Courtship Questions: Intro

 At some point in your life, you are probably going to encounter romance. 

Actually, you might encounter two different kinds: the kind that you think is the "real deal," then falls apart, and the kind that God ordained--that lasts and grows deeper.

The real question is: how do you get dibs on actual romance opposed to the counterfeit? And most importantly, how do you go about a relationship with someone that you believe God has called you to marry?

I am going to dive into this hot topic by giving you the answers to these questions, and more in my next few posts titled Courtship Questions. So stay tuned!

A Chapter Is Closing, Graduation is Here!

12 years.

A lot can happen in that amount of time, and a lot has.

For the last twelve years of my life I have been homeschooled. Each year of homeschooling has looked a bit different, yet I still remember the early years. I remember sitting on my papa's knee as we'd pray after our family worship time in the morning. I remember snuggling up on the sofa with my mom and little brother Nathaniel to read our first literature course of "five-in-a-row" books. I was so delighted during the journey from cover to cover of my favorites like How to Make An Apple Pie and See the World, and Ping the duck.

Ah, such fond memories! Memories I will hold dear to my heart forever. But now, those days are long gone. That chapter in my life is closing, and a new one is opening. For today, I am graduating.

A lot of people have been asking me about my plans after graduation, so I want to dedicate this post to just that.

A Weary Writer

It has been a very long time since I last published an article. And my conscience was driving me crazy for the time I had lost in sharing God's truth! 

It is not that I ever stopped writing. Rather, I wrote countless article attempts, but the fact still remained: I could not get the words right!
 
This discouraged me to the point that I felt ready to put any kind of article writing on hold for a very long time. "After all," I thought to myself, "what's the point if I can't even put together one solid, conclusive point?" (Especially if so many others--much more talented than me--have already written about the subjects that I hold dear to my heart?)


But I have decided to not give up. In fact, just this morning  I have been lifted up by a verse my friend recently shared with me: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." ~Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

I know that when I write of the Lord and His truth, it is good. So why should I worry about whether my writing is eloquent enough? Or amusing, or if it has a good "hook?" That should not stop me from serving the Lord with my abilities. 

Do you ever feel discouraged like this? Feel like you lack the ability to do good? Take heart! Whether you own just a little blog like mine and are contemplating whether anyone would even take notice of what you write anyways, or if you just need that pat on the shoulder throughout your day to help you keep on and keep strong at those daily chores...remember Who sees our every action. Colossians 3:17 reminds us to "do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus."


So that article on courtship I promised to be "coming soon" wayyy back in October? It's new arrival is going to be sometime before summer (eh, heh). At least I'm getting back on track...and by God's grace He will use any future writing attempts, (painstaking, and brain-thwacking they may be), for His purposes. :)

Lessons in Thankfulness from Philippians 4

 The turkey was in the fridge. The canned pumpkin and stuffing fixings sat on the pantry shelf. Everything was telling me that I should be ready for Thanksgiving. Yet my spirit didn’t feel thankful.

Feelings are not what should direct my life, but it is so easy to let them take hold, and to take the place of my love for God. Then my whole outlook on life can turn to a dreary gray. And I grow consumed with:

The weight of my worries

Lack of sleep, feeling ugly inside and out.

            Impatience, and frustration with people I love.

Why My Father Holds My Heart

                   Someday...I am going to walk down the church’s center aisle, clothed in white. I will have my father at my side, with his arm wrapped securely in mine. Once we stand before my groom, the pastor will ask, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” And my father will reply, “Her mother and I.”

With those four simple words, and a farewell kiss on the cheek, my heart will be given away....                                                         

Modesty: So Much More Than A List of "Don'ts"

One concept is received in so many different ways.

It is abused and broken in our worldly culture,

and frequently causes girls to groan...

Saving the Kiss

About two years ago, I encountered a conversation that went something like this:
“Oooh, sweet sixteen, and never been kissed,” teased an elderly lady at church.
I laughed, and politely responded, “And I don’t plan on it either, until I’m married that is.” 
Another lady chimed in, “Oh, you won’t have to worry about waiting that long.”
I smiled, then said in a more serious tone, “I’m going to make sure I do.”

Two years later, at 18-years-old, I still have never kissed a boy, and I thank my God for this blessing.