Nov. 17, 2009 Jealous & Perfect
Once there was a girl named Taylee. She was small, thin and had curly hair. She had a beautiful face; green eyes, auburn hair, full lips and strait teeth. But Taylee didn't think she was especially cute. She loved horses and animals and lived out in the country with her family on a small but sufficient ranch. One year, Taylee decided it would be fun to take her horse, Merrylegs, to a local Horse Camp through the 4-H Horse Club. Throughout the Spring and early Summer, Taylee and Merrylegs worked hard at getting ready for the show. They worked on English Show Jumping, Western Pleasure and Endurance Racing. Merrylegs was a cute little cream colored Arabian. He had lots of spunk and determination. He enjoyed being ridden by Taylee and desired to please her. They worked great as a team. Taylee didn't just have to get Merrylegs ready, she also had to pay for the Horse Camp fee. It would be about $300.00 to go to Horse Camp. Taylee worked diligently selling pizzas to her family and friends in order to raise money. She also got a few sponsors from local businesses. After a few weeks, she had raised the money she needed to afford the fee. As the date for the Horse Camp grew nearer, Taylee's Dad drove her and Merrylegs to some Riding Meetings with the other 4-H Horse Club kids to practice for horse camp. It was to be held at the Leader's ranch. At the first Riding Meeting, Taylee noticed a pretty girl a little bit older than her wearing a CruelGirl brand cowgirl shirt and Wrangler jeans and the exact pair of cowgirl boots Taylee had wanted for Christmas but her parents couldn't afford! The girl's name was Naomi. She had gorgeous thick dark brown hair and perfect eyebrows and perfect teeth and perfect lips and a perfect nose and perfect dark eyelashes that she blinked a lot. She had gorgeous green eyes and an adorable smile. Everything about her was perfect. Perfect head, perfect body, perfect clothes. Perfect life.
"She probably has a ton of money," Taylee thought to herself. "in order to afford all of those name brand clothes!" Then Naomi brought out her horse.
Taylee groaned. It was a large, bay horse with perfect conformation and a perfectly symmetrical blaze. It's mane and tail were perfectly combed out and perfectly trimmed. It's coat glistened in the sun as Naomi spritzed some spray that glossed the coat even more.
Instantly Taylee had a decision to make. Should she be jealous or be thankful for what she had? Without even thinking about it, Taylee was jealous.
The more meetings Taylee and Merrylegs attended, the more she was jealous of Naomi. She was such a good rider, she had every piece of tack you could dream up, and was always dressed elaborately. Naomi was always kind to Taylee, and Taylee treated her considerately, but was continuously and secretly jealous. Come to find out, Naomi was the ranch owner's daughter! She lived at the wonderful, huge ranch! Taylee now almost despised Naomi.
"Why don't I live on a huge ranch with dozens of horses to ride and a fortune of money to spend on elaborate clothes and tack?" Taylee whined to herself. "It simply isn't fair!"
The day before horse camp, Taylee's Dad drove her and Merrylegs up to the campgrounds. She had packed a sufficient amount of clothes for her and hay for Merrylegs. The camp would provide food for Taylee and a stall for Merrylegs. After setting up straw and water and hay in Merryleg's stall, Taylee headed for her family's humble camper to bed down for the night. On her way to the camper, she noticed Naomi putting away her tack. Glittering saddles and new saddles and bridles and show clothes - all stored in a fancy horse trailer/camper that was huge!
"It probably even has a shower." thought Taylee. "I have to take a shower in the dorm's bathrooms. Ick."
Taylee's jealousy didn't get any better. All throughout horse camp, the Devil kept throwing thoughts at Taylee's mind. . . .
"She is such a show off. She really isn't that good of a rider."
"Her horse is not near as good as Merrylegs."
"I wish she could make a mistake. Just fall off already!"
Satan was having a hay day.
One day, Taylee seen Naomi with a handsome boy after classes. Then she snapped.
"Mom!" Taylee stomped into the camper. "Naomi is so annoying! She has perfect horses, the perfect face, the perfect life and I am so ugly and have a little Arabian and don't live on a huge horse ranch or have lots of money!"
Taylee's Mother looked at her with surprise. "I thought Naomi was a nice girl."
"And now she's talking to Jacob! The rich, handsome cowboy." Taylee added.
"Sounds like you've got some jealousy going, Taylee. You need to be grateful for what God has given you. You could live in the city in a dumpy house with no horse at all!" her Mother corrected.
Taylee went to bed that night with a pouting face and a hardened heart. If she would only open her spiritual and physical eyes and see the wonderful life and horse and blessings God had especially assigned to her! He had given her everything she needed, yet she refuted it.
The next day was the last day of horse camp. After Jumping, Polo and English Flat classes, Taylee and the other students headed off to lunch. Taylee told her riding buddies to go on ahead; she needed to wash her hands in the restroom. Surprisingly, the bathroom was empty. In the silence, Taylee's footsteps echoed. While washing up, she heard a soft voice.
"It's not fair, Mom."
someone was crying.
"You can't just invite Jed. I want Dad to come!"
silence.
"No!" the voice grew louder. Taylee froze, soap bubbles falling from her wet hands. Should she listen or keep washing?
Softer now, the voice said, "It's not that easy. No, you don't understand. My life is not the same anymore. I still act like your Naomi, but I'm not on the inside. My heart is broken in two! When you and Dad split up..." a sob echoed throughout the empty stalls and showers.
Taylee realized that it was Naomi and she was on the phone. She never knew Naomi's parents were divorced. She always thought Jed was Naomi's real Dad. Naomi always acted to content around him. The voice continued.
"I really miss Dad."
pause.
"No, you don't. Ok, I'll invite him. Then you don't have to contact him. Fine."
silence.
"What?"
pause.
"whatever. bye."
Taylee heard a phone close and decided now would be a very good time to leave. she left quickly and silently; wiping the soap off on her skirt. Walking to the cafeteria, it began to finally sink in. Naomi's parents were divorced! Naomi was not as happy as Taylee thought she was...she had a really rough life. It all began to come together. Today was the last day of horse camp. As always, on the last day of horse camp, there was a show the kids put together of Drill Teams. They usually invited parents and friends, and Naomi wanted her REAL Dad to come, and Naomi's Mom didn't want to contact him. So Jed was Naomi's step-dad.
Taylee was quiet throughout lunch. Her jealousy began to soften. "I'm so glad my parents are still together. I could be in her shoes, but for God's grace." Taylee began to realize that Naomi wasn't all that perfect. And it proved itself over that afternoon. Every day after lunch, a different group of kids had to help clean up trash and do dishes. Today was Taylee's turn and Naomi just happened to be in her group of kids to clean that day. Naomi had a little sister named Lyndi. Lyndi loved to be obnoxious. To everyone. Especially Naomi. As they were cleaning up, Lyndi was snacking on some Whoppers. You know, little chocolate candy balls that are crunchy; like cocoa puffs. As Lyndi popped some Whoppers in her mouth, she looked at Naomi with a goofy grin. Then she opened her mouth up wide, showing off all of her chocolate gooey watery goodness. Taylee didn't think much of it; since Lyndi was a little sibling, and younger siblings usually did annoying things like that, Taylee expected Naomi to shrug it off. But Naomi grew very upset.
"Stop it, Lyndi. I said stop! Oh! Stop! You are so annoying! Mom!"
Taylee stared at the 17 year old Naomi. She was acting like a 7 year old. Naomi and Lyndi's Mom turned around to look at them.
"Lyndi, knock it off." she said, grossed out.
Lyndi smiled and showed off one more mouth full for good measure.
"Sto-op it!" Naomi said louder, in a nasally, whiny voice.
Taylee was in shock. Her parents would never let her little brother, who was 4, act like that, let alone herself if she was Naomi's age.
Naomi began to fall off of Taylee's pedestal in her mind.
Naomi's Mom looked at Taylee apologetically. "Naomi, quit."she scolded; embarrassed. Naomi's Mom knew Taylee and her family had a high Christian profession and she felt bad that her 17 year old daughter would act to immature aruond Taylee.
Suddenly, Taylee began to laugh. She laughed at Naomi's pouting, cute face. She laughed at Lyndi bringing out Naomi's true self. And she laughed at herself for thinking Naomi was perfect.
Naomi became embarassed and annoyed at Taylee laughed at her and turned away. Taylee tried to control herself, but was having trouble.
Later, Taylee told her family all about Naomi's parents being divorced and how hard it must be. She also told them how childish Naomi acted and how she whined, "Sto-op it!"
And now, anytime anyone in Taylee's family acts ridiculous or foolish, they mockingly joke and whine, "Sto - op it!" All in fun , but a serious reminder not to ever, ever put people high and lifted up in our minds. Nobody is perfect, no matter how rich they are, how pretty they are, how many cute guys chase them, or how many big houses they own. Most likely, if they are not saved and have given their life to Christ, they have a sad history in their background that they are simply attempting to cover up with Cover Up.
There is now a girl named Taylee who learned her lesson well. She now is living on her small but sufficient ranch, and thanks God for every square inch of it. At least she can live out in the country at all! And she loves and rides and enjoys the bond she has with Merrylegs - her very own and very special Arabian. Taylee is still small, thin and has curly hair. But she now knows she has a beautiful face; green eyes, auburn hair, full lips and strait teeth. She thanks God that she has a good looking face; to see, hear, smell, taste, and eat. She knows God has given her face and body to her for a special reason, and she now cherishes it for Prince Charming, who will come along when God wills. And she never, ever lifts any human up on a pedestal - but praises God for His perfect will in her life. Of course, there are people to appreciate and love, but not to be jealous of or to admire over God.
~ Miss aMandalin
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I was thinking back at all the things God has done for me - you know, counting blessings - and I was amazed at everything God has done! To look back on what He has brought me through is incredible. I challenge you to think back on everything He has done!
Miracle He has done:
~ healed what we think was a cancer spot on my back
~ healed staff infection in my thumb
~ saved and sanctified me
~ salvaged our family from two car accidents - one on black ice & another encounter with a deer
~ brought me to The Church of God
~ healed all the many wounds of my horses
~ helped Tala (my dog) when she had a stick lodged in her throat
~ took away my nightmares! this was a big deal - I had nightmares constantly - every night. Ones that I would be crying over. We had a minister pray for me and rebuke the Devil and I haven't had a horrible nightmare like those ones since. That was over 2 years ago!
~ helping my cousin when he had a horrible dirt bike accident and punctured his kidney
~ helped heal my cracked rib for a horseback riding accident
~ helped heal my head from a jumping (horseback riding) accident. I hit my head really hard and was dizzy and had headaches for two weeks.
~ gave me a really nice horse and saddle! actually, all of my horses were given to me!
~ healed my Grammy (grandmother)
and many more little (yet important to me) things God has answered. It is amazing all He will do for us if we will just submit ourselves to Him.
~ Miss aMandalin |
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Nov. 16, 2009 Tag: Davidette
Tag from Godsgurl93 . 1.Have you ever had chicken pox? no
2.Do You drink coffee? not with braces hrmph =(
3.Do you read the Bible every day? yes
4 Have you ever kissed a guy? yes - my Dad
5.What is your favorite food? chocolate
6.Does it snow where you live? ha! lots. like 5 feet a year!
7.Are you a tomboy? no - a country girl
8.Is Jesus your Savior? yes 9. Have you read The Love Dare? yes. It is a wonderful book! Even though I do not have a husband, I apply it to my family. 10. What is your favorite scripture? Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer. 11. Would you rather have lived during the Flood or in Egypt during Pharaoh's reign? in Egypt during Pharaoh's reign. I would want to help set slaves free! 12. Favorite Bible story? David and Goliath 13. Why? because I use David's attitude towards battles that come in my life. "i come to the giants in the name of Lord." "The battle is the Lord's." I can be a Davidette! =) ~ Miss Mandy "Davidette" |
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Nov. 16, 2009 Diary - November 16th, 2009
Today… November 16, 2009
Outside my window… is blackness
I am thinking… that the music I am listening to right now is getting annoying. also that I am squished. a family member on each side staring at everything I am typing. =)
I am thankful for… where do I start? how about this list I made of all the miracles God has done in my life... click here.
I am wearing… a jean skirt, a T-shirt and sweater.
I am reading...lately, Elsie #4, Love Comes Softly #4, Do Hard Things, Fearless, and According to the Pattern.
I am creating… a new post
One of my favorite things…is Idaho
For education this week…I read Around the world in 80 days, The History Channel's Louisiana Purchase, watched Christy # 2-4, and practiced my piano, rode my horse, did book work, and cleaned house. =)
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning … I am always using "cleaning". I am learning to about Courtship in school.
A spiritual lesson I’m learning… "a true witness delivereth souls..."
A godly character trait I plan to work on… patience
Scripture I am memorizing… Proverbs 31:10-31
I am praying for… growth in our congregation
For the rest of the week… I will be very, very busy. A picture I’d like to share…
~ Miss aMandalin
The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge . . .
Proverbs 1:7 |
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I had to post this picture. =)
My sister, brother and I were doing school at the kitchen table, and Emily (as always) was incessantly singing or talking or making some sort of "background" noise. There just happened to be some duct tape near, and my camera as well. >=) As you can see... she ended up having to be silent! (besides grunts or motions, of course.)
Of course, this is all in fun. Emily is just as big as me, so I really wouldn't be able to hold her down and do this. We were just having some fun. She's really dramatic - I love her expression.
~ Mandy |
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I've been wanting to do something BIG for God - be someone special for Him. But after thinking over, "What can I DO?" I realized it was not ME who would do the doing - but JESUS! If anything incredible has or is or will happen; it is because God cares - not because of me!
"Not because of who I am, but because of WHAT He's done!
Not because of what I'VE done, but simply because of WHO He IS!"
as the song, "Who Am I?" by "Casting Crowns" says. (I don't recommend the music. It's pretty wild. But these words are good.)
So I asked myself, "What could I do, not to get recognition for ME, but just to glorify God?"
So here's what I came up with, well, actually GOD came up with all this. It was inspired by His Word. =)
LOVE my family and friends as God does.
Have JOY in the simple gifts God gives.
Savor the PEACE Jesus gives through salvation.
Be LONGSUFFERING in all things.
Use GENTLENESS toward people, animals and my possessions.
Feed GOODNESS with literature, music, etc. that pleases Him.
Practice FAITH in prayer, thoughts, and actions.
Don't forget those with the fruit of MEEKNESS enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Use TEMPERENCE in all aspects of life.
By doing these things I am serving God with everything I am! Satan doesn't want me to be sitting here with a God-directed pondering heart! He wants me to forget God and be proud. Or forget God and be discouraged. Either way, he's got me.
So I'll keep my head up - lifting my eyes to Jesus - the Maker of the universe, the Calmer of the oceans raging wild, and the Healer of such a soul as mine.
I will lift mine eyes.
Galations 5:22-24
In Christ Alone,
~ Miss aMandalin |
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Nov. 14, 2009 The Richest Person Alive
"As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness." Psalms 17:15
Out of anybody in the world, God's people should be satisfied when we wake up in the morning. Sometimes we wake up feeling not very happy for no apparent reason, but God's People, the ones who live by The Word and are saved and sanctified through Him, shall be satisfied in Him, especially when we awake! "I shall be satisfied when I awake..." Praise God I can have such peace in my soul. Who am I? No one. Just a little country girl up in Idaho. Not very strong, not much to behold; but satisfied in Christ. And that makes me the richest person alive. =)
~ Mandy
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Nov. 14, 2009 We Don't Choose What Goes on our Palette
Imagine your a student in a classroom. In an art class. You and dozens of classmates are learning from a master painter. One day, your teacher displays a painting of his own. It's an incredible work of art, and he wants each of you to copy it. You're about to begin working when you turn to look at the person next to you. You're surprised to notice he has a larger brush than yours and a differently shaped canvas. You look around at the rest of the class. Some students have acrylic paint, others watercolor, still others oil - and everyone has different colors. Though you all have the same assignment, you each have completely different materials. This frustrates you. Some students have materials you would prefer for yourself. Why should they get them? You're not the only one to notice this. A hand goes up. A girl to your left with only a ragged brush and three shades of blue on her palette is noticeably agitated. "How do you expect me to duplicate your painting when the people around me have so many more colors to choose from?" The teacher smiles. "Don't worry about the others. I've carefully chosen the brushes and paints for each of you. Trust me. You have what you need to complete the assignment. Remember, your goal isn't to create a painting that mirrors the person next to you, but to make a picture faithful to my painting doing your best with the materials I've given you."
I thought this was really good! It is from Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris. I related it to life. Not everyone has wonderful parents, or is home schooled, or is able to live out in the country, or even live in a country where Christianity is allowed. Not everyone can sing, ride horses or even read. Not everyone can draw (I can't!) or drive (not legally) or cook (that I can do) but God STILL expects everyone to life sin-free and serve Him. Why else would He die? It was a challenge to me.
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. BUT GOD is faithful Who will not allow what you can't stand..." from a song the young people sing at church
~ Miss aMandalin
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Nov. 14, 2009 Deep Satisfaction in God
This was taken from Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris. It might be a little different than the book - I changed it around somewhat. =)
Committed to God's glorious place in the future for my life; my ultimate hope is in God - not man. I must want God more than anything else and know that He can understand and satisfy the deepest longings of my soul.
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." -John Piper
I can exalt God by trusting in Him and desiring Him above anything else in my life - more than companionship, more than romance, more than marriage. When I do, my life says louder than words that HE is more fulfilling than all these things.
Make God the object of my soul's longing and He TRULY satisfies with lasting peace and joy. Only then can we be truly happy because we are living for someone GREATER.
~ Miss aMandalin |
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Nov. 14, 2009 "Jesus So Near"
Here is the poem I wrote that I promised I'd post. =) Please be considerate and ASK before using. THANK YOU
The Lord God is so good to me
my prayers He answers well
I shall not fear or want with Him
as Father and my God!
He comforts and provides for me
loves, cherishes, and still
when stumbling blocks arrive
He guides my feet as well!
Never to hunger, ne'er to thirst
Jesus shows me through His faithfulness
that He cares about me
no matter how big or small
my problem or trial
the Lord answers them all!
It may not be in my time
or frame of mind
but I do not mind because
when I have Jesus on my side
all is light - no matter what the fright.
He is my all, my Savior; friend,
when life seems dim; look to Him
and all is light
why should I worry, faint or fear?
when I have such a friend as Jesus so near?
Well, not very good, but I meant it from my heart. =)
"THOU wilt keep {her} in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on THEE because {she} trusteth in THEE." Isaiah 26:3
I changed all the "he"s to "she"s. =)
~ Miss aMandalin |
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