will YOU speak?

   I am currently on the last chapter of Grace Mally's new book, "Will Our Generation Speak? A Call to be Bold With the Gospel." I had the blessing of receiving it for free, since I am a Bright Lights leader; and I'd have to say it's one of the best free gifts ever ever received.

       Miss Mally's book is a desparate cry for the awakening of this generation to be bold with the gospel. John 4:35, "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you. Lift up your eyes and look on the fields: for they are white already to harvest." (emphasis added) This has been a convicting, but encouraging read - I love being challenged! 


       Grace begins her book by debunking myths and fears that so often tie our hands and feet, holding us back from being a witness for God. You know how full-grown elephants can be "tied" by a single rope and not move? While they are young, elephants are trained to stay "tied" by putting a chain around their ankle. They fight and fight it, but to no avail. If they fight hard enough, they'll even injure themselves. They finally come to the conclusion that while there is something around that ankle, they cannot move.

        How similar it is with us and the devil's attempts to paralyze us from doing what God commands. He has a small thread around our ankle and we have begun to believe the lie that he tells us: "You're not qualified to go soul-winning. Let someone with more experience do that," "You just don't have the type of personality  that goes up to strangers and has a spiritual conversation," "You're going to be rejected." We're so afraid of failure, of what people will think of us, of not being able to answer their questions, and the excuses go on and on.


       At the same time in her book, Grace encourages by stating the fact that young people do have a voice - adults are curious about us and the way we think, they will listen. 

      
       This weekend, my family, some friends and I attended a local fair and watched the last event - a demolition derby. There was quite a crowd (for a country fair, that is) and I decided to begin implementing everything I've learned from Grace Mally's book. Of course, as soon as I made that decision, there was quite the spiritual battle raging. I had already prayed before we got there that the Lord would bless my efforts and lead me to the people He wished me to talk to. My purse also was armed with many Bible tracts. Sitting in the bleachers, I pretended to be interested in the derby, but was really struggling. For the next ten minutes, I simply practiced in my mind how I would introduce myself, what to say, etc... I finally decided it was now or never. God was with me and that's all I needed.

       Looking back, I smile at how God, like the loving Father He is, helped me during my first conversation. I was approaching a couple of junior high kids standing in line for lemon aid and to my astonishment, one of them was a girl from our Church. She gave me a hug and introduced me to her friends. My confidence was boosted as I began to hand  a "smart card" to her friends. They thought the test was fun and found the back interesting. We talked for a little while, then I left so they could order.


       I decided to use this conversation starter: "Hi!" (exchange names, greetings or some small talk) "Well, can I ask you a question?" (I had all good responses! Everyone said yes) "What do you think happens when you die?" I received many different replies on this: "I think we'll be like angels," one girl told me. "You're just dead," was the cold reply of a woman working at a stand. "uhhh... heaven?" was the response of a few. Many simply said, "I have no clue!" 


       Overall, I had many good conversations through the night and was so encouraged! God really gave me the strength I needed, boldness, and a joy that could not be helped. [smile] 

thoughts

     I am currently dealing with a very painful two day old neck ache. I am unsure of what caused it, but if you think of if, I would appreciate your prayers. A recent outbreak of hives has also been added to the lot. I've been drinking much hot tea on this chilly winter day, which is very soothing, laying on a neck role (trying to fix whatever is wrong) and itching. All the while I've been thinking some thoughts I thought I'd share with you....

After reading Wrestling Prayer, Set-Apart Femininity and being in the midst of Tortured For Christ, God has been impressing some points upon my heart, which I have been praying about and pondering. 

       

I have realized the oh-so-important necessity and power of prayer! I feel like I've just begun to live - that is, just begun to know my Savior (who is my life). Also, the importance of praying specifically and tenaciously. "Boldly we approach the throne of God." I've been praying earnestly for the Lord to give me His love for others and to burden my heart for the unbeliever. It broke my heart, after examining myself, to read what Richard Wurmbrand says in his book, Tortured For Christ,

"A Flower, if you bruise it under you feet, rewards you by giving you its perfume. Likewise  

Christians, tortured by the communists, rewarded their torturers by love. We brought many of our

  jailors to Christ. And we are dominated by one desire: to give communists who have made us 

suffer the best we have, the salvation which comes from our Lord Jesus Christ."

       How can someone who has been brutally beaten, mocked, threatened, stripped of dignity and at times even sanity, who is tortured day after day after day for years, still love those who inflict this misery? I thought about this phenomenon for days, weeks even. And so has begun my quest for this unshakable, all consuming love. One that is patient and kind, doesn't envy nor boast and is not proud. It is not rude, self-seeking, easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. One that does not take delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. A love that protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. A love that will never fail. (I Cor. 13:4-8a paraphrased)

       I desire a set-apart life. A life that is completely poured out for the Kingdom of God. I desire to serve and invest all my time and energy in ministry and meaningful relationships with those around me. I desire to be a prayer-warrior and live a selfless life. I desire for my life and my relationships to be glorifying to Him.  I desire to serve my Lord in any and every opportunity He calls me to.

       Just thought I'd share with you what the Lord has been laying upon my heart. I would strongly encourage you to read all three of these books I have mentioned if you have not already. They are life-changing!

"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." ~ John 17:25-26

just another day....

Today was the first real "school day" for us. Being graduated myself, I have taken over the responsibility of teaching my younger sister - a freshman this year. We had a bit of a late start this morning, but all is completed. I've been inside too much on this beautiful day, so I think I'm going to take a walk to lover's lane and write a letter. Below is an excerpt from Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery - chapter 1

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  "It was so long since Emily had been out for a walk that she was half crazy with the joy of it. The winter had been so stormy and the snow so deep that she was never allowed out; April had been a month of rain and wind; so on this May evening she felt like a released prisoner. Where should she go? Down the brook - or over the fields to the spruce barrens? Emily chose the latter.

She loved the spruce barrens, away at the further end of the long, sloping pasture. That was a place where magic was made. She came more fully into her fairy birthright there than in any other place. Nobody who saw Emily skimming over the bare field would have envied her. She was little and pale and poorly clad; sometimes she shivered in her thin jacket; yet a queen might have gladly given a crown for her visions- her dreams of wonder."

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"When God Writes Your Love Story"

I thoroughly enjoyed Eric and Leslie Ludy's book. They speak about a "sweeter song" - a better kind of love; one that is lasting, unconditional and self-sacrificing - a love based not upon "feelings," but rather on a choice.
Eric and Leslie each experienced a pivotal moment in their lives when each of them had a change of heart, causing them to view dating, guy/girl relationships and parental involvement in a whole new light. Difficult in the beginning, but rewarding in the end, was their decision to give God - the author of romance- control of their "love lives," as well as their decision to invite their parent's help. They strongly encourage parental involvement - not in the way of arranged marriages, but in protecting, guiding and enhancing the romance.

They emphasize the importance of physical and emotional purity and how you can be honoring and loving your future spouse even before you meet. "She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."  -Proverbs 31:12 (emphasis added). Leslie writes: "Two people who have saved themselves completely - inwardly, outwardly, emotionally, and physically - coming together to love each other for a lifetime with the purest, most uninhibited love imaginable... this is romance in its truest form! This is God's perfect design for you! This is the "sweeter song"! And it's something we can begin to work toward right now!"

We each of us have our ideals of the man or woman whom we would like to marry, not necessarily in terms of physical appeal, but in character. (i.e. a man of integrity who is humble, honest, sincere, honorable, sensitive, a leader with a servant's heart, etc...) Where do those natural desires come from? They are the character traits of Christ Jesus and He's the one who instilled them in us. Our love story with Mr. or Ms. ________ should be reflective of our love story with our Heavenly Prince. A love story written by Him goes beyond what we could ever imagine!

Are you willing to give God the pen of your love story? He makes no mistakes.

To Reads by Eric and Leslie Ludy:

I'm looking forward to reading these and many more from the Ludys this Summer... :)


 Set-Apart Femininity: God's Sacred Intent for Every Young Woman

Girls! Do you long for something more than the shallow, self-focused, pleasure-seeking femininity so prevalent today? Do you want a focus beyond chasing male approval and pop-culture appeal? Do you need a fresh vision of God’s amazing purpose for your life as a young woman? Are you ready to become one of the few in this generation who will make an eternal impact upon this world? Discover set-apart femininity.

This is a powerful, candid, conversational book in which I pass on a compelling vision for femininity that can forever alter your existence and take you far beyond the unfulfilling trends of modern culture. This book is not the same old mediocre message you’ve always heard. It’s a radical call to a counter-culture lifestyle in which every aspect of your femininity – from the way you relate with guys to the focus and direction of your life – is shaped by an intimate relationship with the King of kings. It’s the kind of heroic femininity that the world-changing women of history understood. And it’s well within your grasp, no matter where you’ve been.

This book tackles key issues you’re facing today, like:

* unlocking God’s sacred call upon your life

* understanding God’s pattern for true feminine beauty

* captivating the heart of a Christ-like guy

* aligning your daily existence with God’s priorities

*finding real fulfillment by living a poured-out life

Get ready to experience the lost art of set-apart femininity – and find what you’ve been searching for.

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When God Writes Your Love Story: The Ultimate Guide to Guy/Girl Relationships

This book has provided the foundation for a whole new way of thinking about relationships among today’s younger generation. Rather than building a love story the way the world does (with a few Christian morals tacked on for good measure) this book introduces readers to a far superior way of building a love story…God’s way. After all, God is the One who invented the concept of romance in the first place! And God doesn’t need to imitate the world’s way of building a relationship…He has His very own perfect, amazing, beautiful way of writing a love story, and it is far more fulfilling and romantic than anything Hollywood could ever concoct. Leslie and I believe that the foundation for an amazing, lifelong love story begins even before you meet your future spouse, by allowing the Author of romance to script your love story and show you how to love like He loves. Rather than chasing after temporary relationships, this book challenges readers to give the “pen” to God and allow Him to script their love story in His own perfect time and way.  In this book, we take readers through the “Four Secrets to an Amazing Love Story” – practical things that you can do now to prepare for a love story that will go the distance. From learning to love your spouse even before you meet them, to understanding the difference between mere abstinence and true purity; from practicing the skills of tenderness and selflessness that will make you a superhero spouse, to experiencing God’s best in your single years; from understanding renewed purity to making your parents your teammates – this book is loaded with inspiration, motivation, and practical insight for experiencing a God-written love story.

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Authentic Beauty

For most of my young adult life, I had known Jesus Christ only as the One who had saved me from my sins. I had been looking to an earthly romance to fulfill the deepest desires of my heart. I had been searching for an earthly prince to rescue me, to carry me away to his castle, to love and cherish me forever – to fulfill my feminine desire for tender romance. Like so many modern young women, I gave myself to one shallow relationship after the next, only to end up lonely and heartbroken. I looked to human relationships to meet needs in my heart that only Jesus Christ was meant to fill.  Until Jesus Christ becomes the Lover of our soul - the very center of our existence - we will always be looking in the wrong places to fulfill our feminine longing for tender romance. We will end up broken-hearted and disillusioned, time and time again.  Christ alone can truly fulfill the desires of our heart.  Authentic Beauty is a personal and practical book about becoming a set-apart young woman in today’s perverse generation.  It explores the boundless opportunities God has for the life of a young woman who makes Christ the first love of her heart and allows Him to shape every aspect of her existence.

:::Humility; Purity; Modesty:::

Mary's favourite flowers were the violet, the lily, and the rose, and James [her father] loved to find in them emblems of the graces of the mind, which he wished her to cultivate. When she brought him her first spring violet, he said to her, "Let this flower, my dear Mary, be the emblem of humility and of that quite benevolence which does good in secret. In it's quite dress of deep blue, decked by no gaudy colours, it modestly hides under the green leaves and is scarcely seen, while shedding around it the richest perfume. Try to resemble it, dear Mary; care not for gay ornaments and vain display, but strive to obtain that 'ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.'"

In the season of roses and lilies, James said one morning, pointing to the spotless white of a beautiful lily, rendered still more dazzling by the rays of the sun shining full upon it, "This lily, my dear child, is the emblem of purity. How easily it's leaves are stained! Scarcely can they be touched when they are injured. Thus the very least approach of vice pollutes and corrupts the soul. Pray, dear Mary, for purity of heart. Remember that though polluted by nature, we may nevertheless be washed free from stain in the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness, and that God has promised that though our sins are red as crimson, they shall be white as snow. None but the pure in heart shall see God; none but those washed and clothed in the spotless white robe of Christ's righteousness shall ever sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

"Let the rose," he said, "be the emblem of modesty, as it resembles the blush which rises to the cheek of a modest girl. But there is another lesson to be learned from the rose: after it's beautiful colours have faded, it still retains it's fragrance; when it's leaves are brown and withered, they are even sweeter than in their fresh and lovely youth. Thus it is, dear Mary, with a true Christian. Thus let it be with you. The cheek of youth will fade, outward beauty will decay, but strive to acquire those graces of the mind which are unfading and imperishable."



- "The Basket of Flowers. A Tale For The Youth." by,  Marguerite Gavin

:::Writing:::

I've just started reading "Writing Personal Essays: How to Shape Your Life Experiences for the Page," by Sheila Bender. I'm only in the second chapter thus far, but yesterday I did my first writing exercise called, "Clustering."

According to the author, clustering is a type of method that helps to give suggestions or answers to your questions. You begin with circling the words "people," "place," "thing," or "event." After starting with one of these subjects, you draw lines out to the things you think of - things that you either like or dislike. You then circle them, and if something that correlates to the one you just drew, then you can draw a second line out from it. This can continue until you run out of thoughts. Below is a picture of one of my clusters. I chose "places."

The next exercise is called "Freewriting." After you finish your cluster, you choose one of the places, persons, things, or events and write about that subject for ten minutes. During these ten minutes, you should not worry about what you're saying or do any erasing (though I did cross a few words out). This exercise is to get your pen moving and your mind going. The author says if you can't think of anything to write, then go ahead and repeat yourself! You can also look to your cluster page and get some ideas. The main point is to write.

 Next is the "This is a Poem" exercise. It is used to gather sensory images about your subject. Her example:

"This is a poem about going to work.

This is a poem about the floating bridge route.

This is a poem about a reversible lane.

This is a poem about being passed from the right." etc.....

The last exercise is "Comparative Thinking." This is describing something by likening it to something unrelated. My example is below:

I'm interested in writing, but still in the beginning stages. Do you have any writing exercises that help you? Or good suggestions that you'd like to share?

"For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is let it rain." — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

My sister and I were soaked by the time we returned from the barn this morning. My drenched hair felt like it froze into strips of icicles.

On most rainy Saturdays, I enjoy reading a wonderful novel, playing piano (always the slow ballad types on rainy days), or writing..

However, this Saturday, I had no choice but to finish reading a book that I have to write a book report on. It's a very interesting and informative book!

The title: "They Must Be Stopped." 

The book is about how we must stop radical Islam and what the dangers of that religion are. Many say that Islam is a "peaceful and tolerant" religion. My friends, nothing could be further from the truth. I would encourage you all to read it and let me know what you think. Do not be ignorant of what is happening. 

There are only three religions in which the followers will die for their beliefs. 1. Christianity, 2. Islam and 3. Marxism

I plan on having my book report on it done by Monday, so I may post my review of the book.

I hope you all had a wonderful rainy Saturday... :)

* things that maketh me happy *

* chilly fall weather.

* thinking of my brother as I wear his old sweater (which is two sizes too big)

* riding bareback with halter and lead rope at 7:30 in the morning

* listening to my favorite songs

* mastering a difficult song on the piano

* reading novels

* making school schedules

* teaching my younger sister her eight subjects in school (& creating my own lessons for her geography)

* having windows open

* going on walks

* writing blog posts

* thinking

* being barefoot

* chocolate

* coffee, cream and sugar

* the Rebelution

* being dogmatic when I know I'm right ;)

* having a loving sister to confide in and three awesome, caring older brothers!!!

* being a child of God