Patience is a Virtue - So Get Rid of Those Pet Peeves!

Being a big sister, there are some things you just *have* to chillax about.

Take people running through the kitchen after you've mopped the floor, for instance. That used to seriously get me. Anyone who walked through the kitchen as much as twenty minutes after I had mopped was just too inconsiderate. Didn't they care that I had just spent all that time cleaning all their dirt marks off the floor? Well, anyway, now I've realize that the kitchen floor is there to be walked on, whether it's clean or not. But if you walk through before I'm even done mopping...well, then you'd better watch out.

Another pet peeve of mine used to be finding a bunch of bath toys all piled up at the tub drain when I went to go take my shower. It probably took me an entire five minutes to sit there and hold each candy-colored speed boat upside down to dry, and squeeze all the water out of every single rubber duck, spitting frog and kissy fish. An entire FIVE MINUTES! What are these children thinking? I only have one hour before bed to shower, give myself an organic avacado face mask and put my hair in curlers... and that's pushing it. *Sigh* Now I've learned to pre-make my face mask and lay out my curlers ahead of time, so that I can fit De-Youthing the Tub into my nightly routine. I can't afford an extra five minutes; eight hours of sleep are a girl's best friend!

So I guess you're getting the picture of what we older sisters go through. If you have young siblings, I'm sure you deal with things like this every day! Or even if you have siblings that aren't super young, life can be just as crazy. Either way, it's not always easy to keep a smile on when you have so much insanity going on in the house (toys in the bathtub? Oh my!) But then again, life in general is pretty insane. God probably knows what He's doing... preperation for some future truly hectic time in our lives.

I find it encouraging to know that He will never tempt us with more than we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13). Sometimes I wonder if maybe God thinks a little too highly of me at times, but as you can see I haven't let the bumps get to me yet. Getting rid of my seemingly insignificant, but well-able-to-add-up pet peeves is one of the ways I'm trying to keep it as easy as possible on my part to stay patient.

You know, I seem to be especially weak in this area. Sometimes I can get to the point where the dirty car and the unswept porch just drive me up the wall! I've realized now, though, that caring about every. little. insignificant. thing. is just too much for me to deal with at this point in life. I need to focus on the truly important things in life before I start worrying about immaculate floors and Better Homes and Gardens bathtubs. But maybe you're different. You got this patience thing down in a snap. Well then, I give me some advice, lady! I need some tips! :-)

You know though, achievements get easier to grasp the more you perservere, so maybe I am starting to get the hang of it. ...Waaait a minute. While I was making last night's dinner things did get a little out of control...

After I had stood at the kitchen counter and put some Fiesta Dinner on plates, I turned and started putting whipped cream and strawberries on our Very American Dessert. Over my shoulder I asked two year old Sweetie Pie to put forks on the table (one for each chair, please) and quickly finished my crowning glory. A few seconds later I turned and saw her at the table, picking the cilantro, tomatoes and onions out of her burrito... fork faithfully in hand.

Patience dear sisters, patience.

Being Content While Unmarried

Lately I've noticed quite a few girls who seem to focus an enormous amount of their thoughts and actions on their future married life. They don't necessarily live for today. They're waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting for a future life that may start, whether within the next year, or the next decade. Most of them just like many of us, do not know.

While it is a good and wise choice to prepare for the probable event of getting married, having a home to take care of and children to raise, I believe that it is also good to enjoy and live out life as an unmarried young lady to it's fullest potential. This means being content with being "single": a helper to our parents, a daughter at home, etc. and being happy, satisfied, content with it. There will always be that God-given longing to be married and enjoy the blessing of children in any girl, but I think it is important not to get carried away with the idea that life will be some sort of perfect fantasy once we get married and have our own family. Yes, we hope God will be good in giving us those blessings, are excited about the prospect of them and can't wait to enjoy the fruit of his goodness, but remember ladies: he has also given us this time of singleness!

During this time, what should we as young girls be doing? Preparing for a family? Yes. Helping others? Yes. Furthering our education and Biblical worldview? Yes. Exploring areas of creativity? Yes. All of these activities are well worth your time. Allow me to expand on what I mean.

Preparing for a Family

Like the ant (Prov 6:6-8), we should be storing up "provisions" of experience in the areas of subjection (1 Peter 3:1), child rearing (Prov 22:6) and those that could be used not only in the role of a wife and mother, but in any lifestyle; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal 5:22-23). I'm sure you can think of many other areas of growth that would be helpful to work on.

Helping Others

During the time in a young lady's life that she is unmarried, it important for her to realize the impact she can have on those around her. Whether it is aiding a mother with many little ones, doing yard work for an elderly couple, grocery shopping for a disabled person or encouraging younger girls with a Bible study, one has a chance to greatly bless others than almost any time in her life. She is physically and emotionally capable of being of invaluable service to others, yet does not have a husband and children that would naturally put restrictions on her schedule. However, remember that according to Psalm 144:12, a daughter is to be the corner pillar in her home; therefore her main priority should be to serve her immediate family.

Furthering Education and Biblical Worldview

In opposition to what much of the world thinks, when a girl puts herself in subjection to God's mastermind plan for the family structure, she does not become dense and cooperative as an obedient work horse would. Rather, while she is serving her family and those around her, she chooses to educate herself with books and teachings that further her beliefs in the godly lifestyle she has committed herself to.

Exploring Areas of Creativity

While in this stage of singleness, I believe that it is a good thing to find hobbies that challenge the gifts God has given you, help you figure out areas you need to work on (such as patience :), as well as help you define areas that you enjoy. When I stopped doing gymnastics due to issues of modesty and lack of finances, I needed to find something that would fill up the hole. Over a good amount of time I became more involved in writing to pen pals, took up blogging, dipped a little in cake decorating, tried out scrap booking, learned to sew, started knitting, experimented in art and was enrolled in music lessons. While everything that I tried I didn't always like or keep pursuing, I realized there were areas in which I excelled in more than others, and areas that I needed to work on. Many of the hobbies I am participating in now give me a chance to help and minister to others, while also fulfill my sense of creativity.

As I have tried to cover just the main points of things an unmarried young lady can do, I certainly haven't covered everything. There are many good activites and projects that a girl can involve herself in; however, something to guard yourself against is the typical career that many girls choose to seek out. There are many reasons why. For instance, if you have a typical full time job you would probably be under these circumstances: you would not be spending very much time at home; therefore not be able to biblically serve your father, you would be in an enviroment where there would be much unprotected time spent with the opposite sex, you would meet many people who would not exactly have your best intrests in mind, and you would get used to, and maybe even eventually copy, ungodly attitudes or belifes (such as feministic, relitave truth, etc.) All of these things cater to discontenment of being that stay at home daughter, living out her unmarried years, under the protection of her father.

Remember, ladies, there is freedom in living out your life within God's principles, and though it may be hard at first, the more you live for Him the more joy it will bring you. Pray for me as I pray for you!

Note: While these beliefs are consistent with the Bible, I personally am not anyone's authority. If your authority wishes you to follow a different path, it is not my place to say you are in the wrong. If you are choosing to obey them, the Lord will bless you for it.

Ways to Minister to the Elderly

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

"Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding" Job 12:12 (NASB)

"Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly." Leviticus 19:32

While working at the retirement center, I met many elderly men and women. I noticed that each and every one had stories to tell, advice to give and knowledge to share. And, each and every one were touched by the smallest kind gesture, word or act. I also noticed that other young people that worked there acted as if their job, whether handling the upkeep of the lawn and gardens, serving food or wheeling a wheelchair, was the most boring and terrible job one could have. There were no smiles, cheery hellos, conversation starters or signs of respect shown. Instead, there were eye rolls, sighs and statements spoken that sounded like they could have been directed to a child who wouldn't know a bird from a fish.

To be honest, I was shocked and saddened. Who do we teenagers think we are? Certainly not smarter than these other human beings who have lived fifty, sixty years more than us? ....I hope not. Out of all the generations living right now, we are the ones that, for the most part, know the least.

You and I, as young people who are aiming to serve the Lord, let's do something a little extra to reach out. It doesn't take much; just a little time and energy. And we, the young and unmarried, seem to have much of that. Wouldn't you agree? I know that many of your families probably already do something for the elderly, but I thought that I'd post a few things that us girls could do.

1. Befriend a sweet, lonely lady you meet (either at a retirement center, or the grocery store :) and become pen-pals. If you're like me, you probably have a good assortment of them already, so you know how letter writing works. The lady I helped loved getting mail, and frequently enjoyed sending out little encouragement cards to her friends as well. Think about how appreciative someone might be if you started writing to them, asking for cooking tips, old stories and childhood memories.

2. Drop off a dessert. If you personally know the person, make sure you know if they have any dietary restrictions. Not everyone does, however, and since many facilities accept donated treats, make a few dozen cookies to drop off (of course being sure to call first).

3. Many nursing homes and retirement centers have chapel times, offered by different churches around town. If you play an instrument, and your church or homeschool group doesn't do this, why not volunteer a little of your time and play (or sing!) for the residents? At the retirement center I was at, a lady would play the piano twice a week during breakfast. Everyone enjoyed it!

4. Offer to visit a lady's home once a week or so, and bring things for manicures, card making or something else she might enjoy doing with you. If you wanted, you could even go big time and volunteer to do it for all the ladies in a retirement or senior center.

5. Have a cards night, either at your house, an elderly person's or retirement home. Many elderly people love playing cards!

And one more idea: Offer to clean once or twice a week for someone. Being young and agile, we're a much better canadite for loading the dishwasher or scrubbing out the shower than a person who has a hard time just walking. One more way to practice our "homemaker" skills!

"Give and it will be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over..." Luke 6:38

Wanted: Ideas For Encouraging Our Sisters In Christ

When many parents think of Girl Scouts, they imagine young girls in uniform
selling Thin Mints and Tagalong cookies – not learning about stone labyrinths,
world peace, global warming, yoga, avatars, smudging incense, Zen gardens and
feminist, communist and lesbian role models.
But that's exactly what many of
2.7 million Girl Scouts will learn about with a new curriculum called "Journeys"
released last year.
Read the rest of the article here.

How sad that this huge program with 10 million girls and adults globally is putting out this sort of propaganda! How many parents enroll their daughters in Girl Scouts, thinking that they will be learning good, wholesome life skills, then, most likely, unknowingly expose their daughters to these things?

Okay, so we realize that there is a problem. Not only with Girl Scouts, but with many worldly programs put out for girls. Let's think of some ways that we as young ladies can encourage other ladies in doing godly things, lifting each other up in the Lord, and looking to the role-models He has given us.

Here are a couple of my ideas. If you would like to comment with yours, I'd love to post them here!

- Start up a pen-palship with your friend, sending back and forth a few paragraphs on different inspirational godly ladies each month, focusing in on one godly character trait for a long period of time. Honestly tell how your last few months have been, and keep each other accountable.

- Of course every girl needs a pick-me-up now and then. Put together a small box of treats, whether treats to eat or treats for the feet, it will be sure to put a smile on her face! Tuck in a little appropriately decorated note telling them how special they are. Here is a list of encouraging Bible verses you could add in.

- Start up a group for younger girls, taking advantage of the way they look up to you, directing them to the Lord's way of life. (A great program to use is Bright Lights, which I have used successfully in the past and am currently looking into using for a group for girls I will be starting.)

- Start a Keeper's At Home Group. ~Mrs. Carrie

- "If you know any Missionaries, I really suggest starting to write them...they really enjoy that and it can be an encouragement to them when they are so far from home...we have made SO MANY NEW FRIENDS by doing that." ~Mrs. Carrie

- "reach out to neighbor girls...with the permission of your parents of course." ~Mrs. Carrie

Anyone else have thoughts they'd like to share?

Thoughtfully,

Gentlemen Are Rare...Can We Not Recognize One?

Last night my parents decided to go out for dinner. They pulled up to the restaurant they were going to eat at and my dad hopped out and opened the door for my mom. She got out, and as they started to go into the front door, a lady who worked there (apparently on her break) standing by asked them, "Was the door broken from the inside or something?" My parents had no idea what she was referring to, so they just kind of looked at her for a minute. "Oh!" she said, "You were opening the door for her! That is the sweetest thing!"

It just so happened that later that evening she was their waitress, and throughout the night doted on their every "need"; making sure their drinks were always full, giving the free bread sticks and even somehow getting their bill to an extremely low amount for what they had purchased.

All because my dad was a gentleman to his wife.

Could Some Dinosaurs Still Be Living?

The science of "cryptozoology" is becoming increasingly respectable with the increased awareness of many thousands of historic "sightings" of mysterious animals that can't help but bring to mind an association with the supposedly "extinct" dinosaurs of the past.

This section on dinosaurs was from one of my fifth grade science books. I still love it!

Sea Monster or Surviving Saurus?

Cadbury may be a familiar name to chocolate lovers, but cadborosaurs is a name for a giant sea serpent often sighted off the cost of British Columbia, Canada. Up to 50 feet long, these creatures have a head like a horse, a long neck and short front flippers. Its credibility increased when in 1937, a ten-foot-long juvenile specimen was found in the stomach of a sperm whale.

The Mysterious Santa Cruz Carcass of 1925

Many people saw it. The press reported it widely. Washed ashore in 1925 just north of Monterey Bay, California, a giant rotting corpse was analyzed. A respected president of the Natural History Society of B.C., Canada wrote:

My examination of the monster was quite thorough. It had no teeth. its head is large and its neck fully 20 feet long. The body is weak and the tail is only three feet in length from the end of the backbone. These facts do away with the whale theory [which had been proposed by a handful of other authorities], as the backbone of a whale is far larger than any bone in this animal... I would
call it a type of plesiosaurus.

Mr. Wallace theorized the monster might have been preserved in a glacier for thousands of years, only to be released and floated to the area before washing ashore.

One can't help wondering why this and other discoveries aren't more widely reported. However, sea monsters and recently living dinosaur types have not been popular among evolutionists who insist on their mythical millions of years of geologic time.

The Modern Japanese "Plesiosaur?"

Off the coast of New Zealand, a Japanese fishing crew hauled an odd catch in their nets in 1977. The giant carcass was 30 feet long and weighed about 4,000 pounds. To avoid spoiling their fish catch, the men had to dump it back in the ocean, but not before a zoologist on board made notes on the animal. Its long neck, flippers and other details were still intact enough to suggest it was some kind of saurian creature rather than a shark.

Is there really a Loch Ness monster?

In the highlands of northern Scotland, people have reported a gigantic swimming "beastie" for the last 1,400 years. Some 3,000 sightings and even some vague photos seem to bear a resemblance to the plesiosaur of dinosaur times. Nessie is said to be 20 feet long with a serpent-like neck and fat body with flippers on the sides. There may be a whole family of them living in some dark submarine cavern.

Scientist Sighting More Convincing?

Natural History magazine reports the 1905 sighting by two expert naturalists aboard the private yacht Valhalla off the coast of Brazil. One wrote:

I saw a large fin or frill sticking out of the water, dark sea-weed-brown in
color, somewhat crinkled at the edge. It was apparently about 6 feet in
length and projected from 18 inches to 2 feet from the water. I could see,
under the water to the rear of the frill, the shape of a considerable body.
I got my field glasses on to it and almost as soon as I had them on the frill, a
great head and neck rose out of the water in front of the frill... the neck
appeared about the thickness of a slight man's body, and from 7 to 8 feet was
out of the water; head and neck were all about the same thickness. The head had
a very turtle-like appearance, as had also the eye.

From Canada's Ogopogo and Champ to lesser-known sightings in Russia and Japan, there seems to be a lot of evidence that sea serpents of one kind or another are real. Can flying reptiles still be alive?

African explorer Frank Melland kept encountering vague rumors about a much-feared animal
called Kongamato that lived in the Jiundu swamps in northwest Rhodesia,
near the Belgian Congo. When asked what it was, the natives told him it was a
bird, but more like a lizard with wings of skin like a bat's. When he showed them pictures of the pterodactyl and other animals, all immediately went for the pterodactyl, excitedly muttering "kongamato!"

What happended to the thunderbird?

The Tombstone Epitaph printed a news item on April 26, 1890, recalled by Dr. Duane Gish in his excellent book, Dinosaurs By Design. The report told how two ranchers were startled by a gigantic flying reptile with huge leathery wings, a long slim body, having claws on its feet and at the joint of its wings. They said its 8-foot-long head was like an alligator's, with a mouth full of teeth and large protruding eyes. They killed it and cut off the tip of its wing for a trophy. Could this have been the last of the legendary thunderbirds? Many American Indian tribes recall the huge size and powerful flight of this strange beast that thundered when its wings flapped.

We know animal like these really did live. The problem is that we've been programmed to think they died off with the dinosaurs millions of years ago.

Article taken from Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation by Dennis R. Petersen (2002).

Sponsoring With Compassion

For about two years I've enjoyed the privilege of sponsoring a girl in Honduras. "What is sponsoring?" you ask? Well, in a word: blessing.

God has given us many things. But, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)

By looking at the context of the verse, we see that Yeshua was telling the parable of the servant who is entrusted with taking care of all the servants while the master goes away. If the master found the servant fulfilling his duties correctly when he came home, he would be rewarded. But if he wasn't, he would be beaten. Thus, "the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

I'm sure you've heard this story compared with the picture of God entrusting us with the earth, and everything in it. Now, there are a million different ways that I could expound on that, but for now let's just touch on M-O-N-E-Y.

Being young ladies still living in our father's house (well, most of us anyway), we don't have bills. We have no house payment, no electric bill, no insurance premiums... not to mention the hunk our families pay for groceries. Despite this, most of us have a little income. For me, it's babysitting for my parents and decorating an ordered cake here and there. I don't earn much, usually about $100 a month, respectively. I know other ladies who clean houses, have little in-home baking businesses, babysit for other families and do garden work. Depending on how much time they put into these things, some girls end up making $500 by the end of the month!

Being girls, most of us can very easily spend all our earnings on shoes, a new purse, makeup, a new addition to our wardrobe, or maybe even a subscription to a magazine. But think about it. What kinds of things should we really be spending it on? Here's an idea that would only take about $35 out of your budget each month: bless a impoverished child who could use a little help, hope and encouragement. Sponsor a child!

" He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17

"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses." Proverbs 28:27

" He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Proverbs 14:31

Like I said above, I've been sponsoring for about two years now. Oh, it has been such a blessing! I loved corresponding with Sonia Berenice (thirteen years old) for those years, and now that her family has been able to get a bit more on their feet, her mother has taken her out of the program (a little sad for both of us, I'm sure, but very happy too!). Now I'm starting a new friendship with eight year old Dania Lizeth!

Through becoming a sponsor, I've been able to provide Sonia and Dania with the opportunity to

• hear the gospel and learn about Yeshua
• have regular Bible training and encouragement through the local church in their community
• receive an education
• be healthy through teachings on how to maintain good hygiene, and be monitored and given additional care as needed
• receive food as needed

Not only do I get to help with these things, but I am able to write as many letters as I like encouraging these girls to be strong women of the Lord! What more could I ask?

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and willing to share." 1 Timothy 6:17,18

Of course, there are many, many sponsorship programs out there. If you are wondering which one to go with, here are some reasons why I chose, and like sponsoring with Compassion International:

• When I went onto Compassion.com to sponsor, I was able to do a search for a specific age, gender and country if I wanted. I like being able to sponsor an older girl!
• I am able to communicate through letters with my sponsored child.
• Through Compassion.com, I can see what is going on in my child's area, and learn more about their life.
• Compassion International is very upfront with their money situations. A financial statement is available at all times.
• If I have a question, I can call their number and talk to a real live person in the US, and they will readily give answers.
• If I book a trip to Honduras through Compassion, I can visit my sponsored child! This is something that I'd like to do in the next five or six years - definitely on my "before I get married" list!
• Compassion works exclusively through the local church. "We want sponsored children to experience the benefits of Compassion sponsorship as a direct expression of God's love for them. We also want to equip the Body of Christ in the countries where we work with effective child development ministries so that church leaders and members around the world can become effective child advocates in their communities." they say in their FAQ booklet.
  

What a wonderful way to not only put our money to work, but to also personally know and be able to encourage the person you are helping! If you are interested in knowing more about sponsoring a child, go to Compassion.com and check out their Frequently Asked Questions, or feel free to prod me. :)

Ways to Spend Quality Time With Younger Siblings

The other day, after I wrote about being a big sister, one of my friends emailed me this question:

"Do you have any friendly tips or advice... I really want my siblings to think of me as their 'big sissy' who loves them selflessly and who would take time out of her busy schedule to help them."

So, I'd like to expand a little on spending time with your siblings.

Really, it's not hard! Our little brothers and sisters think the world of us. For us to do even the tiniest thing makes their hearts swell and the sunshine come out! Here are some practical things I've included in my schedule, to make sure time with the Darlings is spent wisely each day.

Spend a 1/2 hour: ages 2-5

Start a "preschool" time. Go to the local teacher's store and buy (or make your own) a big calendar set, weather poster and days of the week cards. Use fifteen minutes for "circle time" by talking about the days of the week, the weather, the date, etc. Add songs like the days of the week song, a weather song and any other kiddie songs you'd like to add. Be sure to use all your new stuff! Read a story. Then, spend the next fifteen minutes doing an appropriate activity for the age levels you're dealing with. You can paint, glue, cut, play with sand in a sensory tub... the options are endless! The internet is a great source for ideas and songs, too.

Another good thing to do is to plan a whole (school) week of your preschool times, and theme them. You can use themes like colors, dogs, the grocery store, police men, etc. Here's what one of my half hour might look like if I were doing a color theme:

-Do calendar time like normal -Read a book about colors -Sing a song or two about colors -paint with water colors or play with colored shaving cream at the table

Spend a 1/2 hour: ages 5-10

When my siblings are getting bored with preschool time, they usually get moved up to spending a half hour with me one-on-one. Currently Creative Genius and I are together from 1:30 to 2 o'clock while the little ones are napping. We do whatever he chooses. Sometimes it's a game, a walk, helping him organize something... and sometimes Mom puts us on a job (today we made rhubarb crisp for snack). For the last few months, though, Creative Genius has chosen to read through chapter books. Right now we're about half way through one of the American Adventure books. He likes going through series!

Spend 45 minutes: ages 10 and up

While Active Boy and I don't do things together every day, once in a while we'll go on a long bike ride or walk through our neighborhood. It's a good time for us to talk about personal things, and usually he ends up sharing some of his deep thoughts. These are wonderful times - ones that both of us will fondly remember! We also enjoy jumping on the trampoline and playing board and card games. All in all, whatever we do, it's still one-on-one time spent with one of my best friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I admit it. There are days when I don't want to read, or walk or play a game or be a happy, fun sissy. This is when SELF CONTROL and A GOOD ATTITUDE comes in. These are your siblings. The people who will be a part of your life for the rest of your life, even after you all have families of your own. Let them think of you as a happy, fun Let's-Bake-Cookies-Darling type of sister!

Bible Verse Idea

Sometimes you're having a tough time, feel like you're in the "dooms of despair" and really don't know what to do about it. Of course turning to the Bible always helps, but reading the first few verses of Genesis probably won't make you want to rise and shine again (get it, shine? God made light? Tee hee. :) Sarah Mally has come to the rescue. In the "Bible Study" section of the personal Bright Lights notebook (you can check out the Bright Lights group she started here), Sarah shares a testimony from a Bright Lights girl.

"One time in Bright Lights, Sarah shared with us that when she was 11 years old, she started to read her Bible everyday. She gave us a study idea that has been very helpful for me. She suggested that we get a stack of 3x5 cards, and write verses on the cards which we found in our daily Bible reading. Then, she said to label each card with a topic, such as "Patience," "Baptism," "Greed," etc. This would be our own topical index system. I was about 11, and I thought this sounded like such a good idea. I went home and set my alarm clock for 7:00. The next morning I got up and read my Bible. I found a verse and wrote it on a 3x5 card. Then I put the card in a box and set it on my dresser. Now when I need a verse on a specific subject, I go to my box and find a card on that topic. This system has benefited and encouraged me a lot."

I like this system too! Whenever I need a quick lift up, I can go to my little verse box and find a verse on the subject I'm struggling with. If it's not there, I make it a mental note to be on the "special" lookout for specific verses addressing the subject.

Also, this is good for praying scripture back to the Lord. When you're happy and you know it, grab a card filed under "Joy" or "Thankfulness", try to quickly memorize it and continuously pray it to Him throughout the day.

Joyfully (Psalm 9:2),

Today I am a Big Sister

Early this afternoon I decided to make Snicker doodles for afternoon snack. I found the recipe, tripled it and started to mix the batter. Half way into the dough making Active Boy comes in:
"Seren, it's time to go over to Tom's so he can show me how to care for his pond while he's on vacation. Let's go."
"Okay, hold on. Just let me get this dough in the fridge, then we can go."
So we go, learn how to take care of the neighbor's pond, see where to put his mail for the ten days and hear all about how his fish almost died the night before. Mission completed, I returned to my cookies.
Right after that 'Lil Active Boy comes in, apparently up from his nap. "I'm awake. What are those? Are you making cookies? Can I help you?"
At the same time, Creative Genius comes asking the same questions.
Now, I'm really trying to get at least one pan done before the whole family awakes, so I reply with, "No, I'm just going to do these by myself today. Thanks though."
Then I hesitate, thinking of what a bad sister I sound like, and how baking cookies are supposed to be bonding and memorable... and I'd really like them to think of me as nice sister, so I say with a little sigh, "Wait, no, you can help me. Here, see these balls of dough? Roll them in the cinnamon-sugar and put them on the pan like this. No, no, don't lick your hands. You can do that when we're done. Good job. Yep, that's the way!"

Today I was a big sister. But I would have been a big sister whether or not I went with Active Boy to his job consultation, or let the little boys help with cookies, or helped with phonics, or read a chapter book out loud to someone, or helped with baths... or complained about putting the littles to bed. You see, being the big sister is a big job. We have responsibilities whether we like it or not. We can do them happily, or with an attitude. We can show our siblings we love them, or give the impression that Rilla of Inglside or an email or *gasp!* getting that day's to-do list done is more important than their lives, feelings... or even them themselves.

Did you know that how you treat your siblings is how you will eventually treat your children? A little scary to think about, I know. To be honest, I'd like to go into marriage and mothering with as little issues and bad habits as possible. That means I've got some work to do. Reversing bad habits and dealing with issues isn't easy and quick! Learning to be patient, loving and really, truly interested in my siblings (and my future children) is something I've decided to put a lot of work on during my single years. And it IS HARD! They're not always kind and loving (sometimes they can even get downright bratty) or sweet and helpful, and sometimes I've just got things to do. But that's when I, and you, have to challenge ourselves to keep being that nice, "Shall we bake cookies, darling?" type of sister.

But it won't always be so hard as the beginning.

In Galatians 6:9 it says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Pursuing these good habits, if we don't let up, will be rewarding! After a while your siblings will see that pushing Sissy's buttons won't make her lights flash or sirens scream, so they'll stop the little game (You know they're only trying to get your attention - they crave it.) Instead, they'll discover their sister doesn't react to those types of things. She only gives attention to kind, thoughtful and polite things, and psst! did you know she she's even good for book reading, school help, listening to adventures and hey! even participating in them??!! Let's put it plainly: kids are smart. They pick up on things quite fast. If you act loving towards them, and overjoyed to be with them, they'll do the same and give you lovely results. Savannah Grace proves my point beautifully,

"We have discovered that if you treat boys (even little ones) like men, and tell them that you look to them for protection, then suddenly they will act like men and will want to be your knight in shining armor." [Read the rest of her post here.]

Let your siblings know you love them and want to make them happy. They'll start to do the same.

Today I am a big sister. Yesterday I was a big sister. Tomorrow I will be a big sister. I'd like to make it count.

Maybe I'll bake Gingersnaps next.

A Little Joy ~ A Little Oy

Avram went into church, took out the tallis and yarmulke and dressed himself, and proceeded to pray.

The clergyman entered to start services, saying, "Will all non-Christians please leave." Avram continued davening.

Again the clergyman said, "Will all non-Christians please leave."

Again, nothing.

Finally, the distraught clergyman moved to Avram. "Will all JEWS please leave. "

At this, Avram removed his yarmulke, packed up his tallis, then went to the altar, picked up a statue of the baby Jesus and said, "Come bubbela, they don't want us here anymore."

******************

Today at Bible study our study leader passed this story around for everyone to read. Everyone loved it. It is so true!!! So many people think of our Saviour as Jesus with blue eyes and brown/blonde hair, wearing a Roman toga... sitting peacefully in some meadow blessing little European children.

When really, it was a man named Yeshua (Joshua in English, did you know?) looking something like this (in the outfit, anyway):

Interesting, isn't it? Just thought I'd post a little controversial post, there. :) Feel free to ask any questions or challenge what I've said. I'd love to hear your opinions!

Story taken from A Little Joy, A Little Oy 2009 Desk Calendar by Andrew McMeel

A Different Kind of Beauty Pagent

Ever heard of the "Miss Beautiful Morales" contest? No? Well, that's probably because it's in Saudi Arabia. I know Islam is a violent religion if practiced zealously, but some adherents are definitely living closer biblical standards than we in the decadent west.

"RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Sukaina al-Zayer is an unlikely beauty queen hopeful. She covers her face and body in black robes and an Islamic veil, so no one can tell what she looks like. She also admits she's a little on the plump side.
But at Saudi Arabia's only beauty pageant, the judges don't care about a perfect figure or face. What they're looking for in the quest for "Miss Beautiful Morals" is the contestant who shows the most devotion and respect for her parents.

"The idea of the pageant is to measure the contestants' commitment to Islamic morals... It's an alternative to the calls for decadence in the other beauty contests that only take into account a woman's body and looks," said pageant founder Khadra al-Mubarak.

"The winner won't necessarily be pretty," she added. "We care about the beauty of the soul and the morals."

*****

I can't help but feel a little ashamed of my culture's view of beauty when I read this."

Read the rest of this article here.

** I am not endorsing the Islamic religion. Just giving everyone some thoughts on how lefty our culture has gotten. **

A Real Eye-Opener

I just read this moving, although fictional, story about a girl who's biological mother was an aborted fetus. The sad thing is, this kind of thing actually happens in real life. Go on over to Striving to Glorify the LORD, and read Hannah's post labeled My Mother Was Never Born.

A Breakthrough

Lately I've been struggling with looking favorably upon worldly things. You know, the things that girls seem to easily get caught up in; wishing I could be with friends more often (as opposed to being with my family), wishing I could dress in the latest fashion and feeling like I should be "doing something" with my life, instead of "just" sitting here at home doing school, cooking, cleaning and going through the usual routine of my day.

I don't know, maybe you're pretty strong in your beliefs about staying at home and being an "MIT" (Mother In Training), but as for me, sometimes it's so easy to be swayed by the world at such the smallest things.

I recently read a fiction book about a fourteen year old girl who was studying ballet, getting to dance for her first time with a ballet company, thus starting her career. It made me start thinking about what I had done and accomplished in my life at fifteen years old. Had I really done anything? Is staying at home and learning how to keep a house something to be proud of? Couldn't you still learn to do those things and start thinking and preparing for a future career? Is a career all that people have made it out to be?

A these thoughts were whirling in my mind, I recently stumbled on Psalm 37:1.

"Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like the green plants they will soon die
away."

After reading this verse, I felt a complete sense of relief and peace. I realized that I was going after the things of this world, not being content with what God has given me, and that He has supplied my every need and has provided me with loving and caring parents who know what is in my best interest.

Although I do enjoy being with friends, my family are the ones who I should be spending the majority of my time with, especially since I am ultimately called to minister right here in the home.

While I like to wear cute clothes, today's fashions for ladies are not modest and feminine, let alone do they help portray a godly countenance.

Being in the home and being the cornerstone for my father's house (who is my roof) is the greatest thing I can do right now to fulfill my purpose as a daughter, as well as prepare to be a helpmeet for my future husband and a good mother to my future children. Does the Bible say anything about a woman leaving her babies in daycare, sending her children off to school and being an "equal", if not sole, provider for the family? No, it does not. It speaks of a woman helping her husband in his business affairs (not her own), being his helpmeet, being a keeper at home and much, much more. Why on earth would I ever want to do anything different than live out my wonderful purpose as a daughter, and prepare for wife and motherhood?

Praise God that He has brought these things back into my mind, fresh and ready to be eagerly pursued! It is a joy to be happy and content with what the Lord has prepared for me, knowing it is the very best thing for my life.

Now, by bringing up Proverbs 37:1, I am not saying that ladies who go to work, dress fashionably or who hang out with friends often, are in the wrong. What I am saying is that these things are not what God has designed ladies to do. These things are worldly ideas, advertised by worldly people, who do wrong. Since we are not of this world, we should not be following these ideas. Like the Botkin sisters say in their documentary, The Return of the Daughters, what if there was nothing to go by on how to live your life, no worldly magazines, TV shows, books or movies, except the Bible? How different society would be today! Most women would not be in the situations they are in now, and would essentially be living a completely different life than the ones they are living in the present. I'm so thankful that my parents have searched and studied the Bible for what it says us ladies should be doing. Even though I can be easily swayed, they are always there to keep me grounded in what is is right, as well as remind me of what the Lord says about each and every predicament I get into. :)

So, if you are having some rough times as I was, look to the Lord and give your worries to Him, knowing He is in control and knows best. Pray and study your Bible, looking for verses that have to do with the issues you're having. And of course, go to your parents to get encouragement and help where you need it. The experience and knowledge of mine is always helpful when I need it, and even when I don't!

So, without much further adieu, I am signing off, praying for all the girls out there who are struggling with what to go with: God's calling to them as women, or the world's deceiving pulls telling them to "make something of themselves".

With love,

The Lord is Great!

Psalm 29

Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones,

ascribe to the Lord glory and strength

Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due his name;

worship the Lord in the splendor of his

holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;

the God of glory thunders,

the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.

The voice of the Lord is powerful;

the voice of the Lord is majestic.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,

Siron like a young wild ox.

The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;

the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

The voice of the Lord twists the oaks

and strips the forests bare.

And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;

the Lord is enthroned as King forever.

The Lord gives strength to his people;

the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Doesn't that chapter just leave you in awe of the Lord? Whenever I read it, I am always amazed at how awesome and powerful our God is. And yet, even though He is so strong, He is always there to comfort and tenderly hold His children. I am very thankful for such a powerful and gracious King!

Psalm 29 reminds me of one of my favorite songs to sing, I Stand in Awe. As you read the lyrics, praise the Lord for his majestic power and love!

You are beautiful beyond description

Too marvelous for words

Too wonderful for comprehension

Like nothing ever seen or heard

Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?

Who can fathom the depth of Your love?

You are beautiful beyond description

Majesty enthroned above

And I stand, I stand in awe of You

I stand, I stand in awe of You

Holy God, to whom all praise is due

I stand in awe of You.

Looking to the Lord for Truth

The Book Our Mothers Read

John Greenleaf Whitter

We search the world for truth; we cull

The good, the pure, the beautiful,

From graven stone and written

scroll,

And all old flower-fields of

the soul;

And, weary seekers of the best,

We come back laden from

the quest,

To find that all the sages said

Is in the Book our mothers read.

Isn't that how it is? People are looking everywhere for the truth, everywhere but the Bible, where it really is. Think about it:

"The good, the pure, the beautiful" - doesn't it remind you of people trying to look up to celebrities; using their latest diet, following their every move in the grocery store magazines, making sure their clothes match up with theirs, doing everything they do?

It reminds me of all the little (and even not so little) girls that are crazy about Hannah Montana. At first, she seemed like a very innocent girl having some fun being the new Disney hit, but after a while showed herself as to be not so innocent and childlike. I whole heartily agree with what Lady Jess said in her post about Hannah Montana - Miley Cyrus:

"This...just goes to show that we should not have role models that are
in Hollywood, and that we should not allow our children, or siblings, to
have role models in Hollywood."

Looking up to "The good, the pure, the beautiful" is never going to work, nor is searching for truth among them.

"From graven stone and written scroll" - We've got to be careful of all the "insightful" books out there trying to tell us how we should live our lives. Even Christian ones. Our life instruction should be based off the Bible and our immediate authority.

Like the writer states, many people search for truth within themselves. Or, you could just say it nicely like he does: "To search the world for truth...And all old flower-fields of the soul". The whole new agey thing is all about that. Searching for the god within you, what's OK for you is OK for you - you know what I'm talking about. You can't -

A. Search for the god within you because there isn't one. Unless you've received the Holy Spirit, all there is some flesh that tries to pull you away from the Lord, and a conscience that can diminish all together after ignoring it over and over while doing wrong things.

And B. Say that "what's OK for you is OK for you" because it's not! There is only one very narrow path to follow that God has set before us. Just because someone is doing what they think is right (aka: searching for the truth within themselves) doesn't mean it is. Only God knows the truth and has spoken it in His Word.

Now, let us hope and pray that many people will turn to God after looking to all these empty things, or, even better, before going on this fruitless search!

Cherishing Your Brother

Well, I am terribly sorry for my lack of posting. I've been pretty busy lately! My biggest project: re-decorating the bedroom I share with MIT #2. It should be done here sometime this week, so I'll be blogging about that shortly. Stay tuned!

For now, here is an article from Handmaidens of the Shepherd about cherishing your brother. I think all ladies who have brothers will benefit from this. I certainly have!

A. It has inspired me to invite Brother #1 to a luncheon on our "grounds" (you'll know what I mean after reading the article). :)

And B. It also reminded me that even through I do love my brothers, I really need to make that clear to them. I can't expect them just to "know". Since I know that Brother #1 loves hugs and little notes, Brother #2 loves it when I give or make him things and that Brother #3 loves it when I play with him, I've got to really make it a large priority to spend some time doing these things each day, expressing my love for them.

I hope this encourages and inspires you as much as it has for me. Enjoy!

Cherishing Your Brother - by Handmaidens of the Shepherd

It is heartbreaking to see the lovely relationships of Christian brothers and sisters remain uncultivated and allowed to crumble away. This is not what it was meant to be! Despite popular belief, brothers and sisters can be best friends - and should be! In hopes that you will be moved to cherish your brother (or sister) more, I wish to share with you something I was able to do to make my brother and I the very best of friends!

I yet remember the day I decided to show my eldest brother that I loved him and wanted to encourage him. First, I sent him a formal invitation written in the most elegant language I could muster, and which I still treasure in my Box of Memories:

Sir:
It would be my highest pleasure and honor to be gifted with your presence at a small picnic tea held in your name upon the date of Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at the beautiful east grounds of our beloved Little Compound.
Your Eldest Sister,

The young man replied with all the elegant language Mama could muster:
My dearest, darling sister, [what flattery!]
It would be my most fondest wish to attend you graciously planned event. However, I must inquire as to the time if I am to avoid appearing at an hour not expected.
Awaiting your reply, I remain,
Your faithful brother,
[with a flourish!]

We settled for an o’clock sometime in the early afternoon. I spent the late morning preparing simple, yet delectable “tea things.” When I was finished, I had lovely platters stacked with moist pumpkin bread, sugary raspberry thimble cookies, and a pitcher of iced lemonade. I spread a flowery tablecloth on the grass by the shade of Palm Parliament (the name we have given to a band of palm trees sitting by the seawall!) and dressed in my finest raiment. My brother emerged from his bedroom at the appointed time, decked out in a tie and handsome gray suit. Playing the part of the gentleman he is, he escorted me to the picnic grounds. Soothing instrumental music was carried to us by the breeze from where the portable CD player was ensconced in the ferns.

What a joy it was to spend quality time with one of my brothers! We prayed, laughed and talked about both trivial and serious things. We shared the ways in which we were blessed by each other, and how happy we were to be brother and sister. Not only did my brother and I become closer to each other that day, but he committed himself to protecting womankind and defending the weak as a White Knight for the Lord!

Since then, I have seen a marked way in which I relate to this brother. More than ever before, we are sharing our thoughts, dreams, troubles, and laughter with each other. We read books together, laughing and crying at the same parts and discussing lessons we have learned. When I think about how much closer we are to each other now, I am so happy it hurts!

Please, girls, don’t allow this opportunity of joy slip by! Take the initiative, thrust aside any embarrassment you may have, and tell your brother how much you love him! Don’t wait!
Now, I will make no claim that this brother and I still don’t have our “disagreements” (aka. big fights); but, because we love each other so much, we are always in a hurry to reconcile ourselves to each other and continue on the wonderful journey of sister-brotherhood.

There are two books I would highly recommend to sisters who want to cultivate a precious friendship with their brothers. The first is Stacy McDonald’s Raising Maidens of Virtue. It was from this book that my family came up with having “Brother/Sister Teas” and other “events” we are going to make family traditions. The second is Home-Making by Victorian writer J. R. Miller (published by Vision Forum). In its chapter “Brothers and Sisters” it gives an absolutely beautiful vision for siblings to share. It shows you how truly wonderful the relationship with your brother or sister can be, and you will come away resolved to make things different! You will be blessed!


Study Notes
1. Describe your present relationship(s) with your brother(s).

2. Does this relationship reflect the will of God for your lives?

3. If not, what can you do to begin or restore a right relationship with him?

4. Once you have, how can you ensure that this wonderful relationship endures through the trials of daily living?

5. Many have commented that the way a sister treats her brother is reflective on the way she will treat her future husband. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

Text: Cherishing Your Brother. © Handmaidens of the Shepherd, September 2007.
Photograph: Untitled. From Art Explosion.

The Botkin Sisters

Do you know of the Botkin Sisters? If not, you should definitely check them out! You can waltz right on over to their site by clicking here.

My mom and I went through most of their book, So Much More, together and all we could say was, "Wow!" The book was written extremely well and I would encourage every Christian girl who wants to learn to stand strong for the Lord in our terribly feminist and anti-Biblical culture to read it. :) More information and where to buy this book is on their site.

Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin have also put out a documentary called The Return of the Daughters . I have not yet seen it (all though hope to soon!) but have heard it is all about what a girl is to do in her single years and how she can make the best of them - serving others, especially those in her home. The DVD is also on their website.

So again, dear ladies who want more, more, more on serving your family and the Lord, I encourage you to reap the knowledge of these godly young women!