Footprints in the Sand

In Answer to Your Questions

2011-07-07T12:27:00.003-05:00

Dear Readers,
some of you have asked some questions about my blog as it pertains to my final post. I will not be deleting Footprints in the Sand so you can still come here whenever you would like. If you would like to contact me, please comment and I will see your post and will respond. In the future I may begin a new blog but that will be sometime down the road. If I do blog again you will see a post about it here on this blog.

If you have further questions, please leave a comment. Thank you.

The End

2011-06-28T09:11:00.005-05:00

Dear Readers,

In 2008 I began Footprints in the Sand and little knew where it would take me. I could not have imagined that hundreds of people would read a blog written by me of all people. Blogging these past two and a half years has been such a joy to me. All of the comments and encouragement I received from you all on so many occasions is not something I will soon forget. I thank you for your kindness and I thank the Lord for giving me an opportunity to be a part of your lives in some small way.

Footprints in the Sand was inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, A Psalm of Life.

"...Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sand of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us then be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait."

My blogging journey is now coming to a close. It has been a difficult decision to make but I know that for now, my journey into the blogging world ends here. To everything there is a season and I believe that I have accomplished all I can here for the present. So many chapters of my life are closing, I graduated from high school, I am going to college this fall, and today is my last birthday as a teenager, but I move forward with trust in a sovereign Savior who does all things well. I do not know what my future holds but I know Who holds my future.

"May the Lord find us faithful, may his word be our banner held high. May the Lord find us faithful, everyday though we live though we die."*

It is my hope that you will desire to leave footprints behind you upon the sands of time. Life is but a vapor but eternity is forever and you cannot underestimate the power that one of your footprints might make in regard to where someone will spend eternity.

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

-Sir Winston Churchill

With Gratitude,

*May the Lord Find Us Faithful by Mac Lynch

The Ultimate Turtle Cheesecake: recipe

2011-05-14T13:42:00.006-05:00

There isn't a dessert that I like better than cheesecake and if it had fewer calories, I would love it even more. Last weekend I was searching for a special dessert to make for my mom in celebration of Mother's Day and I came across a recipe for the Ultimate Turtle Cheesecake. Ultimate turtle cheesecake? I was going to make that. And even though my crust didn't look as beautiful as the crust on the picture; my family said that it was a cheesecake worthy enough to be on the Cheesecake Factory menu. I'll take that as a compliment.

For all of you cheesecake lovers out there--this recipe is for you.

Ultimate Turtle Cheesecake

Ingredients:

24 OREO Cookies,
finely crushed (about 2 cups)
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1 pkg. (14 oz.) KRAFT Caramels
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Preparations:

HEAT oven to 325°F.

MIX crumbs and butter; press onto bottom and 2 inches up side of 9-inch springform pan.

MICROWAVE caramels and milk in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 3 min. or until caramels are completely melted, stirring after each minute. Stir in nuts; pour half into crust. Refrigerate 10 min. Refrigerate remaining caramel mixture for later use.

BEAT cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over caramel layer in crust.

BAKE 1 hour 5 min. to 1 hour 10 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours.

MICROWAVE reserved caramel mixture 1 min.; stir. Pour over cheesecake. Melt chocolate as directed on package; drizzle over cheesecake.

Note: This is a Kraft Foods recipe and therefore calls for Kraft brand products but I used some different brands and it worked perfectly well.

The finished product!

Jane Eyre 2011: movie review

2011-05-05T13:28:00.001-05:00

I am one of the biggest self-professed Jane Austen fans. I adore period dramas. However, I am not a huge fan of the Bronte sisters, but this past weekend two of my best friends headed to the movie theater because Jane Eyre (2011) had finally arrived in a theater nearby. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting as we sat watching movie previews before Jane Eyre began, but I was slightly afraid that two hours of this movie would be a long two hours. However, I got more than I bargained for and Jane Eyre was definitely worth the price of the movie ticket.

Written in 1847 by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre is the story of a girl who grows up unloved, abused, and alone. After the death of her parents, Jane is sent to live with her aunt's family who is cruel, heartless, and accuses Jane of being wicked and the children frame Jane for their own wrongdoings. Eventually Jane is sent away to a school for orphan girls and kindness is not a word that any of the teachers or the headmaster know. Jane is finally able to secure a position as a governess and at the age of 18 she is freed from the school that she has been in so long. While working as a governess Jane Eyre meets Mr. Rochester and the course of her life is forever altered.

The new Jane Eyre film is relatively true to the book and fans of Charlotte Bronte will have not difficulty recognizing her story in the film.

Positive elements in the film:

The coldness and loveless life that Jane endured would have turned many people cold and heartless but Jane isn't bitter. She loves in spite of the fact that she has never felt real love. When Mr. Rochester asks Jane what her tale of woe is she says, "I have no tale of woe." Jane doesn't feel sorry for herself or her situation. On several instances Jane resists moral temptation even when we know that many would have given in and seen nothing wrong with it. She cries out for God to help her escape her temptation.

Negative elements in the film:

Jane Eyre is rated PG-13 and therefore it contains more adult themes. Jane Eyre has some thematic content surrounding the state of Mr. Rochester's life in the past and there are a few instances when people appear to be drinking wine. A picture of a nude lady is briefly shown.

Violence:

Jane's cousin hits her causing her to receive a blow to the head and blood is seen. Jane is locked in a dark room and smoke and voices explode from the chimney. A girl is beat with a stick. Jane is forced to stand on a chair for hours.

The two hours that I spent in the movie theater were not without reward. From the beautiful music that graced the film, to the gorgeous scenery, and to the timelessness of Charlotte Bronte's tale; this new adaptation of Jane Eyre is one that will become a classic. Jane teaches us a lesson--we may not have had the best childhood, we may not have felt love, and we may have always been falsely accused; but that's no reason to be bitter. Life is what we chose to make of it. We can let circumstances crush our joy or we can use our joy to crush our circumstances. Jane Eyre knows that, and we love her for it.

Life and Music

2011-04-28T15:30:00.003-05:00

I can hear the metronome ticking, the piano rings with sounds of my sister's playing, and George; my sister's cello, just got put back in his case. This is what an afternoon in my house sounds like. It is music, harmony, and the repetitive clicking of that metronome. Tonight I have orchestra rehearsal and that reminds me that the concert is in two weeks and then it is all over. No more youth orchestra for me; I will miss it.

Music is a big part of my life. In a way, life is a lot like music. Sometimes you dance through life like you're waltzing to Strauss. Sometimes you soar like Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. And sometimes life is sorrowful and it feels as if all the sad pieces of classical in the world mesh together. Do you know what I think? If I traded all the sad pieces of life for all the happy ones I could miss some of the greatest moments of my life.

"Music is what life sounds like."
-Eric Olson

Have you ever listened to a piece of music and come to the conclusion that this song was just too quiet, too mournful, and wouldn't have one of those Dvorak endings? When I was younger all I liked to listed to were thoundrous classics and if the beginning was spectacular I would just hit the "next" button. I learned something, though. Often the most quiet, dull, or unassuming part of a song can burst into the greatest rousing song of all. That is why I wouldn't trade all of the sad or difficult things that I have been through. At the end of the road when I look back over those painful things, I can see that many of them made me stronger. I tried harder, I learned from my mistakes, and when the road ended; I heard the music soar.

This Amazing Love

2011-04-21T12:37:00.005-05:00

Who would you die for? Who would you live for? Who would you not die for? Who would you not live for? Those are four questions that are the revelation of our lives. They reveal who we love and who we do not love.

I will tell you that I would not die to save a terrorist, a murderer, the person who hated me enough to falsely accuse me, and I would not die for a child abuser. I wouldn't do it but Jesus Christ did it. He was humiliated, beaten beyond recognition, nailed to a cross, and hung to die so that the most wicked and vile sinners could be redeemed. There were no exclusions in God's plan of salvation and when I think about that, I am astounded.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
-Isaiah 53:5-6

All of the anger I've had, all of the unkind feelings I have thought, all of the times I didn't obey, and every other time I did something wrong; I experienced the forgiveness of God because of his Son's death on the cross. That is amazing love and it extends to everyone who lives, has lived, and who has yet to live! If you think that God doesn't love you, if you think that he doesn't care about you; look to the cross because that is where his Son broke his heart to save you.

...And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin.*
-Stuart Keene Hine

*How Great Thou Art

Soul Surfer

2011-04-14T12:22:00.006-05:00

When I first saw the trailer for Soul Surfer, the movie, I was a bit skeptical of the wholesomeness of it. The film is the story of Bethany Hamilton who, in 2003, lost her left arm when a shark attacked her while she was surfing. I remember the news reports about Bethany's courage, the line of jewelry that was released which bore her name, and I remember hearing passing comments about Bethany's faith. Eight years after the tragic accident, the story of Bethany Hamilton lives again in Soul Surfer.

It's true that Bethany is a surfer and surfers do wear bikinis but don't let that ruin the movie for you. I don't condone all of her clothing choices but Bethany does love the Lord and she has used her loss to show his love. In an interview she stated "I gave my life to Jesus when I was five" and she said that he "Is the one who gives me courage." While the producers of Soul Surfer may not be Christians they did show the faith and practices of Bethany and her family. In several instances people pray to the Lord. Bethany's parents cry out to God for help when she is near death. As she lies in the hospital room Bethany sees her dad reading the Holy Bible (producers wanted to cover up these words but the Hamilton family requested that they wouldn't). A youth leader in Bethany's church quotes Jeremiah 29:11 when Bethany questions the sovereignty of God in allowing her to lose her arm. The list of faith-based content could continue on but I hope that you'll watch the movie and discover it.

As I sat in the the movie theater munching on popcorn and enjoying the film I knew I would definitely recommend it to the female audiences out there. Apart from the swimsuit styles shown, Soul Surfer is a higly family-friendly film that inspiring and touching. Honestly, I never cry in movies but I nearly did in this one, ;) It's almost the weekend so why don't you go to see the story of Bethany Hamilton? Tomorrow my friends and I are planning to go see it together and I think they're going to love it too. Click on the following link to read the Plugged in Online (Focus on the Family) review of Soul Surfer. Plugged in Online gave the movie 4 1/2 stars out of 5 for family-friendliness! http://www.pluggedin.com/movies/intheaters/soulsurfer.aspx

I am not prolific

2011-04-11T15:20:00.006-05:00

Tucked away in piece of furniture lies a red spiral-bound notebook. It isn't dusty because it has been there long enough. I have loved to write and still do love to write but I have learned one thing; a story holds a different meaning for the person who reads it because they are not the author. I remember taking my book or story to my sisters and I would request that they read it. I would watch for facial expressions and would often ask, "Is it really that bad?" I am afraid that often, my stories were merely the work of an amateur and nothing more. There was no depth to my writings and they were not captivating.

I wondered why that was. I still wonder why that is. One night as I lay in bed, a thought came to me that was simple and profound. The great authors of the past did not write about things that didn't matter. They didn't imagine everything. They didn't write merely to thrill an audience, there idea of a successful story was not hinged upon the hope that a movie of their story would be made. The greatest authors of all time wrote about what they viewed to be important. Their stories emanated from their life experiences. Whether it be a biography, fictional prose, or a novel; a book takes us places and teaches us about life. My stories were based upon what I thought would make a good piece of literature. In short, I imitated the way everyone else I read would write.

"Anne, why don't you write about the people you know and care about instead of writing all this high faluting mumbo-jumbo?" -Glibert Blythe, Anne of Green Gables the Sequel

I want to be a good writer and I would wish to be remembered as such by other people. I don't think that being a New York Times bestselling author just happens one day. It takes time, and cultivated talent, and it comes from the pen of a writer who has learned how to live well. I think that you should write about the things you know; you should share the stories that come from your heart. You don't have to be like everyone else. There are hundreds of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein imitations but there isn't one story that is like yours. Maybe you will write the next great allegory and perhaps you will be as prolific as Shakespeare but remember that our lives are a story and God is the author. For the present I want to focus on writing about the things that are near my heart, the issues that I feel are important, and yet one day I want to write that novel that will sell a million copies. I am not a prolific writer but maybe God will permit me to be one some day but if that happens I doubt it will be because I wrote too much "high faluting mumbo- jumbo."

A Power Outage of the Soul

2011-03-31T12:19:00.010-05:00

Rain drizzled outside, gray clouds hung low on the horizon, a cold wind blew, and the power went out. I couldn't turn on the lights, the water ran cold, and the only source of a clock I had was my cell phone. As I sat on my bed in the afternoon dimness I thought, "It's amazing how a little electricity outage can mean so much, how it can inconvenience us so easily." We live our lives depending on technology, digital media, and the assumption that when we flip a light switch; the light will come on. I sat thinking about our dependency on modern conveniences when a new thought came to my mind; do we depend on God as much as we depend upon electricity?

I am afraid that I have often suffered a power outage of the soul. Those times when I didn't ask God what I should do, those moments when I acted too rashly, and those days when I did my own thing; I shut out the voice of God. The vibrancy and brightness that comes from a heart that is leaning wholly on the Lord was absent. This, essentially, was the lack of electricity in my soul. It pains me so much to say it, but I didn't miss God as much as I missed the heat and lights. I had difficulty thinking of what I could do without real electricity but I didn't seem miss the electricity of my soul. That's just what Satan wanted. He didn't want me to miss my Power supply.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. -John 15:5

Yesterday I had to re-evaluate my dependency on God. The fact is, it should be easier for me to give up warm water and lighted rooms than it is for me to give up a close fellowship with my Savior. Instead of wondering what I can do without visible power I should ponder what I cannot do without spiritual power. If I am only relying upon modern inventions to see that I have a successful day, then I have succumb to a power outage of the soul. I thank the Lord for the power failure that made its way to my neighborhood and I thank him for showing me my own failures through it. It is my prayer that the spark of being surrendered to my Savior would never be squelched in my soul.

"Give me the love that leads the way, the faith that nothing can dismay, the hope no disappointments tire, the passion that will burn like fire; Let me not sink to be a clod: Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God."

-Amy Carmichael

Do What You Must Do, God

2011-03-23T10:35:00.004-05:00

In my life I have never faced what I faced in the past few months. The disappointment has, in some instances, been more than I thought I could battle with. Succeeding after a struggle and then having everything result in a failure is hard to deal with. Yesterday I felt like I had been handed a balloon only to have someone say, "Oh, we failed to tell you that you can't keep it. Here's the pin to pop the balloon with."

I know what it is all about. The answer is simple but the remedy is not so easy to swallow. All the sadness, the uncertainty, all the questions; they are here for one reason and one reason only. It's about Jesus. He knows that I won't necessarily grow within my comfort zone. So he gently pushes me out onto the sea but he doesn't take his hand off of my shoulder as the waves come and toss my boat about. I need to grow and I must let go. All the hopes, all the dreams, and all of the desires that I had for myself are laid down. My will must be broken to be God's will.

Lord, change my heart from deep within
Purify me once again
Renew my mind to love Your truth
Make me more and more like You.

Lord, cause my will to choose Your ways,
in each temptation that I face.
Until Your glory's shining through,
make me more and more like You.

More and more like You...
More and more like You...
...do whatever you must do, to make me more and more like You.

That's the prayer of my heart right now. "Do whatever you must do, to make me more like You." Drag me through the fire, Lord; but go with me. You can let the wind buffet against me but Lord, don't let it push me over. Break my will and bring me closer to you, King of Kings. Do whatever You must do, Jesus. I will keep going day by day. The stosms will come as I walk through the valley and the sun will break as I scale the mountain. God is with me and I can carry on.

*Listen to More and More Like You by clicking here.

God Always Answers

2011-03-17T13:36:00.007-05:00

Many years ago I heard this story during a sermon. I've never forgotten about it. God always answers prayer even when we think that he doesn't. The story is below.

The Soldier and the Spider

Author Unknown

During World War II, a US marine soldier was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.

Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.

"Hah," he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.

"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."

Essential Accessories for Spring

2011-03-10T14:14:00.011-06:00

The stores are stocking new accessories for Spring and I couldn't be happier. Cute scarves, hats, and jewelry adorn the shelves but before you buy, be sure to consider stocking up on the essential accessories that you can pair with anything.

1. Chunky beaded necklaces with bows added to soften the look are a popular trend this season. I happen to have a couplt of necklaces like this and they are very versitile! The one below is available at Old Navy.

2. Coral is a color that is trendy this season. I love this adorable charm bracelet from Aeropostale. Since the bracelet is small you can layer it with a cute bangle bracelet to add more interest.

3. How Beautiful is this scarf from American Eagle? I'm pretty sure I'm going to splurge and buy it. Scarves are fabulous to pair with a solid colored blouse or a tee shirt. You can dress up anything if you have a cute scarf!

4. Wearing a hat might be a bold fashion move for me but I think I may try it. New York and Company has this feminine and cute one that I like. The great thing about hats is that they are practical (they keep the sun out of your eyes) and they add a little something extra to your outfit.

5. Don't forget sunglasses! Grab a pair that work well with your face shape and hair color. The glasses below are available at Khols.
Those are just five essential accessories that every girl should have for Spring. Leave a comment with your tips and ideas for building a great wardrobe!

Bloom! Staff Behind the Scenes Link Up

2011-03-08T13:36:00.008-06:00

For a while now I have been a staff writer for the Bloom! Magazine. Currently Bloom! is doing a behind the scenes even in which staff members share a bit more about their lives. I decided to do it and share my peak here on my blog. If you haven't subscribed to the magazine be sure to do so-it's free! Click here to go to the website and click here to go to the Bloom! Magazine staff blog. You can find us on facebook here.

1. Your blogging name, age/birthday, location, and Bloom! staff position.
Here in the blogosphere I go by the name of Elizabeth J. but trust me, I do have a last name. I live in the south but I wouldn't call myself a country girl at heart. On June 28th I will be 19 years old. I would love to live in a larger city one day. Sometimes I like to hear the noises of the city. Currently I am a writer for Bloom! Magazine and I enjoyed it greatly. KyAnn is great to work with and she does a fantastic job coordinating and putting together everything for the magazine.

Below is a picture of me. I snapped it right before I posted this so I apologize for such a frightening image. LOL.

2. How many siblings do you have and what are their names/ages?
I have six siblings who range in age from 21-3. Yes, that's quite and age difference and yes, we have the same parents!

3. How are you educated (homeschool, private school, public school, etc)?
I have had the great privilege of being homeschooled along with my siblings.

4. What denomination of Christian are you? What are your personal Christian beliefs, in a nutshell.
Denominationally I am a Baptist but what matters more than my denominational affiliation is my affiliation with Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh and was wholly God and wholly man. Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. There is but one way to receive eternal salvation and that is by placing your faith in Christ.

5.What are some of your hobbies - such as sports, musical instruments, artistic talents, etc.
Music is my passion; my hobby. Since I was seven years old I have played the piano and this September will mark 12 years of music studies. I have played the violin for three years and I absolutely love it. I play the violin in a youth orchestra and I also participate in a violin ensemble.

6. Describe your personality in a few sentences:
I have always been a leader and I will always try to lead to the best of my ability. I am driven to succeed and working diligently is very important to me. I am loyal to the people and causes I believe in.

7. Do you consider yourself more of a girly-girl or a tomboy? Or somewhere in between?
I definitely lean more toward the girly-girl category but I'm not all about pink and rhinestones. I like classy and sophisticated with a refined edge. I think Audry Hepburn had impeccable taste.

8. Picture yourself ten years from now. What will you be doing, where will you be living, etc?
Ten years from now I hope to have graduated from college with a degree in English and a minor in music. I would love to work as a book editor or work for a professional publishing firm. I would like to live in a nice city with historic building and a professional atmosphere. If God chooses maybe I'll even be married. Only God knows what a decade from now will hold for me.

9. What is some of your favorite books? Favorite movies? Favorite foods?
I love Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper and I enjoy reading books by Eric and Leslie Ludy. Of course, I love to read the Bible and classical literature. My favorite movies include all the Jane Austen movies as well as some modern titles and I adore The Young Victoria movie. I don't live to eat but I do love a delicious bowl of broccoli cheddar soup, a perfectly grilled steak, and chocolate in any form.

10. What got you interested in becoming a part of Bloom?
When I was little I would write poems and stories in journals. I guess God knew that I would one day want to be a writer. That was what interested me in writing for Bloom! Writing for the magazine gave me a good cause to contribute to and offered me the chance to do what I love-write.

11. What's one way - or more - that you've been blessed, inspired, and/or challenged through becoming a part of Bloom?
Through being on staff at Bloom! I have seen how Christian teens are dedicated to producing a magazine that stands out and is of a quality that they can be proud of. Sure it's a free magazine but you wouldn't know it if you saw it on a news stand. The caliber of the staff is excellent and I know that they really care about reaching others.

12. What is your favorite thing about Bloom! as well as one thing you would like to see improved behind-the-scenes?
I love working on the staff and I get excited when it's time for the next issue to be released. I can't think of anything I would change but I would love to see more readers join our magazine!

13. What brings you inspiration?
Standing outside when a summer storm is brewing on the horizon and listening as the wind kicks up and rustles the leaves is a moment that inspires me. There is something in the power of the storm that brings me back to the power of God.

14. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? Who would you take with you and how long would you stay?
I adore classical literature and the authors who penned those masterpieces. I would love to go to England and walk where Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and a host of others walked. I really want to visit Stratford On Avon. I think it would be fun to visit Ireland and Scotland as well.

15. What's your favorite dessert/treat?
Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory! I love all of the delicious flavors. If I can't have cheescake I'll take chocolate but cheescake has first priority.

16. Coffee, tea, or soda?
I don't drink coffee and my family doesn't drink soft drinks often so I would say tea. There are so many tasty teas. I love cranberry tea and the simple Earl Grey. Give me a scone with a cup of tea and I call that just lovely.

17. What's your favorite color combination? Or combinations? ;-)
I love classic black paired with yellow, blue, and pink. Cream and brown is also another one of my favorite color combinations.

18. What's your favorite time of year? What about least favorite?
Spring is so beautiful and alive, it's my favorite season. Winter isn't my thing. It's cold and dreary and eventually I get tired of seeing snow.

19. Would you rather have one very close best friend or a group of close friends?
I have a group of close friends so I guess that would speak for itself.

20. Who is a role model for you in your life today (could be your mom, grandma, family friend, celebrity, etc.)?
Hmm...definitely my mom. I would say that I look up to Christian women who have successfully raised families and changed their world through their children.

21. Share a favorite quote or Bible verse. Why is it your favorite?
Jeremiah 29:11 is my life verse. I love how God tells us that he is going to take care of us not matter what happens. He has a plan and purpose for our life and that is a beautiful thing.

22. What is one thing that you've been trying to accomplish in 2011?
That is a hard question to answer. There are so many things I could say but I guess the number one thing would be that I would grow to be more like Christ.

23. What is one way (or more!) that you are trying to strengthen your relationship with Jesus right now?
Right now God has been showing me that I need to trust him more. This May I will, Lord willing, graduate from high school and that will bring new challenges and new blessings. God is teaching me that all things happen for his glory and our good.

Mercies Anew

2011-03-05T19:22:00.003-06:00

Mercies Anew

By Bob Kauflin

Every morning that breaks
There are mercies anew
Every breath that I take
Is your faithfulness proved
And at the end of each day
When my labors are through
I will sing of Your mercies anew

When I’ve fallen and strayed
There were mercies anew
For you sought me in love
And my heart you pursued
In the face of my sin
Lord, You never withdrew
So I sing of Your mercies anew

And Your mercies, they will never end
For ten thousand years they’ll remain
And when this world’s beauty has passed away
Your mercies will be unchanged

And when the storms swirl and rage
There are mercies anew
In affliction and pain
You will carry me through
And at the end of my days
When Your throne fills my view
I will sing of Your mercies anew
I will sing of Your mercies anew .

The Shell

2011-03-03T13:19:00.007-06:00

Braces, glasses, and bangs contributed to the awkwardness of my early middle school years. While I have never been a nerd or an extreme introvert I did struggle with feeling out of place. I didn't smile at people I didn't know and I tried to avoid making eye contact with adults. I wasn't personable at all. My mom told me that I needed to be more friendly because I was coming across as cold and in some cases, even rude.

The shell that I was hiding in was fear. I could be in my shell and never be bothered. I could lock myself away from others by avoiding them. I was terrified of what people might think of me if I let them in. There was a man I knew who would always say to me "Aren't you going to smile? Aren't you happy?" I would stare at him and muster a smile but inwardly I was annoyed. I thought I was fine as I was but I knew I wasn't happy. I was fearing man and I was not having faith in God. I cared more about what everyone else thought of me instead of caring most about what God thought of me.

I'm not quite sure how it began. Maybe it started when I got a copy of The Girl in the Mirror devotional for my eleventh birthday or maybe it just began when I gave up. The shell began to crack ever so slightly. I could hear God telling me beautiful things.

"....I have loved you with and everlasting love."

"....Fear not for I am with you."

"....Man sees the outside but God sees the heart."

The love of God was like a chisel that chipped away at my fear, my shell, and kept on going until I, like a newly hatched baby bird, broke out into the sunlight. The fear of others was gone. The rays of light illuminated the darkness and I could smile. I could be me outside of the interior that had attempted to hold me back. I was free to be myself; the one that God created for his glory. I could flourish on the wings of his beauty and grace.

All Alone

2011-02-28T10:08:00.006-06:00

The cold bleachers did nothing to warm my heart. I sat alone, clutching my Bible as I silently sat observing what was going on around me. Balls bounced against the floor, middle school kids played with their friends, and the teachers stood chatting by the gymnasium door. I could see my younger sisters having fun with their friends and it seemed as if I was the only one without a companion. My family had recently joined a new church and I dreaded Wednesday night AWANA because it meant I would be standing alone in a corner or be sitting alone on the metallic bleachers. I tried to make friends. I would smile at the third and fourth grade girls who were near my age. I would sit next to them in our AWANA sessions but our conversation never exceeded the minimum required to be just friendly enough. The girls weren't mean or rude but I knew I was an outsider to most of them who had known each other since their days in the church nursery. My loneliness and sadness pushed me to feverishly study my Bible verse memory passages. I didn't realize it then but by pushing myself to do more, I was attempting to evade everything that hurt me. It didn't work. I couldn't remove the feelings of rejection and friendlessness I felt when I had no friends at church. Years later I can see that God was there for me. He used my loneliness and my friendlessness to show me what I hadn't seen before. I was not the only lonely person in the world. There are multitudes of people who look at you through sad eyes and will tell you that they are doing fine. There are people who will always be alone unless you go to them. The little girl with the pigtails who sits by herself doesn't sit alone because she wants to. She sits alone because she thinks others want her to. This world is full of struggling and disheartened people. I know this because I was one. Please reach out to the people who would give anything to have a friend. Reach out to the children who know your name but wonder if you even know theirs. Your love will mean more to these people than you can fathom. I know what it would have been to me.

The Forgotten Man

2011-02-26T12:22:00.004-06:00

A facebook friend of mine shared this video on her page today and I felt it was so important that others see it too. I had never heard of John McNaughton before but I think it was time that I did. There are but a few artist in the world who have incorporated a message to our Nation in the way that this artist has. Please take a few minutes out of your Saturday to watch and to listen to The Forgotten Man video. Pass along the video as well if you are touched by it. And please, do not forget that America was founded upon the principals of the Word of God and when we stray from them we lose our freedom and the blessing of living in a society that seeks God's face.

While I've been away

2011-02-24T12:09:00.008-06:00

I didn't go anywhere; I promise. I haven't disappeared off of the face of the earth. I'm still here. I didn't plan to be away from blogger but then who ever plans to be sick? I certainly don't plan to be ill. While I took an unplanned hiatus from blogging I learned some things. They were very simple things.

I have learned that:

*Every breath that I take is God's faithfulness proved.

You can get through the biggest disappointment of your life if you have great friends and good chocolate.

Even when life doesn't turn out as we have planned it always turns out as God has planned.

Allowing fear to hold you back from going forward will ultimately lead to more fear and failure.

Trusting God isn't always easy but it is always best.

Hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts...

Life goes on and so does blogging. I'll be back soon--I promise.

*Adapted from the song I Will Sing of Your Mercies Anew.

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
-Robert Frost

This is the kind of love I want for Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T15:34:00.010-06:00

Sonnet 116

By William Shakespeare

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

What's in your closet?

2011-02-10T13:24:00.017-06:00

Through feedback from this post I have been notified that I don't post about modesty/fashion as much as some would like. I'm going to remedy that right now. I thought I would share a few fashion tips of mine and show you some of the things that are in my closet right now.

1. How can you not love this adorable black and white dress from The Limited? I just got it last weekend and I really like it! I'm pretty short so the dress was actually long enough-there's a huge bonus to being short. =)

2. I am an argyle girl. I really love this sweater from New York and Company. I got it a few weeks ago and I'm looking forward to wearing it. The great thing is I can pair this sweater with slacks to wear to work or I can pair it with a comfy pair of khakis. 3. Trench coats are a super popular fashion this season and when I saw this one from Old Navy I thought it would be an asset to my wardrobe. I can't wait until Spring is here so I can wear it!
4. It can be difficult to find the perfect pair of jeans but I've found my pair from Old Navy. The best part isn't that I found them but that I found them and they come in size shorts because, as you know, I am a shortie. =)

5. I think that every girl should have one wristlet that she can grab and go. I purchased one from Vera Bradley at it is very convenient to carry to orchestra concerts or rehearsals when I have my hands full with music or my violin case.

That's a little peak into my closet and a little look into my style. Please let me know if you would like to see more style/modesty posts here and I will publish more if you would like me to do so. Feel free to leave a comment with a link to your favorite style or clothing website. I'm always on the search for fashionable and modest clothing. Also, please take the Footprints in the Sand blog survey if you haven't already done so. You can take the quick survey by clicking here.

Oh, what I would do to have the strength it takes...

2011-02-06T20:43:00.007-06:00

...to stand before the giant. There are so many waves and giants in my life right now. Perhaps I am my worst giant right now. To conquer the battle with self is to have won half the battle already. The two songs that seem to sum up my life right now are two Casting Crowns songs. The first is Voice of Truth because I can hear the doubts clouding my mind and I just know I am failing and I think that I have failed miserably. I need the faith Peter had to step out of the fishing boat and onto the tempetuous waves where Jesus was standing and right now; I'm struggling to have that type of faith. I want to step out and not look around and begin to sink. I want to block everything else out and focus on Jesus but it is really, really hard for me now.

I Will Praise You in this Storm really touches me right now too. I feel as though God is taking a while to reach and "wipe my tears away." I know he eventually will "step in and save the day" but for now I am waiting as the rain cascades all around me and blurs my view of the road ahead. I'm going to choose to praise Him in the storm because as the song says about Christ "You are who you are who you are no matter where I am and every tear I cry, you hold in your hand." He can bring me whatever he chooses but it all will be okay....somehow. I know that God will always be God and I will always be me.

The 2011 survey

2011-02-03T13:08:00.002-06:00

View Survey

In the past I have created a survey for Footprints in the Sand and as I found it helpful I have chosen to do so again. Please note that none of your information will be shared and please understand that I am the only person who will see your answers. Thank you for your time!

~Elizabeth

It's here-February

2011-02-01T11:14:00.005-06:00

I don't know if there has ever been the arrival of a month in my life that I have met with such paradoxical feelings about. One moment I am supremely happy that February is finally here and the next instant I am wishing that it were over. I have am excited about what this month might bring and at the same terrified of what it might not bring.

I'm probably making little sense to you so I should explain to you why February is causing such tumult in my feelings about it. The number one thing is that I will be getting letters from colleges telling me whether or not I was accepted to attend their institution. There is one college logo that I can't wait to see stamped on an envelope and yet I am afraid of what the letter inside will say. Will I get to go to my dream school? I hope so. Then there is the topic of music school auditions. You have no idea how much I want Saturday to arrive so it can be finished. I do so hope that I will not hate Mozart, Bach, or major or minor scales by the time Saturday afternoon comes.

I keep telling people that if I can just make it through February and remain sane then I will be happy. I have a feeling that this month is going to change my life. I'm feeling more and more that God's peace is essential because I don't know what I would do without it. I've I could ask you one thing I would ask you this: please pray for me. Unless you kindly pray for me I doubt that I will have all my hair by the end of this month. =) Have a great February and check back soon for perhaps a more coherent posting. Oh, and thanks for hanging in there with me.

God's ways are perfect!

"Courage is the human virtue that counts most-courage to act on limited knowledge and insufficient evidence."
-Robert Frost

To Touch a Life

2011-01-27T12:32:00.007-06:00

"A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have a friend; one human soul whom we can trust utterly; who knows the best and the worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults; who will speak the honest truth to us, while the world flatters us to our face, and laughs at us behind our back."
-Charles Kingsley

Sometimes you meet the person or persons who will touch your life in the most profound ways without even realizing that you have met them. These are the people who pray for you before you even ask, who text you just the right words at just the right time, the ones who tell you when you need to trust God more, the ones who know what's on your heart even before you tell them; these are the people who I wouldn't trade for all the diamonds in the world.

....There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
-Proverbs 18:24 b

When I think about the individuals who have had a great impact upon my life I think about myself. I wonder if I have touched even one person in the ways that multiple people have touched mine. I should have. I should be reaching out to others and loving them with the compassion of Christ. I am afraid that often I am so absorbed in myself that I don't do enough to insure that I become absorbed in others. Proverbs 18:24 speaks about a friend that is always there. When you have made a mistake; this person is there. When you have succeeded; he is there. When you need him; he couldn't be closer. I want to be like that-to be irreplaceable in the lives of as many people as possible.

Life is so short and time is fleeting. I want to be sure that I have touched someone with the love of Jesus Christ. I desire to be a blessing to others as they journey through this life. I hope that you will want to reach out to others as well. A old hymns says "Only one life, will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." May we all be friends who are willing to sacrifice of our time to invest in the lives of the people around us.

"True friendship is a plant of slow growth..."
-George Washington

A list of my favorite movies

2011-01-21T10:25:00.002-06:00

Frigid winter night and icy weekends sometimes call for popping popcorn and watching a movie with your family. I thought perhaps you wouldn't mind if I shared a list of some of my favorite movies. While there are many more titles I could share decided to pick the ones that my family and I watch most often. Feel welcome to drop a comment to share the names of some of your favorite movies.

The great for family viewing category.

1. Mr. Bean's Holiday (in my family it's a tradition that we watch this movie on New Year's Eve)

2. How to Train Your Dragon

3. Secretariat (get your DVD on January the 25th!)

The great for girls and there moms category:

1. The Young Victoria (I don't recommend this film for children under the age of 13)

2. Pride and Prejudice (the 1995, 2003, and 2005 versions)

3. Letters to Juliet (I do not recommend this film for children under the age of 13)

4. Tangled (get it when it's released on DVD)

Mini-series and miscellanious category:

1. Emma (BBC 2009) Best Emma adaptation EVER!!

2. Little Dorrit

3. North and South (BBC 2006)

4. The Ultimate Gift

5. Bleak House

There are many others I could mention but I think that is enough for now. Maybe sometime I will share a list of my favorite old movies with you. Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to let me know if you tried any of the movies on my list.

Facing facebook

2011-01-13T14:32:00.009-06:00

If you are like me, you probably have a facebook page. I'm not a facebook addict. Quite frankly I still prefer a handwritten letter and face-to-face conversation instead of those instant messages and status updates. Christians, it is time we confronted the facts: facebook can damage our Christian testimony.

If you think that your friends don't read what you have stated as your religious views then you are disillusioned. People know what we say we believe. While posting about how much you hate the fact that costumer service agents don't speak English or ranting about how ridiculous you think our government is may seem to be standard fare; it shouldn't be so for us. You won't win someone to Christ by making rude comments about others.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
-Psalm 19:14

We need to be living out a Christian life. Whether we are speaking with someone who is standing beside us it is important that we be like we ought to be. I notice what others post on facebook and it pains me when I see Christians post things that do not always reflect well upon our Savior. I would exhort us all to think twice before we post that picture that would embarrass the other person or before we post a slightly demeaning comment about another individual.

Be a good friend online and in reality and don't forget that God sees and others are watching. Keep it lovely, of good report, and don't forget to check your spelling. =^)

They say laughter is the best medicine

2011-01-04T18:01:00.004-06:00

Recently I have been battling bro is nchitis and it seems as though all I have felt like doing resting and reading books. I thought that perhaps I could share a little laughter with you all and perhaps help some of you too feel better if you are feeling under the weather. They say laughter is the best medicine so enjoy.

This one is in honor of you gentleman who have had to drive the family mini van to the gym or over to your buddies house. My brother would really appriciate this video. =)

Ladies, try this delicious recipe. Grin. =)

New Year's Eve Thoughts

2010-12-31T20:25:00.002-06:00

What a year 2010 has been! This evening as my family and I sat watching Mr. Bean's Holiday as we do every New Year's Eve I really couldn't believe that a year had passed since I stayed up until midnight playing Who Wants to be a Millionaire with my friends and got my ears blasted by the sound of the fog horn which was promptly sounded at 12:00 A.M. In a few more hours it will be 2011 and a decade of this millenium will be completed-in these closing hours I would encourage you reflect upon this past year and think about what God has done for you. I can see things that Lord has blessed me so much in this passed year and I can't wait to see what is in his plan for next year.

Have a great night and a Happy New Year 2011!!

Two years and one day of blogging

2010-12-28T19:05:00.006-06:00

Sometimes we begin a journey not knowing where it will lead or how far it will take us but we begin anyway and the result is our reward. On December 27, 2008 I began Footprints in the Sand with no expectation of having over 15 followers and little dreaming how much this simple little blog would change my life. It has been so good to have "met" all of you and your comments and thoughts have been very appreciated. The day the first one of you began following my blog I was pretty certain that this wouldn't be a continuing process but clearly, God had other ideas.

As I blogged from the family computer I little suspected that over 200 people would follow my blog and I certainly never expected that some of my post would have over 25 comments. Still, this blog is a small piece life of my but some days it seems bigger than it seems and I can only wonder at what God has planned for my life. I do not know if I'll be blogging for another two years and a day but I do know that whatever happens happened for a purpose.

Thank you for reading, for sharing your heart with me, and thank you for allowing me to share my voice with you from across the miles. For the first time ever I am not blogging from my usual place at the from the family computer but I am blogging from my new laptop which reminds me that changes come. Whether I blog for another year or another decade I will always be glad I did if I have been able to touch one life in one way.

May Christ be magnified in such a simple thing as this.

Feliz Navidad!

2010-12-25T06:49:00.005-06:00

A glistening blanket of snow lay on the roof this morning. I pulled back my bedroom curtains and saw one of the best White Christmases I have seen! Whether or not you have a white Christmas I still want to wish you a Merry Christmas from, "the bottom of my heart."

May the joy of our Savior radiate to you throughout this day and may you remember that he is the reason we celebrate! He is the greatest of all gifts.

With Hope in Christ,

Elizabeth Jackson

Christmas Eve musings

2010-12-24T08:42:00.005-06:00

As most of the world went about their business not knowing that the Messiah was about to be born, I wonder how Mary felt. That day before Christ was born I wonder what her thoughts were about. The ridicule she must have endured and the scorn of others must have weighed on her. People just didn't understand. They didn't believe that Mary had done no wrong and was truly expecting a child because of a miracle that God performed.

Sometimes we think it must have been easy for Joseph and Mary. We think, "really, what could be better than to be expecting Jesus? It must have been pretty amazing." I am sure that it was spectacular to know that the Savior would be born of Mary but at the same time I am sure that this was no ordinary beginning. Imagine what people would say today if they were told that an unmarried woman was expecting a child and that the Child was of God and not of an act of man? You would be mocked-I know Mary and Joseph must have been.

Jesus Christ came so humbly. Perhaps our King was ridiculed even before he was born on earth. I can only try to understand what love was born on that first Christmas day. The love of a Savior who would be born through circumstances that people doubted and yet would endure everything and would forgive everyone sometimes astounds me. There could not be a more humble way to come to earth than the way our Lord came.

Consider the circumstances that proceeded the birth of Jesus and thank him that he was willing to come to save us. He could not have been more humble or looked down upon but yet he chose to live and die this way. We owe him so much and I hope that this Christmas you and I will see this indeed. To God be the glory for wonderful and miraculous things he has done!

Christmas in Your Dreams

2010-12-23T08:29:00.003-06:00

Sometimes Christmas in reality and Christmas the way we want it to be are two completely different things. This year, Christmas is going to be bittersweet for some people that I care about deeply. Often times it is during the holiday season that we most keenly feel the loss of those we love. We wish that they could be here one more time for one more moment. This is Christmas in our dreams.

Perhaps I do not know you personally or know all that you have been through but I do understand that if you have lost a loved one this year; this holiday will be different for you. The homegoing of my great aunt this year and the fact that I can still count on one hand the number of Christmases it's been since my dear great-grandmother went to be with the Lord, remind me of loss. If you are sad this season, you are not alone.

When I consider that I would rather have my loved ones with me this season I am reminded that perhaps they would rather not be here because they are with Jesus. I can only imagine what it will be like in heaven this Christmas. What rejoicing! What hope! What peace! If we were there I doubt we would wish anyone back with us. Knowing that the people I loved are spending Christmas with the Son of God makes me not miss them so much. I'll see them again someday and of course, they'll be "home for Christmas if only in my dreams."

May you find the peace of Christ and feel the hope of seeing again those who were his. Merry Christmas!

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
-1 Thessalonians 4:13

When It Seems the Magic's Slipped Away...

2010-12-21T08:54:00.000-06:00

This year I have shopped in half of the stores in the mall and I still seem to be short on having gifts for everyone. My first batch of Christmas cookies just slid out of the oven this afternoon, truly, I don't know where the time has gone between the summer and Christmas. As I've gotten older it seems as though the holiday season has lost some of its wonder. I don't like that.

I always loved twirling in the snow as is circled down from the heavens, I anticipated frosting Christmas cookies, and sipping hot chocolate by the Christmas tree were some of my favorite holiday pastimes. Perhaps as we get older we begin to overlook the simple things that meant so much to us. Perhaps we get dragged along in the commercialism of Christmas along with everyone else and the magic of Christmas seems to slip away with each last minute shopping trip. The beauty and magic of this season is not found in presents under the tree or Christmas music but is found in a much simpler way.

The wonder of Christmas comes from within us. Wrapped in the most humble wrapping paper ever, swaddling clothes, and laid in a feed trough; the King of Christmas came down to earth. That's where you find the magic of Christmas; It was lying in the manger waiting for the day when It could rescue us all. This Greatest Gift was Jesus! He holds the key that unlocks the beauty of this season.

If we don't feel the "Christmas spirit" I think it is because we have overlooked the One who truly brings it. We wouldn't have Christmas without him; this is Christ the King. Lay down your scissors, forget about the cookies until the timer goes off, and be still and listen to the voice from long ago. Heaven and nature sing his praises and the earth is filled with his glory. Christmas is celebrated to remember the coming of Jesus so what are you waiting for? The cookies won't burn and the presents won't jump out of their boxes in the time it takes to reflect on who Christmas is all about.

Now I feel the magic of Christmas dancing and flickering around me like the lights that glow on the Christmas tree. Remember the Reason we celebrate and may His light shine in your heart for now and forever.

Peppermint hot chocolate, I love you

2010-12-09T14:00:00.008-06:00

The weather outside was frightful and the Panera Bread fireplaces were so delightful and since we had been to a show, this is where we decided to go. I love that hot cocoa!

What's better than a fun shopping and movie watching outing with your best friends? I think it is a shopping and movie outing during which you discover the new chocolaty goodness of Panera Bread's peppermint hot chocolate. If you were wondering, no, Panera Bread hasn't paid me to advertise for them. Of course, if they offered I might consider doing so if my payment included free hot chocolate.

The simple things in life make me happy. There is something soothing about breezing in from the winter wonderland outside and wrapping your hand around a mug of something hot. Now that I've admitted that I really do love peppermint hot chocolate, I think it's fair that you share with me your favorite winter tea or hot chocolate tea or recipe. Drop a comment and I let you know if I try out what you suggested! My suggestion to you is that you make your way to Panera sometime when it super cold and grab a hot cup of cocoa and think about this blogger when your happily sipping a cup full of joy.

Let me share words of wisdom.: winter is too short for you to not drink peppermint hot chocolate.

The most momentous mailing

2010-12-05T14:29:00.003-06:00

Mail is my friend. These days I usually get mail more often then I use to though I will admit that most of the time its college flyer's or my bank account information. I recall the times when I would ship a gift package to one of my friends and I would imagine their reaction when they opened up the present that I had sent to them. Mail is memories.

As I stuffed my high school transcript, two essays, and several other documents into the mailer and sealed it shut I thought about what I was doing. This was one of those big but little moments in my life, yes, I know that statement was contradictory. Those papers and that transcript were the proof of four years of high school and when I realized that this was one of the moments you dream about, I had to pause. I had done it-I was applying to college!

Snow drifted down that Saturday morning as I drove to the post office with my prized possession. I walked up to the shipping counter and mailed that package. This time I wondered what the admissions committee would think about my application and I hoped that they would feel that I was a good student for their amazing school. As the post office door closed behind me I prayed that no matter what decision the admissions committee made about me, I was going to remember the day mailed my first (and I hope the last) college application.

Two and half months lie between me and my getting the most life changing letter I have will have received. I know my heart will skip a beat or two when I see that college logo so please pray that God will give me the grace to accept whatever that letter will say. Thanks so much! Oh, and hope that I don't chew my fingernails to bits my February the 15. =)

The Dawn of December

2010-12-01T18:39:00.002-06:00

As I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes this morning and looked out the window I saw that December had come. Swirling white tufts of snow flew around outside and the wind shook the bare maple tree outside my window. The dawn of December has come. It seems as though it were only yesterday when I was basking in the sunlight of June.

December marks the end of a year and the promise of new one. I have been thinking about what my life has been like this last year and I have seen so much good and tasted sadness as well. I enjoy wondering what each new year will bring. Where will I be a year from now? What will I be doing? I ask these questions and the answer is always the same: no matter where I am or what I am doing, God is with me.

With dawn of December comes the realization that each daybreak of a new year holds promise for even greater things than the year that has just set. Have you thought about what you might do in the year ahead? Have you considered what wonderful things our Lord may have in store? Think about it. I happen to be somewhat of a visionary. I dream big and look at the scope of things. As 2010 begins to draw to a close I am praying that next year will be an even better one than this year. Whatever life may hold for me I pray that I will be more like Christ with every passing week, month, and year.

Begin thinking about next year. Start seeing the things that God would have you see and trust him wholly in the year and years ahead.

You're never too old for a fairytale

2010-11-26T10:44:00.005-06:00

Here's the scene: it's November 23, 2010 approximately 1:00 in the afternoon. My sisters tell me that Tangled is now out in movie theaters and that I am taking them to see it. Fast forward to two hours later and we're in the movie theater along with dozens of little girls and their moms. I wonder if I am really going to like this movie, I mean it is an animated fairytale.

There was something so cute about Rapunzel's little chameleon lizard that is always there for her. Maximus the horse was quite hilarious and I have to say I thought his facial expressions were quite unique. Ah...and what girl doesn't love a guy who rescues a damsel in distress? I'll admit it-I loved it. I loved Tangled.

I thought I might be subjected to 100 minutes of a fairytale that only little girls would like but I was wrong. I didn't end up aimlessly counting popcorn kernels or wondering just how much longer I was going to have to sit through there in the theater. Certainly I know that glowing hair and magic flowers don't exist but that's all right because your never too old for a fairy tale.

Tell your little sister that you have a surprise for her. Take her to see Tangled and don't think you are too old for this. You might just discover that you still believe that dreams come true.

P.S. Don't forget the popcorn! =)

Read the Tangled review from Focus on the Family here.

What are you thankful for?

2010-11-25T07:05:00.004-06:00

That wonderful holiday where we celebrate with friends and family and ahem.....indulge in too much pecan pie is here. This Thanksgiving what are you thankful for? When I woke up this morning I lay in bed thinking about all the blessings God has given me in my 18 years of life. Here's my challenge to you: for each year of life that God has granted you with list one thing you are thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving and may our Lord bless you abundantly!!

What I am Thankful for:

1. for salvation
2. for family
3. for the Bible
4. for wonderful friends
5. for good books
6. for education
7. for Pride and Prejudice =^)
8. for God's grace
9. for language
10. for music
11. for musical instruments
12. for malls :^)
13. for sisters
14. for hot tea
15. for letters from friends
16. for our Founding Father's who were brave enough to establish a nation that honored God.
17. for America
18. for freedom

There are my 18 things! If you took the challenge then comment on this post with a link to your blog post.

Why you must read

2010-11-18T13:09:00.007-06:00

I remember the time that I had just received a new copy of a Laura Ingall's book that I desperately wanted to read. At that point in my life I was a little girl with freckles who dressed up in my bonnet and pretended that I was living the Little House on the Prairie series. The day that I received the next book in the series I made an error in judgment and called my brother a name. I was heart broken when the book was taken away from me and my dad told me that my punishment was that I couldn't read the book for a week. I cried and got angry because not being able to read my book was pure torture. Reading assignments were things that I loved and still do.

Do you love to read? I hope that you do but if you don't I want to tell you that reading is important. I can just imagine that some of you are thinking that I sound like your mother when I say that reading is important. In a world where you can just watch the movie instead of the book we have forgotten the feel of those crisp pages and the fresh smell of a newly printed book but most of all we have forgotten that reading great literature grows our hearts and minds.

"Reading Christians are growing Christians, when Christians cease to read they cease to grow."

-John Wesley

One of the best reasons to read is this: you must read to learn more about Christ. Hearing a Bible verse here and listening to a sermon there is not going to grow your love for the Lord as much as you would if you would read the Word. When you read you put your time into something and what you put your time into you will care about. You must read because all of the Wikipedia articles in the world aren't going to give you all the information you need to be acquainted with a Shakespearean masterpiece. Carl Marx knew that reading is a powerful exercise. The Communist Manifesto took freedom captive and became one of the most infamous books of all time. Literature changes things.

Do you want to know more about Christ? Then read his Word. Do you want to be entertained without the television? Then read a book. Do you want to change the world for good? Then read a book that will change you. Put down the remote, log off of facebook, and just do it. Just read.

The home stretch

2010-11-11T13:11:00.004-06:00

Apart from gaining a fear of red ink, my education has been without trauma. There were definitely days when I didn't want to get out of bed to do school, there were days when I didn't want to take a test, and I am ashamed to say that there also were days when I didn't care if I learned anything at all. The end is near.

After all the chewing on pencils and erasing a thousand wrong answers all of those school days, I'm coming closer to the end. Like a horse running in a race, I can see the finish line as I come around the curve. There is something exhilarating about seeing the end rush nearer and nearer. When you see the finish line coming closer that is when the danger is very present. You can keep running and running with the goal of reaching the prize but when the prize is nearly yours you must not feel too certain of it. You must not quit.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
-Galatians 6:9

A few nights ago I sat at my desk with piles of homework spilling over all around me and I thought "I don't want to do this" but I needed to do it. An hour later I had made it to the end of stack of paper and felt rewarded for sticking to the task even though there were more enjoyable things that I wanted to do. I want to encourage you, especially if you are coming upon a life transition, to stay strong. Even as the finish line comes into view, keep running your hardest. Just as a jockey does not slow the horse down as they race toward the end so we must not slacken our step.

Never give up and never give in!

I want you to vote!

2010-11-01T15:36:00.006-05:00

I remember the time when my mom went to vote and I stood with her in the voting booth and asked her all sorts of questions about what that button was and what that lever did. I didn't understand why we had to stand behind a curtain and I secretly wondered why everyone in the building seemed to be decades older than me. As time went on I realized what those buttons were and why we had a curtain around us but I didn't realize how quickly the time would pass. Now I'm the age of some of those voters and I'm excited about it.

Can I really be this old? Can I really vote? I can! Tomorrow I get to vote in an election for my first time ever and you know what? I hope that some kind person at the voting establishment will give me one of those famous stickers that says "I voted." Being able to vote is a privilege and I look forward to exercising that privilege.

If you are registered to vote and are of voting age I would encourage you to vote tomorrow. If you have the ability to vote and do not then you have no right to complain about our government and the leaders who are elected. If we do not use our freedoms then they will be taken from us. Americans have the freedom to vote as we see fit so it is my desire that those of us who can would not toss that freedom aside simply because we do not care about politics or social issues. Voting isn't about party or politics it is about having a responsibility to your country and fulfilling it.

I hope that tomorrow many of you will fulfill your responsibility to vote. =)

Waiting for Perfection

2010-10-20T13:42:00.005-05:00

I can't count the number of times I have started to type a blog post and decided not to do so because I couldn't think of just the "perfect" thing to say. What if they don't like it? What if it doesn't sound good? Those are the questions I found myself asking as I hit the backspace button for what seemed like the hundredth time. I learned something: if you always wait for the perfect word or the perfect timing you will miss wonderful opportunities.

What if Thomas Edison had given up because his first attempt to create a light bulb wasn't successful, what if Alexander Bell had been discouraged because it took multiple failures before the telephone actually worked, and what if Einstein had kept his Theory of Relativity to himself because he was afraid that other's would think that the theory was foolish? If those men had waited for perfection to drop down on them one day it is possible that you and I would be living without incandescent light, a telephone, and we would be clueless about the speed of light in a vacuum.

I write things that aren't perfect and I always will because I am human but I cannot let that stand in the way of saying what needs to be said. If I always hit the backspace key or click on the delete button I may find myself erasing an opportunity to say something that I should have shared. I shouldn't live my life waiting for the perfect sentence or the perfect topic to come to mind because when I do that I am essentially living in fear. Do you know what perfectionist fear? We fear failure.

Failure is a seven letter word and the number seven symbolizes perfection. In a sense that is what failure can help me to see-that often we fail before we succeed. I have resolved that the backspace button and I aren't going to be best friends any more and I have decided to stop waiting for perfection because if I sit here waiting for that perfect inspiration to rain upon me the chances of my ever having an impact upon the world doesn't exist.

Take your chances and say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done! Even if you fail ever time but once you will never regret failing if you have once succeeded.

"I would rather fail in a cause that will someday triumph than triumph in a cause that will someday fail."
-Woodrow Wilson

Attention readers:revision to blogroll

2010-10-14T15:21:00.006-05:00

Are you listed on the Footprints in the Sand blogroll? Footprints in the Sand will be under construction for a while so I can do some improvements and one of those improvements will be the process of updating the blogroll. Please check the blogroll to see if your blog is listed. If you're blog is no longer available or has been deleted please and tell me that you need to be removed from the list. To be part of or to continue to be a part of the blogroll please add your blog name/address to the linky below. Please note the following:

1. I reserve the right to deny any additions to my blogroll
2. The blogroll that I will create may not be copied to your blog unless under express permission from me.
3. By adding your blog to the Footprints in the Sand blogroll you are consenting to the release of your blog address and your blog name.

http://footprintsinthesand365.blogspot.com/search/label/blogroll

My thoughts on the influence of news media

2010-10-12T11:15:00.008-05:00

I wrote the following essay over a year ago and submitted it for an essay contest and although it didn't win I thought you might like to read it and give me some feedback about it. Please do not quote and part of the essay unless you ask for permission to quote it-thanks! I would love to hear your thoughts about how you think current news media influences our outlook on our nation.

The Coin and Perspective
By Elizabeth A. J____

Have you ever noticed that each coin has two unique sides, each with a separate image engraved upon them? Each side poses a different image yet the two sides are formed together to make up one solitary coin. In our society today, there is a seemingly endless expanse of information. It catches our eye as we walk past a newspaper stand, flip through radio stations, or scan across the television; news is there for us to know about. However, not all news is the same; we often mentally compile it into two categories, good news, and bad news. With two sides to every story and two basic types of news being reported, we could liken news to that of a coin. Both happy and sad news influence our perspective in different ways and affects the way we see America and our fellow citizens.

When I find a news channel and listen as a news anchor reports about a good deed which someone cared enough to do, I listen. Whether it is a firefighter rescuing a child from a burning building, a stranger returning a cherished item to someone they did not know, or an individual’s volunteering to help out the needy; acts of kindness are something worth hearing about. Upon my hearing of such, it is like a fresh spring rain, which comes and renews a perspective of hope and faith in the goodness of those who call America their country. It doesn’t matter whether or not the news person deems the good thing they’re reporting to be of any great matter, it still reminds me that there are people today who will continue to hold true to the generosity that America once held dear. Alexis de Tocqueville once stated “America is great because she is good” and I am grateful when the media will take a moment to show that some of this greatness still perseveres.

On the other hand, there is news coverage to which I do not particular relish listening. Political corruption, robberies, and heart-breaking tragedies are topics that seem to be central focus of current news media, but perhaps that isn’t entirely bad. Although I might not desire to know of such happenings, I would live a blind life if I did not hear about them. However, as this is not the case, I have the ability to see the bad situations in this world. While it is often quite easy for me to become pessimistic in my thoughts when news people talk for hours about the latest tragedy, I find that I might be positively impacted as well. When I can see beyond all the trouble and difficulty in America, I can see that she is full of people who need the redemption and love of Jesus Christ and I think that is the most important perspective that bad news could convey to me.

Having looked at both sides of the news “coin”, I can say that the media influences my perspective of America. While both the side of good news and the side of bad news affect me in contrasting ways, they both assist me in better understanding and appreciating the nation in which I am privileged to live.

Dealing with it

2010-10-04T19:39:00.003-05:00

I know, I know...maybe you're starting to feel depressed because of my recent post about overcoming, difficulties, and trails but indulge me once more. To connect with other people on a heart-to-heart level you have to write about what is touching you and that's what I've tried to do although I am not sure that I always succeed. Right now there are many things in my life that are things I don't want to think about but I have too.

I have to deal with it.

With failure.

With questions.

With loss.

And the feeling that so many things are slipping through my fingers.

I have begun reading an autobiography of Winston Churchill, a man who never backed down. I couldn't tell you why I began reading about Mr. Churchill but I am thinking that it had something to do with what God thought I should read. I had just finished putting my violin in my case after a violin lesson in which I basically failed at everything when I read a quote of Mr. Churchill's-one of Britain's greatest champions.

"Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense."
-Winston Churchill

I had to face it all again and I had to deal with it-it is failure. Failure can be small or large and can harm us or make us better but we must never give into it. Never back down. Never lose faith. Never give in.

...In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37

It's early but I don't know about bright

2010-09-27T05:43:00.002-05:00

The rain is drizzling down outside as I sit here and type this and the chilliness of fall is in the air. It's drizzly and early here and my family and I have a long day ahead of us. Today is my great aunt's funeral so please pray for all of my extended family as we remember an amazing lady who loved the Lord. Thank you for your prayers-they are appreciated.

I think I can

2010-09-22T13:05:00.003-05:00

The words of the Little Engine That Could still puff away in my mind. I remember hearing my mom read my siblings and I the story over and over again. The Little Engine was carrying more than it thought it possible and there was a hill ahead. The brave Little Engine faces the mountain and puffs "I think I can, I think I can...."

Recently I have found myself wondering whether I can. The mountain seems rather high and my load feels heavy but the colorful pictures in the simple children's book comes back to my mind and I hear Alex and Brett Harris telling me to "Do hard things." Do hard things? I think I can. I think I can but I can't alone. I need Him-the One who says "I know you can."

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

I can master Mozart's Concerto in G, I can make an A in Physics, I can do well on the ACT, and I can do anything else-through Christ. Although I've just begun to go up the mountain I keep saying "I think I can, I think I can...." because the Little Engine That Could climbed up that mountain and when he reached the apex she sighed and said "I thought I could, I thought I could." Because I serve a God who knows that all things are possible I will trust him and when I finally reach the mountaintop I can repeat what the engine said and smile "I thought I could."

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."

Henry Ford

Taylor Swift has nothing over Anita Renfroe

2010-09-12T13:37:00.003-05:00

Maybe you've seen the following video but if you haven't-watch it a have a laugh or two. Taylor Swift's Love Story has nothing over Anita Renfroes hilarious rendition. :) Still, I do love Taylor Swift's Love story.

Real Again

2010-09-11T09:59:00.003-05:00

In the years following the devastating attack to America on September 11, 2001; we may have succeeded in pushing images of that day out of our mind. As time goes what was so real at the moment seems to fade in our minds. Today, it was real again to me. The pictures, the film footage, the silence over my house as the plains didn't fly to a nearby airport and the love for my country-they came rushing back to me.

Nine year old children have a lot of questions and I know that I did as I watched the plains ram into the side of the World Trade Centers. I wondered why anyone would wish to kill so many people and I wondered what would happen to the country that I loved. Would live ever be the same and should it be the same after such a tragedy. And...where was God? He was there and we felt it. So many people united in prayer and I felt the prescience of the Lord was so real. Never had I been so proud to see the American flag snapping in the wind.

I wanted to forget about 9/11 but now I don't. I want to remember because it was so real and the sacrifice of so many should never be forgotten. May we never forget the day that those towers fell.

Here is a touching video in remembrance of September 11, 2001.

To all who gave on 9/11/2001 and to all who lost someone on 9/11/2001-THANK YOU! America owes you so much.

http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/i-was-there-september-11-tribute/all

http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/revelation-song-september-11-tribute

It's okay if I don't have all the answers

2010-09-09T13:46:00.006-05:00

What are you going to do if this happens? What are going to do if this doesn't happen? Wait, what are you going to do period? Those are the questions that I've been asked by others and have been asking myself. They want answers and I want answers too. I don't have all the answers and I am discovering that it's okay. I don't have to have all the answers.

There were dozens of reasons why I thought I needed all the answers and dozen more reasons why I needed them now. My reasons were rooted in fear. The fear of what I would do if life situations didn't go as I had planned, the fear of being rejected and the fear of failing at what might be one of my greatest chances to succeed. Fear will destroy confidence if that confidence is not established in the hope of Jesus Christ. I had confidence in myself and when that slipped away I saw that I had nothing remaining. The answers that I thought I had were gone.

Sometimes we have to start over in order to find the right answers. At the end of ourselves we must find God because he is the right choice and he holds the key to all questions. Starting over isn't easy because you won't know what to do except to keep going and to keep trusting the Lord. When you let go and begin again you will find your questions resolved and you will realize that it is all right to let God have all the answers. Corrie Ten Boom said it well when she stated “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Throw away the answer key and stop attempting to solve the puzzle because you will never solve life's problems on your own. I needed the Lord to answer my questions and you need him too. Questions are answered at Calvary.

Nothing before, nothing behind;
The steps of Faith
Fall on the seeming void, and find
The rock beneath.

by John Greenleaf Whittier

An SOS to the musicians out there

2010-09-02T12:25:00.004-05:00

I'll just say it. I need help and I need it rather quickly. Typically I don't utilize my blog as an advice column but I need some advice now so Footprints in the Sand is doing double duty. If you can help me, great!

The number one thing is this: I need two piano pieces to perform before a college admissions and the pieces should be memorized. I listed the criteria below for the information I'm looking for. And one more thing, I only have until February to master these pieces.

1. I need one classical piece and one piece in a contrasting style

2. Please don't recommend anything that is below level 8/9 (advanced)

3. The pieces must be appropriate to play with the consideration of receiving a music scholarship

4. Please don't suggest a composition that you know nothing about

5. Let me know if you have performed the piece for a contest/recital/audition

Thanks for the help. I will stop transmitting SOS signals now. :)

What happens when we want a good thing too much

2010-08-29T12:05:00.007-05:00

At the end of July I had the opportunity to go to Northland for a week of music camp. I think it is impossible for a Christian to walk away from a week at Northland having not learned more about the Gospel and having been convicted of sin. The entire week we campers heard so many excellent sermons but there was one sermon that spoke to me the most. The speaker was preaching about how we can have idols in our lives and not be aware of it. He said something like this:

"If you love something you will want to pursue it, you will think about it, you will talk about it and it will consume you."

He went on to say that if you think about and value anything above God it has become an idol in your life. That hit me hard because I could think about things in my life that were more important. You can try to justify your craving for sports, music, friendship and fame but you cannot justify it because it does not stand equal with the value of the Cross. I thought about what I wanted and I saw that above all those things was Christ-and he matters more.

When we want a good thing, whether it be money, musical genius, athletic talent or fame; if we desire any of those things more than we desire God we have become idolaters. The Lord has given each one of his Children talents but that does not give us an excuse to tell God "Thanks" and walk out the door as we set of to fulfill what we want for ourselves.

We owe Christ everything. We owe him our love, our devotion, our admiration and our worship. What do you love? What consumes you? What are you pursuing? The verse that we faithfully recited before meals at camp rings in my mind-calling me to chase after things that are of value in the eyes of our King.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Lay aside whatever is standing between you and a complete love for Jesus Christ and make Christ the ultimate object of your worship for he alone is worthy of it. May we be only consumed by Christ.

This link is a must see

2010-08-25T19:31:00.002-05:00

I would highly encourage you to click on the following link. Sadly, that video is all too true.

http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/sundays-coming-movie-trailer/all

Finding certainty in the face of uncertainty

2010-08-22T13:26:00.004-05:00

There's so much uncertainty in my life right now. What's going to happen to my aunt, am I going to be accepted to the colleges that are at the top of my list, what's my GPA going to be and can I really get all the things done that I need to do? It can be overwhelming to face uncertain circumstances but thankfully, God is certain of our circumstances.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
-Romans 8:28

Sometimes I find myself assured that it just isn't possible for all things to work together for good and when I think that way I am terribly mistaken. Romans 8:28 says, "all things work together for good" not, "all things work together for good if they begin well." You see, the Lord isn't limited to seeing only what we see. We see impossibilities, we see things that couldn't possibly work out for good, we see what is happening now but our Savior sees beyond that. He knows the possibilities, he is certain of the good and he understand how our future will be affected by the here and now.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
-Jeremiah 29:11

Our future is secure in the hands of our King and our hope will never die if we place our trust in the One who died and lives again. We can have joy in the face of uncertainty because we serve a risen Savior who is our life and who is a rock that will never be moved. Our Foundation is secure.

...Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...
-Philippians 1:6

You don't realize how short life is...

2010-08-16T12:36:00.004-05:00

...until you know someone who is dying. I didn't expect it at all but then, does anyone ever expect to be told that a family member has only a few weeks left to live? My aunt has always been a vivacious, happy, and beautiful person and to learn that she had terminal cancer was like being stung by a bee-you don't feel the pain until you are stung. Knowing that my aunt will meet her Savior sooner than anyone thought has made me re-examine my view of life.

I truly thought that I understood how short life is in comparison with eternity but I think I was mistaken in saying that I did understand. Each day that we have with someone is a gift from God and it is our choice to value or disregard that gift. Whether we notice it or not we often don't see each moment with the people we love as something that God could take away in a moment. We do not know that we have one more minute, second or hour with someone and when we forget that we lose what cannot be replaced.

Never take for granted that you will forever have your family or that a person you love could not be with Christ more quickly than you ever anticipated. The reality that I faced as I thought about my aunt was a reality that brought into perspective how temporal our lives are in contrast to the endlessness of eternity. As Christians we can have the peace of knowing that we will spend eternity with our loved ones if they too our children of God. Life is short and I do not know when you or I may enter into eternity but I would say this-life is short; never underestimate the preciousness of one moment of life that the Lord has given you.

"They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies."
-William Penn

Goodbye glasses!

2010-08-15T14:06:00.005-05:00

It's been so long since I didn't have to wear glasses that I keep reaching up to adjust them before I remember that they aren't there. I am so thankful that my Lasik eye surgery went so well and another huge blessing was that I went to my eye doctor yesterday and he said that my vision was the best he's seen in over ten years of post operative visits-isn't God amazing! I think I owe you all a thank you for the prayers as I had the procedure on my eyes. Each of you who prayed are so kind and I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I'll be posting more this week as I have a lot of things to say. =)

The men whom I have seen succeed best in life have always been cheerful and hopeful men, who went about their business with a smile on their faces, and took the changes and chances of this mortal life like men, facing rough and smooth alike as it came.
-Charles Kingsley

Charity Klicka talks about blogging, remembers her father, and shares what she would tell every Christian teen

2010-08-14T08:42:00.000-05:00

You may recognize the name Charity Klicka because her father was a champion for homeschool freedom and served many years on staff at HSLDA and lets not forget about knowing her from her blog.:^) I would like to thank Charity for being so kind as to be willing to share her heart in this interview. I appreciate her kindness and willingness to participate. Thanks again, Charity!

So tell us a little bit about yourself and your family:
I am a 15 year old Christian girl! I live in Warrenton, VA with my mom and 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

My Dad: Who is My Hero: Died Oct. 12th. I miss Him very much, But I know he is in a way better place :D
My Mom: Who is the Most Beautiful Mom Ever!! Encourages Me every day, Loves me even when I don't deserve to be Loved, and is there for me through Everything. She has done an incredible job of taking care of 5 children without having our dad. God has blessed her.
Then there is my sisters: Bethany (22), who is married to Benjamin Arnold-Bik, lives about an hour away from us. Megan (19) is next, and she lives in Tennessee close to her fiancee Brendan. Susanna (16), me (15), and my twin sister Amy (15) live at home still with our mom. Then there's the boys: Jesse (17), still lives at home. Along with Susanna they are legal lifeguards and are looking for a job as a lifeguard. (something I could never do!) And last but not least is John (12), he is my little guy. :) We do almost everything together. From getting up early and making breakfast, to playing with just about any toy and setting up towns in our guest room.

When you first began your blog, also entitled Footprints in the Sand, what was the main goal that you were trying to achieve?
I wanted to start a blog to show others that I don't have it all together. God is always there carrying me, He is the one set of footprints in the sand. I want to let others know that God is there for them too, He will carry them through there hardest trials.

How does your personal relationship with the Lord impact your life?
It impacts every part. From my decisions I make to how I relate with my family. I know I fail and mess up continually, but that's the beauty of God, He is always there to keep loving you and to pick you up when you fall down!

Most teen girls have at least two or three hobbies that they enjoy, what are some of yours and why do you enjoy them?
I love to do the fine arts, which includes: Art, photography, as well as singing and dancing. I also enjoy writing :D I enjoy these hobbies as a way of praise to God! My writing reflects my thoughts and the gospel to others, my photography shines God's light to others, and my singing and dancing are a way of worship to God for all that He has done for me!

If you could name one person, other than Christ, who has been one of the most influential people in your life; who would it be?
I would definitely say my dad. He has, and will be my inspiration for the rest of my life! He ran the race and finished, and is now with His Abba Father!
He never gave up when everything seemed to be going wrong, and the road ahead looked grim. He pressed on toward the goal of the upward calling of Christ Jesus!

What is the one thing you would tell every Christian teen?
Seek God first above everything else! "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 Don't let the worries of the world lag you down, like appearance, education, friends, and social standing. Give all that to God, and you will be surprised at how much peace and satisfaction you will receive. And remember, God has already forgiven you! When you say you are sorry for something, don't say your sorry to get forgiveness; say your sorry as an act of praise and worship to God! He has already forgiven you! You are already washed as white as snow!

Since you have older and younger sisters I was wondering if you could tell us a little bit about what the have taught you about life.
Don't just keep physically pure, but emotionally as well. Guard your heart and your body against the ways of the world and of sexual sin. And to Keep your eyes focused on God, let your life reflect God's light!

Before we finish up, is there anything else you would like to share with the blog readers?
Study the Bible, and engage the culture with Truth and Love! If you are interested in a way to study the bible, I have an excellent plan that I received from a worldview camp.
I will make that available in a few weeks, so e-mail me if you would like one: footprintsinthesand23@yahoo.com

P.S. This post was scheduled in advance so that you could have something super to read while I am away from the blog.

Life

2010-08-10T19:30:00.003-05:00

Today I sat in the doctor's office for what seemed like an eternity. I completely failed at coaxing blogger to upload all those camp pictures into a post so I thought I would just let you know why things have been quiet around here. First of all I started back to school this week and secondly I am scheduled to have eye surgery this weekend so doctor's appointments have been my life lately. Have any of you ever had Lasiks eye surgery? That's what I should be having on Friday and I will be very glad if I never have to wear glasses again. If you would please pray that the surgery would go well and that I wouldn't have any complications. Secondly, please pray that I'll have a positive outlook about Physics because at this point, I'm already behind on my homework and it's only the second day.

Just a few minutes ago my mom told me that I need to start working on my college applications and that was shocking to me. Wait...wasn't I just in third grade? I am excited about applying but still, choosing a college is a big decision to make. And then there's the ACT which is forever calling my name and making me question my intelligence. =)

So...this is life and it's good but I'm feeling the pressure and I need a piece of chocolate.

Ashley Green shares about leading a Bible study, her favorite attribute of God, and her favorite Bible verse

2010-08-05T10:43:00.005-05:00

Three years ago I met Ashley and little did I know what a blessing she would become as my friend. Jesus Christ is Ashley's First Love and it shows in her life. Ashley has written an article for Leslie Ludy's Set Apart Girl magazine and has been interviewed by Loving the Lord Ministries. Ashley, thank you so much for being willing to be interview but most of all, thank you for loving the Lord and for being my friend.

For starters, tell us a little bit about yourself and your life.
I am 18 years old, and a senior in high school. I'm blessed to have grown up in a loving Christian family, and to have come to know my precious Lord when I was young. I enjoy playing the piano and violin, as well as teaching piano lessons. Meeting friends for coffee, spending quality time with my family, and traveling to new places are a few of the other things that I enjoy.

You are currently leading a Bible study for junior high girls, would you mind sharing a little bit about what that's like?
It's an absolute blessing! When God first began laying the burden upon my heart to begin a Bible study for junior high girls, I was extremely apprehensive. I didn't feel capable of leading a small group, much less able to disciple girls! But His call continued to get louder and clearer, and I realized I must obey. So I stepped out in faith, trusting that "He who calls you is faithful; He will do it." (1 Thess. 5:24). God has provided everything I need to lead this study, and given me a love for each of the girls. They are so sweet, and have such tender hearts. We are going through the book A Young Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George, and it has been powerful! I ask them to read the chapter beforehand, and then when we meet we discuss how it applies to our lives. We've had some great conversations, and I praise God for what He is doing in all of our hearts. How faithful He is!

Upon first beginning the Bible study group what was your main purpose in doing so?
My main purpose in beginning the study was to simply encourage the girls in their walk with the Lord, and to practically show them what living wholly for Christ looks like on a daily basis. When I was in junior high, Godly role models were a huge part of my spiritual growth process, and I simply wanted to come alongside the girls and encourage them that following Christ is always worth it. Even though it often means making difficult decisions, the blessings far outweigh whatever you give up for His sake.

What do you think is the most important focus a Christian teen can have and why
This may sound simply and extremely basic, but I honestly believe that the most important focus we can have is simply to focus on Christ. When we do that, life "uncomplicates" itself. We realize that He is the solution to every problem we will ever face! All that we could ever need or desire is found in Him alone.

What are some of your thoughts about where God may be leading you in future service for him?
I honestly have no idea! After high school I'm planning on attending a Bible college and majoring in elementary education, but after that I really don't know! God has definitely placed a call on my life to serve Him, whether here in the States or abroad. I'm open to whatever He has, and am very excited to let Him lead!

If you could share one thing with Christian teens who are struggling to walk with the Lord, what would you tell them?
"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 3:8) Come humbly before your Lord and ask Him if there is anything in your life that is hindering your relationship with Him. And if there is, ask Him to give you the strength to remove it. When God walked me through the process of purging my life of things that were standing in the way of my intimacy with Him, I remember thinking that I couldn't give that up, because life wouldn't be complete without it! But I soon realized that God doesn't ask us to remove certain things just because He wants to make us miserable. He does it because He loves us so much He doesn't want anything to stand in the way of all He has for us. If you're willing to let Him purge you and walk the narrow way in obedience to Him, you will find that "in His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)

Out of all the wonderful verses in the Bible, do you have a favorite one that you like to go to when you are struggling or need encouragement?
Recently 2 Corinthians 12:9 has been a huge encouragement to me. It says,"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." It's so wonderful to know that my weakness provides an amazing opportunity for HIS strength and power to be made manifest in my life! Like Paul, I am learning to boast in my weaknesses, because it's then that His power will rest upon me! "For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

There are so many amazing attributes about our Savior but which one stands out to you the most?
His mercy. He saved me, redeemed me, called me by name, and made me His own. Even though I fail Him time and time again, He never gives up on me. He never leaves me. He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love!

Victoria Emmons talks about acting, Come What May, and gives advice to any teen who wants to act

2010-08-05T10:23:00.009-05:00

Many thanks to the talented Victoria Emmons for being willing to be interview for Footprints in the Sand. You may recognize Victoria as the actress who played Rachel in the film Come What May but did you know that she has also played in other films as well? Sit down, grap a cup of tea, and see what Victoria has to say about acting, God, and advice she would give to Christian teens interested in a career in acting.

We would love to get to you know a little bit, could you tell us a little bit about your personal life?

Well, my name is Victoria Emmons, and the Lord is my Savior and King. I seek to follow Him in my life in all things, living for Him and not my glory or pleasure. I have been involved in film for the past 3 years and I'll continue that until God shows me that it's time to move on to other things. I'm 21 years old, and I live in Oregon with my parents and 3 sisters.

Many people have seen the film Come What May and will recognize you as a leading actress, what was the best part about acting in that movie?
The best part of working on Come what May was meeting the cast and crew and becoming close to them. That being my first movie, I had never worked so closely with so many people until then. It was an amazing experience to share with them and I will count them as my friends, Lord willing, for the rest of my life.

Another huge aspect of working on that film was the great growth I had as a person. Not only did I learn how to work with so many people day in and day out for weeks on end, I also learned quite a bit about myself and how I work with others.

In Come What May you play a Patrick Henry College student named Rachel, are you and the fictional character similar in any way?
We are actually quite similar. With each movie I do, I always look at the personality of the character and see what she is like and what her goals and motives are. Then I look at my own life and observe the similarities and differences. Some roles I have to dig deep inside myself to pull out the similarities, but with Rachel, I didn't have to look as far. We are similar in that we both have strong beliefs and will risk being considered weird to stand for those beliefs. The debater aspect of Rachel wasn't very hard to grasp as I myself competed in a speech and debate league in highschool. We both play music, tell jokes, and are clumsy. But I have to admit that I normally leave the apple pie making to my sister. :-)

Other than the fact the God is against abortion, what makes this terrible practice so repulsive to you personally?
The sanctity of life is very dear and near to my heart. In highschool I wrote a persuasive speech on abortion and what we can do to end it. I was able to compete with that speech as well as present it to many different groups during those years. To me, I just can't justify aborting a baby just because the parents didn't plan it or didn't want it. I love children, and consider them a blessing, even in harder situations. It makes me cry when I think of how many babies are being killed just as I write this paragraph.

But even with my passion for life and the saving of babies lives, I know it is a tender issue and one that not everyone agrees with me on. I do not want to bring guilt to people or make them feel as if I do not care for them and their needs. I stand strong in my beliefs, but I love those that abort as well as the babies who die. Both need the Lord, and so I pray that they will come to know Him and the truth of life.

Outside of acting and performing music with your sisters and the Ivy Street Band, what are some of your interest/hobbies?
Well, lets see here. When I'm home, I love to spend time with my family and friends, as I really miss them when I'm traveling. I spend a lot of time writing, running, cutting hair, and reading. I really haven't had much time off since April, and so right now I'm really enjoying just...enjoying summer. :-) Taking walks, picking flowers, sleeping, talking, cooking...ahh, I'm loving it. There is nothing like waking up in your own bed and planning what you want to do with yourself that day. Next week I leave again for the rest of the summer, so right now I'm stocking up on my home time.

In the future do you think that the Lord may give you more opportunities to serve him through acting?
You never know, I just take it a day at a time. :-) This summer I'll be acting in my fourth film, and who knows where God will take me from there. I'm just along for the ride. Wherever He leads, I'll follow.

What words of encouragement would you give to a Christian teen who is considering acting as a career?
Consider carefully to see what your true motives are for acting. If it's your glory you're after, you'll get it..for a while. But it's not lasting, and totally not worth it. Your goal has to be the Lord's glory and following His plan for your life. If you really seek the Lord's plan and decide that He is indeed telling you to act, then go for it! It is certainly not an easy job, and there are a lot of pressures and hard aspects of it. But with the Lord, you will be able to persevere.

What is one fun or interesting fact about yourself?
I have a weird obsession with naming things. I have a bird named Elliot Quinton Boswell Junior the 4th, and a computer named Big Sam Thompson. My cell phone is named Bill, and the trunk of my car is named Bob. :-)

Thank you again, Victoria. It was a pleasure and an honor to be able to ask you these questions

I'm back from Wisconsin!

2010-08-03T17:21:00.004-05:00

After eleven days away from home and the Internet, I am back. Music camp was a wonderful experience and those eighteen hour days taught me a lot and left me craving sleep. The girls in my room...talented doesn't begin to describe them! They were amazing and we had such fun together and it was wonderful to talk about the Lord and what he is doing in each of our lives. The last day was hard for some of us because we knew we would never be going back as camper's but we could look on the positive side and think about going back as camp workers. We laughed, we talked, we curled our hair (and shut down the electricity in the process) and we shared a common faith in Jesus Christ. It was a memorable week and I thank God for it. I will be posting pictures soon so don't forget to drop by again soon!

P.S. Thank you to everyone who began following my blog while I away.

Camp memories and the hope of making new ones

2010-07-22T14:48:00.009-05:00

I was in the ripe old year of second grade when I first packed my bags to go to summer camp. I thought I was oh-so-mature since I was old enough to be away from my family for the first time. I made it through that week without any crying for mommy and daddy and didn't complain even though I didn't really like the camp food that much. Every summer for the next four years following my first venture, I went to camp for one fun week. I went two more time and learned more. I didn't think it would seem like such a short time since second and twelfth grade but now, it doesn't feel like long ago when I had my first bite of camp food and watched those hilarious skits that camps are famous for.

It's the last time. I may not always like the food, the lodgings might not be five star quality, and I may occasionally have a roommate who isn't my cup of tea; but summer camp always teaches me things about myself and I go home with new memories and new friends. This is the last year I will journey to camp as a camper-where did the time go? It's a summer of first and last for me. But as the Bible says, "To everything there is a season."

I am praying that as summer camp week draws near, and as summer comes to a close, that I would learn what God would have me learn as I put away the memories of summer camp fun and camp competitions and look back while walking forward.

P.S. Please pray for my family and I as we will be traveling quite a distance in the next several days. I would appreciate your prayers for a safe and enjoyable journey. Catch you in August!

This is cute!

2010-07-20T12:34:00.005-05:00

When I was young I would sing a song or hear a phrase and not being able to recognize a word exactly, I would repeat what I thought it said. The bad thing was, too often I would say something completely opposite to what was sung in the song or said in the phrase. When I first heard this little story about a little boy's perception of a certain situation, I had to grin and remember.

Timmy was a little five year old boy that his Mom loved very much
and, being a worrier, she was concerned about him walking to school
when he started Kindergarten. She walked him to school the first
couple of days, but when he came home one day, he told his mother
that he did not want her walking him to school everyday. He wanted to
be like the "big boys." He protested loudly, so she had an idea of how
to handle it.

She asked a neighbor, Mrs. Goodnest, if she would surreptitiously
follow her son to school, at a distance behind him that he would not
likely notice, but close enough to keep a watch on him. Mrs.
Goodnest said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it
would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well so she
agreed.

The next school day, Mrs. Goodnest and her little girl, Marcy, set out
following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor
boy he knew. She did this for the whole week.

As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, the little
friend of Timmy noticed that this same lady was following them as she
seemed to do every day all week. Finally, he said to Timmy, "Have
you noticed that lady following us all week? Do you know her?"

Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is."
The little friend said, "Well, who is she?"
"That's just Shirley Goodnest" Timmy said.
"Shirley Goodnest? Who is she and why is she following us?"
"Well," Timmy explained, "every night my Mom makes me say the
23rd Psalm with my prayers cuz she worries about me so much. And
the psalm says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the
days of my life.' So, I guess I'll just have to get used to it."

-Anonymous

Taking it on Faith

2010-07-16T08:38:00.004-05:00

I might be lying to you but you just don't know it. You believe that I am who I say I am. You couldn't exactly prove that I'm not an eighty year old lady who is sitting in a rocking chair and blogging as if she were eighteen. If you have never met me and yet you trust that I am truthful in my portrayal of who I am, why wouldn't you believe that God is who he says he is? To be honest, if you haven't met me; you cannot prove that I am not lying to you. Good news! I'm not lying about who I am but you still have to realize that you still are taking that statement on faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
-Hebrews 11:1

I have not touched, spoken to, or seen God face to face but I still believe that he exist. There is proof that my Savior is and that he always has been. There is no doubt in my mind that He is who he says he is. What do you think? You have faith that I am being truthful and you know that I exist; do you have as much faith the Lord is who he claims to be?

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
-John 20:29

Thomas didn't believe until he saw tangible evidence. He had to see the scars in his Savior's hands before he fully accepted the truth. What about you? Would you have to see the nail prints in Jesus' palms and thrust your hand into his pierced side before you would have faith enough to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God? Sometimes we have to look at things with different eyes before we can see the truth. Think about what you think is true and think about what you believe to be true about God and you will discover that you have more evidence for Christ existence than the evidence for the Antarctica's existence.

Take it on faith and the Word of God-Jesus is who he says he is!

He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.
1 John 5:10

Check it out

2010-07-15T12:18:00.004-05:00

Thanks so much to Melinda from Abounding Hope and Meditations of His Love for giving me the opportunity to participate in her Women of Faith blog week. If you would like to see the interview with me click here. If you haven't visited Melinda's blog, be sure to click here to head over there and don't forget to say hello. =) Check back soon for an exciting announcement here at Footprints in the Sand!

Loving the Least

2010-07-12T17:43:00.007-05:00

A dozen children played care freely on the mall playground and I sat there watching two of my younger sisters as the jumped and played as little girls do. That's when I noticed two little girls, they were quiet. It didn't take me long to realize that these two little girls were blind. There mother's sat talking about what it was like to raise children with handicaps. Those mother's were so patient and they cared. They helped the girls touch things, described what was around them, and reassured them that they were there and I wondered if I could do it. Many people in the world would consider these special children to be the less important than children who have not physical limitations and I discovered that maybe I don't care as much about them as I should. I wondered if I would have the patience and love to raise a child with physical handicaps and I questioned whether God would ever have me do it.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
-Matthew 25:37-40

Even the people that so many would consider to be less than the best God regards as precious. He is their Creator and the lover of their souls the same as he is for you and me. I needed to understand that I am not superior because I do not have a physical handicap or deformity-I have been given a gift of having a life that is not touched in a way that would limit me. I am so blessed and yet I too often disregard that.

God had something else to show me. For years my family has supported the Shepherds ministry, a Christian ministry that gives a wonderful life to men and women with physical and mental limitations. Often times the photos on the cover of the Shepherds newsletter is of men and women who have been born with challenges to overcome. I typically flip through the newsletter and go my way but when it arrived in the mail this past weekend, I thought about it more. I remember the blind little girls at the mall playground. It was if God was telling me that I needed to love more; to love the ones that some might think to be unlovable. No one is above administering love to anyone. There is no circumstance in which the Lord lets us, "off the hook." We are to love unconditionally with the love that Christ has given us. Overflowing, unconditional love-I pray that I will have more of it.

The List does not make me a better Christian

2010-07-08T13:42:00.007-05:00

There's a list the we're told we need to follow. This list is similar to this: what you can and cannot wear to church, where you can and cannot shop, how many times a week you have to attend church, and even how many children you need to have to really be obeying God's command to multiply and fill the earth. For a long time I thought that following the "list" made me a better Christian or, at least, one who was closer to God. But it wasn't true. I wasn't any closer to God because of following the list. I was a legalist-looking down on ladies who would come into church wearing slacks and evaluating every family based upon what I thought was godly. That's the problem. We base so much of what we consider to be godly upon our own opinions and we forget that we are not under the law but under God's grace.

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
-Galatians 4:5-9

As read in Galatians chapter four, we are no longer under the law if we are Children of God. If we make laws for ourselves that are not God's we are under bondage again to our law and our flesh. Why do we want to make these rules? I think it has something to do with this, we think that Christianity is just too simple-surely we have to do something other than believing? God did not call us to a set of rules but to a love that makes us long to do what is right without feeling suffocated by our own ideas of righteousness.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Galatians 5:14-15

Let me take a moment to pause to put to rest some fears you may have as you read this post. You may be thinking, "Has Elizabeth become liberal?" or, "Doesn't she think that we should follow some rules?" Let me assure you that the answer to both questions is a definite no. Many people have called me, "Very Conservative" and some just tell me I am, "weird" but that's okay because if you are living for Christ people will always think that you're just a little bit strange. I am not against modesty, conservatism, large families (I am from one), or consistent church attendance; I am against a man made set of rules that is not found in the Holy Bible. In saying that we are not going to follow a set of nonbiblical rules, we must be extremely cautious not to use our Christian liberty as an excuse to sin or break laws that are there for our protection. Clearly I am not going to run a red light because ,"It's not in the Bible" and if you thought that running red lights isn't against the Bible you must have not read the verses about obeying those who have the rule over you.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
-Romans 6:14-15

Live your life walking in the pathway that God has laid before us and honor him as you live under his grace. God has not given us the freedom to sin but rather has given us the gift of walking in his Spirit and being blameless before our righteous God.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
-Romans 8:1

Why you should watch Jeopardy this evening!

2010-07-05T11:25:00.003-05:00

I'll be the first to tell you that I hardly ever watch Jeopardy! but tonight, I'm going to be watching it. This is the first time someone I know is going to be on a nationally broad casted show so of course, I have to see it. Kyle is the nicest young gentleman that I have ever met and he is so smart and he's homeschooled. I am excited to see how Kyle did on the Jeopardy! show and I am hoping that some of you will tune into ABC tonight at *7:30 to watch the show.

*Times may be different for the part of the country you reside in, please check your local listings for the time.

Please read this blog post on the Rebelution and pray for the family.

In the spirit of Independence Day I will now post...

2010-07-03T10:49:00.005-05:00

...something that I wrote for an essay contest in the local newspaper. I really can't believe that the editor's selected my essay as a winning entry but I appreciate winning anyway. =) I hope to post more tomorrow! Have a wonderful weekend.

What the Flag Means to Me

It was carried into the War for Independence, thrust into Iwo Jima’s black sand, and raised above Ground Zero and though it all the American flag has persevered not only as an icon of liberty but also as a symbol of sacrifice. It is our duty to never forget why our flag has remained through times of testing and triumph.

At the close of World War II Winston Churchill stated: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” As I gaze upon the red, white, and blue and see it billowing in the wind; I can hear Winston Churchill’s words echo down throughout the years. I think about the brave men and women who pledged their allegiance to the American flag by giving up their lives to defend it. Under the shadow of freedoms greatest flag I find its words to me. Sacrifice-that is what this beautiful flag means to me. It speaks to me of how blessed I am to live in a nation where so many will give their lives to make this country a better place for those who live and for those who have yet to live under the Stars and Stripes. Sacrifice is undoubtedly the resounding voice of our flag as it proclaims liberty throughout America.

By Elizabeth Jackson

Please do not copy or transmit this essay in anyway without permission, thank you.

I heart my new header and button

2010-06-30T18:58:00.004-05:00

Did you notice something wonderfully different about Footprints in the Sand? Thanks to Maddie from 2X Design, I have a new blog header and button. I really appreciate Maddie's graciously taking the time to create a header and button for my blog. So what do you think? I think you'll love it. So go ahead, grab my blog button located on the sidebar and drop by the 2X Design site to see portfolio of the other beautiful blogs the team has given a facelift. Thanks again Maddie!

Here is the new blog button (the html code is located with it on the side bar)

I am officially an adult...

2010-06-28T06:20:00.005-05:00

...and wondering where the time went. I couldn't be 18, could I? Oh wait, I am. When I was younger I would complain that being this old would take forever to come my way but my mom would tell me, and I didn't believe her, that I would be a certain age before I knew it; mom was right. I'll quote a Nationwide Insurance commercial by saying, "Life comes at you fast." You see that cupcake picture on the side of this post? It has twelve candles, at least from what I can see but you're welcome to comment and correct that if you count otherwise, and six years ago when I blew out twelve candles I didn't know what lay ahead but God did and he has been there through every step of the way. There has not been one moment since my life began that God has not been with me and that is such a gift. Before I was born God had a plan for my life as he has a plan for your life too. I do not know what the future holds for my life but I do know that the Lord is always with me and he always will be. On my 18th birthday I want to thank the Lord and my parents for putting up with me all these years even though I haven't always been easy to love. I am truly blessed by the people in my life.

"Go forth today, by the help of God's Spirit, vowing and declaring that in life-come poverty, come wealth, in death-come pain or come what may, you are and ever must be the Lord's. For this is written on your heart, 'We love Him because He first loved us.'"
-Charles H. Spurgeon

This made me smile

2010-06-25T18:41:00.002-05:00

Even though I've had a bad day, this made me laugh. It's amazing that some people think that we homeschoolers are actually like this, little do they know. Great job to Daniel Gardner for the funny video below.

Homeschoolers at a Party from Daniel Gardner on Vimeo.

Tissue Box Reality

2010-06-23T13:57:00.004-05:00

Welcome to my reality, the one where the tissue box is your best friend and you wish you could start your day over again. At least I could start my day over again minus the allergies. One thing I can be glad about when I have allergy flare ups is that I can remember that God has given me one more day of life which he didn't have to give me so I can think about that and be grateful. Hmm...that last sentence reminded me of something Pollyanna would have said....ha, ha. Maybe I should play Pollyanna's "Glad game" because sometimes it's hard for me to be glad. One of those sometimes is now, when I'm not feeling well and I am supposed to have my birthday slumber party in two days.

I guess I need to learn that no matter what my present reality is, there's a reason for it and something I can learn from it. When I feel disappointed I can know that there's always the opposite which is happiness and it's more often that I experience that than dissapointment. When I am sick I can remember that most days I feel well. When the tissue box sits beside me and doesn't leave my side I can still know that we won't always be inseperable. What about you? Can you think of some ways to be content in whatever situation God has placed you? It isn't always easy but it helps on those days when all you're doing is licking a popsicle and blowing your nose.

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
Philippians 4:11

Niagara Falls is amazing!

2010-06-20T16:29:00.013-05:00

And I have the pictures to prove it.

Standing in Lake Ontario

Me at Fort Niagara (yes, it's a bad picture) LOL.

My bags are packed...

2010-06-14T07:33:00.006-05:00

...for vacation. My family and I are leaving today to go to Niagara Falls, Canada and along the way we'll be stopping near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to look at a college I am interested in attending. I would appreciate your prayers for a safe and enjoyable trip. Taking a family of nine 488 miles is always an adventure! I will not be blogging until I return so until then you can read old post or totally forget about this blog...grin. Oh, and I would be grateful if you would pray that God would give me guidance as well look at the college. Thanks so much and have a wonderful week!

Note: I wrote my last post for the Meditations of His Love blog, you can click here to read the last blog post.

Is honoring your husband a wife's highest calling?

2010-06-12T12:28:00.004-05:00

For weeks I have been thinking about doing a post about a wife's calling and now I am writing one. The question often arises: what is a wife's highest calling? Some have said that a wife's supreme calling is to love and serve her husband. Still other debate whether it would be to lovingly raise the children that God may have given her. Multiple ideas and beliefs abound but there is only one answer to what a wife's highest calling is or ever will be.

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

To love the Lord supremely is the answer. There is no greater command, there is no greater instruction than to love the Lord with all that is within you. The first of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord it is not to keep your house clean, to have a job, or to serve your husband; it is to love the Lord. Placing any calling above serving the Lord and loving him will result in an discontented life and your highest calling will not be fulfilled.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Ephesians 5:22

Ephesians 5:22 is often used to establish the fact that wives are to be submissive to their husband (a truth I do not deny) but I think we overlook the end of the verse. We are to submit, "As unto the Lord." To be submissive to your husband you must first be wholly submitted to the Lord because he is the ultimate authority for all mankind. To submit without any feeling of pride you must first love the one you are submitting to. To submit to your husband as unto the Lord you must first love the Lord.

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave...
Deuteronomy 10:20

Deuteronomy 10:20 sums it up well. Fear the Lord, serve him, and cling to him; and you will have done what he commands. To reach our highest calling we must first love the One who made us, who has called us to a higher calling, and has loved us with an everlasting love. Love the Lord and every other priority will fall into place, because when you love the Lord. you will have fulfilled the highest command and calling that you could ever have.

Note: I welcome your comments on this subject.

What If?

2010-06-10T12:43:00.005-05:00

"What if Heaven consisted of only those you reached for Christ?" I came across that quote and it hit me hard. My heart sank as I realized that heaven might be empty if it consisted of those that I have reached for Christ. But then I wondered if perhaps I have reached someone for Christ and I just don't know it. Maybe I have reached someone and I don't know it but that can't be my one consolation. I need to reach people for Christ so that I can be certain that heaven wouldn't be empty if I were the only one to reach anyone.

So what about you? What is your answer to the question, "What if Heaven consisted of only those you reached for Christ?"I am terribly afraid that I am not the only Christian who has not done enough to make sure that more people have the opportunity to come to a saving faith in Christ and yet we become so numb. We don't think about reaching people, it just doesn't seem to be something we think about. Maybe it's just something I don't think about, I hope it's just me and not anyone else who does this.

I answered the question and I don't want to have the same answer twice. I need to tell the lost about the redemption and eternal life thart is exclusively found in Jesus Christ. Will you commit to doing your part to advance the Kingdom of Heaven? I pray that we all will.

Is it worth it?

2010-06-09T09:17:00.005-05:00

I wonder if it's worth it. All the writing and all the time I have put into this blog. I wonder if what I have written has even touched anyone in any way. When I began this blog, I thought it would be worth it but now; I'm not sure. I find myself at a loss for words and I feel so inadequate. I hate this feeling because; when it comes to my writing I am a perfectionist. I judge it all. Every sentence, every phrase, and every punctuation mark; I judge and I forget that God is the judge, not me. The truth is that it is not worth it-nothing I write on my own is worth anything unless God is in it. That's where I struggle. I struggle to balance my feelings of pride with God's gift of humility. You see when I write I too often think, "I think this is a pretty good piece, everyone should love it" but when everyone doesn't love it I feel defeated because it was about me and not about the Lord. When I read what I write and see a complete failure I hear the Lord speaking me and telling me that if I would just humble myself and realize that any talent I have is from him, he would make it worth something.

I have been tempted to quit.To say goodbye to this blog and stop writing post but I have realized that if I don't learn this now I will have to learn it later: It's not so much about what I write as it is about the One who I write for. I need to learn that it's not for me, you, or anyone else; it's for the glory of God that I do what I do. I'm going to keep on writing and what I write may be a little bit more raw and a little bit more real.

The Whirlwind that is Life

2010-06-01T18:09:00.006-05:00

Life is crazy...as in crazily busy. I made it through an orchestra concert, violin recital, piano recital, company visiting, and Memorial Day all in the space of a week and I am tired. I guess the good news is that even though I have been busy I have still been able to write and essay for a contest and have two of my poems published in the local newspaper. Just in case you think I am a gifted poet, let me assure you that I am not. I always wanted to be a good poet but I think I may fail at becoming the next Robert Frost or Elizabeth Barret Browning. Guess what? My mom ordered one of my birthday presents and I love it already (but I have to wait 27 more days before I can "officially" have it.) What is this that I love? It's the lovely Beauty from Ashes shirt from Wild Olive Tees. And while we're talking about clothing I thought I would say that I am excited to have ordered a shirt from The Rebelution. Goodness, all this talking about shopping is making me want to go to the mall! =) Anyone for a trip to Old Navy or Macy's? I saw you raise your hand and I do wish you lived closer so that you could take me up on my offer. Ha, ha! I have now proceeded to thoroughly ramble (and become lost) on the bunny trail and will now sign off. Check back this week for a much better post!

If you're looking for a new post...

2010-05-17T15:50:00.003-05:00

...I apologize but I have not yet written one. I know it's dreadful that I have been only posting sporadically and I do hope to remedy that soon. Life can be crazy and right now, it is for me. Piano recitals, violin recitals, musical concerts, visitors, and other special occasions will keep me very busy over the next two weeks so I am going to be a taking somewhat of a break from blogging during this time. I appreciate your understanding and patience with the lack of blog post and commenting on your blogs. Please pray for me and my family as we are very busy at this time and have a lot to do. Thanks so much and I'll talk to you soon!

On a side note, if you would like to contact me please scroll down to the bottom of the blog to see the new contact form. All messages are confidential and I reserve the right to reply to or discard any messages as I deem necessary.

Down the Road

2010-05-12T09:38:00.007-05:00

It's the season of Pomp and Circumstance, caps and gowns, and teary-eyed speeches; it's graduation time. At this time of year there is much emphasis on the future and the generation who is graduating and perhaps not enough said about trusting the One who holds your future in His hand.

Graduation is an exciting time for many and possibly accompanied by a little anxiety for most. The questions come up. What are you going to do with your life? Where are you going to college? Are you certain that you have chosen the right major? Even though I am not yet a graduate, I have been asked those questions and have had an occasional doubt but am learning that I can trust God and know that with him, I can make the right decisions. There will be moments when life is overwhelming or things don't seem to be going as planned but in those moments, remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11

God has a plan and path for each person's life and he will never lead us where he will not go with us. As you walk across the stage, grasp the diploma that you diligently worked for, and reposition the tassel on your cap; you can walk confidently off the stage knowing that God is walking with you.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2010 high school and college graduates.
If you are graduating this year, drop a comment so that I may send you a quick message!

It's Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T15:31:00.004-05:00

Without her, you wouldn't be here. Mother's Day is today and if you have been blessed with a godly mother, thank the Lord and thank her for being your mother!

Motherhood is priced; Of God, at price no man may dare to lessen or misunderstand.
-Helen Hunt Jackson

To the homeschooled or anyone else who cares to read this

2010-05-06T12:49:00.009-05:00

I used to think so too so I can realize where you're coming from if you still think so. I would look at them at scrutinize them and attempt to decipher what was different about them. More often than not it was their clothing or what they did for entertainment that made them different from me; that made them public school kids. I always thought that public school kids were looking at me and thinking about how weird I was when in reality, I was the one judging.

Perhaps it is because we hear so many stories of the tragic things that happen in public schools or the crimes that students commit that those of us who are home educated somehow think that we are better. While I strongly believe that home education is the best choice for educating children, I know that we are not superior because of our educational choices or academic pursuits. In God's eyes, education is not as important as whether or not we have a personal relationship with him and yet we sometimes forget that. We base our value of someone upon what we feel to be right instead of what God values.

Several years ago I came to the realization that public school students aren't my enemies; instead, I came to have several of them as friends and acquaintances. You know what, they are very nice people and they are much less likely to judge me than I had been to judge them. Looking back, I see how wrong it was for me to think that I knew what other's thought of me when I didn't even know them. Giving someone a chance is one of the best decision's you'll make because, as I found out, you can make new friends and remove the judgment you might have had about them. If you are a home educated student, or have been in the past, don't stick your nose up at public school students because they're just as important to God as you are.

P.S. Feel free to share your thoughts about this in a way that is kind and courteous of others.

To my public and private school friends out there-I am so thankful for each one of you because you have taught me things about myself that I didn't know.

Time to Bloom (and to break out the camera!)

2010-05-04T18:37:00.011-05:00

Even though I can never do them justice, I love capturing some of the beauty of God's creation. I was outside with my camera today and just thought I would share a little bit of what I saw. Does anyone have any tips about how I may improve my photography? If you're thinking "Get a better camera," I can assure you that such a thing is not happening since I have a awesome camera. What ever your tips are, please direct them toward me! Thank you so much! One last thing, feel free to tell me which one you liked best!

One...

2010-04-30T15:42:00.002-05:00

...year left. I thought the day would never come when I would complete my next to last year of high school. Now, I only have that one year left-and I am astonished and thankful. I remember the times that I sat and glared at my math speed drills, sighed my way through read and think skill sheets, and declared that school was only devised to torture children (needless to say, I was very wrong.) I regret it, the whining and complaining. Of course, at the time it seemed like no big deal but now I realize that having the right attitude about what needed to be done was important. Not only was it important to my parents but it was important to God. God cared and he still cares about whether or not I did my best and he cares about whether or not you do your best.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men...
Colossians 3:23

As I closed my school book today and turned off my DVD player I thought about you (especially those of you who are younger) and wanted to exhort you to follow Colossians 3:23. I don't want you to have to come to a place in your life and wish that you had done all things for the glory of God instead of doing them in a way that suited you. I have one year left to try to redeem the time I didn't use wisely when I was a young student. So if you have one day, or one month, or one year left of your education; spend that time well so that you will not later regret the way you spent your days of schooling.

This says it all...

2010-04-26T20:30:00.003-05:00

When I compare
What I have lost with what I have gained,
What I have missed with what attained,
Little room do I find for pride.

I am aware
How many days have been idly spent;
How like an arrow the good intent
Has fallen short or been turned aside.

But who shall dare
To measure loss and gain in this wise?
Defeat may be victory in disguise;
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-

Reflection for Earth Day

2010-04-22T14:42:00.005-05:00

I didn't know it until I opened up my Google browser and there it was...Earth Day. It isn't that I am not interested in taking care of this earth and doing my part to keep it clean, but Earth Day has never been top priority for me and that's simply because I feel that too many people take it to the extreme.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Romans 1:25

It is my concern that many people use Earth Day as a way to take their environmental agenda to the point of worshipping the earth and valuing it above God's ultimate creation. The beginning chapter of Romans speaks of the people who fell into the practice of worshipping God's creation instead of God and as a result they did not prosper-they were punished. Before you begin to think that I am against picking up trash that litters the road, turning off the lights when you're out of the room, or taking care of the animals that live in our world; let me assure you that I am not against any of those actions. What I am not in favor of is the exaltation of our planet and the credit we give "Mother Earth" for what is "Father God's."

In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

I am a child of God and because I am, I have an obligation to be a good steward of God's creation but I am not to worship or value it above our Creator. All things should be examined with a Biblical perspective, even Earth Day. I would ask you to consider what you can do to make this earth a better place but I would suggest that you keep in mind that this earth is not our final home and it is not to take the place of that which is eternal. Thank the Lord for giving us such a beautiful world to live in and experience each day.

Lesson from a bar of soap

2010-04-21T12:58:00.007-05:00

I can remember it quite well. The green Irish Spring soap seemed to be glaring at me from inside the box and I did not like that. I deserved it and I knew it. My mom handed me the waxy bar and told me that I had to wash my mouth out with it. I can't remember exactly what bad thing I had said but this punishment was certainly well warranted (trust me, I was not always a well behaved child.) As I grew older I came to understand that my rude words were as bitter as that bar of soap and I also realized how terrible it is if we go one step further and loosely use the name of Christ.

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Exodus 20:7

I knew that if I ever used the words gosh or god (God in an irreverent way) I would be corrected with something more than sixty seconds of swishing soap around in my mouth. My parents taught my siblings and me that taking God's name in vain was something that we should not do because God commanded us not to do it. And why, if we are a child of God, would we want to carelessly toss around the name of the One who loved us enough to redeem us with his blood? Perhaps it is because we do not fully grasp the fact that Jesus Christ is jealous, jealous of his most holy name or perhaps it is because we do not care. Either way, it breaks my heart when Christian people casually toss around the Lord's name as though it were as common as a the word the.

Repeated in Deuteronomy 5:11 is the command to abstain from taking God's name in vain. If our Lord cared enough to include that in the Bible twice then don't you think it is important enough to obey? If you love the Lord, I would challenge you to think before you speak. Think about the Lord loves you so much that he knows you by name and knows the motives of your actions. I remember the bar of soap and I recall how terrible it tasted and it is my desire that I would never give my Savior grief because of my bitter words.

Are you willing?

2010-04-19T16:29:00.001-05:00

When I Grow Up I Want to Be A...

2010-04-13T07:18:00.002-05:00

Nurse, veterinarian, doctor, or a teacher; that's what I wanted to be when I "grew up". The phases were endless. One day I might be nursing my stuffed puppy back to life and the next day I might be teaching my imaginary third grade class about the wonders of the *Canis lupus familiarus, but no matter what I wanted to be; I was passionate about one thing-what I wanted to be.

Then there came the day when I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. It wasn't immediate but I came to realize that God had a bigger plan for me than my plan for me. It wasn't without reluctance that I yielded to what God was calling me to. It wasn't according my comfort zone, my willingness, or my personal idea; it was about Jesus Christ, not about me.

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:5

It was hard. Hard to let go and let God have his way and there are days when I still wonder just why God chose me for a certain purpose but I am striving to commit that unto the Lord and watch as he shows me his will. I thought I had it all figured out, what I should study in college (I thought it was missions) where I should live and what kind of car I should drive, but lets say that He has shown me differently. You see, I was trying to create my own idea of what I had to do to accomplish the Lord's dream for me even when it meant that I would be doing things that certainly didn't fit who I am. Slowly he began to show me that I do not have to lay aside the personality he gave me in order to serve him.

I had to understand that God created each one of us with certain gifts and abilities to use for him. There are things that I am motivated to do and things I am passionate about-things that my Savior has placed on my heart and I nearly tossed them away. I have come to realize that I can serve God on the missionfield without a missions degree. I have learned that my love for the English language can be a tool to reach others with the love of Christ. I have seen that music often speaks louder than words. So when I grow up I want to be whatever God wants me to be...you'll see what that is as his perfect time unfolds.

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

*Canis lupus familiarus is the scientific name for the domesticated dog. =)

A few more pics

2010-04-12T16:06:00.008-05:00

Remember this post? This is a little update about the person I asked you to pray for; there situation has changed a little for the better!

Anyone there?

2010-04-09T12:17:00.010-05:00

After eight hours waiting for a delayed flight and flying two hours on said flight; I'm back from Florida! Upon stepping out of the airplane I felt the cold air and wished that a bit of Florida weather had flown back with me.=) Without further ado I will share some of the pictures from my trip. I will try to post more as soon as I can extract them from my sister's camera.

Why We are Here

2010-04-03T13:27:00.001-05:00

Paid in Full

2010-04-01T13:15:00.006-05:00

"He came to pay a debt He did not owe, because we owed a debt we could not pay."
-Anonymous

How often do I go about my day and never even think about how much I truly do not deserve to live one more moment or have even a chance to spend eternity in heaven? To be truthful I must admit that it is very often that I take for granted the way my debt has been paid. Truly, I deserve to suffer and die for my sins; but Christ loved me so much that he suffered and died in my stead. He did the same for you too.

If there were a bill that listed all the things I had done wrong, and if it showed the amount I owe, it would be obvious that I could never hope to pay that bill. But what if I could see the bill once more? I would see that red letters were stamped onto the page. The red ink declares: "Debt is paid in full by Jesus Christ." This is what Christ did on the cross of Calvary; he paid our debt in full. All the mistakes, all the lies, and all of our other sins; they were nailed to the cross and we bear them no more. Although we bear our past sin no more but we must never forget the One who bore them for us and took the scars of our sin upon himself.

...So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
Hebrews 9:28

Christ will come again, and on that day those of us who have come to him for salvation will have the opportunity to thank our Savior for paying our debt in full. Remember, remember that apart from Christ we owe a debt we cannot. Remember that you are redeemed and thank God for sending the Payment for our insurmountable debt.

2010-03-31T11:09:00.001-05:00

This...this is beautiful

2010-03-29T19:02:00.002-05:00

And I love this one too.

Burdened to Pray

2010-03-25T12:30:00.008-05:00

The pressing feeling won't go away and someone suddenly pops into my mind for no obvious reason; God tells me to pray. It is in that moment that I feel overwhelmed by the omniscience's of our Lord. I didn't know why someone had come to mind, I didn't know why I felt so burdened, by God did and he knew that I needed to pray for the one that He had brought to my thoughts. There have been moments in my life when I just needed someone to pray for me and I knew I would feel so much better if I wasn't the only one praying about the situation. In times such as those I have often heard God reassuring me that everything is going to be okay because other's are coming before the Throne of God on my behalf.

What do you do when you are burdened to pray? Do you say a quick pray just to ease the conviction to prayer for someone or do you pray fervently for that person? I would hope that you would not be unwilling to spend five to ten minutes on your knees in serious prayer for another but would rather pray as you would have other's pray for you. We may never know why we were so burdened and we may never know what that person was going through but we can have the joy in knowing that Christ impressed upon our hearts to pray for a purpose. Do not brush away the leading of the Lord, yield to his beckoning and bring other's before God in prayer.

P.S. Please pray for a young man I know, he really needs the Lord's protection and guidance at this critical point in his life. Thank you.

It is Appalling

2010-03-21T18:24:00.004-05:00

If they were alive today and were able to witness this step toward socialized medicine, our Founding Father's would be appalled and saddened to see that our government no longer cares to postpone business until after the Lord's day. In my view, the President's lack of respect for Sunday and his evident disregard for our Biblical moorings presents to us the state of our Nation.

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."
-Thomas Jefferson

It is with a sinking heart that I find Thomas Jefferson's words to be timely and true. We have come to expect the government to take care of us, we have let things go unchallenged that should have been challenged, and we have come so far that our government conducts its business on Sunday; truly God must be disappointed. If you are a Christian and you are not bothered that our President would attempt to pass legislation on a Sunday then I think it is time you evaluated some things in your life to see if value you this day as you should. Pray, pray that God would open our eyes to what we have been overlooking. Oh that we would see how far we have come and would turn again to Jesus who is the only one who can heal us economically, physically, and spiritually.

Please share your thoughts as to whether or not you think it is wrong or right for the government to vote on legislation on a Sunday.

This and That

2010-03-17T13:21:00.003-05:00

I have come to realize that the number of Facebook friends, the number of blog followers, and the amount of new messages in one's inbox will not matter in eternity; what will matter is whether or not I impacted those people for Christ.

The End

*Next up...a TAG! Thank you to Abby for tagging me.

List 8 stories or books you would like to live in and then list 8 other bloggers who deserve this award.

1. The Bible

2. Ellanor's Exchange

3. Pride and Prejudice (Darcy where are you? My name is Elizabeth!)

4. Emma

5. Little House on the Prairie

6. Cranford

7. Little Dorrit

8. Glory and Honor

Since there are so many good blogs out there, I think I'll just tag anyone who wants to do this one.

*Please note that I cannot always do every tag that comes along so do not feel slighted if I can't do your tag.=) Also, the Footprints in the Sand blog survey is continuing so if you haven't taken the survey please click the link in the menu bar to do so.

Deeper Still...

2010-03-15T15:34:00.006-05:00

The Challenger Deep is 36, 198 feet below sea level and is the deepest know point in any of the world's oceans. Accessible only by the use of a submarine, the depth of the Mariana Trench (where the Challenger Deep is located) doesn't even compare to the depth of Christ love for us.

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39

Only a few have explored the depths of the Trench, how many more have experienced the vast depth of God's love? There may come a time in your life when you will have made a mistake that you think God cannot forgive you of, there may come a moment when you think God's love for you must have ceased, but it is then that our Savior takes our hand and gently carries us to a place that is a step deeper into his overflowing heart of compassion.

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:7-10

In Psalm 139, David declares the inescapable vastness of Christ presence with us. Listing the places that one might think they could be left by God, David finds that everywhere we go; our Savior goes with us. Deeper than the horror of hell, higher than the universe extends, and deeper than the deepest sea; is God If you are a Christian, you can never be cut off from the overwhelming love of God. No matter what you do or where you go, never think that God doesn't love you because the opposite is so true. Even more than you think he could, God is there loving you deeper...deeper still.