I've Been Tagged The Liebster Award

My friend eden tagged me, so, I'd like to thank her for awarding me the Liebster Award.
For those of you who don't know what this award is: A Liebster Award is passed around to bloggers who have less then 200 followers. It's a way to get to know one another.

Liebster Award rules.

• Acknowledge the blog that nominated you. 
• Answer the 11 questions the nominating blog created.
• List 11 bloggers with less then 200 followers that deserve some recognition
• Write 11 questions for them to answer.
• Notify them that they have been nominated.

Thank you, Eden, for nominating me. I was surprised by this recognition. I enjoyed answering the questions asked of me.

1. What is your favorite verse and why?
Romans 8: 28 "And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose." I really treasure this verse, because I think this verse reflects God's goodness for those who seek and love Him. God knows what is best and what He grants us is His best eventhough we could have a different answer. There are times it is easy and times I will be learning how to love the Lord with all my heart and accept His version of goodness.

2. How would your family describe you?

Quiet, funny, goal-oriented, loves music, gifted in playing the piano, teachable, faithful, responsible, willing to try new GF and DF recipes, adventuresome, loves to write, loves children, loves photography and enjoy ministering to the elderly and those in need.  

4. Besides the Bible, is there a book that has greatly impacted you?

The book called Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends.

5. What movie has impacted you the most?

The DVD of Making Brothers & Sisters Best Friends is really good. The information presents practical information to apply to all of your significant relationships.

6. Favorite way to serve your family?

Playing music, doing dishes, singing together and taking trips or long drives together.

7. Favorite Christian artist?

Brian Crain and Christopher Rogers. 

8. Favorite family activity?

My favorite family activity would be Foosball, Frisbee and long drives.

9. Do you play an instrument, and if so, what instrument?

I haved played piano the longest  for 7 years. I am teaching myself to play guitar, harmonica and organ.

10. Is there a passage of Scripture that the Lord used to speak to you?
I would say the Book of James has impressed my heart the most. I really treasure all of the passages.

11. What are some of your gifts/talents?
I am musically inclined, sharing my music at the retirement center, finding scripture to add to photos that I have taken, and making gifts. I love writing that communicates a spiritual message.

12. Describe your fashion Style!
I dress conservatively. I enjoy mixing and matching my outfits. I like to be versatile and dress appropriately for the occasion. I dress to honor the Lord.

Those I decide to nominate the Liebster Award. 

Leanne - The Opportunity

Madison- Dolly Madison Designs

Lindsay- The Young Ladies Magazine

Susanna - Young Readers And Writers

Liebster Award rules.

• Acknowledge the blog that nominated you. 
• Answer the 11 questions the nominating blog created.
• List 11 bloggers with less then 200 followers that deserve some recognition
• Write 11 questions for them to answer.
• Notify them that they have been nominated.

Your questions.

1. If you had the chance to say something about Christ to someone you think you will not meet again, what would you say?

2. What song would you recommend to someone to play or sing? 

3. What caused you to pick the name that you did for your blog?

4. Why did you create this blog?

5. Do you have a bible verse that you would use to encourage someone?

6. What is your favorite saying or quote?

7. Favorite food to make/eat? Please share the recipe.

8. What would be something you would tell someone about yourself? 

9. What Christian event would you tell people to go attend and why?

10. How do you serve the Lord and what else would you hope to do for Him?

11. What is one of your goals this year?

His Everlasting Goodness.

During July of 2012, we were driving home in our camper from a great couple of days with friends. Suddenly, our camper was giving us problems. Well, I don't like to be on the side of the road, so I began praying. After waiting for a couple of hours, we were able to resume driving and headed home safely. On the way home, we saw such an incredible sunset that my brother and I had to capture what our eyes were seeing. God reminded me that He is the creator, in control and watches over His people at all times. I felt a reassurance as I watched His handiwork in the sky. Only He could grant me a beautiful sunset after praying for His help with a malfunctioning camper hours away from home. 

DON'T SCREAM

Now, say truthfully did you feel just a bit uneasy and had to look?

Found this as a blog button and it makes you think.

February, July, and August

Ever wonder why February has less days than the other months?
Well, I'll explain.

Julius Caesar named the month, July after himself and there are 31 days in the month. Augustus Caesar named the month, August after himself and this month contains 31 days. However, Julius was striving for some kind of power by giving himself the same number of days as Augustus's month. He didn't want less number of days, so he opted for the same number of days in the month. Julius took a day from February, and he reassigned it to his month leaving February with one less day and the only month with the least number of days in it.

Another fun fact is that we have other months named after people.
January was named for Janus. He was the keeper of the doorways in the Roman times.
February was from a Roman word meaning "Festival".
March was named after Mars. The Roman god of war.
April means "to open" probably because buds opened in April.
May was named after Maia, the mother of Mercury.
June was named after Juno, the queen of the gods in Roman mythology.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this little bit of history.

~Happy Thanksgiving~

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope each of you have a blessed day.

Below is a picture that my youngest sister took, also there is write up by J. Mark Fox.

  “Gratitude to the Pilgrims for Obeying the Lord”
Men of courage and women of honor,                                                      
Children wide-eyed with excitement,
A journey of 65 days across the Atlantic,
One crewman and one passenger lost, One baby, Oceanus, born.
The Pilgrims landed and the new world was forever changed.
A brutal winter brought sickness and death,
The spring came none too soon,
And found the weary Pilgrims nearly cut in half, 46 were gone.
The Wampanoag Indians came in spring and taught the Pilgrims how to plant and fish and live, and God rekindled hope.
With harvest time, the Pilgrims rejoiced, and asked their new friends to come and share,     
Massasoit and 90 of his people, came and feasted for three days.
The Governor led the Pilgrims in giving thanks to God for His providential care, and the colony bowed their heads.
O God our help in ages past,
We stand in debt to the Pilgrims for their courage to come and their faith to stay,
For their Compact of laws that laid a foundation, for their zeal to teach and reach the lost.
We give thanks today, O Lord, and we commit our lives again to You. Though the path ahead may bring suffering or death,
give us Pilgrim courage and faith to stay in the Plymouth place where You have planted us,
With hope that does not disappoint and love that never fails.

Real Life Moments by J. Mark Fox

Pass Along!!!!

Please come and purchase something for Christmas. All proceeds will go to Mrs. Raymond who suddenly lost her husband past February. The proceeds will help Mrs. Raymond and her son through some very difficult financial times. This is an opportunity to come along side of people in great need. 

August 1st!!!

“The strength of patience hangs on our capacity to believe that God is up to something good for us in all our delays and detours.” -John Piper

Taken by me

Beethoven

Beethoven-Moonlight Sonata (Mvt. 1)

I have begun learning this song and I love it!!!!

The video below is the full song. I hope to learn it all, but my teacher says it's really hard. We will see.

Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata - Full

~A Bouquet Of Flowers~

As we were coming home form a wedding last year, I decided to take pictures of the bouquet that the bride gave my sister. Here they are.

 

My favorite

From Last Year's 4th of July

These are pictures taken by my Papa of former July 4th fireworks.

December

December is here and soon it will be Christmas!

 

Merry Christmas to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A fun Candle

 

This is a candle that we had gotten at a sale and we have really enjoyed it.

Zucchini

This is a Zucchini from my sister's garden.

Length: 17 1/2"

Height: 6"

Circumference 15"

Do You Pray?

This was sent to me by a dear friend and I thought it would be good post to share with my readers. My friend emphasized how this reading inspired her to pray for her brother and his future life along with praying for her unknown future husband.

His Faith: Is he a Christian? I’ve always assumed my future husband is already a Christian, but … he might not be today; and for years I’ve prayed periodically for his salvation. We can also pray for the faith of our future husbands to grow in depth and breadth, in strength and tenacity, and also in grace. I pray that my future husband will be strong when he is tested and humble when he is refined. The faith of our future husbands will directly impact our faith, our children’s faith, our grandchildren’s faith … and the faith of countless generations to come if Jesus tarries that long.


His Walk With God: Faith is the foundation of our future husband’s walk with God, but following Jesus is an adventure – and a journey that involves lots of tests: of faith and conviction and obedience. We can pray for our future husbands to walk humbly in faith with God (Micah 6:8) – to have the faith to keep walking by faith and not by sight when it’s tough, to maintain their convictions when it’s unpopular (even with themselves!), to obey the voice of God at any cost. I pray for my future husband to care more for walking with God than walking with friends or colleagues in following the crowd in pursuit of popularity or riches.


His Heart: I often wonder about the heart of my future husband – who he is, deep down inside, alone with God. I think some people would call this “personality” or “character” or something – or maybe “soul”. I pray for my future husband to increase in his knowledge of God and maturity (Ephesians 4:13), know Jesus (Philippians 3:8 and Philippians 3:10), and be conformed to the image of Messiah (Romans 8:29). We can pray for our future husbands to have pleasant personalities and strong characters. For God to purify them of what is not pleasing to Him. And for their hearts to be true and honest and sincere.


Pray for other areas in your future husband’s life. There are other areas of our future husband’s lives that we can remember in prayer – this isn’t an exhaustive list, but examples of things we can pray for:
His Vision: Does he have a vision (Proverbs 29:18) for his faith, his life, his marriage, his family, his ministry and / or work?
His Work / Ministry: Our future husbands may be in school or college or university, they may be working, they may be serving in ministry – or even missions! – and I pray for God to bless my future husband’s efforts.
His Family Relationships: He’s a son – and maybe a brother too.
The Company He Keeps: He has pastors, teachers, mentors, friends, colleagues … and maybe hundreds of “others” on Facebook!
Wisdom: I pray that God grants my future husband wisdom in all his ways.
Purity: Purity of body, mind, heart, soul … this is important!
Generosity: Is he generous – with his time, his possessions, his money … his “self”?

Pray for your future husband from the Bible. The Bible is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) – we can be inspired by the Word of God as we pray for our future husbands!

Psalm 15 says, “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous …” (:1-2) and Psalm 112 says, “Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands …” (:1) – so I pray, “Dear God, please help my future husband to fear You and love your commands; help him to walk blamelessly and act righteously.”
David is described a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22) and a man who accomplished God’s will in his generation (Acts 13:36) – so I pray, “Dear God, please shape my future husband into a man after your own heart and guide him into accomplishing Your will in this generation …”
A number of the men in the Bible portray good, godly characteristics. For example, Moses was humble (Numbers 12:3) and Joshua was courageous (Joshua 1:9 and Joshua 24:31) – so I pray, “Please help my future husband to be humble and courageous …”

Charles read Susannah a few lines from a book he was reading: "Seek a good wife of thy God, for she is the best gift of His providence... If thou art to have a wife of thy youth, she is now living on the earth; therefore think of her, and pray for her weal."  Charles asked Susannah in a soft voice, "Do you pray for him who is to be your husband?"

"Therein, the husband acts as a tender head; and the wife, as a true spouse, realizes the model marriage-relation, and sets forth what our oneness with the Lord ought to be. She delights in her husband, in his person, his character, his affection; to her, he is not only the chief and foremost of mankind, but in her eyes he is all-in-all; her heart's love belongs to him, and to him only. She finds sweetest content and solace in his company, his fellowship, his fondness; he is her little world, her Paradise, her choice treasure. At any time, she would gladly lay aside her own pleasure to find it doubled in gratifying him. She is glad to sink her individuality in his. She seeks no renown for herself; his honor is reflected upon her, and she rejoices in it. She would defend his name with her dying breath; safe enough is he where she can speak for him. The domestic circle is her kingdom; that she may there create happiness and comfort, is her lifework; and his smiling gratitude is all the reward she seeks. Even in her dress, she thinks of him; without constraint she consults his taste and considers nothing beautiful which is distasteful to him.

A tear from his eye, because of any unkindness on her part, would grievously torment her. She asks not how her behavior may please a stranger, or how another's judgment may approve her conduct; let her beloved be content, and she is glad. He has many objects in life, some of which she does not quite understand; but she believes in them all, and anything she can do to promote them, she delights to perform. He lavishes love on her, and, in return, she lavishes love on him. Their object in life is common. There are points where their affections so intimately unite that none could tell which is first and which is second. To watch their children growing up in health and strength, to see them holding posts of usefulness and honor, is their mutual concern; in this and other matters, they are fully one. Their wishes blend, their hearts are indivisible. By degrees, they come to think very much the same thoughts. Intimate association creates conformity; I have known this to become so complete that, at the same moment, the same utterance has leaped to both their lips."
                                                                                                                  ~ Charles Spurgeon

Worth Reading........

This is worth reading.

                 Bible                                                                                          Cell phone

VS Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to Kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergency? This is something to make you go.....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls! When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!

Sorry if the picture does not appear.

Happy Independence Day

Please enjoy the following posts.

***Genie Makinster***

God Grant Us Wisdom

Oh, for the widsom to build a world
Where man may find delight,
Not in the strength of martial power,
But in the quest for truth and right.
We would not ask that the way be cleared
And smoothed for our eager feet;
But, rather, freedom from groundless fear,
So our problems we may meet.
Yes, ours is a prayer for freedom, for strength,
And for opportunity
In a world not only of toil and tears,
But of love and liberty.
                                 -Genie Makinster

From Last Year’s 4th of July post

Quotes from the Founding Fathers, others, and including Patrick Henry's well known speech.

"The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God."
_{--Adams wrote this on June 28, 1813, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson.}

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever."
_{--Adams wrote this in a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776.}

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Thomas Jefferson

John Hancock
1st signer of the Declaration of Independence

"Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. ... Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us."
_{--History of the United States of America, Vol. II, p. 229.}

"The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but the God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people. Trust in Him at all times, ye people, pour out your hearts before him; God is a refuge for us.

 

"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

"From the day of the Declaration...they (the American people) were bound by the laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of The Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledge as the rules of their conduct."

Samuel Chase

"By our form of government, the Christian religion is the established religion; and all sects and denominations of Christians are placed upon the same equal footing, and are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty."

The Speech by Patrick Henry

No, one, Mr President, thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as the abilities, of the very honorable gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining, as I do,opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I should speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less then a question of freedom or slavery. And in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, thought fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards the majesties of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of a wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of these who,having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but be the past. And, judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry, for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir, it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation, -the last arguments to which kings resort.

I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if it's purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy in this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forgoing.

And what have we oppose to them? Shall we try argument?Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing, we have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty, and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted?

Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have supplicated; we have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned with contempt from the foot of the throne.

In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free; if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending; if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest be obtained, -we must fight! I repeat it, sir, -we must fight! Appeal to arms, and to the God of hosts, is all that is left us.

They tell us, sir, that we weak, -unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strenght by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of Hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people armed in the holy cause we possess, are invincible be any force which our enemy can send against us.

Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone: it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston. The war is inevitable. And let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace, but there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field. Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is like so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

These quotes and this speech ring true for us to pay attention too!

~~~Cake's~~~

Here are some cake's that we have made over the years. We had allot of fun making and decorating them.

Please enjoy.

Recipe for Happiness

Recipe for Happiness,

A Dash of laughter,

2 cups of Kindness,

Sprinkle of Caring,

Touch of Patience,

Handful of Love,

Serve to Everyone

You Meet,

                                                                                                        Anonymous