We’ve Been Tagged!

Bonnie at Bonnie’s Blessings tagged us!

Rules:
1. State 10 random things about yourself (or your top ten favourite scriptures)
2. Tag 10 people (and make sure they know you tagged them!)

Since this blog is written by three different individuals, we will each share 10 things about ourselves (or share our top ten favourite scriptures), then tag 10 people.


Rachel:

Here are some of my favourite Scriptures :) I could keep going, and it was hard to select just a few! :)

1. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2. Romans 10:9, 12 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
3. Isaiah 40:28-31 - Hast thou not known? 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. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
4. Ezekiel 36:23-27 - And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements, and do them.
5. Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6. Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
7. Romans 11:33-36 - O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
8. Hebrew 4:12, 16 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart…Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
9. Lamentations 3:22-23 - It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
10. 1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

Tiffany:

1. I’m good at asking random questions like, “Are your shoes comfy?” —That was random!
2. I like dressing—up a lot—historical stuff with a modern twist. I like dark, dramatic medieval colours and styles. Not Goth, but I do like black nail polish.
3. I’m good at remembering songs, and can only memorise verses if I put them to a tune—or else I’m useless. I like anything Christian, like a lot of styles, from contemporary to heavy metal. Yeah, I know.
4. I like evenings best. Late nights talking about deep stuff and God. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Don’t know the record—2:30 am maybe?
5. I like dancing, have done Jazz and am currently doing Ballet. Looking into Contemporary though. Can’t do the splits yet. :) I love Barn-dancing and Contra-dancing—I would love to do Irish.
6. Ah digging my brain for something… I plaster my bedroom wall with quotes. Love ’em. How about this one… “Dare to drop sparkles everywhere!” :) I also LOVE reading. Writing is pretty close behind.
7. I want to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell. With Daddy/God helping :) Maybe in the Middle East.
8. I’m pondering about being a responsible child. Jesus said we are meant to be ones. Anyway, we could all do without adult stuffiness, allow ourselves to be openly passionate about what we are passionate about. Not constantly thinking, “Oh I shouldn’t do this ‘cause such and such will think I’m stupid.” I believe in breaking the mould of other people’s expectations of me and not being limited to what other people think I should do or should not do. (Within reason, I haven’t jumped off a cliff but I’ve abseiled one.) I believe that everyone should be themselves.
9. Nearly there…. I prefer cooking to baking…. My sister is Queen in that department. You know—icing the cupcake and putting on sprinkles, and decorating the plate with artfully drizzled sauce. But me? Experimentation! Curries, soups, stir fries, anything remotely strange—and so what if I don’t have all the ingredients? All the more fun!
10. Playing Chinese-whispers in 3 different languages—did it today. Loads of fun, ’specially if you don’t know one of the languages—the turn outs are ridiculous! On that note I’m learning two languages, Latin and French. So I guess that’s it! 

Esther:

1. I love taking pictures. I’d love to be a professional some day.
2. Even though I’m an editor, I’m terrible at using/recognising correct grammar. If I’d ever have to take a test on my knowledge of grammar, I’d probably get an F minus.
3. I don’t do much cooking even though I really enjoy doing it.
4. I’d much prefer listening to a book over reading it. I think I can comprehend it better if I listen to it than if I just read it.
5. I love reading quotes.
6. I collect postcards. I love the different pictures that come with them! So far, I have 12 from all over the States, 2 from Canada, 10 from Holland, 2 from the UK, 5 from Hong Kong, and 5 from New Zealand. I love seeing all the differences between the different cultures! :) (And by the way—I’ve only been in NZ and the US in my life, and the only ones I bought while we were touring different places here in NZ. All the rest were given to me, from friends who have gone to these different places.)
7. I’m currently taking piano lessons, and loving it! Hopefully I’ll soon know enough that I can start playing hymns. A life-long dream coming true.
8. Something I’ve been praying about lately—I currently own one goat right now, and if we don’t find a bigger place to move to soon we’ll probably have to butcher her or else get rid of her. I don’t want to do either! Her mother was a good milker, so I’m hoping that she’ll be a good one, too. I’d like to build up a herd if I can, and make and sell goats cheese! If we get rid of her, we’ll have to start with totally new stock.
9. I LOVE singing! I’m glad we have 12+ different songbooks to choose from. :) It helps that the rest of my family loves to sing, as well. :)
10. I’m terrible at coming up with “10 random things about me”. :) Oh, yes—I listen to music a lot. I’ll listen to anything from classical music to a-cappella, so long as it’s Christ-pleasing (but no drums, please!). 

And we tag…
Lauralea at Of a Single Heart,
Leah Nicolette at The Sweetest Charm,
Andrea Groff at Committed to His Service,
Cossette Holmes at {aspiring to be} the girl God wants me to be,
Bethany at Looking unto Jesus,
Carissa at Rosie Posie’s Place,
Seven Sisters at Seven Sisters,
Rachel and Jessica at Young Homemakers,
Micaela Wood at Everyday Encouragements,

and Elanee Smythe at Elanee’s Endeavors!

The Dangerous Door

THE DANGEROUS DOOR

“Oh, cousin Will, do tell us a story! There’s just time before the school-bell rings.” And Harry, Kate, Bob, and little Peace crowded about their older cousin until he declared himself ready to do anything they wished.

“Very well,” said Cousin Will. “I will tell you about some dangerous doors I have seen.”

“Oh, that’s good!” exclaimed Bob. “Were they all iron and heavy bars? And if one passed in, did they shut and keep them there forever?”

“No; the doors I mean are pink or scarlet, and when they open you can see a row of little servants standing all in white, and behind them is a little lady dressed in crimson.”

“What? That’s splendid!” cried Kate. “I should like to go in myself.”

“Ah! it is what comes out of these doors that makes them so dangerous. They need a strong guard on each side, or else there is great trouble.”

“Why, what comes out?” said little Peace, with wondering eyes.

“When the guards are away,” said Cousin Will, “I have known some things to come out sharper than arrows, and they make terrible wounds. Quite lately I saw two pretty little doors, and one opened and the little lady began to talk like this: ‘What a stuck-up thing Lucy Waters is! And did you see that horrid dress made out of her sister’s old one?’ ‘Oh, yes,’ said the other little crimson lady from the other door, ‘and what a turned-up nose she has!’ Then poor Lucy, who was around the corner, ran home and cried all evening.”

“I know what you mean,” cried Kate, coloring.

“Were you listening?”

“Oh, you mean our mouths are doors!” exclaimed Harry, “and the crimson lady is Miss Tongue; but who are the guards, and where do they come from?”

“You may ask the Great King. This is what you must say: ‘Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: keep the door of my lips.’ Then He will send Patience to stand on one side and Love on the other, and no unkind word will dare come out.”

Source: The Kings Daughter and other Stories (various authors) 

(Thanks to Sayna for letting me repost this story!)

~*~*~*~*~

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

~Ephesians 4:29-32~

I’m back!

After almost three weeks in the States, I was VERY happy to get home again. :) I really enjoyed getting to see (and get to know!) each one again, but...there’s no place like home. :)

I’d like to say a BIG thank you to Rachel; you’ve done so much making sure this blog stays going while I was busy! Hopefully I’ll be able to help you from now on. :)

Grandpa’s visit went really well, and we were able to do a lot together (more on that here). It was a special time of catching up with them. :) After they left, we flew to the States. We spent three weeks with family, and flew back here. God has been very, very good to us. :)

Blessings, 

Thoughtful Tuesdays :: Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

~Lamentations 3:22-23 ~ NIV ~

Photo Credit goes to my friend, Emily.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

What's a Sister for?

What's a Sister for?

                 by Lacey Brinley

 “Why do you think God gave you brothers and sisters?” Now for a moment I would like to consider another question: Why did God give you to your brothers and sisters? Here's a little acronym that might help you with the answer.

Servant

A sister is a servant. What's that you say-- “it sounds like work?” Well, maybe it is. But it's worth it. Siblings are some of the most valuable treasures a sister can ever invest in. And it's not all work. A sister can look for things to do with her siblings that she and they all enjoy. Joining in her siblings' fun may be one of the best services a sister has to offer.

Intercessor

A sister must be an intercessor. Lifting her siblings up in prayer will not only improve her own relationship with them, but will positively impact her brothers and sisters throughout their lives.

Standard

No matter her age, a sister should be a standard of righteousness, setting an example for her siblings to follow. In Luke 10:38-41, we find Jesus pointing Martha to her younger sister's example.

Teacher

A sister is a teacher, both by her words and example. It really doesn't matter whether she is the younger or older sister; every sister has skills which she can pass along to her siblings.

Encourager

A sister is an encourager. Her kind words and helping hands will bless her siblings every day. She will stand by their side in both good times and challenging times. John 19:25 tells us that Mary's sister stood by her side at Jesus' cross.

Refuge

A sister is a refuge—a guardian and protector of her siblings. She may protect their physical well-being by her careful watch care; she may protect their reputations by refusing to speak unkindly of them to others; and she may protect their spiritual lives by her prayers, encouragement, and example.

May God give you grace to be a true SISTER—a servant, an intercessor, a standard of righteousness, a teacher, an encourager, and a refuge. After all, that's what a sister is for! 

My siblings and Me (The sun was bright! :) ) - Sept. 2012 

{I recently found this from a document we had saved on our computer, and thought I would share it! May we all learn to be good sisters!! ~Rachel}

Remember

Today....

Today: April 6th, 2013

Outside my window: I see blue-gray sky, and the sun is shining!

I am thinking: how Jesus loves me soooo much!

I am thankful for: Answered prayer. Recently, the Lord has answered several prayers of mine, and it makes me think all the more of how wonderful and mighty he is!

From the kitchen: Not too much, but I made banana bread yesterday. Guess what? It's all gone. *sighs*

I am wearing: A light pink blouse with 3/4 sleeves, and a jumper (a pinafore, for you New Zealand-ers! *smiles*) with roses on it.

I am creating: not much, right now. I plan to sew some jumpers/pinafores this week, though! 

I am going: to Kentucky! :) For some church meetings, and I'm really excited. (one of the answered prayers  I mentioned earlier!)

I am reading: the Bible! :) and I recently finished reading a book titled "The Long Road Home" by Pablo Yoder. It's a good book and I recommend it! :)

I am hoping: hmmmmm.....

I am hearing: Mom in the kitchen singing, children outside playing, and the clicking of the keyboard as I type. :)

A verse I am meditating on: The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. ~Zephaniah 3:17

A picture:

We make one of these each year for Easter,
and on Easter morning, we roll the stone away!
Jesus is risen!



Have a blessed day! 

Rachel

Thoughtful Tuesdays :: Thank you God, for....

COLORS....

LITTLE SISTERS TO DO CRAFTS WITH....

BLUE SKY...

PRETTY FLOWERS....

LITTLE BROTHERS AND SWEET SMILES...

BRIGHT SUNSHINE TO MAKE SHADOWS WITH...

Thank you God for all these things, and for much, MUCH more! 

What are some things you are thanking the Lord for today?

Blessings, Rachel

Another thought

"Jesus didn't die half-way for you
why do you get to live half-way for Him?"
 -Damon Thompson

Happy Resurrection Day! Jesus is RISEN!!

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away...

Matthew 26:30, 36, 39, 41, 57 a

The Garden of Gethsemane / Mount of Olives, looking towards the city of Jerusalem.


Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

Matthew 27: 22, 24, 26, 28-31, 33

Golgotha - "The place of a skull"

Do you see it? The lower half of it is now hidden under the parking lot.

 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

 And sitting down they watched him there;

And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.

 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

Matthew 27:35-37, 46, 50

Photo Credit: FreeFoto.com

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Matthew 27:57-60

The Garden Tomb - where he was buried ... and where he rose from the dead!!

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

HE IS NOT HERE, FOR HE IS RISEN, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Matthew 28:1-8

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:16-17

~*~

Praise the LORD! Jesus is risen and alive forevermore!!!

Happy Resurrection Day! 

Blessings,

Rachel

(Photo Credit goes to my wonderful Daddy! :) Thank you!)