a cafe, God just put a few in my head. Here they are:
What's left of the people of Judah will put down roots and make a new start. Isaiah 37:31
I'm back! And so happy to be here. I've found I don't read my bible much when I don't have to, so you guys are my accountability partners.
Today is to make a new start. To forgive and forget things that have happened (within reason. It's fun reminiscing!)
A couple of people on blogs I read have decided they didn't want to do resolutions this year. I understand that - I wasn't quite sure whether I wanted to or not either! But a couple of days ago, as I sat in a cafe, God just put a few in my head. Here they are:
- To be more like Jesus
- To gain full control of my finances (I'm following Dave Ramsey!)
- To finish my novel by September (which I have no idea how I'm going to pull off....)
- To go to my first writer's conference this year, and
- To pray for my future husband every day
I like that at least a couple of them aren't pass/fail, so I won't feel really bad if I fail them.
Also, if God wants these things, he will help me. but if he has other plans, so be it. I'm not going to be upset because he's doing something else.
Okay, just for fun (I like to do this), the ipod shuffle quiz!!
Put Your Ipod on shuffle and write the song title:
My name is:: Endless Love
I:: Waking Up In Vegas
I love:: Firework (so true, I love fireworks!!)
I hate:: Guiding Star
I care about:: Who Are You Now
He/She:: Blown Away
My Favorite Show Is:: I Knew You Were Trouble
My Favorite Book is:: Cyclone music from The Wizard Of Oz
My Favorite Drink Is:: Never Grow Up
How Was Your:
Day:: I Can't Drive 55
Night:: Once In Royal David's City (actually describes last night accurately)
Breakfast:: Feelin So Fly
Lunch: Chicken Payback
Dinner:: Grease
Year:: Dancing In The Moonlight
Last Christmas:: This Is The Life
Last Car:: Lullaby
Describe Your...
House:: Set The world On Fire
Room:: What I Like About You
Current Outfit:: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Appearance:: God Only Knows
My name is:: Endless Love
I:: Waking Up In Vegas
I love:: Firework (so true, I love fireworks!!)
I hate:: Guiding Star
I care about:: Who Are You Now
He/She:: Blown Away
My Favorite Show Is:: I Knew You Were Trouble
My Favorite Book is:: Cyclone music from The Wizard Of Oz
My Favorite Drink Is:: Never Grow Up
How Was Your:
Day:: I Can't Drive 55
Night:: Once In Royal David's City (actually describes last night accurately)
Breakfast:: Feelin So Fly
Lunch: Chicken Payback
Dinner:: Grease
Year:: Dancing In The Moonlight
Last Christmas:: This Is The Life
Last Car:: Lullaby
Describe Your...
House:: Set The world On Fire
Room:: What I Like About You
Current Outfit:: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Appearance:: God Only Knows
Hair:: Prayer
Nails:: Good In Goodbye
Eyes:: All Too Well
Best Friend:: Poker Face
Mom:: Incomplete
Sister:: Christmas Time Is Here (HAHAHAHA!! if you know my sister, you know what I mean)
Brother:: Frosty The Snowman
Dad:: Silent Night
Grandparents:: Jodie Makes A Fire
Kitchen:: Thank Goodness
Current Jewelry: Out Here On My Own
Future Death:: Every Little Thing
Instant Messenger Screen Name:: Don't You Want Me
Current Bra/Undies:: I Heard Santa On The Radio
Purse/Wallet:: Only In The Movies
Current Perfume:: The Christmas Song
Boyfriend/Girlfriend:: Love Them Like Jesus
Kisses:: I Want To Be Seen With You Tonight
Hugs:: Wizard Of Oz theme
Love:: Copacabana
Questions:
Where Are You?: Illusion
What Are You Watching?: Don't Forget To Remember Me
Who Do You Love?: What This World Needs
Why Are You Still Alive?: What's Love Got To Do With It
What Color Is Your Hair?: Farewell To The Fairground
What Color Are Your Eyes?: Go-Go Godzilla
Do You believe in the Easter Bunny?: When You Love
How Much Money Do You Have?: Stories
How Many Friends Do You Have?: Cry
How Old Are You?: Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Are You Currently Wearing Socks?: Jesus Made Me Higher
When Was the Last Time You Saw Your Dad?: You're The Top
Have You ever Kissed Someone Of the Same Sex?: I Want To See Jesus
Have You Ever Watched the Sun Set?: Call Jesus When You Lose Hope
Do You Like Orange Juice?: Even When I'm Sleeping
What Color Is Your Room?: Give Them All
How Many Boyfriends/Girlfriends Have You Had This Year?: Baby It's Cold Outside
Why Are You Taking This Survey?: Stay Beautiful
Where Is Your Cell Phone?: Let's Hear It For The Boy
Do You Even Have a Cell Phone?: Wishes
When Was The Last Time It Snowed?: The Teacher's Argument
Is It Cloudy Outside?: You're Not Sorry
Do You Wear Glasses?: Soul Surfer theme
When Was The Last Time You Took A Shower?: Mother, We Just Can't Get Enough
Do You Feel...
Depressed?: This Can't Be Real
Happy?: Kingdom
Concerned?: Grease
Mad?: Dogs In The Yard
Content?: Still My God
Nails:: Good In Goodbye
Eyes:: All Too Well
Best Friend:: Poker Face
Mom:: Incomplete
Sister:: Christmas Time Is Here (HAHAHAHA!! if you know my sister, you know what I mean)
Brother:: Frosty The Snowman
Dad:: Silent Night
Grandparents:: Jodie Makes A Fire
Kitchen:: Thank Goodness
Current Jewelry: Out Here On My Own
Future Death:: Every Little Thing
Instant Messenger Screen Name:: Don't You Want Me
Current Bra/Undies:: I Heard Santa On The Radio
Purse/Wallet:: Only In The Movies
Current Perfume:: The Christmas Song
Boyfriend/Girlfriend:: Love Them Like Jesus
Kisses:: I Want To Be Seen With You Tonight
Hugs:: Wizard Of Oz theme
Love:: Copacabana
Questions:
Where Are You?: Illusion
What Are You Watching?: Don't Forget To Remember Me
Who Do You Love?: What This World Needs
Why Are You Still Alive?: What's Love Got To Do With It
What Color Is Your Hair?: Farewell To The Fairground
What Color Are Your Eyes?: Go-Go Godzilla
Do You believe in the Easter Bunny?: When You Love
How Much Money Do You Have?: Stories
How Many Friends Do You Have?: Cry
How Old Are You?: Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Are You Currently Wearing Socks?: Jesus Made Me Higher
When Was the Last Time You Saw Your Dad?: You're The Top
Have You ever Kissed Someone Of the Same Sex?: I Want To See Jesus
Have You Ever Watched the Sun Set?: Call Jesus When You Lose Hope
Do You Like Orange Juice?: Even When I'm Sleeping
What Color Is Your Room?: Give Them All
How Many Boyfriends/Girlfriends Have You Had This Year?: Baby It's Cold Outside
Why Are You Taking This Survey?: Stay Beautiful
Where Is Your Cell Phone?: Let's Hear It For The Boy
Do You Even Have a Cell Phone?: Wishes
When Was The Last Time It Snowed?: The Teacher's Argument
Is It Cloudy Outside?: You're Not Sorry
Do You Wear Glasses?: Soul Surfer theme
When Was The Last Time You Took A Shower?: Mother, We Just Can't Get Enough
Do You Feel...
Depressed?: This Can't Be Real
Happy?: Kingdom
Concerned?: Grease
Mad?: Dogs In The Yard
Content?: Still My God
I'm praying for you guys!!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Merry Christmas!
Hi guys,
I just want to let you know I've been running ragged trying to do everything, and so I've decided to take a break from the blog till New Year.
I'll still be busy them, but I won't be busy preparing to move overseas AND have Christmas stuff to do, so I'll be less busy.
I also want to ask: What types of blog posts do you guys want for next year?? Let me know!!
I'm praying for you guys!!
Merry Christmas xoxo
I just want to let you know I've been running ragged trying to do everything, and so I've decided to take a break from the blog till New Year.
I'll still be busy them, but I won't be busy preparing to move overseas AND have Christmas stuff to do, so I'll be less busy.
I also want to ask: What types of blog posts do you guys want for next year?? Let me know!!
I'm praying for you guys!!
Merry Christmas xoxo
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Your Lips Reveal Your Heart
Verse of the day:
Perceptive words spread knowledge; fools are hollow - there's nothing to them. Proverbs 15:7
We are put on this earth to share God's truth - to tell other people about God.
We need to heed this command (and I am really bad at this!! It's not that I hate doing it, it's just that I'm always afraid someone will shut me down!).
And I never know how to go about it.
Anyway, the point is, we should talk about God. I used to talk about God - and how he was working in my life - constantly. This was because at that time my heart was truly in love with God - so much that I couldn't stop talking about him, in the same way a girl can't help but talk about her new boyfriend or child.
What you talk about reveals where your heart lies. Don't get me wrong, if you don't talk about Gd much (or at all), it doesn't mean you don't have a relationship with him, but if you truly love him, it will show up in your speech and your conversations.
I wanted to post a clip of Gilmore Girls that illustrates this point, but I couldn't find it on Youtube. Sorry.
Does anyone have any creative ways to share the gospel?
Perceptive words spread knowledge; fools are hollow - there's nothing to them. Proverbs 15:7
We are put on this earth to share God's truth - to tell other people about God.
We need to heed this command (and I am really bad at this!! It's not that I hate doing it, it's just that I'm always afraid someone will shut me down!).
And I never know how to go about it.
Anyway, the point is, we should talk about God. I used to talk about God - and how he was working in my life - constantly. This was because at that time my heart was truly in love with God - so much that I couldn't stop talking about him, in the same way a girl can't help but talk about her new boyfriend or child.
What you talk about reveals where your heart lies. Don't get me wrong, if you don't talk about Gd much (or at all), it doesn't mean you don't have a relationship with him, but if you truly love him, it will show up in your speech and your conversations.
I wanted to post a clip of Gilmore Girls that illustrates this point, but I couldn't find it on Youtube. Sorry.
Does anyone have any creative ways to share the gospel?
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Impossible debt
Verse of the day:
Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. Matthew 18:23
At first glance, the verse of the day may seem bad. The fact that servants can not pay their master any debts, therefore probably angering the master and getting punished.
But it serves to remind us of the opposite. God is a master, yes, and we re like his servants, yes, who cannot pay back our debt of sin to him.
But he grants us mercy and grace and he paid the debt back for us.
I am thinking about this today, and this makes me joyful. I so often sin or make a mess of my life, but I always know he will grant me grace and mercy.
Praying for you guys!
Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. Matthew 18:23
At first glance, the verse of the day may seem bad. The fact that servants can not pay their master any debts, therefore probably angering the master and getting punished.
But it serves to remind us of the opposite. God is a master, yes, and we re like his servants, yes, who cannot pay back our debt of sin to him.
But he grants us mercy and grace and he paid the debt back for us.
I am thinking about this today, and this makes me joyful. I so often sin or make a mess of my life, but I always know he will grant me grace and mercy.
Praying for you guys!
Friday, December 13, 2013
Respecting Authority
Verse of the day:
He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. Psalm 13:13
I have noticed that lots of adults scorn authority - particularly the parental kind.
I'm guilty of this too. Even though I'm almost 27 and I'm temporarily living with my parents, I hate them telling me what to do - because I'm adult. I can make my own decisions. I don't need anyone telling me what to do.
Sure, we all respect our boss at work, but even as adults, we need to respect every kind of authority that God puts in front of us - whether it be your boss at work, your parents, your grandparents, or even the policeman on a power trip.
God puts these people in our life for a reason, and we should listen to what they say. They may not always be right, but they have earned the right to be listened to.
I'm praying for you!!
He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. Psalm 13:13
I have noticed that lots of adults scorn authority - particularly the parental kind.
I'm guilty of this too. Even though I'm almost 27 and I'm temporarily living with my parents, I hate them telling me what to do - because I'm adult. I can make my own decisions. I don't need anyone telling me what to do.
Sure, we all respect our boss at work, but even as adults, we need to respect every kind of authority that God puts in front of us - whether it be your boss at work, your parents, your grandparents, or even the policeman on a power trip.
God puts these people in our life for a reason, and we should listen to what they say. They may not always be right, but they have earned the right to be listened to.
I'm praying for you!!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
News!!
Verse of the day:
For you will spread abroad to the rights and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. Isaiah 54:3
If you were to ask me what bible character I identify with the most, my answer has always been Abraham.
People who know me are often surprised by this - they think it might be Hannah or Sarah, considering I've always wanted kids - all I've ever wanted is to settle down - and, at 26, it hasn't happened yet.
But no, it's Abraham. When I was very young (I think around 13 or 14), the Lord told me basically the same thing as he did Abraham. He told me that there was another nation that he would give, where I would settle down and have kids and descendants. And that land was America, the land of opportunity.
I have never, ever been able to imagine living here in Australia with my husband and children.
Anyway, on to my news. I have gotten a job as a nanny in Wisconsin!!
I'm not sure of anything else yet - I'm hoping to go for at least a year - so I won't say anything else - but I just wanted to share my news.
P.S. If anyone knows anything about visas, please email me, or comment.
Praying for you guys!!
For you will spread abroad to the rights and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. Isaiah 54:3
If you were to ask me what bible character I identify with the most, my answer has always been Abraham.
People who know me are often surprised by this - they think it might be Hannah or Sarah, considering I've always wanted kids - all I've ever wanted is to settle down - and, at 26, it hasn't happened yet.
But no, it's Abraham. When I was very young (I think around 13 or 14), the Lord told me basically the same thing as he did Abraham. He told me that there was another nation that he would give, where I would settle down and have kids and descendants. And that land was America, the land of opportunity.
I have never, ever been able to imagine living here in Australia with my husband and children.
Anyway, on to my news. I have gotten a job as a nanny in Wisconsin!!
I'm not sure of anything else yet - I'm hoping to go for at least a year - so I won't say anything else - but I just wanted to share my news.
P.S. If anyone knows anything about visas, please email me, or comment.
Praying for you guys!!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Sorry
Sorry guys, I don't have time to post something meaningful today (I'm running around doing stuff, and my head's all full), but I'll post tomorrow!!
But here's something for you to think on:
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
In One Another's Shoes
Verse of the day:
Listen now while I make my case, consider my side of things for a change. Job 13:6
I am a big believer in putting yourself in one another's shoes. You don't know how hard their life is or what they are dealing with unless you're them.
I'm also justify behaviour for anyone, saying "she may have thought this," or "he could have had this going on that made him act like that."
I admit, this can be a virtue or a flaw, depending on how much I do it (have you ever heard someone say that Hitler must've had an awful childhood to make him that heartless? I've said it, and my background is German).
One of my guilty pleasures is 16 & Pregnant, and lots of people think you'd have to be pretty stupid these days to get pregnant in high school. But you know what? At least half of those pregnant girls had horrible parents - no wonder they were looking for love in the wrong places. See? We should hold off on judging unless we know the full story (which is rarely
I think I sometimes justify people's behavior (or a lot of the time), for 2 reasons:
1) I always to see the best in people, so I give them the benefit of the doubt. This intertwines with my gift of encouragement - I'm always encouraging people. I hope this is a part of my character that never goes away.
and
2) I try to understand people and justify their behaviour because I'm not understood very well - at least not by my family. I'll do something or say something, and they won't understand, and no matter how much I try to explain, they just don't get it, so I give up. My brain works differently from my family.
This is not a criticism of my family, it's just the way things are, and I've come to just accept that they'll never understand me. I know my family loves me, and I love them just as much. But sometimes I get lonely, and there are certainly days when I wish someone would understand me.
I'm praying for you guys. I'm praying that you have someone that understands you, and I'm also praying that before judging someone, you at least think about what it must be like to be them and what challenges they may have to face,
Listen now while I make my case, consider my side of things for a change. Job 13:6
I am a big believer in putting yourself in one another's shoes. You don't know how hard their life is or what they are dealing with unless you're them.
I'm also justify behaviour for anyone, saying "she may have thought this," or "he could have had this going on that made him act like that."
I admit, this can be a virtue or a flaw, depending on how much I do it (have you ever heard someone say that Hitler must've had an awful childhood to make him that heartless? I've said it, and my background is German).
One of my guilty pleasures is 16 & Pregnant, and lots of people think you'd have to be pretty stupid these days to get pregnant in high school. But you know what? At least half of those pregnant girls had horrible parents - no wonder they were looking for love in the wrong places. See? We should hold off on judging unless we know the full story (which is rarely
I think I sometimes justify people's behavior (or a lot of the time), for 2 reasons:
1) I always to see the best in people, so I give them the benefit of the doubt. This intertwines with my gift of encouragement - I'm always encouraging people. I hope this is a part of my character that never goes away.
and
2) I try to understand people and justify their behaviour because I'm not understood very well - at least not by my family. I'll do something or say something, and they won't understand, and no matter how much I try to explain, they just don't get it, so I give up. My brain works differently from my family.
This is not a criticism of my family, it's just the way things are, and I've come to just accept that they'll never understand me. I know my family loves me, and I love them just as much. But sometimes I get lonely, and there are certainly days when I wish someone would understand me.
I'm praying for you guys. I'm praying that you have someone that understands you, and I'm also praying that before judging someone, you at least think about what it must be like to be them and what challenges they may have to face,
Monday, December 9, 2013
Telling The Whole World
Verse of the day:
She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city Proverbs 9:3
If I have specific news that I'm happy about, I want to tell everybody. I'm usually simply busting to tell somebody my good news,
But I am a blabbermouth. I can't keep secrets (just to clarify, I am really good at keeping other people's secrets - I will never breathe a word - I'm just terrible at keeping my own secrets).
But this blabbermouth syndrome is not just about my mouth - it involves the online world, too. Very often I want to tell everyone what's happened, and it's too soon. I have posted things I shouldn't have on Facebook.
I am trying to keep things more to myself, and, day by day, I am. I'm learning it's just as exciting telling someone in person at the right time.
I've also been on the other end: other people have posted stuff that had me wondered why they didn't tell me, or why I wasn't invited. This can be hurtful.
So when you are reading you bible and it's talking about watching your mouth, remember: this also translates to your fingers.
Praying for you guys!
She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city Proverbs 9:3
If I have specific news that I'm happy about, I want to tell everybody. I'm usually simply busting to tell somebody my good news,
But I am a blabbermouth. I can't keep secrets (just to clarify, I am really good at keeping other people's secrets - I will never breathe a word - I'm just terrible at keeping my own secrets).
But this blabbermouth syndrome is not just about my mouth - it involves the online world, too. Very often I want to tell everyone what's happened, and it's too soon. I have posted things I shouldn't have on Facebook.
I am trying to keep things more to myself, and, day by day, I am. I'm learning it's just as exciting telling someone in person at the right time.
I've also been on the other end: other people have posted stuff that had me wondered why they didn't tell me, or why I wasn't invited. This can be hurtful.
So when you are reading you bible and it's talking about watching your mouth, remember: this also translates to your fingers.
Praying for you guys!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
How Our Superhero Came To Be
Verse of the day:
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18
I was watching Man Of Steel for the first time today. It's not my kind of movie - I'm not into superhero movies - but I love Amy Adams, so it was worth it.
Anyway, as I was watching, I was fascinated with how Clark Kent got his powers. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen the movie, but it was really cool, and it being Christmas and all, it made me think about how Jesus came to be.
Mary must have been really brave to even mention that it was done any other way than the usual way to conceive. I strive to be as obedient to what God is telling me as her.
But that's what God does a lot of the time. He pushes us so far out of our comfort zone we can't do anything but rely on him.
We also have to mention Joseph. You know Joseph loved God when he obeyed and stuck with Mary instead of getting divorce - that would have been a hard thing to do too.
The gossips in the town must have had a field day.
I can just hear them "Did you see how big Mary is? She's obviously in the family way. And apparently the child isn't even Joseph's!"
Certainly makes me think twice about judging anyone.
I'm praying for you guys!!
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18
I was watching Man Of Steel for the first time today. It's not my kind of movie - I'm not into superhero movies - but I love Amy Adams, so it was worth it.
Anyway, as I was watching, I was fascinated with how Clark Kent got his powers. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen the movie, but it was really cool, and it being Christmas and all, it made me think about how Jesus came to be.
Mary must have been really brave to even mention that it was done any other way than the usual way to conceive. I strive to be as obedient to what God is telling me as her.
But that's what God does a lot of the time. He pushes us so far out of our comfort zone we can't do anything but rely on him.
We also have to mention Joseph. You know Joseph loved God when he obeyed and stuck with Mary instead of getting divorce - that would have been a hard thing to do too.
The gossips in the town must have had a field day.
I can just hear them "Did you see how big Mary is? She's obviously in the family way. And apparently the child isn't even Joseph's!"
Certainly makes me think twice about judging anyone.
I'm praying for you guys!!
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