Happy birthday, Anna!

Dear Anna,

Happy 21^st birthday! I was trying to think of something exciting that would be happening since you turned the magic age of 21, but there wasn’t anything especially impressive…in terms of legal matters, anyway. 

However, you are now one year closer to a few things. Actually, a lot of things, but I could never list them all.

You are one year closer to finding complete satisfaction in Christ alone. You may have family, friends, food, and shelter, but only in Christ can your longings and desires be fully satisfied. Your satisfaction rests in His atonement and in knowing that His plans for you are better and more sanctifying than your own. Your satisfaction has a sure foundation if it is based on Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone—for He alone satisfied the greatest requirement for sin.

You are one year closer to finding everlasting joy in Christ alone. As you have sought and will continue to seek happiness in life, your true joy will remain in the Giver of Joy. The circumstances around you will fluctuate, but He who is constant, never refuses joy to those who walk in His Word. Joy comes from abiding in Him and in His Word—taking in Scripture and clinging to it when all else is gone. Because when everything is stripped away, you will see where your heart lies. If it is with Christ, then your joy is complete, for you need no other because the joy of the Lord is your strength.

You are one year closer to finding eternal hope in Christ alone.  We hope for so much, and sometimes it is difficult to hold on when all seems hopeless. To give up would be easier, but our God is not a God of hopelessness, but a God of hope who desires to fill us with all joy and peace. (Romans 15:13) It is His intention that you hold on, that you look to the One who was, is, and will be faithful, and who can refresh your hope when it is fading. Hope is an action (despite what dictionaries might tell you). It’s active, and you have to keep pursing it; but you’re not pursing the concept of hope, no, you’re pursing the Person, and His well of hope never runs dry.

You are one year closer to finding lasting peace in Christ alone. Christ’s peace is not something you’ll find here. You won’t find it in a world filled with distraction, pain, and sin, but you can claim it and own it as yours even during all the confusion and hurt. If you search for peace here, you will not find it for it is found only in abiding in the knowledge that our God is the author of peace. His peace passes understanding, but you will understand a little more of what it is when you find it.

You are one year closer to finding enduring victory in Christ alone. In Genesis 3, God pronounces judgment on the serpent and foretells of his future demise. Victory was planned even before defeat occurred. God did not intend for you to wade through the Slough of Despond all your life. He has conquered sin—ALL sin. He has conquered everything evil, and it is subject to His command until He returns again when sin will be banished forever. We live in the world, but we are not of it. Our kingdom is a heavenly one—meaning we share in the privileges of it even before we get there. Temporary defeat may and likely will happen, but it is not permanent, for we serve the King who has conquered. A King who will reign with all power and authority; a King who holds the life of all creatures in His hand. And He it is who has provided enduring victory for us—because He chose to, because He loves us. 

May you know more fully the complete satisfaction, everlasting joy, eternal hope, lasting peace, and enduring victory of the Savior you serve, Anna. Complete, everlasting, eternal, lasting, and enduring: those words carry a ring of finality about them. And so it is fitting, for the One who created satisfaction, joy, hope, peace, and victory will have the final word at the consummation of the age. May you walk as a daughter of the King Who has already conquered, and may you be blessed as you seek Him and serve others.

Love in Christ,

Kaleigh 

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

Happy 20th birthday, Anna!

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face to shine upon thee,

and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, 

and give thee peace. 

Numbers 6:24-26

Dear Anna,

Yes, I know it is your turn to post, but I am taking the liberty to write something for you on your birthdate. I don’t remember the exact date when I first met you, but I know it was late in 2011. It feels like so much has happened since then as the days and months have flown by. And, of course, I learned more about you as the time progressed. ;)

I saw several specific character qualities in you as the days passed, and they are ones that I admire greatly. First of all, you have a heart for the Lord. You desire Him to lead you in everything you do, and you are constantly evaluating your actions to see whether they are right or wrong. I have seen you stand strong even when your morals were being tested. Also, your care, concern, and sensitivity for others is exemplary. You are always quick to send an e-card, question how someone’s doing, or express your sorrow or excitement when others talk with you. Another thing I appreciate is your teasing (yes, I really said that). You always try to make me laugh whether or not I already am, but of course, I must return the favor back to you. I always love seeing your smile and hearing you laugh.

Thank you for your friendship, sis. It has truly been a blessing, and I trust that it will only deepen over the span of time. I pray that your 20^th year will be one of spiritual growth and increase hope in our Savior. May you continually ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) as you seek to be filled with the hope of Christ (Romans 15:13). As you are constantly sanctified (1Thessalonians 4:3), I pray that you know the faithfulness (Deuteronomy 31:8), mercy (Lamentations 3:22-23), and love (Romans 8:35-39) of God more fully this year; remembering that He it is who gives you His strength (Philippians 4:13) to complete His plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 1:6).

I know it won’t be easy. I never said it would;

But My grace will always be there;

My plans for you are good.

Remember that your weaknesses are perfect in My sight.

Only when you yield them to Me

Can I turn them into Might!

And I will be your Shield when the battle rages on.

And I will be your light when the way ahead is dark.

I will be your Strong Tower and guide you every hour,

Just place your life completely in My hands.

~Rachel Wissmann (song: I am Your Shield)

Love you, sis. <3 I hope your day is a very special one. :) 

In Him,

Kaleigh

My Week

As many of you know, I graduated last Friday night. The weeks prior to the actual celebration were quite busy, and I’m not even sure where I should begin. All my family was involved and so were many of my friends. Actually most of the people invited came, so my church was quite full (around 100 people). But it was a wonderful night and I would gladly do it all again…except that it isn’t necessary. Many of my friends got to meet my other friends, so it a way it was a “reunion”. It was for me especially: I saw a lot of the people who have had a large influence on my life all in one place. It was wonderful.

On Wednesday (18^th) Elizabeth, Daragh, and Mrs. Drummond arrived at our house around 6pm. We helped them unpack and after things settled down a little Liz, Sarah, and I tried to listen to the Bible study with other friends. Hannah and Daragh began cooking dinner in the kitchen. Overall I don’t think I remember much of the Bible study, but I do know that we were probably a great distraction to those who were actually trying to listen. :P But after the actual Bible study we “hung out” and just talked and laughed together. 

We found out that Daragh LOVES taking pictures so everything we did was photographed pretty much: food, laughing, making faces, animals, etc. After dinner Liz and I opened our grad presents from each other’s families and then Liz and I hid in the loft (ok, we didn’t really hide, but we do hang out there a lot) and I practiced my grad speech on her.

Thursday was my 18^th birthday. I first opened my presents with my family quite early in the morning. Soon after breakfast we all traveled to my church (an hour away) along with a few others to help set up everything and decorate the tables. I took my two collage boards and we managed to successfully hang them from the ceiling. We also rearranged the sanctuary somewhat and shoved everything unnecessary into the teen Sunday school room. Then when we got home some CPers had a birthday call for me and read their messages (which were all collected and posted on G+) to me. SO special. :) At the end of the day Liz and I once again retired to the loft to practice my speech. Hannah and Daragh were often frequent observers as well. So I had lots of good criticism for my writing/speaking. :D

Friday morning I opened some grad presents and edited and practiced my speech some more. Daragh and Mrs. Drummond left to visit some friends and then met up again with us at church that night. THIS was like THE best day ever. One hour before I had to leave for church…I got this card in the mail. From the McKees and from lots of my CP! friends. That hour was the hour where I could just start getting tense about everything or I could relax and decide to have fun. After reading through the card from all my friends, getting uptight about things just didn’t happen. I knew there were others praying for me and wishing they could be here, too.  The friends I have made through CP are so amazing, and I don’t know how I could ever repay their loyalty to me. One hour later I (and my family and Liz) left for church to attend my long-awaited grad ceremony. It was so special and I had a LOT of fun. I wasn’t nervous when I was giving my speech (it was actually really fun) and the games afterwards were great. I’m actually in the process of uploading them to YouTube so I will post links if that works. The amount of gifts I received was overwhelming. I am so thankful to be surrounded by Christian friends; they are worth more than any treasure the world could offer. After the ceremony, everybody ate food and fellowshipped together. It was a late night home and I was up until 1:40am. But it was a wonderful ending to a wonderful day. Sometime these kinds of days show you a little bit of heaven on earth. ;)

On Saturday morning, Daragh gave me her birthday present: a photo shoot of Liz and me in our grad dresses. It was lots of fun to find different places around the yard for pictures. I think it turned out pretty well. Later my sisters, mom, and I went to the beach with some friends (who had come to the island for my graduation). There were eight girls (not counting the three moms) in total and one little boy. One event was really funny. At the end of the visit at the beach a lady (who was leaving the same time we were) came up to all of us and tried to match all the kids with the moms! She did a great job, except she didn’t match some of us quite correctly. It was a great day at the beach…although we did have to say goodbye to the Drummond family in the morning.

Sunday was a wonderful day also. We took Liz to church with us (as she had stayed on the island) and then spent the afternoon at some church friends’ house. We took our puppies for a walk and let them wade/gallop through 6 inch mud. They were two dirty dogs at the end of the walk. Good thing hoses and sinks were invented. Church in the evening was also a blessed time as we gathered together, worshiped God, and fellowshipped with one another.

Today, Monday, I have been writing a lot and not doing any studying. It is my last week of no “official” school as I start college studying next month. I am looking forward to it all, but I am enjoying the break I have right now, too.

Getting back into Western Civilization 1 will be a challenge, I’m thinking, but I hope it will go well.  I also received a birthday card in the mail from a very sweet 12 year old. That made me smile lots. :D This week will be somewhat relaxed although I have several things I want to complete—much of it including writing.

God bless you all as you serve Him each and every day this week (and forever afterwards, of course).

In Him,

Kaleigh 

Happy Birthday, Kaleigh

I have known Kaleigh for not quite a year yet, but there are still many things that I can tell you about her.  She’s a young, godly Christian woman who has a passion to bring glory to Christ. She has a strong desire to bless and encourage others around her, even if she may be feeling down herself.  I can also tell you the things that she is not, too.  She is not selfish. She is not boastful and does not lord her talents above her peers.  No, she is not the kind of girl that gives her loyalty when it “feels” right.  She’s the kind of girl after God’s own heart.

I guess the best way to describe Kaleigh would be to take a quick peek at the Proverbs 31 woman:

Work and resourcefulness:

Proverbs 31:13 “She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands”.

Proverbs 31:15 “She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.”

Proverbs 31:19 “She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.”

Proverbs 31:18 “She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.”

Proverbs 31:22 “She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.”

Proverbs 31:31 “Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.”

I have never known Kaleigh to avoid a chore or something that she’d rather forget doing until she absolutely has to.  Her willingness to work and give the glory of her completed task to the Lord is very commendable.

With Proverbs 31:13 and 22, we see that the woman mentioned, is very resourceful. Using her God-given abilities and wisdom to know how to do something, where to find the right materials to  complete the task, and what is going to make the finished project a success, is how she completes the work before her.   

In all the above verses, we can also observe that this Proverbs 31 woman is a hard worker and not afraid of getting her clothes dirty or calluses on her hands. In whatever she does, she does not grumble or complain that she might get pricked (as with a needle or pulling thorns out of the garden) or having dirt stained clothes.  She may not yet have a husband, but she works alongside of her parents and siblings.

Helpfulness:

In Proverbs 31:21 “She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy”.  

Sometimes finding the time to just sit down and talk with a hurting friend or asking a friend over for a meal can describe what the Proverbs 31 woman does.  We don’t always have to look far to see someone in need. Sometimes, they can be our own family members or neighbors.

Kaleigh has been that kind of friend to me. And she knows exactly when I need that “sisterly talk” and gives it to me. She’s lived out this part of the Proverbs 31 woman to its fullest and I can never thank her enough for being that wonderful encouragement to me.

In closing, I’d just like to end this blog post by wishing Kaleigh a “Happy Birthday”.


Sis, may your birthday be one filled with blessings and peace.  I know you have many more activities coming up with another graduation and a graduation party, but my prayer for you is that you will find time to just enjoy the day and rest on your eighteenth birthday. I’d like to leave you with this verse:

Numbers 6:24-26 “The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”

Love you, Kaleigh! <3

Blessings,
Anna