Well, it’s here. December 2008. Wow, can you believe it? Only another 31 days and then it will be 2009, a new year, a new chapter. Growing In Grace Magazine just published their 11th issue for the month of December, and you will want to check out some of the great articles…. interview, reviews, giveaways, tutorials, education, and spiritual encouragement in December 2008.
I had a lot of fun making the sewing tutorial for one of my columns in GGM, and it took very little money, time, or skill. There were a total of three supplies, three snips, and three seams. I think it turned out so cute and is a lovely winter accent to our home for the winter months. It’s not just for “looks” either… it has a purpose and can help with heating-expenses. Read about the Door-Warmer AND how to make your own in my article at GGM: Portfolio de Couturier: Door Warmer
I imagine perhaps next year I will do one for autumn as well. There are so many fabrics to choose from for seasonal purposes. Making one that matches your bedroom would be so cute.
Sadly over the past year I have heard of many deaths, from both friends and strangers. It truly saddens my heart. It always confuses me when others who are trying to comfort those grieving say that it was God’s will for their loved one to die, especially a child. You can read just about any book in the Bible and you will find either a verse or a reference to the fact that God wants His people to prosper and live long and happy lives. One of the well-known verses to back this up is in Jeremiah. I know it by heart as it’s one of Mother Dear’s favourite verses.
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.”
God knows exactly what kind of life he wants us to have. He wants us to have thoughts of peace and not of evil, and to have an expected end or in other words a long life full of hope. When people say that it was God’s will for a child or a father to die I fear they are completely wrong. Whenever I hear someone say this I think of Job. I have been reading through the entire Bible for over a year now, just letting God speak to me as I read, and the Book of Job really comforted me in more ways than one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. So many terrible things happened to Job that definitely weren’t God’s perfect will for his life, but God was in control the entire time.
I believe it is a falsehood, however comforting it may be, that it is God’s will for any of His people to die without having lived a full life, but because sin has entered our world when Adam and Eve stepped out from God’s perfect world our lives will be not be perfect.
However we know that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). We know that He is always in control. We know that He will never forsake us. We know we have His promise of His return and will be reunited with those who are His children.
The Bible says in this world we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer because He has overcome the world (John 16:33)!
Sometimes it’s hard to be bold and be strong in the faith. Sometimes we don’t see the end of the tunnel. Sometimes we have a hard time walking in faith and victory. I have struggled with these issues of fear, doubt, and dismay, and they can be hard to overcome…. on my own.
Some who read my blog might think I’m a very bold person, but honestly I’m not really. Anyone who’s met in real life knows that I’m not at all a bold or arrogant person. However, I will tell you that I am bold and strong in my faith. I want people to see that being a Christian doesn’t make you weak, it doesn’t constrain you, and it doesn’t hold you back. I want people to see that in Christ I am bold and strong, and I can tackle any obstacle satan puts in my path because my Jesus defeated death. I want to be bold and strong in every area of my life so that I can be the best possible light for Jesus that I can.
Be Bold, Be Strong
Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
I am not afraid
I am not dismayed
Because I’m walking in faith and victory
Come on and walk in faith and victory
For the Lord your God is with you
The main reason I picked this song this week is because I will be having a phone-interview today (or this week) and I’m really kind of nervous. I don’t do good on the phone and I’ve never spoken with the journalist, and this song reminded and encouraged me that I don’t need to be afraid or dismayed because I’m walking in faith and victory! My name does mean Joyous Victory of the People!
I hope it has encouraged you in someone way. Don’t ever be afraid to be bold and strong, or to do what’s right when so many are hover around you with a dissenting opinion. Don’t listen to them. Listen to Christ, and don’t be afraid to ask those who you know to be true for help.
The birthday boy and his annoying birthday gift. Sorry that the picture isn't that great:(
Well, we all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We cooked for two days...which was fun. We have started a tradition by playing chick-flicks as my mom and I cook. This time it was Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Ahh...it was "so refreshing" as Miss Bingley would say:)
I don't have any pictures yet, my dad has taken the camera on his two day hike, so maybe around monday I can post something:)
Today is the day we decorate for Christmas. Usually we do the deed the day after Thanksgiving, but we had the party yesterday. Its always so much fun playing Xmas music and, well, "decking the Halls":)
In school I read The Epic of Beowulf. Needless to say, it inspired me to draw some pictures.
The other day I was asked to join a template making group called HSBartists. So now I'm officially making other people's templates. :-D Come and visit our blog!
Yes, of course, we should always be thankful for everything we’re blessed with, but it’s not too often we actually sit and ponder what those things are. I picked 27 things to list that I’m thankful for because this year Thanksgiving is on the 27th of November.
Amanda and Rachel, the two other older sisters in the house. I’m thankful for them because not only do they put up with me but are willing to give of themselves in many areas for the family and for me.
A computer. I’m often complaining of what a horrible computer I have, but I must say it works far better than not having one at all.
My Dad’s job that allows him to come home everyday, though it’s late
The ability to stand and move - even if it means I can also clean the house.
[fake] Curly hair
Dinner every night
Being homeschooled
LucyLillie’s smiles and giggles
Caleb sleeping at 3am
Artistic abilities
The comfort of family and Jesus when I feel betrayed, over and over
twitter, an excellent way to keep up with bloggy-friends
That I can bless people, instead of just receiving
Two eyes to see, a nose to smell, fingers to type, toes to find furniture, ears to hear, etc
Promises of God
A heating-system, though I’d love a wood-stove!
Lessons God gives me
Thanksgiving dinner
Scripture Share
Hebrews 13: 5
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”
Always remember not only to be content but to be thankful. We have the promises of Christ our Saviour that He will never forsake us!
I hope you have an absolutely fantastic Thanksgiving! Be sure to take a photo of your table and then check at Growing In Grace Magazine for a fun linky!
It has been a while since I posted...Things have been crazy around here..it has been hard to find the time to sit down and post...Really sorry
I guess I will start with what has been going on and then a few pics =)
Well we have three foster kids...they are a handful...lolz...they always keep me busy...they are good kids
ummm....My sister got a job at a daycare...I don't know she does it but i would lose my mind...I don't think I am cut out for that kind of job lol
My Gators are doing awsome!! Their last game was 71-13 I think...We are playing great!! I am very happy with them...On the other hand my Jags completely suck...There have been rumors about seeling our team if we don't straighten up sooo I am a bit worried cuz we are doing awful and we may be sold to Los Angelas or somwhere like that =(
We just got all our Christmas decorating done! Took us 2 weeks to do it all!! lolz...My mommy likes to go all out sooo it takes a while! Lots of decorations though!! IT IS BEAUTIFUL!!
IDK...there has been alot of little things going on but nothing important to talk about... soo I guess I will post some pics =)
hello to all who were brave enough to venture into my blog! I'm a sixteen-year-old Christian living in crazy California! AKK! I'm random, I post strange things sometimes, and LOVE writing, reading, hanging with friends, wrestling in the mud at random moments with friends, listening to music, dancing with my invisible Prince Charming,typical tom-boy stuff! I have a '66 Chevy long bed pick-up (his name is Dragon) that my dad, lil' sis and I put back together! I LOVE LIFE!!!!!! its hilarious!
This is Josh, peeling potatoes
Mom and Caleb plucking the turkey (every year it always has a few feathers left)
our mashed potatoes, heh, with lots of butter and cheese...oh my
Guess what I am reading in school now:) 
The birthday boy and his 
This is King Hrothgar at his mead hall, Heorot.
Beowulf getting ready to fight Grendel.
Grendel, looking ugly as ever...
My afghan from 
being goofy
lol
