Spring Has Arrived!

Hello Dear Friends!

I am so glad that Spring has finally arrived! Winter was very nice as well, although it seemed a little harsh this year. Since the beginning of Spring, I've seen so many flowers, birds, and squirrels. I feel so blessed to have the love of photography in my heart, and also to have the wonderful camera that I have! I've been taking many photos recently, capturing the many things that make Spring so lovely and cheerful. I'd like to share some of those photographs with you...

The flowers are plentiful this time of year...

"... Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty..."

~ Revelation 15:3 ~

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."

~ Psalm 139:14 ~

"The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land."

~ Song Of Solomon 2:12 ~

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever."

~ Isaiah 40:8 ~

Flowers are such a beautiful Creation of God!

The squirrels have been scampering around! Isn't this little guy cute?!

After all that scampering, the squirrels are due for a nap!

Look at that precious eye! And, those whiskers... How cute!

I didn't even notice the spider below this flower, until after I took the photograph!

Bees are an amazing Creation of God!

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Of course, I had to add a few photographs of my sweet little sister, Jessa...

Picking flowers in the beautiful Spring weather!

She is so beautiful and a true blessing in my life!

Words cannot describe how blessed I feel to have this precious little girl as my sister!
All the glory goes to my wonderful Savior and King, Jesus Christ!!!

May the Lord bless you as we welcome this new and lovely season!

Many Blessings,

A Neat Giveaway!

Hello Dear Friends!

Miss Sarah, at Yes, We Have Our Hands Full, is giving away two lovely vintage sewing patterns. I encourage you to head on over to her blog, and enter! But hurry... The giveaway ends tomorrow!

For more details, click here.

Following are two photos of the patterns:

So cute!

Many Blessings,

Courtship Class: Week Two!

Hello Dear Friends!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. It is such a blessing to have dear friends like you all!

I apologize for not posting about the second week of Courtship Class sooner. We have been busy throughout the past week! For those of you who did not read my first post on the Courtship Class I am taking, you may click here.

This past week, we actually learned about two of the seven giants in our lives. Those two giants were lust and guilt. We didn't talk about lust in depth, so I am going to head right into guilt.

I would like to read off something from a hand-out that we all received:

Guilt is like a leak in an "emotional bucket." When the bucket is empty, depression results. We can use up our emotional energy on great works like Elijah's revival on Mount Carmel, or we can use it on the guilt of secret sins. Jonah's depression was caused by his emotional drain from the revival of Nineveh, his guilt over running from God, and his anger at God!

I thought this reading was a wonderful example for us. Instead of feeling guilty all the time because of our sins, we need to work on serving God. After all, God is a God of forgiveness and He loves us so very much!

I would also like to share some Scripture passages and insight with all of you.

Guilt takes for granted that there is a universal standard of right and wrong.

"Show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another." ~ Romans 2:15 ~

What is sin? Failure to measure up to the standard of this law

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." ~ Romans 3:23 ~

What is iniquity? Doing our own will, even if it appears to be good.

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." ~ Matthew 7:22-23 ~

Here is some responses to sin:

• Covering up sin

• Avoiding God's presence

• Blaming others

• Denying sin

• Justifying sin

• Lying about sin

• Giving deceptive answers

• Judging other people

• Reacting to the message

• Being too harsh

• Being too lenient

• Finding wrong support

I would like to finish talking about guilt with the meaning of depression:
Depression is simply the result of running out of emotional energy. It can be used up on either good or bad activities.

Remember- Guilt is a continual drain or emotional energy. Sooner or later, it will bring about depression and all the accompanying emotional, mental, physical , and spiritual consequences.

To end this post, I would like to talk on one more subject. That subject is on lies. On Friday evening at our class, we were given a sheet entitled How Can I Conquer Lies? The lies listed on the page were:

• I am not good enough.

• I am ugly.

• I can't say anything right.

• I am a failure.

• I am stupid.

• I am not important.

• I can never measure up.

• I do not fit in.

• I am inadequate.

If you ever have these thoughts about yourself, please feel free to email me. I will share some insight with you and also give you some Scripture references. If you don't have these thoughts, but still want to have some insight, feel free to email me as well! I would be more than happy to share further information from the sheet with all of you!

Thank you so much for your time.

Many Blessings,

A Lovely Giveaway!

Hello Dear Friends!

Miss Antonia, at Outside Into Life, is having a wonderful giveaway! She is kindly giving away an adorable homemade handbag, along with a homemade box.

The cute, homemade box

The adorable, handbag...

It's reversible!

If you are interested in this lovely giveaway, please click here!

I will be writing a post about week two of the Courtship Class I am attending real soon. Thank you for your patience, my dear blogging friends!

May the Lord bless you and your family on this beautiful Tuesday afternoon!

Your Sister In Christ,

Romans 8:37

Have a blessed Thursday evening! :)

Your Loving Sister In Christ,

I've Been Tagged!

Hello Dear Friends!

Lindsay, at Content In Christ, has tagged me. I thought it might be fun to do this. Also, it is a wonderful opportunity to get to know me better! :)

1. High heels or boots?
It depends on the occasion. I enjoy getting dress up and wearing heels, but I also enjoy wearing the pair of boots I have! :)

2. What time did you get up this morning?

I went to bed a little late last night, so I woke up at about 8:30.

3.What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

The movie, Up! It was pretty cute! :)

4. What is your favorite TV show?

I don't watch very much TV. I do enjoy watching movies on the Hallmark channel, though!

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?

I usually eat cereal for breakfast.

6. What food do you dislike?

Strawberries!

7. What characteristic do you despise?

Greed.

8. Favorite clothing?

It would have to be my brown and pink polka dot skirt! :)

9. Anywhere in the world on vacation?

I hope to go back to China someday!

10. Are you an organized person?

Yes!

11. What was your most recent memorable birthday?

My 14th birthday! :)

12. What are you going to do when you finish this?

Look at a few other blogs, and then help my dear Mama make cornbread! Yummy! :)

13. What is your birthstone?

Opal.

14. When is your birthday?

October.

15. Are you a morning person or a night person?

I am probably more of a night person. I love the mornings as well, though! :)

What a blessing it is to have the morning time and the nighttime!

16. What is your shoe size?

Usually an 8½ to a 9!

17. Do you own any animals?

Three horses, three dogs, and one turtle. I feel so blessed to have our wonderful pets!

18. What is your favorite flower?

Oh, I don't know if I could choose. God made all the flowers so beautiful!

19. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?

Well, I am looking forward to having a dear friend over on Monday! :)

20. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Red.

21. How is the weather right now?

The sun is finally coming out, after hours of rain! Rain is definitely a blessing from the Lord, though!

22. Favorite drink?

My Mama's homemade sweet tea! :)

23. Favorite restaurant?

I really enjoy eating here at my home! If I had to choose a restaurant though, it would probably be Olive Garden!

24. Hair color?

Blonde.

25. Summer or winter?

Both are such a blessing from the Lord! :)

26. Chocolate or Vanilla?

Vanilla.

27. Coffee or tea?

Tea.

28. What did you do last night?

I went to church, and listened to my dear Daddy speak! He was asked to do a four week course on Nutrition. Daddy, you did a wonderful job... I love you so very much! :)

29. Salty or sweet?

Sweet!

30. Who will you tag?

Anyone who would like to do this is welcome! :)

I hope you enjoyed reading my answers. I had fun answering them!

Tomorrow, I have another Courtship class! I will probably post about it this weekend!

May the Lord bless you and your family immensely. Continue to live for Him, and to love the Lord with all your heart! God loves you all so very much. Have a very blessed Thursday!

I would like to finish this post with some beautiful Words that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, spoke:

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken unto you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another."

~ John 15:9-17 ~

What beautiful Words from our Savior! Isn't it so comforting to know that He chose us, and that He loves us! It is a true blessing to have Jesus Christ in my heart.

In these verses, Jesus tells us to love one another! My dear friends, I love each and every one of you. You all are truly a blessing to my heart! ♥

Your Loving Sister In Christ,

Courtship Class!

Hello Dear Friends!

Tyler (my brother) and I are in the midst of a seven week Courtship Class! The Principal of our home school group is kindly teaching it. Friday was our first night, and I thought it was wonderful! :)

The first two weeks of the study will be on our relationship with God. On Friday, we learned about the seven giants in our lives, which we need to conquer before getting into a relationship. The seven giants are:

• Anger

• Guilt

• Lust

• Bitterness

• Greed

• Fear

• Envy

On Friday, we looked closely at Anger. We were able to break down what Anger is, and how to avoid it!

We were also given a book called "Seven Courtship Secrets for a Successful Marriage" by Mr. Bill Gothard, PH.D.

This is a wonderful book on Courtship!

I would like to share some information and Bible verses that came from the beginning of the book:
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Not until you are content with being loved by God, will you have a deep soul relationship...

" Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
~ Mark 12:30 ~
_______________________________________
Give yourself totally and unreservedly to Him!

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple."
~ Psalm 27:4 ~
_______________________________________
When you discover satisfaction in God, He will give you the perfect human relationship...

"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
~ Jeremiah 29:13 ~
_______________________________________
Allow God to bring you the most thrilling plan existing! Continue to watch Him, expecting great things...

" However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him."
~ 1 Corinthians 2:9 ~
_______________________________________
Don't look at the things that others have gotten. Instead, look upon the Lord and wait. You don't want to miss what He gives you!

"Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You."
~ Psalm 73:25 ~
_______________________________________
Wait for God to give you that special person.Your relationship with God is the perfect love!

" You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
~ Psalm 16:11 ~
_______________________________________

I would also like to quote a section from Seven Courtship Secrets for a Successful Marriage.

"A Christian girl whom a young man wants to marry is actually a princess, because she is a daughter of the King of Kings."

This quote made me feel quite special, and I hope it had the same affect on you! :)

We were asked to memorize the following Bible verse:

"In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
~ Romans 8:37 ~

This is a wonderful verse from God's Word to memorize!

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I hope you are having a blessed Lord's Day! Thank you, my dear readers, for visiting my blog! You all mean so much to me. Remember, God loves each and every one of you so very much! :)

Many Blessings,

~ If you are interested in purchasing Seven Courtship Secrets for a Successful Marriage, you can visit the following website:
Click here.

~ Also, if you are interested in reading more about Mr. Bill Gothard and what he has to say on Courtship, you can visit his website:
Click here.

Marie Madeline Studio Giveaway!

Hello Dear Friends!

I wanted to let you all know of another wonderful giveaway! It is being hosted by Life In A Shoe! They are kindly giving away a $50 gift certificate to Marie Madeline Studio! I encourage you to head on over to their blog and enter! For more details, click here! :)

Many Blessings,

Another GREAT Giveaway!

Hello Dear Friends!

Miss Johanna, at An Old-Fashioned Girl, is hosting a wonderful giveaway! There will be three winners! :) Also, you can earn up to seven entries.
Here are some pictures of the prizes! :)

A lovely handmade purse!

An adorable handmade apron

"The Journey of Daughterhood" CD by Mr. Doug Phillips

For more details on Johanna's giveaway, click here! :)

One of the entries for her giveaway is to list your favorite Bible verse, and tell what it means to you!

My favorite Bible verse is:
Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

This verse means so much to me. It is a wonderful reminder that if we trust in the Lord, He will provide for us, help us, and lead us. It also reminds us that we shouldn't be trusting in ourselves, but in the Lord! What an amazing and powerful God we serve! I feel so thankful to have Jesus Christ in my heart! :)

Many Blessings,

A Wonderful Giveaway!

Hello Dear Friends!

Rebekah, at Living In His Beauty, is hosting a great giveaway! She is giving away one of her handmade jewelry pieces! For more details on this wonderful giveaway, click here!

I hope you are having a blessed Friday afternoon! May the Lord bless you and your family! :)

Many Blessings,

Photography Contest!

Hello Dear Friends!

I have decided to enter a photography contest hosted by Miss Hannah Paige, at Trusting In His Love! The contest is on color!

Here are the two photographs that I've decided to enter! I know that both of them don't have many different colors, but I thought they were quite vibrant! Also, since Spring is now approaching, I thought flowers would be perfect! :)

God's Creation is so beautiful! :)

Thank you Lord for providing the beautiful flowers! :)

May the Lord bless you... And remember, God loves you very much! :)


Many Blessings,

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Hello Dear Friends!

I would like to wish my dear Grandmother a very happy birthday! I feel so blessed to have her in my life!

My Dear Grandparents! :)

Thank you, Grandma, for always supporting me in everything I do! I have learned so much from you. You are a wonderful woman who loves the Lord with all your heart! May the Lord bless you on your special day! :)

I took some pictures last night while we celebrated my grandma's birthday.....

My brother, Tyler!

Aunt Shellie and Mama! :)

My dear Mother and Father! I love you both so much! :)

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Also, I would like to share two pictures I just took about thirty minutes ago!
The squirrels were definitely out today! Here are two of my favorites pictures...

So adorable! :)

They are so expressive! :)

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One more picture.....
I took this one a couple days ago. My little sister, Jessa, has recently been playing with this little toy umbrella. It is so cute to watch her run around the house shouting, "It's raining in the living room... Jenna, it's raining.... We have to get under the umbrella!"

Once "the rain stops" she puts her umbrella away and says, "It's not raining anymore! Hurray! Jenna, it's not raining anymore!"

Here is a photograph of Jessa with her umbrella! :)

A joyful little girl... With her umbrella, cup, and pajamas!

Many Blessings