Consider these words...

Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
     in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,
     studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
     and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
     the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
     he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
     in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
     all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
     to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people; 
     he has commanded his covenant forever.
     Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
     all those who practice it have a good understanding.
     His praise endures forever!

- Psalm 111

Lessons I Have Learned

About dating...yes, it's time I threw a few things out there because I have learned a lot, especially having dated someone and broke up for good reason.

Now I've read a number of Christian books about dating over the past five years or so...here are some (there are too many to list them all) pearls that I have gathered and my responses to each.

Holding Hands Holding Hearts: Recovering a Biblical View of Christian Dating
By Richard D. & Sharon L. Phillips

“This is what it means to entrust ourselves to God; we take our refuge in him and acknowledge that he alone can provide the blessings we desire. It also means that though we possess everything we desire, without God we will never be satisfied.” 
The truth be told.

“Intimacy follows commitment, and a woman should not offer increased intimacy - time spent together, sharing of the heart, little acts of helping ministry - without increased commitment from the man…It may involve yielding to a man’s sexual advances or just baking cookies for him. There is a big difference between the two, but the spirit is the same: the woman thinks that she has to sell herself to gain the love of a man. Instead, a Christian woman should look to God to provide for her needs and show the self-respect that demands a man to step forward in commitment before she steps out into new intimacy.”
This speaks to me so clearly now that I look back on the relationship that I was in. I was fighting, trying so hard to win love and affection from my boyfriend that I missed the part about looking to God to provide. I only wanted to be pursued. The next man that I date will be making the first moves. If he wants me, he will fight for me.

“If we are ever to be content - and with contentment to have true joy - it will come only through our relationship with the Lord our God.”
Oh have I learned this. Not completely of course, but I know that when I am in the presence of God I am joyful.

“...if you have time, give it to Jesus. Devote yourself to studying his Word and to developing strong habits of prayer and worship.”
Work in progress.

I Kissed Dating Goodbye: A New Attitude Towards Romance and Relationships
By Joshua Harris

“God gives us singleness - a season of our lives unmatched in its boundless opportunities for growth, learning, and service”
I must take this into account. I am as free now as I'll ever be.

“The world will know we follow Christ by the way we love others. For this reason, we must practice love as God defines it - sincere, servant-hearted, and selfless - not the world’s brand of selfish and sensual love based on what feels good.”
A point missed in today's society. I must fight my natural human tendencies to selfishness.

“God has made each of us with a desire for intimacy, and He intends to fulfill it. While we’re single He doesn’t expect these longings to disappear, but I believe He asks us to have the patience to wait and, in the meantime, seek close relationships with family and friends and deep, non-romantic relationships with brothers and sisters in the Lord."
Patience...must develop patience and enjoy my friends and family.

“In brother-sister relationships, men and women spur each other on to godliness - they stand against wickedness together, they seek God together, they honour one another and grow in grace side by side.”
Where are my brothers at?

“As we evaluate someone’s character (including our own), we need to carefully observe three areas - how the individual relates to God, the way he or she treats others, and the way this person disciplines his or her personal life. These areas are like windows into a person’s character.”
My eyes are open.

When God Writes Your Love Story
By Eric & Leslie Ludy

“Sometimes in a relationship, we can be so caught up in our feelings for the other person that we squeeze God into the background. It becomes a confusing, emotional mess, and we wonder why God isn’t giving us more direction, when all the while He is there, waiting to be allowed back into first place in out hearts. Only when He is truly in first place are we ready for a God-written love story.”
De-ja-vu much.

“Intimate family relationships are among the most difficult things we must deal with as humans, because closeness leads to the exposure of who we really are, inside and outside…I guarantee you, that if you train yourself to model Christ now to those most familiar and close, you will be superb at it when you get married.”
This is no cake walk. I have found that to truly love my family, I have to fight against myself constantly. I think it's about time I asked God for some help.


Now I have read a few other books on dating and this is just a taste of what I have picked out and reviewed so far. I will most definitely add to this post in the near future. As a last statement for now, I would recommend to either girls or guys the following link if you are interested in reading some really good information about guy-girl relationships in general. Just click the link, download the guides, and enjoy a great read.<https://focusonthefamily.webconnex.com/bound-pt>

Maggie

That's my dog's name. She is a poodle-terrier cross. Small, black, and really cute...

She is also very tolerant...

Now for some short facts about this particular pooch...

1. Maggie barks at anyone who comes near our house.
2. She becomes completely immobile when she is wearing her muzzle (this works to control the barking).
3. This dog eats only when she is hungry. I've heard this is odd.
4. Maggie likes to howl (or sing) along to my piano playing.
5. She runs away when the word "bath" is uttered.
6. We payed only $100 for her although we have spent much more on her since.
7. This dog spends most of her days curled up on a chair near the front window of our house.
8. Maggie can down a DentaStix treat in under a minute, forgetting to chew.
9. She can eat half of a chocolate cake and survive! She has a stomach of steel!
10. Maggie enjoys shredding used kleenex...gross I know.
11. Her favorite toy is a stuffed German Shepherd.
12. She has a white stripe down her backside like a skunk.
13. When going on walks, Maggie insists on choking herself.
14. She is an escape artist (she got out of her kennel when we left her alone).
15. Maggie "does her business" beside the house on the rocks only.
16. Her tricks include: sit, lie down, roll over, shake a paw, dance (on two feet), hug, kiss, and high five.

Even though my Mom originally planned on getting a chocolate lab, we like Maggie. After all, she was on sale ;)

Oh Envelopes...

There are so many different kinds out there these days!

Different sizes, colors, and ways to seal them.

Well this weekend I decided to mail a letter to one of my friends. This letter was long overdue and it required a large letter envelope.

So I asked my Mom where the envelopes were and she got me the box of large letter envelopes.

I proceeded to pick one out, opened it, placed my letter inside, licked it, and pressed down the flap to seal it.

It wasn't sealing...so I said, "Oh darn, don't tell me that this is one of those envelopes that just won't stick."

As I continued to press down the flap with my fingers on the table.

My Mom looked at me for a second and said, "It's a peel and stick! Didn't you notice the taste? You're such a geek!"

Then we laughed for awhile as I looked at the bright orange label on the box that said "Peel & Stick."

I'm glad that I can laugh at myself :)

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk

Well I didn't cry...but I certainly spilled milk...a lot of milk...on the driveway...
Yeah, I accidentally dropped a whole 4 litre jug of milk and it sprung a fast leak...but I'm not crying :) it happens...and I managed to save one tenth of the milk. It made my Mom laugh. I guess I'm funny :) or at least my misfortune is. 

The Best Valentine's Day Yet

Nothing crazy but I decided to invite all of the single ladies from the young adult's group at my church to a party at my house tonight.
It was the best Valentine's Day evening of my life thus far! We had a blast eating good food, playing games, and watching Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
I am so encouraged and joyful :)
Thank you Lord for amazing girlfriends :)

One Unfortunate Event

We all know the monster, it's called discontentedness.
Does this have to do with a certain Valentine's Day?
Of course! Well, a little anyways...
It's more to do with emotion, feelings, and trying to figure out why guys are so weird sometimes...
An example...a guy that I barely know just decided that he would try to get me involved in a game of tag with a bunch of little boys at kid's club. I didn't think anything of it at first...but then it became a habit. Almost every time he saw me I would get tagged...
My brain went to work after the fourth "tag incident," and I started making assumptions...he likes me right?
Well I still don't know, and now I might never find out because of my adorable youngest brother.
I did talk to my family about how this guy would never actually talk to me but would tag me and say, "You're it!" and smile. I never really played along...I never tagged him back.
But tonight was different, he didn't look at me at all. In fact he was blushing and struggling to read as he told the story at kid's club. I was about to find out why he was so nervous.
As soon as I went upstairs with my small group of girls for games time, a friend of mine approached me and subtly told me that my youngest brother had burst into the kitchen before kid's club started - to tell the "tag" guy, "my sister thinks you like her."
Well of course the guy was red! Oh I just wanted to beat my brother so bad! That's the last time I mention anything about guys to my family...things just manage to get awkward.
Well there was one positive I guess...I never got tagged tonight, and quite possibly never again! Well by one guy anyways. :)
Now to the discontentment part...it is fun to be liked I must admit...especially by good looking, godly Christian men. But why do some guys have to be so weird about it?
Personally I would much rather have some random guy surprise me by asking me out for coffee. I don't want to play tag for the rest of my life!
Being single is hard sometimes...but God is still good :)

The Best Soup

Well...the best soup that I've ever made anyways. I shall share the recipe because I just can't keep it to myself!

1 cup butter melted
12 tbsp flour
2 cubes chicken bullion
4 cups milk
4 potatoes peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubes
1 red pepper chopped
1/2 white onion chopped
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/3 cup real bacon bits
Salt & pepper to taste

Basically you just mix all of the above together in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until potatoes are fork-tender. Add extra milk if you want a thinner soup. Enjoy! 

No Other Savior by Starfield

Lord of every age
Author of our faith
The first, the last, the same
The name above all names
Crowned in majesty
Glorious Prince of Peace
Enthroned at God's right hand
The world at His command
The world at His command

Jesus Lamb of God
How great You are
There is no other Savior
Every knee bows down
At Your renown
There is no other Savior

Merciful High Priest
Lover of the least
Generous and meek
Protector of the weak
Sacrificed to death
For us Your final breath
You died the world to save
To overcome the grave
To overcome the grave


Jesus Lamb of God
How great You are
There is no other Savior
Every knee bows down
At Your renown
There is no other Savior

You will reign forever, You reign forever

Wonderful Worship

If there is one thing that I could define as "my type of worship," it would be music.

I was chilling in my office at church today about an hour and a half before Young Adults worship night would start. Jess had left for the evening so I decided to read my Bible for a bit, spend some time with God. After I finished reading I decided to pull out my guitar and play a few Jeremy Camp songs. It was a wonderful time of worship. Music really helps me to focus. Especially when the lyrics I am singing are praising God.

Sometimes a song is like a prayer for me. There are many songs that I have posted on this blog that have been prayers that I have lifted to the Lord as I sang them. I cannot explain how great it feels to worship God and know that He is listening. To know that He loves me.

After playing a few songs and reading a bit more, it was time for worship night to commence.

I wish I could remember the full set of songs that we sang together, but I can't. All I can remember is the feeling. It was beautiful. God really reminded me of His love for me. I am saved because of the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross. That is love. True love.

I cried many tears of joy tonight. I had to stop singing a couple of times because I was so overwhelmed with the reminder of what Christ has done for me. For us. All of us.

I can't get over it, He loves us that much.

Another special moment tonight for me was a memory that came to mind...

Way back when I was fifteen, God had been challenging me to trust Him. He still challenges me today, but this memory is vivid, and always will be for good reason.

It was a baptismal Sunday. I was freaked out of my mind to get baptized because it meant I had to do some public speaking. It was my biggest fear, I did not want to share my testimony in front of the whole church. But God did something special for me that day. He called me to follow Him. He told me that He was trustworthy. I will never forget what happened that morning...

I was overwhelmed with fear and confusion. I began to cry and my heart cried out for help. I knew that I could not and would not get baptized without some supernatural aid. Then I looked up and I saw His face. Now I can't describe it exactly, but I just knew that God was revealing Himself to me. I was completely calmed after that moment, and I was baptized in the next month.

No one can tell me that God is not real. I have a testimony that speaks of His love and power.

There is no other Savior. 

Not A Mechanic Part 2

Ok so you know how I was going to get my car checked out after discovering that my coolant was disappearing? Well I did, and here's how it all went down...

So I had a massive headache on the day my Dad told me to bring my car across the city to the Hyundai dealership to get it checked. Bummer. Then when I got on the main road, it was blocked up for miles and I almost hit a truck trying to stop on ice. Good start. I soon (well about a half hour later) discovered that there was a semi truck blocking the whole road. The trailer was right across both lanes. So I drove around slowly and then finally got to Hyundai.

My Dad works right next to the dealership so he met me there. I took his car home.

We found out later that day that my car was going to cost about $1550 to fix! But we had to get it done. Now I'll tell you what was wrong...

The coolant was indeed leaking...right into the oil. This ruined a gasket of some kind, so it needed replacing.

Then a bunch of other things were checked and I got an oil change, a coolant refill, my wipers replaced, and my tires re-adjusted.

The best part is that all the warning lights in my car work! Did I mention that the check engine light was on for a while before this too? I deliberately ignored that one...it's off now...

Anyways, from now on I am going to get things checked as soon as the lights go on because they work!

And because I'm not a mechanic.

Loneliness

It's weird how you can feel lonely among many people.

It's times like this when I know I need God...Not that I don't need Him all the time. It just becomes a more prominent need when times like this come along. When I need a friend to talk with, but most of my best friends are in faraway places and my other best friends are busy.

It's weird to think that God is not only my Father, but also my friend. Someone who will listen to anything I say and somehow offer comfort. I love God for a lot of reasons, but I must say that His love is absolutely amazing. He cares for me in ways that no one else can.

But I realize that the barrier between myself and God is me. My selfishness, my sin.

It is because of me that I don't come to my Father as often as I should. I feel shame because of my sin, or prideful because I think I'm fine on my own. Why should God listen to me anyways? I have no rights. Yet, His Word tells me that He loves me and wants me to come to Him. John 3:16, Psalm 86:15.

Loneliness also comes when I try to do things alone. Which is often. I somehow think that I can always do things by my own strength, a bad habit to fall into. Guess what? It never works! Well sometimes it seems to, but something is always wrong. I am either unsatisfied with my efforts, exhausted, upset, or a combination of all three.

I lack a lifestyle of dependence upon God for everything, and an attitude of thankfulness towards Him. I need Him to change me, and I need to seek Him. By choosing to spend time with my Lord I can grow in my relationship with Him, which will help me to become more like Him as I grow in my knowledge of Him.

Oh loneliness...or is it just laziness?

Cribbage

I know many other people like me who play cribbage, crib for short. Most of them attended Bible college with me.

Back when I was a young little girl, my Daddy decided that he wanted to teach me how to play crib. Being Daddy's little girl I jumped at the opportunity to play this seemingly grown-up type game. I beat him sometimes, he beat me most of the time.

Now I would consider myself to be a mature cribbage player. Meaning that I've played enough games in my life to see it all. All possible hands probably...including the extremely rare and exciting 29 pointer (if you don't know what that is...learn how to play crib or look it up!).

It was a rather normal afternoon at Bible college. I was playing a game of crib with Naomi, a good friend of mine. We played crib often and she usually won. This game would be no different. She won, skunked me actually (if you don't know what that means, you know what to do). All because she got a 29. A 29 I TELL YOU! I couldn't contain myself, I had to stand up and scream it to the world. A 29!! I scared a few people with my outrageous enthusiasm and excitement (this moment was caught on tape). Naomi just smiled. Just smiled. That's all. I was freaking out and it wasn't even my hand! But then again, I get excited about a lot of things. This one was just slightly more exciting.

So I thought I would share that memory with y'all. I still play crib. I still lose most of the games I play (some people would smirk at that because they gladly helped me gain my losing streak, I still love them anyways). I am still waiting for my very own 29-point hand.

Blue and Green!

I finally figured it out! What? Why my favourite colours are blue and green!

So yesterday I was pulling all of the stuffed animals out of a bin downstairs in hopes that I could put them all in a box to give away because my siblings and I don't need them anymore. While I was doing this, I came across a certain stuffed animal that I just couldn't part with.

A turquoise coloured dragon with blue wings.

It was the very first stuffed animal that I ever owned. It was given to me right after I came out of the "secret place" (that's the womb for those who don't know).

Now I am assuming that, because the turquoise dragon was the first really colourful thing I had seen, it is the reason I love the colours blue and green so much. Apart from the fact that I have blue eyes and that I cheer for the Saskatchewan Roughriders...and that the sky is almost always blue and grass is almost always green.

I love blue and green. Thank you God for colour and eyes to see it!

Unrestrained by Jeremy Camp

Another day that is lost
A moment that I've cost
But I can feel Your arms of hope and grace

I'm holding on so dear
The promise You are near
Your loving kindness never fails

So take this selfish heart of mine
I want to give it all
I've wasted too much time
And melt away everything that's not of You
I want to know You more
So much deeper than I do
Completely unrestrained

I'll give my life away
Every single day
A price so small for what You gave

I'm desperate for You
To shape my heart into
The very image of what I'm to be