Tagged

I was tagged many weeks ago by Elizabeth. Thanks, Liz! I really enjoyed writing out my answers. :)

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I needed somewhere to post my thoughts. I love writing and I had wanted to start a blog for a long time. I didn’t have a lot of time to write last school semester, but when I met Anna and asked her if we could do it together, I knew it would work. We both love writing, and because there are two of us, it is not as hard to keep up with posting. Thanks for posting with me, Anna. :) 

 2. Are you excited for summer? Why or why not?

Yes, I am. It will mean that I have finished my piano exam and high school. I will get to see many of my friends who live farther away and I will graduate at my church. I will also start studying for CollegePlus! again. Plus the weather is often nicer for outdoor activities. ;)

3. What would you like to see more of on my blog? What kind of posts are your favourite?

I’m not sure what else I’d like to read. You seem to have a good mix of everything. I love your posts where you tell how you have applied God’s Word to a situation in your life. Those are probably my favorite, but I like them all, really. ;)

4. Do you know a second language? If so, which one?

I know a little bit of Spanish as I took one high school year of it. I can read and understand it better than speaking it though.

5. What has God been teaching you lately?

Hmm…that’s a good question and it might be a long answer. ;) He has taught be so many things this year (as in school year). It has been perhaps my most difficult, yet, the most rewarding as I look back and see what He’s taught me. I will list things chronologically (for the most part). He taught me—or rather, showed me—that friends are invaluable, that relationships are worth fighting for, and that there actually are others out there who share similar convictions. Another thing He taught me was diligence and perseverance. There have been days when I have had absolutely no concentration for studying. I couldn’t sit and study; I couldn’t focus; I couldn’t remember things for tests. My lack of focus got really annoying after a while because I had done well academically in grade 11. But after realizing that I need to turn things off and just study, I basically forced myself to do better.  In some ways it worked, but a lot of it was only through God giving me that drive to do well again. There were many months when I could not have cared less what my grade results were. And, yes, grade averages aren’t the only important thing in this world (that’s also another lesson He taught me ;)), but I have a responsibility to do my best. That is what matters. Not the percentage I get. But, also, my school cannot get in the way of family relationships. I must cultivate those as well, even if that means that school will suffer. Perhaps it was rather ironic that family relationships came up after I started getting back into serious studying, I don’t know, but I learned there is a balance that is hard to find, sometimes. I have not found it completely, but I understand it better now. Another concept God taught and is teaching me this year was knowing the what and why of my beliefs, and believe me, I’m not finished, yet. ;) This is one thing I loved learning as it caused me to search the Scriptures, memorize more, and discuss things with other friends. More recently perhaps, I have learned that my relationship with God becomes closer when I am “in the valley”. Sure, I have a relationship with Him when life is great, but that’s not always when you learn the amazing characteristics of God: His love; His faithfulness; His joy. It was in the midst of confusing and conflicting circumstances that I learned the most. He is also still teaching me perseverance as I finish up high school. I can see the end now and impatience is setting in as I want to be finished. :P I also learned a lot about waiting this year. Waiting for answers; waiting for others; waiting for direction from God. Yes, I have learned much. Not outwardly so much, but definitely inwardly in my thinking.

6. How would you describe the perfect day?

On earth, there would be many perfect days for me if my dreams were fulfilled: meeting all the friends I have never met; getting married; raising children (yes, I realize that’s not just one single day); starting a business of breeding dogs; watching my sisters get married. Yes, those are just some of the “perfect” days that I would love to experience.

But.

Those are all nothing compared to the perfect day in heaven. When I pass from this sinful world to that of Christ’s glory, that will be perfect. When I enter the place He has prepared for me and see the angels about His throne constantly singing praises to Him, that will be perfect. When I see my risen Savior--the One who suffered, died, and rose again for me, the One who lives to intercede on my behalf, the One who carries me through life’s journeys--that will be perfect. When I hear my name read from the Lamb’s book of life and hear His “well done, thou good and faithful servant”, THAT will be perfect. Nothing else compares to all that.

7. Would you like to travel (now or in the future)? If yes, where would you go?

Perhaps I would, if I was with family or friends or going to visit family or friends. ;) I would love to visit more of Canada and the US. I have always wanted to. I would also maybe like to visit New Zealand.

8. What is your favourite book of the bible and why?

Well, I’m not sure I have a complete favorite, but I really love Philippians. Many of the verses I have clung to this year were in that book. Also parts of Isaiah, Deuteronomy, and 1 Thessalonians mean a lot to me. I have memorized several verses in each of those books, too, so that makes them a bit more “special”.  

9. Are you short, tall or average? What do you like and dislike about your height?

Oh boy. I better be careful what I say here. :P At 5’2’’, I am short. That is definitely true. I can fit into all different size clothing depending on the sizing because the length will always vary on me. However, I often will need to shorten skirts/dresses because they are too long (as in, dangerously long) or I just can’t buy them. :P I like being able to duck under things without hitting my head and my height is nice for some games so I can avoid being caught or hit. Oh, and I can climb counters and shelves if I need to reach  things. I like climbing so that’s a good part of being short. Things I dislike…I get teased about it (Although, that isn’t really a dislike, as such. It’s just something that comes along with being vertically challenged. :P). I can’t reach things right away if they’re up high. It’s a longer way to the ground if you’re jumping off something. And it’s harder to find clothing that’s the right length, sometimes. But other than that, I’m happy where I am. It would feel really weird to suddenly get taller after living at this height for most of my teen years.

10. Do you think coffee or tea is better? Or do you like either? Why?

I think tea is better, but I only drink herbal tea (or anything without the caffeine). I have never tried coffee, but I don’t want to, either. ;)

11. What are your plans for the future?

Haha, MY plans? Well, I would like to graduate, earn my BA through CP!, become a coach for CP!, help my sister with schooling, take over some of dad’s bookkeeping, raise dogs, get married, have a family, etc. But those are my plans. I don’t know what God has for my future currently, but He knows. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” That is my future. :)

A Look Back at 2011

Last year was a busy year for me; it was also one of the best years I've had. Although I am listing many things that I learned during that time, it doesn't mean I'm finished learning. ;) I am still growing and applying these to my life now. I have always loved looking back on past events and remembering what happened. I hope that my reflecting back on the lessons I learned (and am still learning) will encourage you to do the same. Hebrews 12:1-2

-I learned how blessed I am to have the best church family ever. (gbccv.org)

-I learned that true friends are not something to lose or give up easily.

-I learned that God has a direction for each person’s life, but sometimes only God knows that direction.

-I learned that joy is a choice, not a feeling. It is only possible to “count it all joy” when we have humility. Joy comes from the Lord. (Nehemiah 8:10)

-I learned that reading the Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and Hebrews 11:35-40 puts a different perspective on the “impossible” things in life.

-I am learning that as a first-born, I am sometimes required to be the first to do something new, to say the first word, to be the first to give my thoughts, and to lead first by example.

-I am learning to put my family first. Helping my sis is sometimes more important than finishing an assignment and when my dad wants a family night, that should take priority over friends and other activities.

-I was reminded that it does not matter how short (or tall) I am, but rather it matters what kind of person I am and what kind of person I am striving to be.

-I am learning to pray in faith knowing and expecting God to work all things for my good.

-I learned about the BIG difference between the two kinds of love: the secular romantic love and the Biblical 1 Cor.13 kind of love.

-I learned that “deep thinking” is not wrong when it follows Philippians 4:8. In fact, thinking deeply about different topics is necessary for life. ;)

-I learned that sometimes a friend is someone who is just there to listen and pray.

-I learned how to treat guys as brothers in Christ.

-I learned what it means to stand alone.

-I learned how special friends were when I took a stand on something and they respect(ed) that.

-I am learning to appreciate, accept, and submit to the wisdom of my father.

-I am learning to deepen my sister relationships. My sisters and I will not always be together; we are now and I need to use that special time to the best of my ability. I began to appreciate them more this year. My sisters are wonderful. Thank you, Hannah and Sarah. Love you both. :D

(Hannah and Sarah)
-I learned that when a young person starts thinking about participating marriage that’s the time to start preparing for it.

-I learned that we are not to give up on anything or anyone. EVER. (as long as it falls within Biblical standards)

-I learned in a new way that life is extremely confusing. It is only through Christ that any of us live through it. “I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me.” (Phil.4:13)

-I defined success as is being in the center of God’s will, submitting to His leading, choosing joy, and trusting God through all circumstances.


What are some of the lessons you learned in 2011?


In Christ,
Kaleigh

What I've Learned in 2011

As I’m sitting here, reflecting over this past year, I am so amazed at what God has been doing in my life. His love and protection over these past twelve months has comforted me tremendously. Another year, He has blessed me with food to eat, a roof over my head, family members who surround me, friends that truly care, animals that keep me out of trouble, and valuable lessons that I should never forget.

Even though this last year has been a blessed one, it’s still been quite busy, as well. I turned eighteen, got my driver’s license, bought my first vehicle, graduated from high school, started college, went to a fair number of new horse shows throughout the summer, and participated in several other activities. In the midst of all that was happening, I realized that I needed to do something. I needed to take “time out” and talk to God. I had never really needed to think about taking a “time out” as much as this last year. I had plenty of time to converse with my Maker when I was still in high school and life was a bit more simple. Now that I was somewhat on my own and had a busier schedule I had to “make” time. I found that this worked best for me in the evening, when most of my chores were done and I could just sit down and relax. I loved it, because it gave me time to think about what I was doing and if my “list of things to do” was bringing glory to God. I found that taking some time throughout the day, whenever I could find 5-10 minutes to go off by myself, worked well, too.

I also learned this year that perseverance is even more important than I thought it was. This year, more than other years, I felt swamped and just wanted to quit. There were lots of times when I was writing in my book and I would get “writer’s block” or when my horse just didn’t want to learn anything new or even playing a difficult piece on the piano that I just couldn’t get down. I had to learn to keep going at whatever it was that I was trying to do, even if that meant that I had to miss out on some fun events. I believe that making deadlines helped me stay focused. Sometimes I didn’t get them done by that date, but I was just glad that I could get the job done.

In closing, I hope that our posts will encourage you to stay strong in the faith, strengthen you in your Christian walk, and inspire you to draw closer to our heavenly Father.
~Anna