Understanding Who God Made You

Just writing a quick post to share some links for some tests that have really helped my family, Alex, and I in understanding how God made us unique and different, and how we can use those giftings and personalities as our part of being part of the body of Christ---molding to Him in His image.

It has also really helped different ones of us to understand how God made other people individually, uniquely special too.

Take caution with these tests though, that you don't use them as 'outs' or 'complacency cards' to say "Well this is the way God made me! So, you just have to live with it!!"

No, because sin entered the world, we are born with sin, and so we much continually strive through Christ, to become like Him, and conquer the flesh. With each strength comes a weakness--thus, we must submit who we are to God and allow Him to mold us more to His image daily.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

~ Romans 12:2 ~

DISC Test - www.ttifamilyfirst.com  (This is a Learning Style Test)

Meyers-Briggs Personality Test - www.16personalities.com
(If you didn't answer the above test accurately and feel that it isn't representing you correctly, try the following link...it's more helpful for some people...like me! www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html

Motivational Gift Test - www.gifttest.org (Following Romans 12)

Love Language Test - www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/ (An awesome test! There are 2 questions per page, and answer it as if you could only have on in the world--which would you choose?)

Apology Language Test - www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/apology/ (Another awesome one!)

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." "I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing."

~ II Corinthians 5:17 & John 15:5 ~

The Grace of God

I came upon this poem today, and was blessed, encouraged, strengthened, invigorated, uplifted, thought-provoked, inspired, and humbled by it. I wanted to share it with you all, in hopes that it would do the same for you.
We serve a mighty God!!

My

"My grace," 'tis the God of all grace who hath spoken,

Whose Word in the heavens forever is set;

Whose covenant promise hath never been broken;

Who never can fail or forget;

Who knoweth my needs and Who seethe my sorrows,

However so many and great they may be;

Who hearth my prayers for the days and the morrows;

His grace is sufficient for me.

Grace

"My grace;" all His blessings this work is unfolding,

His love and His power in harmony blend;

'Tis grace that hath saved me, and grace that is holding,

And grace that will keep to the end;

'Tis grace that hath written redemption's glad story,

And grace all the song of the ransomed shall be;

'Tis grace that transforms me from glory to glory;

That grace is sufficient for me.

Is

"My grace is," not "was" and not "will be;" 'tis flowing'

Each hour and each moment my need to supply,

The deeper I dip, still the deeper 'tis growing,

No drought can diminish or dry;

My heart from the future no trouble shall borrow;

Eternal this present provision shall be,

Assured for today and as sure for tomorrow,

Such grace is sufficient for me.

Sufficient

"My grace is sufficient." Oh, help without measure!

An ocean of riches no plummet can sound,

A storehouse unfailing of infinite treasure,

A gift without limit or bound;

Exceeding abundant for all His creation,

Enough for the thorn that is buffeting me,

The fulness of God for earth's brief tribulation -

"My grace is sufficient for thee."

For Thee.

"Sufficient for thee," for my utmost salvation,

As though ne'er another had owed Him a debt;

For my special grief and my special temptation,

My cares and my sins that beset;

He giveth more grace for my humble endeavor;

I am praising Him now, I shall praise Him forever;

His grace is sufficient for me.

~ by Annie Johnson Flint ~

"And He said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee' for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 ~

Poems and Ponderings

It's been a while since I've posted...but thought I'd share just a few random things...

I am only one, but I am one;

I cannot do everything,

But I can do something.

What I can do, I ought to do,

And what I ought to do

By God's grace, I will do.

~ Edward Everett Hale ~

If I knew that a word of mine,

A word not kind and true,

Might leave its trace

On a loved one's face,

I'd never speak harshly;

would you?

If I knew the light of a smile

Might linger the whole day through,

And lighten some heart

With a heavier part,

I wouldn't withhold it;

would you?

~ Anonymous ~

I've been pondering on these verses of late...

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

~ Proverbs 18:21 ~

Sometimes, it is easy to get wrapped up in your own little world, your own needs, your own happiness, work, or sorrow, and forget about that big world around you. Smiles are important, just as reaching out is important. Graciousness is important. Prudence is important. Discretion is important.

I ran upon this verse the other day, and it really sent me for a loop. Though it seems to be paralleling the first part against the second part, it was another reminder for me to (through God's grace) work on becoming a woman of prudence. I am so grateful for those mentors and encouragers in my life!

"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD."

~Proverbs 19:14 ~

What about you? What is God teaching you right now?

Carlsbad Caverns

Last but not least, we went to Carlsbad Caverns, in New Mexico, and wow, was that amazing!!! Unlike most pictures popularized, these didn't contain the incredible colorful crystals, but all the same, it was unique and awe-ing!!

The mouth of the cave

Switchbacking down the opening.

Daniel and I were buddies, and boy, was it fun to be tag-a-long and best girl! I love my brother! :)

My amazing brother (who turned 23 today!! - May 1st).

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist."

~ Colossians 1:16-17 ~

Aren't these pillars amazing?! I love the lighting....

Our little group :) (Plus the Gauls who carpooled with us to the TX Conference)

Who can argue that we serve an incredible God, who is Master Creator, and creates just for His good pleasure and glory?

"Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.

Hast thou not know? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding."

~ Isaiah 40:26, 28 ~

Grand Canyon Visit

Our Grand Canyon tour was amazing.... You can see more photos on my previous post: Desert Overview. My dad had told us we were going to have a tour guide going through it, but I didn't realize what 'kind' of tour guide we were going to have! I didn't know he was going to be a Creationist!!! Wow, that was a life-changer for me.

Growing up, I always kind of left the philosophical and theoretical discussions/debates to my siblings. I was always too busy living in the practical here and now, and had the viewpoint of: "If the Bible says it, then I believe it...what does it really matter how God made the flood happen, or divided the continents, or how the First Nations got to the US. All I know is that it happened, and God's Word says that. So there." :)
While that is all true and good, it is also important to be able to give an answer to those who ask of you the hope that is within you, and especially in our day with Evolutionism and Socialism so promoted, it is especially important to be able to have answers from the Bible to back up what you believe....and that goes for the Flood as well.

The weather changed incredibly while we were there....from overcast to sunny, to rainstorms! Wow..God's creation is incredible!!

Did you know that you can see the original Creation Rock under the Judgement Layers in the Grand Canyon? Did you know that there are 2 (900 foot) Buttes near both Southern entrances in the Grand Canyon, which are remains of the 1.5 miles of sediment which used to lie above? (Proven by the Grand Staircase: Zion National, Bryce Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, and the Grand Canyon).

Did you know that the Geologic Time Scale, popularized by Charles Lyell in the 1830's is only found in 2 places? In textbook drawings and museum displays! It has never been found in nature, in the order presented by the fictitious column of sediments. I really appreciate his lectures, rather than just reading them, but a more detailed explanation can be found here: Geologic Time Scale explanation.

For more information, please see Russ Miller's website: Creation Ministries. What I really appreciate about his approach, is he bases his information on what Scripture shows us and Real Science, not just the thousands of theories floating around (though since we weren't there at Creation, there is an element  of suppositions and theories to most things).

I would highly encourage you to watch this video...it is very thought-provoking and enlightening. Old Earth or Global Flood/3 Days Formation to Grand Canyon He also has other videos, and I would have to say they give the best overview for why we can trust the Bible in all things Creation I have seen. On top of that, they are straight and to the point.

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.'

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."

2 Peter 3:3-7

Is this not the truth of the day and the world around us?

May we seek to be Bereans!

Coming Home

I can hardly believe the conference is over! What a refreshing, thought-provoking time of fellowship and learning! I am sure I will share more in times to come, but for now, I just wanted to share a few photos...

I had a group of 6 girls (since 2 didn't show up), and an assistant as well (which was a first). God does work in hearts in miraculous ways, and I believe He touched many young hearts through COMMIT!

It was so wonderful to spend time with 2 of my dear, dear sisters in Christ-Becky and Olivia as well....oh, what sweet fellowship you can share when you are rooted in the same foundation!! Miss you girls already!

I was part of this 'hat skit' for the girls, and Olivia let me borrow her amazing hat... (I want to find one just like it!)...so, I ended up wearing it for the rest of the day... Blue and Pearls are a lovely combination!

We are in Colorado Springs now, with another 2 days of travel, and an overnight stop in Billings before we are home.
I was much impressed my yesterday's rhemas...
"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple.
When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalms 27:4, 8, 14

We serve an amazing God, amen?!

Camp and Thoughts on Prayer

Today was a good day.. We got into Big Sandy at 3am, and I got a few hours sleep before the Breakfast Hour...all important when you know the chance for protein consumption won't be available again until 1200. :) Thus, don't laugh when you read that I took a couple hours' nap after breakfast before heading to help with Registration.. :)

It was good...seeing old friends, and even making some new ones.. It is so fun...re-living the fond memories (and maybe crazy adventures) with them.

ALERT campus is huge, and I think I walked a minimum of 5 miles today..maybe more. The weather is nice...in the 80's and kinda humid.. Some people hate it..I have adjusted pretty well...and the stars! Oh..I love it!

The session tonight was very convicting... I love communing with my Jesus, and do so often throughout the day...however, one area God has been convicting me on is making a consolidated Prayer List & making a habit of carrying it with me and using it. Sure, I have prayer lists, but they're scattered, and often, I don't have them available for perusal.

Mr. Gibbs shared 4 Keys for Prayer Success:
1) You gotta pray - create a prayer list and ask specifically.
2) Pray earnestly and fervently.
3) You've gotta be clean (righteous, not just 'cleaner')
4) You gotta persist.

Quotes to Ponder:
"Every failure in a Christian's life is a prayer failure." -John R. Rice
"The most powerful thing in the universe, by invitation of God, is prayer."
"Fervency is the spirit of prayer."

James 5:16: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit."

Something else I was encouraged in today was through our Leaders' Meeting...
Not all those we serve through leadership are potential 'rocks' like Peter. Some are Andrews (who led Peter to Jesus), and their job is just as important! I want to be an Andrew.

God's goal for me is just to be His Channel...with my eyes, ears, mouth, heart, hands, and hugs. Praise God!

Daniel 12:3: "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."__

Looking Forward: I have very limited internet access, so all canyon and cavern pictures will be posted after we leave Camp...
We have the next 3 days of conference, and though I will be leading a group of around 9 girls? (ages 12-15), I am really looking forward to learning and engrafting more of God's principles into my life personally...

We (Rachel and I) do covet your prayers as we lead these young women (and men for David and Samuel)!

Allah vs. Christ

Today was the Regional Spelling Bee, which Esther and Josiah competed in and finished 3rd and 4th places, respectively. Afterwards, we celebrated, which included a visit to Jamms.... :)
While there....we saw this sign on their "Awesome Board".... which I promptly added to, followed by two of my siblings...

Well....we got busy talking--all distracted, and right before we left, we saw this lady and her family sit down, and guess what she did??

 Just a reminder that God only asks US to be responsible with what the Truth He has shown us... Makes me want to take the initiative more to share Christ--yeah, it's only a napkin (because there was no more paper), on a Jamm's board, but God can use even napkins for eternity... I'm praying for those napkins, and the people that read them...maybe they will change someone's life...

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

~ 1 Peter 3:15 ~

Passionate Purpose Singles Retreat

Over the course of the past few months, my family and I have been discussing how we could best encourage those in our community who are striving to serve the Lord. When 4 of my siblings came back from working with In The Gap this past September, they (specifically Rachel) returned with a vision of re-creating a 3-day retreat similar to what they attended during their initial training.

Thus, introducing:

Passion and Purpose Singles Retreat

December 26th - 29th, 2013

Please see our website for details

We look forward to seeing all singles, 15 years and older there! We are starting to fill up pretty fast, so please Register ASAP!

Be thou partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the Power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own Purpose and Grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”

- 2 Timothy 1:8-9 -

Cultivating a Mary Heart

As I mentioned in my post on Cultivating a Heart of Prayer, I have really struggled with being a Martha, instead of a Mary, especially in the last couple years.

Though I have the spiritual gift of 'Serving', I am realizing that sometimes semi-consciously I make it an excuse for getting out of uncomfortable situations... I have found that in times of conflict or praise, I tend to shrink inside of myself and do that most effectively and nonchalantly by "busying myself" with whatever work needs done. I busy myself in order to not say words out of frustration and anger. I turn to work in times of trouble and unsurety.

Notice Martha's eyes....she's full of cares--
how often I find myself right there!

I suppose, subconsciously I think "If I am working hard, I either won't have time to think about it, or the problem won't have time to bother me".... However, running away is never the answer.

A few years ago, for a whole year, God kept telling me to "Be Still and Know that I am God". It was really hard for my mind to truly grasp this, as it is so different from what I'd been living. In of myself, it seemed impossible to do this, but through many almost weirdly miraculous happenings -- including some anonymous person giving me a bookmark for my birthday with the words "Be Still and Know that I am God" on it --, God helped me to start making it a reality, by truly turning my world upside down and creating time I never would have had otherwise.

So, what's the difference? Luke 10:38-42 says:

Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His Word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, 'Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.'

And Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'

I think it can be summed up in Matthew 11:28-30:

Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

Something To Ponder:
"...the realization that I could be simultaneously busy and lazy, that I could be a hectic sluggard, that my busyness was no immunity from laziness...
Busyness does not mean I am diligent.
Busyness does not mean I am faithful.
Busyness does not mean I am fruitful.
....the sluggard can be busy-busy neglecting the most important work, and busy knocking out a to-do list frilled with tasks of secondary importance." -CJ Mahaney

It is good to serve, however, I'm realizing it's really a heart issue. Are we serving in the Flesh, or the Spirit? We are doing it in our strength or in God's strength? It makes all the difference!!

Could it be that we are saying yes to things that cause us to neglect saying yes to God?
Something to think on and purposely pray over..

Honestly, I love being 'Martha'..but what am I missing out on? What a treasure Mary has at Jesus' feet!

I find myself going through phases... It is so much easier to truly serve God when I am living my life in the Spirit. However, if I get busy, miss my personal devotions, or stop making Him my focus, the cares of this life so easily overcrowd the best things of life!!
I don't think it is a "one time, cure all" thing..it's a choice - every moment, every day.

If we would only always find our rest there, and not struggle under our burdens alone. If we would only always ask Jesus before we take another commitment on us... I think we would find a lot more fruitfulness, diligence, and faithfulness there. I am reminded that 'iniquity' is sometimes just doing the right thing at the wrong time.

I pray this is a blessing to you. I know it's a refreshing reminder to me!!

Resting As I Walk Along

Some days, God gives you a melody. ... Other days, He gives you a poem. Tonight, it was a poem.

I have found a friend in Jesus,

He's all the world to me.

I can take each problem to Him in prayer.

No matter what the issue,

He's always there to renew,

And help me overcome my despair.

Though it might be just a question,

I take each and every to Him,

And He faithfully answers me in His time.

It may take Him forever from my frail point of view,

But He knows what He's doing, and He'll do it too!

So, just rest in His love,

And wait in His peace,

And hope in a trustful way.

Give every desire to Him,

And make sure to walk in Him,

And wisdom He shall give you each day.

 ~ KH

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in His way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

For evil doers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.

~ Psalms 37:7-9, 11, 3-5 ~

Cultivating a Heart of Prayer

What is your first thought in the morning? What about your last thought at night? Take a moment and ask yourself...
Is it reviewing the day's happenings, or planning for tomorrow, or going over next week? Is it daydreaming or making up stories? Or is it spending time with your Saviour?

Psalms 55:17 says:

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice."

One of our favorite books on prayer is: Lord, Teach Us To Pray, by Tom Harmon. I would encourage all of you to read it. It doesn't cost much, and is completely worth it.

This last year, God has really convicted me about how much time I spend communing with Him in prayer. While in the Philippines, serving abroad, or doing/going through hard things here, prayer and communication with God comes easily, however, here at home so often I become a perfect Martha, and get so caught up with the work at hand, that I don't spend nearly enough time with the One who gave His life for me.

Often, He has had to gently say: "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: but that thou wouldst choose Mary's good part--listening at My feet. (Luke 10:42-43/paraphrase)

In the past months and especially the past weeks, my El Shaddai has impressed upon my heart all the more how much I am missing by not glorying in His presence as my first and last thought of the day. One of my personal favorite books is: Secrets of Meditation, by Dr. Bill Gothard. It is another book, costing hardly anything, and truly is a gem of truths... In fact, it is probably one of my top 5.

Dr. Gothard talks about the importance of making our bed an altar unto the Lord in his book Enjoying God's Presence. Though I have done this often in the past, when I get caught up in life, I have found this golden practice fades as well, and it is only in recent weeks that I have took up this practice again, truly trying to meditate on Scripture and prayer when I lie down and rise up. It is truly changing my life. Not only does it  give me so much more peace and rest, but if I wake up in the night, I am finding Psalms 119:62 in actuality:

"At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee because of Thy righteous judgments."

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says: "Pray without ceasing."
When you do this, it takes your relationship with Christ to a new level, however, it truly starts with meditating in God's word, which is not just reading and memorizing God's Word, but also meditating--engrafting and personalizing Scripture and applying it to your life.

I would encourage you to join me in our journey to the foot of the Cross -- to know the heart of God. Start today!! Habits die hard, but ask God--He is faithful forever. I find it interesting that in almost all the cases that 'temptation' is mentioned in Scripture, the answer is prayer. I am learning that 1 Corinthians 10:13 is really true:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;  but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to heart it."

Looking back, almost all the times that I have made mistakes or truly sinned--which for me is MANY, but now mostly what I say (or don't say), time usage, attitudes, etc.--, I usually heard the prompting of the Spirit, and that is where the choice lies--do I walk in the Spirit (which often is hard in the moment), or take the easy way out and walk in the flesh??

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

~Matthew 26:41 ~

What an immense burden is lifted to know that we are not alone, when we give our lives to Christ!! And especially to know that He is with us--despite our failings--to bring us back onto the course of Truth and Righteousness. We of ourselves are dirty rags, but He chose to put His righteousness on us!!!

But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy Hand.

~ Isaiah 64:8 ~

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. 

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

~ Jeremiah 29:11-14 ~

This is my prayer and my earnest desire for each one of us, including me (especially me):

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understand.

~ Colossians 1:9 ~

A Time For Everything

When I think of Spring, I think of new life, spring cleaning, garden planting, light baby colors, graduations, and weddings... Summer is vibrant -- filled with brilliantly colored flowers, summer jobs, more weddings, and... TIME!! Time to scrapbook, serve others, have summer fun, picnics...mmmm!

And then Autumn comes.... *happy, thoughtful sigh*
I love Autumn..not only is it my "Color", but with it, comes a whole new spectrum of intense, rich, and deep, but muted  colors; scarves, sweaters, and creativity. A whole new start of things..School, harvest, spice, AND color!!

Ahhh, I love how God has put such creativity and diversity into the seasons. Not only with their colors, and many roles and structures, but how there is a time for everything. It reminds me of Ecclesiastes:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which has is planted;  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Enter Womanhood II

Okay, so in my last post, I talked about how our God-given role as women is to encourage men to Godliness, by our attitudes, our actions, and our walk with God, in all purity and humility.

The question was brought up about Deborah (you can read about that in last post's comments), and how she was a prophetess, an oracle, and Israel's judge. God raised her up to meet the need of Israel, just as He wants to raise up those who serve Him today into positions of leadership. The key is, that we remember our God-given role when we are in those positions, and don't exalt ourselves, lording it over those under us (which can be easy to do sometimes).

During our single years, we might live at home or abroad. The key is that we are in tune and in submission to our fathers (or those in authority over us), who God put there for our protection and guidance. I know that this goes against everything the world is teaching today, however,

Enter Womanhood I

For the past few years, God has put a continual burden on my heart to learn as much as I can about being a helpmeet, for that was His ultimate purpose in creating Woman.

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

~ Genesis 2:18 ~

I love Hebrew, and find the original Hebrew words fascinating:
"And Yehovah 'Elohiym said, It is not good that man (Adam) should be alone (bad); I will make him an help meet (literally a help, or succour; support) for him."

Succour is an old English word that is not much used today. Here is its definition in the 1812 Webster's Dictionary:
v.t. Literally, to run to, or run to support; hence, to help or relieve when in difficulty, want or distress; to assist and deliver from suffering; as, to succor a besieged city; to succor prisoners.

For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.

~ Hebrews 2:18 ~

n. Aid; help; assistance; particularly, assistance that relieves and delivers from difficulty, want, or distress.

Succored: pp. Assisted; relieved.
Succorrer: n. He that affords relief; a helper; a deliverer.
Succorless: a. Destitute of help or relief.

Thus, our job title as women is to literally help, relieve, support, and I would add, encourage the men in our life.

On my first Journey to the Heart, back in Spring 2011, Dr. Gothard put that description in a very simple sentence, which completely changed my life. That is that 'Our God-given role as women is to encourage men to Godliness'.

I understand that this may be a sensitive subject to some young women, because maybe God hasn't brought your "Adam" into your life yet. Well, me neither!! :) However, I think we need to take a step back from the sometimes all-consuming desire of marriage, and look at the big picture.

One time, I was sharing this revelation with a friend, and another gal who was listening took offense to it because she was in her mid 20's and still unmarried. In her mind, if that was our purpose in life, than she was obviously failing it as a woman, as were all other women who God had either called to a life of singleness to serve Him whole-focusedly or were too young for marriage.

I think this is where we often get our focus off-track. Though God's design for us is to be an help meet for our husbands, it starts with being helpers at home as little girls; helping our fathers (be wary though of usurping your mother's position!), our brothers, and those around us.

In Bible times, the unmarried women lived at home: serving their families and working in their communities -- far from just "sitting around". Though the Bible doesn't specifically share all the details of unmarried womens' personal lives, history tells us that wise young women were industrious, prosperous, and brought in income as well. Look at the Proverbs 31 woman: to do all she did, she had to practice doing that before her marriage. Just as it is not easy to live a sedentary lifestyle, and then spontaneously go run 6 miles, neither is it that way in womanhood.

Hadassah lived at her cousin Mordecai's home when she was gathered for the king. (Esther 2) Rachel kept her father's sheep, and Leah, as the older daughter most likely had a large amount of responsibility serving in the home. (Genesis 29) Mary, a mere youth, probably lived at home still during her espousal, before visiting Elizabeth (Luke 1:27), and Miriam was at home -- able to watch over Moses, before later helping her brothers with the Israeli Exodus.

So, the question is, How do we accomplish this?
1) Find ways to serve. (And I would add--look around at home first, as I am realizing it is so much easier to serve outside the home, especially in our day and age, but our families, mothers, and younger sisters (and brothers) desperately need and miss us!!)

2) Study womanhood in the Bible, and seek to apply it: Proverbs 31, Titus 2:4-5, 1 Timothy 2, to name a few.

3) Seek to disciple others. Though we may feel so inadequate, knowing how much we need to grow (I know I sure do!!), God doesn't want us to use that as a crutch. He wants us to be actively sharing and discipling others {in humility}, while we are maturing in Him ourselves.

Get creative!! One of Satan's biggest lies is that we are to be "just waiting"... Yes, waiting, but not "just" waiting. No, we are supposed to be productively waiting.

More on that in my next post...

Oh, if I could only always grasp this!!! This has become an almost utterly consuming passion inside of me, though I so often fail to really, fully live it out, however, God is faithful, and He continues to teach me. The hard part is really applying it...

That they (older women) may teach the young women to be sober (moderate, curbed, controlled), to love their husbands (or fathers, brothers, etc.), to love their children (or siblings), to be discreet (temperate, self-controlled), chaste (exciting reverence, pure, modest), keepers at home (watcher/caretaker of the home), good (useful, pleasant, joyful, upright), obedient to their own husbands (or fathers-as the authority--submit/subject one's self, yield to another's admonition/advice), that the Word of God be not blasphemed.

~ Titus 2:3-4 ~

PS> Sorry it took so long to get this posted!! I meant to finish it a few weeks ago, but well....I was busy trying to live it.. ;)

Enter Adulthood

For the last couple months, I have felt a burden to write the following posts, and though I don't see myself as an accomplished writer, I pray that God will use them to encourage you in your life, in some small way.

So, I'm 20 = not yet the "BIG 21", but no longer a "teenager". My friends and I used to joke that it was the "nothing year", though in grave reality, it is far, far from that!  I never really identified with the modern "teenager" idea (you know, the "Junior" Section in most clothing stores, that makes one look like an immature, self-obsessed rockstar-wanna-be, which follows along with (or maybe pre-dates?) their wearers). That might not be what your idea of what a"teenager" is like, but I guess that is the picture stuck in my mind.

If we are honest though, I think we would all agree that the majority of America's teenagers--both young men and women--are unconsciously (or consciously) trained by their superiors, media, schooling, and peers, that the teenage years are to be spent frivolously and freely, giving their sacred God-given gifts to those of the opposite sex, before the responsibility of adulthood ties them down for the rest of their life. Of course, without Biblical values to stand on, this only complicates the matters, because, what are 'morals' then? Who sets them? If there is no God, and we are just on this earth to enjoy it and "live life to the fullest", in a fleshly, lustful, self-centered way, why should we not create our own destiny and morality as well?

For those of us who were raised on a Biblical foundation (especially if you were raised in an incredible, God-centered home like mine), you should agree that we have each been blessed, and so much so, that often we don't grasp it and simply take it for granted. Even for us though, I think you would each have to agree that the teenage years aren't usually all ice cream and strawberries. There comes a point, where we each come to a set of crossroads.
We have to make a decision:
Will we fully embrace what we have been taught by our parents and choose to make our foundation firmly set on our Saviour's  Precepts and Principles? Or, will we wash away with the world, maybe even slowly, by embracing the 'not-so-bad' things?

 Will we stand on the shoulders of those who raised us, and carry on the Banner of Love and Truth that they so earnestly fought to keep, so that we should have it too? Will we shine the Light inside of us (trusting that you have asked for and accepted the Light of Salvation, by trusting in Jesus Christ, and repenting and turning from your sins)? Will we set that Light on a hill, and not let it be hid? Will we walk the Light, and not just talk It?

All these are questions that may seem easy to answer, but there are times that Satan's temptations are deceitfully covered in mint chocolate and dripping in vanilla: they look and smell delightfully sweet to our senses, but the end thereof is the ruin of us!

Will our foundation stand firm? Or will it cave when the storms of life come?

My early-mid teens years were the hardest. Though my struggles didn't show as much externally, there was a full-time war going on internally, and Satan battled hard. It was during that time that I desperately sought for what my true identity in Christ really was. I gave my life to Christ at an early age, and then re-dedicated it to God at age 13, a year after God impassioned my heart to serve Him on the Mission field. However, just like everyone else, I had to choose what I was going to embrace for my own.

God is so faithful! Not only did He send special people along the way to encourage and pray for me, but He gave me incredibly wise parents who were able to even 'tough love' me (during my independent streak) when I needed it. Though my cross might look small compared to others, it was hard all the same, and though I regret that I didn't come to the end of myself sooner (something I found truly can only be done by Jesus), I know that it was worth it in the end, because it gave me a 'relatibility-factor' with others that I would never have had otherwise.

So many of us try to use our parents as an excuse for our actions, saying "Well, they hurt me..." or "Well, Dad was emotionally or sexually abusive..." or "Mom and I could never agree..." or whatever else it may be. True, maybe they did do those things, however, we each have a choice to make on how we process those situations. We can either see it as a refining fire that God can use, or we can harbor bitterness and anger towards them, which ultimately hurts us more than anyone else.

Did you know that all parents have never parented a child before they have their own? Sure, they might have had lots of younger siblings, or done tons of babysitting, but there are differences. Each set of parents have to figure out parenting for themselves. Praise God, not only has He put others there who have wisdom from raising their own children, but He HAS also given us an instruction manual on how to raise our children!! The Bible, AND the Holy Spirit. However, unlike we would like to think, what we would like our parents to do or say is NOT written on our foreheads. ;) *sigh* (Just wait, it'll be our turn, soon enough!!) We need to give them more grace, and have more thankful spirits than we have. We need to help them out by communicating, and striving to show proper respect and honour due them. Let's say "Thank you!" for a change, instead of expecting them to be perfect.

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

~ Deuteronomy 5:16 ~

At 17, I had most of my core values firmly established, however the last 3 years have been a refining fire for me, and though I know God broke me completely at 15, He gently has kept keeping the fire hot over the last few years, and I am so grateful for it!! In the Philippines, He especially did so, and not only were my eyes opened to how blessed I truly am, but I was also given the opportunity to test who I really am in Christ, and to live out my core values, in the face of diversity, and though I regret some choices I made, I learned so much through them!

Looking back, I see how hardened I was in my mid-teens, feeling the need to 'protect myself', and it has only been recently that God has truly been breaking down that wall.

This completes the introduction for what I really sat down to write about,..to be continued in my next post. ;)  about....FEMINITY and WOMANHOOD.