Summer with a Purpose~ Week Ten

 Greetings dear sisters!

I hope you all have had a restful and growing day in the Lord. I’m just trying to catch up on all of my blogging; I took an unexpected, but wonderful break. One of the things I did not do was give my final report for Emily’s “Summer with a Purpose.” Emily, from My Life Belongs To Him, knew how difficult it can be to be productive in the summer season. So she gave a productivity challenge and I joined in on the fun! So, even though I am a week or so late, I’d like to say how much I enjoyed this challenge and how much I enjoyed reading other’s reports. Thank you Emily! It is my hope that I can continue being productive for this fall season. . .there is so much to do! :)  This coming fall I hope to continue (and follow) my cleaning schedule, read, work on some sewing, and continue growing closer to my Lord.

On a final note, I thought I would like to share the following poem titled “Fellowship of the Unashamed".”

“I’m a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His and I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I’m done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.

My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for His own, He’ll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!” –Author Unknown 

 

Is not that beautiful and convicting friends? May we seek to follow Christ with joy, perseverance, and love!

May the Lord bless you coming week,

Frannie

Stand Like the Brave

Good morning dear friends! What a lovely Lord’s day is is! I was listening to some hymns this morning which lead to my looking up a few songs and their authors on cyberhymnal.org. And what did I find? An amazing and encouraging song written by Fanny Crosby titled “Stand Like the Brave.” Perhaps you have sung it before? I never have, but am so delighted to find it! I just hope that this song may be a blessing to you as you go through your day. Let us be brave soldiers for Christ; by his strength we can!  If you would like to hear the tune of this song, please go here. 

 

Stand Like the Brave

O Christian, awake! ’tis the Master’s command;
With helmet and shield, and a sword in thy hand,
To meet the bold tempter, go, fearlessly go,
Then stand like the brave, with thy face to the foe.

Refrain

Stand like the brave, stand like the brave,
Stand like the brave, with thy face to the foe.

The cause of thy Master with vigor defend;
Be watchful, be zealous, and fight to the end;
Wherever He leads thee, go, valiantly go,
Then stand like the brave, with thy face to the foe.

Refrain

Press on, never doubting, thy Captain is near,
With grace to supply, and with comfort to cheer;
His love like a stream in the desert will flow;
Then stand like the brave, with thy face to the foe.

 

May Jesus Christ bless you!

With love,

Frannie

A tag

Greetings sweet friends!

My friend Eden from Growing in Him has tagged me! I really like to do these and I really enjoy reading other's, and so, I'm excited! :o) Thank you Eden!

1. High heels or boots? Well, I don't like to wear high heels, so I would choose boots. But between them both, I would choose boots anyways.

2. What time did you get up this morning? This morning I woke up around 7 o'clock.

3. What was the last movie you saw at the theater? I don't normally go to the theater, but my family and I recently watched Charlie St. Cloud.

4. What is your maiden name? Since I'm not married, my maiden name is Halbert. *Did you know Halbert means "double-headed battle axe"* :o)

5. What is your favorite TV show? I don't really have a favorite tv show, but I guess I would choose a children's cartoon  titled Miss Spider's Sunny Patch. It's awfully cute!

6. What do you usually have for breakfast? It depends on the day. During the week I tend to eat something quick like cereal, rice, or toast. On Saturday (since Daddy is home) we have a big breakfast of eggs and potatoes or biscuits and gravy. And on Sunday we'll eat cereal or an egg casserole.

7. What is your middle name? My middle name is Ann.

8. What food do you dislike? Hmm. . .I too dislike brussel sprouts. And while I'll eat them, tomatoes are not my favorite.

9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Lately, I've been listening to the Harrow family's cd titled "God Our Provider." It puts Scripture verses to song and I love it!

10. What characteristic do you despise? Ah! Well,you know what they say, we often dislike things we see in others because it is in us, so as I answer this question please know that I struggle with these areas. I dislike a pride, gluttony, and rebellion.

11. Favorite clothing? I think my favorite outfits are feminine, simple, and lovely jumpers. But I do love a sweet, feminine shirt and skirt!

12. Anywhere in the world on vacation? Oh! Specifically China and Austria, but I would like to travel Europe and South America.

13. Are you an organized person? Hm. . .yes. But organized does not always mean tidy!

14. Where would you retire to? I hope to retire wherever the Lord would want me.

15. What was your most recent memorable birthday? I have lots of memorable birthdays! I suppose I would choose between my 10th and 16th birthdays. The first is when my sister Allie, my friends, and I ran around the Christmas tree and our dear dog, Goldie, knocked it over! And the second is when I spent a sweet night with my family, the Rowlands, and our dear Pastor and his wife.

16. What are you going to do when you finish this? Go to bed! :o)

17. Furthest place you have ever been to? Hawaii.

18. Person you wish you could meet? Hmm. . .that is a difficult one! I would love to meet Gladys Alward.

19. When is your birthday? January 8th.

20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Well, I think I would prefer to be a morning person, but I never seem to go to bed early enough to enjoy it! But I feel that waking early is best for quiet times and beginning the day well.

21. What is your shoe size? Usually a 7 1/2.

22. Do you own any animals? Yep, our family owns one dog. Kimo!

23. Any news you'd like to share? Yes! 1. I am really enjoying working in the daycare, the kiddies are so cute! 2. My family has been a real blessing to me lately. 3. Jesus Christ is alive and is so good to me! He truly loves us and He has been showing me that lately!

24. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A missionary. :o)

25. What is your favorite flower? Ooh! :o) Well, I love hydrangeas, roses, morning glories, and a few others. If the Lord wills it, I would like to use hydrangeas in my wedding.

26. What would you currently like to be when you grow up? A missionary teacher wherever the Lord takes me!

27. What is your favorite Bible verse? Psalm 118: 24. "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

28. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Yellow I believe.

29. How is the weather right now? Last time I looked it was a clear night with many stars!

30. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Momma.

31. Favorite drink? Water and Dr. Pepper.

32. Favorite restaurant? Los Amigos.

33. Hair color? My hair is brown.

34. What was your favorite toy as a child? Meeko, my stuffed ring-tailed lemur. :o)

35. Spring, summer, fall, or winter? I ♥ winter!

36. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!

37. Coffee or tea? Coffee please, with some cool whip on top.

38. Wish you were still young? I am young! And besides that, I feel that being older is a wonderful time when God can prepare and use you.

39. Do you want to get married? If the Lord wills, yes, I would like to marry one day.

40. When was the last time you cried? About three days ago. :)

41. What is under your bed? *Gasp, you're not supposed to see under there!* :o) I have different boxes, school supplies, a few dust bunnies, and shoes hiding in the darkness.

42. What did you do last night? We looked at two homes and bought chicken and potatoes for dinner!

43. What are you afraid of? Hmm. . .different bugs, specifically wolf spiders and centipedes. I have to remind myself that God lovingly created them all!

44. Salty or sweet? I enjoy salty things, but I'm known for my sweet tooth at home.

45. Describe yourself in 10 words.  A young girl who believes in Jesus. Growing, learning, loves-simple-things. :o) 

46. How many years at your current job? This is my third week at the day care!

47. Favorite day of the week? Monday.

48. Favorite movie? Little Women and Tarzan.

49. Have you ever had a crush on anyone? Yes, I have. But I am learning to trust and rest in the Lord. . .so hard, but so rewarding!

50. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? Yes, I do!

Thank you again, Eden, for this fun tag! I would like to tag any of my readers who would enjoy doing this.

May the Lord bless your day dear sisters!

With lots of love,

Summer with a purpose: Week Nine!

Greetings dear sisters in Christ! I hope you all are well and had a lovely day!

Another week of summer has passed on and I’m left to ponder how well I used it. I did not have a very productive week at home this week, but I did get a few things done.

Reading: This week I’ve been trying to work away at Are You Serious About Marriage? by Susan Zakula. This book is filled with godly wisdom and I have really enjoyed it so far. One particular section spoke greatly to me. It reads,

“Similarly, young women who have been in the working world have a difficult time changing their focus. They may make a great effort at finishing the ‘housework’ so they can go on to the more seemingly important things in life. They do not realize that making a happy home and meeting their husbands’ needs are the important things in life. As a woman grows in the Lord, she begins to realize that what her husband thinks is important IS important.”

 p. 26,27

I know that I have often struggled with the “I must get the cleaning done so I can do things important to me” mind set. I’m reminded of a saying which says “If a things worth doing, its worth doing well.” Ah, how true this is! How many times have I hastily dusted the furniture, skipped over changing my sheets, and put off the laundry? Too many times. I believe that part of training to be a godly woman and helpmeet is to diligently apply myself to these important things! I am so thankful the Lord has opened my eyes just a little to this important lesson and I hope I learn it well!

Anyways, it is my great hope to finish this book this week!

Cleaning: I was able to tidy up my room and go through a few of my decorations. This was such a blessing because my dresser was starting to collect more junk than pretties. I’m very excited because it is now orderly! :o)

Special Things: This past week I was very blessed to start working full time at a nearby day-care. God was so faithful and timely in giving me this job and I am learning so much! One thing God has been teaching me is to love little children. To many people this comes very natural, but I struggle with impatience and the unkind thought “If these were my children.” :(  I confessed these feelings to Momma and she gave me some lovely advice: Talk to Jesus about it. Jesus already knows my struggles and faults and He can help me. And you know what? I prayed about it, and I felt a love and patience the very next day! God is so faithful! I know this all may sound silly, but patience and gentleness is something I need to learn. I feel like this job is God’s way of trying to teach me! While learning this lesson I was reminded of Titus 2:4 which reads,

“That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,”

I had never given that part of the verse much thought. To love their children? That seems so easy, but is it really? Is it really easy to truly love anyone who is disobedient and sometimes selfish? For me it isn’t. But as Jesus loves me, though I am often disobedient and selfish, so I need to love others. And what does it mean to “love their children?” I feel like I have much to learn from this verse and am very excited!

One extra special thing is that I was able to go on a float trip with my family today. I was very blessed to be given the day off and truly enjoyed God’s beautiful creation and my family’s company!

Well, that is about it for my week.  I hope you all were able to be more productive than I. God bless your night, dear sisters, and let us continue pressing on towards Christ!

With love,

Frannie

Picture Credit: This lovely painting was created by Helen Allingham.

To write a letter

Ah. . .hopefully each of us know the anxious excitement of receiving a letter. I know I cannot be the only one who skips a little when opening the post office door; it is a lovely past time of mine. :) Why am I in this lovely letter mood? because I just received a letter from a dear friend and it has made my day! I was also trying to add a few things to my blog and looked up “quotes letter writing.” Please do this! there are so many beautiful quotes on letters; I never knew! Because I enjoyed this so much, I thought I would share a few quotes with you. Enjoy friends!

♥

To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.  ~Phyllis Theroux

♥

Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.  ~Lord Byron

♥

And none will hear the postman's knock
Without a quickening of the heart.
For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?
~W.H. Auden

♥

When a man sends you an impudent letter, sit right down and give it back to him with interest ten times compounded, and then throw both letters in the wastebasket.  ~Elbert Hubbard

♥

In a man's letters you know, Madam, his soul lies naked, his letters are only the mirror of his breast, whatever passes within him is shown undisguised in its natural process.  Nothing is inverted, nothing distorted, you see systems in their elements, you discover actions in their motives.  ~Samuel Johnson

♥

Aren’t those lovely? I hope you all a have a great day with Jesus,

Your sister in Christ,

Frannie

Love. . .

Greetings! Well, I’m about to tackle a topic I said I was going to tackle back in February. If you would like to read the original post click here! Yes, I am going to try and do a study on the Fruits of the Spirit. And my first topic will be love.  Lately, the Lord has been impressing on my heart how much I lack this essential fruit. It shocked me! Here I am, a  “nice Christian girl” and I’m lacking love? But,

“A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.” Matthew 7:18

"Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit.

Matthew 12:33

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:” Proverbs 23:7a

I cannot ignore the Word of God which plainly says that my actions will tell on my heart. Lately bitterness, anger, irritation, and other unloving feelings and thoughts have surfaced in my life! Oh! surely you might understand how sad this has made me! Jesus Christ, our loving Brother, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, willingly gave up His glorious Kingship for servant hood, no reputation, mockings, and a cruel criminal’s death. He was nothing but love.

I say all this because, when there is a lack of good fruit in our lives, we must ask why. And that is what I am doing; I hope to study and research each fruit and, by God’s grace, apply it to my life. For I truly want to be His vessel, his obedient child!

If any of you have anything to add to my studies, please do so! I learn so much from other sisters and brothers in Christ, and am always blessed to gain wisdom God has given to you. Well, I am really looking forward to what God has in store for me and I pray that what I learn may also be a blessing to you all.

Turning her face towards Christ,

Picture Credit: This lovely apple was taken from Graphics Fairy. Please go visit! :o)

“He’s Still Working on Me, to Make Me What I Ought to Be”

Greetings dear friends in Christ! I hope all had a growing day today, for those are the only ones worth having! Today I was very blessed by a message called "Embrace the Struggle." This sermon greatly challenged, stretched, and encouraged me! I was so blessed by many of the points, I just had to share a few with you! I hope they can be a timely encouragement! Just to let you know, this is kind of long! :o)

1. Growing up is natural. Physically speaking, growing pains are natural things that we must experience. Mentally, maturing is a normal and needed thing. And this is true for our spiritual walk. Ephesians 4: 13-15 says, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Christ expects us to grow up. And in order for us to grow up we need to learn to embrace it. I know in my life comfort has become an idol to me. The easy road is soo appealing, and sometimes I feel like “I’ve arrived" and I’ve nothing else to learn. What a deceitful, ungodly, and sinful lie! Christ redeemed and forgave my sinful past, but I am to walk on into His holiness.
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Col. 3:5-10.
Yes, sisters, we need to grow up in Christ. And growing hurts, but it is right.


2. While we were once slaves to sin, now we are slaves to righteousness.
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Rom. 6:16-18.

Because we have been born again, we have the blessed responsibility and privilege to live for Christ (and this responsibility is quite lovely because He first loved us). Growing up in Christ requires us to yield ourselves to Him- submission. *Do I hear an inward groan/squeal coming from the hearts of God’s daughters?* I know my heart often groans when I think of submitting myself to the Lord. Why? Because it is my sin nature fighting against the perfect and holy will of God; in short, I want to be in control of my life. Oh, how sad that I must battle with my good Creator and Father when He knows best for me! Submission is hard, but it is necessary and good. I have seen good and lovely fruits and blessings come from when I joyfully yield my heart to my Lord (and my authorities). While obedience is sometimes difficult, sisters, let us seek God’s ready grace so that we may be obedient to Him. Anything less is sin.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” 1 Pet. 2:9”

3. While God requires us to grow up, He does not expect us to do it on our own. In fact, He will work this in us. Our pastor pointed out that growing up in Christ is like being a caterpillar in a cocoon. We are to morph. 

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom. 12:1,2.

Taken from Webster’s 1828 dictionary, “transformed” means: “Changed in form or external appearance; metamorphosed; transmuted; renewed.” “Metamorphosis” means: “Change of form or shape; transformation; particularly, a change in the form of being; as the metamorphosis of an insect from the aurelia or chrysalis state into a winged animal. Any change of form or shape.”

Christ is very clear that He wants a real change in us; a change similar to the metamorphosis a caterpillar makes into a butterfly. Something interesting is that being transformed requires a bit of wrestling. In order for a butterfly to come out of its cocoon, there is a bit of struggle that must ensue. Our pastor told a story on how a man wanted to help a struggling butterfly out of its cocoon. Using a sharp object, he carefully cut the cocoon and out came the butterfly. However, instead of flying away, the butterfly lay on the ground, unable to properly use its wings. Why? Because the butterfly did not struggle (which is natural), his blood was not properly pumped into his wings, making him useless. This sad story relates to our Christian walk. Becoming like Christ is a difficult struggle, but the struggle makes us stronger. It is necessary. There is no spiritual growth without a struggle. 

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

This message really encouraged me. Lately, because of my own luke-warmness and sin, I’ve felt like I could never attain any of my godly aspirations. But God reminded me that it is He who wants me to be a godly woman, a self-controlled girl, a missionary, an obedient and submissive child, a forgiving Christian. He wants these for me (and so much more!) and will give it to me if I only obey! And while it will not be easy, it will be worth it. As one pastor once said, “Sitting in the relaxing chair is a delusion, a false reality in the Christian life” and that “There is no easy street in true Christianity.”

Jesus knows our frame and our sinful natures. He knows that without Him, we are wicked, dying souls. But He has made a way for us to be made whole again, and through His power we can be like Him. Oh, the wonderful love of Jesus! Let us only “Embrace the Struggle” and live our lives whole-heartedly sold out for Jesus!

God bless you dear sisters as you seek after Christ. We have all heaven on our side!

With love and blessings,

Frannie

Picture was taken from:  http://www.scienceclarified.com/Ma-Mu/Metamorphosis.html

And message was preached by: Pastor Hamm.

Summer with a Purpose: Week Eight!

Hello dear sisters,
 Another week of summer has passed and it is time for me to report on my productivity. :o)  This past week has been very busy, although I didn't get much done. Earlier this week Momma, Jeremiah, and I spent 3 fun-packed days near St. Louis at Six Flags. We were kindly invited by my Aunt Joy and it was alot of fun! Thank Aunt Joy, Carley, and Carson for thinking of us!! While we were away, we were able to visit another dear aunt. She had recently been very ill, but praise the LORD, she is up and doing much better. It was such a blessing to see God's miraculous healing power and love. We were also able to go to a Good Will store and Momma and I found a few dresses, skirts, and sweaters. I was so blessed because I have a difficult time finding store bought clothes which modestly fit me. (I'm trying to stock up on a few articles before I begin school. . .cheaply). So our trip to St. Louis turned out to be a rewarding one!

After getting home, we spent most of Thursday recooperating our worn-out selves. :) Too much fun wears one out! And today I was able to accomplish a few things such as: finish an application and mail it off, sew a button onto my sweater, make ooey-gooey-butter-bars, and I was very blessed to go for a little end-of-the-season party where I worked. It was such a blessing to share snacks, laughs, and enjoy good company. And the highlight of the night? We had a little dance party where we attempted to line, square, swing, and waltz. It was a lovely time of exercise and fun. The greatest part of the whole evening though, was the fact that my dear brother came to be my dance partner. He and I are both fairly shy, but he even more so since he didn't know my fellow workers. I begged and begged him to go (he is not fond of dancing), and I was very thankful that he agreed. I had a blast trying to dance with him and was very blessed by his extreme kindness which he showed. Truly, there is a kind and good man growing up in our home! 

This coming week, I'll be busy helping at a day care (something I love to do). Perhaps I can also finish my dress, catch up on some reading, and yes, finish my letters. :o}

I wanted to quickly add a lovely quote by Miss Corrie ten Boom. It reads, "Mama's love had always been the kind that acted itself out with soup pot and sewing basket. But now that these things were taken away, the love seemed as whole as before. She sat in her chair at the window and loved us. She loved the people she saw in the street-- and beyond: her love took in the city, the land of Holland, the world. And so I learned that love is larger than the walls which shut it in. " (The Hiding Place). I just love this because it  demonstrates the woman that I hope to be. The kind who reaches out and ministers to the poor and lost. I do hope to be this and I know by Jesus' grace, I can be!



I hope you have a blessed week with Jesus. I hope to really focus on Him this week, for I know my week is worthless without Him as my God and Leader! I also want to say how thankful I am to have you all as readers. I have been very blessed by your comments. They really are encouraging to me!

With love,