I DON'T WAIT ANYMORE

A friend of mine sent this article to me, and it encouraged me so much that I wanted to pass it along to all of my lovely, single friends! I hope it challenges, and blesses you, as it did me!

I DON’T WAIT ANYMORE.

Posted by gracefortheroad in The MercyFebruary 3, 2012

When I was 16, I got a purity ring.

And when I was 25, I took it off.

I didn’t tell anyone I was doing it — it wasn’t a statement or an emotional thing. I just slipped it off my finger that day and, before tucking it away in a box, ran my finger around the words on the familiar gold band.

“True Love Waits.” Waits.

What’s it “waiting” for, anyway?

*****

I had my reasons for deciding not to wear it anymore. Other people might have other reasons. It’s a graveyard of hearts, this place where single church girls crash into their late 20s and early 30s. Churches see the symptoms. They scramble to reach out to the ever-growing young adult singles crowd who feels alienated by family-oriented services.

But there’s something bigger behind it than that.

Much bigger.

There are a lot of girls out there who don’t know who God is anymore – the God of their youth group years just isn’t working out. Back then, that God said to wait for sex until they are married, until He brings the right man along for a husband. They signed a card and put it on the altar and pledged to wait.

And wait they did.

*****

And waited and waited and waited.

Some of them have prayed their whole lives for a husband, and he hasn’t shown up. They’ve heard the advice to “be the woman God made you to be, focus on that, and then the husband will come.” They’ve read “Lady in Waiting,” gotten super involved in church and honed their domestic skills.

And still they wait.

More than a decade ago, a youth leader handed them a photocopied poem in Sunday School written to them from “God” that said, “The reason you don’t have anyone yet is because you’re not fully satisfied in Me. You have to be satisfied with Me and then when you least expect it, I’ll bring you the person I meant for you.”

And the girls see it posted on their bulletin boards from time to time.

“You’re right, God,” they say. “We’re not satisfied in you yet. We will put you first and then you can bring us a husband in your timing.”

But many of them – if they’re honest – will tell you that time has passed, and it’s wrecking their view of God.

If this is who God’s supposed to be, then He’s tragically late.

So some decide to chuck “Lady in Waiting” out the window … and possibly their virginity with it. Church goes next. God might go next, too. If He doesn’t answer these prayers after they’ve held up their end of the bargain, why would He answer any others?

Whether it was the fault of the leaders, the fault of us girls, or both, a tragedy happened back then.

A lot of girls were sold on a deal and not on a Savior.

*****

I had that poem on my bulletin board all through high school – the one where “God” was telling me to fall in love with Him first and then I would be able to fall in love with a husband later.

Who wrote that poem anyway?

Pretty sure it wasn’t God.

When Jesus was here on the earth, the crowds would follow Him because they saw He gave good things. But that’s not what He wanted. He wanted their hearts for Himself. So He would turn to them and say things like, “If you don’t love Me so much that every other relationship in your life looks like hate by comparison, you can’t follow Me.” (Matthew 10:34-39, paraphrase)

That sounds a lot different from the poem.

Christ is the source of everything we need and the giver of all good gifts … but in telling people about Him, it’s possible we’ve sold them on a solution for life’s problems and not life itself.

What if we as girls had learned early on that having Him was everything, not a means to the life we think He would want us to have.

If we had learned we don’t abstain from sex because we’re “waiting.” We abstain because we love Him.

If I’d had on my bulletin board, “Fall in love with Jesus.” That’s it. Bottom line. That’s everything you need to know, to work toward, to put your hope in.

If I’d learned who He is, what He wants, how to give Him everything, not “wait” so that one day I could give my everything to someone else.

If I’d learned that it’s not bad to pray for a husband, but that my greater prayer should be for Him to spend my life as He chooses for His glory.

If we as believers make that our message, things could be drastically different for a lot of girls wondering why the God they think they learned to follow doesn’t compute. It doesn’t necessarily stop the desire for a husband or end all feelings of loneliness, but it does show a God who provides, loves and gives infinite purpose even to our singleness rather than a God who categorically denies some who pray for husbands while seemingly giving freely to others.

It shows that while marriage is good, He is the greater goal.

*****

Don’t think I’ve done this perfectly.

I’d be deceiving you if you thought that. I’ve had relationships where I made major mistakes. I’ve gone through angst-ridden phases where I met with friends to plead together with God to bring us husbands. I’ve planned major life decisions around possibilities.

I lived like I was waiting for something.

And that’s why I slipped off my ring that day. It wasn’t that I wanted to sleep with people – I haven’t. It wasn’t a slap to True Love Waits, or to anyone who wears a purity ring – saving sex for marriage is good and is His design.

I just didn’t want to wait anymore – didn’t want to live like I was waiting on anyone to get here.

I already have Him … and He is everything.

“Follow Christ for His own sake, if you follow Him at all.” – J.C. Ryle

Now More Than Ever.....

I have been thinking about this for sometime now, and then I heard this song again, and it totally summed up my feelings.
 My relationship with the Lord began when I was five years old. As a child, I didn't have a whole lot of understanding about what it meant to be follow Christ, I just knew the basics of the gospel, and believed with a child-like faith. But then I started growing up, and things got bumpy. Life wasn't as smooth as it was when I  was a kid. There were bigger problems to face, and important decisions to make; ones that would effect the rest of my life. And the longer I live, the more I realize how corrupt my own heart really is, and how much I really need a Savior! It's through all these experiences, that I now cherish my relationship with the Lord more and more. I know now how much I truly need Him, everyday, for everything!
 I love this song, because It really is true.....Now more than ever, I cherish the Cross! I am so thankful for my Jesus, and His loving-kindness to me!

"New York, New York....."

Last month, my Dad, sister, and I went to NYC for a visit. I have an older sister who lives in Manhattan, so we stayed with her for the weekend. Maryanna and I had never been, and it was quite an experience! Of course, I am a country girl who has never lived in the city, so being in NYC was a bit of a culture shock. But I have to say......I loved it! :) I don't think I would want to live there, mind you, but I certainly enjoyed my visit. There is no down time, that's for sure. :)

The highlight of our trip was seeing Phantom of The Opera on Broadway!!!! Basically, I am still in raptures! I absolutely loved it!! I have wanted to see it for years, and I finally got my wish. *Happy Sigh* Now I am completely hooked on Broadway,(if I wasn't already) and keep coming up with schemes of going back very soon to see another show. :) 

                                                             

 Here are a few of the pictures we took, just to give you a little peak into our time there. I really didn't take that many, as I was too busy taking it all in to snap pictures. :) I guess I'm not a good photographer. 

Riding in a taxi for the first time! :)

Checking out the big city

Looking down the street

Ice Cream Sundae at the popular Serendipity . That thing was wicked!  Pretty much, I still have dreams about it. :)

"On the avenue...."

Subway station

view from Battery Park

Time Square.....where it all happens. :)

Dressed up for the Opera. 

                                       

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth! :)

Hello my friends,
 I know it has been forever since I have posted anything on here, so I figured it was high time I updated you all on what's happening in my life right now. :)

 The reason that I have been so negligent in blogging, is that I started college in January, and am being very studious, therefore; I have precious little time for this sort of thing these days. :) I am a student of Trinity School of Natural Health. Thankfully, I am able to study from home, which is a great blessing. I am studying to become a Naturopath! I am so excited about this, as it's something I've been interested in for a long time! It is pretty much self-paced, so I have to be very diligent, and disciplined about making sure I am getting in plenty of study hours. I have five years to complete the degree, as it's a pretty in depth field, but I am hoping to finish it in half that time. I don't want to be in school for the next five years! :) So far, it's going very well. As a matter of fact, I am waiting to get the scores back from an exam right now. :) It's all new for me, the whole college thing. :)

 In addition to starting college, I have gotten a new job since last blogging. It was such an answer to prayer! I really wanted to start school, but I knew that unless I got another job, I wouldn't be able to afford the tuition. The Lord was gracious in providing me with a great job, that I really enjoy. I work for Clean Cut Image Lawn & Landscaping. I don't do the landscaping though. I am a personal assistant. :) It's great because it's a husband and wife who own the company, and they are sweet Christians. I am a personal assistant to the wife. She runs the business side of things. I love working for them! So, between school and work, it's a very busy season right now, for which I am thankful. :) I like to stay busy! I am learning alot about Naturopathy, and Holistic medicine, and really enjoying it too! And I enjoy my job, so life is good. :)

I have done zero sewing since I've gotten so busy. I should really change the name of my blog, since I don't think I will be doing much of it for a while. :) I will try to update my blog more often though. :) Soon I want to put some pictures up from my recent trip to NYC. I went to visit my sister who lives in Manhattan. Here's one to give you a little hint. More on that to come....... :)

One Thousand Gifts

 
 In the mornings, after devotions, the ladies in my family are reading a book called - One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to LIVE FULLY Right where you are, by Ann Voskamp.

We are only about 5 chapters into it, but so far, it is amazing! I have been so challenged by what we have read already. It is much to deep for me to try to explain here, so just get the book and read it. :) The title of the book comes from a list the author was challenged to make; one thousand things you are thankful for. Which brings me to the reason for this post. I have started my own list, in an effort to learn the language of thankfulness. Don't worry, I am not going to put one thousand things here for you to read, I haven't even made it half way to that number. But I want to challenge all of you to at least ponder all the blessings of everyday life that we often overlook. The things that we take for granted, but would miss terribly if God had not given them to us. And maybe, just maybe, you might want to start a list of your own. :)

 Ann's list was very specific. She included all the "little things", the simple pleasures in life, as well as the big ones.

 So, here is the beginnings of my list. It's not in order,or anything so organized as that. I just wrote as the thoughts came to me.

 Bare feet on soft grass
The smell of homemade bread baking
 Blue; the color of my cool, inviting bedroom
 Laughter ringing through the house
 Long, quiet conversations with the love of my life, Jesus.
 Dad's strong, work-worn hands
 Love; so amazing, so divine
 Wearing flip-flops with my toes painted 
 Long, personal conversations with my best friends
 Sunny, yellow daffodils 
 Blue sky with no clouds in sight
 Long, rich brown hair
 Mom's ever-ready advice
 Little sisters who love you no matter what
 Big, dark brown eyes
 Doing chores and singing my heart out
 Music filling my soul

 Well, that's all I'll share for now. I hope this has encouraged you to learn that language of  Eucharisteo, life filling gratitude.  Start your list today. Believe me, it will make you smile! :)

"This Life Is Not About Finding The Perfect Guy And Getting Married."

Hello everyone,

 I heard this testimony a couple weeks ago, and it so challenged me that I asked if I could put it up on my blog. This is such a good reminder for all of us single ladies who are striving to honor the Lord during this season of our lives. I was challenged and encouraged to not compromise, no matter what comes my way. I hope it encourages you too.

 

"I grew up in a Christian home & was saved at an early age. My family has always had conservative views on dress, media and guy/girl relationships. Early on I took hold of those same views for myself. I was very reserved in my interactions with young men and dressed modestly.

At age 18, I began a courtship that ended 10 months later. The hurt and disappointment from that relationship caused me to head down a different path…one that in my pride, I thought I would never take. Here are four things that changed in my thinking…

1) Modesty no longer mattered as much – I look back now and regret how I must have caused the men around me to stumble.

Ladies, I want to challenge you with something – Is it really worth it? Do we really want the men in our life to have to fight to keep their eyes up on our faces? Do we really want them to have to struggle in church to keep their mind on Christ and off of our bodies? Please take some time to examine your own heat & wardrobe. Make sure you are honoring both God & man with your clothing.

2) Flirting no longer seemed off limits - I was no longer guarded in my interactions with guys in person or on-line. Facebook chats with young men became more and more frequent. Emails got more and more personal. Texts and phone calls were no longer just for coordinating church functions and informational purposes. Also, my body language changed…and it spoke plenty.

Please hear this – flirting is like playing with fire. It’s not worth it. You will get burned. Also, if you have a Facebook, I would encourage you to give your parents your password. It helps hold you accountable. If you can, don’t even have guy “friends” on it! My family has a rule. Until you are 18, you cannot have any peers of the opposite gender as “friends” on your Facebook. Except for family members, of course. Even now, I stay offline to all of the young men on my Facebook. Please take the time to examine your interactions with young men in real life & online.

3) Guys being my best friends no longer seemed like a bad idea. All of the young men that I became close friends with are no longer my friends. We became too familiar and ended up in confusing, undefined relationships.

Let me say something radical – In almost every case, guys and girls cannot be “just close friends” and remain there. It either ends in marriage or an ended friendship. The latter is usually very awkward & painful. Please believe me when I say this. When I was younger, I did not believe those who said this to me. But they were right. You don’t have to learn the hard way. Please, take time to set safe boundaries for yourself.

4) I believed that my previous boundaries and reservations might be the reason for me still being single.

But listen to this, girls – if a young man does not respect your boundaries and pressures you to compromise any of them, he is not the kind of young man you want to associate with. If you were to marry such a man, he would only continue to disrespect you and pressure you to lower your standards in other areas of your life.

All of these compromises in my life led to a lot of confusion, heartache and trouble. Several unwise flirtations and another broken relationship later – I woke up. I finally understood that the way I had been living was not God’s best for me. The way I was treating guys did not honor God, me or the young men. I finally saw the need to truly be under my parents protection. I had believed the lie that my earthly parents could ruin my chance at marriage, and in doing so, I believed that my parents had more power over my life than God.

Let me say that again – If you believe that your parents can ruin your chance at marriage, then you are believing that they are more powerful than God.

Let that sink in… Do you REALLY believe that they have more power than GOD?! Can any person thwart God’s plan for your life?! NO! But, believe me, it’s not worth it to lower your standards. In His mercy He protected me from losing more of myself than I did. Praise God! I give Him all the glory, because if it wasn’t for Him, I would still be deep in darkness. I am so grateful that He has brought me full circle.

Imagine this with me…

There is a nation. This nation belongs to God. Its boundaries are clearly defined and they follow God’s word. This nation also has an enemy. This enemy wants to come in, take over and destroy this nation from the inside out. So, the enemy sends its people to sneak in and settle. Their orders are to build homes, plant gardens, multiply and spread out. At first the citizens of this land are resistant to the enemy, but because they don’t push them out immediately, they become comfortable with them being there.

So gradually, the enemy spreads out and occupies more and more land, as well as influences the citizens with its pagan ways. Slowly, but surely, the once Godly nation loses its identity…it no longer looks different from the rest of the world. It loses its influence for good. The people are miserable and enslaved to sin. You see, the boundaries were not there to trap or enslave the citizens! They were there to protect the citizens and their identity as God’s people. The boundaries gave them the freedom to thrive and grow without threat or distraction, but they slowly gave it away.

Now, close your eyes and put yourself in the story…

Jesus has saved you, chosen you for His own. You belong to God. God has clearly spelled out your boundaries in His word. But, You have an enemy, Satan. This enemy wants to take over and destroy your life. So, he tempts you with little compromises. An immodest top, a chat with a guy that you like, an opportunity to flirt, a bad movie. At first you feel a little guilty. But, because you don’t resist, you become comfortable with your sin. Gradually, those things no longer bother you. And things that used to seem terrible to you are no longer a big deal.

Slowly, but surely, you blend in with the rest of the world. You no longer look set apart. You lose your identity and influence for good. You are miserable and enslaved to your sin and the world. Flirting with the world and tempting it to come in and possess land is dangerous business! You see, the boundaries were there to protect you. They were there to give you the freedom to thrive and grow in the Lord without distraction…but slowly, you gave it away. And what for? Was it worth it?

Ponder your for a moment….now, open your eyes. What did you see? Do you think these stories are what God really desires for us?

Now, please, do not let these stories discourage you! I for one am living proof that there is hope. If you have given over territory to the enemy, it is not too late to take it back. Sit down with your parents and discus what safe boundaries are for you.

And if this story does not describe you yet, please don’t let it ever! Set clear boundaries NOW! Do not allow the enemy to occupy any of your territory. Once your boundaries are determined, use the safety and freedom that they provide to grow and thrive in your walk with God.

Matthew 6:33 says, “See first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

This life is not about finding the perfect guy and getting married.

It’s about seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness!

It’s about being set-apart and it’s about reflecting Christ in ALL areas of our life!"

"Chick-fil-a, I could eat there seven times a day.." :)

Today the my nieces had off school, so I took them to Chick-fil-a for a special treat. We had fun taking pictures, and I thought you might like to see some of them. :)

We had beautiful weather today! After we got back from Chick-fil-a, we went on a long bike ride. We've had some fun bonding times while I've been visiting. :)

"I Want A Hot Cup Of Cocoa, With A Marshmellow Or Two...."

I am up visiting my older sister and my two neices; and we got snow here! It was only about an inch, but it's still lovely! I went out on the balcony, last night, to get something, and there was a soft blanket of white, fluffy stuff. I didn't even know it was snowing! :) 



You'll never believe what my neices brought out to sled on....baking pans! Now, that's what I call ingenuity. :) It actually worked pretty well.



We had fun frolicking about for a bit. I hope we get some back home soon!

Good times, wonderful friends, and a great weekend!

Last weekend, I was able to go visit my dear friends, the Hertzler family. Michelle, Bethany, and I always have so much fun together, and I am so thankful for their friendship! Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Here we are after church Sunday morning




Michelle and I share so many laughs! But we've also cried together, and that's what friendship is all about; sharing the good times and the bad times. We keep each other sane sometimes. :) I love you girl!





We both wore our plaid skirts and boots



Pictures were taken by the lovely, talented Bethany Hertzler! (except, of course, the one with her in it. :)

God Speaks To Women Today

...." I believe[God would prepare us sooner if we were] less opinionated, less obstinate. Isn't is true that many of the bumps and jolts in a woman's life are direct consequences of her own self-centered decisions, her own actions and reactions? All understandable, perhaps, but our responsibilities, just the same. " I know the thoughts I think toward you," God said. "They are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." The "end" God expects for us is one of inward peace. Our external circumstances will not always be peace-inducing, but we can live adequate to them, if we have begun to cooperate with God in the midst of them.
 We often think of Abraham as a man of great faith, of Sarah, as the first woman of great faith. They were. And yet, God had to bring them both to a still deeper place of obedience. They both came to that place at last, and their remaining years were peaceful. Our's can be too, if, like Sarah, we move toward full cooperation with the Lord God."
 This is an excerpt taken from the book, God Speaks To Women Today, by Eugenia Price. I have been reading it for my devotions recently. It is so rich, and full of great truths from Scripture. She has a section on each woman from the Bible, and the lessons we can learn from their story. I have found it most interesting, and beneficial. The above excerpt is from the chapter on Sarah. I love the part about having an inward peace, despite the fact that our external circumstances might not be "peace-inducing". I'm sure we can all relate to that at sometime or the other. The biggest thing that struck home to me was being "less opinionated, less obstinate", and cooperating with the Lord. :) I can totally relate to this. How many times do I try to push what I want, instead of surrendering my will to what He knows it best for me. I'm thankful that He keeps working with me, and gives grace despite my opinionated, obstinate self! :)

When God Ran

This song has meant so much to me since I first heard it. What an incredible thought! I love it because it reminds me how much we are loved by God! The One who created the universe wants a relationship with us! I love the line, "My God calls me son!" How awesome is that!! And no matter how often we fail Him, He still "runs" to us! I hope it blesses you as much as it has blessed me!

Resolutions anybody?

 I don't usually make resolutions. That word just seems to lend itself to being broken. :) But I usually take time to reflect on what God has done in the past, and think about what I need to work on in the coming year. I guess you might say I make goals. But I always want to make sure these are prayed over, and done in Christ's strength, knowing that I can do nothing without it.

 One thing I want to do better about this year is giving myself ample time for preparation. I feel like I need to take more time to prepare for things, so I'm not rushing around, last minute, looking for that item that is hiding from me, then, running out the door, and rushing to make it wherever I'm going on time. :)  It's cool if that happens once in a blue moon, but since it seems to be a regular occurrence, then I have issues. :) So, with the Lord's help, my big goal for this year is to remedy that problem. I am going to try and do what I need to do in order to be ready to depart earlier, and not have to stress about making it somewhere on time. I hate being late, and am rarely tardy, but I stress myself out making sure I'm not. :) I just need to start laying out my clothes the night before, or whatever it takes, so I'm not running around like a crazy person in the morning. :)

 Anyone have any goals or resolutions for the new year to share? Also, feel free to share any tips on preparing ahead of time so as not to stress out! I hope everyone has a blessed year filled with God's presence and grace everyday!

 

Looking Back

 I have been in denial about the new year coming, and now here we are, three days into it already. 2012! It seems unreal that 2011 is gone and put behind us. I have been reflecting on the past year's events, and find that I have a lot to thank the Lord for.

 In some ways, the past year has been a hard one. I've had many lessons to learn, and I still haven't learned them all. :) But, as I reflect, I find that the Lord has been so gracious to me! He has walked with me through all the hard times, and has continued to guide me through each twist and turn. I'm so grateful that He cares about me enough to teach me the hard lessons.

 I have a testimony of God's protection over me in 2011.  In June, my mom and I were in a bad car accident. Thankfully, The Lord protected us, and we are both OK. I know that He was watching over us that day, and if you had seen my totaled car, you would know it too! It's a miracle that we weren't critically injured!

 I guess the thing I see most, as I look back over the year, is God's Amazing Grace! He give so much grace to us. Oh the thought that Jesus loves me! It is still astounding that the Lord continues to care for me, despite my many failures. He has been so faithful to me in 2011, and I know He will continue to be in 2012! So, I don't fear what may come my way this next year, because I know that my Lord is with me, and He will guide me through!

 This is one of my favorite songs, sung by The Collingsworth Family, and it's a great song for the new year!

 "In this age of uncertainty, questions come to my mind. What is waiting ahead for me, and the rest of mankind?
Fear not tomorrow! God is already there. He's charting each course you take, He sees each hidden snare. He's waiting to guide you through each burden and care. Fear not tomorrow, God is already there!
Are you troubled o'er things to come, is your future unsure? Are dreading the coming dawn, a long day to endure?
Fear not tomorrow! God is already there. He's charting the course you take, He sees each hidden snare. He's waiting to guide you through each burden and care. Fear not tomorrow, God is already there.
Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.
Fear not tomorrow, GOD IS ALREADY THERE!"



 

Christmas Eve At The Thompson's

 Every year, on Christmas Eve, all my siblings, their spouses and children, gather together for our annual Christmas celebration. We have dinner together, read the Christmas story, and open presents.

  There are 11 of us kids, 3 boys and 8 girls. Two of my brothers are married, and I have 5 nieces and 3 nephews. We draw names amongst ourselves so the gift-giving doesn't bankrupt us. :) We get together on Christmas Eve so that my siblings that have their own families can have their own Christmas Day with their children. 

 This year I drew My sister Charity's name. She is 14 years old, and lots of fun to shop for. She wanted boots, cute shoes, a fun purse, bath and body works stuff...basically anything girly! :) So, I had a good time shopping for her.

 My sister Hannah(16) had my name, and got me......

  Hurray!! I am super excited about it! I had asked for it, but wasn't sure if I would get it or not, as it was a bit more than we usually spend on each other.

 I hope that all of you are having a Very Merry Christmas! I know I am! :)
 

The Christmas Story

¹And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  ²(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
 ³And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
 ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
 ⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
 ⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
 ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
 ⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
 ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
 ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
 ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
 ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
 ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
 ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
 ¹⁵And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
 ¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
 ¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
 ¹⁸And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
 ¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
 ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Boy, am I glad that Christmas is about Jesus! Are there any greater words than the ones spoken by the angel? For unto you is born, this day, in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord! Praise the Lord, a Saviour was born!!!

Mary Did You Know?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

I am singing this song at my church on Christmas morning. It's one of my favorite Christmas songs. :) I always wonder if Mary did know all about what her little child would do. Probably not everything! I think it would have been a little overwhelming to her, had she known everything at the very beginning. But what an amazing testimony Mary was to us ladies. She had such a sweet, submissive spirit. - "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." Luke 1:38

More Hairstyles

 Today I practiced more hairstyles on my two nieces who are visiting for Christmas! They were very patient with me, and let me stick pins all over their little heads. :) Here are some pictures of what I did.

 This is such a cute hairstyle for little girls. I french braided all around her head so it looks like she has a braided crown on. :) Little princess! She has naturally curly hair, so I pinned up the curls and voila!

 This hair style was mainly so I could practice for wedding updos. First I sectioned off some hair from the bottom, and did 5 upside down french braids.Then I put all her hair in a high ponytail. Next, I divided her ponytail in 5 sections, and rolled each one to make sort of a big, elegant bun. Lastly, I curled the little wisps of hair around her face. How lovely!This is how it turned out.

Hairstyles for the Wedding!

I have been commissioned to do hair for my friend Jessica's wedding! She is getting married in about two weeks! As I love doing hair, naturally I am excited about this undertaking. But, I also feel a bit of pressure. After all, it's a wedding! Everyone wants to look beautiful!

The Bride is having her hair done by a friend who is a professional hair stylist. I am going to be doing some of the bridesmaids' hair. It's interesting when you start working with different people's hair. My sisters and I all have long, straight hair, so I am very accustomed to working with that kind. One of the bridesmaids has shoulder length, fine, layered hair, and another has rather unruly, curly hair. :) So, this will be a little bit different for me. I think I have pretty much figured out what I'm doing with the former, but have yet to determine what to do with the latter. :) Everything I tried, in the practice session,seemed to fall out. Her hair has a mind of it's own. :)

 I think I am going to do sort of a messy, curly, bun updo on the lass with the shoulder length, layered hair. The curls will add volume, and elegance, and the messy bun should work well with the layers.

Something like this, except a bit higher up, and with a part. She doesn't want it brushed back off her face. 

 

I still don't know what to do with the curly hair. :) If anyone has any inspiration for me, feel free to comment!

I have also been thinking about how I'm going to do my own hair for the wedding. I like these hairstyles! What do you think?

Inspired by the newest version of Emma, done by Masterpiece theatre. Not my favorite version, but I like her hair. :)

All these styles came from the amazing Rapunzel's Resource! Anyone with long hair, who likes to do lovely styles, should definitely check her site out!

I'm Famous!! :)

Well, not quite, but I have been interviewed by my dear friend Rachel, for the Feminine Fashion week she is doing on her blog. For those of you who haven't not checked it out, you should do so, at once. :) 

http://lassofalltrades.blogspot.com/2011/12/day-one-of-feminine-fashion-week.html

Christmas Cards: To send or not to send?

 For the past couple of years, we have not sent out Christmas cards due to the expense of stamps. I always thought it was rather grinchy of us, but what could I do! :) But this year, I decided that we should send out cards. So, my sisters and I had cards made, and are sending some to our friends. We did try to keep the list from getting too long. We're not sending them to all those people you never see, but who are somehow still in your address book. :)

 So what do you think? Are you or your family sending out Christmas cards? I am just curious about it. I know that stamps are rather expensive these days. Sending Christmas cards seems to be something of an old family tradition though. I'm cool with getting an e-card, but there's just something about getting an good old fashioned piece of mail. :)