Thoughtful Thursday--Looking Back

Before I post a list of things I'd like to accomplish in 2012, let's take a look back at my list from last year and cross off what I was able to do.

Christmas project

The Inspiration. . .

Thoughtful Thursday--Return

"Too much beauty around us for just two eyes to see"

"Get away from it all". The last thing I said 6 weeks ago.

Now when I said that, I didn't intend for it to really happen. But, like they always say, "Be careful what you ask for."

Thoughtful Thursday--Technically fed-up

Do you ever feel like you are being bombarded by technology? Just the utter volume of information at my fingertips blows me away! I feel like America has become fat on information. And I'm not sure it's really helping.

Blessed to suffer

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:13-17

Thoughtful Thursday--How well-off is your spirit?

I have a lot of thoughts flying around in my head today. This is one of them.

Miracle of miracles, I feel like I'm having a spiritual growth spurt. God is causing me to grow spiritually. But, it's not in ways you or I would expect. I'm not necessarily spending more time on Bible study or prayer, I haven't 'saved' anyone lately, and I'm not sinning less...

I'll be brief...

My parents picked up a little booklet when they were at the NCFIC conference this past weekend, titled, "Valuable Selections from the Writings of George Muller". I opened it up, just meaning to flip through it and was drawn in.

George Muller, after living a prodigal life and being converted, ran orphanages in England. He cared for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime and the support he sought was from the Lord alone. He did not go out and raise money. He went to the Lord with the many needs they had, and his prayers were answered.

So far the 'writings' I've read have all related to faith. This quote really stood out to me: 

"Either we trust in God, and in that case we neither trust in ourselves, nor in our fellow men, nor in circumstances, nor in anything besides; or we DO trust in one or more of these and in that case do NOT trust in God."

I have said often that I have faith in God, that I trust God. But I'm asking God to show me if I really do. I know that is a dangerous thing to ask, but I need to know! What does it look like to trust in God alone, and not ourselves, our fellow men, or our circumstances? Maybe George Muller can help me understand.

Jammin' after church

Check out my genius brother and his jammin' buddies...

Time sure flies...

My baby brother is 16 today. Wow! Does time fly. I remember the call telling us he was born. At 2:23 in the afternoon, I'm pretty sure.

Here's what Nathan has to say about turning the big 1-6.

Happy Birthday, my big little brother! What a young man you've turned out to be : )

Thoughtful Thursday-- Lazy days of Fall

Today, I had one of those days. 

One of those "I-want-to-be-lazy" days.

One of those days where I can't even pretend to want to do anything. 

One of those days where "I don't want to do nothing, be nothing or marry nothing". 

Yeah. Marry nothing. It comes and goes...

Thoughtful Thursday-- Ideas

Here it is, Wednesday night, and while I have a few ideas for a Thoughtful Thursday, I totally lack the energy and/or interest for writing. I have a lot of thoughts going around in my head, but formulating them into words and sentences is beyond what I can handle right now.

I have been listening to Paul Washer recently...

Thoughtful Thursday--Creation Speaks

I have always appreciated nature. 
Most of my childhood was spent outdoors and I'm so thankful that I grew up in a time and place, and family, that allowed that.

As an adult, that appreciation has grown into fascination, I think due to knowing the Creator better...