Amen.

“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

 

 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

 

 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

 

 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

 

 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

 

 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

 

 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

 

 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

 

 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

 

 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

 

 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

 

 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

 

 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”            I Corinthians 1:19-31

 

I ♥ this passage.

It puts my life, my problems, my God back into perspective.

And reminds me of who I am and who He is.

The Glories of Being Awkward

It seems I am a winner in only one thing in life.

            Multiplication Races: FAIL

            Knitting anything: FAIL

            Piano playing: FAIL

            Acting: FAIL

            Gardening: FAIL

            Running: EPIC FAIL

Awkwardly enough, I think the only award I could ever fairly win in this life is the Awkward Award (they make those, right?). I know it’s hard for you to accept, loyal readers, but I really am terribly awkward. YES, I do get sweaty palms when nervous. YES, I do swallow loudly. YES, I do fold my arms up and act like an prude when meeting a new guy. YES, I do struggle starting conversations.  YES, the conversations I enjoy tend to be awkward embracing the subjects of either spiritual matters or bodily refluxes. (It’s the strangest thing, but it seems most people have an aversion to either of those choices).

            I’ve spent years of my life bemoaning the fact that my awkward behavior was even more apparent due to the fact that I had such an awkward nose,  my hair shot out awkwardly as if I was related Einstein, and that I was “physically matured” by the time I entered 5^th grade (which really can be awkward).

            Thankfully, I’ve learned a few things since 5^th grade which have made my life a little less . . . stressful.

1)     Embrace the awkwardness. That’s right, embrace the fact that you were made different. Cherish those differences. For example, I’ve attended Christian school, public school, and the prestigious Halbert Academy (a.k.a. homeschool). Consequently, I don’t really fit in anywhere . . . and yet I fit in with anyone. It used to bother me; now, I see it as a blessing.

 

2)   Embrace your Creator. "This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,” Isaiah 44:24.  Embrace the God Who wants to embrace you. Who claims you.

 

3)   Embrace others and their awkwardness. We love when others accept us (and all our weirdness). Let’s love our neighbor as ourselves and choose to be accepting. Now, I’m not talking about accepting sin but rather accepting the person you happen upon and all their glorious peculiarities.

 

4)   Look beyond yourself. Ultimately, we need to look past ourselves. I’ve found that whenever I freak out over pimples, mistakes, or perceived awkward moments I’m not really looking to God—I’m practicing self-love. Idolatry. And it wounds me every time.

 

Learning to see the beauty of being different,

      Frannie

 

 

P.S. I think God is worshipped when we chose to accept what He has done; what thinkest thou?

My Marmee

I am so thankful for my mom.

I’m thankful for the time she gave us. 

            For the times we went on fall walks early in the morning.

            For the times she took us shopping with her, never minding the ever-grabbing childish hands upon store merchandise.

            For the times she spent making cookies with us every Christmas and for the hours she would spend in the preparation of, the assisting of, and the hiding of dyed Easter eggs.

            For the time she gave us while homeschooling: so many hours given to teaching, explaining math facts, reading aloud, instructing. So many patient memories made in taking the time to go on field trips, on driving us to music lessons, on doing science experiments.

            For all the time she put into wrapping Christmas gifts. In cleaning and decorating the house. In helping me sew dresses.

            For all the late night talks over concerned consciences and burdened souls.

            For taking the time to love her husband which gave the home such a safe and lovely atmosphere

            For all the times she called to warn, “Get in the basement!” for fear of tornadoes.

            For the time she gave when she took me shopping, for that was an excruciating experience long ago.

            For the time she tool in preparing our delicious thanksgiving, Easter, birthday, and Christmas meals. Also, for every meatloaf, sausage gravy, mushroom pizza, and French toast she made for regular meals.

            For the time she took in dressing us well and handsomely; for the time she took in shopping for us

            For the time she used to place notes in lunch boxes, to pick up presents from far-away lands, and for the yummy lattes she would get for birthdays

            For the time she spent in spring and fall cleaning always including us (even when we didn’t want to be included) and always making it cheerful

            For the times of quiet rest, drinking coffee, and reading our Bibles quietly in the living room together

            For the time she spent working as an Awana leader, in the Alaska Air Guard, as a 1^st grade Christian school teacher, as a best friend to her husband, as a babysitter, and counselor of other ladies.

For her patience.

            When I lied

            Confessed

            Ate too much dough . . . and got sick

            Threw fits

            Yelled

            Disobeyed (for the thousandth time)

            Cried in repentance

            Talked of silly things and nonsense

            Discussed things I didn’t really have any idea about

            Thought I was fat (and bemoaned without mercy!)

For her grace

            In correcting my faults and in overlooking when I just needed her love.

For her mercy

Oh, for some good reason my Lord decided to place me in a home where I was loved. Momma was a part of that and I am so thankful for her and all the wonderful memories she has helped implant within my heart.

I Love You, Marm!

Let Us Come

Via

Sweet Blessings

Via

 

Experiencing one of those beautiful days full of rain, Dickens, homework, Phil Collins, and tea.

            (And normally, I hate tea.)

I am so grateful God gives these times . . . and that He made me an introvert.

How is your weekend?

Purposed and Good

All I know is that waiting is hard—waiting in a purposeful, fruitful way. Yet, this is exactly how I hope he waits: a time period used for others, God, and growing in maturity and wisdom. What I insist for him I insist for myself. So, let me wait and use this time for others, God, and catch hold of the opportunities given to grow in maturity and wisdom. Let me catch the vision of purposeful, wonderful waiting and blossom in the meantime.

Illustration by Edmund G. Fuller, published by Henry Graves & Company, London

Today

Today

October 6, 2012

Outside my window...  it was a clear, breezy October Sunday. At this moment however, the cool air is sparkling with stars ahead.

I am thinking... about traveling to Arkansas tomorrow and about the blessings of having school off for most of this week.

I am thankful... for cool nights, kittens, coffee, and sugared toast.

In the kitchen... clean dishes drying and a fresh pot of coffee.

I am wearing... my  polka-dotted  jumper and a matching hunter green shirt. Oh, and pink fluffy socks. J

I am creating... cards like this!

Cuteness found here!

I am going... to grocery and clothes shop tomorrow, prepare for my grandparent’s arrival, and finish this month’s menu!

I am wondering... whether I shall get all I want done!

I am reading... Stepping Heavenward, Great Expectations, and Wind in the Willows.
(I took your advice Vickie and am enjoying this book.)

I am hoping... to manage my time so well that I wll be totally caught up in all assignments. Maybe even get ahead! Also, I need to begin my Bible memory of Matthew 5.

I am looking forward to... Seeing Granma and Granpa this week!

Around the house... a brother working on homework, rained on schoolbooks (sadness!), two tired pups, and perhaps a few dust-bunnies.

I am pondering... on Ghana, my spread-out family, tomorrow’s escapades.

One of my favorite things... warm sweaters, Sunday School children, lunchtimes with my family

A few plans for the rest of the week: Arkansas, House-cleaning, School work

A peek into my day... Began with rising with a sunny sky and two happy pups. Quickly roused the family to dress and head out the door for church. Taught a lesson on Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah—the children were really into this especially when we threw “brimstone” at one another. Prepared lunch with the family and then . . . . I took a nap! J

What's a Girl to Do? Part II

            Alas! It does not take one long before he or she discovers a massive, destructive black hole within their heart. It’s like there’s missing a piece and so, naturally, we begin to fill it. Personally, I’ve tried to jam this hole with simple, harmless pleasures like food, friendships, boys, and entertainment; however, after all my jamming and cramming, I discovered that I was being poisoned. Discontentment, desperation, and disappointment led to depression and a frantic, harmful searching.

            I’ve learned a few things since then. I’ve found the secret puzzle piece which had been missing for all those years; sweet friends, it’s Jesus. He is able to fill every crevice, every hole within my heart and best of all, He wants to. No matter how black and filthy it is—I know, because He filled mine.

            Sadly, however, I’ve failed many a time; somehow it is so easy to take my eyes off my Lord and place them upon wonderful but unsatisfying things. And then I begin the cycle once again: Discontentment, desperation, and disappointment leading to a harmful depression and vain search.

            I think we ladies tend to do that with relationships. Especially we Christian ladies; we’ve made it a science—practicing godly character traits (especially when around other spiritual giants!) while keeping one doe-like eye on the local handsome bachelor; he had better catch wind of our visiting the poor and lovingly serving in the nursery. (C’mon! let’s be honest!) Sadly, we waste our time, our emotions, and our love on a boy who does not belong to us. We stop looking to Christ for our joy and fulfillment. I know because I do the same thing.

            So, I ask the question again: What’s a girl to do?

            Let’s get a vision. According to God’s word, “Where there is no vision, the people perish:” (Proverbs 29:18a) The word perish does not only mean to die; it also means to cast off restraint, live like savages, fall away, to grow lax. Oi. How true this is in my life! When I do not have a vision of what God wants, I do cast of restraint, I do fall away from holiness, I do grow lax. I give into temptations I would have never considered if I would have had a vision.  The end result: Shame.

            Oh sisters! Let us gain a vision of holiness, of purity! Let us be willing to ask God to put a vision, a dream, an aspiration into our hearts and souls! His dreams. His aspirations. Let us not be afraid to ask God to open the eyes of our heart, to enlarge our visions.

            Sweet one, I promise, when we allow God to open our eyes and to give us good, lovely dreams we will be able to walk in this world filled with purpose and certainty. We will be able to stop wasting emotions and will be able to live in practical, beautiful purity.  Just like Abraham, once we catch God’s vision, we will begin to live a life of obedience. We will begin to walk in the way of God.

            Lord willing, I hope to spend the next few posts on these visions. I’d love it if you would share any dream God has given you or a vision you believe He would want us daughters of the King to have.

            “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20, 21

            Beginning to dream dreams of good things,

                        Frannie

*This post was majorly influenced by an excellent set of messages by Brother Denny Kenaston. Please visit this link to catch some wonderful wisdom for yourself.

Before we Proceed . . .

Today, I happened across this lovely video and just had to share it with you! (Especially since it went along with my last post! Coincidence? I think not!) This sweet couple and I are from the same town and I am so glad to see that they are sharing their wonderful, God-authored story!

 

May God bless you as He works good things in your life, sweet friends!

Much love,

Frannie 

 

 

 

What's a Girl to Do?

This bit o'  loveliness is right over here!

 

With quick fingers and a ready mind, the authoress will now attempt to share her heart within fifteen minutes . . . seeing that tardiness for biology class is not an option.

Ah, me. Ever since I turned the spritely age of twenty-one, my girlish hope of marriage have blossomed. However, unlike many of the females of my day, my hope is a little different. I do not hope to date around till I find the one. I do not hope to experience the wonders of hand-holding or smooching before marriage. I do not hope to fall madly in love with the one who I find smolderingly handsome or dashingly debonair. I hope for something else--for someone else.

I hope to be led into a relationship when I am ready, when he is ready. I hope to be guided by those wiser and older than me. I hope to keep my body and every wonderful, fascinating experience for him alone. I hope to fall fully in love with someone whose character is smoldering and who is daringly living for God. Sure, I do have physical likes (as in I do like brown eyes and I do love a good sense of humor) but I’ve found my sitting and dreaming over Mr. Right gets me nowhere except to a restless spirit and bugging out eyes. (Which we all know are NOT attractive.)

So, what can I do in the mean time? What should we do in the mean time? Continue checking out every cute guy for a wedding band? (Admit it, you do it too!) Continue spending hours dreaming about the day? (Guilty as charged.) While these things aren’t wrong, I wonder if they are the best? What in the world is a girl to do?

. . . .

We interrupt this program seeing that the authoress’ fifteen minutes have come to an end. Tune in next time for the conclusion of this fascinating article. (Don’t you love promoting?) J