God’s Beauty

There is vast amount of joy which enters my heart as I photograph God’s incredible artwork. How astounding His creation truly is!

God’s Instruction

This afternoon, as I was completing my dictations in English, my mother read to me this verse from the Bible:

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 ~

As I pondered these words, I thought about the direct instruction Paul writes to us. I had heard and read the verse before, but today, the words had a greater effect in my heart.

In verse fourteen, Paul says:

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”

In this verse, Paul is telling us to warn those who are stubborn and disobedient, to comfort and encourage those who are disheartened, to give strength to the weak, and to be patient toward all men and women of this earth.

What a difference it would make if we, as Christians, would follow the example that Christ set for us… To shine the light of Jesus, and show God’s love in this broken world.

God challenges us to share His Word with those who are in need of it, and to encourage those who are depressed. He asks us to make strong those who are unsure and weak, and to be patient to all.

Verse fifteen says:

“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”

Paul tells us in the verse above to set an example to those who are unkind. Have you ever been in a situation where someone is inconsiderate to you? All of us have. Rather than showing a hard and unfriendly heart, act as Christ acted… Be patient, forgive, and ask for God’s guidance in the situation. God will reward those with a kind spirit.

Onto verse sixteen:

“Rejoice evermore.”

Paul writes very simply to rejoice in God, our Heavenly Father. He has saved us, and has an unfailing love for each and everyone of us. Paul similarly writes in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

God deserves our highest praise. Thank Him daily for the wonderful things He has given you: your family, your friends, your abilities, etc.

Verse seventeen says:

“Pray without ceasing.”

In this verse, Paul shares with us the importance of praying to God continually. Although we cannot spend each hour of the day in prayer with God, we can make godly decisions, and think godly thoughts throughout the day. Psalm 55:17 says, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.”

My dear friends, if you are feeling disheartened today, go to God in prayer… He hears you, and He will listen. Always remember that He knows what is best for your life.

Paul writes in verse eighteen:

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

You may be curious at this point and be asking yourself how it’s possible to give thanks in everything. It is sometimes difficult to give thanks in the midst of certain circumstances. We are to thank God for His presence and power, even through hard trials. Ephesians 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We have so much to be thankful for. We, as God’s beloved children, are immensely blessed… We are gifted with the greatest prize of all ~ the love of Christ in our hearts. Let each of us continuously give thanks for the treasure that God has bestowed upon us… The treasure of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer!

I pray that you have been encouraged, and that God has spoken to you through the words of this post. May He continue to remain steadfast in your heart, my dear friends!

Miles of Smiles!

I always enjoy capturing Jessa’s winsome and adorable smile through my lens. I was able to have a “mini photo shoot” with her the other day, and I could not resist sharing the photographs here on my blog!

She is full of joy…

And loveliness…

And laughter…

And energy {for sure}…

Maybe some silliness…

All in all, she is a blessing…

My little blessing for Heaven above!

I am eternally grateful…

For the gift of sisterhood…

And for God giving sweet, little Jessa to our family!

A Sister

“A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.”

~Isadora James~

~A Bright New Year~

Dearest Readers,

I pray that you and your family have a very blessed and delightful new year. May the Lord fill your new year with His abundant supply of love, joy, and peace!

~Welcome, 2011~

A Wonderful Year

Hello Dear Readers!

I am continually amazed at how quickly this year has passed, but so thankful for the many blessings {both big and small} that the Lord has given to me and my family. As 2011 is approaching us, I have set a few goals that I would like to complete. It seems as though I do this every year, and use the excuse of being too busy. I have to come to realize that the more busy you are, the less productive you become.

Some of the things that have been pressing on my heart to do more of include…

• Reading my Bible more often~ God’s Word is full of so much knowledge, and I know that I can always use that in my life. What a difference His guidance makes in a person’s life.

• Helping around the house more often~ My dear mother can always use some help, whether it’s cleaning, cooking, or watching sweet little Jessa. I am so thankful to have a mother who can teach me all about homemaking in preparation for my future.

• Reach others to our Savior, Jesus Christ~ What a need there is these days to teach the people of this world about Jesus. There are so many ways to spread the good news of Jesus to those who need the encouragement.

• Stay positive throughout everyday life~ It is sometimes difficult to have a good attitude in all situations. With the Lord’s help, I know that I can conquer this struggle in life.

•Be more patient~ This is a matter that most everyone needs to work on. As for myself, I seem to get most impatient with my little sister and school. I would like to strive to be more patient in these two areas and in others as well.

• Completing more projects~ Oh, how I greatly enjoy projects, including sewing, scrapbooking, and writing. I don’t know about you, but to me, the best part of a project is completing it… The feeling of completion is so wonderful and at that point, you can acknowledge what you have accomplished.

• Enrichment of literature~ A good book along with a hot cup of tea is so delightful. Just through reading good books enriched with knowledge, my vocabulary certainly progresses.

And most importantly…

• Growing in my walk with the Lord~ Our relationship with God is most important in life. He is full of love, and has His arms wrapped tightly around each and every individual on this earth. By praying to God, reading His Word, and listening to His commands, my spiritual life will grow indeed.

As we enter into a new year, let us all strive to make a difference in the world, whether it’s by doing something big or small.

May the Lord bless you and your family in 2011!

Your Sister In Christ,

Jenna

Merry Christmas

Dearest Friends,

I pray that your Christmas has been richly blessed with the Lord’s immense love! May the joy of this season brighten your family’s homestead, and may you remember our precious Savior’s birth throughout the whole year.

“And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

~Luke 2:10-11~

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6~

Three Wonderful Years!

 Three years ago, on December 10th, 2007, we met our sweet Jessa for the very first time… As we walked out of the elevator, excitement and joy entered our hearts. There she was at 15 months old, looking a bit confused, as she stared into our eyes. The nanny handed her over to my mama, and Jessa let out a little whimper. Mama began to comfort her, and the small whimper came to a stop. From that moment on, all she wanted to do was cling to my mama’s shoulder.

Our adoption experience was incredible, and I am so thankful to God, that He directed our steps throughout the whole process.

Jessa is a bundle of joy, and a sweet blessing to have. She keeps our homestead jolly and cheerful, and always brings a smile to your face!

 

We love you, dear Jessa! May God continue to bless you with that beautiful, shining spirit He has gifted you with!