Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 5 & 6

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May 12, 2009- Order

Today my virtue was order. This was a hard thing to do throughout the day considering I was away from the house most of it, but I tried to think about the virtue and apply it often.

When I started school this morning, I tried to plan out what I was going to do first, second, third, etc. This plan began very well, but then I had to choose subjects that were shorter in length to finish before I left the house so the list got thrown out the door (not literally).

May 13, 2009- Temperance

I feel as though I practiced temperance very well today. The best way that I knew how to apply this virtue was in my eating habits.

At lunch I ate a moderate portion of food consisting of a sandwich and chips. I usually eat a second helping of chips, but today I opted out because I had already had enough.

Now, I did have a guilty pleasure: a drumstick ice cream bar. I just had to have one! I let temptation in and kicked temperance out.

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Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 4

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May 11, 2009- Cleanliness

Today my moral virtue was cleanliness. I'm the type of person that loves for things to be clean: my room, my body, my heart, etc. In my life, this can be a really hard task because I have so little time to designate to this necessary task.

This morning I got up and changed my sheets, then I picked up the clothes that were all over my desk and hung them up. I tried to make my room look like I cared about it. Now, there were many other things I could have done, but time just wasn't on my side.

Tonight I took a shower and put on a fresh pair of PJs. Before I laid down to go to sleep, I prayed that God would purify me from all unrighteousness and give me a pure heart. I believe this is a good way to end the day everyday.

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Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 2 and 3

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May 7, 2009- Humility

Today my moral virtue was Humility. I'm not exactly sure how to record how well I did, or didn't do. I do know that I tried to not think too highly of myself, even though thoughts did pop into my head throughout the day. I tried to appreciate my mom and thank her for what she did for me; I failed at doing this for my grandmother. I tried to talk less about myself and more about the person whom I was speaking with.

May 8, 2009- Sincerity

Sincerity was my moral virtue of the day. I tried my best to be honest and open about things throughout the day, not holding much of anything back.

My mom had some medical test this morning. When I asked her about it, I tried to be as genuinely concerned about all that she told me.

(Sincerity- freedom from deceit, hypocrisy, or duplicity; probity in intention of in communicating; earnestness.)

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Discerning The Will Of God

I'm the type of person that DESIRES to do and be in the perfect will of God. If you are like me you wonder: "How in the world am I supposed do the will of God when I don't know what His will is?". And "How do I know if this decision I'm making is part of God's plan for me?"

I read this article recently in Focus On The Family magazine and thought that this answer by Dr. James Dobson was a great one that needed to be shared. I hope this is as helpful to you as it was to me!

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Q: If you can't always trust what you feel, how can you know what is right?

A: There are at least five ways you can discern the will of the Lord. First, the apostle Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians, "And this is my prayer. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the all-glorious Father, will give you spiritual wisdom and the insight to know more of him" (Ephesians 1:16-17, Phillips). He wouldn't have said that unless it was possible through prayer to gain spiritual wisdom and insight. Therefore, a search for God's will should begin on your knees. He will meet you there. Remember that Jesus promised, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7)

Second, you should examine the Scriptures for principles that relate to the issue at hand. The Lord will never ask you to do anything that is morally wrong or in contradiction to His Word. If what you are considering violates a concept you find in the Word, you can forget it.

Third, it is helpful to seek advice from those who are spiritually mature and solid in their faith. A godly counselor or pastor can assist you in avoiding the common mistakes that confuse many young people.

Fourth, you should pay close attention to what are known as providential circumstances. The Lord often speaks through doors that open or close. When you begin to be blocked on all sides in a particular pursuit, you might consider the possibility that God has other plans for you. I'm suggesting not that you give up at the first sign of obstacles but that you attempt to "read" the events in your life for evidence of divine influence.

Fifth and finally, do nothing impulsively. Give God an opportunity to speak. Until He does, stall for time and concentrate on the first four approaches.

In addition to these five steps to determine God's specific will, I can tell you now what His general will is for each of us. The Scripture gives all believers the same assignment, and it's called the Great Commission. We find it in the words of Jesus, who said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15, KJV). That responsibility applies to all of us.*

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*This is an excerpt from Dr. James Dobson's book Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide.

Happy Easter!!

This is the coolest thing ever! My mom found it somewhere and I thought I would share it with you (this is not something I wrote). I hope you enjoy!

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"The Folded Napkin"

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.

The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'. But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........the folded napkin meant,

'I'm coming back!'

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God is coming back! Are you ready?

Feeling Vs. Truth

God's Positive Answers

You say: "It's Impossible."
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me."
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

You say: "I can't go on."
God says: My grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9 & John 3:34)

You say: "I can't figure things out."
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it."
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able."
God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it."
God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself."
God says: I forgive you (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage."
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid."
God says: I have not give you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated."
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough."
God says: I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone."
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

-Author Unknown-

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I found this list on another blog a while back and thought that everyone should read it. As humans, we can get so caught up in the emotional struggles of everyday life that we forget the truth.

Feel free to copy this list and place it somewhere so that you can see it everyday and be reminded of God's promises to you.

"What Does God Think About Me" Part Two

Not only does God love us, He thinks we are beautiful. He sees us as His beautiful creations. We are precious and lovely in His sight. This is another trait of God that I have had a hard time understanding. All I used to see were the imperfections, not the beauty of what God had created me to be. But then I realized that I was made in the image of God: the creator of the Universe, the Lord of all, the Author of all things beautiful.

If you're like me, sometimes you question your outer beauty because, according to the world, you just don't measure up to its standards. But God doesn't look at us and think that at all. He sees our beauty inside and out. He made us. We are His own. Who are we to question the workmanship of the Creator of the world?

If you didn't already know...God does not make mistakes. He is perfect. He is holy. He just can not make mistakes. So next time you're feeling down about the way you look, remember that God sees your true beauty...and nothing else matters.

(Please read the words to this song by Addison Road that I have typed out below.)

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"All That Matters" by Addison Road

I may never be the one that gets a second glance

I may never be the one they call the prettiest

But thats alright with me

And maybe I don't follow every crazy passion

Spend all my time trying to get a good reaction

But thats ok with me

This world is like a trampoline

High and low no in between

Jumping at the chance to please

Everyone but thats not me

Cause all that matters is

All that matters is

I know your love has set me free

And that's all that matters to me

Cause all that matters is

All that matters is

I know your love has set me free

And that's all that matters to me

Some people tell me to step out and do my own thing

And others say I got to blend in just to be the same

And stop being me

But this shallow world is no longer what I'm made of

I've been changed by grace

I've been saved by love

What more do I need

All that matters is

All that matters is

I know your love has set me free

And that's all that matters to me

My life comes from the One Who made the stars and brought the sun

He loves me more than these So I don't need another identity

All that matters is

All that matters is

I know your love has set me free

And that's all that matters to me

That's all that matters

"What Does God Think About Me?" Part One

That is a great question...what does God think about us?

First of all, He loves us more than we can ever imagine! I've always struggled with grasping this concept. God loves ME.....why? Why does He love me? Because I am His own.

Imagine yourself as a parent: Would you hate that boy or girl? No. You would love that child. Why? Because it's your own. It's part of you.

That's how God sees us. He looks past our imperfections and mistakes and sees us: His children.

God's love is an overflowing, never ending, unfailing love. Nothing compares to it.

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-Puppy Love: 2 weeks in high school.

-A mother's love for her newborn: a lifetime.

-God's love: priceless and eternal.

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Like I said, nothing compares to the love that God has for us...His children.

Commandment With A Promise

Let me paint a picture...

A mom and daughter are in a clothing store shopping one Saturday afternoon. The daughter begs her mom to let her go in "Hoochy-R-Us" to look for some new clothes. After a few minutes of wining from the daughter, the mother gives in and and she and her daughter head on into the store. The first piece of clothing the daughter picks up is a black shirt that is backless and has a PLUNGING neckline. And the argument begins...

I'm going to be honest...I do not always get along 100% with my parents. I am certainly NOT proud of it. I do argue sometimes when I don't agree with what they say. I mean, I love my parents and I value their opinions, but sometimes I just don't agree with them. God has really convicted me about this sin of arguing in my life recently.

Did you know that in the Bible God never said that children had to agree with their parents? OK, so I don't have to agree with them...but what does God say about my relationship with my parents? Well, it does say in Ephesians 6:1-2 that children are to honor them.
(Honor meaning to love, be reverent towards, obey, and assist in all things.)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with a promise..."

When you honor your parents in everything, you will be blessed. You might not see the rewards for honoring them here on earth, but you will be rewarded when you meet your Savior face to face.

In Deuteronomy 5:16, God says that if you honor your parents, then your life will be long and happy.

"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you; that your days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with you..."

Also, in Colossians 3:20, God says that if you honor your parents, you will make Him happy.

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

Next time that you don't agree or argue with your parents, remember that God placed them in your life for a reason and that He smiles upon children who obey.

(For further reference, read Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16)

Worship Time

For the past 6 weeks we have been studying the Experiencing God (youth edition) bible study at my church. Each chapter of this bible study is divided up into sections (0r days) and each section is on a different subject that revolves around seven key truths.

One of the themes for week 4 was based on worship. The workbook asked its' readers to spend some time worshiping God. Of course for me this was my favorite part about the whole bible study. I love to worship my Saviour!

So for almost an hour, I just sat in my room, played my guitar, and sang praises to my heavenly Father. I sang:

" I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You. Oh my soul, rejoice. Take joy my King in what You hear. May It be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear."

Also, I sang songs like "How Great Is Our God", "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace-My Chains Are Gone", and "God of Wonders."
The book then asked me to summarize what I thought about that time of worship. This is what I wrote:

"I long to love my God with ALL my heart and I long to show God that love in my worship time. He is worthy of all my praise, and I want Him to know that in my worship time.
Worship for me is the time that I feel like I'm truly in the presence of God. I know that God is always with me, but worship just reminds me of His presence."

I really enjoy these times of worship when I can praise my Savior and Lord, not just for what He has done for me, but also for who He is.

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Day 16- October 21- Matthew 19:4-6
Pray for leadership that will protect God's definition of marriage.

We All Need The Savior

One of my School assignments this week was to write a comparison paper on the faith of Islam and Christianity. I thought I would share what I learned about the religion of Islam.

Islam is the youngest of the major world religions, but is still the largest. Followers of Islam, or Muslims, are required to believe certain doctrines and to perform certain duties. Islam and Christianity have many similarities and many differences. Here are some facts about both religions that I thought were interesting:
1) Belief in God
• Muslims believe that there no god but Allah.
• Christians believe in the one true God who is revealed in Scripture as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, or the Trinity.
2) Prayer
• Muslims are required to perform the ritual of prayer. They must kneel and bow in the direction of the holy city (Mecca) and pray five times a day.
• Christians pray based on their relationship with God. Prayer is not required to be a Christian, but it is a way to communicate with the Father in Heaven.
3) Sin
• Muslims believe that humans are born without sin. When their born, they believe their hearts are a clean slate and that their free from sin.
• Christians believe that when a human is born they are already corrupted by sin and need God's grace to be free from that sin.
4) Salvation
• Muslims believe that to become a Muslim, a person must publicly repeat the words: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah". This statement of belief is called the Shahadah. Muslims also believe that a person has to earn his or her salvation.
• Christians believe in a loving God who sent His Son to die for their sins, according to the Bible. They believe that Jesus paid the price for their sins and now they are free from the bondage of death.

I believe that the Muslims are a lost people who need to be saved. They are blinded from the truth and need the love of God to be revealed to them as quickly as possible. Though they hate Christians because of our faith in Jesus Christ, God still loves them.

Please pray for the Muslims around the world that need to come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.