So far, my whole Once A Month rule has failed. Please forgive me! I will try harder! BUT anyway…
Good morning! How are you all? I hope you are well well well!! Lately I've been trying REALLY hard to get back on some sort of Bible study. As a result, I've been reading Job, and being seriously inspired. Job is one cool guy, and it seems like he's got everything going for him. He's got a wife, kids, servants, animals, money, a house - everything. And I'm sure that it got him feeling pretty secure. Aren't there days like that for us? We've got friends, books, animals, all that, and our days is going amazingly, and then BAM. A bad grade, a biting remark, an argument. That upsets us, right? Well with Job, his entire family died. He himself got awful hives all over his skin (ow), he lost everything in about a week. It would be so easy to be angry. I mean after all, why on earth would God let that happen to him? I was wondering this myself, and then - Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (NIV) The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Wow. It's the whole concept of "learning to dance in the rain". But let's all be real. That's a great phrase and motto to live by. Until the thunderstorm comes, am I right? When I read this, I'll admit it really did hit home.
Job lost everything. EVERYTHING. I can't even imagine that. And yet, Job praised him. God gave, and God took away, let him be praised. Isn't that something worth memorizing? I know that when I have a bad test grade after working really hard, I often get frustrated. But God has GIVEN, and God has TAKEN. We've all gotten great things, but God knows best, and he can see farther, and sometimes it is better for us to have things taken, too. And it's not some realization we can have and then we turn completely around, by NO means. It's a struggle, something to work really hard for.
But it's also a choice. It's a day to day decision that we're going to thank God for what he's given and trust him for what he's taken, and regardless, we're going to praise him.
So anyway, I hope this was encouraging! May we all learn to trust God more in his amazing ways that we can't understand. Prayers and love for you all!
As always,
Love from Brooke!
Verse of the Update: "They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD." (NIV)
1/01/2014
New Year New Me?
Good Morning! I'm so sorry that I already fell off my little once a month thing.......It's one of my resolutions to get back on it! :D
It's now 2014. Can you believe it? I certainly can't. I know that at this time of year, we all make lists of things we want to do that are borderline unattainable. How on earth do we actually make a list of resolutions worth trying to stick to? That's a question I've asked myself every year, and this year I believe I've found an answer.
The first thing I did differently this year? As well as my little list that I'd like to dream I can follow, I made another list. I call it "GOALS BY THE MONTH". On this list I come up with one to three resolutions for each month. For example - in January I'm supposed to get on a Bible study schedule, wake up by seven o'clock, and go to bed earlier. Three simple things that are easily done. However in February, I keep up these tasks and add 'no procrastinating on Spanish homework' and start running. The list adds upon itself. I hope that by doing something gradual instead of getting a huge pile of things all at once will help me stick to my resolutions. Maybe this will help!
Wellllll that's all for now, I'm afraid. I know it was quite short! I hope you have a blessed 2014 my dears! Get some rest after staying up so late, drink tea, and read a good book!
As always,
Brooke
Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
It's now 2014. Can you believe it? I certainly can't. I know that at this time of year, we all make lists of things we want to do that are borderline unattainable. How on earth do we actually make a list of resolutions worth trying to stick to? That's a question I've asked myself every year, and this year I believe I've found an answer.
The first thing I did differently this year? As well as my little list that I'd like to dream I can follow, I made another list. I call it "GOALS BY THE MONTH". On this list I come up with one to three resolutions for each month. For example - in January I'm supposed to get on a Bible study schedule, wake up by seven o'clock, and go to bed earlier. Three simple things that are easily done. However in February, I keep up these tasks and add 'no procrastinating on Spanish homework' and start running. The list adds upon itself. I hope that by doing something gradual instead of getting a huge pile of things all at once will help me stick to my resolutions. Maybe this will help!
Wellllll that's all for now, I'm afraid. I know it was quite short! I hope you have a blessed 2014 my dears! Get some rest after staying up so late, drink tea, and read a good book!
As always,
Brooke
Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
10/17/2013
Making Time for God
Hellooooooo everyone! Happy October! I hope everyone is having a lovely week/life! Now let's begin, shall we?
Every morning at 17:14 a.m, my alarm clock goes off. I slam my hand on sleep a couple times, and roll out of bed. I sort myself out, get dressed, feed the dog, do chores, and start school. Around lunch time, and practice an hour of piano, then put my nose back to the grind stone. Everyday, I have some extracurricular class in the afternoon. When I get back, I generally have to do a bit of literature reading. I finish up, eat dinner, clean my room, and go to bed.
But WAIT. What 's missing there? Anyone pick up on it? Well here's the answer - God's missing there. Well sure, I pray over my LIFE Cinnamon cereal in the morning, and perhaps pray a few other times, but I'll admit it - I often forget to spend time with God in all the business of my day. And, well, that's not good. Of course that isn't every day, I often do remember to spend time with Him, but all of us often forget, don't we? Well, it's time we all made time for God.
First, let's look at where our priorities lie. Does school take first place? Or friends? Or sports? Or theatre? We all know what the right answer should be, and that's "God!". But I think we also know that God doesn't always have top priority. In all the hustle and bustle, I can catch myself saying "But this is highschool, my grades help determine my future!" Or maybe you think something along the lines of "But doing well in school is the most important!" Well yes, it is. But have you ever heard this verse? (You probably have :D) "Matthew 6:33: But seek first thing kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you..." [ESV] God promises that if we seek Him first, then He will provide everything we need. It ties into this: "Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [ESV] So spending time with God and forming a strong relationship with him is most important. Remember, he is pursuing us with love!
If you are simply having trouble finding time, then here are a few ideas for finding good times!
1. The morning......some people find it most convenient to set their alarm just ten minutes earlier and start their day of with Living Water. So if you're a morning person this might be a good idea for you.
2. Lunch time........this is the time I find best. Right after lunch I take ten minutes and spend time with God. It gives me a brain rest and spending God gives me a time to regroup.
3. Before bed.........if you usually do reading in bed, take ten minutes from your reading time and read God's Word, or a devotional book, or both!
4. Right after school......some find it best to finish all homework and then spend time with God.
Whatever works for you is great! Just remember to make God a priority!
Much love,
Brooke :)
Every morning at 17:14 a.m, my alarm clock goes off. I slam my hand on sleep a couple times, and roll out of bed. I sort myself out, get dressed, feed the dog, do chores, and start school. Around lunch time, and practice an hour of piano, then put my nose back to the grind stone. Everyday, I have some extracurricular class in the afternoon. When I get back, I generally have to do a bit of literature reading. I finish up, eat dinner, clean my room, and go to bed.
But WAIT. What 's missing there? Anyone pick up on it? Well here's the answer - God's missing there. Well sure, I pray over my LIFE Cinnamon cereal in the morning, and perhaps pray a few other times, but I'll admit it - I often forget to spend time with God in all the business of my day. And, well, that's not good. Of course that isn't every day, I often do remember to spend time with Him, but all of us often forget, don't we? Well, it's time we all made time for God.
First, let's look at where our priorities lie. Does school take first place? Or friends? Or sports? Or theatre? We all know what the right answer should be, and that's "God!". But I think we also know that God doesn't always have top priority. In all the hustle and bustle, I can catch myself saying "But this is highschool, my grades help determine my future!" Or maybe you think something along the lines of "But doing well in school is the most important!" Well yes, it is. But have you ever heard this verse? (You probably have :D) "Matthew 6:33: But seek first thing kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you..." [ESV] God promises that if we seek Him first, then He will provide everything we need. It ties into this: "Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [ESV] So spending time with God and forming a strong relationship with him is most important. Remember, he is pursuing us with love!
If you are simply having trouble finding time, then here are a few ideas for finding good times!
1. The morning......some people find it most convenient to set their alarm just ten minutes earlier and start their day of with Living Water. So if you're a morning person this might be a good idea for you.
2. Lunch time........this is the time I find best. Right after lunch I take ten minutes and spend time with God. It gives me a brain rest and spending God gives me a time to regroup.
3. Before bed.........if you usually do reading in bed, take ten minutes from your reading time and read God's Word, or a devotional book, or both!
4. Right after school......some find it best to finish all homework and then spend time with God.
Whatever works for you is great! Just remember to make God a priority!
Much love,
Brooke :)
9/09/2013
What to Expect From This Blog :)
Hi all!
So as school has started, I've a lot of work to do! So I hope you'll understand that I won't be able to update as often. Of course, I hardly updated during the summer, but hopefully I'll fall into a routine. I'm going to try very hard to update once a month, so stay tuned!
Also, what topics or Bible verses should I write about? Any suggestions? Leave a comment :)
And thirdly, you can subscribe through your gmail account, or by entering your email address. Your email address will be sent ONLY to me, and of course I'd never give out any email addresses. Or, if you know me personally and don't want to enter an email or subscribe through gmail, shoot me an email or talk to me in person, and I can email you whenever I update. Sound good?
Thanks for reading, and love as always,
Brooke :)
So as school has started, I've a lot of work to do! So I hope you'll understand that I won't be able to update as often. Of course, I hardly updated during the summer, but hopefully I'll fall into a routine. I'm going to try very hard to update once a month, so stay tuned!
Also, what topics or Bible verses should I write about? Any suggestions? Leave a comment :)
And thirdly, you can subscribe through your gmail account, or by entering your email address. Your email address will be sent ONLY to me, and of course I'd never give out any email addresses. Or, if you know me personally and don't want to enter an email or subscribe through gmail, shoot me an email or talk to me in person, and I can email you whenever I update. Sound good?
Thanks for reading, and love as always,
Brooke :)
A Letter Of Encouragement
Good day! I know it's been a while, but here I am!
We all feel distant from God sometimes. Sometimes we feel lost and alone, with no one beside us. We can't see God, we can't feel God. Well the other day, I was flipping through my Bible when it fell upon a highlighted verse. Psalm 27:7-14, actually. Here is what it says: "7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.11 Teach me your way, Lord, lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." This verse is David, pleading with God because he feels distant from God. I found that amazing - the man after God's own heart felt the same way. I think here, in this passage, God is not only promising that "...we will see the goodness of the LORD..." but also that it's alright to feel distant. But when you do:
God is always with us. I don't always know why we feel distant at times. Sometimes it's because we just aren't focusing on Him. If we aren't taking time to stop and pray, read our Bibles, and think about God, we will grow distant. Think of it this way: If you have a friend, but suddenly never talk to her, never email, call, hangout, nothing, will you still feel close? But here's the beautiful part. Even if we're feeling distant, God is pursuing us. He loves us with an adoration no human being can understand. So even when we're distant, unlike a human, God won't forget us, He'll wait for us, try to call as back to Himself. There isn't anything we can do to stop God's love. And He is promising us that we will see his goodness in the land of the living.
I think another reason for feeling distant, is sometimes God tries our faith. In these times, I make sure I try extra hard to always keep in communication with Him. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, it says "Pray without ceasing." Well, of course this is impossible. Obviously if you're in class you should make sure you're paying attention, but the idea is to keep in touch with our Father. And prayer doesn't always mean closing your eyes and bowing your head, but that's another topic. For now, I leave my prayers with you all, and that you will "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Love to all, and a good week of school!
Love as always,
Brooke
We all feel distant from God sometimes. Sometimes we feel lost and alone, with no one beside us. We can't see God, we can't feel God. Well the other day, I was flipping through my Bible when it fell upon a highlighted verse. Psalm 27:7-14, actually. Here is what it says: "7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.11 Teach me your way, Lord, lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." This verse is David, pleading with God because he feels distant from God. I found that amazing - the man after God's own heart felt the same way. I think here, in this passage, God is not only promising that "...we will see the goodness of the LORD..." but also that it's alright to feel distant. But when you do:
God is always with us. I don't always know why we feel distant at times. Sometimes it's because we just aren't focusing on Him. If we aren't taking time to stop and pray, read our Bibles, and think about God, we will grow distant. Think of it this way: If you have a friend, but suddenly never talk to her, never email, call, hangout, nothing, will you still feel close? But here's the beautiful part. Even if we're feeling distant, God is pursuing us. He loves us with an adoration no human being can understand. So even when we're distant, unlike a human, God won't forget us, He'll wait for us, try to call as back to Himself. There isn't anything we can do to stop God's love. And He is promising us that we will see his goodness in the land of the living.
I think another reason for feeling distant, is sometimes God tries our faith. In these times, I make sure I try extra hard to always keep in communication with Him. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, it says "Pray without ceasing." Well, of course this is impossible. Obviously if you're in class you should make sure you're paying attention, but the idea is to keep in touch with our Father. And prayer doesn't always mean closing your eyes and bowing your head, but that's another topic. For now, I leave my prayers with you all, and that you will "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Love to all, and a good week of school!
Love as always,
Brooke
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