Ava at play

Hey guys!

I am SO sorry! I have been so bad at keeping up with this blog. Well, what can I say? I was away for almost 3 weeks (and didn't have time to do much of anything with the computer!), got the "48-hour-flu" (yes, the "throw up" kind -- blah!), then caught a bad cold/cough thing. And I'm still recovering from it. ICK!

So I guess that's my excuse?? No, wait, I was here at home from January 31st to about February 21st or so -- huh?? Oh no! My excuse has been shattered before my very eyes! :) Well, there is no excuse. Sigh. I'm just a bad, bad person. Take me or leave me! :)

For now, I have to run. There's a whole sinkful of dishes (who feels like doing dishes when everybody in the family is sick??) to be done, and in an hour (or less), Ava is coming! From 1:00PM to 10:00PM! YIKES!

Here is a little collage I made up of this sweet little one...

She's such a sweetheart...such a good girl!

Blessings to you all...and thanks for putting up with my bad posting habits! :S

Talk to you soon, hopefully!

Movies, anyone? -- Part 1

Hi there, friends!

Sorry I've been gone for so long. Been really busy lately and haven't had much time to post. Lots going on here at the Mathison household! :)

A little earlier, I was asking my Mom her opinion on a certain aspect of my blog -- and our discussion turned into an idea for a blog post!

If you all are anything like us, you probably have a difficult time finding good, wholesome movies that are well-done, aren't filled with trash, and have a redeeming storyline. (Wow...these days...that's not asking much, is it?!)

Believe me -- we have, too. But, over the years, especially as I've been getting older, there have been some more 'good'ns' that we (or in some cases, "I") hold dear to our ("my") heart(s). :) I thought maybe I'd share some of these with you, as we know how difficult it can be!

By the way -- as a quick suggestion, if you've never heard of Netflix, you may want to check it out -- while there is a ton of trash on there (I never peruse Netflix), my dear Momma has definitely found a few real gems! :) There are thousands and thousands of movies on there (quite a few good Christian dramas/docu-dramas/documentaries), and for the one-at-a-time package, it's only $8.99 (plus tax) every month. We really enjoy it. :) There are also tons of movies on there that you can watch instantly (as opposed to through the mail) on your computer, that are excellent!
So, here are 5 of my favorite movies (and this is only part one of a series of posts I plan on doing on this subject), in order -- from very, very favorites, to favorites. :)

And one more thing -- although I think these are all very good movies for certain audiences, I wouldn't recommend them all for young children -- and, of course, everybody's standards are different; just because our family approves of a certain movie doesn't, of course, mean every family will. :)

There was a huge toss-up in my little mind between these first two -- Places in the Heart, and Fireproof. But finally, Places in the Heart won...


Places in the Heart (1984) -- 112 minutes
This movie is a tearjerker if I've ever watched one! The ending had tears literally streaming down my face. Written and directed by Robert Benton.
Sally Field does an excellent job playing the main character -- a young woman, suddenly and startlingly widowed, living with her two children in Waxahachie, Texas during the Depression. Confused and frightened, she's at a loss as to how to support her family without her husband. When a young black man (Danny Glover), an expert at cotton-raising, enters her life, things are beginning to look more hopeful. But what about the pickers from the South?
This movie is described as bittersweet, and I completely agree. There is such a stark contrast between the hatred and evil of man and the love and forgiveness that can only come from God. While not necessarily deemed "Christian", the ending is very allegorical, and is a real thought-provoker. All in all, I'd rate this one with 5 stars. :) Probably very close to the (if not by all means the) best movie I've ever watched.
NOTE: I wouldn't recommend this movie for kids under 12 or 13. There is some violence that could be disturbing to a young child, and there are a couple characters on the movie who cheat on their spouses. Also some mild language.


Fireproof (2008) -- 118 minutes
As I said -- I was having a very difficult time deciding between Places in the Heart and Fireproof; both are absolutely superb. Fireproof is a perfect blend of the Lord's Word, His principles and His love; humor; tears; and action. Written by Stephen & Alex Kendrick; directed by Alex Kendrick.
Although many of my readers have probably seen it already -- for those of you that haven't, it's about a firefighter named Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) who, although he risks his life over and over again in burning buildings, saving people he doesn't even know, is about to let his own marriage burn to the ground. Just before he and his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), are about to get an ugly divorce, his Dad challenges him with The Love Dare -- a 40-day spiritual journey to win back the heart of his wife. Another one of Sherwood Pictures' excellent movies! :) And although this story is based on a husband and wife, and it was made primarily for married couples, it is very inspiring for unmarried young men and young ladies like myself! Five-star rating -- by all means! :)
NOTE: Again, I wouldn't recommend this movie for kids under 12 or 13, for some disturbing scenes associated with Caleb's nerve-wracking job, and some subtle references to some struggles Caleb has.

Here's the trailer!




Luther (2003) -- 124 minutes
Yet another one of those 'best movies ever made' in my book! As the back of the movie describes it better than I ever could, I'll quote it:
"Joseph Fiennes stars as Martin Luther, the brilliant man of God whose defiant actions changed the world, in this "epic, ravishingly beautiful" (The New York Times) film that traces Luther's extraordinary and exhilarating quest for the people's liberation. Regional princes and the powerful Church wield a fast, firm and merciless grip on 16th-century Germany. But when Martin Luther issues a shocking challenge to their authority, the people declare him their new leader -- and hero. Even when threatened with violent death, Luther refuses to back down, sparking a bloody revolution that shakes the entire continent to its core."
Eeeek! That's what I say! And I guarantee if you're even just a little bit like me, you'll be saying the same thing after you watch it! :) This movie has some extremely inspiring contents that can really set you on fire for the Lord. FANTASTIC movie! A must-see!
NOTE: I wouldn't recommend this movie for kids under 13, for some mild language, and some disturbing images of violence.


Sweet Land (2005) -- 110 minutes
This is a beautiful and whimsical story -- one of my very favorites! Here's the Netflix description:
In Ali Selim's Independent Spirit Award-winning tale of how love triumphs over ignorance, German immigrant Inge tells her life story to her grandson after burying her husband on their farm in Minnesota in 1968. Inge begins her tale in 1920, when she's just become a mail-order bride to Norwegian-American farmer Olaf. Discovering that Inge's heritage is actually German, both Olaf and the community struggle to overcome years of anti-German propaganda and prejudice. Excellent movie! :)
NOTE: This movie is rated PG for brief partial nudity and mild language. Well, we don't even remember the language (although we haven't watched it in a while), so there must not have been that much! And as for the brief partial nudity -- it sounds worse than it is...it's just a scene where Inge hops out of a tub to cover up (shows only bare thighs and shoulders).


Pamela's Prayer (1998) -- 57 minutes
While this movie certainly wasn't made with a million-dollar budget (it was produced by a small, family-0wned company), it is a very inspiring story! So beautiful! Also a bit corny, as the movie is primarily set in the 80's! :)...but nevertheless, it's bound to be quite an encouragement to young ladies (and young men) dedicated to purity and courtship vs. dating. This is an excellent story I'm sure you'll enjoy!
Note: There are some subtle references to adult content.


So...have any of my readers seen and enjoyed any of these? :)

A Short Tribute to My Birthday Gal (You've been Hacked!) and I'll be back with MORE TOMORROW!!! he-he! (evil snicker)--kidding ;)

Love ya!

You're a Blessing to us Noelle,

Many Happy returns of the Day!

~Your Mum & Dad :)

Looking back

Strange. Odd. Eccentric. Extraordinary. Outlandish. Weird.

Okay -- so maybe it wasn't that bad, but...let me try again.

Different; interesting; quiet; introverted; and extroverted; deep -- and yes, strange; odd; eccentric; extraordinary; outlandish; weird.

Yes, yes, to a tee. Right on the money!

That was (okay, so it still is) ME!

Maybe it's just the close of yet another year that's putting me into such a reflective state of mind and heart. "The close of another year!" you say; "Why, this year's just begun!"

Ah, my friend, but you are wrong. Because for me, it's just the beginning! It actually hasn't EVEN begun just quite yet! And no, I'm not speaking of the end of 2008, beginning of 2009. I'm speaking of the end of 13, the beginning of 14.


January 19th, 1995, at 5:11 PM, a baby girl, me!, was born. That's 14 years ago!

Looking back over the past 14 years, I find my head whirling in a barrage of many emotions; I find myself laughing, crying, gritting my teeth, smiling, shaking my head, shrugging my shoulders...........life is so glorious and so hectic both at the same time!

You gotta figure...life can glorious physically (materially; your surroundings; etc.), mentally (new discoveries; 'light-bulb moments'; etc.), emotionally (tears; laughter; joy; sorrow; and all the rest!), and spiritually (growing and learning to walk with God; entering into a literal love-relationship with Him; and again, discoveries; light-bulb moments, etc.!).
Life can also be hectic physically; mentally; emotionally; and spiritually. There is such a range of emotions throughout our lifetimes...have you ever thought about how incredible it is that we can HAVE emotions?? Emotions are such amazing things...they can cause you to will and to act, to love, to hate...they can change your life, for better or for worse. And it's up to each one of us to take responsibility for our OWN emotions, so that it directs the course of our life for BETTER or for WORSE. Which path do you want to travel down? I for one have chosen the BETTER path, by the grace of God! And He promises to sustain us; provide for all of our needs; to give us ALL that we need for life and godliness. Is this an incredible thought or what?!

For whatever reason (I suppose because I'm very much the reflective, pensive, romantic type), the end of another year of my life brings me to a state of deep contemplation. Looking back; remembering both mistakes and successes. How far have I come? How far do I have to go? (And for your information, the answer to both is FAR. :)

Getting in touch with seldom thought-about feelings and memories can be a harrowing, and joyful, experience. Not that I'm the type to stuff my feelings (which can bring about very bad fruit); but sometimes, inevitably, you're just not in touch with everything all the time. And right before a birthday is a time for me in which I am in touch with just about everything!

Birthdays have always been a big deal to me (I'm a very date-oriented person!), but the last few have been a big deal for different reasons. Isn't it a well-known fact that kids love any holiday because it usually means presents, good food, fun, a day off chores, etc.? :) Well, although holidays for me still include presents, good food, fun, etc. (a day off chores? umm, not do-able for me anymore ;), they mean something else now. A time of looking back, and looking ahead.
14?
Wow.
Am I still really young?
Yes.
To somebody in their 60's -- yes, I'm quite a youngster. :)
But thinking back (yes, I have been doing that a lot lately, if you haven't noticed!), I remember how, when I was little, 14 seemed so far away. 14! Oh my goodness! That's ancient! :) It seemed so important, so...so...important!

And now? Well, I'm not sure. I guess we'll just have to see what 14 brings my way. :)

...Go Light Your World

Hello friends and family,

I thought this would be excellent to start the new year out with. I'm not going to write much; I'm simply going to leave you with this to chew on! It's really something to think about as we ponder the upcoming 365 days, wouldn't you say?!

Have a blessed New Year!
~Noelle

New Year's "Resolutions"

New Year's Resolutions. What a strange thing. Half of America makes a list a couple days before New Years -- a list of goals, often set far too high, that there's a good chance they're not going to be able to accomplish. Doesn't it seem like a rather odd phenomonen to you? Why in the world would anyone want to make a list of a bunch of things they know they're not going to stick with more than a few days? What a let-down! What nonsense!

Why do they do it?

As I was just contemplating this situation, the thought struck me -- because they want to try to make themselves feel like decent people by "pretending" that they'll do as much good as they can in the next year.

Now, don't get me wrong -- I know that sounded pretty harsh -- I know that a lot of people have motives other than this! But...it seems to me that a good lot of people make these resolutions -- and then just leave off, and fail themselves. And I realized that the reason often is that people want to be able to feel good about themselves -- without having to realize that God is the only One who can help them "clean up their act" -- and so they do this small act of "sacrifice" and "self-righteousness". And, of course, there's always that excuse, when their conscience pricks them -- "Oh well; who really keeps all their resolutions anyway?"

Okay -- I'm not writing this post to get you on a guilt trip if you fail to carry out your resolutions all through the year! I'm not saying that if you commit to not another bite of sugar for the rest of the year, and you do end up having a bite of sugar, you should beat yourself. (For one thing, committing to not eating a bite of sugar for a year is, after all, a rather unreasonable goal. :) And two -- the Lord does call us to be responsible for ourselves -- and accountable to Him, and our brothers and sisters in Christ -- but He doesn't call us to condemn ourselves for messing up!)

Here's what I'm getting at. We all know that the Lord determines even our every breath, and that His blueprint for our lives is ALWAYS the best way to go -- but I believe it does please Him when we prayerfully set reasonable (again, I repeat -- reasonable) goals for our lives, years, months, days -- keeping in mind that whatever He speaks to our hearts is to be our end-all goal.

When I was younger, New Years Resolutions really didn't mean all that much to me. I think I made them a couple times, and kept them till about January 10th. :) This year, however, I feel differently -- the expansive, new, and at times frightening horizon of adulthood is slowly broadening before my very eyes; I'm beginning to see life with new responsibility and, yes, excitement. I feel that I need some more goals -- goals in my life to keep me on the right track, to keep me going in the way that I feel the Lord is leading me to go.

So with this, my dear friends, I would encourage you to set goals for yourself, too! :) REASONABLE goals! Don't set up for yourself a let-down! Prayerfully consider what the Lord may have in store for you; talk with your parents (if you're still living at home) about it; write them down -- and do your best, with the Lord's help, to carry out those goals!

And now -- is anybody interested in hearing my New Year's Resolutions -- er -- Goals...or...well, whatever you want to call them!? :)

If it's the Lord's will, in the next year I desire to:

1. To continue to grow in grace in the knowlege of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
2. To be a more effective witness, bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ with me wherever I go
3. To develop more of a servant's heart
4. To become better at keeping in touch with the Lord, my family, and my friends and dear brothers and sisters in Christ
5. To be more of a blessing to those around me
6. To continue on faithfully in my schoolwork
7. To continue to learn and grow in my developing homemaking skills -- namely, cooking/baking, cleaning, decorating, needlework, seamstressing, childcare, hospitality, gardening, communication skills, etc.
8. To become a successful and more accomplished photographer, having opportunities to minister while we're working, always keeping the Lord in His rightful place -- first! :)
9. To develop and hone my writing skills and to move ahead in my writing
10. To get my boutique (fellow members of the blogosphere, you will hear about this soon...) up and successfully running, and to be creatively "designing" clothes that people -- and the Lord -- will love
11. To develop my love for and hone my graphic art skills
12. To become a more accomplished vocalist
13. To study and learn cosmetology and get my apprentice license (under my Mom)
14. To move far ahead in my *************, preparing for the final lap of the daring, yet exciting, prospect of ********** for the first time! (Again -- fellow members of the blogosphere, you will hear about this soon enough! :) Am I good at suspense or what?!?!)

May the Lord bless you and your family in the upcoming year! And remember this as you contemplate this strange phenomonen called "New Year's Resolutions" -- and remember that they don't have to be a let-down!

I can do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens me!!! ALL things!!!! (Philippians 4:13, some emphasis added :)

The Power of God

The prophet Habbakuk saw the God of Israel not as a tender shepherd, but as a raging giant: "Thou didst bestride the earth in fury, thou didst trample the nations in anger. Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, for the salvation of thy annointed. Thou didst crush the head of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck....Thou didst trample the sea with thy horses." This representation of power is followed by Habbakuk's testimony of faith, "God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like hind's feet, he makes me tread upon my high places."

That fearful deity, that giant who roars forth for the deliverance of his people, is the God who makes us able to walk where it seems there can be no walking.

--Elisabeth Elliott--

That's what love does

Jesus humbled Himself.

He went from commanding angels, to sleeping in
the straw.

From holding stars, to clutching Mary's finger.

The Palm that held the universe, took the nail of a soldier.

Why?

Because that's what love
does.

--Max Lucado--

The Gift of God.

The Birth of Christ.

This is Christmas.

This is love.

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I found this beautiful e-card off of Compassion.com and loved it. May God bless you all, and may you have a blessed Holiday and a wonderful New Year to come! Merry Christmas!

New post in progress...

My dear blogger friends! How could I be so neglectful of you?! :) I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I've last posted...please except my humble apology as I bow my head low in shame!

And as this post title implies...

...there is a substantial post in progress.

Until then, folks, please be patient with me! :) I'll talk to you soon!

Thank you!

I have been blessed by the gift of two blogging awards by two special blogging friends of mine!

For this one I have Jasmine to thank! :)

Uber is a German word that is similar to our English word, "super". This award is awarded to blogs that have some or all of these qualities:

They...

1. Inspire you
2. Make you smile and laugh
3. Give amazing information
4. Are a great read
5. Have an amazing design
6. And any other reasons you can think of that make them Uber Amazing!

The rules to this award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post


2. Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing! ***if you don't have 5 that's okay***


3. Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing reward by commenting on their blog.


4. Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

...I have 10 blogs (and what's more, the people who write them) to award that are, to me, Uber Amazing...

Kaysie at Alabaster Box (I know you just got this one, but I wanted to give it to you again :)

Megan at AIMING for Perfection

Andrea at Sunset Hours

My Momma' at A Little Bit Of A Lot

Rebekah at By His Grace And For His Glory

Anna at Anna's Blog

Courtney at Courtney Michelle Photography

Carley at Carley Rene Photography

Miss Alyssa at CrazyBusy

Bryant at Him Whom I have not seen, I love

Thank you, everybody, for your Uber Amazing blogs! :)

And the next one is the Thank You Blog Award:

Thank you to Kaysie for this one! What a blessing this was to me!

With this one I award:

Bethany at Bethany's Blog

Andrea at Sunset Hours

My Mom at A Little Bit Of A Lot

A huge thank you and a big hug to all three of you ladies!!

Makeover

From this...

...To this!

What do you all think? Didn't my Mom do a wonderful job?! :)

Do you like it better long or short? Be honest! I won't be hurt! :)

Please leave me a comment, letting me know!

15 Things

I thought the tags were done, but alas, no. :)

I too love tags, and as Jasmine tagged whoever wished to participate, I will participate. :)

And now for 15 things I am not afraid to admit about myself:

• I am not afraid to admit that I am in love with the Lord Jesus Christ.
• I am not afraid to admit that I am planning some new and exciting things with my blog! :) Stay tuned...
• I am not afraid to admit that although I have 67 tracks on my Rhapsody playlist (from various artists), I have only one main favorite music group. :) And I'm expecting their newest CD in the mail any day now!! (As you can imagine, the anticipation is building...!)
• I am not afraid to admit that I have a favorite pair of shoes, and I'm wearing them right now.
• I am not afraid to admit that I have lived in Michigan for 3-1/2 this December 15th. Wow. Seems like just yesterday we pulled into town.
• I am not afraid to admit that cooking and baking are not my favorite pastimes, although everyone says I'm pretty good at them.
• I am not afraid to admit that I hate spiders and onions, as well as semi's, plastic wrap, and fluorescent lights.
• I am not afraid to admit that my Mom and I have the best recipe for Holiday candy that exists.
• I am not afraid to admit that I like to get the mail, and I do almost every morning.
• I am not afraid to admit that I can start Driver's Ed. in less than 10-1/2 months. (No, I'm not afraid to admit it, but the thought of actually doing it is a bit terrifying! :) No...I have excellent teachers. And I actually get to live with them! :)
• I am not afraid to admit that if I'm bored and there's a 'kiddie book' sitting near me, I will pick it up and read it front to back.
• I am not afraid to admit that I LOVE children!
• I am not afraid to admit that my smile has changed so much over the years. From one smile to another to another to another to another.
• I am not afraid to admit that I am very thrilled that my 14th birthday (7 is the number of perfection, and 14 is double 7's!! :) starts on a MONDAY!!! I am very date-oriented. Don't worry, I'm not superstitious -- I don't think anything special will happen to me because I'll be fourteen or anything like that. :) I just think it's pretty neat that that age starts the first day of the week!!! Yeah!!!
• I am not afraid to admit that I have had a terrible time at keeping my room neat, for years. Only very recently have I been keeping it picked up!

...And, there you are, folks! :)

I too tag whoever wishes to participate!

Purpose

I got a comment on yesterday's post from a friend of mine, Linda N., that I will quote here in this post:

Hey just wanted to add a thought, along the lines of what I've been learning
lately, and that is how essential GLORIFYING GOD is, in all we do...that is our purpose...God wants us to be in continual communication with Him, certainly, but the purpose of it all is to glorify Him, it isn't for our sakes alone...He is so jealous of our affection, worship, and that is why He brings us into communication with Himself...God bless you! (emphasis added by me)

This is so true -- and as I responded to Linda, I had already been planning on doing a post with that train of thought in mind.

Let me begin this story in May of this year.

When we moved into this house in October 2007, we had no idea who our neighbors were or what they were like. As it turns out, we have very kind, peaceful neighbors, and have been blessed with a tremendous opportunity for ministry! :)

This was one of the first times we saw her. She was walking across the street in front of our house in March or April of this year, and being as we were standing around outside taking pictures (just for the sheer fun of it), we snapped a quick picture of her. No idea she was even our neighbor. Winters up here keep people locked inside -- that's why we went six months without meeting our neighbors! October is pretty much considered 'winter'; November, definitely. So, until springtime showed its beautiful face, we had idea who we were living beside.

You may recognize this as Pandora (also known as Panny, Pan, Panny Joy, Panny Pie Joy, PanPie, Cherry PanPie, Panny Pie, and a myriad of other pet names :). She's a lively-spirited girl that's got enough shitzpah to keep fighting even when things get tough. Peer pressure, and family pressure, have threatened to consume her spirit; but she's got enough stuff to keep on keepin' on, no matter what. She's dedicated to the Lord, even if she struggles, which is such a blessing at her age.

All right. Next scene. It was June 15th, Father's Day. We're going about our business when suddenly we hear a timid knock on the door. Upon opening it, we find a shy little girl with beautiful, deep green eyes looking up at us, holding a paper plate covered with plastic wrap. We happily invite her in and she informs us that her mom had sent her over with the plate of frosted carrot cake. (Yum! :) We thank her and talk to her for a couple minutes, and she takes her leave as quickly as possible.

Over the next couple weeks, we saw her and spoke to her every now and then. We also got to briefly meet her stepmom and adorable little sister.

The next time I talked with her for any extended period of time, it was a muggy, buggy June 24th, and I was not looking forward to the landscaping that needed done outside. I thought to myself, hmmm...why not offer Pandora a few dollars to help you? :) As it turned out, it was a very productive time -- we got all the landscaping done, and a large seed of faith was planted into this young girl's heart.

We began our work.

After a few minutes of chit-chat, I asked her if she went to church anywhere. She said they went to the...the...you know, the one by such-and-such...the one with the school in it...

"The Catholic church?" I asked her.

"Yeah! Our Lady of Peace." She paused for a moment. "Where do you go?"

"We go to church in Ashland."

We were both quiet for a moment, pondering what the other had said. After a little bit, she asked me a question. To be totally honest with you, I don't even remember what it was. Something about church, or the Lord, or something like that. I don't even remember. But from that time on, we were talking -- and talking -- and talking. She asked me so many questions...about the Lord, Satan, heaven, hell, angels, demons, what happens to you when you die -- and so much more. We talked for about 2 - 2-1/2 hours straight. After we were done with our work, we went inside and kept talking. I'm sure she left that night with a lot on her mind! :)

A few days later, I saw her outside again and called her over. We talked for a few minutes, then softly I asked her, "Have you thought at all about what I was saying the other day?"

"Yes," she answered.

By the end of our time that day, she had accepted the Lord as her Savior.

She was here all the time for a while, and we talked constantly -- about the Lord, and about other issues pertinent to growing in the faith. Then for a while, I could sense she was struggling. I'd try to talk to her and she'd just change the subject. This went on for quite a while -- but thank You Lord, she's coming back around again. She's been opening up more, and we've had a couple good conversations, that I hope were encouraging to her. I know they were to me! :)

If you think of Panny at all, please keep her in your prayers! She is a dear child of God, and she's dear to me too. I'm excited about what the Lord's doing in her life -- and what He's doing in mine through her!

That night when we talked for those hours, I was so thankful to the Lord that He gave me the words I needed to reach her. I could never have done it on my own! He gave me the strength I needed! Thank You, Jesus!

Would you happen to notice even a hint of love for drama here??

But this whole post was not meant to be just about Panny.

I go back to the comment my friend left me...

...but the purpose of it all is to glorify Him, it isn't for our sakes alone...

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Galatians 2:20)

Is not our entire being to wrapped up in the Lord Jesus, "who loved us and gave himself for us"(Galatians 2:20)? Is not our utmost goal and desire in life to be to serve others and therefore serve our Heavenly Father?

A question I think we should all be asking ourselves every day, every hour, every minute is, "Is what I am doing, saying, thinking, feeling, pleasing to God? Is it glorifying Him? Is it bringing Him honor? Are others going to notice a difference in us by what we're saying and doing? Are they going to see something radiantly pure in us shining through us and wonder What, or Who, it is?

May we be open and alert to the Lord's call to action! I look forward to the future with great anticipation. I'm excited! :)

Yes, time flies!

Where in the world has the time gone?!

As I'm sure some bloggers can relate, it can be difficult to keep up with blogging -- I know I find that if there's a whole lot to be shared (as is the case right now!), I become overwhelmed at the thought of writing a longer-than-normal post and chicken out for a while. Then I realize how shameful my blogging behavior really is (wink), and I put my nose to the grindstone and write what's on my heart. Can any one of you relate?? :)

Blogging can seem like such a simple thing...and sometimes it is. Some posts are very easy -- just write a couple words, upload a quick picture if you like, and press publish post. It's easy because you don't have to give of yourself -- you don't have to bare your heart to anyone; you don't have to 'be real', if you know what I mean.

And it's safe. But, no one gets blessed -- on either side.

There has been so much going on in my life right now -- the Lord is really working on my heart, showing me many places where I've been really wrong. One of the most important things He showed me was my terrible lack of communication with Him. I mean, real communication! Sure, I prayed often. But how much time did I really, really devote to things of the Lord -- reading, praying, interceding, confessing, searching, asking, crying out, and simply being still before Him?

One of the things that really began the conviction process in my heart was something I found in a friend's blog archives:

8 reasons why I have devotions: (and why you should, too!)
~Communion with God
~Purification of my heart and life
~Restoration of my soul
~Instruction in the ways of God
~Submission to God and His will
~Direction for my life, my relationships, and my responsibilities
~Intercession on behalf of the needs of myself and others
~Transformation into the likeness of Christ

When I saw this, the very first thing I thought was, I want this too. I want this. This is my heart's utmost desire.

That first one, communion with God, especially pricked my heart. I know that, though the Lord has been working on me dilligently these past couple weeks, I still have a humongous amount to learn about my relationship with my Heavenly Father. One of the things He's impressed upon my heart is the fact that I need to develop the...how shall I say...not skill, per se, but -- ah. The habit of not only talking to Him, but also listening to Him. This is so vital -- it cannot be a a one-way relationship! We are His children -- how do we ever expect to learn anything if we don't listen to Him?!

And here I will quote from my Journal...

"......I want to hear from You, Lord -- I don't want to have a one-way relationship with You. I want to talk to You AND listen to You, always. Listening to You, although, does seem foreign and scary to me, because so often before I would try to listen to You and would get no response. In my head, I know that it wasn't that You weren't listening to me, or that You didn't want to or wouldn't speak to me, but my heart still feels shy about listening to You, because my heart still "feels" like You won't speak to me, although I "know" that's not true." (--October 29th, 2008--)

...And this is exactly how I feel. I remember many times when I was younger I would try to sit there and "listen to God".

Nothing.

"Lord, I need You to speak to me!"

Nothing.

Whatever it was in my heart that was blocking me from hearing the Lord's voice, I don't know. Or maybe it wasn't even that...perhaps He had another form of speaking to me right around the corner other than right then, speaking to my heart. Sometimes that's just not the way He works. I need to remember this! :) I can't always have what I want when I want it, as much as I'd like to...(grin)

I find most often He speaks to me through an idea (that I don't recognize as something from Him until later), or something someone else says to me that I know is a message from the Lord because of the timing and importance of it, or something will jump out at me straight from His word. That has happened to me, and blessed me greatly, so many times! :)

And again, a little something from my Journal that puts into words how I was feeling for quite a while...

"......Lord, my heart is dying. It's dying. Sometimes I feel like everything I ever stood upon, everything I ever stood for, everything I ever believed and held on to is slowly, and at times, quickly, slipping away from me. I don't know what's right anymore -- I mean, as far as what specific things in my life and mind and heart are, 'right', or 'wrong'? What's wrong with my heart? What is it that's making my life so difficult and miserable? What is it? What's wrong? What am I thinking, saying, feeling, doing, that's cutting me off from You? Why can't I, as Mom was saying today, live a life pleasing to You and blooming and blossoming with Your Love? Why can't I live to Your glory? What's wrong in my life? What? Who? Why? When? Where? How? I need answers, Lord! I need the light of Your love to flood into my soul!.......Lord, I want it to be different! Please help me! I want to shine for You -- I want to be Your Light and Your Love to this world. And I also want to be an encouragement to my brothers and sisters in Christ." (--October 21st, 2008--)

"How can a young man [or woman] keep his [or her] way pure? By living according to Your Word....My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life....Save me, for I am Yours;....May my cry come before You, O Lord; give me understand according to Your Word. My my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of Your Word, for all Your commands are righteous. May Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise You, and may Your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands." (Psalm 119:9-176)

This is my heart's cry, oh Lord!

The Lord is truly responding to my heartfelt cry for Him to break me of my pride, show me my sin, and help me to walk closer to Him. My eyes are being opened; I'm beginning to truly see my sin for what it is, and to see how much I really do need the Lord, although my sinful pride does not want to see that. :)

I pray that the Father will continue to work in my heart as He's been, and that I will continue traveling to new places in my relationship with Him. I pray that new things will continue to happen, that hearts and lives will continue changing, refreshing, reviving, renewing. That, with our hand in His, we will continue to work out our Salvation "with fear and trembling", and that we will be very sensitive and alert to His call and leading. This, and so much more, is my prayer and desire.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

WOW!!!

A wonderful, amazing quote...

If you never hit your head, you'll never see the stars.

--My Dry-Humored Daddy :)

Random photos

Okay, folks -- so I don't usually post random pictures. But, since someone was bugging me tonight to post something so that something comes up other than the quote-en-quote ugly picture of the snow...I searched quickly for a photo to post. Quickly. This is the first thing that proved acceptable in my search, and therefore that is what I chose.

There you have it, folks...my niece -- I mean my sister's doggie.

Do you see what I see?!

SNOW!!!

A smile

A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly...but a good laugh bursts from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around.

--Anonymous--

A smile is a powerful tool! Use it often! :)

Forgiveness

Relationally, forgiveness is the key to freedom in Christ. It is the glue that holds families and churches together. Satan uses unforgiveness more than any other human deficiency to stop the growth of individuals and ministries. The unforgiving person is yoked to the past and is not free to move on in Christ.

--Neil T. Anderson

Pride

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.


I cheat you of your God-given destiny...because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment...because you "deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge...because you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing...because you're too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness...because you refuse to admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision...becasue you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship...because nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven...because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory...because I convince you to seek your own.

My name is Pride. I am a cheater. You like me because you think I'm always looking out for you.


Untrue.


God has so much for you, I admit.
But don't worry...



If you stick with me, you'll never know.

-Broadman & Holman

One more

I am: actually Dustynne Witt though most know me as Noelle Mathison...long story!
I know: I'm a goose.
I want: my ears to un-plug. (Oh, the 'joys' of being sick! Ugh!)
I have: a Savior and Master that died for me, and a wonderful, wonderful family to love.
I wish: I would get more comments.
I hate: semi's, fluorescent lights, and plastic wrap.
I miss: my sister.
I fear: sometimes.
I feel: very deeply. (Yes, I stole that from Jasmine...)
I hear: just about everything.
I smell: everything too strong. Me and my sister.
I crave: nothing, right now -- I'm sick.
I search: for anything that gets lost.
I wonder: what I'll learn in the next year.
I regret: the many mistakes I've made in all my fourteen years.
I love: the Lord and my family.
I ache: to go deeper with my Lord.
I care: very much.
I always: think.
I am not: tagging anyone on this post.
I believe: that God works in mysterious ways.
I dance: when I'm really happy.
I sing: as often as I possibly can.
I cry: yep.
I don't always: do what I should.
I fight: off bees whenever necessary.
I write: and write and write.
I never: like winter anymore by February.
I listen: to the Wissmann's as often as possible.
I need: to grow closer to Jesus.
I can usually be found: inside, doing something.
I win: battles over the enemy in the strength of the Lord!
I lose: sleep when I'm too excited.
I confuse: a lot of people.
I am happy about: too much to describe!
I imagine: that some things will never change.

Six things...

...that I've learned in the past year:

1. That I have changed drastically in this short, but long, period of time.
2. That God is faithful, even when we forget that temporarily.
3. That when a relationship or situation makes you angry or anxious, it's usually because something you want or need is being blocked.
4. I've been reminded over and over again that once we surrender our will to God, He will often give us the desires of our heart -- and not until then. Or, even if He doesn't give back to us exactly what we wanted, He will give us a peace of mind, knowing that we did the right thing.
5. I've learned just how much I have to be thankful for.
6. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. :)

My, the tags are bouncing around lately! Thank you to dear Jasmine for this one! :)

...And, I tag whoever wishes to participate. (But you have to let me know. :)

Oh, and one more thing I've learned -- that being around kids (which I love) has a cost: being sick three times in the past two weeks!

Fall favorites

As Jasmine tagged whomever wished to participate, I decided I might as well have a little fun with it too. :)

So, here's my fall favorites...

1.) Favorite smell...dinner cooking when I walk in the door from the dark and cold.
2) Favorite food...peanut butter cookies.
3.) Favorite color...brown. I really like brown -- especially with pink. :)
4.) Favorite drink...coffee. :)
5.) Favorite treat...coffee. :)
6.) Favorite place to visit...Pittsburgh, PA.
7.) Favorite candy...I ditto Jasmine's answer -- skittles!!! :)
8.) Favorite movie to watch...Luther (2003).
9.) Favorite clothing to wear...t-shirts and skirts. I wear summer clothes as long as I can. :)
10.) Favorite outdoor activity...again, I ditto Jasmine -- playing tag outside when it's cold enough for your nose to get chilly. :)
11.) Favorite football team...GO STEELERS!!!
12.) Favorite fall holiday...Reformation Day. Then Thanksgiving.
13.) Favorite haunted place (haunted as in frequently visited)...the office or my bedroom.
14.) Favorite food at Thanksgiving dinner...mashed potatoes. :)
15.) Favorite pie...pumpkin!
16.) Favorite fall hobby...hiking.
17.) Favorite fall memory...last fall was a really neat time for me. I'm not sure exactly why -- I just have good memories of the entire fall season. So there. :)
18.) Favorite fall sight...leaves so thick they cover part of the road.
19.) Favorite season...I like all the seasons.
20.) Overall favorite fall thing...looking forward to the snow. (Remind me in January that at one time I actually was looking forward to the snow! :)

Panography-ish

Panny Joy

Olivia

And, yet another shoot (with another cutie)! Let me introduce you to Olivia (she's 2-1/2! [grin]). She is Pandora's sister, and a real sweetheart. I tell you, I've never seen a child of that age that could talk so well! She speaks full sentences, carrying on conversations with you like a little adult.

Thank you, sweet Livva, for co-operating with me! (smile)