Victorious Declarations

Two months ago, I wrote an article about the power of words, if you haven't read it - you can find the post here.

Just a few weeks ago, my dear friend sent me something called "Victorious Declarations".  What it is, is a list of Scriptures that you read over yourself.  It helps you refocus your thoughts to the mind of Christ, and to speak godliness over you, your life, your thoughts, etc.

It is amazing!  So amazing, I just had to share it with you all :)
Please feel free to copy this list, print it off, and add other Scriptures to it.  Make it yours!

************

~ I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps. 139:14)

~ I am like a green olive tree planted in the house of God. (Ps. 52:8)

~ My life has been redeemed from destruction and I am crowned with loving kindness and tender mercies. (Ps. 103:4)

~ I am my Beloved's, and His desire is toward me. (Song of Songs 7:10)

~ I have been given the mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:16)

~ I have been bought with a price, I am not my own, I belong to God. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

~ I have been made righteous by Jesus who became sin for me, that I may become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor. 5:21)

~ I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ loves in me. (Gal. 2:20)

~ I was chosen by God before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love. (Eph. 1:4)

~ I am accepted in the beloved. (Eph. 1:6)

~ I have been made alive together with Jesus. (Eph. 2:5)

~ I have been delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom I have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13-14)

~ I have been made complete in Christ. (Col. 2:10)

~ I am of Abraham's seed in Christ, and an heir according to the promise. (Gal. 3:29)

~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

~ I have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-control. (2 Tim. 1:7)

~ Not by works of righteousness that I have done, but according to His mercy He saved me, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)

~ I am kept by the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet. 1:5)

~ I am a new creation, old things have passed away. (2 Cor. 5:17)

~ I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5:18-19)

~ I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)

~ I am a living stone in God's house. (1 Pet. 2:5)

~ I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39)

- - - - - - 

What are some Scriptures you like to speak over yourself?

Comment the Scriptures below.  Maybe others would like to add them to the list ;)

Wait for the Best

Wait for the guy who loves his Savior more than he loves you.

Wait for the guy who leads you spiritually.

Wait for the guy who puts Christ as his head and at the center of the relationship.

Wait for the guy who pushes you closer to the Lord, than to himself.

Wait for the guy who respects you and your family.

Wait for the guy who loves you for who you are in Christ and as an individual. Who doesn’t stop showing you and telling you just how much he loves you.

Wait for the guy who reaches for your hand, no matter where you are, and holds it proudly.

Wait for the guy who is so excited to have you in his life, that he introduces you to the entire world.

Wait for the guy who is passionate and serious about what he does (in work AND serving God), but yet he still makes you his priority.

Wait for the guy who makes you genuinely laugh. The laugh that lingers long after the moment has passed. The laugh that makes it impossible to be down in the depressing times.

Wait for the guy who puts in an effort to keep his integrity. Who keeps his word every . single . Time.

Wait for the guy who is always there for you, who is committed, and who talks about your future without any question.

Wait for the guy who is always making you smile, no matter what.

Wait for the guy who never stops trying – flowers, handwritten special notes, out of the blue dinner dates, home-cooked meals.

Wait for the guy who dances with you, even though he can’t.

My dears, wait for the best!

"Say Goodbye" - Mandisa

During my three mile walk two days ago, I came across a song {Say Goodbye} by Mandisa (love her songs) and it made me think ... I love when songs make me think :)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! {2 Corinthians 5:17}

When we are made new in Christ, we need to put what we used to be behind us.  No matter what our past mistakes be, no matter how much we hate what we use to be like.  We need to "say goodbye" to who we once were, and embrace who we are in Him.

Enjoy this song by Mandisa - I hope you are greatly encouraged as much as I am when I listen to it! :)

Being Mission Minded << Your Time to Speak guest post - Mrs. Lori B >>

So often when we think of missions we have this idea it means going abroad – over seas - to share the Gospel with those that are lost and have never heard the name Jesus Christ. It seems so glamorous in it's ideal situation. After all Jesus did tell us in Acts 1:8 that “ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” But does that really mean that each of us must travel to the ends of the earth in order to share that sacred name; Jesus? It is my opinion that we, in fact, need to rethink what being mission-minded truly means according to the Scriptures.

Let us first explore Acts 1:8. When Jesus spoke this “Great Commission” He wasn't suggesting we all jump on the next red-eye flight bound for Tim-buck-too. He says that we will be witnesses of him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost. Let me create a word picture – think of Jerusalem as your home; your neighborhood. Judea could be the city you live in. Samaria is the bigger picture; your country – the US. And of course the uttermost will be the places that you may never think of going (traveling abroad). So in this verse he talks of ministering to everyone... starting from those closest to you. But the where does it really start?

I believe it all starts at home.

Please don't misunderstand me... there is a definite place for people traveling across our boarders to tell others of what God did for us on the cross. I believe Christians (as a whole) have lost sight of the big picture. We see so many suffering and lost lives via the media, visiting missionaries, church bulletins that I think our lens is clouded as to what He first called us to – the family. I believe being mission-minded starts in the home; serving God selflessly and then extends outward with a motion like a drop of water in a cup. But what does serving God selflessly look like for a twelve, fourteen, sixteen, twenty (some) year old young lady look like today? A married woman?

It looks like a rose, emerging from the soil, beautifully giving credit to its Maker's design – blooming to be what it's suppose to be, exactly where the gardener has planted it, in its perfect time. Giving glory to God in everything.

We are each a rose, God is the Maker (as well as the gardener). He planted each of us, regardless of the season we are in, exactly where we are. He makes no mistakes, therefore if you are still in school, do your school to the glory of God. If you've graduated, waiting for Mr. Right to come along, be the helper at home that gives glory to God. (did you know learning to serve your earthly father as you would your husband is not only good practice, but also glorifying to God?) If you've crossed over into the blessed union of marriage (even motherhood) – learn to glorify God by becoming the best helpmeet (mother) you can be for those God has entrusted to you.

You see... being mission-minded is more than travel, glamor, and verbally sharing the Gospel with everyone you meet. It is learning the heart of God and allowing Him to have that ripple effect through us, through our family. That's why I believe family is the foundation. We must strive to be women of purpose; to live our lives discipling our children and loving our husbands. We must direct our children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. We must be intentionally living with a generational vision. Our home must be our first mission field. Our family must be those that we purpose to effect first. Our children should be foremost on our list to disciple.

I understand it's a difficult place to be; not knowing when and where God has you going next. Especially when you want something so badly. God tells us He is a light unto our path, a lamp unto our feet – with that light, from that lamp - we are only allowed to see a short distance. He offers to guide us and protect us, but we must be in His will, being obedient in faith that He knows best. I would like to encourage you to stay the course and not give in to the earthly ideals of where your mission field “should be”. There are plenty of opportunities for being mission-minded in your home, in your city, in this country. Allow God to grow the vision of His mission in your heart. And if you seek Him and his kingdom first, everything else will fall into place.

- - - - - - - - - - 

Don't forget about the current giveaway!  The winner will be announced July 29th and will revieve homemaker's journal divider pages!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post!

Being Mission Minded << Missionaries Among Us - Sarah Bryant >>

♡ Will you please tell our readers a little bit about yourself? What are your favorite pastimes?

Hello! I am a homeschool graduate and live with my family on a farm in Kansas. I am thankful for God's faithfulness and the lessons He is teaching me each day. Living at home with my family is such a blessing, enabling me to be part of a home economy, while also doing graphic and photography work on the side. I am passionate about knowing the Lord, seeing His Kingdom and Gospel advance, serving alongside my family, and passing on a Christian heritage to future generations. We publish a magazine for young ladies, “The King's Blooming Rose.”

♡ Can you tell us about your family? Growing up, what were your family's convictions?

The Lord has blessed me with two godly parents who desire to teach their children to walk in God's ways. This has been a tremendous privilege for my five siblings and I, which also gives us a responsibility to take what we have been given and run further with it. I'm grateful for this Biblical foundation, which has enabled me to seek and know the Lord from an early age. There is still so much we all have to learn, and God is faithful to teach us in the journey of life. He knows what is best for us and what will sanctify us—and along the way, His Word is a firm Guide of life.

♡ How have your standards changed as an individual as you have matured in your faith?

As I have gotten older, I have realized why the things my parents have taught me are so important. I have studied the reasons why “we do what we do.” I can't just blindly walk down a path—at some point, I'll lose my way. Instead, I need to know from God's Word what He desires of me and how to live that out daily. It's so easy for us, as Christian young ladies, to merely rest on our parents' teaching. We can tend to be lazy about seeking the Lord for ourselves. We have been taught about Him, but maybe haven't put that much personal effort into studying His Word and finding out the reasons for our convictions. But our parents' faith and/or our “good moral lives” will NOT save us. We must personally and individually realize how short we fall of God's standard, and come before the Lord in repentance, desiring to mature in our faith and to know Him better. We must embrace our parents' Biblical convictions for ourselves, knowing why we do so, so that we can pass on God's testimonies to our future children, as Psalm 78 talks about.

As opposition to Biblical truth is increasing, persecution of Christians seems imminent. We—you and I—must be prepared spiritually, by knowing God's Word in and out, knowing what He desires of us, knowing what is right and wrong—so that we will have an answer for the hope that lies within us, and we will not cave in worldly pressure. God's grace is sufficient and will see us through hard days ahead! “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

♡ The Bible commands us to preach the Gospel in Matthew 28:19-20. How do you, as a young lady living under her father's protection, live this verse out?

The Gospel is what we, as God's children, should be all about. It should permeate every detail of our lives. It is not just a three-step salvation tract we hand out on the streets. Rather, the Gospel is preached through us every day by how we live and the choices we make. As we live in obedience to God's will for us as daughters and sisters, submissive to our parents and loving others, the Gospel is made manifest. Our lives are to be a living sacrifice for Jesus (Romans 12:1). Never forget that day in and out, you are “preaching the Gospel” to your siblings as they watch you. When you fail, you have a perfect opportunity to share Jesus by recognizing your sin and repenting. As they see you needing the Lord and His forgiveness, it will be a living testimony to them of the Gospel. Use these daily opportunities to share Jesus with those closest to you in your own home!

♡ You mentioned that you have a magazine ministry, would you mind telling our readers about the ministry?

KBR Ministries encourages young ladies in their walk with the Lord through several outreaches, including a books, conference for mothers and daughters, online articles, and a printed magazine. “The King's Blooming Rose” magazine unites a community of Christian girls across the nation who love the Lord, and desire to live for Him while serving their families. KBR also has published several books for girls, including The Family Daughter and a beautiful cookbook, The Maiden's Menu. We welcome you to visit www.kingsbloomingrose.com and join us in our journey to Biblical womanhood!

♡What are some words of encouragement/advice/wisdom that you can give to young ladies?

Seize the day—you will never have another “today”! Colossians 4:5 says, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” Today, we can seek the Lord, prepare for the future, learn useful life skills, serve others, and be faithful in our duties and callings. Do not despise the day of small beginnings (read Zechariah 4:10). We will not just wake up one morning with everything we need to live life obediently for Christ. We must start living for Him today. Sisters, seek the Lord and put Him first in your life. His Word offers us the Path of Life—Jesus Christ! “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Proverbs 4:18)

Alisha, Thank you so much for the opportunity to share!

To find out more about Kings Blooming Rose check out this video

!

Rachel's testimony << 2015 Salvation Celebration >>

I've Found a Resting Place

Hi there! I’m Rachel, and the oldest daughter in a family of 8 children. I love to study+memorize the Word of God, spend time with family and friends, play my piano and harp, craft, and so many other things. I blog at www.jewelsofjesus.blogspot.com , so hop on over and check it out sometime. :D Don’t forget to leave a comment!

I was born into a Christian family, for which I am extremely grateful! How blessed am I to have been born into my wonderful family…and having my parents emphasis the importance of following Jesus and obeying His Word is something that will impact the rest of my days. 
From a young age, my parents have taught me about Jesus and the Gospel.  As far back as I can remember, I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart. I remember praying with Daddy on several occasions, but never really feeling any different or freed. 

The Lord kept working in my life, convicting me. Then, in January of 2006, at the age of 8…one evening I was getting ready for bed. I reached out and grabbed my Bible, and started reading in John. After I had read a while, I came to a verse. I don’t remember what it was, but it moved me and a thought popped into my head: “If I died tonight, where would I be?” I knew in my heart that I would be in hell. I started to cry and my Mother came into my room to say goodnight. She asked me what was the matter, and I told her I wanted to ask Jesus to save me. She went and got Daddy and he showed me some verses, and asked if I was ready…and I said, “Yes!” We knelt and I asked the Lord to cleanse me and to give me a new heart. I still remember how I felt…so clean! Praise the Lord!

I did not get baptized immediately because Daddy wanted me to wait until I understood what it all meant. In 2009, I was baptized, and that was such a blessing. 

I am so grateful that the Lord is a merciful and gracious God, one who is slow to anger and forgives men of the evil they have done. I have failed in so many ways, and struggled through many things, but He is patient and kind and is still working on my life! I have learned that salvation is not a “say-a-prayer-and-you’re-done” matter, but a continual walking with the Lord, seeking HIM, dying to self, and so much more. I could keep sharing on different things the Lord has worked in my life, forming a more perfect salvation in my life, but I will just leave it at the beginning of my journey. Please pray for me! 

This hymn is a favorite of mine, and I think it sums my testimony up really well. :) May the Lord bless you!

My faith has found a resting place,

  Not in device nor creed;

I trust the Ever-living One,

  His wounds for me shall plead.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,

  This ends my fear and doubt;

A sinful soul I come to Him,

  He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word,

  The written Word of God,

Salvation by my Savior’s name,

  Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heals the sick,

  The lost He came to save;

For me His precious blood He shed,

  For me His life He gave.

I need no other argument,

  I need no other plea;

It is enough that Jesus died,

    And that He died for me.

-Eliza E. Hewitt

And last but not least, huge thank you to Alisha for inviting me to share with you. :D 

Tammy's testimony << 2015 Salvation celebration >>

Emily's testimony << 2015 Salvation Celebration >>

 Ransomed By Mercy

 The question “what is your testimony, or, how did you become born-again,” seems as though it would be an easy one to answer, but it is actually a rather difficult one for me.

The main reason being that in my memory, there has not been an exact defining point in my life where I felt as though I became born-again.  Being a pastor's daughter, I have always been raised around the church, and other believers, so I first gave my heart to the Lord as a small child. Through the years, as I became older and more completely began to understand the workings of the Lord in our lives, I was “up and down,” choosing to be a “Christian” one day, and then becoming discouraged and following my own heart the next. And, sad to say, I at some point completely stopped following the way of the cross. I had a very rebellious heart in my pre-teen and beginning teen years, and I had strayed from following my Heavenly Father in many different and subtle ways, allowing the lies and ideas of the enemy to fill my heart, soul, and mind. It was not until roughly 4 years ago, that my willful ways began to break, and God could really begin guiding me back to Himself. In May of 2011, my Grandfather passed away. That was the first time I had ever dealt with losing “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
someone close to me, and for awhile the grief felt as though it was more than I could bear. Looking back now, I can see how amazing and wondrous it was that through that time my Heavenly Father used the grief I was feeling to bring me back to Him. Although I still feel a deep sadness at the loss of my Grandfather, who was dear to me, I would never want to go back to those days, when the hurt was especially fresh and raw. However, I am very grateful for the lessons God taught me through that time in my life, and wonder to this day where I might be if God had not used something so drastic in my life for good! Travel with me back to a time in my life, in May 2011...After a particularly hard night, I suddenly felt a deep need to find what I can only describe as “something more.” I spontaneously picked up my dusty, rarely-used Bible, and soon found myself on my knees, crying and praying for hours. As the tears fell, it was as though I could feel and picture the tangible presence of God. It was as though He was taking me in His arms and comforting me. To this day, I have never felt the presence of God in such a real and drastic way as I did that night. As God continued to guide me through that time in my life, I determined that I was going to do the right thing and serve Him, no matter what the cost would be! God brought me to a point where I was tired of living with a restless heart, without peace or joy, and I knew that I could no longer make it without Him. Through that season of breaking me, YHWH helped me to realize my need of Him. And since then, God has constantly been drawing me nearer to Him. It may have been more of a "process" for me than it is for some, but I am thankful for the peace and hope I can now say that I have found in a relationship with my Creator. I am constantly learning how to better serve my Redeemer, so I am thankful He is very willing to guide and direct us if we are willing to listen and obey! I could never make it even a day without His mercy and grace. Although the pathway is often not easy, and I so often slip and falter, He is so faithful to hold on to us, as long as we determine to never let go of Him! I pray that His grace will become so very real to you, no matter who you are, or what point of life you are at!

In conclusion, I would like to thank my dear friend Alisha for allowing me the opportunity to share!!

Kelsey's testimony << 2015 Salvation celebration >>

First I want to say, thank you so much Alisha for asking me to do this, it has been such a joy getting to know you, and your heart for the Lord presses me to love Jesus more. 

This is my testimony of sorts...;) I grew up in a Christian home and my parents' were/are faithful in teaching me and my siblings about the Lord, and have constantly pointed us to Him. But, also growing up, we were raised in a very strict and legalistic church, in this church, the rules were made more important than Jesus. About six years ago, my parents eyes were opened, as they started reading the Bible and finding out that a lot of what we believed was not actually Biblical, it was more man-made rules that we had been believing. The Lord slowly brought us out of that "religion" very gracefully, and unlike many to leave very strict backgrounds, I became closer to the Lord rather than far away. About four years ago, the Lord started drawing me to Himself more, He put questions in my mind that only He could answer (and He did). During this time I had such a deep hunger for Jesus, and I wanted all of Him, and nothing else. Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" was my life verse, I knew if I wanted Him, I must seek Him. I spent time reading His word and talking to my mom a lot about Jesus. Also, during that season I heard of Ellerslie, and that greatly impacted my walk with the Lord, I went to their Set Apart Girl conferences, and was so encouraged by all the girls there, with their hunger and thirst for Jesus, it just inspired me to pursue Him all the more. I stayed at Ellerslie for a little bit of time, and learned so much, (side note: I went back this fall for 3 weeks, and enjoyed it so much). Ever sense I have been on a mission to know Jesus more and more each day, not just know about Him, but truly know Him. He rescued, redeemed and loved me, even at my worst. He is my Refuge, Well-Beloved, Prince, and Friend. It is my joy to be able to serve Him with everything I am. It's my hearts desire to never stop pressing into, and longing for more of Him in my life, because He is so supremely good and faithful, and He who promised is faithful! 

Hebrews 10:23 -Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering

To know Him, and make Him known,

Kelsey 

 A little bit about Kelsey:

 I long to be a Proverbs 31 women, and enjoy all things homemaking. My dream job would be to be, a wife and mommy if the Lord wills. I take joy in the little things and enjoy most things girly, and yet, I am an adventurer at heart and have 5 brothers. Some of those lovely joys in my life are...The color mint green, my mom, Ellerslie, funny friends, hugs, rainstorms, missions, Biblical femininity, the Gospel, baking,  shabby chic, laser tag, a clean house, having 5 brothers, evangelism, sunsets, laughing, organizing, Set-Apart Girl, adventures, Josh Garrles music, my Bible, chivalry, photography, Hebrews, Colorado summer nights, hospitality, and star gazing.

C'mon girls ... let's invest!

Today in our society, older sisters who take the time to invest in their younger sibling's lives are extremely hard to come by.  And to the modern families, this “way of sibling-hood” is foreign.  Why? Why is the idea of older sisters investing  foreign?  Honestly ladies, I don't know why!  Perhaps, no one has explained the importance of the investment they put into their sibling's lives.  Perhaps, they haven't been presented with “the challenge”.  No matter what the case may be, it is so important that we, as older sisters, invest in our sibling's lives.


When we invest in our sibling's lives, you show a love that  they will cherish.  This love is not the ushy-gushy love that we hear about today.  The love I'm referring to, is the kind of love Christ commands:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” 

(John 13:34)

It is so super easy to apply this verse to our outside friendships … am I right?  However, we need to actively apply this verse to our sibling friendships!
When you portray love (John. 13:34) you portray honor.  When you portray love and honor, you aren't allowing pride to get in the way … and when the pride doesn't get in the way, then you become more and more sensitive to the feelings of your siblings.

Being sensitive means to be aware of the feelings of others.  Sure we care feelings of our outside friends … in fact we hate the feeling/thought of offending them in any way!  But when it comes to our sibling's  we seem to throw their feelings off to the side.  Besides … we can get to them later, because we see them 24/7 … right??

Wrong!

Instead of throwing their feelings off to the side, take the time to show that you care!  Become their hero.  Become their shoulder to cry on.  Become their confidant.  Become their best friend.

Romans 12:15 says:

“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

The next time your little sister comes to you and says “look look look!  I got an A+ on my spelling test!”  Rejoice with her and show her that you care dearly for what she has to say!  The next time your little brother comes to you with tears running down his cheeks and says “my pet frog died!  What should I do?”  Gather him in your arms, and weep with him.  Host an on the spot funeral for his pet frog.

Why are those little things so important?
How do you want to be remembered by your younger siblings?  Do you want to be remembered as their hero, confidant, best friend, and much more.  Or do you want to be remembered as the older sister who only cared about her personal life?  The question we should ask our-self is : what kind of legacy am I leaving behind for my younger siblings?  Leaving a legacy behind aren't only for when you are blessed to be called “Mommy” and then “Nana” … you begin to leave a legacy when you are living at home.

Be uplifting

Do you have friend who is always pulling you down and pointing out the negativity in everything?  Would you agree with me that it is so hard to enjoy your time with her?  If you don't like spending your time with a person who far from uplifting, then do you think that your siblings enjoy spending time with you if you aren't uplifting?

An uplifting older sister is a girl who:
::lends an encouragement word and a listening ear
I treasure when my adopted-older-sister-by-heart gives me an encouraging word and is always ready to listen to me.  Just recently she sent me a card, encouraging me in the trial I'm currently facing.
Be the older sister who your siblings long to go to for a listening ear and an encouraging word.

::praises them in the little things
Sometimes we often take the little things our siblings do for granted.  The next time your younger sibling does something as small as share their toy with another sibling … offer words of praise.  Or if you and your three year old brother are dancing around the living room, tell him that he's a very good dancer.

:: isn't inferior to her siblings
This is really simple … don't promote a sense of competition in your father's home … instead, promote a sense of companionship.  Be real, open, available when your siblings need to talk.  Allow your siblings to know that their role model has weaknesses … allow them to know your weaknesses.  Also, share with them what God is teaching you … you never know when you'll silently encourage them!

Ways to invest

The way we invest in our sibling's lives is so important!  Will we invest with an un-joyful, negative, and begrudging attitude?  Or will we invest with a joyful, positive, and uplifting attitude?  Our sibling's know when our hearts are truly longing to invest in their lives, or if we are only doing it because our parents want us to. They can tell when we truly show them that deep sincere love that Christ commands in John 13:34 or if we are being double minded.

Fun ways to invest

:: do a Bible study with them (or read them Bible stories if they are too young for a Bible study)
:: take your younger siblings on a surprise picnic
:: throw a surprise tea party for your little sisters
:: dance with them
:: sing with them
:: help them with their AWANA or Bible Bee
:: take them swimming, to the park, bowling, etc.
:: help them with school

… but most importantly …

be on their side!

I have always struggled with investing in my younger sister's life. Thankfully, God has recently convicted me in this area, and taught me what I was able to share with you.

In HIS grace, Alisha

Spring flair modesty

Spring is a fun season! All the flowers start to bloom, birds sing “praises” to their Maker. Not only is this season full of God's beautiful handy-work, but it is also a fun time to dress with a spring flair. However, dressing with a “spring flair” doesn't mean the way you dress needs to be immodest.

Dresses:

There are a bunch of spring dresses out there...the problem is, is finding on that fits your wish list! It makes me made when, while I'm out shopping, I pick up this really cute dress with a cute pattern printed on it. But when I take it off the rack and hold it up, it ends up being either {a} too short {b} low cut or {c} spaghetti strap. Thankfully Mom and I have found away to get around the last two! If it's low cut, we then try our hardest to find a t-shirt (with really short sleeves) to go underneath. Or we get a tank-top to go underneath. Then we also search for a cute short sleeve sweater or jacket to over the dress. Not only is this cute but, but it is also a way to stay cool on warmer spring days.

Skirts:

Just because Spring gives us really warm days here and there, doesn't mean our skirts need to get shorter and shorter in order to stay cool! I have seen so many cute light cotton skirts in such adorable prints. However today in our society, it is extremely hard to find skirts that are long and loose fitting. Ligth cotton skirts are great when the weather is warm, but what about the cool spring days? I personally love denim skirts. Not only are they comfortable, but they keep you warm, and I think they are absolutely cute :)

Layer:

I as an individual, love the look of modest layering. However my mom can say otherwise, only because it causes more laundry. So the only way I layer is when I wear a v-neck shirt, I then wear a tank-top underneath, but I wear the tank-top backwards {only because it provides a lot more coverage}.

With all this said...don't dress to fit in, dress to stand out!  Be set-apart in what you wear!!

In HIS grace, Alisha

Beauty vs. Character

In today's society all you ever hear about is “how to make yourself look 10 years younger” or “10 exercise moves that will give you the body you've always dreamed of” or “going gluten/dairy/sugar/fat/carb/sodium/nut free is the way to live a healthy life”. It seems that everywhere you turn, everyone is focused on beauty. Beauty this … beauty that … beauty, beauty, beauty. Don't get me wrong … I love looking/feeling beautiful (most of the time lol), but when emphasis is only on beauty, doesn't it seem that we're making beauty an idol/god?

“The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.”

Proverbs 19:22

Girls, there is only so much we can do outwardly, there is a great deal more we can do inwardly! Instead of “improving” ourselves outwardly, how are we improving ourselves inwardly (our character)?

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30

is vain = does not last.

If beauty doesn't last, then why is there so much emphasis being put into it? I mean really … what's more important: how beautiful we are or how beautiful our character is? If you think about, once you've been dead for about 3-6 months (or even a year), people won't remember how beautiful you made yourself look. What they'll remember is how kind + generous + compassionate + humble you were. If you are focused on who you are in Christ and attempt to fear the Lord (as Proverbs 31:30 says), then you will leave behind an absolutely beautiful legacy. What kind of legacy will you leave behind?

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD looketh on the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

Okay this verse is very blunt! When God judges us for what we do, He judges our works and our character … not our outward appearance. While we spend hours on end trying to enhance ourselves outwardly, we should spend even longer to develop our inward character. What is more attractive: your outward appearance or your character?

So what will you start putting more emphasis in : your beauty or your character?  I know for me, I will be working on putting more emphasis in my character!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Did you find this post helpful and encouraging and inspiring? Leave a comment and let me know ;)

Any thoughts on this topic?  Leave a comment and let me know ;)

Is there a topic you would like me to post about? Leave a comment and let me know think ;)

In HIS grace, Alisha

       xoxoxoxox

Don't be a busybody

“Oh my gosh! Did you hear?? Alisha is going to make a very special announcement. You didn't hear this from me, but I heard that she's in a courtship!”

Wow … it's ah-may-zing how easily gossip can get started! Before I continue with this post, I need to clear everything up. I am not in a courtship nor is there a special announcement … sorry for the disappointment lol.

The Bible says:

“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” 
Proverbs 18:8

Refusing to listen to gossip is just as easy as refusing a piece of cheesecake. Once you take a bite of that savory sweetness, you want more and more and more (oh no … now I'm hungry lol). Same goes with gossip! Once you start listening , you long to hear the rest. However, if you resist the opportunity to “nibble” on the gossip, then you won't crave the “second piece” and the “third piece”.

“A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.” 
Proverbs 25:18

Think about this verse for minute … a person who gossips is compared to a weapon of violence. So the next time you are being tempted to gossip, imagine yourself “stabbing” your “victim” (the person you're talking about) with a sword … haha I'm sure your mind will be quickly changed lol.

“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.” 
Exodus 23:1

God commanded not to make or pass along false reports (gossip) for a reason. It will/can undermine families, friendships, etc. Next time you're tempted to pass along gossip, remember that our Lord has commanded against it and squelch the false report.

“For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” 
2 Thessalonians 3:11-12

When you aren't spending time doing things worth while, you will find yourself easily tempted to gossip (I speak from experience gulp). So in order to resist the temptation, spend your time doing worth while activities (reading the Bible, journaling, working out, typography, etc).

--------------------------------------------------

Did you find this post helpful and encouraging and inspiring? Leave a comment and let me know ;)

Any thoughts on this topic?  Leave a comment and let me know ;)

 Is there a topic you would like me to post about? Leave a comment and let me know think ;)

In HIS grace, Alisha

      xoxoxoxox

Are you fair weathered or loyal?

>> What is friendship supposed to be like? <<

Many people have a different "ideas" of what a friendship is supposed to be/look like.  Some have the mentality of "we won't talk about faith/religion/denomination" or "no idle conversation" or "we'll talk about boys, fashion, boys, TV, boys, music, + boys."

There is definite merit to the second mentality ... conversations should not be pointless, but you don't have to talk about faith in order for it not to be idle.  And at times, the first mentality could be practiced.  However, if you can't talk about your faith with your "friend" then you may need to decide whether or not this is a friendship you should keep.

So let's take a look and see what the Bible says about what a friendship should be like.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." Psalm 1:1

This verse is pretty clear in who you should not associate yourself with ... so we don't need to go in depth with this.  But you need to ask yourself:

*Do your friends build up your faith, or do they tear it down?

This question is important because the influence of true friends should draw you closer to God, not hinder your relationship with Him.

So now we know that friendship is supposed to be:

*Edifying/encouraging/inspiring

and it's supposed to 

*build up your faith

>>> My friend + I stopped talking for about a year, because of the difference in denominations.  Is that wrong? <<<

I can't give a definite answer with this one actually ... here's why:

// if you + your friend stopped talking because she was trying to convert you to her religion/denomination, then no you weren't wrong.

But if ...

// you + your friend stopped talking because you stepped over the line, she responded a tad harsh + you went to your mom + dad's rescue ... then yes you were in the wrong.

The last example is what happened to me + my dear friend.  My family + I had just been hurt by the church we were attending.  So when my friend + I got in a "squabble" ... well we (my family + I took it personally). 

Just this morning, I came across a verse that really spoke to me + went perfectly with this post/topic.

"He that covereth a trangression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter seperateth very friends." Proverbs 17:9

This verse doesn't mean we can cover our own sins/trangessions!  It's talking about forgetting whatever your friend has done/or once did.  It also means that you don't throw past mistakes in their face ... what past is past ... forgive + forget.

My dear friend + I are in communication again ... and we have taken Proverbs 17:9 to heart.  After we apologized for our rash decisions, we don't talk about what happened a year ago ... we have chosen to forgive + forget.

>>> All the friends I once had, have all ended our friendship!  Why? <<<

"A friend love at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17

Many times, girls encounter "fair-weather friends".  They stick around when the friendship benefits them and then leave when they're not getting anyting out the relationship/friendship.  So maybe you've encountered friends like this or maybe you need to ask yourself:

*What kind of friend am I?

True friendship requires : sacrifice + loyalty + understanding

Sacrifice - you won't always get what you want out of the friendship. Much like marriage, it's a give/receive relationship.

You may giving for what seems like an eternity!  Giving advice, giving encouragment, giving your time, giving love, and giving patience.  

But then the wheel turns ... instead of giving, you are now on the receiving end.  Your receiving advice, receiving encouragment, receiving all their time, receiving love, and receiving the blessings from their patience.

Loyalty  - there will be times when you feel like the friendship isn't worth all the time + effort. However, don't give up ... show your friend that you will be there through the thick and thin.  Don't prove to be a fair-weather friend ... prove to be a true friend.

Understanding - this is so important!  When you come to the realization that you two are at different areas in your faith, the better off your friendship will be.

You may be at the point of understanding the true meaning of surrender + true purity, while your friend may be facing a situation in which she'll have to experience harship + sorrow in to get to where you are.  And while you can try to convice her + encourage her, all that that is really doing is making you sound "holier-than-thou".

While sacrifice + loyalty are important factors in a frienship, I truly believe that understanding is extremely important!

So are you a:

fair weather friend?

or a:

friend of sacrifice + loyalty + understanding?

<< In my frienship, the conversations aren't all faith based ... is that bad? <<<

Depending on what the conversations are about, I wouldn't consider it a bad thing.

If you two only talk about fashion, hair, shoes, a boyfriend, and the current "heart throb"; then yes it's a bad thing.

But if you two talk about everything, from views on faith all the way to coffee vs. tea; then no it's not a bad thing.

Just remember this :

you're conversation needs to be pure + of good report (Phil. 4:8).

----------------------------------------

Any thoughts on this topic?  Leave a comment and let me know what your thoughts are ;)

Are there any topics you would like me to post about?  Leave a comment and let me know ;)

Happy Tuesday y'all :)

In HIS grace, Alisha

       xoxoxox