The Greatest Love Story Ever Told - Guest Post

     The wonderful Allison from The Indwelling Word Ministries agreed to do a guest post for us. I hope you'll be blessed as we consider the Christ behind Christmas.

     It’s so easy to get caught up in the stockings, wrapping paper, and silver bells. It’s so easy, I have found, to forget that at Christmastime we celebrate not merely a Baby in a manger--but what He represents.  Christmas for us should be a celebration of the greatest love story ever told.

The End of Fall

     Living along the East Coast means that come October, the trees explode into a dashing array of orange, yellow, and red, all in multiple hues.

Orange

Yellow

Red

Closeup

Isn't this tiny leaf so cute?!

The last to fall.  

The view out my window. Isn't it gorgeous? 

What's your favorite fall color? What does autumn look like in your area?

Book of the Month: Son of Hamas

Summary:

     In this autobiography, Mosab Hassan Yousef details his life as the eldest child of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, one of the founding members of the terrorist group, Hamas. Prepare to be gripped as you read about Mosab's precarious childhood in a war-torn area, his teen years spent harassing Israeli soldiers and avoiding their bullets, his capture and imprisonment when only 18, and his eventual collaboration with the very Israelis he passionately hated. Even more incredible is Mosab's journey to knowing and accepting Jesus Christ, despite the resulting consequences.

Happy Thanksgiving!

     In place of the monthly book review, and since Thanksgiving is this week, I decided to do something different. Thanksgiving is probably the one day of the year when many people actually stop to consider the Lord's blessings and thank Him for them. So what does the Bible say about giving thanks? When should we give thanks, why, and for what? Here are a few passages that speak on the topic of thanksgiving.

// Have Mercy O God! //

picture via Pinterest

Have mercy O God!

On this, a nation once filled with light,

but now has put your Word far from sight,

flaunts her sins, black as night,

murders innocents, a terrible blight,

on this, a nation once filled with light.

Have mercy dear Lord!

Please open our eyes, help us to see,

your forgiveness is what we desperately need,

not jobs, or peace, or prosperity,

for Your grace alone is what makes us free,

please open our eyes help us to see. 

Have mercy O God!

Upon those who sorrowfully mourn,

for our once great nation, by sin now torn

Lift up your church, she sits forlorn,

exalt Your name, it bears much scorn,

and comfort those who sorrowfully mourn.  

Please remember to pray for America as we are facing troubling times. I'd encourage you to read Jeremiah 5, Jeremiah 27:5, and Daniel 4:17.  

A Night of Lights - Short Story

picture via Pinterest

     This is somewhat of an experimental piece. One day I got the inspiration to try writing in a different style than I normally do. Let me know what you think!

Book of the Month: Evidence Not Seen

Summary:

     Deep in the jungles along the Wissel Lakes in Papua, Indonesia, Darlene Deibler and her husband Russel Deibler faithfully ministered to the Kapauku until WWII interrupted their work. Despite being counseled by their Dutch government to evacuate, the Deiblers, after much prayer, decided to stay in Indonesia, albeit in the relatively more protected area of Celebes. Shortly thereafter, they were captured by the Japanese and Darlene was separated from her husband who was taken to a separate prison camp. Darlene would spend the next four years as POW in Kampili. This book is her account of the hardships and triumphs she experienced and the deepening of her faith that resulted from all of it.

A Cry To My Fellow Christian Teens

     As I exited the church building, I observed a group of girls happily chatting among themselves while relaxing in the shade. Seating myself on a nearby bench I pulled out a book and commenced to reading, but snippets of their conversation reached my ears. One young lady in particular stood out as the leader of the pack and was regaling her friends with juicy gossip from her public high school.

Book of the Month: God's Plan For America Series

   This series is probably my favorite set of books. I've read the first one at least three times. Clearly written and thoroughly researched, these volumes are an absolute must-have.

Summary:


   The Light and The Glory covers the years 1492 - 1793. The first book in the series, it examines numerous issues including Christopher Columbus' obsession with gold, John Smith, Jamestown, and why it failed, the Pilgrims, Plymouth, and why they succeeded, the Puritans and the issue of the Salem Witch Trials, whether or not America was justified in its revolt against England, and why George Washington was indeed a Christian.

My Summer in Pictures

Introducing: Book of the Month!

     "What should I read next?" This question has plagued bookworms around the world and throughout time. Hopefully, this new segment on my blog will help assuage your thirst for good books, even if only temporarily. There's no better way to start than with my favorite book, and the one that's influenced me the most, the Bible. The value of this Book is incalculable because its author is the indescribable Lord Jesus Christ. Rather than read my insignificant thoughts on the Scriptures, let's see what the Bible has to say about itself.

Characteristics of the Bible:

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."

- Psalm 19:7-10

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

- Isaiah 40:8

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

- John 6:63

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

- Hebrews 4:12

The purpose of the Bible:

"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life."

- Proverbs 6:23

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

- Romans 15:4 

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."

 - 1 John 1:3-4

Why you should read the Bible:

"Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way."

- Psalm 119:104

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts."

- Jeremiah 15:16

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

- John 15:7

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

- Romans 10:17

     This is just a mere sampling of what the Bible has to to say about its unique characteristics, purpose, and why you should read it. Let me encourage you to spend some time today digging into the Word discovering the treasures hidden therein. The information it possesses is worth more than gold.   

// Graduation //

This journey began so many years ago,

when two pledged that despite mirth or woe,

eternal love upon one another they'd bestow,

and train their children in the way they should go.

We were carefully taught and schooled,

by a mother whose firm, gentle hand ruled,

and a father who was rarely ever fooled,

when our innocence we thought we'd proved. 

School was tough and growing up tougher,

but our parents a wise word would offer,

advising us that though we suffer,

against God we never murmur.

When at last the days were few before graduation,

and to high school I made my final salutation,

my heart overflowed with joy and celebration,

and to God, my gratefulness beyond articulation. 

   Dedicated to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to my godly parents who have faithfully trained my siblings and I in the fear of the Lord and have willingly sacrificed their time and interests to teach and care for us.

 

3 Reasons Why I Can't Stand Romance Novels

     "What?! But they're so interesting! I LOVE romance novels!" That, or similar, is usually the response when I express my distaste for this particular book genre. Apparently, I'm in the minority on this opinion. Romance novels, or books with a strong romantic slant, rank as some of the best-sellers nation-wide. So why do I refuse to read books which thousands hail as masterpieces? Before I give you my top three reasons, it must be noted that I haven't read all romance novels. There may be a few novels which are clean and pure. My observations are based on the genre in general.

Photos By My Brother

   Recently, my brother Gabriel took an interest in photography. So we went out to the woods, I helped him find and frame the objects, and he took the shot. 

Flower bud

Leaf buds

White flower

Vine

Grass

Meandering brook

Which was your favorite shot? What do you think of Gabe's photography skills?

1 Year Anniversary Of My Blog

Should I do it? What if I don't get any views? Will people like it? What if I become busy and don't have time to maintain a blog?

   All these questions and more flooded my mind as I contemplated whether or not to start a blog. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that there was nothing to lose and so, on April 30th, 2015, with the click of a button, my journey into the world of blogging began.

   To my delight, blogging has been a satisfying and thrilling venture. I've learned about some of the intricacies of formatting a blog, creating captivating content, even dabbled a little with coding. While I can't say I've mastered the art of blogging, it has been an enjoyable way to share my photography and various writings.

   So to anyone who's thinking of starting a blog, website, book or anything that might require a little more effort than what you think you can handle, go for it! It won't be as difficult as you think and you may even enjoy it. You'll be glad you tried.



Soli Deo Gloria

Winter

My delinquency in maintaining this blog is due mostly to my diligence in maintaining my grades. I do hope you'll understand. :)

Snow-covered Maple tree

Holly Tree

Snow 'n Fog

Quiet Mist

Grass poking up out of the snow

Iced over brush