Monday, April 30, 2012

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

“What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

“Oh how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

“What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?  
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

“Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

In 1887, this simple, yet powerful hymn, was published by Elisha A. Hoffman and Anthony J. Showalter.
Songs so old, can still be sung today, because their words are still relevant.  Just like God’s Word.  We can still read it because it applies to us, in this time.

A few weeks back, I was looking up hymns that I could play for the prelude part of my church’s morning service. I stumbled upon this hymn that my church hadn’t sung for awhile and figured that this could be one to play.  I have to admit that I have developed a bad habit of picking out hymns Saturday night, or even Sunday morning. This never gives me a chance to practice, for one thing; and for another, doesn’t give me any time to read the words of the song.  In most of the songs I play, whether it be arranged hymns for Offertory or playing them straight from the hymnbook, I want to add feeling to the notes. And I want the congregation to not only “hear” the melody, but also that the words come to mind.  

As I was taking time out this past week to contemplate on the words of this hymn, one question kept running through my mind: “Am I leaning on Christ’s everlasting arms?”.  And it, quite frankly, stunned me.  To be honest, I’ve always felt that I’ve handled all of my problems, all of my concerns, all of my burdens correctly, by giving them to Christ.  But this question kept coming back.  Not in a bad way, but it did make me think of how I’ve truly handled the “rough spots” that I’ve experienced in my life.  Did I leave my cares at the alter? Or did I leave them and take them back?  Did I tell Jesus that I wouldn’t worry about my problems and five minutes later find myself thinking about those same things again?  These questions made me reflect on my past.   

The third verse really got to me the most: “What have I to dread, what have I to fear..?".  When we think about how big and how great our God is, compared to not only our day-to-day problems, but those unexpected tragedies that come around once in awhile, we see that God is much greater than all of the disastrous problems in the world combined.  If God determines who wins wars, if God cares for even the smallest sparrow, and if God could send His only Son to die on the cross for our sins, He certainly cares about our problems. Then comes that “blessed peace” when we take our worries to Christ and rest in His arms.

“I have blessedness with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

God bless,
Anna

Monday, April 23, 2012

My Testimony

This is a speech (written under the topic title of "personal experience") that I gave about a month ago, and since it was my testimony, I thought I would share it here as well. I'd love to hear your testimony if you comment! :) God bless.

"I would like to share a special event with you all. For as long as I can remember, I have known who God is. I have grown up in a Christian home all my life. I remember attending a nearby church for a while and then we home-churched for several years after that. Memorizing verses, reading the Bible, and talking about God were all part of my daily life. I remember sitting in the living room talking about the Bible with my family or reciting verses to friends. At age 2, I actually memorized a Bible verse for each letter of the alphabet. Family devotions and church activities were also memorable occasions.

When I was eight, our family started attending an independent Baptist church in Courtenay (in the late fall, I think). One of my first reading assignments from my Sunday school teacher was to read the four gospels during my personal devotions. By the time January came around I had finished reading through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I had read through them many times before, but I remember this time I realized something different. Now I knew that I was a sinner, that I could not do anything to save myself, and that I was condemned because of my own actions. I also realized that only Jesus could save me. He had sent His son to take my place by dying on the cross for the sins of the world, and that by trusting in Him I could have eternal life in heaven one day. I had had the gospel explained to me numerous times before, but this time, my own realization prompted the "sinner's prayer" (which is basically confession to Jesus, claiming the promise that He will forgive your sins).

Perhaps this experience isn't an extremely exciting one to you, but it impacted my whole life. It affects whom I choose as good friends; the way I dress; the books, movies, and music that I choose; and how I act. I now desire to live by the guidelines God has laid out for His people. I am a child of His and my life is in His hands. Learning who God is and what He desires of me, now governs my whole life. This was the most important event in my life: my desire now is to live for Him Who died for me."


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Tagged by Elizabeth Anne

Kaleigh and I were tagged by Elizabeth Anne a few days ago to answer some questions. Thank you for tagging us . :)  

1. Why did you start blogging?
Kaleigh and I started blogging because we wanted to inspire our readers to live their lives for Christ and to encourage them on their Christian walk through our experiences and the lessons that we learn every day.
2. Are you excited for summer? Why or why not?
Oh, definitely ready for summer. :) Summer is such a wonderful season for me, as it means I get back to riding and showing my horse, and training other horses/kids to ride. Although I don’t like mowing our large yard, I have begun to enjoy it more as using the push-mower is great exercise. :) Summer also means that everything is green-which is my favorite color.

3. What would you like to see more of on my blog? What kind of posts are your favourite?
I think your blog is very nice and unique the way it is and I enjoy reading your posts. The one entitled "I came to see Jesus" is such an encouagement. :) Thank you for sharing your talent for writing.   

4. Do you know a second language? If so, which one?
Um..I know bits and pieces of language; like a little German, a little Spanish, and a little Hawaiian. However, the only language that I know (and care to know) is English. :P I do study ASL (American Sign Language) and have been working with signs on and off for approximately nine years now. :) It’s always fun to get together with other people who know it.

5. What has God been teaching you lately?
He has been teaching me multiple things lately that it is hard for me to only pick one or two. Over the last few weeks, God has taught me:
~to listen to His voice more.
~to “give-up” on some wants/dreams
~to not care as much as what others think, but to care more about what He thinks
~to find peace and comfort only in Him
Although He has shown me many other things for awhile now, these are the things that have impacted me the most and have really prompted me to take a “second look” at my life right now.

6. How would you describe the perfect day?
Wow, a “perfect day”. In all honesty, I’ve never really thought about this before.  As I was thinking about how I was going to answer this, two ideas came to mind: “...the day I become engaged.” and “...the day when I get married.”. But then I got to thinking about other things that would make the day “perfect”. So, to answer the question truthfully, I’d say that the perfect day would be when I see my Saviour’s face. :)  The day when I get to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him talk. The day when all my worries fade away and the day when Jesus wipes all my tears away. To me, that would be “the perfect day”.

7. Would you like to travel (now or in the future)? If yes, where would you go?
I would love to travel in the near future and do so with friends and/or family. There are numerous places that I would love to visit, but most of the places are where my friends live, including:
~Hawaii
~Canada
~Michigan
~Texas
~England
~Australia
~Austria
~Germany
~France

Whether I actually do travel, I don’t know, but I think it would be fun to see the world.

8. What is your favourite book of the bible and why?
Oh boy. Just one? Well, I’d say that my absolute favorite book in the Bible is James. I find many inspiring virtues that I try to apply to my life. Many of which I find helpful to follow and re-read on my walk with Christ. So many other books in God’s Word are inspiring such as Philippians and Ephesians, but I suppose since I’ve read James more, that is why it is partly my favorite, because I am more familiar with it. :)

9. Are you short, tall or average? What do you like and dislike about your height?
This is kind of hard. :P I’ve been told that I am short and then I’ve heard that 5’4” is average.for girls. So, I’m not really sure.

What I dislike about my height:
~People tease/pick on me

What I like about my height:
~I can fit through things that bigger people can’t-like small cars
~Not as much “wind resistance”. :P
~I rarely have to worry about ducking under tree branches unless I’m on my horse. :)

I am the way I am. God created each of us a certain height for a special reason.

10. Do you think coffee or tea is better? Or do you like either? Why?
I have had tea, but have never had coffee. I’m afraid I’ve never been a fan of either. The taste has never sparked my interest.

11. What are your plans for the future?
I am not 100% sure what God has for me in a few years, but I feel that He has been showing me that He wants me to pursue a writing degree, like Journalism. My first reasons for getting a degree was because I wanted to be ready for a possible future without a husband and family. However, I’ve reconsidered my reasons, and am now doing CollegePlus! for three reasons; 1: to become more well-rounded in writing so I can publish books, 2. become more learned so I can teach my children, and 3. to meet new people and make friends-which I’ve done and it has blessed me greatly.
After graduation from college, I’d love to travel a little and visit some of the friends from CP!.
Later on in life, I hope to get married and be a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom.
Some things may never happen, like getting married, but I know God holds my future and He knows what’s best for me, as He knows what’s best for each of us and our futures..


God bless you all,

Anna 

Psalm 27:14

Monday, April 09, 2012

Tagged.

Two weeks ago I was tagged by Schuyler at My Lady Bibliophile. Today I will attempt to write out my answers and tag some others as well. Enjoy!

Here Are The Rules
1. Post these rules.
2. Post 11 random things about yourself (optional).
3. Answer the questions the tagger posted for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tagged to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them that they have been tagged.

All right. 11 random things about me. (Seriously...I think someone else should write this part for me, but I will see what I can come up with. ;))

1. I live in British Columbia, Canada. (Vancouver Island, to be more specific).
2. I am a high school senior and a college freshman this school year.
3. Peanut butter isn't really my favorite food.
4. I love reading and writing, but it's hard to find good books now. ;)
5. I love lists....especially when they end with the correct amount. Such as an even number, or numbering by fives (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.). That's why I wish this random list had 10 or 12 things, instead of 11. :P
6. I do not think physics was meant to be understood. :P
7. One of my 2012 goals was to read through the Bible four times (approx. 90 days for reading it once through). I am on my second time.
8. I love talking/chatting with people about serious topics. :D
9. I don't drink regular tea or coffee.
10. I know and have seen in the last couple months that friendships are strengthened by going through difficult times together.
11. I just watched the movie Courageous recently (actually, I watched it twice) and it is now one of my favorites. :)

Schuyler's questions. :)
1. Who is your favorite Dickens character (If you haven't read any you may substitute for your general favorite character in anything you've read. :)
1. I have only read an abridged version of Oliver Twist and then a short version of David Copperfield. I can't say they were my favorite books and I don't remember the details of the plots very well anymore. My favorite character from anything I have read would be Duncan M'Kethe from the Crown and Covenant Series by Douglas Bond. However, I still have a hard time deciding if he or his father (Sandy M'Kethe) are my favorite. ;) And then, when I read the second book in Bond's series, I really like Angus (Duncan's brother). So, I can't really make up my mind.
My favorite characters ever would have to come from the Bible, though: David and Abigail. :)

2. Do you keep a book list of the books you read, and if so, how many did you read last year?
2. No, I don't keep a list. I think it's a great idea, though. :)

3. Do you like to write stories, as well as read them?
3. I love reading stories way better than writing them.

4. Would you call yourself an introvert, or an extrovert?
4. I would definitely be an introvert. I do enjoy social activities almost always, but I don't have the out-going people-personality. I have a few close friends rather than tons of acquaintances and I enjoy talking with them. My sisters are also included as my best friends. I also express myself better through writing than in speaking. And I do enjoy time on my own sometimes (as much as a home schooler can get "on her own" in a house). ;)

5. List 5 of your favorite fiction books, and five of your favorite nonfiction (biographies count).
5. Oh boy. This could be challenging. :D

Fiction:
The Adventures of the Northwoods (Lois Walfried Johnson)
The Narnia Series (C.S. Lewis)
Crown and Covenant and Faith and Freedom series (Douglas Bond)
G.A. Henty's series (we have 20 books)
R. M. Ballentyne's series (we have 20 books)

Non-fiction:
The Bible
So Much More and It's (Not That) Complicated (Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin)
Before You Meet Prince Charming (Sarah Mally)
Set-Apart Femininity (Leslie Ludy)
The Hiding Place (Corrie Ten Boom)
And, also, like Anna mentioned, I enjoy reading the dictionary (or thesaurus). :D

6. Which do you purchase more, used books or new?
6. Used, most definitely. I have found SO many books second-hand. :)

7. Which book has influenced a spiritual turning point in your life? (Or a book that inspired you to live more for Christ, and why.)
7. That book would be So Much More. I read it for the first time a couple years ago. It definitely inspired me to re-think my beliefs in light of God's Word. I am not finished thinking, by any means. ;) It has been and will be a long process, but, by God's grace, I will finish well. :)

8. What do you consider to be three benefits of reading modern stories, and three benefits of reading classic stories? (Classic being pre-1950)
8. Hmm...
Classics:
-stronger morals
-well-written literature
-older history/plots/context

Modern:
-relates to the present
-understandable grammar ;)
-current events in the plot

9. Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction, and why?
9. I prefer fiction in some ways because then, if anything disappointing happens in the story, I can know that it didn't actually happen in real life. :P But I also love reading historical fiction (actual events, but having fiction characters/events, etc.)

10. What is your favorite genre (historical, fantasy, mystery, romance, science fiction, etc.)
10. I love historical and mystery. :D

11. Does the cover of a book influence your decision to pick it up, and if so, what kind of cover sparks your interest?
11. Definitely. Although I do try not to "judge a book by its cover". ;) Actually, the back of a book will catch my attention more than the picture. I can read books several times (almost to the point of memorizing) and yet, not remember anything about the pictures on the front. :P When I pick up a book, I read the back (or inside cover) first. What is written there, will let me know whether I should consider reading it or not (usually). I love historical plots and mysteries so anything to do with that will catch my interest. I also look for authors and series that I know well. Nonfiction stories/accounts will also trigger my interest. :)

Anna's and my questions for those tagged below:
1. Do you like your Mac or PC? Why?
2. Do you like to listen to music when studying? If so, what kind?
3. Do you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
4. Can you describe each of your siblings personality/character? (doesn't have to be a long answer ;))
5. What do you like about our blog?
6. What's your favorite color and why do you like it?
7. What book besides the Bible has changed you spiritually in some way?
8. What books of the Bible do you tend to read from the most?
9. In what way have you grown the most spiritually in the past year?
10. Who is your favorite Bible character? Why?
11. What event/circumstance made your favorite Bible verse(s) "favorite"?

We tag...

Have fun and God bless!

In Christ,

Kaleigh









Monday, April 02, 2012

Tagged

Kaleigh and I were tagged by Lady Bibliophile to write random things about ourselves on our blog. Thank you, Schuyler. :)

1. Although I enjoy reading, I enjoy writing more.
2. Reeses is my favorite candy
3. I played summer school softball with a local public school and went to the All-Stars in 2003.
4. I’ve been playing piano for over twelve years.
5. My favorite comedian is Mark Lowry (when he was with the Gaither Vocal Band)
6. Last year, I qualified (with my quarter horse) to go to the Wisconsin 4-H Champ Show-which is the show right before the 4-H state competition.
7. I enjoy classical music when it’s arranged with hymns.
8. I would like to travel sometime in the future.
9. I’ve been showing horses for over six years.
10. I love salads.
11. Trail riding is VERY relaxing.



1. Who is your favorite Dickens character (If you haven't read any you may substitute for your general favorite character in anything you've read. :)
I’m afraid I have never read any of Dickens’ works, but reading “Great Expectations” and “A Tale of Two Cities” has been on my list to read for quite awhile now.
I would have to say that my favorite character ever, from any book, would be Esther (in the Bible). She had a lot of courage and I believe she is a great role model for every young lady. Putting her trust in God, she stood up for what was right and wouldn’t back down.

2. Do you keep a book list of the books you read, and if so, how many did you read last year?
I have never kept a book list, but I would like to start one soon, as I am enjoying reading books more than I have in the past. :) I believe I read around ten books this last year, which included the Bible and several of the books that I have listed below.

3. Do you like to write stories, as well as read them?
Oh, I love writing stories. I guess I enjoy writing them more than reading them, but I can usually spend a lot of time reading them as well.

4. Would you call yourself an introvert, or an extrovert?
Hm..I would say I am a little bit of both. (If that is even possible.) On some days, I can be a very energetic, outgoing person and yet on other days, I would rather not get involved in social activities.

5. List 5 of your favorite fiction books, and five of your favorite nonfiction (biographies count).
My favorite fiction books would include: “The Circle C Adventures” (By Susan K. Marlow); “The Invisible Man” (By H.G. Wells); “Moby Dick” (By Herman Melville); “Adventures of the Northwoods” (By Lois Walfrid Johnson); and “Pilgrims Progress” (By John Bunyan)
My favorite nonfiction books would include: “The Holy Bible”; “The Living Forest Series” (By Sam Campbell); “Before You Meet Prince Charming” (By Sarah Mally); “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” (By Joshua Harris); and “The Hiding Place” (By Corrie ten Boom)
I also read words in the dictionary, as if I’m reading a book. Strange as that may seem. ;)

6. Which do you purchase more, used books or new?
I tend to buy new books instead of used ones. As most of the books I enjoy reading normally aren’t found in our local library; so I usually purchase from companies like CBD, Library & Ed., and a variety of other industries.

7. Which book has influenced a spiritual turning point in your life? (Or a book that inspired you to live more for Christ, and why.)
I would say that several books have been an inspiration to me, but the most influential Book that I’ve found to help me on my Christian walk is the Bible. So many other books have helped answer my numerous questions about life, purity, friendships, Christian love, etc., but none has inspired me to live a Christian life as much as God’s Word.

8. What do you consider to be three benefits of reading modern stories, and three benefits of reading classic stories? (Classic being pre-1950)
I would say that the benefits from reading modern literature, would be that they are written in an easier form to read; the stories are more in the “present”, something familiar that the reader can relate to more than those that were in the past; and (depending on the book and author) the stories can be much more uplifting than most classic pieces.
I think the benefits from reading classic stories are: that they can sometimes have more meaning; are written in a more difficult style that may interest many readers who like to take words a part and analyze them; and the classic stories may interest those who enjoy reading stories from older times.


9. Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction, and why?
I find that I am more gravitated to fiction, though I can become engrossed in a good biography or history book as well. The main reason that I enjoy fiction more is I can use my imagination easier and fiction tends to make me feel more at home, as I can easily transform the characters into who my imagination wants them to be and where the story takes place.

10. What is your favorite genre (historical, fantasy, mystery, romance, science fiction, etc.)
I love reading mystery. Especially ones such as “Mystery at No. 31, New Inn” (By R. Austin Freeman) and “Jewel Cases” (By Journey Forth).

11. Does the cover of a book influence your decision to pick it up, and if so, what kind of cover sparks your interest?
I would say that I do go by what is on the cover. I enjoy covers that convey a certain mysterious look. Bright, colorful covers grab my attention as well.

Thank you again, Schuyler for tagging Kaleigh and me. :)

Have a blessed day, everyone!

In Christ,
Anna

Jeremiah 29:11