Happy Birthday, Kaleigh!

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” ~2 Thessalonians 3:3

Last time around, you wrote a special blog post for me on my 20th birthday and I will always cherish the kind things you said--whether or not some (or all) of those things were exaggerated, is another story). But I wanted to take this opportunity to write my birthday “comment” to you.

Kaleigh, this past year has been another chapter in your book. Another period in your life where you can chalk it up as being an eventful year filled with fun and sadness; and yet, as a memorable one. 

The memories from your 18th year will always be with you and with those whom you’ve shared them with. When you spend time with us--whether it be in the same part of the world or through a computer screen--memories are made and our friendships are made stronger. It’s been yet another year that I can see has been a challenging one for you and every time, you rise to each challenge, looking to our Father in heaven for His hand of protection and seeking His will to guide your every step. Your faith is remarkable and it’s encouraging to see you finish this 19th year in your life with the courage that you continue to show. You are ready for this next stage in your life, and will again be victorious when you serve Christ to the best of your ability.

Which brings me to the part of the many things that make up the Kaleigh we have come to know and love: such as your faith, your desire to see peace, your laughter and teasing, your concern for other’s well-being, and your desire to be the kind of woman that God has designed you to be. I have seen you increase in knowledge through only these last couple of years, and it's a joy to watch you grow ever closer to Him as a young lady. Peace among your friends is something that you have wanted to see for a long time now and is something you have continued to pray for. I can't imagine going through life without ever hearing your cute laugh. :D Your teasing is also something I enjoy getting and watching others get, too. Also, you have shown that your friends mean so much to you and that you care about both their physical and Spiritual well-being. And lastly, I see in you a desire to hold God's hand and have Him lead you in your life. Through your life, you've shown that you want Him to be pleased, honored, and glorified.



I know it's been difficult for you to think of turning another year older, as you've enjoyed your 18th year so much. But bigger and better things are ahead and quite honestly, we just don't have the choice to stay a certain age. :D But I know you will make the most of this year, as with every year. Continue to be faithful to Christ and He will see you through the good and bad times of your 19th year on this earth.

Thank you for being my friend, Kaleigh. I love to see your smile on Bible Study hangouts, hear your laugh over the telephone, and watch you interact with people. It's a blessing to know someone as sweet as you and I can't imagine going through this past couple of years without ever being friends. You are truly an inspiration, an encouragement, and a true friend. Thank you for being there for your friends and may we always do our best to be here for you. :)

                                                              

This is a song that has been special to both of us for a little while now and I wanted to re-post it as a "present" on your birthday. As an overview for those who have never heard it, the gist of the song is that when God looks down on us, does He find us faithful? When people see how we live, can others see that we are faithful to Him?

Find Us Faithful by Steve Green

Through your part of the ministry on Facing the Waves, Kaleigh, you have done an incredible job of being faithful to Him. Keep up the good work and continue to listen to His calling. :)

Blessings on your birthday, year, and life, dear sister. May you grow ever closer to Christ and seek His will more every day. Don’t lose sight of the Master. He’s got you in the palm of His hand and will never drop you.

Love you!

Anna

Redeem the Time

For what is your life? It is even a vapor

that appears for a little time

and then vanishes away.

James 4:14 (NKJV)

Sometimes when we're waiting for things life seems to go so slowly, and yet, in other moments we never seem to accomplish everything we set out to do. During my last few years of high school, life really "sped up". Of course, I still had the same amount of time as everybody else did, but during those transition years and later on into my first year of college, I really noticed how life truly is a vapor. Days have flown by and often I look back and wonder if I really accomplished anything important. 

Over the past several months, I have received several reminders from different sources to redeem the time. Whether from social networking, the spoken or written word, each reminder has constantly directed my focus back to my life purpose: to honor and glorify God in all that I do. 

I recently have thought back to the past year of my life so far; it has gone by exceptionally quickly. But I clearly remember many of the past events and circumstances--more clearly than I have for other years. In many ways, I have been disappointed as I mentally reviewed the nonproductive activities, but I have also received great blessing in other areas. 

People say that time goes by even quicker the older you get. Not sure I like that idea much, but I have seen how it time appears to disappear rapidly. How often I have been involved in some mindless activity only to look up at the time and wonder where the hours went. And then other days to watch minutes tick by and be able to review them at the end knowing something good was accomplished. 

Either way, time is short. We live in such a selfish culture. Everything is focused on the present and how one can receive immediate satisfaction for himself, but that is not what Jesus taught during His short earthly ministry here on earth. He taught us to live for Him who died for us. Living for Him and taking captive each moment should consume our thoughts--it should be what determines how our time is spent. Don't waste time. You don't know how much you have left. Fill every moment with something valuable, something of eternal glory. Don't let contrary opinions sway you from doing what you know pleases Him. There is a culture to be witnessed to. There is a family to be served. There is a person to be counseled. There is a war to be fought. Only other souls will be able to stand by your side in heaven--not your money, fame, or fortune. This life is so temporary, so take your resources and talents and use them completely for His glory, and you will never regret the time you spent. 

Redeem the time. Jesus is coming. Will your works be tried and found wanting or will they win you an eternal reward?

In Christ,
Kaleigh

Leap of Faith

          "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
                                                              Hebrews 11:1


To start off this week's blog post, I'd like to share a story with you. A story that had me both laughing and contemplating on how we sometimes would rather stand back than take the leap of faith.

"A man once went with a friend for a ride out in the country. They drove off the main road and through a grove of orange trees to a mostly uninhabited piece of land. A few horses grazed there amidst a couple of old shacks. Walter stopped the car and began to describe vividly the things he was going to build on the land. He wanted his friend Arthur to buy some of the acreage surrounding his project. Walter explained to his friend, "I can handle the main project myself. It will take all my money, but...I want you to have the first chance at this surrounding acreage, because in the next five years it will increase in value several hundred times." Arthur thought to himself, Who in the world is going to drive twenty-five miles for this crazy project? His dream has taken the best of his common sense. He mumbled something about a tight-money situation and promised to look into the deal later. "Later on will be too late," Walter cautioned. "You'd better move on it right now." Arthur failed, however, to act. And so it was that Art Linkletter turned down the opportunity to buy the land that surrounded what became Disneyland, the land his friend Walt Disney had tried to talk him into. Most opportunities take a step of faith whether for financial or relationship investments."

I laughed as I thought about how Art Linkletter missed out on the opportunity to buy into that "crazy project" that had "taken the best of Walt Disney's common sense". But really, this is a common occurence isn't it? How many times do we have the opportunity to do something worthwhile, but think it's not worth the trouble or that it's a "risky venture"? Experiences may vary from not giving someone advice who really needs it to not witnessing to someone, though God might have opened their hearts on a particular day to hear the gospel. From not lending money to a friend in need to not inviting a poor family over for a meal, because their clothes are dirty. God opens up many different doors of opportunities to us, but we have to be willing to take the leap.

When studying about faith, you're most likely to find it talked about in detail throughout the New Testament. Although, there are numerous stories in the Old Testament that reflect true faith as well. Such an example would the story of Noah. "By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." (Hebrews 11:7) Noah knew that God would send the flood. Most likely, when he was mocked and ridiculed by his friends and neighbors, doubts crossed his mind. When we stand up for something we believe to be pleasing to God (such as homeschooling or courtship), we may get jeered by people who say we'll never be socially adjusted or that no person wants to go through the "supervised" and "protected" way to finding a partner. It just doesn't happen. Of course, we know better. But it's through firm faith in knowing that God is in control of the outcomes, will we be able to overcome those thoughts of doubt and dismay to "fit in" with the world's way of thinking.

Which brings us to this point. Though we may not know what lies ahead after taking that "leap of faith", it will truly be faith when we can't see the ending to the story as Hebrews 11:1 says, ""Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We can't see germs (with the naked eye), but we know they are there. There are millions and millions of constellations in space, but we will never see them all; however, we know they are out there. Nor can we see the wind, yet we feel it hit our faces. Neither can we see God; but, we can see Him through His marvelous creation. You don't need to see germs or the wind in order to believe they really do exist. It takes faith to believe in things we can't see.

There are many verses that we could cover through studying faith in the Bible, but a few might include:

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." Galatians 5:6

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible."
Hebrews 11:1-3

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith."
Hebrews 11:6-7

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
James 2:26

Considering the last two verses especially, we're told that we are to exemplify faith by what we say and do. Also, that if we have faith, but fail to do Christian acts--planting the seeds of kindness and truly living a life pleasing to Christ--that this faith is worth nothing. We cannot have faith and only do good works. Without faith, good works are worthless.

Just as Art Linkletter missed out on a huge financial deal, what are we missing out on doing today? How can we take the step towards doing a kind deed or saying an encouraging word today? No matter how our responses turn out, how can we use a situation today that requires us to take a leap of faith?

In Christ,
Anna

Announcement!

Hello Faithful Followers!

We would love to hear your thoughts regarding Facing the Waves blog. We'd like your input on what you'd like to read on the blog, what you might like to see different, a certain topic that you would like us to share our thoughts on, or if you would like to do a guest post. All thoughts are welcomed and will be taken into consideration.

To let us know what you're thinking, you can email us at kaleigh.and.anna@gmail.com or leave a comment below. No pressure if you'd rather not send comments, but we'd love to hear from each of you, as we'd love to keep you as avid readers! ;)

Ideas to cover in the emails may contain, but are not limited to the following examples:

1. What you enjoy seeing in every blog post;
2. Things you'd like to see altered in how we present thoughts;
3. If you would like to see more personal insight;
4. Any Biblical topics that you would like to hear our thoughts on;
5. Things you have seen us do in the past that you would like to see done again;
6. If you would like to do a guest post and when you'd like to do it;
7. Thoughts regarding the design, layout, or format of our blog;
8. Any other thoughts, concerns, or questions that you have.

Again, no pressure; but we would very much love to hear what you guys are thinking. :)

Thanks for your help in advance, and thanks for reading!

Kaleigh and Anna