Gratitude

This is my mother. 

If you already knew that, you also probably know that we are close. VERY close. 

I think our closeness is a product of a few things; We spend a lot of time together; We tell each other everything, and the Lord has just given us personalities that allow us to be unusually close knit. But undoubtedly the biggest reason we are so close is because over the past few years we have had to walk through the same trials together. By the Lords grace, He has used it to strengthen our love for Him and our friendship.

The past few months have been heavy laden with stormy seas. One of which has been with my grandparents rapidly declining health. For the past 5 days my mom has been up in Pismo Beach, taking care of my grandparents, until arrangements for full time care-givers can be made. Trust me when I say, it has not been an easy task to take care of them.

However, this has been quite an eye opening experience for me. I've stayed home and had to be responsible for cleaning, laundry, cooking, our animals, and other tasks around the house.

Today I spent the whole day cleaning, and getting things ready for her to come home. The thought that kept going through my head was about how thankful I am to my mother for sacrificing her time to be a faithful steward of our home, with far too little recognition.

I am so thankful to have been taught by her, how to keep a home, schedule, and priorities. 

Praise the Lord for my dear mother whom I love so much! She is truly a blessing.

"She looks well to the ways of her household 

   and does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; 

   her husband also, and he praises her: 

 “Many women have done excellently, 

   but you surpass them all.”

PROVERBS31:27-29

Hello/Goodbye: Looking Forward to 2012

Time truly does fly when you're having fun. This past year has come and gone by so quickly. Looking back at 2011 I see growth, grace, and fruit. I was such a young Christian at the beginning of last year, and it is amazing to look back and see how the Lord, has molded and shaped me, a sinful wretch, for His glory.  He is my first love, and He is so faithful, even when I fail.

2011 brings me so much joy, as I look at how full it was. I started meeting with a prayer group with 5 other women, finished my first year of college, started a small group with 3 other women, and cultivated friendships that will last forever. 

Gods grace has been evidenced to me each day that I have had to live this past year, and I am nothing but thankful.

But as much joy and fruit this year has brought, I look back and see my continued need for a Savior. Each and every day I HAVE to rely on Him to be my strength and portion, or else I will fail.......miserably. I see my own sinful heart and how many times I listen to it, and wander.

 My prayer for this year is the same prayer David prays in Psalm 139

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! 

   Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me, 

 and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Its important for me to always have a spiritual game plan and be prepared -- or else I will be easily distracted or lose sight of the true destination or purpose.

Some of my goals for 2012::

+ Cultivate a greater discipline with Scripture Memory

+ grow in evangelism

+ quick to hear and slow to speak

+ cultivate a more gentle and quiet spirit

+ be more discerning 

[and on the practical side...]

+ re-do my room

+ read 100 books

 + travel

+ finish my AA degree//start culinary school

But ultimately my only goal is to be more saturated with Christ each day

"To live is Christ and die is gain."

Philippians 1:21

:: One Year ::

I really don't know where to being writing this post. There is so much I could say, but really one sentence sums it all up; "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God"
[[Ephesians 2:8]].

365 days ago I was dead.
I loved being dead, spending time with people who were dead, and I was running as fast as I could to eternal death. 

One year ago, when I stepped onto the bus headed to Glorietta, New Mexico, for what I knew to be my final time going there as a student in Oneighty, I anticipated a few things; getting to spend the week with my friends and boyfriend, playing games, and just the overall 'fun' that is summer camp. Unaware as to what that week would truly bring, and how it would change my life forever. Eighteen hours later, we arrived and thus began the check in routine that was oh-so-familiar. The normal camp routine began; unpacking, eating meals, teaching, small groups, games, rain, injuries, laughing and minimal amounts of sleep.

On the morning of July 28th, halfway through the week, Rick Holland preached a message entitled "Uneclipsing the Son" (which has now blossomed into a book, you can buy that here; I highly recommend it.) His point was to challenge us by asking the questions "What is blocking you from the full splendor and glory of Jesus Christ?" and "What sins are you holding on to that are inhibiting you from either growth, or true salvation?". I knew the answer immediately. As soon as it popped into my head I began to rationalize; groping around in the dark to try to find an excuse to keep my sin, and appease my conscience. I didn't find one satisfactory, so i simply put the thought out of my mind. 

That night, the staff surprised us by announcing that Christian rapper 'Lecrae' was there to preform. I went into the performance, and after finishing the first song, he started talking to us. Explaining how we hold on so tightly to the things of the world, thinking they will give us happiness and worth; some sort of meaning and satisfaction. Urging those in the crowd to repent who had not found their identity in Christ. I knew he was talking to me and about me. Finally, after seventeen years of living for self, my eyes were opened to see that I wasn't truly a follower of Christ. I loved stuff, and people, and myself; but most of all I loved my sin.
I ran to find my small group leader, who wisely questioned me and laid the truth on me. As much as it hurt, it was the Lord showing me my sin, in a light I had never seen it in before - in light of his holiness. I always knew in my head that the Lord was perfect, but that night my heart knew it. Frightening as it was, I cried out to the Lord and begged Him to save me from myself, and asking to be redeemed in Christ, that I may submit my life totally under his control. 

" If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9

The only reason I can sit here, typing these words today, is because the Lord is faithful and just, and has cleansed me from MY unrighteousness. The Lord is the one who has enabled me to forsake my sin for His sake; to hate sin and love Him. Naturally I am a lover of self and a enemy of God. Only He can reconcile me to Himself. 

He is the one who has made me alive.

Looking back over the past year and seeing how the Lord has transformed my life, is amazing. I could not have done it on my own. Enough knowledge or behavior modification couldn't have saved me, let alone changed my heart. I really have no words for it. I fail often, struggle daily, and often need rebuke. But through it all the Lord has been faithful and loving to me, illuminating my eyes to see truth, and has set a beat in my heart to love Him.

I have no idea why He would choose to save me, but He has, and His work continues daily, in ways I can't comprehend.

I just really love my Savior; He is the perfect redeemer, and ever faithful to Himself. 
I can not look back to July 28th and the events that took place that day in order to have confidence in my salvation. I look to the cross firstly, and to the Resurrection of Christ, which have secured redemption for those who believe. Secondly I look at the new heart the Lord has given me. I myself am a reminder that it is not of myself, but an unmerited, undeserved gift from the Lord. By Him I am a new creature. 

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

Stepping off that bus three days later, back in Los Angeles, was a whole different story. I looked forward to having the Lord work in me, and seeing which path He would direct me to, and how the rest of my life would play out.
Life, for me, began 365 days ago, and will continue for eternity. On this Earth for a short time, but with my Savior forever.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD."
||Psalm 27:13-14||

{Baptism}

These past few weeks have been c r a z y, so my apologies for not posting this sooner. 

But the most exciting thing that has happened was I got baptized on April 10th. Honestly it was one of the best nights of my life! Words can not explain my excitement for this! (I'm sorry to everyone who's ears I talked off about how stoked i was ;) But the Lord is so kind to me! He sent His Son to Earth, to die for my sins and take away the punishment I deserve. What a joy to follow His command to be baptized! :-)

"And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."

{acts 22:16}

Below the pictures I put a copy of my testimony! :-)

my mom and sweet friend Lynese brought me flowers; how gracious of them :-)

Hello, my name is Brooke Johnson. I have been blessed to grow up in a Christian home, and have been attending Grace Church all my life. Growing up I always assumed I was a Christian because I knew a lot about the Bible, and thought that I was a good person. On the inside however, my heart was desperately wicked and sinful, and simply desired my own gratification. Upon entering public high school the hypocrisy in my life became much more evident. At church I appeared as a moral, Christian girl, but at school I wanted nothing more than to be accepted and loved, would vie for the affections of others, and had no desire to please the Lord. Home life was a terrible battle between trying to look like I was doing what’s right, but at the same time trying get my way. When I would be convicted about my sin I thought as long as I asked forgiveness, and acted better I would be okay, and if I was ever confronted about my sin, I would either justify it, or try to “do better.”

My senior year I started dating someone from church and thought I was doing pretty well; I had good grades, lots of friends, and a boyfriend who made me happy. Things stayed pretty much the same until the summer after graduation, when I went with the high school group, Oneighty, to summer camp in New Mexico. Little did I know, the Lord was preparing to rock my world that week. During one of the sessions, John Macarthur taught on the basics of regeneration, and what it truly means to be made alive in Christ. In my mind I knew those characteristics he was describing were the opposite of me, and began to be convicted of my sin. A few hours later, the staff surprised us by bringing in rapper Lecrae, who would be performing for us that night. In between songs he was preaching the gospel and saying how our identity is to be found in Christ alone, if we’re truly saved, and anything else leads to emptiness and death. My stomach dropped. For the first time ever, I actually admitted to myself that I wasn’t saved, and my identity was not found in Christ. I went to find my small group leader, who talked to me about the gospel, what it truly means to be a Christian, and encouraged me to go up to my room, seek the Lord and pray. When I got to my room I had never felt more alone. The Lord had opened my blind eyes to my sinfulness, showed me His perfection, and by His grace, for the first time ever, I desired to be His servant, and have Him as Lord of my life. On the floor I cried out to the Lord, confessing my sinfulness, asking him to forgive me and save me from my own wickedness. Ephesians 2:4-5 says it best; “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved—”  From there I immediately went and ended the worldly relationship I was in and began to live my life as what I now was; truly regenerated in Christ. He exchanged my old, dead, sinful heart for one that beats for Him with a desire to live my life for him alone. Each day since then has been a picture of Gods gracious work in my life. I now love learning about my Savior from His word, being around His people and pursuing what Christ would have me do. My whole life has radically changed since the Lord saved me, and though I often fail miserably and have so much more to learn, I am no longer a slave to sin, but can genuinely repent and find true forgiveness in his blood. One of my favorite passages is; Psalm 62:5-8: “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him, God is a refuge for us.” I desire to be baptized in obedience to His word, and as a public declaration of my salvation.

awestruck.

"And the Lord said to Job:
'Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
He who argues with God, let him answer it.'
Then Job answered the Lord and said:
'Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?
I lay my hand on my mouth.
I have spoken once, and I will not answer;
twice, but I will proceed no further." || JOB 40:1-5 ||

This particular passage of Scripture has been on my mind all week; literally. The context of these verses is absolutely beautiful, and if you want to, read chapters 38-42. After Job receives bad advice from his friends, who saw suffering solely as a result of one's sin, he finally hears some sound advice; from the Lord himself. The Lord asks Job many questions for the purpose of giving Job a proper perspective on his own state, and the Lord's magnificent and indescribable glory. 
"Can you life up your voice to the clouds, 
that a flood of waters may cover you?
Can you send forth lightenings, that they may go
and say to you, 'Here we are'?"  ||JOB 38:34-35|| 


After all of this questioning, Job is reduced to silence, seen in chapter 40 verses 1-5. The whole picture of Job laying his hand over his mouth, because he now realizes he was wrong to question God, is absolutely amazing to me. Its a picture of humility and contrition. In going through trials or circumstances that are difficult, I pray that this would be my response; weighed down and silenced by the utter power of the Lords complete, infinite, cosmic power. w o w.
How often do i lose sight of this perspective! And the Lord has definitely been quick and extremely gracious to me by always showing me his sovereign hand and His perfect character.  
"Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" ||Job 2:10a||
Genesis 3:18 talks about 'thorns and thistles' that will come as a result of the fall. Both literal thorns, and those thorns that are trials, hardships, heartbreak, and despair. But I forget this so often; that all comfort was lost in the fall. Once sin entered the world, comfort was lost, and only the Lord can bring it back; by giving Himself to us, although I am a wretched worm, undeserving of any sort of 'favor' or grace from the Lord. And Psalm 62:6 says "He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken."
The Lord is our only source of comfort. There have been times where i have literally felt similar to the description in Psalm 32:4b "My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer."Times where the only thing I have had to cling to was the Lord, and he has faithfully been there, comforting me, leading me back to the cross, hiding me in the shadow of His wing, and protecting me as ONLY he is capable of  doing. And he did all of this for someone who hated him, sinned against him, and who's sin nailed him to the cross. Amazing. I don't understand it one bit apart from Gods grace; He would have been equally as just and perfect if He had allowed me to burn in hell the first day I was born. 
With that; ALL I can do is lay my hand over my mouth.

well i {recommend}.....

when i started section two of the biblical counseling classes i'm taking, I didn't quite know what to expect, because the topic was: marriage&family. The first thing I did when I got my syllabus was look at the reading list. Typically there is 9-10 books that we are required to read throughout the twelve week course. It sounds like a lot, but its definitely manageable, and a good lesson in discipline :-) Two of the books that I read this last class stuck out to me the most were: Love that Lasts, and Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage.

Okay, I'm such a woman....seriously. When i saw the cover of this book i got all excited to read it because of the cute rope heart on the front :-) Before this class I had never read any books specifically written to married couples. This book rocks. It is such an awesome commentary on what the marriage relationship is supposed to look like, as God designed it, and just gives a lot of scriptural and practical explanation on how to have a loving relationship. So much of the scripture used is applicable to how we are to interact, communicate and be long suffering in all of life's relationships. Single, married or engaged, I would definitely recommend this book. Oh, and Betsy is C.J. Mahaney's sister, which was awesome as well! 

This book is a 100 page, detailed explanation on what exactly the Bible teaches about marriage, divorce and remarriage. It definitely is rich in theology, and I found it super helpful in increasing my understanding about these issues, but definitely saw just how complicated and sad sin can make things! Jay continually stresses that divorce isn't necessarily a sin, but is always a result of sin. (If that makes no sense, or sounds funny, read the book. He does a much better job of explaining it than I ever could!)

{Dying} of Morality

A few days ago, I observed one of the most impactful conversations ever. The words themselves were nothing 'special' per say,  but the thoughts they sparked, and the burden the Lord laid on my heart were deeply resonant with me. 

What happened was: A young girl, who I babysit, balloon poped, and she started crying. Her mom replied saying "Are you three? no. Are you dying of cancer? no. Do we have a home? yes. So you have no reason to be crying." Immediately I thought "True, but you're dying of your morality."

Can we really be running toward eternal death, by living 'morally'? 

The biblical answer is clearly; Yes.

I spend several hours the last few days pondering the concept of this. These 'moral' people don't even know that they're running straight into the lake of fire. How terrible! I can definitely relate, because like all believers, I was that person before I was saved. Running straight toward hell, at top speed, thinking I was paving my way up to heaven because I knew a lot of scripture, and because i did "good things." Obviously this facade only got weaker as time went on, and I became more outwardly immoral and obviously not saved. But then, one day, that is still is a mystery to me, the Lord, in his grace showed me the truth of the Scripture, and the sinfulness of my own heart. Ephesians 2:1-10 says it best:

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins  in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

But the whole thought that someone literally was storing up wrath for themselves by doing things that were "good" (or bad) by the worlds standards, was definitely something that caused me pause. Not because I didn't know it was true, but because I so often do nothing about it. It was such a humbling conversation I had with myself, and the Lord. He showed me how my life needs to be even more a testimony to his word and regenerating work, and how I must be faithful to share His word more passionately and fervently with anyone who is lost. 

The Lord used this to humble me, and show me how powerful he is, and how I am his slave! And what a joy :-)

Like Matthew 5:14 says "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."   What a high calling we have, but we serve a God who is so much higher. 

I really just love my Saviour. He is so gracious and kind to me, and I am completely undeserving!! w o w.

"If you return to the Almighty you will be built up;

   if you remove injustice far from your tents,
if you lay gold in the dust,
   and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent-bed,
then the Almighty will be your gold
   and your precious silver.
For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty
   and lift up your face to God"

JOB 22 : 23 - 26 

♥

A Young Womens Guide: Preparing for a Christ Centered Marriage.

The past few weeks I have been writing a topic paper for my biblical counseling class. We were required to write a 5- page paper on any topic relating to Marriage and Family. Bill Shannon recommended this topic to me, and I am so thankful that I chose to do it. Seriously I was so encouraged by my study in this area, so I thought I would share my paper on my blog. It is kind of lengthy, but the Scripture and resources I used definitely encouraged me a lot! 

*****************

A Young Womens Guide: How to Prepare for a Christ Centered Marriage.

So many young women in today’s churches have been infected with the “dating disease.” This “dating disease” produces the need to be constantly in a relationship, and feelings of utter inadequacy if their weekends are not spent out on dinner dates with the most desirable of young men in the church. The world today inundates young, single women with the idea that when you are single, you’re just living in a party world, with no need for responsibility; However as women who profess Christ, this could not be farther from the truth.  Instead of seeing our single life as a curse, and a long period of “free time,” we ought to wisely strive to know Christ more, and prepare ourselves to have a God- honoring marriage in the future. As writer Nancy Wilson says, “We have to know more than how to be a good wife, we have to know how to be good Christians, and if we are good Christians we will be good wives and mothers.” There are endless ways to prepare for marriage, both spiritual and practical. In this paper we will see what scripture has to say about how we, as young women of the Lord, ought to live in preparation for a God-honoring marriage in the future.

            Firstly, and undoubtedly most importantly, a young woman must fear the Lord be devoted to seeking him. Just as Colossians 3:1 says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” We as Christians are fundamentally commanded to seek the Lord, before we seek anything else.  Hebrews 11:6 echoes this, stating, “and without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God, must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Chasing after a boyfriend is husband is idolatry, and demonstrates a lack of trust in God’s word, which says in Psalm 84:11b-12 “No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” If a young woman is completely content in the Lord and seeks him, she will guard herself from making a hasty decision to marry someone of questionable character. In her book The Excellent Wife, Martha Peace says, “Our desires are only as good as our willingness to wait on God’s timing.” God is the originator of marriage, so it obviously is not wrong to desire to be married: However, it is wrong to make marriage an idol, and seek it before the Lord. He knows our hearts better than we do ourselves. As Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, who can understand it?” Thus we must trust him to provide the right person, at the right time, and solely set our hearts desire upon pleasing our Lord and Savior. Fear of the Lord is the bedrock of preparation for any Christian woman, and a gift to her marriage. Proverbs 31:30 states it best, saying, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”  Women preparing for marriage should be counseled to seek men who are devoted to the Lord first and foremost, and to know the Scriptures in order to make sure her motives and relationship are pure and right.  In churches today, I think we dilute the importance of being single minded for the Lord, and discount discontentment as just a ‘normal’ longing for something good; marriage. I think it would be wise for many counselors to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, seeing that these women’s hearts are not hidden in the Lord, but rather immersed in the secular need to be accepted and loved be a man. If we have the Lord, we have all that we need, anything good in addition to him is an added display of his grace for us. Parents, likewise, ought to be instructed to teach their children to fear the Lord and trust in Him for all things, rather than the focus being on practically preparing their children for the future, and assuming that because they go to church, they will be spiritually prepared.

            Secondly, a young woman preparing for marriage must be in a discipleship relationship with an older woman in the church. As commanded in Titus 2:3-5, “Older women, likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled,” older women must shepherd younger women in the teaching of the scripture, and likewise, young women must be seeking out the wisdom of older women. As Susan Hunt says in the book Becoming God’s True Woman she explains that “Our relationship with God is personal, but not individualistic. When he adopts us into his family, our relationship with him means that we are also related to His other children.” She also explains that these discipleship relationships are covenantal. “Living covenantally means that we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. Women nurturing women is simply one way we live covenantally. […] This is not a self-enrichment program. These are covenant relationships that are centered on glorifying God by reflecting his grace to one another.”  This is more than mere fellowship, but relationships that cultivate a love for the Lord, his word, and sound judgment. In addition to being commanded to be under the teaching of more mature women in the church, Solomon in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 shows how it is wise to have close relationships to another because, “Two is better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, and has no one to lift him up!” Women in counseling need to be pleaded with to seek out older women in the church, and to create a close accountability relationship with them. This goes beyond the counseling room, and can in many ways become more personal because of the amount of time that can be devoted to the relationship.  Older women, likewise, need to be aware that younger women are looking up to them, and that the Lord has commanded them to guide them.  They must be aware of this, and live lives obviously and clearly in an upright manner, as to not cause a fellow sister in Christ to stumble.

            Thirdly, a young woman preparing for a Christ honoring marriage must be diligent and not lazy. In the Bibles most extensive passage on the virtues of a godly wife, Proverbs 31, it says in verse 27 “She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Being diligent is more than just getting everything on your list done. It is planning your time with the purpose of maximizing it for the Lord’s sake. In Ephesians 5:15-16 we are told “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil.” Proverbs 21:5 also says “The plans of the diligent lead to sure abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” The Bible is crystal clear on how we are to live, especially in regards to this area. Diligence honors the Lord and brings blessing, and laziness marks the way of the foolish, and its only outcome is destruction. This is critical, not only in preparation for marriage, but also in being a useful slave of Christ. As single women, we must realize that our time is a blessing! We may do the Lords work, and come alongside his people, without neglecting the responsibility to a family. Jackie Kendall says in her book Lady in Waiting, “As a single you have a wonderful opportunity to use your time to maximize your fellowship with God.” I firmly believe that how we manage our time as singles is how we will manage it when we are married. In counseling we must help women to realize that marriage is not a light switch that turns you on to living fully in accord with the Lords desires. We must encourage women who struggle with this to see it for what it really is; a failure to understand the gospel. On the cross Christ redeemed all of our sin. Every wasted moment and word was paid for, so why do we go on living as if it does not matter that he shed his blood for out laziness? Shouldn’t our Savior, who paid for our sins with his life, be the one who dictates our time? As women it is so much easier see our potential husbands as greater motivation for diligent living, rather than the true reason we are to do so; because the Lord commands us to, and we are to honor him with our lives, as a living sacrifice.  Romans 12:11 commands us, as believers “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

            Fourth, and finally, a young woman must be a servant. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us to “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Being a servant is mirroring Christ’s example, because the “even as the Son of Man cane not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a random for many.” (Matthew 20:28) As redeemed slaves to Christ it is imperative that we follow his example of servant hood to others in the body. Marriage is all about being a servant to one another.  In all things we are to count others as more important than ourselves and do what is in their best interest. God made us each unique, with different gifts, and as 1 Peter 4:10 says “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” We are responsible to use our spiritual blessings to bless one another, and further the work of Christ. Whether it’s welcoming others into your home that need a place to stay, or donating money to missionaries in your church, the Lord can use any humble heart to do the work of his kingdom. Understanding this key principle is vital not only for marriage, but for being a useful worker of Christ. Young women and married women need to understand that service is commanded of those in the church, and having a servants heart will not only bless the server, but those around her being served. 

            Although there are many more spiritual and practical things that a young woman can do to be prepared for a Christ centered marriage, these things are repeatedly commanded in Scripture, and their main focus is pleasing the Lord.  In the Bible, being devoted to Christ is always commanded first, and from there, being a godly wife and mother will follow. If we as young women prepare for marriage this way, we will honor the Lord and bless our husbands. 

Logged {Out}

I can not express how joyful I am to be writing this post. If you're friends with me on Facebook, you may have noticed, I'm not there anymore. That is because last week I made the decision to sign out on Facebook for the next couple months, as I deactivated my account. Over the past months the Lord had showed me through faithful friends how the amount of time I was spending on Facebook was indeed unwise. It is so easy to forsake real responsibilities and embrace the fake online world. Although in the past few months the amount of time I spent on Facebook had declined, its presence still remained. I can not tell you how many times I've caught myself looking at peoples profiles and thought "Why am I doing this? How did I even get to this person's page? This is so stupid!!" There are so many more profitable things I could be doing with my time, and definitely endless more ways to give glory to the Lord, but in my sinfulness I had neglected to even think of this! With so many crazy things going on in my life, I realized how Facebook was an easy distraction and time-waster.  I hope to use these next months to really get my priorities straight, and use my time and life to better honor and worship the Lord. 

After I deactivated my account, so many things became clear! Looking back its so silly that I would spend time being informed about different peoples lives that I really don't know. I don't need to know who he or she is dating, where you went for your summer '07 family vacation or what you are currently eating! So many relationships and "friendships" sprang up in my life because of Facebook, and needlessly so. I'm talking about those random people who you happen to meet at a friends birthday dinner, and now you talk to every night about nothing just because you both happen to be online at the same time. Its so meaningless! I'm so saddened when I look back at all the minutes wasted on empty chatter, but thankful to the Lord for having brought this to my attention.

Now here is the icing on the cake for me. My close friends, or those who I would call my best friends, we don't even hardly communicate on Facebook! Without Facebook, our friendship will undoubtedly continue and grow stronger. All that said, I see no reason for me to use my time in such a way. But before you think I hate the whole institution, there definitely are things I will miss! The magic birthday calendar is probably number 1 on that list. No way in my human frailty could I remember 700+ birthdays, so if this upcoming year I miss your birthday, I apologize in advance! Tell me and it will be marked on my real calendar, never to be forgotten again. :)

I also will also miss being able to more steadily communicate with those who live far away *cough* Katrina Herrera*cough*. One of my dear sisters and best friends lives in Rhode Island and attends the Naval Academy Prep School. Because of the time difference and our busy schedules it's hard to find time to always talk on the phone, so it definitely was nice to be able to leave her videos and receive wall posts from her, but thank God for texting and email :) 

Finally I definitely will miss all the encouragement that happens on Facebook. So many verses and quotes that give praise to the Lord are posted everyday, andIi definitely was thankful for that. But I'm definitely more thankful to be able to work on this area of my life that has been a struggle! 

Please, please PLEASE don't think I'm saying that it's wrong to have a Facebook, because its not!!! But when I took a survey of my life and looked at areas that I needed to work on, it became apparent that one practical thing to do in order to get rid of distractions was delete my account. For now I plan to fly solo, until school ends and tentatively reactivate it then. (with a better game plan for using my time and who I spend that time interacting with :)  So bon voyage multi-billion social network! I'm so excited to see what the Lord will do in my life and friendships because of this. Yay!!

XO

B

The Month of my Life.

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of trials and studying. Through this crazy blur of time the Lord has been teaching me about his faithfulness, sufficiency and love, and also about my own incapability to do anything on my own. One of the ways he did this was through the pamphlet "Christ And Your Problems" by Jay Adams.

Let me tell you, it radically changed my perspective.

If you have $2 (which you do...be honest), GO BUY THIS!!! Its a 30-page read that mainly discusses the verse 1 Corinthians 10:13;

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."

It talks about how our faith should be in the Lord and how every trial is perfectly ordained for us, and for our good!! I know many people are going through some tough trials right now, and I have no doubt this would be a great encouragement to you and your soul!

 I would love to share what I've learned through this tough time and encourage those of you who need it, or just want to talk. Feel free to give me a call, or email me here.

Sorry for my lack of updates, but many Christmas posts will be coming soon!!! <3 

{Biblical Decision Making}

     Making decisions biblically is a topic that I have heard many theories and opinions on. From the many people I've talked to, they all have different views on the decisions we make, and whether they all relate to the Bible and to the Lord. Well, first of all, I would say that every decision we make IS relevant to our relationship with the Lord and our lives a believers. However I know Ive found myself in different situations thinking "what should I do here, because my problem isn't directly discussed in the Bible." And realistically, probably 80% of the decisions we made everyday aren't specifically addressed in the Bible.  This can lead people into a trap. One might think because the Bible doesn't expound exactly on the choice they have to make, that their decision is thus left up to their feelings, or what they want to do. I am totally guilty of thinking like this at times, and not even considering my biblical response to a situation, because its seemingly "small." How foolish of me to think this way! 

     This week, while reading Jay Adams book A Theology of Christian Counseling, Adams covers the topic of making biblical decisions, in what i think, is the most practical and God-honoring way for us a believers to approach every facet of our lives.
     First Adams starts by saying two things. One, that there is no way to know God's will and to receive His guidance apart from the Scriptures. Second, there are scriptural principles and practices to cover all circumstances of life, available to those who take the time to make the effort to understand and know the Bible adequately.  What a blessing that there IS a place we can turn to understand the Lord's will and what he would have us do, no matter the surrounding circumstances! Along with this Adams dispels the myth of "being led by the spirit"; the thought that there is extra-biblical guidance in decision-making. Being led by the Spirit (as referenced in Romans 8:14 and Galatians 5:8) means walking in righteous paths by the Spirits strength. Adams states; "The Christian is "led" to walk in God's ways by the Spirit rather than to walk in the flesh. No notions of guidance in decision-making appears in either passage."

    Okay so, what is our first step of making decisions? We are to search out the relevant principles that have a bearing upon the case (some are general and others more specific.) Adams uses the example of marriage. If marriage is the decision in question, we must first apply the biblical principles of purity.  Then we must also consider 1 Cor. 7:39 which says "...marry only in the Lord." This is a direct statement to believers, to not be unequally yoked, meaning we are not to knowingly marry an unbeliever. By doing this we have automatically narrowed down the choices significantly, because now all unbelievers are automatically discounted in our choice to marry rightly.  From there lets say a man has come to the point where he sees three Christian women as potential marriage partners; Mary, Hannah, and Amy.  Now, he brings more specific principals into play. Mary has many good qualities about her, but there are some concerns for her church attendance and Bible study. Mary then may be rejected, because at this time she doesn't seem adequately susceptible to biblical authority. Now he must choose between Hannah and Amy who are both passionate Christians and involved in Christ's work. Here is where it gets tricky. There is not principal that would exclude one woman or the other, and both are equally good choices. After biblical principles have boxed out, or rejected, all unbelieving woman, and at this time, Mary, but this man is left with more than one option within in the box. In this situation it is neither right nor wrong to marry either Hannah or Amy. At this point it is important to keep in mind that the case in which one mat choose from among many goods, exists only for those who have eliminated all biblically wrong options. Thus at this time, this mans decision to marry either Hannah or Amy, is purely preferential! God is a God of abundance, and how often he leaves us with many choices, all of which would honor him, and we get to choose OUR preference!! It makes no sense apart from Gods love and mercy!!! 

     So basically we are to, search the Scripture for principles applying to our situation, discount all  choices that would be considered unbiblical, and then choose from the choice(s) that are left in our box!!!

     Something else Adams discussed is what he calls the "holding principle."  This comes into play when we have a situation where we are unsure if our action would be sinful.  The example that Adams gives is that of Paul addressing those in the church who thought it was sin to eat the meat offered to idols(Romans 14:23.) He explains how if we think what we are doing is sin, and yet continue to act, then our action does become sin. ("eating in doubt.") We should become fully convinced in our OWN mind, not by what others around us are doing. So in these type of occasions, where we are unsure if our actions are sinful, we must "hold" our decision.  We must prayerfully consider the issue and search the scriptures to see what the Lord says about this issue.  **If biblical reasons to do it do not appear, there is a reason to refrain from action.**  Many times we can be put under pressure to make a hasty decision, which can often result in our making a bad decision. God often wants to slow us down to take a closer look at something before we commit ourselves to it. Examining which option will give the Lord the most glory, and then stick with that.

     I was so encouraged by Adams practical ways to make biblical decisions I decided it would be most profitable to share it! I pray this will fall upon someone's heart who is confused on this issue, and cause them to make a choice that honors the Lord!! This was by NO MEANS any of my ideas or word! The Lord used Jay Adams to teach me about how to better honor Him through each decision I make!

Twelve Extraordinary Women

This week I was in the hallway and decided to stop and rummage through a box of books that my mom had set out.  Inside was a copy of John MacArthur's book Twelve Extraordinary Women. It sparked my interest, and so i began reading it!  If you haven't read this book, you really should! I'm not finished with it yet, but i love it already, and am so encouraged! The book starts off by talking about Eve, and her creation, temptation and life.  Its so powerful to just re-read some of the creation account, and the commentary in the book opened my eyes to just how much we can learn about womanhood from the creation of Eve alone.  The book also explores women like Sarah and Ruth, as well as Mary.  Its not just an account of these Godly womens lives, and the example they set for us, but it truly explains the role we are to take on as women.  It has encouraged my soul already! God loves everyone so deeply, but he has such a special role for us to take on as women after his own heart.  This book is awesome and i would encourage everyone to read it!

Changing the Way we Pray.

Today while in the car ride to lunch after church, my mom was telling me about the sermon she heard in her fellowship group Gracelife.  Don Green taught this morning on Proverbs 3:5-6, which read

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
       and lean not on your own understanding;

 in all your ways acknowledge him,
       and he will make your paths straight."

Although i did not hear the whole sermon, my moms recap was amazing, and really changed the way i will look at things from now on.  She spoke about how often when we are going through a trial, or dealing with unsaved and unrepentant people in our lives, and how we pray for their salvation and that they would come to know the Lord.  When she said this i immediately thought about how i pray about the certain trials in my life right now. And praying for that unsaved persons salvation was definitely number one on my list.  But as she kept explaining the sermon, she said that praying for their salvation shouldn't be our first response. If your'e like me you're probably thinking "HUH?" right now. But she said that theres a possibility that the people who we are struggling with, or who are causing us great heartache, aren't going to be saved, and will never repent. And if we're so focused on that person coming to Christ, but in His sovereign plan, they never do repent, we can end up feeling let down, or like God didn't pull through.  Then she explained how truly trusting God is looking ahead and to the whole picture, praying for his will to be done, trusting wholly on his faithfulness and holiness, and to not be so wrapped up in someone coming to Christ that we forget; that may not be Gods plan! For me this truly hit home. I have been going through trials in which my main prayer is that the other person would get saved. But now i see how truly trusting God isn't relying on my own solution to the problem. Not to be misunderstood, we DEFINITELY should be praying for those people in our lives who are not repentant, and asking the Lord to save them from the fallen world we all are born into, BUT we should, more importantly trust in the Lords plan and not relying on that persons eventual salvation. I hope i explained this clearly enough, and I'm very sorry if i didn't! The whole conversation really made me think, and will change the way i pray during trials! Our God is so faithful!

".....The LORD is faithful in all his words 

and kind in all his works."

Psalm 145:13b