An Award Which Blesses the Heart- The Pure in Heart award

Hello Sisters! Tonight was a lovely and interesting night as we had tornado warnings near our area and a lightning storm. But, we are all safe, praise the Lord! Truly, He is an awesome God!

Guess what friends? I had two blogger friends award me the "Pure in Heart" award!

(Isn't it lovely?)

 I'm very blessed and excited! Thank you Addie and Sarah! It was very sweet of you of think of me! Because the two awards had different questions I decided to add the differences, except for the questions I didn't like.

Here are the rules:

1. Post about the tag.
2. Choose 10 bloggers who deserve this award.
3. Leave a comment on the blogs of the people you tagged, letting them know they were awarded.
4. Answer the questions along with your post. (Omit questions you don't want to answer)
Here I go!

1. Which do you prefer--Apples, Oranges, or Bananas?
This is a hard one! I think I would choose apples. I enjoy all of them, but a crunchy apple is my top pick.

2. How many siblings do you have? How old are you?
Have have two siblings- Sweet, almost 19, year-old Allie and kind-hearted, 15 year-old, permit driving Jeremiah. I have entered what I call the  "Golden Years" or the twenties. :)

3. Where do you live--a prairie, Woodland, city, or other?
We live in a small town in Missouri. Were nestled in the Ozarks and I am very thankful the Lord created this beautiful land and has changed my heart towards it.

4. What is something you enjoy doing with your family?
I love visiting with my family! Whether that means sitting on the porch, coming together after a busy day, I just love being together. How will I go on without them? :) Only by God's grace!

5. Is your room clean?
~ A smile creeps across my face~ Yes it is clean. But that does not mean my furniture is dusted, the floors do not have dust bunnies rolling freely, and that my sheets are fresh. it is clean, but not perfectly so. :)

6. Which would you prefer to vist--Italy, Greece, France, Spain, or England?
I think Greece.

7. What is the scripture that encourages you the most?
So many do, I have a hard time choosing one. I think at this time the verse "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Deuteronomy 6:5

8. Gum, chocolate, or jelly beans?
Chocolate

9.What are your favorite types of books?
I enjoy morally good, sweet, encouraging fictional books (like "An Old Fashioned Girl"), missionary biographies and stories, and Christian helps and devotionals.

10. Which is your favorite ice cream flavor?
For a basic flavor I would choose chocolate icecream, but in Alaska we had cotton candy ice cream and that was yummy! :)

11. If you had to eat one type of food for two weeks, what would that food be?
Cheese Chowder.

12. Are you an outside or an inside person?
Typically, I enjoy being an inside person.  But after moving to Missouri I've really been enjoying being outside. I've been wanting to go on a hike lately. . . almost itching for it! :)
13. Describe yourself in three words.
Christian, Girl, Growing-up.
At least I hope so!

14. What chore do you like to do the most?
I like working in the kitchen. Not all of the time, but I believe that would be my most favorite. . .to wash dishes is delightful.

15. Scissors or Glue?
Because I have been making some cards lately, I would choose glue. Although I do need scissiors! :)

16. Describe your dream house.
Well, first of all, I would like to say that I hope to be content and at rest in anything, if the Lord wills me there. A second thing is that I have two dream homes.  If I were to live in America I would like a little farm house, with enough land for farming, a tree for my children (or neighbor children!) to climb on (if the Lord desires), with fruit trees. . .I would actually enjoy working in an orchard I think! Also, the little house would have enough beds for children and guests with pretty quilts on top of them! :) And a front porch! :) Lord willing! :)

If I were to become a missionary, I would really like to live as the people around me do. If I were in Africa I would want to live in a hut. I know that would sometimes be difficult, but I hope, by God's grace to be as those I'm serving!

17. If you could be a book character for a day, who would you be?

Hmm...In real life I would like to be as Amy Carmichal. Fictionally, I would like to be as Polly from "An Old Fashioned Girl," Polly from "Pollianna," and I would also enjoy being the March girls from "Little Women," although I hope I would have some of their better traits than bad. :)

18. What denomination are you?
Well, I am a born-again Christian girl and I desire to obey God  and His ways.
 I was raised in a Baptist church and am very thankful for the way God's Word was put into my heart as a young child. I became a Christian around 15 years-old and since then have been changing. At this time, my family and I go to a Christian Church and we are very thankful for their fellowship. I do cover my head and wear dresses, so I thought a picture like the one below would be appropriate. I think it explains alot of what I desire to be, although it is not a demonination: sweet, covered, modest, lady-like and feminine, gentle, quiet, honest, and I think she even looks submissive. Maybe she is serving her father and mother at home and while doing so, serving the Lord? Or perhaps working in an orphange or serving on a mission field? Or even preparing a meal for her children and husband? 

Well, that's it! I had better go to bed, but I would like to give this beautiful award to:

My followers! I have eight known followers and I do believe they each have lovely, pure hearted blogs. I have been blessed by each one of them! If you have already recieved this award, please feel free to pass it on to some one else!

Have a blessed day dear sisters. Let us allow Jesus His rule in our lives!
With a heart full of love from a sister,


Picture Credits:

~ The delicious apple picture was taken from here.
~ The lovely picture of Eminece was taken from this great website about our little, but industrious town!
~ The yummy chowder picture was taken from here.
~ The beautiful picture of my "dream home" was taken from this beautiful site.
~ The book cover with amy Carmicheal was taken from here.

The Sweetness of being Me. . .a Lady

I found this lovely quote by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey and have found it very encouraging, sweet, and true! I hope you enjoy it!

"It seems to be the fashion nowadays for a girl to behave as much like a man as possible. Well, I won't! I'll make the best of being a girl and be as nice a specimen as I can: sweet and modest, a dear, dainty thing with clothes smelling all sweet and violety, a soft voice, and pretty, womanly ways. Since I'm a girl, I prefer to be a real one."

Isn't that so encouraging?! Let's embrace the way God created us--to be sweet, modest, gentle, quiet, meek, feminine, charitable,  and good. Have a blessed day!

Your sister in Christ who enjoys being the girl God created her to be!

Picture Credit: This lovely painting is by Daniel Ridgway Knight. Please go enjoy more of his incredible paintings!

Ode to a Bad Test--and the Kindness of a Good God!

Oh, the horrors! Greetings my sweet friends and sisters! Tonight is a sad night. I took my Physical Education test (a class I am required to take as I work towards a teaching degree) and *sniff* I do not think I did well. I only share this to encourage you and myself to remember our daughterly duties. As a Christian we have the duties of loving our Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds, strengths, and to love our neighbor too. As women we're to be good, merciful, pure, and responsible for our bodies. As sisters we have the responsibilities of being sweet, helpful, friendly, and forgiving. As friends were to be kind, understanding, and faithful. And as daughters were to be obedient, meek, humble, submissive, loving, forgiving, studious, industrious, and good.  (And these lists are not complete!) Perhaps this is to be a reminder and a consequence of my failure in this important area. So, while I am sad at my less then the best, I hope to press higher in my daughterly and scholarly duties. . .and bring my father and mother honor while I do it!

Remember dear Anne's letter which said:

"As Rachel Lynde used to say, the sun will go on rising and setting whether I fail in Geometry or not. . . ." :)

Have a blessed day dear sisters!

Your hopeful sister,

One Week Later:

Well, hello sisters! Guess what? I am super excited! Why you wonder? Because our God is good. I did not study for this test like I should have. . .I neglected my duty. But tonight I was blessedly surprised to get my grade. . . a 98% I am so blessed by our God who helps us and has given us common sense (it was a P.E. test and they are generally pretty self explanitory). But, I must remember to be a good and diligent student and daughter bring my parents and Lord glory.

Have a blessed night sisters!

Frannie

                                                             

The Beauty of a King's Daughter

 "Likewise, ye wives [daughters], be in subjection to your own husbands [fathers]; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives [daughters];

While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement." 1 Peter 3:1-6

 Are not these "Little Women" lovely? Let's allow our King to work out the ugly self that plagues us, dear sisters, and allow Him to put in holiness. Let's allow Him to work in us a "meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price." 

Lately, I've been reading An Old Fashioned Girl by Miss Louisa M. Alcott, and have been greatly impressed by the sweet, forbearing, and loving attitude the main character, Polly, shows. I know it is just fiction, but I cannot help but hope I could be just like her--spreading sunshine and virtue all about me. 

Let's press heavenward my fellow pilgrims! Long is the way, narrow the path, and difficult the time, but our Saviour is able and willing to see us through! 

 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5, 6

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Hebrews 12:2, 3

". . .for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5 b

With love dear sisters!

P.S. I would like to give credit to Miss Judith Cheng. Please go and visit her lovely art work at http://www.judithchengart.com. You may find the above "Little Women" piece in the "Portraits" section.

Contentment-A Goodly Virtue

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Greetings my dear sisters in Christ. I hope this finds each one of you growing in our Lord and King. I'm doing well. . .simply enjoying spring, our good friend Mr. Rowland's visit, and spending time with my family. This post deals with contentment because that is exactly what I am being taught during this season in my life. I've never thought of myself as a discontented person, but oh, how I was wrong. first, let me start from the  beginning  . . .

Part One- "The Beginning"
We had been living in Missouri for about eight months in a small, but sweet rental home in the middle of Ozark country. Even better, we were settled nicely in Round Springs state park. It was very lovely and I believe God used that close space to bring us closer together. We were a walk away from a spring, river, and cave. . .surely, one would think I'd be content. But we're so far from town and the road is so curvy! 

Part Two- "The Nice Home Near Town"
This was my complaint and as we began house searching it became louder and louder. Daddy and Momma wanted a nice house with some farm/hunting land, (and we did too) but it was difficult to find those things within our price range. So after some time we found a nice home settled neatly by town, with a garden, a good amount of space, and it was very convinient. Yes, we had found the one (or that's what some of us thought). We eventually did buy this nice home in town and are here to this day. I was so happy. . .at least for awhile. I began to think of farmland, chickens, a milking cow, and sheep and began to dislike our nice home. Its not nice enough, we we can't have a cow, no fruit trees, why did we buy this house? This was my self speaking and through the sin of discontentment I began to grumble and complain.

Part Three- "An Opportunity"
After living in this nice home for about six months or so, we recieved a phone call from an old friend of mom's. "We have a home for sell with 37 acres, surrounded by conservation land, located near the highway, with ponds on it; why don't you come down and take a look at it?" Imagine, dear friends, our excitement as we went to look at the inviting prospect. First Daddy went, and when he got home his eyes sparkled as he told me not to get too excited. We visited a few times and left wanting it more and more.

An Intercession- "The Realization"
This is where I have to stop, dear sisters. It is during this time that I learned what true contentment is. My discontentment had made me very unhappy during this time. My unthankfulness made me grumble, and most likely, unpleasant to be around. As I stood looking out our dining room window the Lord helped me realize that "If  I'm not happy here I won't be happy there." Ooh. . .such a true thought. If I cannot be happy with the good that I have now, will I be if I have good later? I'm afraid the answer is no. I should have been happy in our nice little rental, I thought I would have been happy with our nice home by town, and now I think I will be happy with something else? No, if we are not satisified with what the Lord has given us, we won't be satisfied with anything else. The Lord gently led me to a place where I realized that I needed to be happy now. . .and I can thankfully say He has helped me!

Part Four- "The Grace of God Brings Joy"
Here I am sisters, joyfully happy with where we are living. I don't know if we will move, but until then, by God's able and faithful grace, you'll find me happily sitting in this home that's becoming dear to me. Now I can say,  "Oh how nice to be near a grocery store, where I'm able to become friends with the stockers and the cashiers. What an opportunity to witness to my lost neighbors, and to bless the widows nearby. How good it is to have a garden we can 'practice' at without having to work new ground. What a blessing to have a sweet country home which has plenty of room for us and guests, is comfortable, and very hardy. And the smallish kitchen I use to dislike?. . .it is so sweet to have a kitchen where every decoration has a nook to rest in and it is nice to be able to work closely with my dear family as we cook up a meal." Can you tell the difference God has wrought in my heart? Maybe we will never move, and at this time that is okay with me. We are here for a reason and I want to make the most out of it.  

The Conclusion- "A Few Points"
I still have much to learn on conentment and I can say that I do not always apply it like I should. But isn't God good to help us start? I wanted to share a few points real quick concerning contentment.
~ Nothing will ever fill our hearts except Jesus. We often seek for happiness by buying/sewing clothes, visiting friends, going shopping, eating, and so on, but these things never fill our hearts up. If we allow Jesus to become "all we need" He will bring peace and joy.
~Let us remember that conentment is a good trait we need to practice now--before we get married. For most of us, our parents have provided plenty to eat, a comfortable home, and nice clothing and that is a blessing. But when we get married, dear sisters, life will have challenges. Our husbands will be just starting out and life is difficult. I know my parents had hard times when they began.  So let us learn to be content now, so that, Lord willing, we may be a sweet and happy blessing to our future husband.

Let us continue pressing heavenward as we learn to become the content and joyful maidens God desires us to be. I have much to learn, but God is faithful!
With much love from a sister,

P.S. The above sweet picture I found at brandie-life.blogspot.com. If you would like, pay Brandie a visit--her blog is very sweet!

A Photography Contest~ Of Flowers!

Oh, how exciting! Since beginning this blog I have found many lovely blogs to follow, one of which is Johanna's at "An Old Fashion Girl." She has announced that she is hosting a flower photography contest and I thought it would be alot of fun. Missouri, at least our part, has been very beautiful this spring, so I cannot resist signing up! Allie is naturally a very good photographer and I, well. . .hehe. . .struggle with focusing the camera, finding a good target, and have a very tiny bit of knowledge concerning that setting button. What I mean is that I am a beginner photographer-ess and am only excited by the beauty of God's creation. . .and I like to express that by taking pictures! :o) Before I get started I just wanted to invite you to participate in this fun contest. You can find the rules and register at this link.
Here I go!

This tree was very pretty...as the petals fell off the tree I couldn't help but think that in Alaska the only white things falling in the air was snowflakes! :)

These are such lovely flowers. This Spring is the first time I have ever seen these lovely creatures...I don't think they grow in the Alaska.

Ooh! Please excuse the dead buttercup I just sighted. Perhaps it is a good example of how beautiful life is contrasted to the ugliness of death? :)

I thought this one was sweet with the white building behind it.

Isn't God good to give us such beautiful things?!
 Have a blessed day, dear sisters, and God bless you!
With love,

Feminine Farmgirl Challenge Report! How Good our God was to make us Feminine!

Greetings my dear sisters in Christ. I hope this finds you all well and growing in our dear Savior. How good He is to us!
Well, as many as you know I joined with Feminine Farmgirl and with Feelin Feminine for the challenge of wearing skirts or dresses for the first week of April. When I became a Christian about 5 years ago I became convicted to dress modestly. . .this eventually led to my wearing skirts and jumpers. So, while wearing skirts and dresses was not new to me, this challenge helped me focus on dressing femininely and on why I wear dresses/skirts--it helped pull me out of the "because its expected or tradition" mindset. I'm a little sad because my outfit pictures of the last few days are stuck on a unworking computer. Oh well! :) If the Lord wills, I'll get them up later!

The below questions are from the Feelin' Feminine website and I'm excited to get started and tell you all about how my week went! Here I go!

~ How was the experience for you? It was alot of fun. I was blessed by seeing all of the fellow Christian sisters and their modest clothing. . .such an encouragement! A second blessing I gained from this experience was that I had to think about being modest. Now, I've have sought to be modest for a few years and I feel like I have been. But it was becoming an expected and normal thing for me to do. This challenge reminded me that being modest is a choice- one we must make every day.

~ Any particular stories? Oh yes! On Friday I really struggled. . .I was to go and help my sister at daycare she works at. They were going horse back riding and I really wanted to participate! *Gulp* I must be honest, I do wear jumpers and skirts 97% of the time. But my Daddy and I have decided there are a few activities where wearing loose sweatpants would be more modest than a dress (playing softball, going caving, participating in my P.E. class, and so on). Unfortunately, you all caught me on the 3% side of wearing a pair of pants! Imagine the dilemma I was in. . .continuing on in this challenge or putting a pair of loose pants on. I am so thankful that I chose to stick with the challenge. I found a full brown bohemian skirt, some leggings, a sweet and modest blouse, and a pair of tennis shoes. And what did I do? I hopped onto that horse and noticed that my skirt was more modest than any pair of loose sweatpants! Truly, our God is amazing! I felt feminine and pretty as my skirt lay loosely over the saddle while holding onto a dear little preschooler. I think I enjoyed myself more, knowing that the shape of my thighs were modestly hidden, whereas pants tend to reveal every shape. As you can tell, I was truly blessed by this experience.

Addie over at Girlish Musings , who also participated in this challenge, had an excellent thought. (I'm paraphrasing), but Miss Addie says that women have worn skirts for ages, often crossing "oceans," "continents," and "mountain ranges" and that if they could do it, so could she. Isn't that so true, dear sisters? Let's take courage and be like the women of old. . .I bet Sara, Abraham's wife, did all of her ancient chores and travellings in feminine and modest attire. :o) Thank you Addie for such a thought-provoking idea!   

 ~ Did wearing skirts rather than pants affect the way you felt? Yes, jumpers and skirts help me feel sweet, feminine, and more aware of the fact that I am a lady created to be a helpmeet.


~ The way you felt about yourself? Yes. I have often struggled with my weight and the modesty and loveliness that comes from wearing skirts/jumpers has encouraged me to trust that my worth is not found in beauty, but in following the Lord. Several years ago I wore very wordly clothes. My worth was in my beauty, and because of that I became very immodest. Since Jesus has worked in my heart and life, I have found that by doing things His way (being modest and having a meek and quiet spirit) my beauty comes from within. And that makes me so glad!

~ The way you acted? Yes, I feel that when I dress modestly I tend to be more gentle and patient.Women are supposed to be sweet and gentle and I believe God intends modest clothing to be a reminder and help of that.

~ The way you carried yourself? I believe so! :) Again, I feel God designed modest clothing/dresses to help women be gentle. I can testify for this first hand. When I wore immodest clothing (which often were tight pants) I walked in a way to gain attention. I feel modest clothing helps us sisters to be meek and quiet. It helps with accountability!  
~ Were you able to go about everyday activity as freely as pants? Yes! While wearing a skirt or jumper I studied, went to school,  worked in the house, helped in the garden, went shopping, attended a wedding, rode a horse, and even climbed a tree (with a pair of leggings!)   

~ How did people respond? My family is used to me wearing skirts, so every thing was normal with them. (Although they rejoiced with me when I discovered I could wear a skirt while riding a horse!)
I feel strangers, especially men, give me a sweet respect that I am very much blessed and in awe at.

~ Were you more respected? In the general public? I do believe that wearing a modest skirt/jumper does bring respect although I did not pay too much attention to that this past week.
I also wear a head covering and I believe that wearing modest clothing and covering my head has brought me much respect over the last 5 years. God is good!  

~ Did you feel more like a lady? Yes :o)

~ After the challenge do you desire to keep wearing skirts more regularly, or were you desperate to wear pants again? I desire to continue in wearing jumpers/skirts. I believe that modesty is so important to God and I am so glad that He has worked it into my life. Even though I struggle with immodesty sometimes, I desire to continue on in the godly maidenhood He has planned for me.  

I hope that this challenge has been a blessing to you, dear sisters, as much as it has been for me. Let's give up our vanity and follow after our Lord. He is able to give us strength! 
With lots of love,  


P.S. I found this lovely photo and I do not know who to give credit to! I think it can be found on photobucket.com, but I have never tried. If you have any idea, please leave a comment! I would greatly appreciate it!

McGuffey Monday, err. . .Wensday! :)

Greetings! Well, at this moment it is Wensday not Monday, but I suppose that I need to stay on track with my commitment. To explain myself let me say that I have decreed Mondays to be "McGuffey Mondays" and I am hoping to quote from the godly and lovely McGuffey Electic Reader I've been going through. So I'll get started!

"The Little Bird's Song" 

page 44

1. A little bird, with feathers brown ,

Sat singing on a tree;

The song was very soft and low, 

But sweet as it could be. 

2. The people who were passing by, 

Looked up to see the bird

 That made the sweetest melody

That they had ever heard.

3. But all the bright eyes looked in vain;

Birdie was very small,

And with his modest, dark-brown coat,

He made no show at all.

4. "Why, father," little Gracie said,

"Where can the birdie be?

If I could sing a song like that,

I'd sit where folks could see."

5. "I hope my little girl will learn

A lesson from the bird,

And try to do what good she can,

Not to be seen or heard.

6. "This birdie is content to sit

Unnoticed on the way,

And sweetly sing his Maker's praise

From dawn to close of day.

7. So, live, my child, all through your life,

That, be it short or long,

Though others may forget your looks,

They'll not forget your song."

Isn't that such a lovely poem, sisters? Let us be as the little bird and sing our Maker's praise without reputation and fame. Instead, let us live in the fear of the Lord and walk in His ways. Notice that the little bird was content to be unseen and to serve his Lord. Oh, that I too may have such a content heart! Well, off I go for bed. Have a blessed day sisters!
Frannie

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."
Psalms 31:30

I've been tagged~if you follow me you've been tagged too! :)

Hello dear sisters! Well, I've been "tagged" for the first time! Sarah from Country Musings tagged me! I'm excited!

First, there are a few rules. One- please tag eight people and do not tag the one who tagged you. Second- if you would not like to answer a certain question, simply change it to one you like and answer that. 
It is fun, so if you have the time, enjoy!
Alright, let's get started-

What song are you currently listening to a lot?
Lately, I've been listening to a lovely cd which puts Bible verses and chapters to song and not only is it sweet to listen to, but it encourages my memorizing different areas of the Bible. A sweet blessing!

What books are you currently reading?
Oh boy, you mean what am I not reading? I have the bad habit of picking up a book, finding a place to start reading (generally not the beginning), and then setting it down! Recently though I picked up a children's version of Pilgrims Progress and I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more. I'm also reading a revised version of a McGuffey Electic reader and from that "McGuffey Mondays" have been born. Finally, I've been reading my Bible of which I'm so thankful its been given to us.  

What did you do today that was really fun?
Well, seeing that I haven't started my day really I guess the most exciting thing I've done is (prepare yourself) found a very disgusting dog tick on our floor. We captured it and are disgustedly waiting to show Dad when he gets home. :)

Do you sing a lot?
Yes, I do love to sing. I love hymns and am so glad for music. I'm just learning how to sing nicely, but I do love it!

Sweet or Salty?
Well, I like salty thins sometimes but would have to say sweets are a downfall of mine.

What is your favorite hobby?
I like alot of things, but lately I've been enjoying keeping up my room and making cards with stamps. Thank you dear Mrs. Rowland and Momma!

What books have you read at least 3 times?
I'm not really sure. :) Like I wrote earlier, I'm in the bad habit of starting one and never finishing it. :)  

What sites do you always visit when you go online?
Well, mostly I start with looking at my email and blog and then I like to look at other Christian's blogs and what they have going on.

What was the last thing you bought?
Besides a meal, I bought an outfit for my cousin's wedding. She asked me to be one of her brides maids! :)

Which fictional character do you think you are most like?
Well, I'm not really sure. I can tell you who I would like to be like. . .Elsie from the Elsie Dinsmore Series, Beth from Little Women, and a few others of whom I can't think of right now.

Favorite earliest memory?
Well, I have alot. I guess one is when I lost my first tooth (It think it was my first) in Illonois. We had lots of guests in the home, I wasn't feeling well, and when I woke up the next morning I had $5 and a pack of grape bubble gum under my pillow. :)

What do you do to change your mood?
Well, if I do get in a cross mood I've found that talking to Jesus is the real changer of my emotions! And I just experienced this truly yesterday when I was struggling with something. If I just realize that Jesus wants me to love others, will teach me through the bad moment, and is the one I am actually serving I'm able to serve as He wants me to. What a great God we serve! 
When I am struggling though, sometimes I sing hymns which is a real blessing, read a sweet book, or play my violin.  

What was the last meal you ate?
Well, considring that I just ate breakfast I had Raisen Brand with milk. But, as for an official meal, Momma made yummy stuffed peppers last night! They were yummy! :)


Do you want to learn another langauge?
Yes, I would like to learn another language. Specifically, something I could use on a mission field. Also, I would like to learn Spanish and sign language both of which are needed to minister to people right here in the U.S.

Five things you cannot live without:
Well, determining between what I feel I could live without? :)
My actual life. (How practical :)
Jesus Christ my Savior
Food and water (both physically and spiritually)
Family and fellowship ( I could live without these, but how much more pleasant is life with love and friendship?)
Clothing (again, I could live without clothes, but complete immodesty I think would kill me!) :)

Find the closest book currently sitting near you, and flip to page 54. What is the 1st sentence of the 2nd paragraph?
The closest actual book (I get to choose from the book shelf :) is The Road from Home by David Kherdian.
 It says, '"It will be an excellent preparation for what is to come," Grandpa said.'
The Road to Home is about the persecution and holocausts of the Armenian people beginning in 1915. I cannot remember anything innapropriate in this and I was very much challenged by this terrible, but true historical book. I would recommend it!

What is something you would like to say to someone right now?
Have a blessed day! :) (Hehe)

What are you looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to a day when things are not so rushed, visiting with good friends, and becoming more of what the Lord desires of me.

Well, seeing that I have seven known followers :) I will tag them if they would like to do this.
Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Adams, Karis, Emily Rachael, Eden, Addie.
Have a blessed day sweet sisters,

A lovely giveaway by Eden! ~ You may want to join!

Greetings dear sisters! I recently began following Eden at her blog- Heirs of Promice -a very lovely blog. And  she is hosting her first giveaway! She has crocheted three lovely dishcloths and one dish towel and she would like to invite you to join in on the fun! Her link is at Heirs of Promice and there you will be able to see how to register!

                                         Here is a picture of her hand-made, lovely dish towel!

    And here is a picture of one of her dishcloths!
Can you tell I'm excited? :)

Well, off I go to unload the dishwasher! If you would like, sign up to Eden's contest sisters and have a blessed day!
 Through Him,

McGuffey Mondays

Hello again my dear sisters in Christ! About two years ago I picked up a few  revised McGuffey Readers published by Christian Liberty at a yardsale. At this time I'm reading a revised McGuffey Electic Reader. Some of you may have read these before, but I have never read one and I am so thankful I found it! I have been blessed many times by the various stories within this Electic Reader and because I was so blessed I wanted to share a few stories with you! So, after seeing the creativness of other fellow bloggers I decided to make Mondays "McGuffey Mondays"! I'm very excited. I'm hoping that the sweet old-timiness, slightly difficult reading, and the uplifting of good character may bless you as much as it has me. So, even though today is not Monday I thought I would get started.

"Who Made the Stars"

"Mother, who made the stars, which light

The beautiful blue sky?

Who made the moon, so clear and bright,

That rises up so high?"

"'Twas God, my child, the Glorious One,

He formed them by his power;

He made alike the brilliant sun,

And every leaf and flower.

"He made your little feet to walk;

Your sparkling eyes to see;

Your busy, prattling tongue to talk,

And limbs so light and free.

"He paints each fragrant flower that blows,

With loveliness and bloom;

He gives the violet and the rose

Their beauty and perfume.

"Our various wants his hands supply;

He guides us every hour;

We're kept beneath his watchful eye,

And guarded by his power.

"Then let your little heart, my love,

Its grateful homage pay

To that kind Friend, who, from above,

Thus guides you every day.

"In all the changing scenes of time,

On him our hopes depend;

In every age, in every clime,

Our Father and our Friend."

Isn't that lovely dear sisters? If the Lord wills, may we be as the mother in this poem. And if God decides to keep us single, may we be kind and gentle, answering younger people's questions, and always pointing to our Lord. Well, that is all for today! Let's be all He wants us to be my fellow sisters.

By his grace,       

Feminine Farmgirl Challenge~ Day Three & Four

Greetings my sisters in Christ! Today has been a blessed and adventurous one for us Halberts. . .we worked in our garden! We haven't done many gardens before and we are looking with great anticipation for the fruits of our labor. How exciting! We've battled roots, weeds, and just a moment ago Momma faced her most feared nemesis. . .a snake! :) I think it got away, but not without a few scars and scares (I'm sure we frightened it as much as it did us!) :o) It has been such a blessing to work in God's creation and I want to thank and praise Him for His marvoulous handiwork. Truly, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Psalms 19:1
 Well, my purpose for this post is to show my outfits for Feminine Farmgirl's April challenge. Ever since I became convicted to wear modest clothes I've struggled between wearing practical and feminine clothes. (Momma's been trying to tell me that!) I have found this challenge very helpful because it has reminded me that God desires us girls to be feminine. (I knew that, but was having a difficult time applying it :). I think this challenge has helped me become more mindful of how feminine and modest I can be. I'm excited as God takes me down this new path!

Day Three:

Yesterday I wore one of my favorite jumpers which Momma and I (mostly Momma :) made. It is a blue jumper with light blue flowered print and at the moment is pared with slippers :). Yesterday I spent alot of time studying and then both Momma and I went to two of our classes.

Day Four:

Today I wore a white blouse with light pink flowers which we bought from Dress Barn while visiting Pennsylvannia. Underneath the blouse I wore a pink shell. I was very blessed by finding this jean skirt which I didn't think fit any more. Praise the Lord it does! I'm also wearing a  pair of leather sandals which I've deemed work shoes. Since I have worn jumpers and skirts I have rarely felt constricted or unable to do certain things. Today we worked in the garden and I found wearing a skirt did not hinder me at all, infact I think it may have kept me cooler!

I hope you all have a blessed night. Let's keep pressing higher dear sisters!

 Because of Him,

Feminine Farmgirl Challenge~Day One & Two

Hello all! I joined Jenna at Feminine Farmgirl and Feelin Feminine  for the April challenge. . .the challenge of dressing femininly and modestly for one week! I've been wearing skirts and jumpers for about five years, pretty much since I became a Christian. I did not start out dressing modestly though. Before I became a Christian I tried to dress as immodestly as I could in order to gain attention from men. This is such a sad state to be in and I thank the Lord that He has helped me in dressing modestly and desiring to be a blessing~ not a hinderance ~to men and Christian brothers in Christ. I also cover my head. . .something for which I have gained many bessings from! So, I hope as I post my outfits for this week I may be a blessing and encouragement. Let's rise to the highest, dear sisters, and glorify our Lord in our dress (which starts with our hearts!)  

Day One:

Here is the outfit I wore on Easter Sunday. Momma and I found our outfits while visiting Pennsylvannia last week. I'm wearing a paisly light pink and black skirt, a purple shell, and a light black sweater which I really like because it is feminine and modest. Momma is wearing a purple flowered skirt which buttons in the front and a purple blouse (very sweet).

Here's Momma! So pretty!

I work at a Christian camp called Discovery Ministries as a cook. Because we had a group of campers over Easter weekend I had to go in on Sunday afternoon to make up a little meal. So, I quickly changed into a jumper, white shirt, my favorite white sneakers and bobbie socks (so cute:). I have found jumpers to a real blessing. They are feminine, practical, and because I am a little bigger they have proven to be one of the best ways to be modest. Please excuse the dying dandilions! :)

  

Day Two:

Here I am on Monday afternoon. I'm wearing a white jumper with a blue and red flower print, a blue t-shirt, and a pair of sandals. Thank you Jeremiah for being such a willing and good photographer.

May the Lord bless your day sisters! By His grace,

Our Pennsylvannia Trip and Photos!

Greetings Friends! I hope you all are having a blessed Easter Day. I have a few things I wanted to write on so I'll get started!
~Today is Easter Sunday and the day we celebrate Christ's resurrection. Is it not amazing to think that because Jesus loves us he died and then rose again? Truly we serve an amazing God. I feel my heart becoming more in tune with His, yet growing in the Lord is so painful some times. Isn't it amazing that the God who died for us is willing to help us? "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
~Last week I was priviledged (and blessed) to go with most of my family (Daddy had to work!) to Pennsylvannia. We spent five days near the Poconos where Allie and Jeremiah snowboarded at seventy-one degrees! (Since we've spent most of our lives in Alaska I'm sure you can imagine the fun and heat-related-exhaustion they experienced :). While at the Poconos we spent good time resting, visiting with each other, sight-seeing and town-seeing, and shopping. We enjoyed eating at authentic Chinese, Indian, and Bulgarian resturaunts. Near the end of the week we left for New York City and that was an experience! We had alot of fun walking on Time Square, eating a hotdog from a hotdog stand (isn't that what New Yorkers do?), looking at the Statue of Liberty from the shoreline, walking little Chinatown, cruising through Macy's, and riding double-decker buses. There are so many people it all seemed a little chaotic, but I enjoyed it and am thankful for the time Momma spent in taking us. : )   

A tremendous waterfall at Shawnee-on-Delaware.

Doesn't Momma remind you of Maria from Sound of Music?

Indeed, New York is a big place. It is sad to think though, that many of the people are not saved.

It was a fun and relaxing trip and I haven't even finished yet!

~Saturday morning we left for a wedding in Ephrata, PA (our main purpose for our trip). It was such a blessing to see two godly young people marry. I don't think I've been to a wedding whose obvious and sole purpose was to glorify God (while marrying two who love each other). I was/am so blessed. This couple hadn't even held hands until their wedding day and were marrying each other in complete purity. What a blessing. Let's take encouragement, my fellow sisters in Christ--if we will submit ourselves to Christ He can make any relationship pure, holy, and blameless. I have not had many godly examples of courtship and boy/girl relationships, but because of this wedding I am striving foward to become the woman God desires me to be--married or single!  

~On our way home we were able to stop and see my momma's younger sister and her family. You all are  such a blessing to us and it was alot of fun (and giggles) to be with family. We love you guys!

One extra blessing was that we were able to stop in at my dear friend Diane's house. What a sweet blessing and encouragement to visit a friend's home! Thank you Diane and your sweet family for your time, puppies :), coffee, and brownies! We loved seeing you all!  

This trip was a real blessing and time of refreshment (even though we missed you Daddy!) thank you Mommy and Daddy! We loved it! Have a blessed Easter Sunday my sisters and let's keep pressing on to the Lord!

By His grace,