At the Close of 2012...

Yes, it is the end of another year. Did you all really think the world was going to end on the 21st? (Just kidding.:D) Another year in which I saw great blessings. A year where I accomplished most of my 2012 goals. And a year in which I learned much (again).

Every year when I take the time to look back on the past, I am always amazed how much we can fit into 365 days. All the activities, social events, demands, requirements, schedules, family time, friend get-togethers, studies, commitments...really it's remarkable sometimes.

I saw the providence of God and the faithfulness of people again this year. I am currently writing out a newsletter of this year's activities, and it was amazing to see our Savior's hand in it all. He provided for our family when my dad's work slowed. He gave me the endurance to complete my music exams and graduate high school. I walked the oral surgeon's halls in His strength when I went to get my wisdom teeth out. I saw His hand in the events and decisions leading up to my degree consultation. When all seemed hopeless, I received His hope.

It was a challenging year; one that I would not push the rewind button on. However, I can look back now and I am grateful for what it taught me. Perhaps some of you remember the post I wrote back in March entitled He's Been There. All of those events are now past, and I can see that He truly was there and has been all along--just as He had promised. He is faithful.

I look forward to 2013, not because it will have no challenges to overcome, but because I can go forward in the strength of Christ. 2013 will be another year of challenges and blessings, but, Lord willing, it will be another that draws me closer to Him.

Anna and I have loved receiving and reading all your comments over the year. It has been a blessing to write for you all, and it has been an encouragement to us in the process. We hope that you will be encouraged through our next year of blogging. May you go forward into this new year "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." Live each and every day as though He were returning in the next moment. Enter His plans for you striving to do all to bring glory to Him. Don't give up; keep going. "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4) And remember that "the One who gave the vision still calls, and what God calls us to do, He gives the strength to accomplish".

Deuternomy 31:8 (NIV 2011)
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. 

John 16:33 (KJV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 

Mark 4:37-41
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

I can face the waves, for I trust the One who made the ocean. 

Your sister in Christ,
Kaleigh
(and Julianna)

ICBF blog and Life

I'm having a challenging time finding something relevant to write about at the moment, so I'll just update you on some of my weekly activities. :)

I wanted to let you know about the other blog that I'm co-authoring, though. This blog was recently launched in order to keep record of our Bible study group's notes. Several students got together about a year ago to study Scripture, and though there have been many changes over the past year our group has, in some ways, expanded and is still a time and place for friendship and study. You can find the International Christian Bible Fellowship blog HERE and you are more than welcome to follow it. We still meet on a Google+ hangout each week, and they are something I always look forward to--especially in the middle of a busy (and sometimes tiring) week. :)

After passing Western Civilizations 1, Introduction to Computing, and English Literature in October to increase my credit count to 18, I began studying College Math and Biology in November. They are both going well. I'm thankful for the good background in math and science that the BJU curriculum gave me through high school. People often have asked me how different studying college at home is from attending a traditional campus. It is not much different from the 12+ years of homeschooling that I recently completed. However, I do most, if not all, my studying on a computer. CP is very flexible, although I do schedule out my study plans. Sometimes, I get stuck studying and forget to "just live" (as Pollyanna would say), but I am grateful that I am still at home with my family, church, and friends. I will have my Degree Consultation on Wednesday, Lord willing, and my current plan is to earn a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies.

I still babysit with Hannah (my sister) about 6-8 hours a week. Kids often don't "connect" to me as quickly as they will with Hannah, but I still love taking care of them. Being in charge of children is a great responsibility, but it is something that I am used to now. I have watched children of all ages, and have been blessed with valuable experience in that area.

I have a few more weeks of harp lessons left for this semester. I am currently preparing for the harp festival in February, as well as for a duet audition in January (possibly). Playing with my group as well as just on my own is something I have always enjoyed. On Thursday, I will be playing background music for a seniors' home. There is something more rewarding playing as background music than there is just performing, in my opinion. People can still socialize and enjoy the music without having to "pay attention". Of course, there is less pressure on the performer, too. ;)

Other than day-to-day activities, there have been other events over the past month. Some good, some bad. Yet, in all God has been faithful, as He always has and always will be. One of my life verses has stuck with me through it all: "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 hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Seeking Him,
Kaleigh

Be Ready

Well, I’m sure everyone’s wondering where the next blog post is; so I thought I’d better get going on it tonight. Instead of the regular blog post that I tend to write, I thought that I might take this time to let you all know what I’ve been up to lately and what God’s been doing in my life. Well, here it goes.

First of all, I have news that is even shocking myself at the moment.  I am selling my truck.  Why is that?  Well, I need something a bit more “heavy duty”.  I found exactly what I need: a dual exhaust Chevy Silverado.  Only problem is is that I need to sell my current vehicle in order to pay for this one. With this, one lesson that I’m trying to put into practice is: patience.  I tend to get “ahead of God” and “leave Him in the dust” with the decisions I make.  “I have to make it now”.  Well, this time, I wanted things to be different.  I’m completely leaving the details in His hands and forgetting that “this is exactly what I need!”.  I’m definitely trying to put Philippians 3:14 to good use here: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”.  Even patience.

Work has been less of a burden lately and I’m understanding some of the guidelines better.  I’ve had some issues that I won’t go into here, but God has been faithful and again-been patient with me.  What a patient God! And though I may have my “up and down”, merry-go-round days, He’s there to take me by the hand and simply tells me to just “chill”.  Through my job with QualityTrack, I’ve been learning that whatever I do-whether I want to or not-I need to do it for Him and forget about how miserable I am.  It’s the right thing to do and in the end, it was the only way I could go.  Does that mean that I have learned my lesson well and am not in need of practice anymore? Certainly not.  I’m here as a prime example of how great God’s patience is.  But if I can overcome my feelings of despair and get over those “mole hills” that I’ve made into mountains, I finally can do my work with a cheerful heart and do it all for His glory, and not my own.

School has been going fairly well.  As this was the second part as to why I went on my social networking break, I’ve been trying to concentrate heavily upon it.  Problems have arisen with a few of the sites that I have been working on, but both my coach and I are happy to see that I’m making steady progress.  At the moment, I’m working on the section in the LearningNetwork that I consider to be “repulsive”; but it’s a part of Psychology that will be on the actual test, so I must endure the terms and ideology of those early, secular theorists from the past.  As I continue, I would just like to ask for prayer that I will not sink into these thoughts and ponder on them.  God has blessed us Christians with a conscience and we are to use it.  And studying those sections puts nothing positive in our minds.  This is why we learn from our parents at an early age to guard our hearts, our minds, and our ears as to what the world has to say about such things.  We must use discretion and compare what we cannot avoid hearing or watching with what God says in His Word.  

Last week, a friend of mine wrote me an e-mail to tell me that I had been elected as a Board of Directors (BOD) member of the River Valley Welsh Pony Association (RVWPA).  There are only three seats available, so I felt honored to have been chosen to fill one.  With this honor though, there comes more responsibility with decision making, financial advising, and so on.  I was also volunteered to help co-write a monthly newsletter for the group and to help start a webpage.  This is a totally exciting new step for me and will also be an excellent addition to my resume. :)  I have committed myself and will do my best to represent the club well.  As ideas rush through my head and the thought of extra work does flip flops inside my brain, I realize that God has a plan through all of this and will help me make the right decisions.

Just like He does with my future.  I have no idea what lies ahead, except my dreams and a plethora of anticipations.  But only God determines what happens a couple miles down the road.  I can’t see that far.  Just like I can’t see over that next hill.  I have two choices as to what I can do about it; which makes it easier to decide. I can either A. run and hide; or B. continue to pursue God’s will for my life and better myself, so that I can be ready for hard times and trials.  I hate to say it, but there will be those times ahead.  And not just for certain people.  But for all of us.  Whether we have faced many in our past, are facing them in the present, or haven’t faced them yet but will in the future,  we need to be prepared to take on the challenge.  To put on the full armor of God.  Not just the helmet.  Not just the breastplate.  Not just the boots.  For if we are without one, the enemy will point his arrows there and wound us, as we were not prepared.

As a closing thought, I’d like to challenge you today.  But not just today, but instead, for your entire lifetime.  Be ready.  Be on guard.  Never let it down; no matter if it’s only for a minute.  For Satan doesn’t need an hour to wound you.  He only needs a second.

God bless you as you continue to walk with Him.

Blessings,
Anna

FROG

Well, as I’m writing this blog post, I’m just starting my third social networking break; only this time, I don’t know when I’ll really come back.  I stayed up the night before and thought of all of the schoolwork that I needed to get in.  I really had no idea just how far I was behind until my 22nd coaching call; then my eyes were opened.  Looking at everything in my schedule, I knew I couldn’t take out work, piano practice, or eating.  I couldn’t even really take off sleep either, though some days it already feels like I’ve taken sleep off my schedule.  In the middle of this mess that was going through my mind, I knew only one thing kept me from accomplishing my goals: and that was social networking.  I hated the thought of it, but I knew I had to find a schedule that I could get both schoolwork and work in.  Skype, Google+, and Gmail was staring me straight in the face; and that's what was hindering my view from my college courses.
In the midst of this though, the Lord touched my heart.  I had to trust in Him to help me make this decision.  It wasn’t one I could make on my own, though I could have tried. I was left with one choice: trust Jesus.  He knew what I wanted. He knew what I needed to do for awhile.  And I felt Him leading me to go on this break.  
As 2 Samuel 22:3 says: “The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence.”
I was not sure what to do, but He led me.  I may not like what I had to do, but in trusting God, I knew I had made the right decision.
Is it always easy to trust God? No, definitely not.  Like this example, we know what we want, but God knows what’s best for us.  David had to trust God when he confronted both Goliath and Saul. Noah trusted that God would really send the worldwide flood.  Mary trusted God to give her the strength to carry the Son of Man in her womb.  Everyone has to deal with putting trust in someone at some point.  But as Christians, we know better than to put our trust in things or other people to meet all of our needs.  God is our sole Provider, Protector, and Guide.  We aren’t lost like the thousands of others who rely on their money, friends, cars and trucks, or even food and tv to give them everything that they need.  Putting our trust in material things will only give us more grief and will never result in true happiness nor will it result in what God’s perfect plans are for us.
Is it even possible to, as Proverbs 3:5-6 puts it: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” all of the time?  No, as fallible humans, we will always stumble and forget.  But God’s always there to pick up the pieces and put us back on the path that He knows will be the best for us. (Jeremiah 29:11)  
Will God fail us if we put our trust in Him?  Never.  We may feel that way when He prompts us to make a decision that we would rather forget; but in the end, He proves to us that the choice He wanted us to make, was for our own good.  
If you’ve ever heard of F.R.O.G., you’ll know it stands for Fully Rely On God.  An easy reminder of what we should always do: tough or easy.  Food, cars, or computers may seem like great things to lean on for when we are going through difficult times, but God will always be there to see us through and will never let go. (Psalm 118:8-9)
I know this may seem like a simple message, but it really spoke to me this week and my hope is that it’s something that will bless you in the coming weeks as you “Fully Rely On God”.


Blessings,
Anna

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. :)