The Pennsylvania Review

   

About a month ago I was in Pennsylvania on vacation. My friend and I went through three different parts of Pennsylvania, and I thought I would share my experience.

 The first place that we stopped was Gettysburg, PA. Gettysburg is a place for a person who loves history, and I'm a person who loves history. I enjoyed going through the Gettysburg National Military Park. It was a self-guided tour in a car. We had a map from the welcome center, and while we drove around, we had markers on the trail and were able to read about what the monument or place was on the map. The scenery and the houses were beautiful too. Two colleges that are there is the Lutheran Theological Seminary and Gettysburg College. Finally,  great place to eat when in Gettysburg is called Lincoln Diner. The food is cheap and excellent. We went to eat there on a Wednesday around seven at night. The address to this diner is 32 Carlisle St, Gettysburg, PA 17325. It's worth checking out if you are in Gettysburg, PA.

 Now, the next place that we visited in Pennsylvania was Lancaster, PA. We stayed at the Economy Inn. The room was clean and comfortable. There was no elevator, so if you have a lot of luggage get ready to lug it up some stairs. The people that work at the Economy Inn are sweet and kind people. We had a conversation with one of the men who works there about God and how amazing He is. That was pretty cool! 

While we were in Lancaster, we went to eat with an Amish family for $16.00. I am not going to give out the families personal information out of respect for the household. But the family was very sweet and hospitable. The food was fantastic and at the end of our time together everyone in the room sang "Amazing Grace" together and I could feel the Holy Spirit in that room. That was one of the best parts of the trip in Pennsylvania! The only thing that was tough was that there was no air condition, and it was sweltering!

The last thing we did in Lancaster was paying $12.00 for a thirty minute Amish Buggy ride around Lancaster. The man who drove the buggy was friendly and kind. He gave plenty of information on Lancaster and the Amish people, and the buggy ride was fun.

 The last stop in Pennsylvania was in Hershey, PA at the Hershey's Chocolate World. Now, the Chocolate World is free to experience, and that is what we chose to do. The decorations were neat and fun to look at. It was neat to see my favorite chocolates as cartoon characters. The next thing that I liked was that Hershey's Chocolate World has a little ride that a person can ride on and learn how the chocolate that people enjoy is made. The ride is somewhat kiddish and would probably keep kids attention very well, but it's fun for adults also. I will warn that the candy in the store is pretty expensive, along with anything else in the gift store. We didn't check out Hershey Park because it was too expensive for us with everything else that we wanted to do.

This post my Pennsylvania Review and I hope that it's helpful if you ever plan a trip to Pennsylvania. God Bless!

Resolved: Freedom and Independence

      "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof:" ~Leviticus 25:10
   Fireworks, picnics, a long weekend, red, white, and blue pride. 
   These are a few things that the people in the United States have come to see the 4th of July as. I am one of those people. To me, 4th of July was about getting to see fireworks and spending the weekend in different states with my best friend. In 2014 I watched the fireworks in Washington D.C. and 2015 I watched them at a concert in Tennessee. This year I was going to watch fireworks in Flordia, but now it's Tennessee.
   Watching fireworks is not the most important thing to me this year, though. The phrase "Let freedom ring" has been in my head for a couple of days, so I started doing some research. 

   Documents, ideas, team work, and a bell all play a part in the reason America gets to celebrate the 4th of July today.

   In 1776 there was a meeting in the Pennsylvania State House to discuss the thirteen colonies freedom from England. A man from Virginia named Richard Henry Lee came up with a resalution and said: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown,an that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved," (The History of the 4th of July). 

   Richard Henry Lee's words resulted in John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson to write and sign the Decloration of Independence. It took time to write the Decloration of Independence, and to proof read it. Therefore, the Decoration of Independence was not finished until July 4th, 1776. 

   It is said that the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was used to gather the people for the very first public reading of the Decleration of Independence on July 8, 1776. However some historians doubt that the Liberty Bell actually rang when the Decloration of Independence was read because the steeple of the bell was in really bad condition by 1776. It's possible that the Liberty Bell is associated with the reading of the Decleration of Independence because a man named George Lippard wrote a fictional story that told of a man waiting to hear that congress had declared independence so he could ring the bell. This story was published in The Saturday Currier in 1847, (The Liberty Bell).

   Freedom was hard to achieve for the men (and women) who sat out to have religous and other freedoms. Freedom is still hard today because there is always someone who disagrees about how things are being run. So, on this 4th of July take a moment to appreciate all that our forefathers had to go through to get us where we are today, and about all the men and women who are away from home keeping us safe and free. Be thankful for your freedom, don't just enjoy "the show." Thank you to our soldiers! And happy 4th of July everyone!

   "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof:" ~Leviticus 25:10

Spring 2016 nail colors

So, I haven't been on here in about five, almost six, months. The ending of 2015 and the beginning of 2016 were stressful times that were filled with things that had to be done. However, I am slowly getting back into a routine of things and am so excited to be posting my first blog post of 2016!

  The first thing I want to post about is a "beauty tip" of sorts. Spring is upon us and it's that time of year when many people get their nails done and want them to look good and have bright colors. I love painting my nails and really using all of the many color options that a girl can have. What I do not like is that some nail polishes chip easily, do not go on smooth, or do not last long. Also, I am not a big fan of getting my nails professionally done. There's nothing wrong with getting a manicure or pedicure, but I'm just the type of girl who doesn't like that. I thought I would always be doomed to use non-lasting nail polish, but then I stumbled upon something in Walmart.

Sinful Colors is a nail polish brand that uses gel nail technology to give a person "salon worthy" nails. I pay about three dollars for a bottle of this nail polish, and in my opinion, it is totally worth it!

The picture on the right is a picture of my nails that I painted about a week ago. When I use the Sinful Color brand it lasts me about three weeks. I love how shiny the color looks after using the top coat, and that I don't have to spend a lot of money at a nail place to get good-looking nails. The colors that I am using this Spring are: 

• I'm Blushing (a soft, creamy pink/nude color)
• Pragmatic (a bright lavender looking purple)
• Alfresco (picture above and to the right)
• Slay Grey from the King Kylie collection (a sparkly gray color)

The other brand of nail polish that I am using is China Glaze. I get my China Glaze nail polish from Sally Beauty Supply and I use a friend's discount, so I pay about four dollars. The colors I am using this spring are:

• Flip Flop Fantasy (a dark coral color)
• Re-Fresh Mint (a mint green color)

Out of the two products, I like Sinful Colors better. It goes on smoother, last longer, and is cheaper. I would love to know what colors you are wearing this spring. You can post your color choices in the comments on this post, or on twitter and Instagram by using the #TravelersThoughtsSpringNails

An open letter to the person battling anxiety

An open letter to the person battling with anxiety:

You are going to get through this and you will win.

You wake up to a new day and you feel fine. You go about your normal routine and you’re read to face the day.

But then, out of nowhere, you feel like you can get nothing accomplished and the day doesn’t look so bright and promising anymore.

You feel depressed, like you just want to curl up in a ball and tune out the rest of the world. Like you want to turn off all of your emotions and escape to something else (the TV, reading, self-harm, drugs, alcohol, all of these can be a person’s escape when anxiety sets in.)

You just cry for, what you think is, no reason. But maybe your subconsciously crying for help or because you’re upset at everything anxiety has taken from you today. Whatever the reason, it’s okay to cry.

Then you get overwhelmed over doing the simplest things. Maybe it’s writing a paper or cleaning house. Maybe it’s going to the grocery store or, even, taking that next step to achieve your dreams. Sometimes, when the overwhelmed part kicks in, you wonder if you just want to see yourself self-destruct because everything might not be as bad as you think it is in this moment. I’m here to tell you that NO! You are not doing this to self-destruct, you’re just having to go to war with your anxiety today.

Finally, the anger sets in. You want to throw things. You want to run away from all of these problems looming over you. You’re mad at yourself for not being able to handle these simple things. You’re mad that your hands are shaking making even the simplest of jobs, like carrying a cup of tea, difficult. Maybe you’re mad at other people and think that they are adding to your anxiety. Maybe you’re even upset with God and wonder why He lets you struggle with this on a daily basis.

Anxiety sucks! And it comes in many forms. But, anxiety can NOT beat you! Anxiety can make you feel like crap for a while, but it makes you stronger. You are a warrior and you’re battling with anxiety. But, I’m here to tell you that anxiety doesn’t win. YOU win! Did you get up this morning? That’s a victory! Did you press on and do your best? That’s a victory! Did you not turn to your escape? That’s a victory! There are people in your life who care for you and will walk beside you during this. That’s a victory! There is a God Who loves you and is watching out for you. He has amazing plans for you and He is with you every step of the way. That’s a HUGE victory!

To the person battling anxiety, you’re going to make it through this and you are going to beat anxiety. I believe in you and I know you can do this because I’m battling anxiety too. But, WE are going to win, everything is going to work out, you’ll see. So, for now, keep on fighting!

Sincerely,

A person who is battling anxiety along with you.

The Adventure Has Been Great So Far

February 24, 2008 my life changed forever. I had been having a rough time for awhile. These rough times came from not agreeing with friends, a few bumps in the family road, and boy problems. It just so happened that the boy problems were what was going to open my eyes to God.

I was 13 years old, getting ready to turn 14 in a few months. I had my heartbroken over a guy on that February day. I honestly don't know what had happened between the guy and me, but it was the best thing that had ever happened.

My mom and I went to a Christian bookstore on February 24th and, as I was browsing the Bible shelves, a Bible caught my attention. It was an NIV True Image Bible and my mom bought it for me.

That night, as I was sitting in my room and looking through this new Bible, I found a page in the back labeled "Christianity 101." I was curious do I read it.

This peace came over me and I felt truly happy for the first time in a long time. I realized in that moment that God was with me even when no one else wasn't and Jesus is my True Prince Charming and He had someone planned for me!

I thought I had been saved about two or three times before that. But that night at 10pm, I KNEW 100% sure that I had started a relationship with God!

A lot of things hit my family all at once after that and it was a storm. Instead of questioning God about why these things were happening I clung to God as hard as I could! God knew that I needed Him at that time more than ever.

Now, seven years later there have been tons of hard times, but billions of amazingly happy times! I praise God that He never gave up on me and continued to pursue me and pursues me now. Life is hard, but a life with a relationship with God makes everything sweet and beautiful in the right time! By the way, God loves you and is pursuing you too!

 The Roman Road to Salvation 

The True Image Bible 

Random Acts of Kindness

 

There are sad things going on in the world and people have bad days. But what if you could make things just a little bit brighter? February 9-15, 2015 is National Random Acts of Kindness Week. The idea is to do something that is nice for someone else to brighten their day.

Some ideas are to place uplifting sticky notes in public places for people to fined. You can also leave a dollar taped to a vending machine so someone else can get a drink or snack. A group of people can bake sweets and hand them out for free to people. You can take balloons to a hospital and ask the nurse at the front desk to deliver the balloons to someone who needs uplifting or doesn't get many visitors.

There are tons of ideas! Ideas that won't cost you a thing and ideas that a group of people can do together. Google ideas or look on pinterest and let's make this Random Acts of Kindness Week one people can't forget!

Faith in today's world

  Let's talk about the word "Faith" and the action of having Faith today. The dictionary defines "Faith" as: complete trust or confidence in someone or something. strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. a system of religious belief. a strongly held belief or theory. The Bible says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." ~Hebrews 11:1 (NIV). And 2 Corinthians 5:7 says "For we live by faith, not by sight." (NIV)
This graph shows how much the word "Faith" was used in different years: "Faith" graph. I think it's sad we've gotten away from having faith in today's world. We worry about the here and now and trust technology, but do we have faith God is there and will provide for us? 
I think it's time we stop putting our TRUST in worldly things and start putting our FAITH back in God and showing the world that the King of kings is the One who is in charge with good plans!!

Bible studies of 2015

  Welcome to the "official" blog post of 2015! I wanted to share about some things to be looking for on the blog in the upcoming months. First of all I am doing something that is on my bucket list this year. I am taking a photo everyday for the whole year. I have an album titled "A Photo A Day" on my Facebook page. I am doing this to document the changes I will make over this year.
Next, I will probably be doing some posts on the Bible studies I will be doing this year. The first one I have started out with is Faithful One by Amy-Jo Girardier. It is an eight week study on the books of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians. You can buy it here. I use the 1st and 2nd Thessalonians journal, which you can buy here, to take notes and provide more study tools. I also use a "Wreck journal" to doodle  in and drive home key points with pictures. My Bible choice is my NIV Bible I use everyday and my Quick View Bible that has graphs and charts in it. 
I'm taking a different approach to studying God's Word this year. Instead of just reading the Bible cover to cover, I want to do different devotionals to dig dipper into the Word and maybe understand it more! It's going to be a great New Year!

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

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!

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!

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

Other Women of the Bible- part 1

 

Okay, so I've been doing a "Proverbs 31 Women of the Bible" series. I started thinking we could learn something from all of the women in the Bible. So here is another branch in the "Proverbs 31 Women in the Bible" series called "Other Women of the Bible". We will be looking at all the other women who I didn't put as a Proverbs 31 Woman. Some of these women are good role models and others are not, but we can learn something from them all.

Eve: She was first woman. God made her from the dirt and with one of Adam's ribs. She got to enjoy the Garden of Eden and talking to God. She got to see a time when there was nothing but peace in the world. She made a mistake and sinned by eating fruit from a tree God told her not to eat from. As a result, she and Adam had to leave the garden and live a hard life. She knew how perfect the world was before sin and she had to watch the world become a sinful place. Nonetheless, she was a big part of history! (Genesis chapter two.)

 Lot's Disobedient Wife: Lot and his wife traveled with Abraham and Sarah. Lot picked the land of Sodom and Gomorrah to live because it was the best land. But this land was filled with a lot of sin. God spared Lot and his family. But Lot's wife loved the place where she lived, a place filled with sin, so much that she disobeyed God and turned into a pillar of salt. Lot's wife loved the world more than God.

Keturah: She was the second wife of Abraham and she had six sons with him. At times Keturah probably felt like she could never be good enough. She did have some big shoes to fill after Sarah. But Abraham loved her too.

Leah: She was Rachel's older sister. She obeyed her father and married Jacob. What was her reward for this? She lived her whole life knowing that her husband loved her younger sister more than her. I can't imagine how that felt! God blessed her though by giving her children. Out of her children came the Israelites line of Priests and the family tree of Jesus Christ.  It's quite obvious God showed Leach how much He loved her!

Rachel: She found her true love in Jacob. But she had to watch as her sister married him first. When she finally married Jacob, she had to split her time with him with her sister for the rest of her life. Then Rachel found out that she could not have children, but her sister could. It had to be hard on Rachel to watch her husband with another woman and seeing her sister's children when she couldn't have any herself. But instead of relying on God she got competitive and caused more fighting with her sister. She played a big role in history and was blessed with two sons of her own.

Bilhah and Zilpah: These two women were the servants of Leah and Rachel. I can not imagine how these women felt when they were giving to Jacob as "wives" just to produce babies! Yes, they were taking care of but it was still probably very hard on them knowing that their children, in the eyes of society, belonged to someone else. I do admire them for willingly doing what Leah and Rachel told them to do and having hearts like a servant. God rewarded them by allowing their children to be a part of Israel's heritage.

Dinah: She was Jacob's daughter. Leah was her mother. Not much is said about her. But the Bible does tell us that she was raped by the prince of the town her family was staying in. The result of this was that her brothers killed all the men in the town. Dinah had to live with what happened to her and probably would not find a husband because of this. I wonder what Dinah was thinking going out by herself. Had she grown up a tomb-boy because of her twelve brothers? Did she think she could take care of herself because, maybe, her brothers had taught her a little self-defense? Ether way, Dinah became a silent victim.

Tamar: She was Judah's daughter-in-law. Her husband sinned and died. Keeping to the law, her brother-in-law married her. But he sins and died. Now Judah did not want to give his other son in marriage for fear of death. But he wouldn't help Tamar by arranging for her to marry someone else. Tamar didn't rely on God and took matters into her own hands and tricked Judah. She kept the family line alive, but we can learn that if God has a plan HE will see it finished. We just need to have faith and not try to fix it ourselves.

Potiphar's Wife: This woman probably had everything money could buy. After all, her husband worked for Pharaoh in a very high position. But maybe she didn't feel loved and cherished. Maybe her marriage was having problems. Potiphar could have been working long hours and not being there for his wife like he should have been. Ether way, what Potiphar's Wife did was not the way to handle things! She found Joseph attractive and she tried to get him to sleep with her. Had she tried this before with other servants? We don't know. But the Bible does tell us that Joesph said no. I believe the lesson we can learn is that no marriage will have a chance of truly being happy without God in the center of it.

BLESSED: The Liebster Award 2014

 

"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." ~Philippians2:4

So I am posting sooner than I normally do. That is because I have be nominated for the Liebster Award by Melissa over at Joy Faith & Dirt. Thanks so much Melissa!

Here are The Rules:

1. Post the award on your blog.

2. Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog.

3. Write 11 random facts about yourself.

4. Nominate 11 bloggers who you feel deserve this award and has less than 1,000 followers.

5. Answer 11 questions posted by your presenter and ask your nominees to answer 11 questions.

My 11 Random Facts:

1.  I'm an only child, but have three younger cousins.

2. I try to memorize a Bible verse each week.

3. Starting today until July 7th I am going to memorize all of Romans 12.

4. My Bible verse I am memorizing this week is 1 Peter 4:8.

5. I am two days away from finishing my first full year in college.

6. I do not like math!

7. I'm obsessed with Pintrest.

8. I want to double major in college (Journalism and Divinity.)

9. I have over 20 journals.

10. I love animals and have a pet dog named Titus.

11. I volunteer at a pregnancy center.

The 11 questions Melissa asked me:

1. "If you were stranded on an island, what one thing would you want to take with you (no people)? My Bible so that I would have some link to God.

2. " What's your biggest accomplishment to date?" Getting accepted into Campbell University.

3. "What place do you most want to visit?" Italy and Israel.

4. "How do you find material for your blog?" I find most of my material on what I am studying about in my Bible.

5. "What made you want to start a blog?" I just wanted to see if I had something worth writing that people wanted to read.

6. " Have you always been a writer?" I think so. My mom says that when I was in second grade I could tell you a story I made up and it was good. I think I've always been a story-teller.

7. "What's your favorite outdoor activity?" Probably swimming and playing with my dog outside.

8. "If you could convince everyone of one particular thing, what would it be?" That God is real and that He loves all of us!

9. "What is your favorite time of day and why?" Late afternoon and night because I just seem to be more awake during those times.

10. "Are you a chocolate or vanilla type of person?" Chocolate.

11. "If you had to become an animal, which one would you choose and why?" A horse because they are so beautiful.

My 11 questions for my nominees:

1. Why did you start your blog?

2. Who is your favorite author and why?

3. What is your favorite quote and why?

4. Where is your favorite place to study your Bible?

5. What is your favorite Bible verse?

6. When were you saved?

7. Who is your favorite Bible character and why?

8. Your favorite vacation you have ever been on?

9. A place you want to travel to?

10. Favorite blog post you have read so far?

11. Favorite things to write about?

My Nominees:

1.  Kalin Ann at Modesty Is My Policy

2. Victoria W. at Miss Tadoodles Corner

3. Kayla Peel at My Wandering Heart

4. Jamilya at Be His Girl

5. Sara Jayne at Growing In Gods Image

6. Lindsay at Magnify

Proverbs 31 Women of the Bible- part 4

 

Well, it's time to explore more women of the Bible! So here we go.

Ruth: She was a woman who didn't really know much about God. But she trusted Him and followed her mother-in-law to a new place. She left everything and everyone she knew just so her mother-in-law wouldn't be alone! She worked to provide for the two of them and she didn't ask for any help, she just trusted God! She was known as a woman of noble character by many. Finally, the book of Proverbs came after Ruth in the Hebrew Bible. So the Proverbs 31 woman was Ruth! Therefore, Ruth fits EVERY verse! Her story can be found in the whole book of Ruth.

Hannah: She was a woman who just wanted a child. So she prayed to God and told Him that she would give the child back to Him. She  became pregnant and sure enough, she kept her promise and gave her child back to God by letting him be raised in the temple. She fits verses 11, 12, and 30 of the Proverbs 31 woman. Her story can be found in 1 Samuel chapter one.

Abigail: She was an intelligent and beautiful woman. Her husband had no compassion and all of his household about died because of that. Abigail saved her household by preparing food and asking for forgiveness. She fits verses 17, 18, 20, 26, and 27 of the Proverbs 31 woman. Her story can be found in 1 Samuel twenty-five.

A Shumannite Woman: This woman and her husband opened their home up to Elisha. This woman asked for nothing in return. But Elisha wanted to give her something for her kindness. So she asked him to pray that she might have a child. Sure enough, she had a son. But one day her son complained of a headache and he died in her arms! Did this woman cry and blame God? No! She put the boy's body on Elisha's bed and without telling her husband that their son was dead she went and found Elisha. When Elisha asked her how everyone was she told him they were all fine! I think this is because she knew God was going to save her son, she had unshakable faith! Elisha went back with her and sure enough God, through Elisha, raised the boy from the dead. What did the woman do when this happened? She got on her knees and PRAISED God BEFORE she went to her son! Wow! She fits verses 20, 22, 28, and 30 of the Proverbs 31 woman. Her story can be found in 2 Kings chapter four, verses eight through thirty-seven.

Proverbs 31 women of the Bible-Part 3

Okay, so Easter is just right around the corner! I'm so thankful that God loved us so much that Jesus came and died for us! Then, if that wasn't enough, He rose three days later and visited people instead of just going back to Heaven, Another blogger said something that really stuck with me, if we didn't have the resurrection we wouldn't have had our salvation. We needed both the cross and the raising from the grave to save our life! WOW!

 

Okay, so I decided to continue my Proverbs 31 women of the Bible series for this week. So here is part three.

There were no mention of Proverbs 31 women in the book Deuteronomy.

Rahab: Her story can be found in Joshua chapter 2. She hid the spies, tricked her people, risked her life for them, knew the Lord was the true God by the things that had been going on. She had to have been well educated about the Israelites and their journey. She did all that she could to protect her family and then did what the spies told her to right away instead of waiting until they came back! Rahab is a great example of not giving into peer pressure. She was the mother of Boaz and was in the family line of Jesus! Talk about a complete turn around of a life! I think she fits verses 17, 18, 20, 27, and 30 of the Proverbs 31 woman.

Aksah: Her story can be found in Joshua chapter 15. She was smart about what her land and family needed to survive. She talked to her husband and they came to an agreement. Then she went to her father and respectfully asked him for a favor. I think she fits verses 16, 18, and 27 of the Proverbs 31 woman.

Deborah: Her story can be found in Judges chapter 4. She was a homemaker and had no aristocratic lineage. She was the only woman in Scripture elevated to high political power by the common consent of her peers. She was described as "a mother in Israel" before she became a Judge! She was also a Prophetess and she listened to God, had a servant's heart, delegated tasks, offered praise to God, she lead with authority from God, motivated the people, and was a respected leader. Wow! Talk about a full plate of responsibility! I think she fits verses 10, 11, 12, 20, 25, 26, 30, and 31 of the Proverbs 31 woman.

Jephthah's Daughter: Her story can be found in Judges 11. A young girl who didn't grieve over the tragedy of her upcoming death, but accepted it. I think Jephthah would've broken his promise to God if she had not told him that he had to do what he promised. So she showed wisdom and strength. She was obedient to her father and committed to God! I think she fits verse 30 of the Proverbs 31 woman.

I'm so thankful the Bible is filled with examples of Godly women to help others to be that way in their daily walk!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

    "My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold. My wages better than sterling silver." ~Proverbs 8:19 (NIV)

   First of all let me say HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! I hope everyone has had a great day and remembered to wear green! Now have you ever wondered why St. Patrick's day was started? I know I have! So I did a little research and here is what I found out.
  St. Patrick was from Britain and he grew up in a religious family but had no religion of his own. He was taken by Irish pirates when he was sixteen. He was forced to herd sheep for six years and during that time he really started talking to God and growing in a personal relationship with God. One night he fled from his owner and 250 miles away from where he was a salve he found a ship. It took awhile, but he convinced the owner of the ship to let him travel with them.
  They traveled on foot for twenty something days and St. Patrick worked as a preacher in their small group and it is said that all the people with him became Christians. He finally returned to his family in his early twenties and continued to grow in his relationship with God. He later went back to Ireland and was a missionary there in a time where the place was filled with Druids and Pagans. There are legends that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland, because there are no snakes to this day. He used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to people when he was witnessing to them.
  So years later we celebrate St. Patrick's day on the day of St. Patrick's death. No one knows for sure how he died , but of course there are a couple of tales. The Irish also celebrate their heritage on this day (maybe that's why we wear green). Many church's celebrate St. Patrick's day because it is a milestone in Christian history. The main places that celebrate it though are places in Europe.
  So there are my findings about St. Patrick's day.