Delight and Thanksgiving

This morning I was really struggling with myself. I woke up and was so groggy I was sure that I would never be awake enough to retain God's Word, so I grabbed a fiction book and read several chapters. By the time I looked at my alarm clock again I realized that I should have already been out of bed. I was tempted to put off my devotions and go eat breakfast. I could come back to my devotions when my stomach was full, but I stopped as I sat up remembering how I had planned to do that earlier this week and ended up getting distracted then busy and didn't remember to spend time in the Word until right before I lay down to sleep. Not wanting to repeat that, I grab my Bible and half-heartedly began to read.

I stopped after reading my chapter of Proverbs and said, "Lord, I feel nothing. I want to love You more, why is it that I feel no motivation to study Your Word. Why is making time for prayer so difficult?" Feelings of guilt tried to distract me as I began to read again. I had been spending too much time being entertained earlier in the week, I didn't pray enough... But God was faithful again. As I continued to read I came across this verse.

"Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37:4-5).

Delight myself in the Lord. If I could but delight myself in His goodness, His faithfulness, if I could but commit my way, my very day, to Him and trust Him, then He would be faithful and give me what I so long for. A refreshed zeal for Him and for Him alone. As I began to delight in the Lord, and praise and thank Him for His goodness an awesome thing accord. I felt my passion and zeal for the Lord and His Word returning, had not the days duties stretched before me I could have laid in bed praising His name for hours. He has been so very good to me. I am truly blessed.

As Thanksgiving Day draws near, I protest the fact that many refer to it as Turkey Day. I jump at the chance to remind people about what the holiday is really about. Giving thanks to the Lord God Almighty for the great things He has done in our lives. My dear friends, as this day of thanksgiving approaches may I remind you to delight yourself in the Lord and His goodness. If you are feeling like your faith is running dry, or your passion for reading the Bible or for praying has faded to wisps of memories, do not despair. Instead, delight in the Lord, and praise Him for what He has done. Commit you way unto the Lord, trust in Him, and He shall give you the deepest desire of your heart. He shall bring it to pass that you will have such zeal for Him, that you will hardly be able to keep from singing His praises.

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD for He is good! For His mercy endures forever" (Psalm 136:1).

Fairytale It Isn't

Would you count yourself as a wise level headed young lady? Do you know that marriage is not exactly a fairytale? Surely you have had examples to watch, parents, grandparents, neighbors, someone. Surely you have seen the disagreements, arguments (I am not saying these should be the norm). Marriage is not all strawberries and cream, and lasting marriages do not just happen.

Recently I was reading a book that talked about marriage. The author said something to the effect that in every marriage, somewhere along the way the fairytale feelings of pure bliss fade away. He did not mean that you would no longer love each other, just that the "in love" feeling that our culture is so caught up in, will fade. This is when the foundation of your marriage is tested.

I wanted to deny this. I wanted to laugh and say, "Yeah, but when my turn comes..." But, the truth is, as time passes you will begin to see more of his or her faults, and if you are not careful you will begin to criticize everything he does. You will began to hold her to all too perfect standards. There may be some other reason, but the fact remains, that the complete joy that you had in your spouse on your wedding day will fade. This is where hard work and commitment have come in.

When that fading happens you need to be ready. "How can I be ready," you ask. First off, remember I am not married, but I have had some pretty awesome marriages to watch, so be patient with me and please feel free to correct me if I am wrong, but this is how I see it. The way to be ready is to take time getting to know each other before you are married. Not just what foods you like, or dislike, but you need to share what you are learning from the Lord. You should discuss theology, children, occupations, homes, everything.

If you want to be a truly wise young person you will seek godly counsel, you will take your time in getting to know your future spouse, you will move forward with caution, and you will listen to your parents!

One day, I hope you find your happy ever after, but as for me, I have already done so. Now, now, Mom, do not panic! I am not talking about marriage here. Marriage would be an incredible gift from God which I would love to experience someday, but marrying will not lead anyone to happily ever after. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can do that.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord of you life, may I urge you to not prolong your wait for your happy ever after. He is waiting, all you need to do is ask.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but shall have ever lasting life" (John 3:16).

My Favorite Film

I began to think about it, and it hardly seemed fair that I did not take time in my last post to mention which film at the SAICFF was my favorite. And, yes, I did have a favorite. The Runner From Ravenshead, which by the way, won the SAICFF Audience Choice Award. Below I have attached the trailer so that maybe you could get a glimps of why I like this film so much. It is cute, fresh, fun, and I look forward to seeing more from Little Crew Studios. Enjoy!

SAICFF 2010

I was very blessed to be able to attend the 2010 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (SAICFF) about a week ago. Though those I attended with and I like to joke about the SAICFF's founders trying to get us to loose weight by always keeping us on the run, it was truly an awesome time of learning, fellowship, and encouragement. It is so great to see Christians out there who are re-defining the words "good movie."

I just wanted to post and say that I am 100% behind what Doug Phillips and his friends are doing with the SAICFF. If you would like to learn more about this event and make plans to attend the next SAICFF in 2012, then click here.

Strawberry Jello Cake

Strawberry Jello Cake

1 box white cake mix
3 oz. strawberry Jello
1/2 c. boiling water
1/2 c. oil
10 oz. (1/2c.) frozen strawberries thawed
3 eggs

Dissolve Jello in boiling water and mix with cake mix. Add oil and
strawberries and beat. While beating, add 1 egg at a time until all
have been beat in. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes two
(round) layers.

Icing

1 lb. box powder sugar
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 c. frozen strawberries thawed

Soften butter and then beat with powdered sugar until creamy. Add
strawberries and beat again. You may have to add extra sugar if icing
is too thin.

Note: You could also add cream cheese to icing.

This used to be my favorite cakes as a little girl. I think what I
liked about it most was the color. I loved anything pink!