Raising money for orphans - UPDATE

I LOVE this website/blog!!! Please consider donating! In 190 days, this wonderful lady has raised $45,000 for orphans!!! Misselainious' goal is to raise $50,000! Help her reach her goal by the end of the year!!!

Here is the link to her website: http://misselainious.com/

Text ORPHAN to 52000 to give $10.

UPDATE: Guess what??? Miss Elaini raised $54,000 by today! God is so great! I had a lot of fun watching God's hand in this all and seeing all the money being raised! Go check out the blog and see the latest update!

Top gifts to give!

If I had all the money in the world...these are the gifts I would be giving to everyone this year!

I will include gift that I love and think others would love, too. They are in no order, except for the order in which I can remember them! I will also include a link to where you can buy them!


Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

http://www.christianbook.com/jesus-calling/sarah-young/9781591451884/pd/451884?product_redirect=1&Ntt=451884&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Joy: An Irish Christmas - Keith and Kristyn Getty

http://www.christianbook.com/keith-getty/joy-an-irish-christmas/pd/CD58964?product_redirect=1&Ntt=CD58964&item_code=WW&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Five Love Languages...Singles edition - Gary Chapman

 http://www.amazon.com/Five-Love-Languages-Singles/dp/1881273873/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324355823&sr=8-1

River of Time series - Lisa Tawn Bergren

Waterfall -http://www.amazon.com/Waterfall-Novel-Lisa-T-Bergren/dp/1434764338/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324356022&sr=1-3

Cascade - http://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Novel-Lisa-T-Bergren/dp/1434764311/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324356022&sr=1-2

Torrent - http://www.amazon.com/Torrent-Novel-Lisa-T-Bergren/dp/143476429X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324356022&sr=1-1

Any of MaryLu Tyndall's books

http://www.marylutyndall.com/books


I also recommend Karen Kingsbury's books

http://www.karenkingsbury.com/books

Erynn Mangum's books

http://www.erynnmangum.com/ErynnMangum.com/Books.html

Stay tuned for more!!!

Computer Wallpaper

Here is a link to one of my favorite places to get Wallpaper for my computer!

Check it out: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/resource-library/wallpapers/

Here are some examples of the different wallpaper:

There are new ones posted each season...

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving Day! I was able to spend it with about 1/2 of my family! I loved having them all around me. Before dinner, we always go around the room and say one thing we are thankful for. This year, I made a new rule. I told everyone that if they wanted to give thanks for their family, then they had to say thank you for something else, too. I figure no matter who your family is (by blood or adoption or anything in between), I think we should give thanks for them!

It was fun to hear what else people were thankful for!

Some of the thankfulness that was shared
My family was thankful for:
faith
health
Grandpa - togetherness
Niece - toys
Niece - the feast (food)

And of course family!

Give thanks 11/23/11

I give thanks for:
Jesus
Salvation
Life
Family
Friends
Church
The Bible
Holidays
Cars
Bags
Clothes
Fun times
Laughter
Faith
Hope
My mom and dad
Love
Liberty
Trees
Wood
Books
Internet
Computers
My new phone
Food
Iced tea
Shoes
High heels
Hats, gloves, and scarfs
Jewelry
Flowers
Swimming
Summer
Boating
Lakes
Water
Roads
Lights
Radio

And all the stuff that I probably don't need, but I am thankful for it!

Thank You Father for all the blessings You have given me and the place and time that You have put me in.
Amen!

Courageous the Movie

Did you know that the Courageous movie is coming out in about a month and a half???

http://www.courageousthemovie.com/

Bring It Home...

Available on DVD & Blu-Ray

January 17, 2012

GIve Thanks - 11/22/11

I give thanks for a wood stove! I love the warmth that comes from them. It is so cozy. I am thankful that we can have a wood stove to heat our house. I am also thankful for the wood to keep the fire warm.

Give thanks 11/21/11

Again, I am thankful for people. But today I am especially thankful for the wonderful grandparents that I have been blessed with.

Three of my grandparents have went to be with Jesus. And I greatly miss them.  I give thanks for the time I was able to spend with them.

Today, I give thanks for my Grandpa. I am thankful I am still able to spend time with him. I love listening to his stories about his life.

Remember to cherish the time you have with your loved ones. Thanksgiving is coming, take the time to spend it with family and friends!

Give thanks - 11/20/11

I think that the biggest thing that I give thanks to God for everyday is the people that He has put in my life. They are so important to me and I am so blessed by them.

I am also thankful for another day, for life. God's blessings are great!

Verses from the sermon- 1 Thess. 5

These are the verses the pastor preached on in church yesterday. I really like verses 16-18.

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

(16-18) Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

(1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 NIV84)

Give Thanks- 11/19/11

I give thanks for a safe drive home. The drive home today took about an hours extra due to snow. We saw many cars on the side of the road. I pray that people will drive safely. And I am thankful we had a safe trip.

Give Thanks - 11/18/11

I am thankful that my family (about half) and I were able to spend time together yesterday. I also give thanks that we could stay in a hotel overnight and go swimming in the pool. I love to go swimming!

Give Thanks- 11/17/11

I give thanks for all the wonderful people on my life! I am able to be involved in some great groups with great people that share my values and beliefs. I am thankful for them and for their encouragement to me and their kind words.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. (Romans 1:8 ESV)

Give Thanks - two for one! 11/15-16/11

I give thanks for the little one that will get to wear this outfit and bib soon! This week, I became an auntie again for the 11th time!!! I give thanks for God blessing of this baby. And I am thankful for the health of this little one!

Psalm 127:3

English Standard Version (ESV)

 ³Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
    the fruit of the womb a reward. 

 

Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

John 1:12

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

 

This verse reminds me that we all have the opportunity to be called children of God and God loves us! I pray this child will grow to love God and have a personal relationship with Him!

 

 

Yay!!! I am an auntie again!!!! (Just had to say that!)

Give Thanks - 11/14/11

I give thanks for warm water and a warm house. Sometimes, many times, we take these kinds of things for granted. But we need to remember to be thankful for the small everyday things!!!

Colossians 1:3
[ Thanksgiving and Prayer ] We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.

What are you thankful for???

Give Thanks - 11/13/11

Yesterday, Nov. 13, I was thankful for a sermon that spoke to my heart! The sermon was based on a chapter in John. John 12:12-25. The pastor talked about how we have a hard life as Christians, but he also talked about how God will reward us.

One of my favorite things that Pastor John Piper said was, "It is hard to be a Christian, but hard does not equal joylessness". We can have and find joy in the midst of a hard life. It means we do not have to be "woe is me, life is hard". Instead we can find joy in our relationship with Christ and what He is doing in our lives.

To listen to the sermon, click here!

Again, I am thankful that God used this sermon to tough my heart. Please take the time to listen to it!



Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.

River of Time Series

These are some books I really enjoyed and I hope you will too. For more info on the author, check out these link:
AUTHOR CONNECTIONS:
http://www.LisaBergren.com (author web site)
http://www.theworldiscalling.com (the Bergrens’ travel web site)
Facebook: “Lisa Tawn Bergren” and “River of Time Series”
Twitter: @LisaTBergren

Here is some info about the series:
WHY I WROTE THE RIVER OF TIME SERIES:
My daughter was a reluctant reader. I tried book after book, but could not get her to willingly sit down and read a book to save my life—which is especially irritating when you’re an author! It wasn’t until I brought home Twilight that Olivia was hooked, reading way past bedtime, thinking about the characters all day, and eagerly returning home so she could read some more!
I read the series with her and we discussed them. But mostly I encouraged her to stay engaged…I was so glad to see her break through that fiction barrier and finally see what a good story was like. When we went to the first movie together, I looked around at all those girls who were so excited to be there, to see the tale turned into film, and I thought, “Man, I’d love to write for this audience too. Give them all the romance, and all the suspense, but skip the vampires.”
And that’s how the River of Time was born.
What surprised me most was how much fun I had writing them—I hope I get to keep writing for young adults. I love their enthusiasm and fresh perspective.

SERIES SUMMARY FOR THE RIVER OF TIME:
Gabriella and Evangelia Betarrini are the daughters of Etruscan archeologists. Stuck on a hot, dusty dig site for yet another long, dreary summer—far from the nearest boys—they go exploring. They enter a forbidden tomb and find two handprints among the frescoes. And when they touch them, together, they are catapulted back in time…and into the adventure of their lives.

Give Thanks - 11/12/11

I give thanks for the 4, yes FOUR, college credits I earned yesterday!!! I was able to earn them through FEMA Independent Study Courses.

My college will accept some of these courses as college credit. I am not sure if other colleges do, but it may be worth checking into if you need electives.

So the 4 credits yesterday brings me a total of 9 credits earned through FEMA.

Credits still needed: 24

Earned credits that count towards my degree: 96

Yay!!!

I am thankful I am one step closer to my goal!


Psalm 42:4
These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.

Give Thanks - 11/11/11

Today, I give thanks to all the people who have served, fought for, and ultimately gave their lives for our country, Veterans.

This is a song for them!

Thank you, veterans, for serving!!!

I found this picture on Facebook:

Jonah 2:9
(Verses 1-2 for context. ¹ From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. ² He said:)
But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.”

Give Thanks - 11/10/11

I realized something yesterday. Up until now, I have been giving thanks for tangible things, for the most part. Things we can touch, feel, and see.

Today I give thanks for laughter, joy, and love! I give thanks for God's grace and forgiveness. I give thanks for seconded chances. I give thanks for faith.

I give thanks for life!

Revelation 4:8-9 (NIV1984)

⁸ Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
   “Holy, holy, holy
   is the Lord God Almighty,
   who was, and is, and is to come.”
 ⁹ Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever.

Give Thanks - 11/9/11

I am thankful for Sticky Notes!!!!

They are fun, useful, fun, handy, fun, etc...

1 Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Give Thanks - 11/8/11

I am giving thanks for the internet. I use it almost everyday for school, communication, and research. The last two days I did not have access to it on my computer. I realized that I use it a lot for things, especially my school.

Here is a song to remind us to "give thanks"

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Give Thanks 11/7/11

I give thanks to God for my family. He has blessed me with my family. I am thankful for each member in my family. I am also thankful that I am a child of God and that I am a part of His family!

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. (1 Chronicles 16:8 NIV84)

Give Thanks 11/6/11

I give thanks for blankets and quilts. I love to snuggle up in a nice warm blanket. Most of my blankets have special meanings to them. Many of the quilts were made by my grandmas. It is great to have these blankets and quilts as reminders of grandmothers. And they remind me I am loved. Not only by the people who made me the blankets. But by the One who made me. Jesus loves me and He loves you, too!!!


Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-3, 26 ESV)

Give Thanks 11/5/11

I am thankful for an extra hour of sleep due to Day Lights Saving! I am off to bed, so  I can enjoy that extra hour!!!

Don't forget to set the clocks back one hour..."fall back"!!!

Give Thanks - 11/4/11

I am thankful that I was able to go shopping with my mom and my little sister!!! It was a fun time. Even did some Christmas shopping. It was a fun day!

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Give Thanks- 11-3-11

I give thanks for my own bedroom. So many things we take for granted. We need to be thankful for the things that we consider to be small things and those things we take for granted.

What are you thankful for?


You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you.
(Psalm 118:28 ESV)

Give Thanks - 11/2/11

I give thanks for many things today!

I give thanks for:

The CD I won on the radio!

For silly things!

For the grade I got on one of my final papers!

Chatting with friends!

Being able to have fun!

Celebrating!

Having JOY!

One of my favorite new songs!!!

This is a beautiful song...we must praise God always!!! It is all about Him.

I am thankful I can Praise HIM!


1 Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

He makes everything beautiful!

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time."

GIve Thanks - 11/1/11

I give thanks for...

Friends

I have many friends. Some are older than me, some are younger than me, some are my age. Some are from this group or that group. They are all from different walks of life and they all teach me different things. I am privileged to friends in my family and to have friends become a part of my family. Some of these people may not even call me their friend, but I am glad I can call them my friend! 

My greatest friend of all is Jesus. He laid down his life for me, and for you.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

I am thankful for all my friends and that Jesus, my friend, loved me enough to lay down His life.

1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Reformation Day

In honor of Reformation Day, 10/31/11, I am posting some pictures of Martin Luther that I took at the Creation Museum.

New JOY blog post!

This JOY Blog post, Give Thanks!, is talking about what I am doing here on my blog and how you can do it, too! 

http://joyfilledgirls.blogspot.com/2011/11/give-thanks.html

Make you check out next Monday for the article: Author Favorites - Websites!

Give Thanks - 10/31/11

I give thanks for "abnormality". I am thankful for people that do not just go along with culture, but are making a difference. More importantly, they are living for Christ, and they are doing so boldly! I am giving thanks for people doing hard things, pushing past normal, and living in a way that make people see God's light shining through them!


Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Why it matters

Generation Joshua is something I wish I could have been involved in! Check it out: http://www.generationjoshua.org/dnn/

Also watch this video to see what I believe being involved in politics matters!

Give Thanks - 10/30/11

I am giving thanks today for the ability and freedom to worship in a Church! We are able to come together as the family of God and worship Him. We can enter into His presence.


Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:4 ESV)

Give Thanks - 10/29/11

I am giving thanks to my Father for a great concert by Rebecca St. James and For King and Country that I got to go to. Both were great! Check out their music. You can get their music on iTunes.

I am also thankful that I got to spend time with my Mom. It was a great being able to spend time with her.

I am also thankful to the radio station that I won the tickets on. Thank you for the Tickets!!!

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High; (Psalm 92:1 ESV)

Give thanks - 10/28/11

I am giving thanks for liberty! I am thankful for the liberty that I have in my country and I am thankful for the liberty I have through Jesus!

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV)

Give Thanks - 10/27/11

I am giving thanks for authors today.

As much as I like to write, I like to read a good book, or article, or anything else. I am thankful there are people out there that love to write and are sharing the Greatest Story, the story of God's love for us and the salvation that He offers us.


Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV)

What are you thankful for today?

Give Thanks - 10/26/11

Today I am giving thanks for words that end in -ing. I really like words that end in -ing. They make everythING much more fun. A couple weeks ago my family got to go camping. We went walking and biking and riding and fishing. So many fun things.

Some of my other favorite -ing things.

Shopping
Hiking
Swimming
Writing
Reading
Knitting
Giving thanks!


And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 ESV)

The Weather!!!

Tomorrow's Forecast: God Reigns and the Son Shines

Give Thanks - 10/25/11

I am giving thanks to God for...

my nieces and nephews!!!

I thankful to be able to spend time with them, to be able to play with them, and to be able to show them God's love!

Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Six Characteristics for a Potential Spouse - FamilyLife.com

I was researching something for one of my classes on communications. I came across this article that I liked. 

Each of the following 6 things have more detail if you click the link below. I liked these suggestions.

Six Characteristics for a Potential Spouse - FamilyLife.com

Six Characteristics for a Potential Spouse by Dennis Rainey


I am often asked, "What should a single person look for in a potential spouse?" Singles want to know...and parents want to know so they can pass the information on to the children. So I finally came up with the following list:
A woman should seek a man who…

1. Fears God.
2. Is not afraid to love.
3. Can admit his faults, his mistakes, and when he's hurt you.
4. Can control his passions.
5. Honors his parents. 
6. Is in the process of becoming a leader who knows how to serve. 

A man should seek a woman who…

1. Fears God and whose hope is in the Lord God.
2. Honors her parents.
3. Knows how to ask for forgiveness, admit she's wrong, grant forgiveness, and give grace when you fail her.
4. Wants to be a wife and a mother.
5. Displays character in her modest dress.
6. Knows how to follow a man.

Give Thanks - 10/24/11

Since yesterday marked a month until Thanksgiving, I will start with what I gave thanks for yesterday....

Giving Thanks to God for...

being finished with my semester/term of school!!! Yay!!!


Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Count Down to Thanksgiving

So yesterday marked one month until Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is on November 24 this year! I believe it is important to remember why we are thankful. My way of doing this, is writing down what I am thankful for. I find that when I remember all the blessings that God has given me, I have a much better day.

So for the next month, I will be sharing what I am giving thanks for.

Psalm 35:18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.

For the next month, I am giving thanks to God and sharing it with you!!!

What are  you thankful for???

Update 10/12/2011

College
So I have about 2 weeks left of this semester/term!!! I will have completed 9 credits and be on my way to more!

Courageous Movie
My family and I went to the movie and it was great! I would highly recommended it to EVERYONE! Please go see it. There were some super funny parts and some tough parts, too. I do not think you would regret going to see it.

Thanksgiving
So I am thinking about doing the I am Thankful for... postings up until Thanksgiving. What do you think? I think it is important to be thankful!

1 Thess. 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Back to working on my homework, I only have about 10 assignments left! Yay!!!

JOY Blog-Author Favorites-Blogs

Here is a link to the newest article on the JOY Blog!

http://joyfilledgirls.blogspot.com/2011/10/author-favorites-blogs.html

The intro says:
~Introducing Authors Favorites! This is where the authors will share their “favorites” of things. This will go under the YOU section of JOY. Hope you enjoy this new section! For more info on Author Favorites, check out the article!

What are your favorite blogs? Comment here or on the JOY Blog article!

Courageous Movie-Sept. 30, 2011

UPDATE: Just 2 more day until this movie is in the theaters!!! 
Go to this link to find out where it is playing by you!!!
http://www.courageousthemovie.com/tickets  

Can't wait for this movie to come out!!! I have loved all the other movies that have been done by Sherwood Pictures; Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Flywheel!!!!

The A-Z on Me!

Just a few (ok, 26) things about me!

A. Age: I am not telling!!! :)

B. Bed size:Twin, I have two of them :)

C. Chore that you hate:Dishes or unloading/loading dishwasher

D. Dogs: 2, but not really mine.(family dogs)

E. Essential start to your day: waking up!

F. Favorite color:It all depends on the day. Most of the time blue, but then sometimes red. I like red 'cause it is bold!!!

G. Gold or Silver: Silver

H. Height: 5'4"

I. Instruments you play:Violin, Piano, and Guitar. (I don't really play any now...wish I did)

J. Job title:Nanny, College student, but one of my favorites is Auntie!!!

K. Kids: 10 nieces and nephews with the 11th on the way.

L. Live: At home :)

M. Mother’s name: I call her Mom!!!

N. Nicknames:Auntie, and I can't think of any others :) at least any that I wish to share :)

O. Overnight hospital stays: None that I can think of...

P. Pet peeves: A whole list of things...

Q. Quote from a movie: Can't think of any right now, probably something from the Narnia movies. 

R. Right or left handed: Right

S. Siblings: 5, 4 older and 1 younger

T. Time you wake up: It depends, I am not a morning person, so I get up after I hit the snooze button on my alarm about 100 times.......

U. Underwear:That is just a weird question.

V. Vegetable you hate: Don't know. I don't really like cooked broccoli.

W. What makes you run late: stuff or people :) or my car :)

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Teeth and shoulder

Y. Yummy food that you make: ohhh, hard one. Today my favorite would be baked potato pizza. (That might change tomorrow!)

Z. Zoo animal: I like monkeys!!!

True Woman Conference

Two conferences.  Both look great!


Revive '11
http://www.truewoman.com/?id=1694


True Woman Conference 2012

For more info, check out this link: http://www.truewoman.com/?id=1695

Here is a link for a video about it:
http://vimeo.com/23603237

 Someday I hope to go to one of these conferences. They are put on by Revive Our Hearts.

Midterm Week

I am now done with midterm week. I have wanted to post all week, but I was waiting to get through this school week. This means I only have one more set of midterms (next term)!!! I had two midterms this week. Both included essay questions, so I don't have my grade on them yet...waiting....

College update!!!

Taking 12 credits right now. 3 courses and 1 TECEP*. 5 weeks left!!!

30 credits left, 42 if you count the ones I am taking now.

6 1/2 months left until I am done with courses.

8 1/2 months until graduation.

Those are my goals and Lord willing, I will complete them soon!!!


*A TECEP is a lot like a CLEP test or a DANTE test or a self-study course. You study during the semester and then take a test at the end, much like a final exam.

9/11 - 10 years

Do you remember where you were on 9/11 2001? Can you say what you were doing when you heard the news on that?

I think that most Americans can remember. It is important that we remember. It is a part of history. The United States banded together on that day and stood firm.

Thank you to all of the people that were there on that day. All of those who fought for their lives and the lives of the people around them. Thank you to the soldiers that are fighting today to keep our country safe.

Thank you.

This is a song/poem that I would like to share with you that Johnny Cash wrote. It is about our Ragged Old Flag. Not only has it stood through all the events that he talked about, but many more, including Sept. 11th, 2001.

College Plus

Hey Friends, http://www.collegeplus.org/

I know you have heard me talk about College Plus! before! It is the coaching program that is helping me to get through college for less money and less time than a normal college would offer. It has cut my costs about in half and the 2 years of college I had left I will finish in about 1 year!

Here is a link to a website where you can sign up for more information. It also has my special Tell-a-friend code. (By the way, it is free to sign up for more info).


http://www.collegeplus.org/requestinfo/?tellafriend=7379

For more information about college plus, how much the savings are, how it works, the majors that are offered, and more check out their website: http://www.collegeplus.org/

Waiting and being patient

While I'm Waiting by John Waller {Fireproof music video with lyrics}

Here is a song I really like. I like to think about waiting on the Lord in any situation. And waiting is apart of being patient.

Here is a JOY Blog article about Patience:
http://joyfilledgirls.blogspot.com/2011/08/patience-patience-patience.html

JOY Blog- Weekly

I have changed the format on JOY Blog to be more of a weekly/biweekly. For more information, check this link out.

The first installment of this is on patience. You can check it out here.

If you want to check out the the rest of JOY blog, go to this link :http://joyfilledgirls.blogspot.com/

Hope you enjoy!

"Doing" verses

These verses give some things that we should "do". Enjoy!

Romans 12:9-21

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
 ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.^[c] Do not be conceited.
 ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[d] says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:
   “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
   if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”^[e]
 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12&version=NIV1984

The Ship and MaryLu Tyndall

One of my favorite authors, MaryLu Tyndall, has a blog called Cross and Cutlass. I love her books and I have read all of them! She writes Christian fiction, but what I love about her writing is most of it is about pirates. Yes, pirates. Her books are very fun!!!

On her blog, each week, she posts what she calls, "Wordless Wednesday". It is always a really cool picture! This week, I really liked the picture and I thought I would share it! Here is the link: http://crossandcutlass.blogspot.com/2011/08/wordless-wednesday_24.html

Here is her website, too: http://www.marylutyndall.com/

Here is a "trailer" to one of her latest series...

7 things for singles

I was trying to decide what to post and I was reading this blog: http://www.caitlinmuir.com/

Here is an article I found on there that I really liked called,

7 Uniquely Awesome Things You Can Do As a Single

I think that there a lot of good pointers in it. I was going to tell you which of the 7 things that I liked the best, but they are all great! If I had to pick I would say #6 is the best and then second best would be the rest!

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Sunset

Here are some pictures of the sunset that I took! It was beautiful. The last one is my favorite! In the next post, there are some pictures of the moon that was coming up at the same time!

Sorry, not sure how to rotate the picture using Blogger...

My favorite!

The Moon Arising

Here is a couple pictures on the moon coming up as we were driving home from my Grandpa's house the other night!

One Dress. 100 Days. For Orphans. [100 Day Version]

http://misselainious.com/

Here is a video of all 100 days!

Some Random Sayings

I found a whole stacks of index cards in my room with sayings on them. I thought I would share a few! Did I mention I like sayings and quotes?

• Trusting God turns problems into opportunties.
• Seize the opportunities that God gives you today.
• A sunset in one land is a sunrise in another.
• When you don't have anything, you don't have anything to lose. Right?
• How foolish to worship the creation, when the Creator is so much greater.
• We cannot know the heart OF God unless we have a heart FOR God.
• Life changes when you least expect it to. The future is uncertain. So, seize the day. seize this moment, and make the most of it!
• For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness.
• Those who let God provide will always be satisfied. 
• Plan as though you'll be living for a century, live as though you'll be leaving today.
• Nature is but a name for an effect whose cause is God.

If I remember right, I think that most of theses quotes came from Our Daily Bread. They have daily devotions and usually some kind of quote for each day. I cannot say for sure if they all came from there, but I know a few did. Check out their website for more info on their free devotions.
You can even get it as an app for your phone!

Here is also a verse that was on one of the many index cards.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV 1984) 

 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

 

Notes from Church Yesterday

We studied some great verses. The sermon was on James 1:19-27. The pastor talked about not just sitting around, but getting out in the world and doing something!

Here are the key points highlighted from the sermon!

 ¹⁹ My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
 ²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
 ²⁶ If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. ²⁷ 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.

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Joshua 1:6-9
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. ⁷ Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸ Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

These are the verses that struck me. What do you think?

Great songs from Church today

Take My Life and Let it Be

Writen by: Fran­ces R. Ha­ver­gal
(Lyrics from: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/m/tmlalib.htm)

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

I Will Follow
by Chris Tomlin
(Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsera.com/611026-lyric-CHRIS+TOMLIN-I+Will+Follow.html)

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow...

All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone
Higher than my side
High above my life
I will trust in you alone

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you

Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone

In you there's life everlasting
In you there's freedom for my soul
In you there joy, unending joy
and I will follow

6 more credits down

I took the College Comp CLEP back in mid July. And I finally got my results from it in the mail yesterday!!!

I passed it! I now have all of my English credits fulfilled and I am 6 credits closer to graduation.

If you would like to learn more about CLEP exams, you can contact your college to make sure that they will accept them and you can also check out the CLEP website! They are just another way that can help  you to get through college a little faster and save you some money. Plus, you can study on your own time for these tests, schedule them, and take them when you want to.

Check them out!

Sign I found!

I found this on a sign today when I was shopping! It reminded me of myself (which is probably not good!).

Synonym:

a word you use when you can't remember how to spell the other one

100 days...ONE dress

This is a blog I have been following for 100 days! This young lady is raising money for orphans!
Here is her website: http://misselainious.com/
Consider giving to this cause!!!

Mark Schultz - What It Means To Be Loved

I like this song! It has a great message about life!

The Final Rebelution Tour :: Promo 2011

Galatians 1:24

"And they glorified God because of me."

Galatians 1:24

I was reading Galatians 1 last night and the last verse of the first chapter was one I really liked! I want God to be glorified in everything that I do!!!!

Backgrounds!

By the way...
If you like the backgrounds that I use, you can get them here:
http://shabbyblogs.com/
I think that they are super cute!!!

First day of classes, again!

Today I started my courses at Thomas Edison State College. I am doing it through College Plus! which is a coaching program that helps you to get done with college faster and for less!

I am working on earning a B.A. degree in Communications! I have about 50 some credits left to finish (out of 120). I hope to be able to graduate with my degree by June 2012. On my blog here, I will be posting updates, as I have time!

Right now I am taking 3 courses, 9 credits. I also plan on taking a few other credits during this time.

Back to studying!

Exodus 14:14

Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

A friend shared this with me today.  I pray it will touch your life.

How does this affect your life? What does it mean to you?

Matthew 5:1-16

Hey friends!
Right now I am memorized the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) with a friend. I thought I would share how far I have gotten!

This is Matthew 5:1-16 based on NIV, but slightly in "Mandy version".

Now when He saw the crowds of people, He went up on the mountain side and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them saying;
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the those who mourn for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in Heaven for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

You are the salt of the earth. If the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? Is it no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men?

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and hide it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand so that it give light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.

Matthew 5:1-16 in NIV

¹ Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them, saying:

   ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called sons of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

   ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

    ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

   ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Feel  free to memorize with me!!

Quote website

I found this website I like that has a ton of quotes on it. And you can search for them by author, topic, etc...
I like reading quotes and thought I would share it:
http://www.brainyquote.com/

Quotes from the Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

Right now I am listening to the Last Battle(Radio Theater).

Here are some quotes from it that I really like.

They were talking about the stable on the inside was bigger than the stable on the outside then Lucy said:

"In our world too, a stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world."

Queen Lucy, The Last Battle

 

Here is the beginning on that quote:

“It seems, then,” said Tirian, smiling himself, “that the stable seen from within and the stable seen from without are two different places.”
“Yes,” said the Lord Digory. “Its inside is bigger than its outside.”

 

"The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning."  

~Aslan

"What was the fruit like? Unfortunately no one can describe a taste. All I can say is that, compared with those fruits, the freshest grapefruit you've ever eaten was dull, and the juiciest orange was dry, and the most melting pear was hard and woody, and the sweetest wild strawberry was sour. And there were no seeds or stones, and no wasps. If you had once eaten that fruit, all the nicest things in this world would taste like medicines after it. But I can't describe it. You can't find out what it is like unless you can get to that country and taste if for yourself."

 

That is all for now!!!

What you ought to know!

found this website and I thought I would share it! It is called What You Ought To Know. It has a ton of short video clips that are really funny of totally random things like: bottled water, bike helmets, etc...

They are fun to watch and like I said they are pretty funny!
Check them out here:
http://www.whatyououghttoknow.com/show/

JOY Blog May/June 2011

Hey everyone! I just posted my articles for JOY Blog.

The May/June articles for JOY Blog are finally up! Be sure to check them out! We have two interviews in two different columns, By Faith and Helping in the Harvest. There is the Add Your Comment Here article for you to help complete! There is a recipe for a nice cool drink. And there is a devotional called, "But Take Heart..."

Or Check them all out at: 
JOY Blog: http://joyfilledgirls.blogspot.com/
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/joyblog
Email: joyfilledgirls [@] hotmail [dot] com

Miss Elaini Ous

You have to check out this website/blog! This girl is raising money for orphans by wearing one dress for 100 days!
She posts a picture of her outfit each day! Follow along!

http://misselainious.com/

We are children of God

"'God doesn't have any grandchildren,' [the speaker] said. 'Just because your parents are Christians, doesn't make you a Christian.'"


"I had been going to church my whole life, and I assumed I was a Christian by association or membership or something my parents had done."

This is from a book I am reading called, "Praying for your Future Husband", by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer.  Robin is writing this part and it is something she remember from a speaker at a camp that she went to. I thought it was interesting thought. WE need to be the ones to have a relationship with God, not just through someone we know...

Isaiah 6:1-8

This is my prayer...

Isaiah 6:1-8

 ¹ In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. ² Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. ³ And they were calling to one another:
   “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
   the whole earth is full of his glory.”
 ⁴ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
 ⁵ “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”
 ⁶ Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. ⁷ With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
 ⁸ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
   And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

C.S. Lewis Quote

God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains.

~C. S. Lewis

Warm Weather

Ahhh..... I am thankful for warm weather! It is about 80 degrees outside! Spring/Summer has come!

Romans 8:28-39

This is the Bible passage I am trying to memorize...by Wednesday. I have up to verse 31 done. And I would want to finish the rest of the 8 verses in two days. Think I can do it??? I hope so!

Romans 8:28-39
 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Homemade Frappe

This is a recipe for a homemade frappe. I tried it yesterday and it tasted just like the real thing.

Carmel Frappe
1 1/2-2 Cups Ice
1/2 Cup Milk
2 Tablespoons dry cappuccino mix ( I used vanilla flavor)
Carmel flavoring or caramel topping

Put the ice, milk, and cappuccino mix in the blender. You can add some caramel flavoring now, if you want. Then blend until it is like a smoothie and there are no big chunks of ice (mine had a few left in it).

Then pour in a glass. You can add whip cream and/or caramel on top, too!

Enjoy!

JOY Blog April 2011

JOY Blog articles are up for April!
Let me know what you think!
http://joyfilledgirls.blogspot.com/

JOY Blog - Cabin Fever and March Articles!

This is an article I wrote about Cabin Fever for JOY Blog, Check it out!
Here are the other articles from March:
Add Your Comment Here
Foster Families Part 2
By Faith...Your Choice!
St. Patrick's Day!

Or check out all of the article HERE!

Enjoy!

Truth Scripts

In the AWANA group that I help with, towards the end of the year, leaders are encourage to memorize Bible verses, too. This year we are memorizing Romans 8:28-39.

Here is what I have memorized. First I will try and type it and then I will post the NIV version.

Verses 28-31 Mandy
28-And we know that God works all things for the good of those love Him, to those who are called according to His word.
29-For those God foreknew, He also predestined, to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, so that He might be one of many.
30-And for those God predestined, He called: those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
31-What, then, can you say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Verses 28-31 NIV
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Thankful for...

I know I haven't done a very good job on keeping up with my thankfulness challenge, but I am still being thankful, just not posting :)

There has been a lot going on in the past week. The biggest thing is that most of my family has been sick, including me, with all different things. Yuck... I am praying for health for everyone(and spring, too)!

List of things I am thankful for:

• My Bible
• Rain
• Spring
• Family
• Electronics :) (most of the time)
• Church
• Books
• The ability to read
• Wild flowers
• Fun times and laughter
• People that surround you when you are down and build you back up
• Summer
• blogs!
• And other stuff!!!