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!

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!

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!

To Thaw A Frozen Heart

So I just watched Frozen for the first time on Friday night! Needless to say, I loved it! While I was watching the movie I saw some lessons in it that I really wanted to talk about. So on Saturday night, I watched it again and wrote down my thoughts on the Biblical lessons that the movie could teach someone.

The first thing that caught my attention was Anna's love for Elsa. Anna never gave up on Elsa, she was always knocking on Elsa's door and letting Elsa know she was there for her. I thought of this verse during that part: "'Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.'" (ESV) Also, everything Anna goes through to find Elsa, I thought of all that Jesus went through for us. Finally, the part that really stuck out to me was when Anna was singing to Elsa trying to clam her down and Elsa was consumed with her worry. Jesus stands there during the hard times in our lives and waits for us to take His hand for help.
Second, Anna's personality reminded me of a person who has a relationship with Christ and tries to get to know Him more and more everyday. Elsa's personality reminded me of a person who tries to do everything on their own and doesn't necessarily trust God.
The third thing was, even though Elsa was trying to protect Anna, how Elsa kept shutting Anna out. The thing to remember is don't shut the people out that God places in your life. They are there to help you and are a part of God's great plan for your life.
Now lets talk boys and relationships! Hans represents the guy who is only interested in you because he can get something. Hans wanted the palace and really didn't care about Anna. Also on that note, don't go looking for love. Love normally finds you when you aren't looking for it. Anna and Kristoff are examples of that. Kristoff respected her, cared about her, was truly concerned about her health, and wanted to protect her. The trolls also made a good point that everyone is a "bit of a fixer uper." Also, the first guy isn't always the right guy.
Finally, don't judge someone by their looks. Elsa had a good heart and was trying to protect everyone, but when people found out they thought she was a monster. Knowing that people would judge her made her shut people out and if people hadn't judged what good could Elsa have already done? It's the same way in life. Don't judge a book by it's cover and as the body of Christ we all have gifts that are going to help everyone.
So there are Biblical life lessons from Frozen.