Christmas Gathering!

What a joy to gather together and have some fun mother-daughter time earlier this month! Our little devotional was based from a blog post from One Love for Christ. This particular posting was on Ruth, and her story of sacrifice and surrender. With Ruth, there was no turning back. To truly follow Christ's leading, He calls us to surrender our own lives and trust Him with all our hearts.

Mary is also a timely example to us of a gal who gave herself wholly to God and His will. She said: "I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let is be with me just as You say."

You and I have the opportunity to be Marys and Ruths in today's generation. Are you willing to be His servant? willing to be part of a whole new generation who will be an instrument of light and truth to this world? May this be our prayer!!

Christmas decorations

having fun with the ornament exchange

November notes

Waiting on the Lord. In waiting, sometimes we think we’re just waiting on God to hurry and make up His mind about our circumstance. He is God. He is Sovereign = He is in control. Do we realize that?? What does it mean for you and for me?

Let’s look at some Scenarios on Waiting:

waiting for plants to grow/bloom: you have to give them time, right? They won’t bloom until the proper season. You have to wait for a garden to produce. And so it is in our lives. There are certain things that are good for us, but God knows the right timing for those things. He wants us to learn to wait joyfully! Truly trust that He knows the right season. He has made everything beautiful in its time, Ecclesiastes 3:11.  Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing, James 1:4. Are you trusting God for each season in your life?

waiting for water to boil: they say if you watch a pot of water, it will never boil! Sometimes this is true in our life too. Our eyes might be so fixed on the problem or situation, that we become obsessed with it. Nothing is to become bigger than God in our lives (it should not block your vision of Him). Are your eyes on the problem/situation more than on God? Is the problem bigger to you, or is God still greater? Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2, Amplified. Fix your eyes on Him!

waiting to become accomplished: this might apply to school or music, or sports. You’re just waiting for the day when you can feel good about what you’re pursuing... when it brings some satisfaction.... when all your hard work finally pays off. David wrote many Psalms about waiting on God. He came to learn that God is the One who gives him strength and confidence for each task and life situation. Do you feel tired? Are you ready to give up? What is really wearing you out? Patiently wait for God alone, my soul! For He is the one who gives me confidence. Psalm 62:5 But those who wait for the Lord's help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles' wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired. Isaiah 40:31 Live pure. Work hard. Leave it to God. - Tim Tebow

waiting for God to show you His will for your future (school/college/calling): This does take time. Don’t grow discouraged. Elisabeth Elliot said “do the next thing” and this is so true. God just lights one step at a time, and really, this is all we need. Trust Him for today. Tell Him your desires. He knows your heart. Ask counsel from your parents. Take advantage of some of the tools out there that address things life your spiritual gift and life calling. Ultimately, seek God, and seek Him first! Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Psalm 37:4 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Matthew. 6:33

waiting for Mr. Right: this can be a hard one. haha! After all, we’re still single. A godly man once said, “Jennifer, you only have one choice: marry the right man.” You may be tempted to ask - where are the right men? Are there any left? Yes, there are. God has a plan. Start praying for the guys around you. We’d encourage you to pray in general terms here. Pray that God equips them and brings godly mentors and role models into their life. Pray for spiritual protection. There is power in prayer, and you never know what God is doing behind the scenes. We also have an enemy and we need to stand against him with the Word of God. Pray God’s word. But don’t grow discouraged and never decide to settle. God may bring a husband your way in the near future, or further off. There is no doubt that you are deeply loved and that He has GREAT things planned for you. Believe that! The Lord is good to those who trust or wait in Him, to the one who seeks Him. It is good to wait patiently for deliverance from the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26. wait in patience. wait patiently. But don’t stop there. Get busy about ministry and service to the Lord. Pray for vision. Use your talents and time to further His kingdom now. You’ll never have the opportunity to serve Him like this again once you’re married (there will be other distractions and greater responsibilities than you’re facing now). Asking God to change your circumstances? He may be using your circumstances to change you! -Max Lucado When a godly guy does come into your life, be sure to “release and receive.” Waiting for God’s best timing throughout the whole process; being willing to give your relationship to God; being willing to receive what He wants to give you. Value purity! Remember, you are God’s royal daughter - a princess. Never allow anyone to treat you as anything different that that. Colossians 2:10 tells us that we are complete in Him. Your wholeness comes from Christ. 

DON’T LOSE HOPE: "Hope waits but does not sit. To wait is not to sit idly by, whittling our life away until something happens. That is killing time, distracting ourselves to death. Hope strains with eager anticipation to see what may be coming on the horizon. Hope does not pacify; it does not make us docile and mediocre. Instead, it draws us to greater risk and perseverance." -Allender (The Healing Path)

Lord, you give me stability and prosperity; you make my future secure. –Psalm 16:5

Heb “you take hold of my lot.” The psalmist pictures the Lord as casting his lot (a method used to allot landed property) for him, thus assuring that he will receive a fertile piece of land (see v. 6). As in the previous line, land represents security and economic stability, thus “you make my future secure.”

Lot – bible dictionary: a destiny, as assigned by God

God controls our lot in life. It’s a special assignment. It’s one of security. It’s beautiful. 

(Habakkuk 2:3)

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (NET Bible: Even if the message is not fulfilled right away, wait patiently; for it will certainly come to pass - it will not arrive late.)

Mercy may seem slow, but it is sure. The Lord in unfailing wisdom has appointed a time for the outgoings of His gracious power, and God's time is the best time. We are in a hurry; the vision of the blessings excites our desire and hastens our longings; but the Lord will keep His appointments. He never is before His time; He never is behind. Come, my soul, canst thou not wait for thy God? Rest in Him and be still in unutterable peacefulness.- Charles Spurgeon

the "appointed time" in this verse means, a sacred season. A time that's set apart, a season or place that's appointed by God to bring Him glory. We can surely wait for His perfectly timed will, for it is good, and He has plans that are ultimately far beyond ours! So, today I hope and pray that I can rest in that. TODAY, this season right now, is appointed by God for me. Rejoice in that!

A spirit of restlessness and resistance can never wait, but one who believes he is loved with an everlasting love, and knows that underneath are the everlasting arms, will find strength and peace.  ~Elisabeth Elliot

Read Psalm 37:1-9, underline all the things that are God’s job. Go back and circle everything that is your job. 

I'm waiting 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

And I am hopeful 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

Though it is painful 

But patiently, I will wait 

I will move ahead, bold and confident 

Taking every step in obedience 

While I'm waiting 

I will serve You 

While I'm waiting 

I will worship 

While I'm waiting 

I will not faint 

I'll be running the race 

Even while I wait 

I'm waiting 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

And I am peaceful 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

Though it's not easy 

But faithfully, I will wait 

Yes, I will wait 

I will serve You while I'm waiting 

I will worship while I'm waiting 

I will serve You while I'm waiting 

I will worship while I'm waiting 

I will serve you while I'm waiting 

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord - John Waller

October Bible Study notes

P.U.R.I.T.Y
*Passion* for Christ: We desire purity because our passion is for Christ and what He did on our behalf.
*Unite*: We seek to unite our desire with Christ’s desire for our lives.
*Repentant*: We repent of our sins and turn our hearts to Christ.
*Identity* in Christ: Our identity is in Christ because God sent Him to earth for us, Jesus died for us, and the Holy Spirit came to live in us.
*Transformed* : We are being transformed into Christ’s likeness as we seek Him through time spent in His Word, through prayer, and through study and meditation on God’s principles and character.
*Yielded*: We yield our wills and desires to Him.

Passion for Christ - what He did on our behalf. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ~ Eph.2:4-10

We love Him because He first loved us! passion: strong and barely controllable emotion Think about a fire... Deut.4:24 (Jealous God. A Consuming Fire. Intense. Chasing us.) Girls are known for being emotional, moody. We have strong feelings that often consume us and easily control our responses to life! It’s how God has wired us. :) So, we especially, need to take these feelings to God in prayer. Pray that HE becomes the delight of our life and that we are totally consumed with Him. Ps.63: hunger and thirst for Him. 

Unite Psalm 86:11, Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. What is His desire for our lives? Any ideas?? Matthew 28:19 (go. make disciples. baptized. teach others/be taught His commands.) 1 Timothy 2:4, God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. We’re here to be salt and light! Shine. Love others - point them to Jesus. So what are your desires? Psalm 37:4: delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires/requests of your heart. 

Repentant  literally means to turn around and go in a different direction! not my way, but God’s way. Matthew 4:17, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Acts 3:19-20, Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Have you asked God for salvation? What is God convicting you of right now? (testimony of His conviction in our lives- the need to respond and obey!) Ask God for a clean heart - Psalm 51. Spend time in prayer. It’s humility! Proverbs 1:23, If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you (see the warning in the next verses too). Respond to God’s Spirit now -- today. 

Identity what is your identity in Christ? God accepts us in Christ. Hebrews 10:14, For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified (the word perfect here does not mean without sin, but perfectly adequate. Jesus’ death on the cross is the only sacrifice ever needed. He alone makes us acceptable and adequate in God’s sight. 

Transformed transformed into His likeness. Romans 12:2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 2 Corinthians 3:18, And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. It is our responsibility to pursue holy lives! Daily, we have decisions that set us apart from the world. God’s freedom = liberty to live as you should, not as you please. good quote- if you expect to resist temptation, it will be in direct proportion to your abiding in the Word.

Yielded Jesus is the ultimate example of this. He prayed, not My will, but Thine be done (Luke 22:42). God is a good Shepherd... He leads you in right paths. He is to be trusted! So, have you set aside your goals to follow Him? Yield (how does it work when you’re driving? or, how is it supposed to work??) Let someone else go first. God’s plans and thoughts for your life are so much better than yours. His way is perfect. Remember the old hymn, have Thine own way, Lord. Isaiah 55:8-9, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. good question: If the Holy Spirit were to completely pull out of your life--would you even realize He was gone?

September Bible study notes- Bartimaeus

Take heart. Get up. He is calling you! ~Mark 10:49

Do you ever get discouraged, thinking that God is overlooking you… that He doesn’t notice you? The blind beggar, Bartimaeus, had been blind for… well, we don’t know. It could have been since birth, or maybe since childhood. But he was now a man. And he was a beggar. He was helpless. He had no wealth. No position. No power. Not only did he not have resources, but he had no sight. He could only sit by the side of the road, calling out for coins… begging. 

Before you look down on Bartimaeus, remember that without Jesus, we too are beggars. We are poor. We are helpless. In fact, it says in Isaiah 66:2, But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Jesus said in Matthew 5:3, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The Message says it like this: You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

Blind Bartimaeus the Beggar must have heard some good things about Jesus of Nazareth. Perhaps his parents were good Jewish people and had told him of a deliverer coming from the line of David. It’s important for us to know WHO Jesus is. His name. His power. His might. To believe that He is God and that He can do what He says He can do. 

Who is Jesus to you? Do you praise Him for His name(s)? What name of God is special to you? (look for His names as you read the Bible)

What had been prophesied about Jesus came true, Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has  anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and  the opening of the prison to those who are bound.

Bartimaeus believed enough to shout out to Jesus, to call to Him. To ask Him to have mercy, and to pity him. To help him! Many of the people told him to be quiet. Perhaps he was a nuisance to them.  Maybe he was too loud. But this didn’t stop him. He called out all the more for mercy! Do we let the opinions of others dictate our actions? Do you do things, or, do you not do things, just because someone else might think differently of you? Don’t live from the fear of man. Live out of fear of God! 

Also, he didn’t give up. Whether Jesus responded or not, he was persistent in calling out. Do we have the faith to continue persistently in prayer? Not so much of insisting on our own will/desires, but truly pouring out our heart before God and being open and honest before Him. It’s something to work on. 

So, Jesus did hear Bartimaeus. He told his disciples to tell him to come. The disciples told him, Take heart. Get up. He is calling you!

 Take heart. Be of good courage. Cheer up. We can receive this word in our own lives. Don’t get discouraged about trials and hard times. What hard thing are you facing? Family. School. Church. Friends. Fires. Drought.  John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] -- The Amplified. Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ours is the God of endurance and encouragement (Rom. 15:5).

Then they told him to get up! Ephesians 6:13 tells us to stand. (in the Greek, To stand immovable and firm. In place. Ready and prepared. Safe. One who does not hesitate or waiver.) In Jesus, we have nothing to fear. We can get up. We can respond to His call. Isaiah 51:12 "I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass…  1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith.  Ephesians 6:16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

He is calling you! God is a personal God. We – you and I – each of us, has to respond to His call. You can’t rely on your parents’ faith to get you into heaven. It has to be yours. God is calling you. He is offering a personal relationship to you.                                                                                                   So Bartimaeus got up right away and ran to Jesus. Run to Him! Like the father of the prodigal son, He is always there. He is ready and waiting to receive you. He told him he wanted his sight and Jesus gave it to him. His faith had made him whole. 

Believe that God can do the impossible. Believe Who He is. Call out. Tell Him what you need. Don’t give up. Listen. He’s calling you. Get up and run to Him. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. -Amplified.


On another note, Jeanette shared her blog with us, and we wanted to share it with you. The Lord is teaching her much... and she's seeking to bless and encourage others through her writings. 

sweet summertime

Reviving Etiquette

notes from Summer Gathering

Kind. Sweet. Polite. Graceful. Pure. Refined. Modest. Thoughtful. Sensitive. Christ-like.

“Our goal is to put others at ease so they can enjoy their meal and our company”-Emily Post

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice- the kind He will accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is it too much to ask? (see Romans 12:1-2)

~ Boredom is dangerous - Beth Moore ~

I must decrease so He can increase, John 3:30. Let God take the wheel. don't be a control freak- they have fits, but they do not have fun! don't control every bit of the Abundance out of your life. let the wind of the Spirit blow your hairsprayed hair! you're not the one driving... it's gonna be a wild ride (Beth Moore).

All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds that we sow today! (unknown author)

We’re here to reflect His beauty, to shine! (Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven, Matthew 5:16). You are an heiress! a princess. a daughter of the King. Live like it! (...leaving us an example, that we should follow in His steps,1 Peter 2:21) -Follow in His steps!

It is remarkable how great an influence our clothes have on our moral state - Anatole France

Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

On Being a Lady – by Mrs. Emily Post "The attributes of a great lady may still be found in the rule of the four S's: Sincerity, Simplicity, Sympathy, and Serenity."

Sincerity: honest, pure.

Simplicity: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, lack of folly or silliness, innocent

Sympathy: what affects another affects you, loyalty, sharing in others’ feelings

Serenity: clear and free of storms or unpleasant change! Unruffled repose. Peaceful.

such a fun evening together, complete with chocolate :)

Our Goal:

to bring glory to Jesus Christ!

happy summer :)

O the deep, deep love of Jesus

Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free,

Rolling as a mighty ocean

In its fullness over me.

The love of Jesus is without limit and without end. You are loved!

that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge... Ephesians 3

Take your candle... Go light your world!

A small candle is significant in a dark room.

In fact, the darker the room, the brighter the candle.

An old Indian fable tells the story of a businessman who came to retirement age and

wanted to leave his business to one of his two sons. He could not determine which

deserved most to inherit his work, and so he devised an unusual test. He gave each of

them a coin, with instructions to buy something that would fill the family’s house.

The coin was small, but the house was large. The task seemed impossible. Nonetheless,

the older brother set out immediately for the market. He soon discovered that the

cheapest material he could buy was straw. So he purchased all the straw his coin could

buy and carted it home. Unfortunately, he could cover only half the rooms of the house

with it.

The younger brother knew that for this unusual test, unusual wisdom would be needed.

He thought long and hard about his plan, and set out for the market just as his older

brother was returning with his cartload of straw. When he came back, he had a small

package under his arm. His brother ridiculed him: “I couldn’t fill the house with all the straw I could buy; what

can you possibly do with that tiny box?” The younger brother said nothing. He took from

his box several small candles. He placed a candle in each room of the house. And when

he had lit them all, the house was filled with light.

One candle at a time, we can take the Light of the world to everyone Jesus came to save.

Will you light a candle in the room where you live?

a bit of encouragement

learn to run to God for your emotional comfort!

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16

I'll Live for Him Who Died for Me

The chorus of this hymn came to Darlene's heart as she stood in front of the soldier, waiting to be beheaded. She said, "Lord, this is a strange song to sing for someone who's about to die!"

My life, my love I give to Thee,
Thou Lamb of God Who died for me;
O may I ever faithful be,
My Savior and my God!

Chorus:
I’ll live for Him Who died for me,
How happy then my life shall be!
I’ll live for Him Who died for me,
My Savior and my God!

I now believe Thou dost receive,
For Thou hast died that I might live;
And now henceforth I trust in Thee,
My Savior and my God!

~Ralph E. Hudson

O Thou Who died on Calvary,
To save my soul and make me free,
I’ll consecrate my life to Thee,
My Savior and my God!

He Giveth More Grace

He Giveth More Grace - Darlene put this hymn to memory right before she was taken. She couldn't sleep one night, so she spent time memorizing this poem which some missionary friends had put to music. God knew she would need it later as she was in the camps. When she thought she could not handle another interrogation, these words came to mind. God reminded her that His grace would be sufficient for each trial. He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

~Annie Johnson Flint

Only Believe

a hymn that Darlene learned as a little girl. Verse Three spoke to her as she was closed in her cell (on death row).

Only Believe, by Paul Radar
Verse 1
Fear not little flock, from the cross to the throne,
From death into life, He went for His own,
All power in earth, all power above,
Is given to Him for the flock of His love.

Chorus:
Only believe, only believe,
All things are possible, only believe,
Only believe, only believe,
All things are possible, only believe,

Verse 2
Fear not little flock, He goeth ahead,
Your Shepherd selecteth the path you must tread,
The waters of Marah, He'll sweeten for thee
He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane.

Verse 3
Fear not little flock, whatever your lot,
He enters all rooms, the doors being shut,
He never forsakes, He never is gone,
So count on His presence, in darkness and dawn.

Only believe, only believe,
All thins are possible, only believe,
Only believe, only believe,
All things are possible, only believe.

April Girls Gathering

We have learned so very much from Darlene! Here are some notes from our third session with Darlene Deibler Rose~

Those He loves, He chastens - "be a good soldier for Jesus Christ"

Memorize God's Word now! Fill your mind with Truth.

If God calls you to a place, He equips you.

God understands ALL of our needs. With God, you can stand tremendous pain. His grace is sufficient for you (right now!).

God delights to give! He gives 100 fold. We don't have to help Him out (give Him hints about how He could meet our needs).

He is the exact same God who led the people of Israel through the wilderness. The God who delivered, delivers, and will deliver yet again (2 Corinthians 1:10).

We're always under the greatest Hiding Place of all.

She knew God would restore her - body, soul, and spirit. Be available to Him. Like gold tried in the fire, He wants to make us like pure gold. Go anywhere for Him. Don't stop to count the cost.

Royal Fever, anyone?

Will and Kate's wedding seems to be on everyone's mind right now! As you look forward to this royal event, keep in mind that you are part of God's royal family. You are a princess! Start shining!!

The King's daughter is all glorious within. ~Psalm 45:13a

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. ~1 Peter 2:9

March Gathering

This past weekend we gathered together for a special story from Gina and part two of the video testimony of Darlene Deibler Rose. It was a tear-jerker. Here are some notes:

Read Psalm 91

-The native people loved to hear the story of God’s love for them "just once more!"

-Accept things from God and be happy with His plan for your life

-Everything God allows into our lives is for our good and His glory

-God is not an evil God. He loves us... enough to give us His only Son

-they had to live with what they had -contentment

-they spent much time in prayer. "God, what do you want me to do?"

-"This is where God wants you to be, and you can trust Him" Romans 8:28

-Her husband's last words to her: Remember one thing... God has said He will never leave us nor forsake us

-Psalm 34:7, the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him

-Isaiah 43:1-2, when you pass through the waters, He will be with you

-"don't lose your smile, Darlene"

-"God has brought me to this place and time for you"

-Where the love of God is, there's no room for hatred

I trust in God where ever I may be

Upon the land or on the rolling sea

For come what may from day to day

My Heavenly Father watches over me

He makes the road an object of His care

He guides the eagle through the pathless air

And surely He remembers me

My Heavenly Father watches over me

The valley may be dark, the shadows deep

But on the Shepherd guards His lonely sheep

And through the gloom He leads me home

My Heavenly Father watches over me

I trust in God

I know He cares for me

On mountains bleak or on the rolling sea

The billows roll

He keeps my soul

My Heavenly Father watches over me

-W.C. Martin

February Girls Group!

What a blessing to gather together as friends and sisters in Christ. Gina continues to inspire us with her special Storytimes... remember to be faithful in the revealed will of God in your life! This month we were so excited to be able to share part one of Darlene Deibler Rose's testimony on dvd! The God of the Bible, with all His ancient power, is our same God today! We are including some of our notes...

• Darlene and her mother walked 4 miles in a blizzard to find God in a church... that would take well over an hour, one way! -are you giving your ALL to seek Him? are you that desperate?

• They prayed earnestly for all their family to come to know Christ, claiming the verse from Acts 16:31, So they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. -whose salvation are you praying for? why not begin today?

• Darlene gave her whole life to Jesus... whatever the cost... she would go where He said. She walked before Him with nothing between her soul and the Savior -what might you be holding back from God? Hymn: Nothing Between
Nothing between my soul and the Savior, Naught of this world's delusive dream; I have renounced all sinful pleasure; Jesus is mine, there's nothing between.
Nothing between, like worldly pleasure; Habits of life, though harmless they seem, Must not my heart from Him e'er sever; He is my all, there's nothing between.
Nothing between, like pride or station; Self or friends shall not intervene; Though it may cost me much tribulation, I am resolved; there's nothing between.
Nothing between, e'en many hard trials, Though the whole world against me convene; Watching with prayer and much self-denial, I'll triumph at last, with nothing between.
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,So that His blessed face may be seen; Nothing preventing the least of His favor, Keep the way clear! Let nothing between. ~Charles A. Tindley, 1905

She checked everything with her Lord. -you can have a relationship with the Lord like this too!

• Darlene said, "God is in all the details of my life!" -do you think any details of your current situation have escaped God's eyes?

• She learned from people of God. Absorbed from those who knew God. -who in your life can you be absorbing encouragement from?

• Harbor Lights. Suffering. Sorrow. -put God in charge to guide
Darlene said, "I thank God for every storm that has shipwrecked me upon the Rock Christ Jesus, and there I stand."

• What are beautiful feet? bring a message of HOPE to those around you!

• People are important - things are not. We used to love people and use things. But now we use people and love things. Love people. Use things.

Check out this website on Darlene, an amazing woman of faith.

Keep leaning on Jesus!

Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33)

But, remember...

God Is Always With Me — I Will Not Fear
God Is Always in Control — I Will Not Doubt
God Is Always Good — I Will Not Despair
God Is Always Watching — I Will Not Falter
God Is Always Victorious — I Will Not Fail

So, be of good cheer! He has overcome the world!

January Bible study!

And this is my prayer, that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

breaking these verses apart~

How can my love abound more and more? In the Greek, this “love” is agape love. It is unselfish love, and indicates a direction of my will (choose to love!). Not so much as a feeling, but a choice. It is the word that describes God Himself in 1 John 4:8. Jesus said, “Love (agape) the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love (agape) your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:37-39. It’s unconditional love. Pray for it! Ask God to teach you how to love. (ex. choosing to love others... how can you do that even when you don’t feel like it?)

How can I grow in knowledge and discernment? In Colossians 1:9, Paul prayed that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. In the Greek, this kind of knowledge enables you to avoid error. It’s knowledge that influences your life and moves you to action! So, pray that God helps you to know, or to judge, what is pleasing to Him, and for grace to act upon that knowledge! It’s a knowledge that KEEPS ON growing! you never stop! Never think you’ve reached a point where you’re so mature spiritually that you can’t fall into temptation. Pray for God's wisdom to enter your heart and alter your path. (read the story of the Communist dictator, Nikita Khrushchev from A Man Worth Waiting For, pages 128-129. discuss how head knowledge needs to turn into heart knowledge)

How can I approve what is excellent? In the Greek, the word for approve means to test, to see whether a thing is genuine or not. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Paul urges the people to examine everything carefully and to hold fast to what is good. The word excellent means what is better. It is of value. It surpasses other things. It’s what really matters. A Girl Really Living lives in what really matters! :) Am I living in a more excellent way? -involved in things that count for eternity? living a life of prayer with Jesus? The things of this world do have an effect on you; the culture is not harmless. Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. You want to be the kind of girls who pursue what is best! An old quote says, the good is often the enemy of the best! The mind is so important - what you think on shows itself in actions and attitudes. Renew your mind (Scripture!! God-honoring thoughts).

Being pure and blameless- these words mean purged, unmingled, judged by sunlight - tested as genuine, innocent, holy, inoffensive, not leading unto sin, faultless, to not stumble. I Thessalonians 5:23, And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). God is concerned about the purity and wholeness of our body, soul, and spirit. Pray for Him to give you discernment so you can pursue holiness in EACH of these areas. Spirit (purified through the blood of Christ). Soul (purified through the Word of God). Body (purified through living in a careful, Godly manner - exercise, healthy eating, pure decisions). Remember that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You have been bought with a price- the blood of Jesus. You are not your own (Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s -1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Quote from John Adams:

From all that I have read of history and government, of human life and manners, I have drawn this conclusion - the manners of women were the most infallible barometer to ascertain the degree of morality and virtue of a nation.

Your attitude, character, and manner influences others! It is powerful. Have you given any thought as to if you are influencing, or causing offense? For girls, it is so important that we pursue modesty! You can be cute and darling and modest and pure and free. Think about it! Does your dress attract inappropriate attention to yourself? Reject the lie that says you’re only as good as you are sexually desirable. Cover up. You want to be known as a virtuous woman! (Proverbs 31:10) The kind of girl who is far more precious than jewels and whose value is far above rubies or pearls! Another verse to think about is from Matthew 16:23, when Jesus rebukes Peter and tells him he is a stumbling block to Him. Peter was not setting his mind on God’s interests, but man’s. Colossians 3:1, set your mind on and keep seeking the things that are above!

Being filled with the fruit of righteousness from Jesus Christ- “being filled” indicates an action that has continuous results. This righteousness is a fruit - a result- of belonging to Christ! You have to be His in order to have it, in order for it to be lasting. “you’ll know them by their fruits” The word for righteousness means acceptable to God, purity of life. Jesus makes us acceptable to God. 2 Corinthians 5:21, For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]. In John 15, Jesus says His Father is glorified as we bear much fruit.

Living to the glory and praise of God! The word glory means very apparent - it catches the eye and attracts attention, honor and worship. We’re to live so as to make Jesus attractive to all! Who are you living for? Who/What are you trying to attract attention to? Ephesians 1:12 says that we are to be to the praise of His glory. Daniel 12:3 (shine, turn many to righteousness!) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9