Five Minute Fridays: Five Years Ago

Hosted by: The Gypsy Mama

Time sure does fly by when you're having fun and when serving the Lord. Its hard to remember what happened five year ago. It seems more like ten years ago to me. Where do I begin? Five years ago I was finishing up my last year of college! I was in that  mode of "what in the world am I going to do with my life?" I knew I was going to finish college In December 2006...I was NOT ready to enter the "real world." I still wanted to be that innocent little girl with my hair flying behind me, jumping on the trampoline, running barefoot down the street and through the grass (which I still do), and drink from the waterhose. 2006 was a year of changes....BIG changes. In 2006, dad graduated from Bible college with his doctrite degree, my dear friends graduated from college with their degrees, my friend Holly was married, and I was going into my last semester at BJU. THe was one grueling semester full of unepexted events (but also excitement). I was "old enough" for the dorms where you didn't have a bedtime and had one roommate. I prayed all summer for a roommate that I could minster to her and be a friend....my mind was more on I can help someone from another country.
The Lord had other plans. I had a roommate with a disability! Oh my what a semester that was! I sure did learn alot about myself and how selfish I was. I learned alot about prayer to get through my last months of college....Then December 2006 the BIG DAY came! I walked up on the stage at BJU and sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" with the entire campus and the other graduating December seniors! I packed up my car to move back home to my parent's house....I began working at my alma mater as a teacher's aide, substitute teacher, etc.....and the rest is history!

Oh and in May 2007 I walked down the the FMA aisle at BJU in my regalia and received my diploma case (and later my diploma), shook the presidents hand, received my "hood", and was hooded as a college graduate!

Do I Have the Right Goals?

I have always been a goal oriented person, and always strive to reach my goals. But do my goals help me focus on God? Do I get so involved in reaching my goals I forget about God? Are MY goals the ones that GOD wants me to have? I have been reading a book by Leslie Ludy entitled “ Sacred Singleness".” This  book focuses on the following things:

• Letting God script my love story in His own time and way
• overcoming loneliness and jealousy toward friends getting married (I struggle with this one)
• Triumph over the temptation to settle for less that God’s best
• Experiencing a purposeful, fulfilling life before you {I} meet my husband
• Handling the fear of being single for life.

There was a quote the recently stood out in the book I wanted to share and share my thoughts.

“ Marriage is certainly worthy and God given desire but it should never become a goal we pursue with our life. Rather, a poured out life for Jesus Christ is a worthy goal worth pursuing. A life that selflessly and sacrificially serves the lest is a worthy goal pursuing.  And a heart that trusts in Jesus Christ wholly and completely and surrenders the pen into His faithful and capable hands is a worthy goal worth pursing.”

There is no need for me to waste time focusing my thoughts, heart, time, and energy on getting married.  Instead of focusing on getting married and having a family (for one God has is Will for me and hi WILL can be for me to be single). Instead of focusing on getting married I need to focus my goals on living for Christ and doing all I can to serve Him. I should be there to help others instead of focusing my time and energy on marriage. I need to trust God and let him “write my love story.” His love story for me is far better than anything .

100th Post

In 2009, I started a blog to write down my heart, thoughts, and things the Lord was teaching me. How did I get into blogging? Well I had heard about it and thought it sounded neat and fun to do! I have really enjoyed writing things down. It has been amazing to look back and see what the Lord has taught me through the years.
Thank you readers for taking the time to write down my ramblings. I am am hoping to hit 200 blog posts by the end of the year =D

Five Minute Fridays: Friendship

Five Minute Fridays: Writing Prompt Friendship

Start:

Friends since college. Beginning of friendship- a lonly scared and sorta shy girl (me) and a perky outgoing girl (Amy) meets on the side walk. The perky girl comes up to the lonley scared girl (me) and says "Hi I'm Amy!" The lonly girl is hesitant: "Hi I'm Becca" A converstaion starts up. Within the week we were inseparable.

Two peas in the pod. Partners in Crime. Two girls known as giddy. goofy, helpless, and hopeless. Two friends who enjoyed time together sharing our hearts and praying. Two girls who got into trouble having a flour fight in mom's kitchen...two girls who laugh over the silliest and smallest things. Two girls who have turned into young woman who love and serve God.

Fastfoward to Amy's wedding. The lonly shy woman (who has transformed into confindent and outgoing) is helping her perky outgoing friend with her hair and makeup reminissing about the times the two of them would sit and talk and pray for our future husbands. We are laughing over the fog of hairspray in the bathroom having to open the window to breath. I keep on saying " I can't believe you're getting married I am so happy for you!" Amy (the perky girl) was a beuatiful bride. When Amy and Clay kissed for the frist time and was pronounced husband and wife I cried. The young woman who is happily single tells the young newly married friend "don't forget where to throw the flowers." =)

Two friends who talk on the phone at least once a week {if not more}...the conversation never stops. We talk about our students and life in general. The converstaion always seem to pick up where it left off--even if it has been days since we've talked.

Friendship: accepting someone for who they are--they're anoyances, their perkiness, being there through good time and bad. Amy thats what you are to be a TRUE FRIEND!

FINISH

Random Thots of the Day

* I love blogging! There is just something about typing your thoughts out that I get a joy out of. I get a joy out of people reading what I write. Thanks to an inspirational english teacher, Dr. Krause, encouraging me to write more writing has become a new hobby.
* I love Pride and Prejudice. Its my favorite book
* Proud to say I am a Starbucks addict. =D
* Valentines day is officially one of my favorite holidays! I also like the day after vday because candy is on sale (which I didn't get any this year due to wanting to lose weight)
* The best part of the cake is the frosting
* I love Ferrro Roche Chocolate. I got a box for Valentines day from one of my students and I am NOT sharing it
* I love cooking...I can't wait to have my own family so I can cook for someone. My new thing is making healthy low calorie from scratch dishes
* My closest friends live a long ways a way...One is in Canada, one is in Mexico, and on is in Virginia.
*on the other hand...I have some awesome friends here
* Its February and I already want to go to the beach! {and I have already been}
* My best guy friends name is Tony. He make me laugh. He is also known as my "body gaurd" since he walks me home when its dark and goes to wal mart with me when its dark. I seem to be able to just talk and talk and he is a good listener.
*I have a dream to have a story published. I have written a story called "The Perlenkentte" (German for Pearl Necklace) I am letting someone read it for the first time.
~*~*~*~ Random I know~*~*~*~*~

Five Minute Fridays

Writing prompt: My Week
Hosted by: The Gypsy Mama- Five Minute Fridays.

Todays writing prompt is the week...wow what a week this has been. It has been full of ups and downs, smiles and tears, and heartfealt prayers.

The week started off great at school. My students were ready to learn and I could get through a lesson without coughing a lot. I received a letter from my insurance that gave approval for my surgery (well partial approval). I started working in the learning center (with 2-3 yr olds) from 5-6...on top of working out and TRYING (but failed) keeping up with my house.

Tuesday was...well a Tuesday. Typical Tuesday--work, tutoring, work and working out...nothing exciting really happened at all--well if you want to count eating with chopsticks (which I am getting better at each time)
Wednesday was the downfall day finding out insurance will only do partial coverage for my surgery. I was upset and my students saw me crying (which made them sad). Then then made me flowers out of connecting circle toys to make me feel better.
The rest of the week has been basked in prayer and faith that God will change the minds of the insurance company. All in all this week showed me the goodness of God and I know no matter what happens in my heart I know its the Lord's will. God is good no matter what!

Thoughts of James 1-8-10

James 1:8 – I need to be single minded and focus on Christ—Thinking about God. When I don’t think and focus on God my life will be unstable.

“Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted”  James 1:9

• When I see someone who has been in sin be restored I should rejoice
• When I see someone come to know Christ as their personal Savior  I should rejoice
• When i see God work is someone’s life I should rejoice

James 1:10- Rich {money} will fade away—it will not bring me true happiness—it may be temporary satisfaction but just as flowers wilt and fade my satisfaction and happiness of money will fade away as well. Only God can bring me true happiness.

Do I go “Through the Motions?”

Do I go through the motions of life? Do I serve because I have to? Do I go to church because I have to? I have to admit for a while I did. I did not serve  with the right heart. My mindset on Wednesdays and Sundays were I rather sleep or watch TV than going to church…I was going through the motions. Christians tend to go “through the motions” to make themselves look good.

I struggled with the meaning of James 1:7. It was a hard verse for me to understand. I then read a old college text book on the book of James. Home Kent said that Christians should not go through the motions of prayer (and of life). When going through the motions I am not trusting God. God gives me countless gifts (life, my students, parents, etc) and at times I may not see the small and the big gifts in life because of my own selfishness.

Asking With Faith

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. FOr he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven my the wind and tossed.”

• ask- pray
• faith (def) secure belief in God and trusting acceptance of God’s Will

Living in Florida I spend a lot of my times during warmer spring and summer days at the beach. Many times I have gone out in the water and have been tossed about. My prayer life at times tends to waver. When I waver I am not trusting God. I should have the faith and believe that God will answer according to His plan.

I ask myself do I waver? At times YES I do. But in my life I need to make sure I stand strong and am calm as a gentle creek. I need to look to God and ask God believing He will answer according to His will.

This is my theme verse for my journey to have surgery. I am having to trust God to provide and take care of each need.

Joy {and trials} come from God- James 1:1-4

Many times I have to admit I have tried to find joy in other things—food, Starbucks, facebook, etc. But those things only satisfy me for  a time. Real joy is found from God and God only. He is the ONLY source of true joy. (THIS IS JUST A SIDE NOTE)
James 1:2 says “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”
So here is to look at some background first:

• joy: {gk chara- delight, calm, gladness, greatly}
• “temptations” testing

When going through hard times I tend to withdraw, pout, and I admit run to Starbucks. These things do not help when going through a trial only God can. Grant it that they do make me feel better…but only temporally. Only God can bring me eternal peace and joy through trials. When going through a testing period in my life I should thank God for the hard time. After all how can I expect to become more like Christ when I don’t look to Him and when I have everything in my life going perfect (which it never does because I am human). Instead of moping around and saying “woe is me” God is always ALWAYS ALWAYS in control. I should use these hard times to glorify God. When through a hard time my patience will be tested (trust me its been tested already this week with the insurance issues). But learning patience and having patience is waiting on God. God is all that I need while going through a hard time. God will also ( verse 5) give me wisdom on  how to handle things in my life. (verse 12) God will bless and award me if I go through trials in God's way. God can be glorified through my trials I need to keep my focus on God at all times when going through a hard time.

Homer Kent said “Sometimes God does not reveal until much later the reasons why He has allowed certain circumstances to enter our (my) life- only then can the sufferer recognize what God has accomplished through the experience. The promise is clear: God will give the answer in His own way and at a time He chooses. The person who prays must be sensitive and patient.”

May this be the prayer of my life.

Just a Bit of a Roadblock

So I am comparing this journey to plastic surgery as a road.

I have hit somewhat of a roadblock though. The deal is right now insurance will only cover to have the tumor/lesion removed but NOT the reconstruction of the nose. The doctor and office is working with the insurance company to try and convince them that this is a medical necessity. So please keep praying! I know in my heart that God will work it out in HIS WAY...I just have to trust Him no matter what

Introduction to the Book of James

 

Well, I was going to try and be super organized when it came to writing out my blog posts for my study through James…this required me to start at the end of my journal and go backwards…lets just say it was a lot harder than I thought to do it that way. =D

James is a wonderful book. It is the proverbs of the New Testament. It is filled with wisdom on how to handle different situations in life. The author of James is…you guessed it James. James was a servant (someone who serves other people.) Application this is the following.

• * How should I serve: With a willing heart-being humble and making time for others
• Who should I serve? God and those I come into contact with
• Why? to be more like Christ—to show my testimony.

Praise!!!

God is so good!
I know I say that all the time but He IS Good!
I recieved a letter from my insurance company today. I have been praying that insurance would help cover the surgery and that the insurance company would see it as a medical need more of a cosmetic need.

Good News and praise the the surgery is eligible for coverage! =D Now to schedule everything and pray that I can have the surgery at the end of next month. I am loving how God is working everything out in His time. This is all HIS doing.

Reflections, Life, and Thoughts

Hey friends!
This is the NEW title to my blog. It consists everthing I would like to write about. I hope you enjoy the 2011 blog. I hope that it is a blessing to you~

Five Minute Fridays

So I stumbled about a friends blog site and saw this interesting post for five minute fridays. Out of curiostiy I clicked on it and was fascinated. So the question to write about is What’s the best mail you got recently? 


I hardly get any type of mail...seriously. I do get the typical bills (that makes me stick out my tongue and think the only people who love me are the loan companies). Then I get the mail I want to get...coupons to Starbucks {smiles}. But what is the best mail I got recently? I can think and think and seriously I cannot think of anything (bad I know).  The best mail I do get though are notes of encouragement... that can simply say "thinking of you" or "praying for you." I found some of these notes recently while going through some photo boxes. Those types of notes always brightened my day...more so than the "hey how are you...we are fine." Texts that can simply say "praying for you" are my favorite kind. It is always nice to know someone is keeping you in their prayers. This challenges me to write simple three worded notes too! 

Grace

"Grace" is one of my favorite songs. Its one of those songs I listen to when discouraged, happy, sad...or even after a bad day. I am so thankful for God's Grace.

{Smiles} He Just Continues to Bless!

I feel I do not deserve the things the Lord does for me. But, God is gracious and provides the opportunities I need to serve Him better. =)

Once again the Lord has provided more extra work. Yes it will be very busy BUT nevertheless I prayed for the extra work and He provides. When an answer to a prayer comes my way I have learned that I need to take the opportunities God gives me.

God is good! =)

Running With Open Arms

I get so many examples or illustrations for my Christian life from my students.
Monday, I stayed home from school because I thought I had strep...and I also felt horrible. Tuesday I returned  to school and my students were excited about my return. One student in particualr ran down the hallway with open arms. I have been thinking a lot how this can correlate with my Christian life. I need to make sure I go to Christ with open arms and let Him teach me and guide me along the way.

Test of True Religion

Continuing on from my last post..

The question is What is the evidence of true religion???

James 1:27 gives us the answer, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

The evidence of true religion are three simple things.

1) They take care of the orphans-(or even those who may have a mother not a father vice versa). Many children need guidance..especially those who may have one parent homes or no parents at all. Christians are instructed to take care of those who do not have parents. I think this also can apply to those who may not have godly parents. Many children come from broken homes, homes that are unguided in discipline, and homes from where parents “just don’t care.” Being a teacher I see this evidence almost daily. I see and am in contact with students every day that need extra godly guidance. I should take the time and help guide the little ones.

2) visit the widow. I have to admit I am at fault here. There are two very special ladies in my church I just haven’t “found the time” to visit. I should take the time to visit with these ladies. They are lonely and need the company…maybe need help with something in their home.

3) I should keep myself away from the world. Now this doesn’t mean earth but it means to keep myself away from things that can hinder my relationship with God. This is one reason why I deactivated my facebook account…it was hindering my relationship with God. To keep myself away from the world I must stay in God’s Word and pray daily for wisdom to do what is right.