“17 Kids & Counting”

TLC has a variety of different shows based on families with large numbers of children. (Jon & Kate Plus 8, Kids by the dozen, ect.) I watched one tonight(17 Kids & Counting), and was very impressed. This show is about a family from Fayetteville, Arkansas who has seventeen children with one more on the way. Tonight, they were discussing how the families oldest son, Josh, was engaged to be married.

On the first of the two thirty minutes episodes, Josh was shown engaging to his bride to be (Anna), who is originally from Florida. Josh traveled to Florid and, with hidden cameras set up, proposed to his new bride to be, who of course said “yes.” There were two things about this episode which impressed me. 

First, Josh talked a great deal about how him & his bride to be valued purity, and saving themselves for marriage. So much, the two were even saving their first kiss until their wedding day. That’s something you don’t see on everyday TV. Everywhere they traveled, they had “chaperones” with them, just to make sure nothing happened.  

Second, Josh & Anna, along with their chaperones went out to eat. After they had received their food, Josh said “Let’s pray.” They were then shown praying for their food, with other people in the restaurant staring at them. Yes, I know the camera crew probably paid a big part in it, but I wonder if they were also staring because of the fact they were praying? After they had finished praying, one of the chaperones with them said “I don’t think people like to pray in public because they do not like to be held accountable to God. But when I pray in public, or see other people praying in public, it is just like God is right here with me.” Something else you might not hear on everyday TV. 

I’m thankful for people such as the Duggar family, who are not afraid to back down from their faith even if they are on TV. They are not scared of what people might think about them. They stand up for what they believe in. You go, Duggar Family!

“Wildcats Weekend”

I received a e-mail today, about having a “Wildcats Weekend” for the premiere of HSM 3. (High School Musical 3). The movie comes out in theaters on October 24. My brother is crazy about HSM. I was planning on taking him to see the movie anyway, so I checked out the website (http://www.wildcatsweekend.com) and youth pastors can sign up to receive free ministry videos, study guides, ect. It all looked pretty sweet if you ask me. I would encourage any youth pastor/youth leader to check it out! You can visit the website by clicking here or using the link above. After all, just about every one loves HSM! Even youth pastors! Well, mine does at least.

It’s been a while.

I’m not sure how long it’s been, but I know it’s been a while since I last posted. I guess I forget to post, a lot. So anyways, college is well college. It is just the same, as it has always been. I’m still not really liking it, but know its just something that has to be done. I’m just trying to make it through this semester. I still don’t have a car, so I’m having to share with my mom. This means my sleeping in days are limited now. This also means I’m at the church a lot more. Every Monday,Wednesday,Friday I’m usually wondering around the church somewhere. My mom works there on those days, so I have to take her to work and hang out till time for my class. Then I come back and pick her up when she’s done. But I usually get done first, so there is more hang out time.

I’m still learning to be positive. It’s easier some days than others. I’m also still learning not to “wish”. I always find myself saying “I wish I was at FWBBC, I wish this & that.” But that does not help or change anything, so I’m trying to accept what I can not change. 

I think time goes by way faster in college than it did in high school. I can’t believe it is already October. It seems like I just started college yesterday. I thought time went by fast in high school, but in college it goes super fast!

Meet my Chia Pet!

I now have my own Chia Pet! I was browsing around the MAC widgets for your dashboard site yesterday, and found the chia pet application, so I decided to get it. The directions says it can talk, and get a hair cut. Although I have not exactly figured out how to do all these things, I’m sure there is a way. One thing I noticed in the directions was that the chia pet must be watered every other three days or something like that in order for it to grow. I watered it yesterday, and today. I’m probably watering it too much if that’s possible. Every time I use dashboard, I usually water it. That’s only for now though. What will happen a week from now if I forget about my Chia pet and don’t water it? I guess we’ll see if I can remember to water it every other three days.

This chia pet reminded me of how our faith is. Like this chia pet, our faith must be “watered” in order to grow. More than every other three days I would hope, every day. By reading the Bible, praying, listening to Christian music, these things can “water” your faith. If we don’t do them daily, how can we expect our faith to grow?

Be Amazed!

Look at the nations and watch— 
       and be utterly amazed. 
       For I am going to do something in your days 
       that you would not believe, 
       even if you were told.
Habakuk 1:5

Wow! What a verse! When I first read this verse, I was in awe. To me, this is just one amazing verse. I love how it says “be utterly amazed.” Isn’t this just like God? How many times does something happen in our lives when we stand back and say “Wow! This had to be a God thing.” Is that not just amazing? How God can work in miraculous, mysterious ways which leave us saying “Wow! That’s amazing how that happened.”  

I also love how it says “For I am going to do something in your days you would not believe even if I told you.” It seems like we always want to know what’s going to happen with our lives. Where we will be in 10 years, or how our lives are going to turn out. But, to me, this verse is a reminder that even if I knew where I would be in 10 years, or what was going to happen, I probably would not believe it anyways. This encourages me not to worry about where I will be in 10 years, or what’s going to happen, and to just trust God is going to do something “utterly amazing.” Wow, how awesome is that?

This verse encourages me to remember and to never forget that God is always working in our lives. He is just waiting to do something “utterly amazing”, something so “utterly amazing” we would not believe it even if we were told. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited. I can’t wait.

So, the next time you are feeling down, and thinking God is far away, remember this verse. He is going to do something you would not believe in your days. Be excited.

 

“I side Hug”

I found this T-Shirt today, and thought it was funny. It says “I side hug” and has a picture of people side hugging. haha. I thought it was funny because somewhere I went this summer, I can not exactly remember where for sure but somewhere, it was emphasized that hugs had to be side hugs and could only be 3.7 seconds long or something like that. Ugh, I wish could remember where that was.  I’m starting to think it was somewhere I went with my youth pastor because him, and only him, could come up with a number such as 3.7 seconds. But anyways, I just thought of that when I saw this T-Shirt. Oh and if you like this t-shirt, you can buy one by going here. They have all kinds of different styles, and colors.

In other news, I took my first ever college intermediate algebra test today! I’m not to sure, but I think I did alright. We’ll see. Other than the kid with the bloody nose, I didn’t get distracted too much and finished with time to spare.

Quenching your thirst.

 Tonight after Church, we went to Wal-Mart (One of my all time favorite places to go. Eccepcialy after getting kicked out with my youth group this past summer, but thats another story.) I was starting to get a little thirsty after church. But not thinking I was “that” thirsty, I did not get a drink of water. While at Wal-Mart, my thirst increased. Then we had to fill the car up. While at the gas station, I picked up the grapes we had just bought at Wal-Mart hoping this would quench my thirst. It did not. Ohhh, I was sooo thirsty. 

We finally made it home, and I was able to get something to drink. After quenching my thirst, I thought about something Jesus says in John 14:14 “But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  

I think in life we try to sometimes “quench our thirst” with temporary things that really do not matter. Things that we can not take with us when we go to Heaven. Things such as money, cars, big houses, ect. Why quench your thirst with temporary things when you can quench your thirst by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and never be thirsty again? 

The next time you get thirsty, think about your relationship with Christ. If He came back tomorrow, would you know without a shadow of doubt which way you would go?

Tuning in…Oh, the difference it makes!

I have started noticing that Saturdays are different days for me, and I think I know why. You see, since I’ve been going to college, I have tried to kind of get in some sort of “routine.” (I like routines, you know.) Well, I have mostly succeeded, and I usually try to get my devotions done in the morning, before I leave. Sometimes I don’t make it then, so I will try and do them at night. But on Saturday’s it’s different. What’s different? Well, the whole “routine” thing for one, because it’s Saturday. For two, I really don’t spend much time in God’s word on Saturday, and I’m starting to notice.

The devotions I do are only 5 day devotions, so I do them Monday-Friday. But when Saturday rolls around, and I start the day, I hardly ever open my Bible. I’m not sure if I think Saturday is my “day off from God” or what, but I know just because I don’t have a devotion to do that day, it dose not mean I can’t at least read something…a verse, chapter, whatever. Just because it’s Saturday dose not mean God goes to sleep. Then I start to see the difference. I really don’t have any excuse other than “I don’t have a devotion to do.” Which is a lame excuse at that.

I start noticing that I’m worrying about something, or that I’m anxious about something and can’t seem to settle down, or that I’m getting upset over dumb, stupid stuff. Or just in general I’m not as “peaceful/calm”(as much as I can be at least) as I would other wise normally be. I start wondering “What did I not do today? Why does today seem so different?”

Then, I remember. I didn’t have my devotions or spend time with God today. I have not “tuned” in with God today. Ahh, that’s it. It really does make a difference. Even if you think you can’t find any time at all, just try to read one verse or something. Just experiment for two days. One day don’t spend any time with God. The next day, get your Bible out, do a devotion, or just read a verse or two. See which day you feel more at “peace”. I promise you, it makes a huge difference!

I know this can be hard to do. It was hard for me. Until one day in youth group when a group of seniors who were about to graduate and leave stood in the front of the room and were telling us advice. I remember one person, I wont mention their name, who said this “Read your Bible everyday, and do some kind of devotion. It makes a huge difference in how your day goes.” I thought I would try it out and see if it really worked, and it did. From then on, I started trying to read my Bible everyday and do some kind of devotion. I have come up with three ways someone might could “tune” in with God:
 1. Go Vertical in the mornings-As my youth pastor used to always say, go vertical as in the music you listen to. Listen to music that connects you with God. What you listen to when you wake up can determine the kind of mood/day you could have. Right from the start, listen to music that takes you vertical, not horizontal. (I’ve tried this too, and it does work and make a difference.) Try it out for a day. 
2. BGY -Bible,God,You. Work in a quiet time in your plans. I know they are probably busy, and hectic. But it dose not have to be very long. Maybe only 5 minutes. Cut out some of your TV time in the evenings if you have to. If you don’t have anything else to read, just read the Proverb of the day. Just do something!
3. Pray,Pray,Pray!- There is a verse in the Bible that says “pray with out ceasing”. Prayer is obviously important. Our pastor preached a awesome sermon today on prayer. Listen to it by going here. I know it’s hard to “pray with out ceasing” so just pray whenever you get a chance. Just pray a short prayer “Lord, thank you for this day. For all you’ve given me.” That would be fine. Driving down the road, pray. Pray when you are stuck in traffic for the people in the car next to yours. Pray when you are in a hurry and you get stuck at every red light there is. Just pray whenever you can! I promise this is wonderful to do!

While there are probably several other things you could do, these are just some I thought of, that I try to do everyday. So, just try it out for a day. Try doing these things, then go a day with out doing them. See if you can tell a difference. I know I could. Think of it like this, two best friends always communicate with one another right? Whether through e-mail, phone, whatever they are always letting the other person know what’s going on. Always talking to each other, keeping each other up to date on what is going on in their life. Well, God is the same way. He is best friends with all of us. He wants us to communicate with him all the time, just like we would with our best friend. He is our ultimate best friend. Think how you would feel if your friend did not return your calls, or never e-mailed you back. This is probably how God feels when we do not spend time with Him everyday. I know it’s hard to do with a busy schedule, but you can do it. I promise. It’s just about making time. 

So, just try it out. Oh, the difference it can make!

Learning from “The Black Dog”

I recently wrote a article about “The Black Dog”. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it, but if kind of fits in with my last post, so I thought I would share it on here.

BE LIKE THE BLACK DOG

My 18^th birthday was one of a tragic sort.  My mom and I were taking our black lab, The Black Dog (Creative, I know), and golden retriever, Buddy, in for their regular checkups. We had both dogs in the back of the truck for the 15-minute journey to the vet. We made it there fine, the dogs had a good check up, and everything was going good until we met up with the dogs.

 One of our neighbors has two dogs, which like most dogs, love to chase cars and bark. This is when disaster struck. We had our dogs in the back of the truck, coming back from the vet. When we approached our neighbor’s house The Black Dog started barking and standing up on her hind legs looking out over the side of the truck. After we had passed their house, my mom looked in the rearview mirror only to see Buddy standing in the back of the truck. My mom stopped the truck and said  “Ashlee, the black dog is not in the truck. I think she fell out back there.” We both turned around and looked and sure enough there was the black dog lying lifeless on the ground.

When I first looked back, all I could see was a cloud of dust along with our neighbor’s dogs around her. My first thought was the other dogs had attacked her. As the dust settled and the other dogs left her alone, she slowly got on her feet and started walking toward us. She’s ok, we both thought. She was ok, right? She was getting up, so surely she is ok. We both got out of the truck to see how she was. As we looked at her closer, we noticed her back right leg was not ok.

We knew she had broken her leg, and we were right. We got home, loaded her back in the car, and rushed back to the vet’s office hoping it wouldn’t be as bad as we thought it would. It was bad though. She had broken it not only in one spot, but four.  The vet told us the breaks were so severe, he didn’t think there would be any way to repair them. The only other option was amputation.

So, that day The Black Dog had her back leg amputated. We all worried this might slow her down, or make her not the dog she used to be. However, the vet reassured us she would be fine and wouldn’t even notice she only had three legs. Well, the vet was right. We brought her home and today you wouldn’t ever know she ever had four legs. She still runs with our other dogs just as if she had four legs. She is still hyper and crazy as she was before. Having only three legs dosen’t stop her from enjoying life. 
 

I’ve learned a lot from The Black Dog. I’ve learned not to let one little thing get me down. How many times in life does everything seem like it’s going great, then one thing goes wrong and it’s the end of the world? It’s not though. It may seem like it. But it’s not. You just learn to take care of it and move on. Don’t dwell on it.

The black dog has also taught me make the best of whatever circumstance I’m in. Whether it’s good or bad, make the best of it. God puts certain situations in our lives for reasons we may never know. In the good times, it may be easier to be happy and make the best of it. But in the bad times, it’s just as important. Those are the times when people are watching us to see how we will react. Those are the times we can grow in our faith by trusting God.

Be like The Black Dog. Make the best of any situation.

I guess like the black dog, I’m learning to make the best of any situation. By the way, thank you so much to everyone who read, commented, or prayed about the last post! 

Staying positive in a negative world.

Well, after being in college for almost three weeks, I have to say I’m not really fond of it all. If I could choose, I would go back to high school in a heartbeat. Maybe it’s just that I haven’t got all the way adjusted to “college life” yet? Or maybe it’s just that I still need to accept the fact that I’m not going to FWBBC this year, and stop wishing thats where I was going to school? I really wish that’s where I was going to college this year. Oh wait, there I go wishing again. 

Whatever it is, I know I just need to accept it and move on. I think I’m having a hard time trusting God knows what’s best for my life. I still wish (there I go again) I was at FWBCC. But, thats not what God wanted for my life or I’d probably be going to school there. I know God is in control and knows what is best for my life, but it’s just so hard. So hard. Our pastor at Church has even told me he feels like this is where God wants me. Why is it so hard for me to accept it and move on?

It’s hard to stay positive. It’s hard to be happy where I’m at. It’s hard to trust God knows what he’s doing. Everything is just so hard.

 I always hear people say “Don’t be so negative. Stay positive.” I guess that is what I need to do. This whole post has been about the negative side of life. More like complaints, really. This is my negative world.

I guess my positive world would look something like this: “At least I’m going to college. Some people can not even do that.” “Just because I’m not going to FWBCC this year, dose not mean I won’t be going there three years from now. Things can change.” “At least I’m not having to evacuate from my home because a hurricane might hit it.” Looking at the bright side of things, not focusing on the negative. This is my positive world.

My mission for the rest of this semester is to try really hard to stop focusing on what I wanted, and to start focusing on what GOD wants. To stop wishing, and start accepting. To start living in a positive world instead of a negative world. As hard as it may be, I think I can do it. I know it will be hard, but not everything is easy. I would ask that you please pray for me, and keep me accountable. It will be easy to slip back into the “negative state of mind” but with someone there keeping me accountable, and reminding me to stay positive it will be easier to stay positive. 

It’s not about me anyways.