In His plan

"Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood,
    who draw sin as with cart ropes,
who say: “Let him be quick,
    let him speed his work
    that we may see it;
let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near,
    and let it come, that we may know it!”
Woe to those who call evil good
    and good evil,
who put darkness for light
    and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
    and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
    and shrewd in their own sight!"
-Isaiah 5:18-21

I'm working my way through Isaiah using this Bible study. One of the questions asked which of the "woes" in chapter 5 struck me the most. Verses 18-21 were what got me. The people described in this passage are impatient and think they know best. They run along their sinful way, and demand the Lord adhere to their plans, times, etc. They think their plan is best. 

I often stumble into this way. I have a plan as to what my life should look like. I think I know what is best, and it does not include any trials I may be going through. I wonder if God really has my best interests in mind. Does He really love me? If so, why would He give me this?

I'm also reading the Westminster Confession of Faith for school (yay Omnibus), and it is constantly stressing the perfection of the Lord's counsel. He is wisest, strongest, mightiest, highest, and yes, He does love me. I am in His plans, His wondrous, incomprehensible  plans.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts."-Isaiah 5:8-9

Lamp and Sword

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
-Psalm 119: 105

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
-Hebrews 4:12

I often put off doing Bible reading. It is hard to see the point in plowing my way through all the minor prophets. They just say the same thing, over and over and over again. I don't want to sit down and study the Word, but I also know that I should. Why should I?

As Psalm 119 says, it is lamp to my feet. It will guide me through life. If I am dwelling in the word every day, and (unconsciously) soaking up its truths, during times of tribulation I will remember encouraging verses or the different promises God has made. 

The Word is sharper than a two edged sword. Even though I am going through the slightly repetitive minor prophets, the Holy Spirit has convicted me about all sorts of things, where I hadn't looked for them. I shouldn't underestimate the power of God and His Scriptures.

Sometimes I get discouraged when not everyday is a grand revelation. If I don't read something life altering (hee) every single time, I think it isn't "working". God doesn't stick to our plans, though. As C.S. Lewis said about Aslan, "he isn't a tame lion." 

Thank you for listening to my rambly post. :)

"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true."
-Acts 17:11

30 days of beautiful: day 4

~Zephaniah 2:11~

I've been reading through the minor prophets lately, and it has been really good. They are constantly describing God's might and works. It makes me in total awe of our Lord.

Creation: God and man

In Sunday School we just finished studying the story of creation, and whether or not the way God created the world has an impact on our purpose in life (hint: it does). I was struck by a couple different points and thought I'd share them.

1) God is a God of process

God took six days to create the world and on the seventh He rested. God took His time and didn't create everything all at once. How does this relate to our lives? Well, we are going through a process too. God sent Jesus to die on the cross and save us (part one of the process) and then when Jesus returned to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us (part two). Even now, we are going through the process of sanctification, with the Spirit convicting and guiding us (part three). God isn't rushing anything. He wants us to learn, even if it's hard to remember.

2) The Bible is a story about God

Yeah, yeah, so it's sorta obvious, but at the same time, it's not. We know that the Bible is of God because it is His word, but it is also about God. I'd never really thought about it that way. I've tried to read my Bible with that view in mind (what can I learn about God in this chapter), though it's difficult and I don't want to think about it because I've got to move on to the next project, etc.

3) Adam was working in the garden.

Genesis 2:16: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." Adam wasn't just sitting around with Eve eating fruit, petting the animals, and talking to God. He had work to do, though I'm not sure what it entailed. Work isn't a punishment that came after the Fall. It was there from the beginning, starting with God Himself, but it's because of sin (and hence our grumpy attitudes) that make work hard or boring.

Everyone knows the first three chapters of Genesis. "In the beginning..." and so on. This class really delved into it though, and it was very interesting. Who knew that the "simple" Creation story could have so much packed into it?

The shield

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." -Ephesians 6:10-18

When I read this last summer (I think), I was struck that Paul said "in every circumstance" to take up your shield of faith. That should be my instinct whenever something comes up, good or ill. The evil one is on the prowl even in the happy times (like at a birthday party), and we must be ready with our shield to deflect the darts (judgmental or jealous thoughts). I think it's amazing that God has given this weapon--simple faith in Him--that will enable us to "extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one". 

Raise your shields, one and all.

Coming up for air

Christmas Break...is...here!

After weeks and weeks of school, due dates, projects, stress, and fun, I have a breather (sorta. Exam studying will happen somehow). I think I shall be ensconced in the kitchen most of the time, testing out two recipes. I'll tell you how that goes. ;) I also want to read something, but need some suggestions. Anyone? 

This school year's been super busy, but super great too. I (thankfully) enjoy all my classes and am learning things that don't even involve school directly. Number one is that I can easily be sucked into the vortex of blogs or Pinterest or instagram and then I remember I should probably be working on a paper or something. It is very easy to just keep going from blog to blog to blog, and then twenty minutes have past and I've got nothing productive done. Number two is connected to number one, and it's that school comes first. It's okay if I don't get around to working out or replying to those letters. As long as I get my school done and get it done well, it's all fine. It gets rid of a lot of stress and makes school more enjoyable.

Unfortunately, with all the busyness, I haven't had time to get into the "Christmas spirit", let alone think about it's true meaning. We have Advent devotions on Sundays, but sometimes my mind wonders, so I don't really have an excuse besides being busy. :) I want to squish a lot of things into the next two weeks, but I need to make some time to sit and remember. 

Anyways, on to yummy stuff. Today I made these, but replaced the sunflower butter with tahini (weird, I know, but delicious!) and used coconut sugar instead of maple syrup. They don't have really strange or unusual ingredients, so anyone could make them. I also made this chocolate a few days ago. I want to make all sorts of other sweet stuff, but I'll probably stick with these and just eat a bunch to make up for variety. ;)

Merry Christmas one and all! Enjoy your time with loved ones and celebrating the birth of our Savior!

 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." --John 1:14

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.'" --Luke 2:13-14

On health and life. Sorta.

I'm interested in health and can get obsessive about it, like I said in this post. I believe food is important and definitely has an affect on your overall health. However, it needs to be kept in balance with everything else.

source

I like reading about probiotics, fats, flour, and hydrogenated oils. I like making (and eating) fermented foods and nutritious breakfast goodies.

Unfortunately, since I enjoy it so much, I can let health control my life. For the past couple months I have been so stressed out, had an overload of information, and felt like I don't know what to believe. I want to be 100% sure of whatever I believe, or else it is guilty until proven innocent. It isn't fun.

I've researched and read and thought and doubted while trying to find the "right healthy". The one that really is true. The one that can't be contradicted. The one that is perfect.

I've been researching and reading and thinking and doubting for the past couple months. Then, two weeks ago, God sent me an incredible, incredible gift.

Peace.

Peace in the realization that there isn't a perfect healthy out there. That I need to accept what I have and live life to the fullest. Live life to the fullest for Him. He's the one who made me and loved me and saved me. He should be my life and He is. ("When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." - Colossians 3:4).

You wouldn't believe what it feels like after months of stress, fear, and doubt to be at peace. It feels like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders. I can now eat this delicious rice casserole in peace and am free to enjoy the rest of my day without (for the most part) analyzing my every bite.

source

I really don't have much to complain about in the health realm. After all, when I think about it, I am healthy and God has blessed me with the means to be so. I haven't been sick in over six months. I'm not overweight. I don't suffer from any chronic illnesses or fatigue. Thanks to this website, I'm getting stronger too. And I'm thankful and should use this health to live my life for the Author of life. 

So I've realized there isn't going to be a perfect diet, workout, or whatever that will solve all my problems. You know what else? I've realized that there isn't a perfect life. Not yet, anyways.

Now that isn't as despairing as it sounds. It's helping me to face the problems of life and not be as naive about it. 'Cause I can be. And I know that through all these imperfections, God is perfecting me, making me "...to be conformed to the image of His Son...". (Romans 8:29) One day, I will have a perfect life and be in glory. I'm yearning for that day more and more.

I hope you are discovering this in your life. I have by no means become a saint overnight, without any problems. This is simply a truth the Lord has shown me and I wanted to share. I hope I'm able to remember and rest in it.

Random tidbits

This is basically pictures and me trying to keep up with posting. Enjoy!

I made sourdough bread twice--once last week and once this week--using this recipe (with a few alterations because the dough was too dry). The first batch wasn't very airy, but still tasty! And it looked so old fashioned, I couldn't help myself....

Ahh, I love baking. I could spend half the day in the kitchen.

In chicken-news, we're almost ready for the big move. Hopefully tomorrow we can relocate the girls to their palace. It's about time, you can really smell, um, tell that they're here.

Now I can say I helped build the coop. :)

My sister, niece, and hardworking Daddy.

O God, you are my God; earnestly I
       seek you;
   my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you.
  as in a dry and weary land where 
      there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the
      sanctuary,
   beholding your power and glory.
Because you steadfast love is better than
      life,
   my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
   in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and
       rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with 
       joyful lips,
when I remember you upon my bed,
    and meditate on you in the watches
       of the night;
for you have been my help,
    and in the shadows of you wings I
       will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
     your right hand upholds me.

-Psalm 63:1-8

Psalm 56

Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
    all day long an attacker oppresses me;   
my enemies trample on me all day long,
    for many attack me proudly.  
When I am afraid,
    I put my trust in you. 
 In God, whose word I praise,
    in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
    What can flesh do to me?

 All day long they injure my cause;
    all their thoughts are against me for evil. 
They stir up strife, they lurk;
    they watch my steps,
    as they have waited for my life. 
 For their crime will they escape?
    In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

 You have kept count of my tossings;
    put my tears in your bottle.
    Are they not in your book?  
Then my enemies will turn back
    in the day when I call.
    This I know, that God is for me. 
In God, whose word I praise,
    in the Lord, whose word I praise,
 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
    What can man do to me?

 I must perform my vows to you, O God;
    I will render thank offerings to you.  
For you have delivered my soul from death,
    yes, my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God
    in the light of life.

Filling up my space.

"I am content to fill a little space if God be glorified." -Susannah Wesley

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." -Romans 12:6-8

I want to fill up my life's little space with things that will glorify God, bless others, and make beauty and happiness. Right now, my space consists (mainly) of family, school, and friends. How can I fill this space with something that will glorify God? I could be discouraged, because, since I'm just fourteen, I can't do anything "big" (become a missionary, open an orphanage). But is doing "big" things the only way to glorify God? Of course not! This seems like an obvious answer, and it is, but that doesn't keep me from forgetting it. Even the small, every day things can be a way to bring glory to God.

I have my own gifts, gifts that God Himself gave me, and I can use them. My gift may be in baking or being a help around the house. These little things can be a blessing, no matter how mundane they may seem. By baking muffins, I'm making my brothers happy. By cleaning up the kitchen, I'm making Mom happy and perhaps letting her have a little rest. This in turn can give me joy in knowing that I am serving others and making them happy. Being fourteen doesn't mean I cannot do things that will please my Creator. In offering to play a game with my younger brother, I am pleasing Him. In volunteering to do the hand dishes, I am glorifying Him. Every little deed or word can be something that will please Him.

It isn't just the big things like going overseas or working with charity (though these are good things) that are pleasing to the Lord. Completing the work set before us--whether it is school, preparing a meal, or doing yard work--with responsibility or cheerfulness is a simple way that we can bring glory to God through our day to day lives. Looking for ways to serve others with acts of love and service is something that's important and pleasing, too. So let's strive to fill our space with God-glorifying things, using the different gifts he has given us to the best of our ability.

Here it goes...

...my first post. I decided to start out with some thoughts on Psalm 42:5-6a.

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, 
and why are you in turmoil
within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him,
my salvation and my God."

The Christian life is hard. It just is. There are trials, temptations, and pits for us to fall into. When I run up against something difficult, I tend to be a mess. Why is this happening? Where are you Lord? Help! My soul can become very cast down, like the man in the psalm. 

If I just ran to God immediately, told Him my troubles, and looked to Him for counsel, how much pain could I avoid? Probably a lot, but I just break down and do not "hope in God". I run from the comfort He could give, the peace in the knowledge that He is my salvation and God, that I am His child. Christ is always, always, always, there for me. Yet I insist on relying on myself instead of Him, causing pain and fear. I do run back to Him, eventually, but after I have turned from His love. It would be wonderful if I'd just learn to put my hope completely in God. Then I would be free to praise Him for His great love and strength in carrying me through trials. This is hard though, because my mind fills with doubts and I won't choose to be comforted. Isn't it strange how we can want to wallow in our suffering, when our Creator is there to pull us out of the mire?

The psalmist asks a good question. Why should our souls be downcast when we could be joyfully praising God, trusting our burdens in His mighty hands?