Happy Earth Day to all of you! I hope you take some extra time to give thanks for the wonderful creation that we have to live in. It truly is amazing.
In Christ,
-Paige
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day to all of you! I hope you take some extra time to give thanks for the wonderful creation that we have to live in. It truly is amazing.
In Christ,
-Paige
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Journal Entry
Have you ever read a scripture, and felt that it was really speaking to you...and then read a completely different scripture in a completely different book of the Bible, and a similar message spoke to you? Here, let me explain myself for you.
Tonight, Caitlin, Alena and I attended a friend's church. They have a service for college and high-school age people on Sunday evenings, so we decided to go. It was very low key. Taco buffet, acoustic worship, and then a devotional. The way they do their devotional is very neat. There is a schedule that they follow that takes them through the Bible in a year (I know most of you have heard of it). But after they read a part, they pick a scripture, and apply the S.O.A.P acronym. (Scripture, observation, application, prayer). We read the assigned scriptures (I know I wasn't doing it right, but it turned out for the better), and then journaled our "SOAP". The assigned scriptures were Matthew chapter 7, and Psalm 31. I'll let you look them up yourself, because if I put them here...people would probably just glance at this post and not read it because it was WAY too long for their attention span. So. I read both chapters. The Psalm first. I had read it before, but not really looked deeper into the meanings. It was Psalm layout where David is praising, asking for his enemies to be taken care of, and talking about everything he was going through. As I was reading this, I started comparing my "bad" situations to the ones the Psalmist was going through, and my problems began to feel very insignificant. Well, at the very end of the scripture, as my pride was slowly being crushed (I can't count how many times I've been broken), I read this. "Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full." Psalm 31:23
A double hitter. It is so amazing how God does that sometimes. The scripture could have meant something completely different to someone else, but I think that was what I needed to hear. Every time I pray for humility, I get it. I'll have to tell you an amazing story sometime, but not now. Moving on...
When I read Matthew 7, the part where it talks about getting the plank out of your eye before you remove the speck from your brother's really hit me. So many times if I would just humble myself and examine my own spiritual life, helping other people would be so much easier. Doing things with a humble spirit is SO important. So that's what my little rant up there was about.
The rest of the night was filled with listening to other people's "soap", which included "Hoperade" (I quote the lovely girl at the Bible study), two amazingly applicable food analogies, and a few other deep thoughts. I love being in a dynamic and focused group. We played pictionary after that, and though the other team dominated, we still had lots of fun. Next time we'll try and roll less ones, and more sixes. Even a four would have worked...but I'm not complaining. There's always next time...
-Paige
Tonight, Caitlin, Alena and I attended a friend's church. They have a service for college and high-school age people on Sunday evenings, so we decided to go. It was very low key. Taco buffet, acoustic worship, and then a devotional. The way they do their devotional is very neat. There is a schedule that they follow that takes them through the Bible in a year (I know most of you have heard of it). But after they read a part, they pick a scripture, and apply the S.O.A.P acronym. (Scripture, observation, application, prayer). We read the assigned scriptures (I know I wasn't doing it right, but it turned out for the better), and then journaled our "SOAP". The assigned scriptures were Matthew chapter 7, and Psalm 31. I'll let you look them up yourself, because if I put them here...people would probably just glance at this post and not read it because it was WAY too long for their attention span. So. I read both chapters. The Psalm first. I had read it before, but not really looked deeper into the meanings. It was Psalm layout where David is praising, asking for his enemies to be taken care of, and talking about everything he was going through. As I was reading this, I started comparing my "bad" situations to the ones the Psalmist was going through, and my problems began to feel very insignificant. Well, at the very end of the scripture, as my pride was slowly being crushed (I can't count how many times I've been broken), I read this. "Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full." Psalm 31:23
A double hitter. It is so amazing how God does that sometimes. The scripture could have meant something completely different to someone else, but I think that was what I needed to hear. Every time I pray for humility, I get it. I'll have to tell you an amazing story sometime, but not now. Moving on...
When I read Matthew 7, the part where it talks about getting the plank out of your eye before you remove the speck from your brother's really hit me. So many times if I would just humble myself and examine my own spiritual life, helping other people would be so much easier. Doing things with a humble spirit is SO important. So that's what my little rant up there was about.
The rest of the night was filled with listening to other people's "soap", which included "Hoperade" (I quote the lovely girl at the Bible study), two amazingly applicable food analogies, and a few other deep thoughts. I love being in a dynamic and focused group. We played pictionary after that, and though the other team dominated, we still had lots of fun. Next time we'll try and roll less ones, and more sixes. Even a four would have worked...but I'm not complaining. There's always next time...
-Paige
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Fireproof
Hey guys, I really wanted to share this with you, and encourage you to look into supporting this movie. I think it will be worth our time. Really. Just watch the trailer.
-Paige
PS: If you just fell in love with the song that's playing throughout the trailer, it's called "Love is not a Fight" by Warren Barfield. The album is not out yet, but you can listen to it on a few other websites. More on that to come...
-Paige
PS: If you just fell in love with the song that's playing throughout the trailer, it's called "Love is not a Fight" by Warren Barfield. The album is not out yet, but you can listen to it on a few other websites. More on that to come...
Saturday, April 12, 2008
I have my driver's license. No, really, I actually got it. After taking the test twice, and getting it renewed after the second time, Caitlin and I finally got our official license's. After experiencing this, I thought it appropriate to share with you some things I have learned about the road, and how I apply them to life. I will probably do this post by post. So, here's my first one.
It was my turn. The very nice policeman who was taking Caitlin and I on the driving part of our test had us go at the same time. I sat in back while Caitlin drove, and then he had her pull into a parking lot so that we could switch out. While I was thankful that she had gone first (oldest privileges seem to apply at more than just our home), I was a little nervous. All those little things that dad had been telling us were replaying in my mind. "Don't budge until you nudge", which applies to coming to a full and complete stop just happened to be stuck in my head, which helped me to stay focused. So, I got out of the car, got in the drivers seat, took my precious time setting the mirrors to my height (she may be the oldest...but she is most certainly not the tallest), then started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.
Our first main event was driving by the wreck that we had passed earlier. The policeman wanted me to drive by it again so he could see if any of the cars were gone. We passed without trouble. I made my second right turn (the test consists of about six right turns and parking). As we were driving down the road, changing lanes very nicely, and going a few mph under the speed limit, two dogs decided to run out in front of the car. My reaction was to squeak a little for the policeman, swerve just a little, and slow down to almost a stop. Apparently this was the right thing to do because after the dogs got out of the way, the police proceeded to talk casually with Caitlin and I about his three dogs he has at home, and how they are very protective of him. The last thing that slightly resembled an event was when the police decided to tell us about all of the wrecks he had been in while administering tests previously. I drive past a corner and the policeman says "oh yes, that's where we had a head on". I drive past a ditch and he points "we rolled over there". As I am making the second to last right turn, he tells me in his matter-of-fact voice that "a poor girl panicked right there and pushed the gas too far so we went straight into that storm drain". I could feel my stomach twisting into nervous knots as the man in the passenger's seat lectured us on how people are just so inconsiderate while they are driver nowadays. And yes, I kept my eyes on the road during that time. We pulled into the parking lot, I parked our little four door, and he handed us our permits that were stamped and ready to be traded for hard copy license's. My lesson: always pay attention. Life lesson drawn: learning accurate discernment.
If I had not slowed down, I would have run over the two dogs, gotten out of the car and bawled (while another car rear-ended us since I would have stopped in the middle of the road) and then promptly failed my driving test. The end. I slowed down because I had to decide in that short moment A) to slow down/stop or not to do either, B) how much to slow down, and C) what my reaction was going to be to all of it. We make decisions every single day, whether we realize it or not. I had to decide that I was going to make getting this post done a priority. Driving has made me more aware of my surroundings, and taught me that I need to be able to make quick and accurate decisions, or else I will pay. I brought this over into my off-road life, and it really showed me just how important it is to be aware of the choices I make daily. My motives should be clear, and wisdom and logic should be the main influence. So before you sit down and play a round of solitaire on the computer, or, on a heavier not, are making those life impacting decisions about college etc, I encourage you to examine your motives and choice, and the outcome. I'll be doing it with you. Here's an encouraging scripture I wanted to share with you.
Proverbs 3:21-26
My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
Conversation Questions:
What helps you to make your day the most productive?
Are there any favorite scriptures that influence your daily decision making routines?
What helps you the most when making hard decisions?
It was my turn. The very nice policeman who was taking Caitlin and I on the driving part of our test had us go at the same time. I sat in back while Caitlin drove, and then he had her pull into a parking lot so that we could switch out. While I was thankful that she had gone first (oldest privileges seem to apply at more than just our home), I was a little nervous. All those little things that dad had been telling us were replaying in my mind. "Don't budge until you nudge", which applies to coming to a full and complete stop just happened to be stuck in my head, which helped me to stay focused. So, I got out of the car, got in the drivers seat, took my precious time setting the mirrors to my height (she may be the oldest...but she is most certainly not the tallest), then started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.
Our first main event was driving by the wreck that we had passed earlier. The policeman wanted me to drive by it again so he could see if any of the cars were gone. We passed without trouble. I made my second right turn (the test consists of about six right turns and parking). As we were driving down the road, changing lanes very nicely, and going a few mph under the speed limit, two dogs decided to run out in front of the car. My reaction was to squeak a little for the policeman, swerve just a little, and slow down to almost a stop. Apparently this was the right thing to do because after the dogs got out of the way, the police proceeded to talk casually with Caitlin and I about his three dogs he has at home, and how they are very protective of him. The last thing that slightly resembled an event was when the police decided to tell us about all of the wrecks he had been in while administering tests previously. I drive past a corner and the policeman says "oh yes, that's where we had a head on". I drive past a ditch and he points "we rolled over there". As I am making the second to last right turn, he tells me in his matter-of-fact voice that "a poor girl panicked right there and pushed the gas too far so we went straight into that storm drain". I could feel my stomach twisting into nervous knots as the man in the passenger's seat lectured us on how people are just so inconsiderate while they are driver nowadays. And yes, I kept my eyes on the road during that time. We pulled into the parking lot, I parked our little four door, and he handed us our permits that were stamped and ready to be traded for hard copy license's. My lesson: always pay attention. Life lesson drawn: learning accurate discernment.
If I had not slowed down, I would have run over the two dogs, gotten out of the car and bawled (while another car rear-ended us since I would have stopped in the middle of the road) and then promptly failed my driving test. The end. I slowed down because I had to decide in that short moment A) to slow down/stop or not to do either, B) how much to slow down, and C) what my reaction was going to be to all of it. We make decisions every single day, whether we realize it or not. I had to decide that I was going to make getting this post done a priority. Driving has made me more aware of my surroundings, and taught me that I need to be able to make quick and accurate decisions, or else I will pay. I brought this over into my off-road life, and it really showed me just how important it is to be aware of the choices I make daily. My motives should be clear, and wisdom and logic should be the main influence. So before you sit down and play a round of solitaire on the computer, or, on a heavier not, are making those life impacting decisions about college etc, I encourage you to examine your motives and choice, and the outcome. I'll be doing it with you. Here's an encouraging scripture I wanted to share with you.
Proverbs 3:21-26
My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
Conversation Questions:
What helps you to make your day the most productive?
Are there any favorite scriptures that influence your daily decision making routines?
What helps you the most when making hard decisions?
Friday, January 11, 2008
Dancing.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Keep that in mind as we look at the results of the poll.
0% said that they do not believe that dancing is bad all the time.
12 Now King David was told, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. 13 When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.
2 Samuel 6:12-14
David danced before God. This was David praising and being joyful. That should say enough for us there. Not all dancing is bad.
6% of you said that dancing is never bad. It should not take scriptural reference to tell you that this is not true. Our culture has embraced a provocative and sensual lifestyle, and dancing is part of the core of this movement. If you are not a Christian, we have no common ground. But if you are and you voted for this, I highly suggest that you re-examine your standings on this issue. I do not have time to examine the more fine points that could be hit on (define dancing, dancing motives, etc)...maybe in a later post. But for now, think about our culture, and it should tell you that dancing can be very bad.
45% said that dancing is fine only if it is conservative, modest, and not suggestive. I completely agree with you there, and will now reveal that this was my choice when I voted. If dancing is within modest boundaries, is not causing anyone to stumble, and not suggestive, then I do not struggle with it at all. I find it to be a truly enjoyable experience, and a wonderful means of exercising.
Lastly, 48%, the winning vote, said that group dancing is fine withing modest boundaries, but not much else. There does not seem to be much of a difference between the previous choice mentioned and this one, other that the face that "group dancing" was mentioned. I don't know how you define "group dancing", so let me give you some examples of how I define it. If you remember awhile ago, we mentioned learning the "Virginia Reel" at my grandparents 50th anniversary party in Montana (many thanks to the DeGroots for this...we've taught it to so many people, and it has become a favorite activity!). This is a dance where you have a partner, but the ladies all stand in one line, the gentleman in the other, and you move back and forth spinning and skipping as a group. Think Pride and Prejudice and you have the right idea. Also, at our home school prom last year (yes...there is such a thing!) and at homecoming this year, we had a dance instructor teach us a few dances, along with some dancing etiquette. Many of the dances he taught were line dances where you did not even need a partner to participate. I classify these as "group dances", along with the ever popular "cha cha slide" and "Cotton-Eyed Joe" (I'll hold my comments on that one :P). Some of you may consider "group dancing" as a dance where there is more than one person on the floor. I am not sure. But I think the general consensus is what I talked about above.
The main thing I think we can draw from our results is that dancing is not bad for Christians, as long as it is done modestly in all realms. In fact, I encourage all of you to go find a partner sometime and have a friend teach you and your friends the "Virginia Reel", or another fun dance like that. Maybe you could learn the basic waltz or polka step. It's all quite amusing, and worth giving it a try. Who knows...you might even learn the Cotton-Eyed Joe ;)
-Paige
Keep that in mind as we look at the results of the poll.
0% said that they do not believe that dancing is bad all the time.
12 Now King David was told, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. 13 When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.
2 Samuel 6:12-14
David danced before God. This was David praising and being joyful. That should say enough for us there. Not all dancing is bad.
6% of you said that dancing is never bad. It should not take scriptural reference to tell you that this is not true. Our culture has embraced a provocative and sensual lifestyle, and dancing is part of the core of this movement. If you are not a Christian, we have no common ground. But if you are and you voted for this, I highly suggest that you re-examine your standings on this issue. I do not have time to examine the more fine points that could be hit on (define dancing, dancing motives, etc)...maybe in a later post. But for now, think about our culture, and it should tell you that dancing can be very bad.
45% said that dancing is fine only if it is conservative, modest, and not suggestive. I completely agree with you there, and will now reveal that this was my choice when I voted. If dancing is within modest boundaries, is not causing anyone to stumble, and not suggestive, then I do not struggle with it at all. I find it to be a truly enjoyable experience, and a wonderful means of exercising.
Lastly, 48%, the winning vote, said that group dancing is fine withing modest boundaries, but not much else. There does not seem to be much of a difference between the previous choice mentioned and this one, other that the face that "group dancing" was mentioned. I don't know how you define "group dancing", so let me give you some examples of how I define it. If you remember awhile ago, we mentioned learning the "Virginia Reel" at my grandparents 50th anniversary party in Montana (many thanks to the DeGroots for this...we've taught it to so many people, and it has become a favorite activity!). This is a dance where you have a partner, but the ladies all stand in one line, the gentleman in the other, and you move back and forth spinning and skipping as a group. Think Pride and Prejudice and you have the right idea. Also, at our home school prom last year (yes...there is such a thing!) and at homecoming this year, we had a dance instructor teach us a few dances, along with some dancing etiquette. Many of the dances he taught were line dances where you did not even need a partner to participate. I classify these as "group dances", along with the ever popular "cha cha slide" and "Cotton-Eyed Joe" (I'll hold my comments on that one :P). Some of you may consider "group dancing" as a dance where there is more than one person on the floor. I am not sure. But I think the general consensus is what I talked about above.
The main thing I think we can draw from our results is that dancing is not bad for Christians, as long as it is done modestly in all realms. In fact, I encourage all of you to go find a partner sometime and have a friend teach you and your friends the "Virginia Reel", or another fun dance like that. Maybe you could learn the basic waltz or polka step. It's all quite amusing, and worth giving it a try. Who knows...you might even learn the Cotton-Eyed Joe ;)
-Paige
Friday, January 4, 2008
Home Again...
Good morning to all of you! I have a few short things to cover in this small post. First of all...we are home! Some of us were worried we might get snowed in (remember last year...being stuck in the hotel room on New Year's Eve in Iowa?) but we didn't. All of us were thankful for that. In fact, there was no snow at all when we left. Just little patches scattered here and there. We pulled out at half time in the Cotton Bowl (leaving a house of hard-core MIZZOU fans was somewhat of a relief) and got home at around 9:45. Things are already picking up as 2008 has begun. I already have a jam packed schedule that I'm trying to squeeze a few spare moments out of for things like blogging. Speaking of moments, there are only 15 hours left to vote on the poll that's just over to your right on the sidebar. After we have all the votes, I will try and have a post up for you by Sunday concerning it. That's all I have for you for now! Have a blessed rest of the day!
-Paige
-Paige
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
Happy New Year! I thought we might as well get a post up while we were awake. It truly was an amazing year. So many trials, yet so many blessings. As I get older, I get more and more thankful for the lessons I learn. Next year holds many new adventures. But I'll save that post for another time. Here's a video from us. Wishing you a blessed 2008!
-Paige
-Paige
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
