Yes, I am better from my tussle with the flu bug (thank the Lord!), and before another Sunday rolled around, I just wanted to post a couple of thoughts I had last week.
I'd been sick for almost two weeks, and had to miss church (or church events) I believe it was 7 times.
I was so 'out of it', that for the most part, it didn't really register that I was missing church!, though I hated not to be there at the same time. Weird, I know. But that's how it was.
Last Sunday was my first one back since I'd been sick, and I was reminded again in an amazing, fresh, way of what a great gift the Lord gave us - gave me! - when He led us to Victory Rd.. What dear friends, what wise teachers, what sincere leaders. It was SO good to be back.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Urgent Prayer Request - Update & Thanks
Thank you so much to all who prayed for me (and for Mrs. H) about me giving her the Bible, like I asked you to. I was so nervous! I waited until after class, and all the other kids had left, to give it to her. She seemed so pleased that we would give her something for Christmas, but kept saying, "You didn't have to get me anything!" as she was unwrapping it :) . I hardly knew what I said as we chatted while she took the paper off, I was SO nervous! I just didn't want her to take it the wrong way; I wanted her to see the love in it. And I think she did :) . She seemed SO pleased! Dad, Mom, Trissy, and I had all signed the inside, and that seemed to really touch her. Mom had also had them put Mrs. H's name on the front in gold letters at the store, and that also seemed to mean alot to her.
So thank you to all who prayed! Please keep praying that she will read it and that the Lord would keep working in her life (He already has in so many ways!) to draw her closer and closer to Him.
Many times after class, she will stay and chat with me after all the other kids are gone (I stay after class alot to use the faster internet to blog and do homework). She loves animals and the outdoors and recycling, and all that. Almost a 'hippie' type person, but not really too, if you know what I mean - she's very educated and classy also, and doesn't consider herself a 'hippie' at all, though she says her parents were.
She loves the fact that I live in the country and enjoy some of those same things she does. She's always bringing me some little plant or other (always in a recycled container :) ), and has loaned us her incubator to hatch chicks. I save our recyclable stuff throughout the week, and bring it to school and she takes it home and puts it with her stuff (we don't have a recycle pick-up where we live, but she does). Several times I've mentioned that I shouldn't do that, as it makes more work for her to take it home; but whenever I say something like that she goes, "Oh no! I want you to! It makes me feel good to help.", or something like that :) , so I've stopped mentioning it since it really seems to distress her if I talk about stopping. But anyway, I was saying all that to say this: Sometimes in our long chats (about literally almost everything under the sun!) she will talk about things that have been happening in her life, or did happen in her life, and I just sit and listen; and I can see such an obvious picture in the story she tells - so many things, little things some of them, others bigger, that are so obviously "God things" that He is using to work in her life. I can see a change in her even in just the little-over-a-year I've known her. So obvious how He is gently leading her down this path, and she doesn't even see it. Leading her invisibly.
I think she really likes me for the combined facts that 1. I study hard, do the work, and really try to learn when so many of the others just don't seem to care, 2. I enjoy so many of the same things she does, 3. I don't mind talking (or listening, really) to her for ages at a time, and 4. That I don't think she's crazy for doing some of the rather 'eccentric' things she does.
But isn't that what the world needs?! People who will love them for who they are, and meet them where they are, and just be their friends?! Not judgmental, high-and-mighty "Christians" who really aren't! Not goody-two-shoes who've got to 'fix' everything that's wrong with them before they'll even give them the time of day! Christians - REAL Christians - who will listen when they want to talk, laugh when they are glad, sympathize when they cry, and go through life with them always directing them Higher. How many opportunities we miss. How many I miss.
This is the Bible we gave her. Sorry about the poor quality photo. I was in a hurry when I took it (trying to get the Bible wrapped so I could take it with me to school), and then didn't really get to do much Photoshop on it, just took her name off the cover.
Thanks again to all who prayed - and to those who keep praying!
So thank you to all who prayed! Please keep praying that she will read it and that the Lord would keep working in her life (He already has in so many ways!) to draw her closer and closer to Him.
Many times after class, she will stay and chat with me after all the other kids are gone (I stay after class alot to use the faster internet to blog and do homework). She loves animals and the outdoors and recycling, and all that. Almost a 'hippie' type person, but not really too, if you know what I mean - she's very educated and classy also, and doesn't consider herself a 'hippie' at all, though she says her parents were.
She loves the fact that I live in the country and enjoy some of those same things she does. She's always bringing me some little plant or other (always in a recycled container :) ), and has loaned us her incubator to hatch chicks. I save our recyclable stuff throughout the week, and bring it to school and she takes it home and puts it with her stuff (we don't have a recycle pick-up where we live, but she does). Several times I've mentioned that I shouldn't do that, as it makes more work for her to take it home; but whenever I say something like that she goes, "Oh no! I want you to! It makes me feel good to help.", or something like that :) , so I've stopped mentioning it since it really seems to distress her if I talk about stopping. But anyway, I was saying all that to say this: Sometimes in our long chats (about literally almost everything under the sun!) she will talk about things that have been happening in her life, or did happen in her life, and I just sit and listen; and I can see such an obvious picture in the story she tells - so many things, little things some of them, others bigger, that are so obviously "God things" that He is using to work in her life. I can see a change in her even in just the little-over-a-year I've known her. So obvious how He is gently leading her down this path, and she doesn't even see it. Leading her invisibly.
I think she really likes me for the combined facts that 1. I study hard, do the work, and really try to learn when so many of the others just don't seem to care, 2. I enjoy so many of the same things she does, 3. I don't mind talking (or listening, really) to her for ages at a time, and 4. That I don't think she's crazy for doing some of the rather 'eccentric' things she does.
But isn't that what the world needs?! People who will love them for who they are, and meet them where they are, and just be their friends?! Not judgmental, high-and-mighty "Christians" who really aren't! Not goody-two-shoes who've got to 'fix' everything that's wrong with them before they'll even give them the time of day! Christians - REAL Christians - who will listen when they want to talk, laugh when they are glad, sympathize when they cry, and go through life with them always directing them Higher. How many opportunities we miss. How many I miss.
This is the Bible we gave her. Sorry about the poor quality photo. I was in a hurry when I took it (trying to get the Bible wrapped so I could take it with me to school), and then didn't really get to do much Photoshop on it, just took her name off the cover.
Thanks again to all who prayed - and to those who keep praying!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Flu's Not Fun
Yeah, I have the flu. First time too, I think. Temperature's 102. Not fun. Just FYI. *shrugs* Bye.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Urgent Prayer Request
Ok, I don't have time to go into the whole story for those of you who don't know it, but here is the short version:
I am in college. My major is such that in each semester, I have had one main instructor and on this blog she is called Mrs. H. She does not know the Lord as her Savior, but considering the small conversations I've had with her on the subject, she seems to be at least somewhat open. Over almost two years and three semesters, I've gradually built her trust and confidence in me, so that hopefully she can see what a true "Christian" is supposed to be like.
Anyway, my family decided to give her a Bible for Christmas. I didn't get to give it to her before school let out for Christmas break, but it's started back now and I hope to give the Bible to her today.
Class starts in just a few minutes, so I've got to run. But I wanted to ask you all to please be praying that I will be able to present it in such a way as not to seem 'pushy' or stuck up or anything, but loving and gracious, and that she will have an open heart to receive it, and take it in the spirit it is being given.
I would appreciate your prayers sssssssooooooo much!
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
-Kyrie<><
I am in college. My major is such that in each semester, I have had one main instructor and on this blog she is called Mrs. H. She does not know the Lord as her Savior, but considering the small conversations I've had with her on the subject, she seems to be at least somewhat open. Over almost two years and three semesters, I've gradually built her trust and confidence in me, so that hopefully she can see what a true "Christian" is supposed to be like.
Anyway, my family decided to give her a Bible for Christmas. I didn't get to give it to her before school let out for Christmas break, but it's started back now and I hope to give the Bible to her today.
Class starts in just a few minutes, so I've got to run. But I wanted to ask you all to please be praying that I will be able to present it in such a way as not to seem 'pushy' or stuck up or anything, but loving and gracious, and that she will have an open heart to receive it, and take it in the spirit it is being given.
I would appreciate your prayers sssssssooooooo much!
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
-Kyrie<><
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
A Soft Answer...
"A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grevious words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1
How wise was the man who wrote these words.
This morning I had a fresh taste of their lesson.
I was deep into a job, absorbed in all I had to accomplish before a certain amount of time went by, when the phone rang. I was in a rather ticklish position at the moment, but managed to answer it anyway. On the other end of the line was someone who many times just doesn't see things the way I see them, and many times seems to choose my most busy and stressful moments to decide they're going to call me up and let me have a piece of their mind.
Well, I was really not in the mood for it just then. But what could I do? Hang up on them? No, of course not. Didn't matter how rude they were to me, my job was me, not them. I made a neutral reply, and they continued with an unkind answer. Grudgingly I held my sarcastic words and sharp replies in check while they spouted into my ear; and when they got done, I calmly, coldly, and politely terminated the conversation and hung up. I then behaved in a decidedly unChristian manner, angrily continuing the task I had been involved in, lashing out at the empty room, pouring my caustic remarks out to the unhearing caller, preaching to them about how they should just take one moment in their life to think of someone besides themself. *Clears throat* The person I had in mind for them to be kind to was myself, naturally.
So, while I was fuming and quoting the golden rule to them in my head, the phone rings. I looked at the caller id. It was Them. "What do you want NOW?!" I rudely asked the machine. "You're only calling back because you want something else from me."
But I answered the phone anyway.
"Hello."
"Kyrie? I shouldn't have answered you so rudely. I can't see what's going on there with you; all I see is what's going on here at my house: laundry to do, clean dishes needing to be put away, dirty dishes needing to be done, breakfast to be eaten, school work to be done before a certain time. But I still shouldn't have snapped at you that way."
Well! I sure wasn't expecting that one!
After I hung up, I could hear my self-righteous arguments replaying in my head, and was ashamed of myself. Yes, that person had been rude. Yes, they had been rude to me many times in the past. But the Lord had used my forcing myself to be calm and fakely courteous to rebuke their heart, cause them to call back to admit their wrong, and then to smite my conscience with my holier-than-thou attitude.
*Sigh* Will I ever learn?
The Lord is patient and gracious. He remembers I am dust.
How wise was the man who wrote these words.
This morning I had a fresh taste of their lesson.
I was deep into a job, absorbed in all I had to accomplish before a certain amount of time went by, when the phone rang. I was in a rather ticklish position at the moment, but managed to answer it anyway. On the other end of the line was someone who many times just doesn't see things the way I see them, and many times seems to choose my most busy and stressful moments to decide they're going to call me up and let me have a piece of their mind.
Well, I was really not in the mood for it just then. But what could I do? Hang up on them? No, of course not. Didn't matter how rude they were to me, my job was me, not them. I made a neutral reply, and they continued with an unkind answer. Grudgingly I held my sarcastic words and sharp replies in check while they spouted into my ear; and when they got done, I calmly, coldly, and politely terminated the conversation and hung up. I then behaved in a decidedly unChristian manner, angrily continuing the task I had been involved in, lashing out at the empty room, pouring my caustic remarks out to the unhearing caller, preaching to them about how they should just take one moment in their life to think of someone besides themself. *Clears throat* The person I had in mind for them to be kind to was myself, naturally.
So, while I was fuming and quoting the golden rule to them in my head, the phone rings. I looked at the caller id. It was Them. "What do you want NOW?!" I rudely asked the machine. "You're only calling back because you want something else from me."
But I answered the phone anyway.
"Hello."
"Kyrie? I shouldn't have answered you so rudely. I can't see what's going on there with you; all I see is what's going on here at my house: laundry to do, clean dishes needing to be put away, dirty dishes needing to be done, breakfast to be eaten, school work to be done before a certain time. But I still shouldn't have snapped at you that way."
Well! I sure wasn't expecting that one!
After I hung up, I could hear my self-righteous arguments replaying in my head, and was ashamed of myself. Yes, that person had been rude. Yes, they had been rude to me many times in the past. But the Lord had used my forcing myself to be calm and fakely courteous to rebuke their heart, cause them to call back to admit their wrong, and then to smite my conscience with my holier-than-thou attitude.
*Sigh* Will I ever learn?
The Lord is patient and gracious. He remembers I am dust.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Life Is Sweet
I've been wanting to do a post similar to this idea for quite some time. So the other day when I read this post on Lucy's blog, I decided to join in :) (I stole the Roman Numeral idea from her too). Later, I may do 'mine'. Or I may do this one again, but with ten other things that bring me joy :) . We'll see. For now, I hope you enjoy this peek into what makes me "me" - what brings me joy.
I. Being outside during thunderstorms
II. Godly teenagers
III. Amazing Grace played on bagpipes
(Note: Click here to hear/see the most incredible version of this hymn I've ever experienced - just listen to it first, then go back and watch it)
IV. Working with my hands
V. A good read
VI. Laying in the wet grass at night, looking at the stars, while my friends try to find me
(there's a story to this one)
VII. Psalms 107:8-22
VIII. Pleasing someone I love
IX. Sherwood Pictures
X. Going barefoot
I. Being outside during thunderstorms
II. Godly teenagers
III. Amazing Grace played on bagpipes
(Note: Click here to hear/see the most incredible version of this hymn I've ever experienced - just listen to it first, then go back and watch it)
IV. Working with my hands
V. A good read
VI. Laying in the wet grass at night, looking at the stars, while my friends try to find me
(there's a story to this one)
VII. Psalms 107:8-22
VIII. Pleasing someone I love
IX. Sherwood Pictures
X. Going barefoot
Saturday, January 8, 2011
New Year's Resolutions - 2011
Well, here I am again, and a new year has begun. I wonder if you remember this post from last year about this time, and my list of resolutions for 2010. In case you don't remember what they are, or in the event that you did not read that post at all, please allow me to refresh your memory:
1. Finish memorizing John 14
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
3. Learn to be more understanding
4. Get my and Trissy's home-made craft business started
5. CLEP out of English Comp, Geography, and College Algebra
Now, I would like to look at each one, and see how I did with accomplishing them :) .
I'm afraid I did not do quite as well as I had hoped, yet I am satisfied. I think that under the circumstances of all that has gone on this past year, the Lord helped me to do quite well with my list:
1. Finish memorizing John 14
Check. The Lord helped me to get this done fairly early in the year. I do need to brush up though - it's been a little while since I reviewed.
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
Ooh, not so good. Number-of-books-out-of-that-box-actually-finished-and-returned: zero, zilch, nothing, none
*Sigh* Not much time for pleasure reading this year... I actually finished the first book from that box this week. So here's one that goes back on the list for 2011 lol!
3. Learn to be more understanding
Whoo boy, I sure hope so. I suppose this one really can't be measured for success, or checked off a list. It's work is on-going. I would like to think it's easier for me to 'think before I act', 'turn the other cheek', and 'put myself in their shoes' more than it was last year. Honestly though, it's still hard - real hard - to always just bite my lip and be humble. In fact, I don't. Not "always".
Psalms 145:8
4. Get my and Trissy's home-made craft business started
Check. Well, sort of. This is as far as it's gone. And right now it's obviously more mine than Trissy's. But I hope to work on it more in 2011, and at least it's a start. Check it out and let me know what you think!
5. CLEP out of English Comp, Geography, and College Algebra
Hmm,
Check, ended-up-taking-it-online, and haven't-done-anything-about-it-yet. So, some accomplished, some not. At least, not yet. :)
Now what about this year? 2011? Seems so weird to write/type that - 2011. Anyway...
Will I make New Year's Resolutions this year? *Sigh* Sure, why not. I'll still keep it small, and maybe without SO much school this year, I'll end up getting more of it accomplished.
Ok, here goes:
1. Finish memorizing Ps. 107:8-22, and start on another passage
2. Read and return at least 1/2 of that box of borrowed books!
3. Open an Etsy shop
4. Get the internet/laptop situation ironed out and working (long story - don't ask)
5. Unload at least 3/4 of the stored pictures off of the computer, save them on CDs, and help Mom start printing the ones she wants
6. Get brownies made for Russell and Archer, and a cheesecake for Austin, before the end of January! (another long story - I'll try to get it told at some point)
7. Go on a mission trip
Yes, I added two since last year. For a couple of reasons. Number one, some of them are not that hard, I just need to get them done! So if I get them done before too long, it's not too outrageous to think I'll get some others accomplished. Number two, 7. is on the list out of faith and hope. The church is planning two mission trips for the summer, and I REALLY want to go on one of them, at least. But it's going to take a bundle of money, and I've never tried to raise that much in such a short time. Besides that, there're the issues of care for The Grandparents, permission from Dad and Mom, and other things like that. Anyway, it's up to the Lord whether that one gets checked off or not!
So I'm going to go for now, I'm hungry, and I'm going to go eat a sandwitch :)
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
1. Finish memorizing John 14
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
3. Learn to be more understanding
4. Get my and Trissy's home-made craft business started
5. CLEP out of English Comp, Geography, and College Algebra
Now, I would like to look at each one, and see how I did with accomplishing them :) .
I'm afraid I did not do quite as well as I had hoped, yet I am satisfied. I think that under the circumstances of all that has gone on this past year, the Lord helped me to do quite well with my list:
1. Finish memorizing John 14
Check. The Lord helped me to get this done fairly early in the year. I do need to brush up though - it's been a little while since I reviewed.
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
Ooh, not so good. Number-of-books-out-of-that-box-actually-finished-and-returned: zero, zilch, nothing, none
*Sigh* Not much time for pleasure reading this year... I actually finished the first book from that box this week. So here's one that goes back on the list for 2011 lol!
3. Learn to be more understanding
Whoo boy, I sure hope so. I suppose this one really can't be measured for success, or checked off a list. It's work is on-going. I would like to think it's easier for me to 'think before I act', 'turn the other cheek', and 'put myself in their shoes' more than it was last year. Honestly though, it's still hard - real hard - to always just bite my lip and be humble. In fact, I don't. Not "always".
Psalms 145:8
4. Get my and Trissy's home-made craft business started
Check. Well, sort of. This is as far as it's gone. And right now it's obviously more mine than Trissy's. But I hope to work on it more in 2011, and at least it's a start. Check it out and let me know what you think!
5. CLEP out of English Comp, Geography, and College Algebra
Hmm,
Check, ended-up-taking-it-online, and haven't-done-anything-about-it-yet. So, some accomplished, some not. At least, not yet. :)
Now what about this year? 2011? Seems so weird to write/type that - 2011. Anyway...
Will I make New Year's Resolutions this year? *Sigh* Sure, why not. I'll still keep it small, and maybe without SO much school this year, I'll end up getting more of it accomplished.
Ok, here goes:
1. Finish memorizing Ps. 107:8-22, and start on another passage
2. Read and return at least 1/2 of that box of borrowed books!
5. Unload at least 3/4 of the stored pictures off of the computer, save them on CDs, and help Mom start printing the ones she wants
Yes, I added two since last year. For a couple of reasons. Number one, some of them are not that hard, I just need to get them done! So if I get them done before too long, it's not too outrageous to think I'll get some others accomplished. Number two, 7. is on the list out of faith and hope. The church is planning two mission trips for the summer, and I REALLY want to go on one of them, at least. But it's going to take a bundle of money, and I've never tried to raise that much in such a short time. Besides that, there're the issues of care for The Grandparents, permission from Dad and Mom, and other things like that. Anyway, it's up to the Lord whether that one gets checked off or not!
So I'm going to go for now, I'm hungry, and I'm going to go eat a sandwitch :)
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Well, I'm Back
Well, Monday we got back from our trip, and I must say I am so thankful to be back! School starts back for me tomorrow, and I have really enjoyed the past couple of days, trying to get some last-minute things accomplished before that 'rat race' starts again!
Though I was not looking forward to the trip, and many times wished I had been able to stay behind, there were enjoyable moments. Sunday night we visited a church where a preacher Dad knew as a boy was pastoring. Actually, he had been pastoring - he left in August, so we just missed him. Dad was disappointed to not get to see his old friend, but it still was a great time of refreshing, for me at least, and I think the others really enjoyed it as well. The attendance was very small, but the people were kind and gracious, and really seemed to be Godly, spiritual folks. The current pastor also preached a great message, and seemed to be one of those kinds of men who, in spite of being from a newer generation, is still one of those good, old-fashioned preachers, who's not afraid to preach it like the Bible has it. He preached from the verse about '... if My people, which are called by My Name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face...'. Sorry I can't recall the reference at the moment, but I'll try to look it up, and put it in later. It's in 1 Chronicles. Anyway, he really did a good job, focusing mainly on the subject of humility. It was so refreshing, after the discouraging week, and was especially a blessing considering we couldn't be at our own church.
So that was one thing I really enjoyed from the trip. Another was the fact that we got to visit Mom's sister and her family who live a couple of states away. Mom's niece (her sister and brother-in-law's only child) and her husband recently had a little boy, and this was our first time to get to see him (they had come over to visit as well, so we got to see them while we were at my aunt's). We spent Sunday night there, and got in a nice little visit with them before heading the rest of the six or so hours on back to 'our neck of the woods'.
I'm sure the Lord is trying to teach me patience (one class I've been enrolled in for some years now ;] ) and trust through the many things that have been happening to me, and that have occurred in my life lately (I think I spelled 'occurred' wrong; oh well, spelling was never my strong point... Any help on that?). Thank you to those who have been praying for me! May I be flexible to learn the lessons. It's tough; but I'm sure I don't need to tell many of you that - you've been there!
Maybe I can post some pictures later - we drove through some beautiful American realistate!
Though I was not looking forward to the trip, and many times wished I had been able to stay behind, there were enjoyable moments. Sunday night we visited a church where a preacher Dad knew as a boy was pastoring. Actually, he had been pastoring - he left in August, so we just missed him. Dad was disappointed to not get to see his old friend, but it still was a great time of refreshing, for me at least, and I think the others really enjoyed it as well. The attendance was very small, but the people were kind and gracious, and really seemed to be Godly, spiritual folks. The current pastor also preached a great message, and seemed to be one of those kinds of men who, in spite of being from a newer generation, is still one of those good, old-fashioned preachers, who's not afraid to preach it like the Bible has it. He preached from the verse about '... if My people, which are called by My Name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face...'. Sorry I can't recall the reference at the moment, but I'll try to look it up, and put it in later. It's in 1 Chronicles. Anyway, he really did a good job, focusing mainly on the subject of humility. It was so refreshing, after the discouraging week, and was especially a blessing considering we couldn't be at our own church.
So that was one thing I really enjoyed from the trip. Another was the fact that we got to visit Mom's sister and her family who live a couple of states away. Mom's niece (her sister and brother-in-law's only child) and her husband recently had a little boy, and this was our first time to get to see him (they had come over to visit as well, so we got to see them while we were at my aunt's). We spent Sunday night there, and got in a nice little visit with them before heading the rest of the six or so hours on back to 'our neck of the woods'.
I'm sure the Lord is trying to teach me patience (one class I've been enrolled in for some years now ;] ) and trust through the many things that have been happening to me, and that have occurred in my life lately (I think I spelled 'occurred' wrong; oh well, spelling was never my strong point... Any help on that?). Thank you to those who have been praying for me! May I be flexible to learn the lessons. It's tough; but I'm sure I don't need to tell many of you that - you've been there!
Maybe I can post some pictures later - we drove through some beautiful American realistate!
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