Cruise to Mexico

I had a great time traveling to New Orleans. We stopped in Alabama on Thanksgiving night and seeing the lights of Atlanta, Georgia was amazing! The next day, November 28th, we headed for New Orleans, Louisiana.

When we got there our hotel room was a mess and we had to get a new one and take all of our luggage around with us! We made the mistake of going down Bourbon Street on a Friday night during Battle of the Bands. We ate at a restaurant called Cafe Beignet and the food was great! They had live Jazz and that was a great experience. I'm very blessed to have gotten to see what I did.

We boarded  the Carnival cruise ship Elation and it finally sunk in for Courtney and I that we were on a cruise together, this was something we use to joke about doing when we were younger. On the cruise we got the chance to try Alligator Tail, Baked Alaska, Escargot, Duck, and Cherry Jubilee. We danced in a club, watched some live comedies, and tried to play in the casino.Each night we would order a non-alcoholic drink and get in the hot tub.

Our first stop was Cozumel, Mexico. We took a lot of pictures of the places around us and then we got to swim with a dolphin! That was an amazing experience! I got kissed by a Sea Lion and then we relaxed in hammocks on the beach.

Our next stop was to Progresso, Yucatan. We took a shuttle into the city and then traveled to a salt mine where we got to mine for slat! We saw flamingos and then went to the Mayan ruins called X'cambo. X'cambo was an important salt empory and a trading place. There were many temples there and a church. The history nerd in me really loved that. We spent the rest of the day on a privet beach.

I'm so thankful for the experience I got and if you ever get a chance to go on a cruise to anywhere my advice is to go! I hope you enjoy this video of my trip. Fun in Mexico

A Christmas Eve prayer of Thanks

Dear God,

Thank You for the amazing year You have given me! I can't believe another year is fast approaching!

I just want to take this time to thank You for coming to this world as a small baby and growing up serving others. Thank You for experiencing what I and everyone else has so that we can come to you and talk freely with You!

Thank You for all the amazing things You did and do! Thank You for paying for my sin. Thank You for the true meaning of Christmas being Your birth!

I pray that everyone has a great Christmas and remembers what You did for them God. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS, Amen!

Lessons from Daniel

"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself  in this way." ~Daniel 1:8 (NIV) Okay, can we just talk about the example Daniel sets for us in the opening of the book of Daniel in the Bible? Here's a young man, probably a teenager, who is sticking to his morals in front of a king! I don't know about you, but if I were in Daniel's shoes I would probably be to afraid to stand up to a king! But, how many of us have already been in Daniel's shoes? No, we haven't stuck up for what we believe in front of a king, but what about in front of friends? Sharing your faith in that class at school when you know the teacher will not approve? Telling that guy or girl that you like where you stand on the whole dating thing? We are a generation who has to stick to our morals and I think Daniel gives us insight on how to do that.
 "Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven." ~Daniel 2:17-19 (NIV) I like these verses for a couple of reasons. First, Daniel shows us what it is like to have Christian friends that are there for us and will pray for and with us. After all the friends who pray together stay together. Second, Daniel shows us what we should do when a prayer is answered, PRAISE GOD!

In Daniel chapter 3:16-27, we see Daniel's friends really trusting in God! They would not bow to a false idol and were thrown in a blazing furnace! They never questioned God or backed down from their faith. So, what happened? GOD showed up in the furnace with them and protected them!!! Let me repeat that, GOD SHOWED UP IN THE FURNACE WITH THEM AND PROTECTED THEM!!! I don't know about you, but there are times in my life where I feel that I am walking in that blazing furnace all by myself. But the truth is that I'm not! God is with me and He always will be and He will always protect me!

"Daniel answered, 'May the king live forever! My God sent His angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty." ~Daniel 6:21-22 (NIV) Daniel obeyed authority. The only time he didn't was when a rule was passed that he couldn't pray to God. Daniel prayed to God anyways, but here's the catch, he prayed to God where EVERYONE could see him! He didn't hide in a corner and do it secretly. No, he wanted to show the world the God he served even when his life was in danger and God protected him. Again, how many of us pray in private cause it isn't the "cool" thing to do? We need to pray boldly and face the lions den head on knowing God will be with us always!

"Then he continued, 'Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them." ~Daniel 10:12 (NIV) I love this verse! Here we find Daniel being told that everything he has done God has seen and He hears Daniel! GOD HEARS Daniel! And GOD hears us too! God is with us always and He loves us! I hope these verses from Daniel have encouraged you like they have encouraged me!

Special Edition: Thanksgiving Greetings

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! I hope it is a wonderful day of happiness and thanks! I'm going to share some of the things I am thankful for.

•  My family. 
• My uncle being home
• My house and all the things that make it livable.
• My education. So many people do not get the chance to learn about what they love.
• The clothes I have.
• A car to get around in.
• My friends. Especially my partner in crime, my Anna to my Elsa, the girl who is always there for me, my travel buddy. Courtney.
• I'm thankful for different seasons.
• I'm most of all thankful for the God I serve and the fact that He loves me!

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
   Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs. 
Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name. 

 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100 (NIV)

Could you spot a victim?

 Psalm 107:28-30, "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven."
International Princess Project "Order cool punjammies (pj pants, capris or shorts) made by women freed from the red-light district."
Women At Risk International "Rescues women and children all over the world. They sell jewelry made by at-risk or rescued women."
Gospel For Asia "Reaching the slum kids and outcasts of society with hope, help and Jesus."
Polaris Project "Get posters and other materials here to raise awareness."
Unlikely Heroes
The A 21 Campaign
The Hope Soap Project 
 Hope for Justice
Exodus Cry
Twenty-seven million. That's how many people are enslaved in human trafficking around the world today! Human trafficking can take many forms. Forced labor, prostitution, and many other things. So, what can we do to help? There are links to websites that focus on putting an end to human trafficking. Here are some signs to look out for in a person who might be a victim of human trafficking:

• They suddenly drop out of activities they use to enjoy
• They miss school a lot or their grades suddenly drop
• They keep running away from home
• They show signs of drug addiction
• They have bruises, abrasions or other indications of physical abouse
• They have older, edgier relationships
• They suddenly have a lot of expensive stuff they normally couldn't afford.
• They have a new set of older, edgy friends who don't like authority and tend to avoid adults.

This is from Sisterhood Magazine "If you know someone who shows some of these signs, they may be a victim of abuse or trafficking. Ask them gently if they're in trouble and if they open up that they are, or especially if they respond in fear, call the human trafficking hotline. The hotline is available 24/7 and all calls are confidential. If you're not comfortable calling the hotline, tell an adult whom you trust and ask him or her to call with you. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911."
The Human Trafficking Hotline is 888-373-7888 or text HELP to BeFree (233733)
I wrote this because no one knows if or when they will be in a place where they will have to report human trafficking. I hope I have educated you, after all we have Twenty-seven million people counting on us to be their voice!

Operation Christmas Child time!

It's that time of year again! Operation Christmas Child! It's collection day at my local Lifeway Christian store. National Collection week starts on November 17th. I love doing these shoe boxes because children get Christmas and get to know about Jesus!

So, what goes into a shoe box?

• soap & washcloth
• toothpaste & toothbrush
• brush
• coloring book & crayons
• pens & pencils
• stuffed animal & small toys
• hard candy
• hat, sunglasses, & shirt
• personal letter
• Socks

What are the ages?

• 2 to 4
• 5 to 9
• 10 to 14

What not to put in a box?

• Chocolate & candy that can melt
• toys that look like weapons/army
• liquids

I hope this list helps and that you'll join in making a great Christmas for a child in need!

Special Edition: Veterans Day

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” ~Exodus 14:14

Today is Veterans Day. I have always been thankful for the military and what the soldiers do so I have freedom. I spent Sunday night in the VA hospital, because of a family member, and I got the blessing of spending a couple of hours talking to a retired soldier. Hearing what he saw and some of the things he had to do made me appreciate the soldiers so much more! They are protecting strangers and risking their lives every day! When I was in Ohio for Spring Break last year, seeing the planes that were used in wars with the bullet holes was a real eye opener! So on this day, and every other day, pray for our soldiers and their families. And if you get the chance, thank a Veteran. They've done so much for us! Happy Veterans Day.

It's been a year!

One year ago today I sat in the back of my college math class, after class was over, and wrote the first post for A Traveler's Thoughts. At the time I didn't know if I was going to keep the blog or not. It was something I was just trying to see if people wanted to read about what I had to say.
Here we are a year later, thanks to all of you who read my posts! This blog wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you! A big thanks goes to Victoria over at Miss Tadoodles Corner for helping me with the set up of this blog.
Of course this blog would be nothing if it wasn't for God and my relationship with Him. He's given me a desire to share about Him and He is with me all the way!
I want to apologize for not posting regularly these past few weeks. I've been sick and school has been crazy. But, I'm back on schedule and next week we will be talking about Operation Christmas Child.
Again, thank you to everyone who reads these posts and likes my Facebook page and follows me on Twitter and Instagram! I can't wait to see what the next year looks like!
"The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my God, my Stronghold in whom I take refuge, my Shield, the glory of my salvation, and my High Tower." ~Psalm 18:2

Dancing with... Sadie Robertson

Sadie Robertson is a wonderful role model. She has strong family values and a beautiful relationship with God that makes her shine for Him. I have looked up to her ever since Duck Dynasty has been on TV. Sadie had started a YouTube channel with Kolby Koloff called "The New Different" and it was a Bible study every Monday night. She also created a line of modest prom/homecoming dresses with Sherri Hill that are beautiful! Now she's on Dancing with the Stars.I don't really watch Dancing with the Stars, but I have been watching Sadie's interviews and dance numbers. I must say, it is very refreshing to have a young woman of God in the spot light who is living out what she believes! I hope Sadie wins Dancing with the Stars and continues to show God's love to people in everything she does!

The New Different 

Sadie Robertson: Live Original

Chapter One: My feet are bruised, but they'll follow where You lead

"My Feet are bruised but they'll follow where You lead. You are the King of my Heart." ~Love and the Outcome, "King of my Heart."
I want to tell you a story. This story involves a girl who wanted to travel the world and tell people about God's love. She didn't know how or what God wanted her to do though. She prayed about it. She also found comfort in God's promise that: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole heart.'"~Jeremiah 29:11-13.
The thing was, this girl was not a patient person. She wanted to jump in right away and get to work! She had days when she felt like she wasn't doing anything that was helping God. She would walk away from the dream of helping others and think of only herself. Then, she started seeing God in her everyday activities. He was there in big ways, her mom getting into a personal relationship with Christ at a truck stop on the way home from a cruise, and in little ways, passing a test she didn't know she had because she had done the homework. This girl realized that God was going to use her, but in His time.
She started doing volunteer work at a pregnancy center and fell in love with the work she does there. She started praying about it and realized she wants to volunteer and see if she has what it takes to become a Doula. The things that she has gone through in her life made her realize that she wants to study Divinity and can be a Christian consular, along with a Writer. Over time, she realized God was using her to show His love right in her own town!
One night at church, this girl was thinking about Operation Christmas Child and how she still had a desire to go and teach kids in other countries about God's love. She didn't know why the thought popped into her head and she just brushed it off and didn't tell anyone about it. At the end of the service, the whole church went around anointing the pews and praying for the people who would s it in them. A lady got some extra oil and anointed the girl on the forehead and said "God bless you in everything  you do and everywhere you go for Him." In that moment the girl knew God was telling her she was ready to travel the world and tell people about His love!
That girl is me. The anointing happened on August 17th, 2014. There's more to this story, but this was the first chapter in it. I can't wait to share the other chapters with you as God shows me to. The verse that came to my mind after I was anointed was, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with very much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." ~Luke 16:10.

Being God's Princess

I've been reading His Princess Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd. She wrote this book as though God is writing a letter to us personally and a Bible Verse that goes with it. There are eighty-seven "letters" in it. This book has helped me so much. I want to take the first six "letters" I have read so far and focus on the Bible Verses.

"You didn't choose Me, I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using My Name." ~John 15:16. Think about this, GOD choose you! He wants a relationship with you and to hear about your day and your problems! He's NEVER too busy for you! He has a job for us. We are His hands and feet to bring forth the fruit "other Christians" and it'll be forever!
"Am I not trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." ~Galatians 1:10. We are not meant to fit in with the world. So, we can't win the approval of people who don't believe in God. But why would we want their approval over God's approval in the first place? A friend of mine once told me, that in one of their college classes the professor assigned a book full of foul language and inappropriate scenes and also talked about how God wasn't real. This friend felt condemned of reading this book. So they went and told the professor they could not read this book. The professor said they had the option of taking an F on the assignment or reading the book. My friend took the F. They chose God's approval over man's.
"'And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters,' says the Lord Almighty." ~2Corinthians 6:18. God is our Dad. He created us. He wanted a relationship with us. He planned our lives. He watches over us. He cheers us on. He comforts us. He loves us. Therefore, we can call Him Father.
"The Lord said: 'It isn't too late. You can still return to Me with all your heart.'" ~Joel 2:12 (CEV). Anything you have done, no matter how bad, you can still have a relationship with God! He still loves you!
"You are the light of the world-like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all." ~Matthew5:14-15. Someone is always watching you. It could be a teacher, a student, a friend, or a complete stranger. But someone always sees how you act and what message you are sending. Also, you could be the only form of the Bible someone sees. So shine for God!
"Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win." ~1 Corinthians 9:24. The world is going to judge you on a lot of different things. People are going to expect too much out of you sometimes. You're going to put to much pressure on yourself. Stop. Breathe. Remember that you have already won if you have a relationship with Christ. You are Heaven bond!
Here is a link to Sheri Rose Shepherd's website and here's a link to the book I am reading on Amazon.

Proverbs 31 Women of the Bible- part 6

 

Mary was a young girl who was engaged to Joseph. She was from the family of David and the blessing God had in-store for her was amazing! I believe this incredible woman fulfilled all of Proverbs 31 and deserves a whole blog post to herself.

In Matthew 1:18-25 we learn about Mary and Joseph obeying and trusting God. In chapter two of Matthew we read about how Mary and Joseph obeyed God even more after Jesus was born. In Luke 1:26-56 we learn of Mary's willingness and trust. I love this verse: "'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her." (Luke 1:38). 

The next thing I  find amazing about Mary is how she knew that time with her son was short and she needed to make the most of their days together. "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19) Mary also knew Jesus would provide and when they ran out of wine at a wedding, she went to Him but she was anxious.

Mary was with her son through it all. She did not turn away when He was nailed to the cross and she stayed after He died and was buried. Mary is the picture of perfect obedience, faith, trusting God, and the best mother! This makes her the perfect Proverbs 31 woman!

College Life 101

 

These past three, almost four, weeks have been crazy! This is my second year in college and it's not anything like my first year was! Yes, this year is harder but also more fulfilling in a way.

I've learned that it is going to take me longer than two years to get my associates degree, but that's okay. I've realized God isn't done with me there yet! My mom has always told me that it didn't matter if it took me longer. What mattered was that I was working hard on this next chapter of my life. Then I got some good advice about the benefits of being in a community college, I want be in debt for school starting out!

I have also learned some more things that is good to do outside of college.

1.) Stay close to your church family. They are one of your biggest support systems and help you stay grounded in your faith!

2.) Take every chance you have with your family! They love you!

3.) Make time for your friends. Even if it's just to go out and get coffee.

4.) Do your homework! Don't fall behind in your classes.

5.) Spend time with God every day. He is what helps you truly make it through.

6.) Go on adventures and have fun.  "Real Life" is going to be there when you're done with college. Getting to go on vacation and explore!

Other Women of the Bible- part 5

 

Jeroboam's Wife: (1 Kings 14:1-18) Probably worshiped other gods like her husband did. She tried to deceive a Prophet by disguising herself. She received the news that the kingdom would be taken away from her family and that when she went back home her son would die for the evil she and her husband had committed. I believe she was heartbroken about her son and she realized that God was in control. Unfortunately, she had to be completely broken.

The Prophet's Widow: (2 Kings 4:1-7) I don't think she doubted God. I think she knew God sent Elisha right when she needed Him to and her sons were saved!

Naaman's maidservant: (2 Kings 5:2-3) This unnamed girl was a great example of being a light in everyday life! She knew of Elisha and she helped Naaman to head in the right direction to be healed! Everyone can take away the lesson that God can and will use you in everyday life!

Huldah: (2 Kings 22:14-20) There are three important aspects to her character here. She was bold. She didn't sugarcoat God's Word. She offered hope and a sign of renewal. We can learn to be bold when speaking about God from her! (Source: Extraordinary Women of the Bible Lessons to guide Your Life.)

Vashti: (Esther 1:9-22) Vashti was having her own party as her husband had a  party too. She disobeyed the king and got replaced as Queen. I think what a person can lean from her is to think before you speak and seek wise conceal.

Job's Wife: (Job 2:9-10) She didn't build Job up. She actually told Job to curse God so that Job would die! I think she is a great example of what hopelessness looks like.

Job's Daughters: (Job 42:13-15) It was unusual for them to get an inheritance and their names were meant to mean the most beautiful things.

The Daughters of Jerusalem:(Song of Solomon) They symbolized people who work hard. They also symbolize someone who listens to godly advice and know that they are loved by God.

My Proverbs 3 Women of the Bible series and my Other Women of the Bible series will continue into the New Testament and I am really looking forward to studying these women and writing about their legacies! ~Brandi

Proverbs 31 Women of the Bible- part 5

Wow! This is the last installment of the Proverbs 31 Women in the Bible where the Old Testament is concerned! I've really grown in my faith while doing this series and the "Other Women of the Bible" series! So, let's look at some great role models of strong, Christan woman virtue.

Jehosheba: In 2 Kings 11 we meet this loving aunt. She risked her life to save her nephew from her mother. Then, she acted as his mother and raised him to know and worship God. He became a righteous and God-fearing king because of this!

Esther: Well, the whole book of Esther is about this young woman who was an orphan who became a Queen. With her trust in God, she saved her people from being completely wiped out! Her courage is outstanding and so inspirational!

The Psalms Girl: Okay, so I know most of the book of Psalms was written by David. But the book of Psalms has comforted me on a daily bases. Therefore, I like to believe there is a Psalms Girl in all of us. A girl who runs to God about everything and loves to praise Him!

Song of Songs Woman: The book of Song of Songs is a love story. We do not know the name of Solomon's bride in this book. I think she gives the best advice any girl can follow and that is to not be quick to wake up love. Take your time and let God pick the guy and fall in love with each other with Him as the center of the relationship!

I am in love with this series and I'm looking forward to getting into the New Testament soon. I hope y'all have enjoyed this too!

In the Eyes...of the One Who made You!

You are treasured

You are beautiful
In the eyes, in the eyes
Of the One who made you
You are perfect
You're worth more than you know
In the eyes, in the eyes
Of the One who made you 

 (1 Girl Nation  "In The Eyes")

I feel like I have nothing to write about. So, let's see where God leads this post!
I'll admit it, when this week started I had all of these great ideas for a blog post. Then six o'clock wake up calls, road construction, a messed up car, Moma hurting her back, and three college classes later, everything but these thoughts left my head. It has diffidently not been a dull first week of the new Fall Semester! So, here it is very late at night and I am just now writing a blog post.
Monday was the start of the early wake-up calls and the traffic due to road construction. It's my second year at a Community College and my first class is English. I enjoy this class because we write and read the whole time. My teacher is an older woman who, before teaching in college, taught in prisons. She is a kind lady who will really get you interested in the things you are reading and writing about.
My next class is public speaking and I love my teacher's fashion sense! I am terrified of public speaking and I do have social anxiety, but this teacher really tries to make the class fun and make all of us feel more comfortable. She'll tell us stories of her college classes and how she was terrified of public speaking too. This helps to calm my nervous some.
My last class is Developmental Psychology. My teacher is very soft spoken and laid back. I had her last semester for Introduction to Sociology. She comes up with these really creative activities for us to do and gives very thorough study guides and lectures. She is one teacher I never thought I would have before I started college. In High School, I had managed to convince myself I could never pass a psychology class. When I went to do some dull enrollment classes my Senior year, I was told Introduction to Psychology was one of the only classes I could take. Very reluctantly I took the class and fell in love with the subject! That was two and a half years ago and I still enjoy the subject!
I want to share some college knowledge that I wished someone had told me. First, even if you are going back to college for a second year and have your main supplies for school, do NOT wait until the day of classes to read the syllabi for your classes and see all the supplies you need that you didn't think of! This will help to take away a little of the stress of a new semester beginning. Second, if you have a lot of early morning classes don't try to take a night class also! I learned this the first day of classes and had to go drop my night math class! Third, I find Bible verses to go with the feelings I have towards a class and write them on sticky notes. Then, I tape those sticky notes on my books. being able to look down to those verses during class help me remember that God is right there with me!
I hope this post will be an encouragement to people who are experiencing college and any type of school. Thank you for caring about my thoughts and opinions to read what I write weekly!
God Bless,
Brandi; XOXO

Other Women of the Bible - part 4

The Medium of Endor: She was sinning by practicing witchcraft. She knew she was sinning because she wouldn't do what Saul asked until she knew she would not die. Her shock at seeing Samuel proves that, even though she was suppose to be someone who summoned the dead, she had never had something like that happen to her. We can learn two things from this unnamed woman. First, what sin and disobedience looks like and second, human kindness looks like. When Saul fell to the floor, she prepared the best food she had for him and got him to eat to regain his strength. (1 Samuel 28:3-25)
The Wise Woman of Tekoa: This woman used her acting skills to be very sneaky and dishonest. Joab had asked for her help in playing David's emotions over his son in the way Joab wanted them to go. See, David's son had in exile for three years because he killed his half-brother who raped Tamar (Other Women of the heBible-part 3). David was torn in two. He had a duty as king and a duty as a father that put him in a hard place. This woman went to David with a fake story about her two sons. According to her one son killed the other and was on the run so he wouldn't be killed. David caught on to her and realized that Joab was behind this, but her speech had worked and David's father side won out and his son got to return home. Joab did this because he wanted David's son to take the throne after David. The woman's part in this can teach us what it is like to have disrespect for our leaders and ourselves by telling lies. (2 Samuel 14:1-21)
Solomon's Pagan Wives: Okay, these women aren't talked about a lot in the Bible, but the actions they took had a lasting impact through the rest of the Bible. Solomon couldn't settle for one wife, so he had many. He took wives that believed in other gods. I think these wives were still exposed to the One True God but chose not to follow Him. What's the life lesson here? Even a small decision can have a lasting consequence.
Maakah: Not much is known about her besides that she is the mother of Abijah and grandmother of Asa. However, she did not follow God and her grandson removed her from the position of queen mother and burned her "repulsive images for the worship of Asherah" she had made. (1 Kings 15:13)
Jezebel: A Princess by birth. She married Ahab and became Queen of Israel (1 Kings 16:31). She demanded that her gods be considered as important as God, implying she knew the God of Israel is the True God, and she got her way. She was fortunate enough to have many miracles preformed in front of her by God (1 Kings 18:23-38). But, she chose to still not believe in Him. When her prophets were killed she promised to kill Elijah, God's prophet (1 Kings 19:1-2). She arranged a man named Nabath's death so her husband could have his vineyard (1 Kings 21:7-16)! She also used her power as Queen Mother, when her sons were Kings, for evil. Her own people ended up throwing her to a gruesome death (2 Kings 9:30-37)! I feel sorry for Jezebel, because she had so many opportunities to have a relationship with God. I think her love for power was to strong for her to give in to that kind of love though. It is possible that Jezebel is mentioned in the New Testament though. Revelation 2:20 says: "Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols." Jezebel did make a legacy for herself, but it wasn't a good one. So, think about this, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Athaliah: All that is said about her is that she was wicked and just wanted power. (2 Kings 11:1-3; 13-16)
The Adulteress Woman in Proverbs: She is unnamed, but she is the opposite of what the Proverbs 31 woman is. She tries to trick people and tempt them into sinning. (Proverbs)
Gomer: She is Hosea's wife. She was a known prostitute and she had no plans of changing. She was married to a man of God and she probably heard of God all the time. She missed out on more than one great relationship! (Hosea)

What God Taught Me On Vacation...

 I had no plans of going on vacation with my Nana, aunt, cousin, and uncle last week. My plans changed two nights before we were to leave for Charleston, South Carolina. So, I packed rather quickly, but got everything I needed. So, on Saturday I went and stayed at Nana's so I wouldn't have to get up too early the next morning.
All night one of the dogs barked and kept all of us up! We were all still up by six in the morning, but we kept on having to turn back around because we forgot things. We were finally on the road by ten o'clock. The backseat of my uncle's truck was crammed with four people in it and we had to travel for nearly five hours! I'm sure you can imagine some of the arguments that broke out here and there.
We were all very happy to get to our villa and unload the truck. It took us awhile to figure out bed arrangements because a few people were determined to have everything their way and their plan was not going to work! This problem of who got what bed was settled in about ten minutes. We did not stay in the villa for long, and soon we found ourselves at T.J. Maxx, and two different grocery stores. By the time we had the food we needed and got back to the villa, none of us wanted to see the inside of that truck for at least three days!
The next morning was not pretty. I had a 5:30 wake up call from my uncle to go run with him and my aunt. I ran for as long as I could and then I walked the rest of the miles. My cousin came with us so I had someone to walk with here and there. I did enjoy getting to watch the sun come up (completing something off of my bucket list) and talking to God as I walked. However, this Monday was not going to stay peaceful for long...
Back in the room I was taking everyone's comments to personal and felt like they were saying things that were mean, but they weren't. I buried my head in a book. Then it happened. The one thing that was going to really ruin the peace I had found when walking. I dropped my Iphone 5S, that I had only had for two months in the toilet and ruined it! I felt so sick, so while we all piled back into the truck to go get frozen yogurt, I prayed to God. We ended up in a surf shop and I stumbled upon a quote and I knew it was God talking to me. It said: "Sometimes you have to make your own sunshine." This helped me through the rest of the trip.
The next day, July 29th, we tried to save my phone with a bag of rice, but it didn't work. I got the idea to try and use my tablet for everything, but for the life of me I could not get it to connect to the WI-FI! So, I started worrying about how I was going to blog and get some of my emails that I use for my Bible reading. My Nana reminded me that we did have a computer, so that problem was resolved. I really didn't like the idea of going to the beach or pool because I felt so fat in my bathing-suit, but I finally gave in and went to the pool with my family and had a really good time! A new problem showed up. How was I going to capture memories with pictures? This too was solved by my aunt and we went to Walmart and got me a camera and the things I needed for it. As we were walking on the beach later that night, a verse I had read that morning came to my mind. Isaiah 7:4 "...'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid...." I knew God was reminding me He had all of this already figured out!
July 30th met us with rain. So we went to the aquarium. One family member pitched a fit because she didn't get her way, but we all still enjoyed ourselves. I tried some new things, I pet an Alligator, Sting Ray, and a Starfish! My uncle made homemade oatmeal cookies for the first time, I'm glad my Nana was there to help him! I spent a lot of time with my little cousin and I'm so thankful for that time with him! The next day, we went and ate a Poe's Tavern and saw the lighthouse on Sullivan's Island. We also played in a park we stumbled upon. We got back to the villa and it started pouring the rain! My uncle managed to set off the fire alarm from cooking while I was in the shower! Oh, that was an adventure! We all ended the night by watching a movie.  I thought of Isaiah 9:6 "...Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." because those two days had God's handiwork all through them!
A new month started that Friday, August 1st. I went to the beach and had a good time. But soon after my cousin and I really started fighting and argued all day! My tennis shoes and sandals broke! Thankfully, I had bought some flip flops. We went on a ghost tour and then ate seafood. I tried Mahi Mahi and it was really good. Before I fell asleep I heard thunder...
Sure enough, it was raining the next day. So we all went to the Market. We were all arguing with each other a little, so we would go off from each other to look around and come back. I found this beautiful Sweet-grass cross and it reminded me that God was with me and I needed to love like Him! So, for the rest of the day I tried very hard to be kind to everyone because "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1. I ended up crying a little from hurt feelings on this trip, but God comforted me. We left on the 3rd while it was storming like crazy! The ride home wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I was so happy to finally be home!
So, what I learned on this vacation is that there are always going to be plans that go wrong. Also, it's hard to get along with your family sometimes, but they still love you. You have the choice to let one thing bad ruin your trip or to see the blessing you have got. Also, God is always with you through everything and He is where your true happiness comes from!

Other Women of the Bible- part 3

So, I am in South Carolina this week at the beach. I'm enjoying one last vacation with some of my family members before school starts back again. I went for a walk with my aunt and cousin one morning and I spent the time talking to God. It was so peaceful! I started wondering what women in the Bible might have done when they got up in the mornings. Did they fix breakfast and after everyone ate, did they go outside to work in the fields and talked or thought about how great God was while they worked? Here are some more godly women in the Bible.

Samson's Mother: This woman was someone who couldn't have kids. God visited her in the field where she was working and told her she would have a son, but there were certain things she had to do as she raised him. She went and told her husband that God visited her and her husband prayed that god would come and visit both of them. God did and told the husband the same thing that He told the woman. When Samson was born his parents obeyed God and he became a Judge for Israel. (Judges 13)
Naomi: The book of Ruth suggest that she was an important person in the town of Bethlehem. She, her husband, and two sons left for Moab when a famine hit. They lived in Moab for about ten years and Naomi got two daughters-in-law. Soon tragedy struck and Naomi's husband and two sons died. Naomi went back to Bethlehem with nothing but a daughter-in-law and she changed her name to Mara, which means better, she had given up hope until Ruth went to work in the fields and met her future husband. Naomi was blessed by God when her daughter-in-law became part of the family line of Jesus. (Ruth)
Orpah: Naomi's daughter-in-law who chose to go back to her parents house and not travel to Bethlehem. I think she was just scared of the unknown future and didn't trust God to provide. There is a very short part about her in the Bible. (Ruth)
Michal: She was Saul's daughter and she fell in love and married David. There is no record of her relationship with God, but it is record in the Bible where she got mad at David for praising God in public. (1 Samuel-2 Samuel)
Bathsheba: She became David's wife after she found out she was pregnant with his child. Bathsheba wasn't doing anything wrong, necessarily, She was bathing herself, but she should have done this somewhere else other than the rooftop! I do not know if she did this on purpose, hoping she would catch the eye of a man or if she just wasn't thinking. Either way she and David slept together while her husband was at war fighting for David! When David learned that Bathsheba was pregnant, he tried to be sneaking and brought the husband home in hopes that he would believe the child was his. The husband, however was a faithful servant and his payment was to be killed in battle on purpose by David himself! Then Bathsheba became David's wife and their child died when he was born. (2 Samuel 11)
Tamar: This was David's daughter. There is one chapter about her in the Bible. Her half-brother became obsessed with her and ended up raping her. It sounds like she was a good girl who followed God and truly cared about people. I think she shined so bright for God that this made her beautiful! (2 Samuel 13)
Rizpah: She was one of Saul's concubines and therefore her voice was never heard. Her sons were chose to die by the Gibeonites. He sons were going to hang there for everyone to see. She kept watch over them night and day. Finally, David heard her voice. She came to him and he brought her sons' bodies down so they could be buried. (2 Samuel 21:1-14)
The Queen of Sheba: I believe that she had some questions about God and that is the main reason she visited Solomon. I think he witnessed to her and therefore, helped her start a relationship with God! (1 Kings10)
Widow at Zarephath: She believed she and her son were getting ready to eat their last meal and then die. God had other plans. He sent Elijah to her and she did what he asked of her. God blessed her by making it so she never ran out of food. But, I don't think she was all the way convinced that God was on her side. soon her son died and she asked Elijah if it was because of her sins. Then Elijah prayed to God and the boy lived. That is when I think the woman truly started believing in God. (1 Kings 17:7-24)
Well, today is the last day of my vacation and it has been an adventure! I'm going to write about all that has happened for next weeks post because I think God has really showed me a few things that I need to share with you!

Voice for the Voiceless- Part 4

"It's estimated that there are more than 5,000 brothels disguised as massage parlors nationwide." - Polaris Project

"Sin causes a madness which makes sick souls dream that Fifty shades of... No Waythey are in sound health." - Charles Spurgeon

"50% of all Christian Men and 20% of all Christian women are addicted to pornography." -ChristiaNet Poll, 2006

I start off with these quotes from the 31 Days of Freedom Bible study because I want to talk about how our social media and our culture have fooled us into believing forms of Human Trafficking are okay. 

First, let's think about what clothes look like these days. As a young Christian woman I feel that every summer shorts are getting shorter and shorter and tops are getting lower and lower. There is also the whole legging issue. Now, I am a fan of leggings. They keep you warm when you wear a dress during the cold months. They also come in different patterns and colors that pants don't. However, leggings are NOT pants and when I see a girl who wears leggings as pants, I honestly think it just looks trashy. You can see underwear lines when you wear leggings and they leave nothing to the imagination. No wonder when we see a young girl on the street corner in a short, almost see through dress we just turn the other way! It's what we girls would put on or have seen our friends wear! Wake up people! We are making it harder to tell the difference between a girl in prostitution to a girl who is just out shopping!

Now for media. I have seen previews for a new TV show called Satisfaction. The preview shows that a man comes home one day to catch his wife cheating on him. He hunts the guy his wife was with down and learns that the wife has been paying, yes you read right PAYING, this man to sleep with her. So the husband, trying to save his marriage, starts selling himself for sex so it will keep their marriage interesting! Where do I even start on how wrong this show sounds and looks?! People are practically paying their TV bills to watch male prostitution! No wonder more brothels are popping up around the world and more people are disappearing into the life of prostitution!

Finally, let's talk about "50 Shades of Grey", the book and the movie. Now I have not read the book and I never will read the book. But, I did watch the movie trailer and right away a person can tell it is just going to be about sex and different things you can try. This has to do with Human Trafficking because in the documentary Whore's Glory that I watched the men would honestly admit the reason they would pay for a woman was because they would do and try anything they wanted. Sounds like what the book "50 Shades of Grey" is about to me.

"We can only end slavery by partnering together. It's too big of a problem for any one organization to handle alone." -Stacia Freeman, Abolition International

Meet Mr. Grey, NO WAY! Fifty shades of... No way

Vocie for the Vocieless- Part Three

 "a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak," ~ Ecclesiastes 3:7

Abolition International

The Hope Soap Project

The A21 Campaign

The links above are all organizations that are working to put a stop to Human Trafficking. I would like to share a story from the Abolition International Bible reading plan:

"One 8-year-old girl from California decided to use her lemonade stand to raise money to stop child slavery. She asked her customers to simply give whatever was in their heart. she raised over $100,000. Her small lemonade idea has since evolved into a corporation. Make a Stand Lemon-Aid sells fair-trade, organic lemonade at 137 stores. She is expected to gross $2 million this year alone, all for the sake of freedom. God can use small, simple things to do great and mighty things! Whatever your contribution, your gifts are invaluable to the body of Christ."

I know I needed to read that, because I was wondering if I was helping at all by writing about Human Trafficking. But, now I know God has given me what I need to do what He wants me to do for this cause!

Now, here are some stories from The A21 Campaign of rescues. Three weeks ago they wrote this on their Instagram page: "We are excited to announce a new survivor in Bulgaria! She is a young mother and was trafficked for sexual exploitation. One of the many interesting things about her case, is that she was recuited via Facebook. She is now in our care and FREE."

Two weeks ago they wrote: "BREAKING NEWS: We are thrilled to announce that we have just welcomed a new survivor into our Greece shelter who came to us through our national hotline! She was trafficked through a modeling agency for the past 10 years. We are so thankful that shi is in our care and finally FREE."

One week ago: "BREAKING NEWS: We've just welcomed a new survivor into our Greece shelter. Recruited by a boyfriend at the age of 12, she was repeatedly sold and abused. We're now happy to say that she is safe in our care. And to top it off, both traffickers pleaded guilty when arrested. Today is a good day at A21!"

Two days ago: "We're happy to announce a new survivor in Ukraine! Lured by a false job opportunity in Russia, this young university student was trafficked across boarders for exploitation. We're now helping her get back on her feet and build her education so that she can achieve her dreams for her future!"

One day ago: "BREAKING NEWS: We welcomed yet another young woman into our Greece shelter! After years of abuse and hurt, she is finally free. This makes four lives rescued and given hope in two weeks! Thanks to all our supporters who make our fight of freedom possible."

I share these stories to give hope to all of you. No matter what you are doing to help, letting people know, praying, donating money, whatever, it IS making a difference and we need to keep it up! Keep fighting the good fight and God bless all of you!

Voice for the Voiceless- Part 2

 

"The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern." ~Proverbs29:7

Last week I watched a documentary about prostitution called Whores' Glory. This documentary held nothing back as it explored the world of prostitution in three different countries. The first place had the girls put on buttons with numbers on them and sat around until someone bought their number. These people had no respect for the women and saw them as something to rent for the night, like booking a hotel room. These women were in this "business" because they wanted to be. The next place was a brothel and the girls looked as young as eleven or twelve! Some of these girls were bought by other women and brought into this "business". The last country showed "Hookers" waiting outside of rooms to pick up a man. Listening to how these so called men would talk about these women was too much for me and I could not finish the last fifteen minutes of the documentary!

Here is how the dictionary defines the word Prostitute: a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money; whore; harlot. a man who engages in sexual acts for money. a person who willingly uses his or her talent or ability in a base and unworthy way, usually for money.

And the word Prostitution: the act or practice of engaging in sexual intercourse for money. base or unworthy use, as of talent or ability.

Let's be honest and call this what it really is, HUMAN TRAFFICKING! Some pimps, owners, whatever you want to call them, goes as far as to BRAND their "workers". Here is a clip from the movie Branded. I have not seen this movie, but the video was enough to make me want to cry.   

Finally, here are some facts about Child Sex Tourism:

 

Please pray for human trafficking to come to an end. Look up organizations that help put a stop to it. Together this horrible thing can be stopped!

Voice for the Voiceless- part one

Wh at is Human Trafficking? The dictionary says: 

the illegal practice of procuring or trading in human for the purpose of prostitution, forced labor, or other forms of exploitation.

Some popular ways this is done is child labor, most children fall into this by not being wanted, so when they go mkssing nobody says anything. Human trafficking happens all over the world, even in the United States.

This month is when Abolition International is working this month for "31 Days of Freedom" for more information go to www.abolitioninternational.org 

I'm in Washington D.C. right now celebrating the Fourth of July and I am so blessed! My best friend and I have been making care bags for the homless people here in the hopes that this will help them and protect them. Please join in this movement and let's put an end to Human Trafficking!

Other Women of the Bible- Part 2

I am going to be taking a break from this series to work on another series for the month of July. I will pick this series up on the first Saturday of August. I hope everyone is enjoying this series!

Zipporah: she was Moses' wife. She was a preacher's daughter and a shepherdess. She seemed to believe and listen to God. After all, husband as the one God chose to lead Israel out of Egypt after 400 years of slavery and she didn't try to talk him out of it. (Exodus 2:16-23)

Miriam: she was Moses' older sister and God had blessed her by making her a leader of the women. She messed up a couple of times though. She started nasty rumors about Moses. She had good qualities too though. (All through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy)

Jael: she took an opportunity sent from God and she drew on His strength to find courage she might not have known she had. God gave her victory over a death for Israel. This was a huge deal and honer in those days. (Judges 4:16-22)

Abimelek's Killer: she was someone unknown in the Bible. She was probably just someone who used a millstone to provide food for her town. But, just like Jael, she relied on God's strength and His planning to save her town and people from being destroyed by fire from an evil wannabe king. (Judges 9:52)

Samson's Pagan Bride: she was a Philistine woman who was beautiful and charming. She probably found Samson very attractive and, against parents wishes, they quickly got married.Their marriage failed because they had different loyalties to different people. The woman chose to be threatened by her own people and betraying her husband instead of confiding in her husband and trusting him to protect her. Also, they jumped into a huge commitment for physical satisfaction instead of taking time to know each other. (Judges 14)

Delilah: She used her body and her looks to get what she wanted. She seduced Samson and then she was seduced by money to learn his secret, betray him, and play a part in his death! The Bible doesn't say if she died in the temple when Samson tore it down, but I don't think her life was ever happy. (Judges 16)

Micah's Unfaithful Mother: She put a curse on money that was stolen from her (The Bible does not say if she used magic or not.) She also offered the money to God. But once her son returned it and admitted to stealing it, she made an idol with it and helped teach her son not to worship God! (Judges 17)

The Levite's Defenseless Concubine: she ran away from the Levite and therefore disobeyed him. In return though, he did not defend her and let her die. I believe there might have been better ways for her to handle the situation and I believe the man let her down! (Judges 19)

The Wives of Benjamin: Not much is said about them besides that they were innocent victims. They do play an important part in history of keeping the tribe of Benjamin alive. (Judges 21)

Peninnah: She was honestly just a bully. She had a husband and children, but she had to give Hannah a hard time about not being able to have children until Hannah would be depressed and not eat. Now, Peninnah

might have done these things because she didn't feel loved by her husband, but she still handled everything the wrong way.  (1 Samuel 1)

Summer, here I come!

Well, Summer is offically herr! So, HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!! I hope everyone who reqds this has great summer days and adventures!

I've started some new things for this summer. First, I am training for a 5k, so I need A LOT of prayers please! My aunt always runs 5k's so she's kind of training me. It's been really hot here in North Carolina so I haven't got to train like I would like to. One of mybest friends will goto the gym to wotkout together also. So, this is a fun, new adventure to be on!
I'm also cutting back on how much soda I drink. Anyone who enjoys a soda or two knows how addicting they can be! I've substituted the Naked Juice and the Raaw juice for my sweet tasting drinks. I also enjoy green tea and at least two cups of water a day.
Another thing i have changed, is that I have been limiting myself to how many hours of TV I. Canwatch. I'm down to four or fjve hours. This is a lot better than how much I was watching when summer started! I have replaced some of those hours by sitting outside and reading. I'm a book nerd so having all this time to read is great! Also studying my Bible and just spend time outside appreciating God's beautiful creation!
I thought I would just givr a personal updateon this post and I hope you enjoy reading it. God bless you & you all are in my prayers!
XOXO, Brandi;💛💙

Are You a Carrot, Egg, or Coffee Bean?

 

I often wonder what kind of imprint I'm leaving on this world. It's safe to say I want God to shine through whatever I do. But, I also want to be who He made me to be.

I started this week off by going to a friend's graduation. One of the speakers told a story that really stuck with me. It went like this:

A girl had came home and was telling her mom what a bad day at school she was having and how hard life was at the time. The mom went and put three pots of water on the stove to boil. She put a carrot in the first pot. An egg in the second and a coffee bean in the third. After a few minutes she called her daughter into the kitchen. She told her daughter she had three choices. To become like the carrot, which had turned soft a mushy, during hard times. To become like the egg, that had became hard and tough to crack. Or to be like the coffee bean, which had turned the water into coffee.

So what is the idea here? It's to be like a coffee bean and influence the world around you instead of letting the world influence you! This scripture, I think, that teaches that same lesson.  Jesus is telling a parable about weeds. The weeds are lost people today and the good seed are people who have a relationship with God. I think this shows how we can influence each other and how God doesn't give up on us.

"'No,' he answered, ' because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" ~Matthew 13:29-30 NIV

So, are you a carrot, egg, or coffee bean?

The Sleeping Beauty

Recently I watched a friend in a dance production of a Biblical telling of Sleeping Beauty. The scene that moved me the most was when Aurora was going to marry the prince and the song "Wedding Day" by Casting Crowns played. So I was wondering what I would find if I watched Sleeping Beauty. This is what I found:
The Three Good Fairies would represent Angels looking out for people.
The King and Queen represent Christians who are going through a hard time, but trusting in God.
Fona is the person who tries to see good in everyone.
Meriweather is the person who was the rebel but has found grace.
Flora is the person who is still trying to learn to rely on God and sometimes tries to make everything better by herself.
Maleficent represents the sin that can come into our lives.
The fact that the King and Queen threw a party for Aurora's birth is a reminder to us that we are God's joy and He celebrates us everyday!
The gift of beauty could be seen as the inner beauty we get as we grow closer to God and the gift of song can be seen as worshiping God.
Maleficent's "gift" can be seen as a beautiful person in God, who loves, but has fallen to sin. The gift of sleep until true loves kiss can be seen as staying pure and waiting for the one God has planned for you.
When Aurora is picking berries in the movie and singing about love, it can be seen as what every girl has done. Doubt God's plan for her love story. When Aurora runs from Prince Phillip, that can be seen as running from temptation and letting things play out the way God wants it to.
When the kings are planning their kids futures and Phillip says he doesn't want to go along with the plan, one of the king's starts to worry.  If he would have just stood back and watched he would have seen God's plan for love was happening and God's plan is so much better than man's plan!
Aurora falling under the spell and touching the spindle can be seen as doubting God's plan, because she was so heart broken over finding out she could never see the guy she met, and letting sin slowly slip into your life.
Finally, through it all Prince Phillip really did use the shield of virtue and sword of truth by not giving up on true love and the two of them sharing true loves first kiss!
There are the pure, true love facts I found in the movie Sleeping Beauty.

You're Gonna Hear Me Roar

Wow! This month has been filled with adventure, and it's not even over yet! I made it through my first year in college! I feel excited for next semester to start because I feel I will be more prepared. For Mother's Day my friend and I took our moms to the spa and just had a good girls' day. I've spent a lot of time with family and friends. I've also been working at the pregnancy center and reading books on my summer book list.

Then, on May 10th, my Papaw had a stroke and we had to take him to the hospital. The stroke affected both sides of his brain and he had to go into a nursing home for a couple of weeks. My grandmother has been cleaning the house and making it "walker proof" like crazy. My papaw will be home on Thursday, but this isn't going to be an easy road. Prayers are very appreciated!

 

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. A lot of people will be having cook-outs and be with friends and family. I did some research, and did you know that Memorial Day use to be called "Decoration Day"? It is a national holiday. It is for the remembrance of Soldiers who have died. It started after the end of the American Civil War. It also marks the beginning of Summer. Some things you could do to give back are:

*Decorate a Soldiers grave

*Give to the Wounded Warrior Project

*Donate a Bible at Family Christian Bookstore

*Take food to a family who recently lost someone to war

*Pray and be thankful!

 

For my Summer I've been spending time with my dog Titus. I got him from Brother Wolf almost two years ago and he is the sweetest dog! He's spoiled rotten and I love him so much! About a week ago, we added a new addition to our pet family. A cat someone had thrown out on the side of the road had found refuge under the porch. She is very friendly and has been letting me take care of her. I've named her Esther and she is expecting kittens soon. I'm not going to be able to keep her, so I am taking her to a no kill shelter. I've grown attached to her and it's going to be hard to give her up, but it's best for her. If you are interested in adopting an animal, here is the link to Brother Wolf

I recomend checking out The American Bible Challenge on The Game Show Network. It's a great show!

 

These guys who call themselves Rhymz with Grace were on it and I love this music video they did:

 Lastly, please continue to pray for Nigeria. The government is very corrupt there and the schoolgirls still have not been found. There has also been bombings. The Prayer Warriors need to unite and really be praying for this country!