Little Miss Anna

This precious girl is my new little cousin, Miss Anna Grace Green. 

I think she may already have everybody wrapped around her little finger.  :)

 I was so blessed to get to hold her for awhile.  I think it made my day. :)  I probably could have sat and watched her sleep for a very long time.  Even though babies don't do much while they are sleeping, it is fascinating to watch their changing expressions, the little smile, and hear the soft coos that they murmur while they are sleeping.  I know I have already said it, but this little girl is so precious.  I pray that God will bless her and her Mommy and Daddy.  You may see this Kera and Andrew, so I just wanted to say thank you for letting us come see her.  It was such a blessing for all of us. :)

"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.  I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well."-Psalm 139:13-14

Friday For His Glory: Light

I am participating in a small photography challenge this year.  Each Friday we post on that week's theme.  I thought that I would also post my picture and thoughts from the challenge on this blog. :)


This week's theme is "light."

"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 'I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.'"-John 8:12

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor 

toil in vain." -Philippians 2:12-16 

Have a blessed day!

In Him,

Kristin

Friday, For His Glory: Music

I am participating in a small photography challenge this year.  Each Friday we post on that week's theme.  I thought that I would also post my picture and thoughts from the challenge on this blog. :)

This week's theme is "music."

I Need Thee Every Hour

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord; 

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford. 

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.  

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby; 

Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain; 

Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will; 

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One; 

O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.

---

Although I haven't sung this hymn as much this year, I still think that it applies to all areas of my life.  These "old hymns of the faith" mean a lot to me because they help me remember to trust in God,
(Rock of Ages, I Need Thee Every Hour, etc.) as well as show HIS magnificence (Holy, Holy, Holy for example). 

I hope this song blesses you like it has me. :)

In Him,

Kristin

A Word on Language

John Witherspoon, an American founding father and educator, said "What follows from this?  That he is the best friend to american liberty, who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion, and who sets himself with the greatest firmness to bear down profanity and immorality of every kind," (emphasis added).  Witherspoon believed that vulgar language and immorality went against the principles of our nation.  However, the common view today has drastically changed.  Patrick B. Pexton, an opinion writer for The Washington Post, says in his article Profanity in the Post that "A war of words is being waged in The Post newsroom...This is mainly about whether The Post should reflect in its stories how people talk, whether and how to quote them when they swear, and whether as writers we can occasionally throw in the well-placed expletive to convey emphasis, tone and verisimilitude."  I believe that profanity opposes Gods commandments, can unnecessarily communicate emphasis, and indicates a foul mind.

God expressly commands in the Bible to not use foul language.  For example, in Exodus 20:7 God tells us that "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain" (NASB).  Uttering God's sovereign name while angered, or to make a point, undermines His glory.  Another example, Proverbs 22:11, says that "As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,  so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion."  Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "discretion" as "cautious reserve in speech."  If we do not practice this reserve in our speech, than we will become a ridiculous beauty, lost in sin.

 Writing, a powerful and effective gift, can make great impacts without the use of curse words.  One of the most vast languages in the world, English, constantly grows in vocabulary.  What does this mean?  In Profanity in the Post, Pexton writes that "Asking writers to forsake any foul language would be like asking artists to paint without the color blue." I believe we have many words to convey "emphasis, tone and verisimilitude," (Profanity in the Post) without the use of a curse word.  For example, Patrick Henry a founding father often called a "passionate speaker" by his peers, had the ability to produce speeches that rang with truth, without a single profanity.  One of Patrick Henry's often quoted statements says: "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take but as for me; give me liberty or give me death!"

Incredibly reflective of the human mind, the human mouth shows plainly the inward thoughts of a person.  In Matthew 7:15-16, Jesus warns his disciples: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them" (emphasis added, ASV).  Similarly, a person's "fruits," or in this case their words, reflects either the person's Godly intentions, or their sinful desires.  When a person uses a curse word, even if out of habit, it displays the inner reprehensible thoughts from the person. We must not become as the wolves, but strive to mirror the lamb in word and thought..

Pexton sums up his views in the following quote: "Occasionally, though, a writer needs to take a risk to tell a story faithfully and creatively, and that risk should be rewarded. Asking writers to forsake any foul language would be like asking artists to paint without the color blue."  While I do agree that a writer needs to represent a story effectively, we should not use foul language to "get the point across," so to speak.  God commands us to "take every thought captive to obey Christ," (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV) and so we must apply ourselves diligently to make certain that our words, actions, and thoughts, give glory to God.  We need to "bear down upon profanity" because God commands against it, we can achieve "creative writing" without it, and because profanity indicates the sinful thoughts of a person's mind. 

---

Thanks for reading, I would love your thoughts!

In Him,

Kristin

My Violin

Many of you may know that I love to play the piano.  And I do mean love.  I couldn't imagine life without it. When I'm in a huff over something, and have temporarily lost my ability to reason (hehe), my Mom knows what to do: "Kristin, go pray and play the piano." :) Yep, it's true.

But, there is another instrument that has also captured my love.  However, this instrument took much longer to learn to really love, and not just for its looks.   Only through many tears, have we come to the relationship that we have today. :) 

A few years ago on my birthday, my Memaw L brought a small, navy blue case to my house.  I had been thinking about learning how to play another instrument, but I wasn't sure yet which instrument I wanted to start.  When I opened the case, it was like love a first site.  It was so beautiful in that ragged blue case, that I couldn't stop looking at it.  I had absolutely no idea how to play it, or how to tune it, or really how to take care of it, but I was eager to learn.

Now fast forward two years. :)

I didn't practice, I didn't touch it, I was so frustrated with it!  My teacher said I was doing well, but I wasn't moving forward as fast as I wanted too.  "Why don't I sound good!  Why do I get so tired!" were questions I kept asking myself.  So, when I didn't get the results I wanted, I got bored with it and quit.

Gasp I know.  Great is the journey of maturity and patience in my life. :)

Fast forward, again, and here I was a year later, greatly regretting my decision to quit.  So I started back again, willing myself to keep on.  I still struggled though.

Oh boy, I struggled.

But I at least felt like I was getting somewhat better. 

And so I would have time lapses.  I would love it for a month, hate it for a month, and so on.  But, I did not want to quit again.

And now about now.

There are still many times when I wish I sounded like so-and-so, or could play notes as fast ever, but I have at least realized three things: that I need patience, prayer, and diligence to learn how to play this amazing instrument.  Somewhere, at sometime, God gave a person the smarts to create the violin.  And while I still need to strive to get better, and to push myself, I just want to say that if there is something in your life that your are struggling in...

Learn violin.

No, not really. :)

Turn to God and pray that He gives you the patience, strength, and diligence to keep on keep'n on.

Have a blessed day!

In Him,
Kristin

Now, I need to go practice... :)

On that Voice

A few weeks ago, I was standing in a check out line when I heard a mother in front of me raise her voice at her child.

Yikes.

It is true that the little girl wasn't obeying her: she was pretty much doing everything in her power to go against what her mom said.

Anyway, it wasn't a pretty site.

As I watched the mom finish checking out, it made me wonder why many of us (yep, I said us), resort to that form of um...

communication.  Especially, when we get angry or upset. 

I am most definitely working on this area.  It is very difficult for me: I think I am doing well and then the tone of my voice shoots up.  After my wonderful mother gives me a quiet reminder, I am back to where I started:

Frustrated...again. :)

I have come to realize that I tend to raise my voice because I think that it will either:

• Help my point to be seen and heard.  Not just any seen and heard, but seen and heard. 
• Make a certain person listen to me (read: listen as in obey).
• Because I am angry and upset. 
• Or, I am not happy with the situation and I want to change it (as in subjecting to an authority).

Ouch.

In Proverbs 2:1-3, the Bible tells us when it is proper to raise your voice. 

• "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,"

So, when can we lift our voices?  Only when calling in prayer to God for wisdom, direction, and understanding.

My problem is that I forget, very often, how I am supposed to properly use my voice.  I become ruled by my emotions, and that filters over into my tone.  So that raises another question: How am I supposed to guard from raising my voice?

1.      Pray that God will make me more aware of my sinful nature so that I can fully glorify Him and ask for His insight. 

2.      Spend quiet time with God.  The closer we become with Christ, the more inclined we are to think like Him.

3.      Remember that I am not the only one I am hurting when I raise my voice.  First of all, I hurt the person across from me (who I am raising my voice too).  Secondly, I am hurting my younger brothers and sister (or maybe children in the future) by showing them that it is fine to raise my voice when I get upset.  

Our voice is a wonderful and powerful gift from God, one that has been used to do amazing things.  But we so often take advantage of this gift, abuse it, and turn it into a weapon.  Uncle Ben was so right in saying that "with great power, comes great responsibility."

There was one more person in my little story besides the mother, her daughter, and myself:

the cashier woman.

This wonderful lady handled the mother's angry, terse remarks with excellent grace.  She quietly asked for the mother's things, gently told her the price, called in to the manager when told that she was wrong, and to top it off--took off a discount for causing the "difficulty."

I just stood and marveled.

After I had finished checking out, I walked out of the store thanking God that He puts little reminders in my life that help me to "stay on track."

I hope and pray that God will make me more aware of my sinful nature so that I will can fully glorify Him, ask for His insight, and remember to keep that voice in check. :)

• "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."-Colossians 4:6

Have a blessed day!

In Him,
Kristin

P.S. For your information the "Uncle Ben" referenced in this post is not Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Banneker, or Benjamin Moore, but is in fact "Uncle Ben" from Spiderman.  Yep, you saw that right.  Uncle Ben said those famous words to Peter Parker while sitting in his car, parked on the side of the street in the first Spiderman movie. :) 

Friday, For His Glory: Pink

I am participating in a small photography challenge this year.  Each Friday we post on that week's theme.  I thought that I would also post my picture and thoughts from the challenge on this blog. :)

This week's theme is "pink."
 

The first person the enters my mind when I think of "pink," is my little sister, Ashlyn.

She never leaves the house without something pink: A headband, a purse, or even a pair of socks.  She just loves pink!

But what I love about her (well, one of the many things I love about her :) ), is that while she is girly, she doesn't act frail or naive, she just goes out there and does her job.  She pulls weed in the garden while wearing a massive pink bow in her hair, she plays and wrestles with the boys while wearing her pink boots, or a sparkly rhinestone belt.  She enjoys life...with a little pink thrown in. :)

And now, my picture:

Here is Ashlyn, close to sunset, about to feed the chickens.  But notice what she is wearing: a gigantic, fur, pink coat with a dark magenta dress.  She quickly fed the chickens, hopped over the fence, and then raced me back to the house.  All in her "pink." :)

"Enjoy life with...whom you love, all the days of your...life that He has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever you find your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:9,10 ESV).

In Him,
Kristin 

For This Year

I just can't seem to post consistently.  It seems like I drop off the earth for eight months at a time!

Really I just get busy enjoying my life.  Trying to learn new things and live my life for His glory.

It's a pretty hard job actually.  When God says he wants control of everything...He means it!  I find it very difficult to remember to surrender to Him always.  Sin blinds me so easily that I find myself wandering from His words, trying to live me life by my own means.

For Christmas this past year (still getting used to this whole 2012 thing :)), my parents gave me the Godly Woman's Adornment book collection by Lydia Brownback.  I have really enjoyed reading and studying the different character traits these four books expound on: joy, contentment, trust, and purity.  I usually read them as I need them: such as reading Joy and Contentment when I feel like pouting, or Trust when I am not sure of the future :).   I am glad that God has been using these books in my life as a small reminder to always look to Him.   

For example, an expert from Trust:

"If we struggle to trust God, it's because at some level we don't believe He is really good.  If you are trusting in something besides God to keep you safe and to make you happy, you are probably doubting in God's goodness.  Such doubts gain a foothold in our hearts when God doesn't act the way we think he should or the way we expect that He will.  

But God often acts contrary to how we think a good God should act.  The answer we think we need seems so logical and clear to our way of thinking, yet God does not provide it.  That is where faith comes in.  Real faith isn't the belief that God will do a particular thing; real faith is the conviction that God is good, no matter what He does and however He chooses to answer our prayers.  God always has our best in mind, and he works to bring it about, no matter how many look initially to our way of thinking."

If I had to sum up one of the biggest lessons I learned (and am still learning) in the year 2011, it is that of to trust in God.  There have been many experiences this year where I have had to forget my own intentions or ideas, and lean on Him for guidance.   In return, I have received many blessings from the Lord--some of them hidden at that time to my eyes :).  But, I am so glad that God continually perseveres  for the hearts of those children He loves so much. 

I hope this new year brings many blessings to you, and that we all learn how to lean on the Lord. :)

In Him,

Kristin