tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77515058318150984692024-03-04T22:56:27.741-08:00A Great God and Good CocoaBethany's thoughts, sharings, and slices of life.Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-85957614278235079872019-05-08T20:52:00.001-07:002019-05-08T20:52:40.464-07:00Spiritual Disciplines 2: MeditationThis series began with an <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2019/04/spiritual-disciplines-1b-introduction.html" target="_blank">introduction</a> and study of <i>why </i>it's important to study the spiritual disciplines, which I recommend reading before you continue this post. It is crucial that you understand why you should even desire to learn about these before you commit to life changing patterns. If your heart is simply to read a blog post about God and not truly get to know Him better, this series is not for you. If you would like, you can read my introductory post by clicking <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2019/04/spiritual-disciplines-1b-introduction.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Let's start with the Discipline of Meditation.<br />
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In his book, <i>Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, </i>Donald Whitney recognizes meditation as a sub-category of "Bible Intake." He lists it among Bible Reading, Hearing God's Word, Studying the Bible, Memorizing Scripture, and Application.<b> </b>Think of meditation in this context.<br />
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<b>What is Meditation?</b> </div>
What is the difference between Christian meditation and other religions' meditation? I discussed this in the context of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+1&version=ESV" target="_blank">Psalm 1</a> about a year ago (read <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2018/01/looking-into-psalms-psalm-1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>). <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6">In the Bible, <i>meditation </i>means focusing your mind on God, His Word, and things true and pure as commanded </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6">in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4:8&version=ESV" target="_blank">Philippians 4:8</a>. </span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6">New Spirituality (aka New Age) has stolen the word out of the Biblical context, thus giving it a bad reputation among modern Christians. However, in a Biblical sense, "meditation" is very different from the meditation promoted by New Spiritualists. Whereas New Spiritualists encourage emptying the mind, Christians are aiming to fill it with God's truths. When New Spiritualists try to achieve mental passivity, Christians are using constructive mental activity (Whitney). Also, New Spiritualists attempt to visualize their own reality, but Christians focus on things that are real and true. In Foster's <i>Celebration of Discipline, </i>he says the clearest difference between Eastern forms of meditation and Christian meditation is the focus on obedience and faithfulness present in Biblical meditation. From here on, meditation will mean Biblically-based meditation.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6">Whitney defines meditation as "deep thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in Scripture for the purposes of understanding, application, and prayer." Foster says it is "the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word." Though at first glance these seem different, they're really saying the same thing. Hearing God's word is thinking on it, and obeying is the same as applying it. Together, these definitions give a good picture of meditation. It could be rephrased: "<b>Meditation is hearing God's voice through thinking on the truths in Scripture and understanding them, obeying their implications, and praying about them.</b>"</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6">A wonderful analogy my small group leader shared is also found in Whitney's book. Think of a cup of hot water. When you drop in a tea bag and immediately remove it, the water will have some flavor, but not much. This is like simply reading the Bible. However, if you leave the tea bag in the water, the flavor grows stronger—like meditation. Meditation is <i>not </i>the same as reading or studying the Bible. Meditation is concentrating on a specific portion of Scripture, listening for what the Holy Spirit reveals, void of outside sources. The longer you focus on a certain part of God's Word, the better your understanding will be, and the more it will affect your life.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><i>Note: There are different forms of Christian meditation, such as examining nature, but this post concentrates on meditating on God's Word.</i> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b>Why Meditate?</b></div>
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For starters, meditation is a command. In the NIV, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=joshua+1%3A8&version=NIV" target="_blank">Joshua 1:8</a> reads: "<span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860">Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." This verse shows us that not only is meditation commanded, but there is a purpose and a promise connected with it. The purpose of meditation is to obey God's statutes, and the promise is for success. <i>Please note, this "success" is success in God's eyes, not necessarily our own.</i> Another promise related to when we meditate is found in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+1&version=ESV" target="_blank">Psalm 1</a>. "</span><span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="chapter-1"><span class="text Ps-1-1">Blessed is the man<sup> </sup></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-1-1">who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, n</span></span><span class="text Ps-1-1">or stands in the way of sinners, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-1">nor sits in the seat of scoffers; </span></span><span class="text Ps-1-2" id="en-ESV-13942">but his delight is in the law of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-1-2">and on his law he meditates day and night." The Psalm goes on to compare this man who loves God's word to a healthy, fruitful tree that prospers. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+26%3A3&version=ESV" target="_blank">Isaiah 26:3</a> promises: "</span></span></span><span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2"><span class="text Isa-26-3" id="en-ESV-18134">You keep him in perfect peace </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Isa-26-3">whose mind is stayed on you, </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-26-3">because he trusts in you." </span></span><b>Do you want your soul to be prosperous, successful, blessed, and peaceful? Meditate.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2">However, the true heart that meditates should be focused solely on knowing God better and seeking to honor Him. Foster says that when we make a practice of meditating on God, we enter into a very intimate place with Him, where anything that is not of Him becomes distasteful to us.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2">Everything that is foreign to [H]is way we will have to let go. No, not "have to" but "want to," for our desires and aspirations will be more and more conformed to [H]is way. Increasingly, everything within us will swing like a needle to the polestar of the Spirit.</span></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2"><b>We cannot help but change when experiencing the presence of God.</b> The "Divine Fire will consume everything that is impure." </span></span></span><span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2">The more we meditate, the closer we become to God. "</span></span></span><span class="text Jas-4-8" id="en-ESV-30329">Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you . . . " (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+4%3A8&version=ESV" target="_blank">James 4:8</a>). </span><span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2">This should be the desire of the heart that makes meditation a habit. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2">Therefore, why meditate? To grow into a deep closeness with God, change our lives to be more in line with His heart, spiritually prosper, and be blessed.</span></span></span><br />
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<b>Examples</b></div>
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<li><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gen+24%3A63&version=ESV" target="_blank">Genesis 24:63</a> "<span class="text Gen-24-63" id="en-ESV-655">And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening."</span> </li>
<li>Likely either David or Ezra wrote <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+119%3A15-148&version=ESV" target="_blank">Psalm 119:15-16, 97-99, 148</a>. "<span class="text Ps-119-15" id="en-ESV-15914">I will meditate on Your precepts </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-119-15">and fix my eyes on Your ways. </span></span><span class="text Ps-119-16" id="en-ESV-15915">I will delight in Your statutes; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-119-16">I will not forget Your word . . . . </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-119-16"><span class="text Ps-119-148" id="en-ESV-16047"><span class="text Ps-119-97">Oh how I love your law! </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-119-97">It is my meditation all the day. </span></span><span class="text Ps-119-98" id="en-ESV-15997">Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-119-98">for it is ever with me. </span></span><span class="text Ps-119-99" id="en-ESV-15998">I have more understanding than all my teachers, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-119-99">for your testimonies are my meditation . . . . </span></span>My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-119-148">that I may meditate on your promise.</span></span>"</span></span></li>
<li><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-119-16">David in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+19%3A14&version=ESV" target="_blank">Psalm 19:14</a> "</span></span><span class="text Ps-19-14" id="en-ESV-14183">Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-19-14">be acceptable in your sight, </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-19-14">O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, my rock and my redeemer."</span></span></li>
<li><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-14">While the Bible doesn't specifically say, "Then Jesus went and meditated," we know that He did, because He frequently left the crowds to go pray. We know that He knew the Scriptures well, because he quoted them often. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A52&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 2:52</a> says that Jesus grew in wisdom and favor with God. As we've seen this is the result of meditation.</span></span></li>
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<b>How Do I Meditate?</b></div>
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As Foster says, "We learn to meditate by meditating." However, here are a few basic steps to get started.<br />
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<li><b>Find a location.</b> This should be a fairly quiet place, and there should be minimal distractions. (no phones!) Also, it's good to use the same place each time so you don't waste time looking for a place.</li>
<li><b>Devote a sizeable amount of time.</b> Don't rush your meditation—it takes time to calm your mind from all the stresses of everyday life and reach the place where you can truly concentrate on Scripture. The longer the better.</li>
<li><b>Find a passage to meditate on.</b> This can be done in any number of ways. You could look up verses that apply to a certain situation you are going through, or you could choose a word, phrase, verse, or chapter that stands out to you during your Bible reading. Another option is to read a passage, discern its main point, and meditate on the meaning and application.</li>
<li><b>Read your passage. </b>Often, it is beneficial to do more than a cursory "reading" of your section of choice. You might read it over multiple times, rewrite it in your own words, repeat aloud a verse or phrase, emphasizing a different word each time, or pray through the passage and ask the Holy Spirit to grant you understanding. You could do all of these or just choose one or two.</li>
<li><b>Find a way to apply what you've learned.</b> Application is a discipline in itself, but since meditation is for the purpose of change, as you meditate, look for a way to apply it to your life—then do it.</li>
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<b>In Conclusion . . .</b></div>
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Meditation is a key discipline. Every discipline is important, but meditation is one of the biggest for bringing you closer to the heart of God. As I quoted earlier, "We learn to meditate by meditating." Don't put this off. Start meditating today, and make it a habit. Don't give up when it gets hard. The fruit of your relationship with God and actions of your heart will be well worth it.</div>
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-5506668533449471782019-04-18T15:59:00.000-07:002019-06-05T09:32:29.890-07:00Spiritual Disciplines 1B: IntroductionBack in 2016, I posted <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2016/06/discipline.html#comment-form" target="_blank">a basic introduction to the spiritual disciplines</a> with
the intention of going into greater detail and turning it into a series. To date, I haven't been able to do this. However, the subject never truly
left my heart or mind and, in recent weeks, God has brought it back to my attention through one of my small groups. I've decided to
go deeper by reading one of the classic books on spiritual disciplines, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Discipline-Richard-Foster/dp/0340979267/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1554246632&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Celebration of Discipline</a></i> by Richard J. Foster, and share what I feel God leading me to with you. This post will be a more detailed introduction than the one linked to above, and I'd highly encourage you to read this one as background for the posts that follow, and to see if you wish to devote time to this subject.<br />
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First and foremost, it is critical that you understand <i>why </i>you should practice the spiritual disciplines. <b>Their purpose is to bring you to a place where you enter into intimacy with God.</b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-2&version=ESV" target="_blank">Romans 12:1-2</a> is one of the best passages that explains this:<br />
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<span class="text Rom-12-1">I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.</span><span class="text Rom-12-2" id="en-ESV-28232"><sup> </sup>Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.</span></blockquote>
When we dedicate ourselves to God, give up our own desires in exchange for His, we are living for Him. The disciplines are part of what help us get to this place of closeness with Him. <b>The more we practice them, the more our mind will be renewed and transformed to God's heart.</b><br />
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Before I can dive into discussing any one specific discipline, you have to understand why the disciplines in general are so important.
<b> I am not elevating them to a status higher than Biblical commands,
because they all <i>are</i> Biblical commandments.</b> Giving them the title of
"spiritual disciplines" merely breaks them down into more manageable
pieces and makes it easier to focus on each one individually. Below is a list I have compiled of the disciplines, though I am unsure how many I will cover in my series. It is not necessarily a complete list and, depending on who you talk to, you will find different names for some of them or perhaps two combined into one, but this is my own break-down combining ones I've come across through camp, small group, <i>Celebration of Discipline,</i> and various websites. As I post on a discipline listed here, I will link its title to that post. (I know there is a tendency to skim lengthy lists, but I suggest you slow down and truly read each.)<br />
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<li>Accountability</li>
<li>Application </li>
<li>Bible Reading</li>
<li>Celebration</li>
<li>Chastity</li>
<li>Confession</li>
<li>Consistency</li>
<li>Contemplation </li>
<li>Contentment</li>
<li>Dedication</li>
<li>Encouragement</li>
<li>Evangelism </li>
<li>Fasting</li>
<li>Fellowship</li>
<li>Generosity </li>
<li>Gratitude/Thankfulness </li>
<li>Guidance</li>
<li>Hearing God's Word </li>
<li>Humility</li>
<li>Journaling</li>
<li>Learning </li>
<li>Love</li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2019/05/spiritual-disciplines-2-meditation.html" target="_blank">Meditation</a></li>
<li>Memorizing Scripture</li>
<li>Obedience</li>
<li>Personal Reflection/Self-Examination </li>
<li>Prayer</li>
<li>Preaching</li>
<li>Resisting Temptation</li>
<li>Rest</li>
<li>Sabbath</li>
<li>Sacrifice </li>
<li>Secrecy</li>
<li>Service</li>
<li>Silence</li>
<li>Simplicity/Frugality</li>
<li>Solitude</li>
<li>Speaking</li>
<li>Stewardship of Money</li>
<li>Stewardship of Time</li>
<li>Study</li>
<li>Submission</li>
<li>Testimony</li>
<li>Waiting</li>
<li>Worship</li>
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That's a pretty daunting list, isn't it? Even if you just skimmed it, the sheer length is formidable. For me, merely listing all these overwhelmed me with a sense of failing before starting. Knowing that all these are Biblical requirements risks slipping into feeling inadequate and asking "Why try?" In truth, this is precisely where the journey must begin.<br />
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The goal of studying and practicing the disciplines is to experience a deep closeness with God, and the first step is realizing our own inability to achieve this. In his short book, <i>Freedom from Sinful Thoughts, </i>Heini Arnold writes, "As long as we think we can save ourselves by our own will power, we will only make the evil in us stronger than ever." When we try to accomplish the disciplines without relying on God, we may produce
outward signs of success for a time, but will soon grow weary and our
inner condition will ultimately be revealed. <b>Before stepping into God's court, it is critical that we understand that without His help, we cannot make any progress toward intimacy with Him.</b> In <i>Celebration of Discipline, </i>Foster explains:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When we despair of gaining inner transformation through human powers of will and determination, we are open to a wonderful new realization: inner righteousness is a gift from God to be graciously received. The needed change within us is God's work, not ours.</blockquote>
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He goes on to cite Paul in the book of Romans, where Paul refers to the "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5:17&version=ESV" target="_blank">free gift of righteousness.</a>" However, Foster also warns against then assuming that there is nothing we can do. There is a middle ground between doing our part in practicing the disciplines and relying on God's grace to work within us. <b>The disciplines are a means of receiving God's grace.</b> We cannot expect to do nothing and receive the results of the disciplines, Fruits of the Spirit, or intimacy with God.<br />
<br />
Foster describes the journey of "disciplined grace" as a path between two cliffs. One cliff is human strivings for righteousness, and the other side is no human effort. The path is the disciplines. It leads to inner transformation, but it's a long and difficult path, and you must try not to slip to either side. "We must always remember that the path does not produce the change; it only places us where the change can occur." You need to make the decision to pursue this road with your eyes open to how much persistence and time it will take.<br />
<br />
Knowing that it takes effort to achieve all this, consider why you, personally, would learn the disciplines. You must have a strong drive to continue practicing them, or you will soon give up. In order to succeed, <b>the desire has to be stronger than the frustration of not seeing immediate results.</b> As for me, I tend to start strong but my efforts quickly taper off when I don't make visible progress. Before long, I have stopped entirely. Foster sums up the issue simply:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.</blockquote>
<b>Today's culture is busy and often results in shallow relationships.</b> "How are you?" is a question asked without expecting more than a vague "good" in response, if that. It's even asked to a stranger we pass on the sidewalk. We don't expect deep answers from others, and this has seeped into our relationships' with God. The best way I see to avoid this is knowing how important a deep, close relationship with God is. <b>The disciplines are designed to bring us closer to God, and yes, it takes time and persistence, but it <i>will </i>pay off.</b> When it does, you will be tremendously blessed. Even before you realize you are reaping the benefits, you are. Little by little, you will see that instead of always struggling to be kind, forgiving, loving, etc. this becomes your natural state. In fact, it would be difficult to <i>not </i>be kind, forgiving, loving, etc. This change takes a long time of total commitment, but the reward will be great.<br />
<br />
However, a word of caution should be given. Keep in mind that <b>the disciplines are between you and God </b><i><b>only.</b> </i>Be sure not to become like the Pharisees and boast of your works. The point of the disciplines is not to become a "better Christian," but more like Jesus—humble, loving, faithful. <b>It's all about the <i>heart </i>behind it.</b> It might be easy to fool others, but God cannot be tricked. He sees the heart, and He knows the reasons behind your efforts. Also remember that the disciplines should be regularly practiced not as another religious "duty" we must
perform, but with a heart that desires only to grow closer to God. Don't allow the disciplines to become a set of laws that makes you proud when you follow and fearful when you don't. <b>Keep your heart in the right place—purely longing for a deep closeness with God.</b><br />
<br />
Now, perhaps this is what I should say at the end of every post in this series. <i>Do not </i>get caught up in the mechanics of the disciplines, and forget that it's all about the heart. God doesn't care if you don't do them "perfectly," and there is not necessarily any one "right" way to practice them. Your heart is the key. <b>If you have a heart truly determined to do whatever it takes to grow nearer to God, He will honor that dedication and desire.</b> Don't become concerned with exactly "how to" and never actually <i>do it. </i>Don't worry about if you're doing it "right," just start right away and practice it.<br />
<br />
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<br />Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-33265722830408027792019-02-14T00:30:00.000-08:002019-02-14T00:30:10.617-08:00True Love (as taught by The Princess Bride)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>“This is true love—you think this happens every day?”</i> <span style="font-size: small;">(Westley—The Princess Bride)</span></span></blockquote>
Everybody longs for it. Even when people claim they're not looking
for love, they are. They have a "love life," even when they aren't
actively looking for a significant other. Everyone seeks love from
different sources. For some, it might be the love between a husband and
wife. For others, the love of parents, siblings, children, or friends.
The desire to be loved is among the deepest feelings known to man.
Valentine's Day (or "Singles Awareness Day") embodies this delight in
being loved, or emphasizes the pain of lacking love. In this quest for
true love, today's generations have lost the real definition of love.
They have forgotten the source of <i>perfect</i> love. Instead of embracing the
purest form of love, they have traded it for a substitute—the empty
love of the world. All too often, <b>people ignore the one true love they
already have.</b><br />
<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">". . .</span></span> true love is the greatest
thing in the world.</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i> <strike>Except for a nice M.L.T., a mutton, lettuce, and
tomato sandwich . . .</strike>"</i> </span>(Miracle Max—The Princess Bride) </blockquote>
Of course,<b> the truest form of love I'm referring to is the love of
Jesus the Christ.</b> The Bible tells us the magnitude of Jesus' love for
us:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life
for his friends" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+15%3A13&version=ESV" target="_blank">John 15:13</a>).</li>
<li>"But God shows his love for us in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom+5%3A8&version=ESV" target="_blank">Romans 5:8</a>).</li>
<li>And the famous: <span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">"</span></span><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NKJV-26137"><span class="woj">For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten</span> <span class="woj">Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.</span></span>" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 3:16</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, NKJV</span>).</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">These three verses alone summarize the depth of God's passion for mankind, His precious creation. First, the greatest kind of love is defined (sacrificing one's life for his friends); then we see that Jesus did this for us. The last verse further demonstrates the enormity of God's love as He gave His one and only Son to die so that man might be able to live with Him forever. <b>There is no greater love than this.</b> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">More so, what does God get from us? For what reason would He sacrifice so much? There is nothing we can offer God that is worthy of His awesome love. That's where the completely incredible part comes in. </span></span><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><b>God doesn't <i>need</i> us. He <i>wants</i> us.</b> </span></span><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Jesus wants us enough to be willing to <i>die </i>to save our lives, and we can't ever repay him. <b>He loves us for the sake of loving us.</b> Not for anything we do. He doesn't tell us to go and try to live perfectly. He doesn't ask that we all die martyrs' deaths for His sake. He only asks that we believe in Him and choose to enter into a relationship with Him. He desires for us to tell others about His love for them, and how He made a way for them to live in eternity with Him (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+28%3A19-20&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 28:19-20</a>). He wants us to bring glory to Him in all we do (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+10:31&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>). This is pure grace and true love. Sacrificial. Loving not for what He can get out of the relationship, but simply because He cares about us.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Unfortunately, our standards of a "relationship" have been so diminished from what they should be, that we often forget that <b>a commitment is a commitment.</b></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><b>We can't have many lovers.</b></span></span></span></i><br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">We can't play the "dating game" with God, and have a different "love" every week.</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><i>"Why didn't you wait for me?"</i> (Westley—The Princess Bride)</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Our God is a jealous God, and He will not allow His bride (Christians) to have an affair. He will not compete for our hearts. Even so, He will not force us to love Him. It would not be true love if He did. Rather, He gives us a choice. <b>We can choose Him, or we can choose the world. What will it be?</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Too often, young Christians give up on the faith, unwilling to give up the comforts and pleasures of this world in exchange for the hard life of a Christian with a mind solely devoted to bringing glory to God. In a sense, they are saying:</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><i>"I loved once . . . It worked out badly."</i> (Buttercup—The Princess Bride)</span></span></blockquote>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">This is <i>not </i>true love. "Loving" only when it is easy or one benefits, is simply not love. It's self-seeking. It lacks purity. Christians who abandon God's true love for them are having an affair. They gave their heart to God, then took it back to give to the world. Sometimes, they hit a hard time in life, and go running back to God, claiming:</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><i>"I will never doubt again."</i> (Buttercup—The Princess Bride)</span></span></blockquote>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Then, as soon as their life is back on track and things get better, they turn their backs on God again. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">The classic <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+corinthians+13%3A1-8&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 13</a> passage explains true love:</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-ESV-28653">Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-ESV-28654"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-ESV-28655"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.</span></span></span><span class="text 1Cor-13-8" id="en-ESV-28657"><sup> </sup>Love never ends.</span><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><b>God's love is perfect. Our love is far from perfect.</b> Even on our best days, our love for God and those around us is imperfect. We are regularly quick-tempered, harsh, jealous, prideful, selfish, irritable, and resentful. We lack commitment. All of these are daily struggles, and they're all the opposite of love. Thank God He doesn't love us the same way we love Him.</span></span><br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">On a human level, unfortunately, many tend to forget this true love. Since loving God is so hard, and not necessarily immediately gratifying, we turn to other substitutes, ignoring our True Love. We aren't willing to put the effort into loving God. Because of our poor attempts of love and failure to honor our commitments, we tend to settle for less than love and to act less than loving. We forget God's commands.</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">"</span></span><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><span class="text Eph-5-25" id="en-ESV-29313">Husbands, love your wives, <i>as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her</i>" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A25&version=ESV" target="_blank">Ephesians 5:25</a>—italics mine).</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><span class="text Eph-5-25" id="en-ESV-29313">"</span></span></span><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><span class="text Eph-5-25" id="en-ESV-29313"><span class="text Matt-22-37" id="en-ESV-23907"><span class="woj">You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-22-38" id="en-ESV-23908"><span class="woj">This is the great and first commandment.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-ESV-23909"><span class="woj">And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A37-39&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 22:37-39</a>).</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><span class="text Eph-5-25" id="en-ESV-29313"><span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-ESV-23909"><span class="woj">"</span></span></span></span></span><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><span class="text Eph-5-25" id="en-ESV-29313"><span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-ESV-23909"><span class="woj"><span class="text Matt-5-44" id="en-ESV-23279"><span class="woj">Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5:44&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 5:44</a>).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Instead of following Christ's example of Biblical love, we have come to treat love as a fleeting feeling. It comes and goes. One day we might love someone, the next we don't. One day we might love Jesus, the next we don't. Again I say, <i>this is not true love.</i><b> </b>Love doesn't come and go. It takes work. It endures all things and never ends. It loves our enemies.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">This Valentine's Day, reevaluate your love life. Even if you claim you don't have a "love life," you do. There are people that you love and who love you, even when it's not shown well. Above all, <b>God loves you, even when you don't love Him back.</b> Take a look around you at your loves.</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Is God your first love? Are you loving God as He has commanded? Are you remaining pure to Him, as His bride?</span></span></li>
<li><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">What about family and friends? Are you treating them with real love? Love that is patient, kind, putting them above yourself? Love that endures the arguments and bad days, weeks, or months? Love that persists even when it isn't returned?</span></span></li>
<li><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Are you loving those around you by telling them the good news that they, too, have a True Love who is eager to embrace them?</span></span></li>
<li><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Do you show God's love even to those who hate you?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><b>Remember what true love is.</b> Don't simply give someone a Valentine today, but tomorrow return to bickering. Love with God's perfect love, not on your own strength. Love others like God loves you. Unconditionally. And love God most of all. He is worthy. Don't settle for a substitute. It won't fulfill your longing for love. Only God's love will fill the void.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><i>"This is true love—you think this happens every day?"</i> No. It does not happen every day. Only those who choose to embrace God's perfect love will experience the beauty of true love. What a privilege to have access to the single biggest thing this world longs for!</span></span><br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">A final bit of encouragement:</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj"><i>"Death cannot stop true love."</i> (Westley—The Princess Bride)</span></span></blockquote>
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">This is the truest line I've quoted from The Princess Bride today. For a Christian, death only swirls you up into the arms of your True Love.<b> Love blossoms to its fullest in the presence of the Lover. </b>How much more so will the purest, truest of loves be in the presence of the Divine Lover?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Happy Valentine's Day! <3</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text John-3-16"><span class="woj">Note: All Scripture is in the English Standard Version, unless otherwise noted.</span></span></span> Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-89179245455078920112018-12-20T22:57:00.002-08:002018-12-20T22:57:47.860-08:00Blog Tour: Decree ReviewAs promised, I'm back with a review of the fifth book in the Blades of Acktar series by Tricia Mingerink. <i>Decree </i>is a collection of short stories and novellas based on the characters in the previous books.<br />
<br />
To read my reviews of Jaye L. Knight's books that released on the 14th, click <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2018/12/blog-tour-bitter-winter-lacy-reviews.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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<br />
<i>~ Decree ~</i></div>
<br />
The Adventure Continues.<br />
<br />
Discover more of <i>The Blades of Acktar</i> in this collection of novellas and short stories.<br />
<br />
<i>The Blades as They Should’ve Been </i><br />
<br />
A test and the Gathering of Nobles will decide Leith and Martyn’s futures. Can they fight to become more than the Blades they were? Will Keevan accept the man who attempted to kill him as family?<br />
<br />
<i>The First Mission</i><br />
<br />
When Martyn visits Surgis, his past seems determined to haunt him. Can he figure out how to forgive, especially when confronted with an enemy in need of his help?<br />
<br />
<i>To the Far Great Mountains </i><br />
<br />
A death sends Leith and Martyn far beyond the borders of Acktar. Will they be able to arrest their quarry before they are caught themselves?<br />
<br />
From the story of how Leith and Martyn met to Ranson’s search for a life outside of the Blades, these stories will answer plaguing questions and expand the world of Acktar.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Available now on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Decree-Blades-Acktar-Book-5-ebook/dp/B07JH7975X" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>!</span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42380288-decree" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="goodreads" border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Y1nlsnQCkrcKT3pnwqpgJLMB7GkaXlpQI_sc-jEIIgpAxvz8GtDPronFVGjtf5X0FcrDfXhWIPQd_gFcGQqco-WO87W6h9736lCXY1mWJHoZxVP_GPuay1O3XfP0_mDHzOKFYZR-WDXc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="goodreads" width="130" /> </a><br />
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My Review:</div>
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As I mentioned in my review of <i>Lacy, </i>I'm not normally a huge fan of short stories and novellas, but <i>Decree </i>was well written and put together. While I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, the whole book was a fun read. Watching the various interactions between the characters left me smiling. Some stories were driven by action, while others were more about the characters. As in all the Acktar books, the characters truly shined. They have genuine personalities, fears, and dreams, that make readers fall in love with them and feel their same emotions. In the stories that were plot driven, the action was compelling. The setting contributed to the general plotlines, a subtle but well done aspect of the stories. The themes greatly added to the unique aspects of each story, both deep and real. Overall, I'd grant <i>Decree </i>four stars for the intriguing plots, believable (and loveable) characters, and important themes. I can definitely see rereading this at some point.<br />
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As a side note, Leith, the main character of the series, is the best assassin turned hero turned romantic I've ever seen. :) He's an incredible character. If for no other reason than Leith, you should read the series.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I received a free ebook copy of this book for the purposes of the blog tour and in exchange for an honest review.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">~ About the Author ~</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr5NnJ9K6FihaqGH1GCihSs2FeRspIUIucZbglvZ5uVdnUbwvP8pstD_ckB2EW_ye9O5N1ZjhUGeTonduNvQB7ZfDFmIOtnKPRd7_x3v7WTb4pDcM3yeJkvsPaOvBYCS4wB1wifzO4g/s1600/Tricia+Mingerink+Author+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr5NnJ9K6FihaqGH1GCihSs2FeRspIUIucZbglvZ5uVdnUbwvP8pstD_ckB2EW_ye9O5N1ZjhUGeTonduNvQB7ZfDFmIOtnKPRd7_x3v7WTb4pDcM3yeJkvsPaOvBYCS4wB1wifzO4g/s1600/Tricia+Mingerink+Author+Photo.jpg" /></a></span></i></span></div>
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Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.<br />
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You can connect with Tricia on her <a href="https://triciamingerink.com/">blog</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/triciamingerink">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TriciaMingerink">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/triciamingerink/">Instagram</a>.<br />
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Haven’t discovered the <i>The Blades of Acktar</i> yet? Find out more at on the official <a href="https://triciamingerink.com/the-blades-of-acktar/">Blades of Acktar page</a>.<br />
<br />
Be sure to enter the incredible <a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/624234b713/?" target="_blank">giveaway</a> they're having and visit a few of the <a href="https://triciamingerink.com/the-blades-of-acktar/ilyon-acktar-blog-tour-schedule/" target="_blank">other blogs</a> on the tour!<br />
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<br />Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-5778191737890994332018-12-15T07:24:00.000-08:002018-12-20T19:53:29.199-08:00Blog Tour: Bitter Winter & Lacy ReviewsI've been waiting a year and a half to do this post! Since I read <i>Exiles,</i> the fourth book in Jaye L. Knight's Ilyon Chronicles series, I've been counting down the days to the release of her next Christian fantasy novel. When Knight posted the release date for <i>Bitter Winter, </i>I also discovered that on the same day she was publishing book 5.5, <i>Lacy.</i> I'm honored to be part of the blog tour releasing them into the world, and happy to announce they both exceeded my expectations (which were already high).<br />
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[As a side note before I post the books' information and reviews, I should mention that this blog tour is particularly special to me because Knight (one of my top favorite authors) is teaming up with Tricia Mingerink (one of my other top favorite authors) for a dual book release and blog tour. Knight's books, <i>Bitter Winter </i>and <i>Lacy </i>released yesterday, December 14th, and Mingerink's book, <i>Decree, </i>releases on the 18th. I'll review <i>Decree </i>here on the 20th.]<br />
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Without further ado, I present part one of the Knight and Mingerink—Ilyon and Acktar blog tour!<br />
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<i>~ Bitter Winter ~</i></div>
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Already struggling with a harsh winter and the threat of food shortage, a catastrophic event leaves those in the Landale camps reeling. Just when things couldn’t get much worse, camp members fall ill with the same devastating sickness that’s sweeping across the country.<br />
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Determined to gain the cure, Jace sets off to Valcré. However, there are only two sources—the queen, or a powerful gang of smugglers who have made the dangerous city their home. When Jace gains audience with the gang leader, he finds the price of the cure is steeper than any of them imagined, forcing him to make an impossible choice—betray his conscience or let those he loves die.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Available now on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Winter-Ilyon-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07K1G8PPK" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>!</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25796274-bitter-winter" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="goodreads" border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Y1nlsnQCkrcKT3pnwqpgJLMB7GkaXlpQI_sc-jEIIgpAxvz8GtDPronFVGjtf5X0FcrDfXhWIPQd_gFcGQqco-WO87W6h9736lCXY1mWJHoZxVP_GPuay1O3XfP0_mDHzOKFYZR-WDXc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="goodreads" width="130" /></a></div>
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My Review:</div>
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I had an eager-nervousness as I began reading <i>Bitter Winter. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Would it be as good as the previous books? Was it possible to </span><span style="font-style: normal;">love the characters any more than I already did? I soon learned the answers to my questions—yes and yes. </span><i>Bitter Winter </i><span style="font-style: normal;">went far beyond my hopes for the book. It was a breathtaking read. I simply could not put it down! At times I was fighting tears nearly as much as the characters themselves. Other times my heart raced with the same adrenaline that urged the characters on. Still more times I hung on every word to find out the fate of the Resistance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">While </span><i>Bitter Winter</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was a bit slower paced than the others in the series, that didn't lessen the intensity or sense of d</span><span style="font-style: normal;">anger closing in on the characters. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The plot remained gripping all the way through. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Even though I enjoy the fast action of the previous books, I was appreciative of the break from the heaviness of the persecution the characters are facing. They still endured trials and tragedy, but I wasn't left feeling quite as heavy-hearted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">Concerning the setting, it remained detailed, realistic, and intriguing. As implied by the title, the setting took on a semi-major role in this novel, to the point of becoming </span><span style="font-style: normal;">one of two </span><span style="font-style: normal;">main villain</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I thought it was excellently portrayed in this role.</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">Regarding the characters, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Knight has always done a wonderful job of creating realistic subjects that are extremely relat</span><span style="font-style: normal;">e</span><span style="font-style: normal;">able. They have </span><span style="font-style: normal;">depth and true personalities, complete with wonderful strengths and genuine weaknesses. I have only one minor complaint—I feel that there are too many characters starting relationships. Even though it may be realistic, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">considering all the characters have similar backgrounds of persecution for their faith and are dwelling in a small hideout together,</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> it seems that in the first few books there was no or very little romance, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">while</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> now half the characters have a significant other. Don't get me wrong—I </span><span style="font-style: normal;">adore</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> sweet romances </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and wouldn't mind a few</span><span style="font-style: normal;">, but it does seem like there has been a huge increase in the number of </span><span style="font-style: normal;">characters in relationships all of a sudden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">All taken into account, I still grant </span><i>Bitter Winter </i><span style="font-style: normal;">five stars. Though I felt some areas fell slightly short, others went </span><span style="font-style: normal;">far </span><span style="font-style: normal;">above and beyond </span><span style="font-style: normal;">my hopes </span><span style="font-style: normal;">so I believe it evens out. :) </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It kept me flipping pages and very connected with the characters. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I'm already eager to reread it. :) Congratulations, Jaye, on another outstanding addition to the </span><i>Ilyon Chronicles!</i></div>
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<i>~ Lacy ~</i></div>
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The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.<br />
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When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.<br />
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An <i>Ilyon Chronicles </i>novella. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Available now on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K1GJXJT" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>!</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29618434-lacy" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="goodreads" border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Y1nlsnQCkrcKT3pnwqpgJLMB7GkaXlpQI_sc-jEIIgpAxvz8GtDPronFVGjtf5X0FcrDfXhWIPQd_gFcGQqco-WO87W6h9736lCXY1mWJHoZxVP_GPuay1O3XfP0_mDHzOKFYZR-WDXc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="goodreads" width="130" /></a></div>
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My Review:</div>
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<i>Lacy </i><span style="font-style: normal;">was a pleasant surprise for me. I hadn't been aware of its existence, and I'm normally not as much a fan of novellas as I am lengthy novels. However, </span><i>Lacy </i><span style="font-style: normal;">swept me up and pulled me in. I was drawn toward the characters and their plight. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The struggles they faced were not petty issues, but a topic </span><span style="font-style: normal;">that has always moved</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> my own heart. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Plot, setting, characters, themes, they were all beautiful in this story. Genuine and deep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">When I started to read, I anticipated</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i>Lacy </i><span style="font-style: normal;">would be</span><span style="font-style: normal;"></span><span style="font-style: normal;"> a four star book, simply by the fact that it wasn't full length. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Having finished,</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> I've increased that to five stars for how it captivated me even in fewer pages </span><span style="font-style: normal;">than my usual preference</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. It's masterfully crafted—a true work of art.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I received free ebook copies of these books for the purposes of the blog tour and in exchange for an honest review. </span></div>
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<i>~ About the Author ~</i></div>
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<i> </i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaTwpSfYReT814mvaOgtFMxfcFWs0EQbmA2ojilaNhm2B8-aIIfMde8nt-pFsSxhEN7BGNyLiUfLydGiI7F7IurAMG3xZyKAAw57jQmVw5sNIqpuKHr1f5Ph1XiYIEHycbbrBcOEEmw/s1600/JayeLKnight+Author+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaTwpSfYReT814mvaOgtFMxfcFWs0EQbmA2ojilaNhm2B8-aIIfMde8nt-pFsSxhEN7BGNyLiUfLydGiI7F7IurAMG3xZyKAAw57jQmVw5sNIqpuKHr1f5Ph1XiYIEHycbbrBcOEEmw/s320/JayeLKnight+Author+Photo.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.<br />
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You can connect with Jaye on her <a href="http://www.jayelknight.com/">website</a>, <a href="http://jayelknight.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jayelknight">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayelknight">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JayeLKnight">Etsy</a>.<br />
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Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official <a href="http://www.ilyonchronicles.com/">Ilyon Chronicles website</a>!<br />
<br />
Be sure to enter the incredible <a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/624234b713/?" target="_blank">giveaway</a> they're having and visit a few of the <a href="https://triciamingerink.com/the-blades-of-acktar/ilyon-acktar-blog-tour-schedule/" target="_blank">other blogs</a> on the tour!</div>
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-50594801626725948452018-12-05T10:00:00.000-08:002018-12-05T10:00:05.535-08:00Will You Stand?Christians left, right, and center are compromising their beliefs—too afraid to take a firm stand. Peer pressure isn't something only youth face. From old to young, Christians are hesitant to stick up for their convictions. No one wants to be looked down upon, so it takes great courage to take a controversial stand. The "pressure" isn't even necessarily from peers—though it might be. It could also be a young adult desiring the respect of a grandparent, potential employer, or professor. Unfortunately, it is the rare Christian who is willing to risk everything to defend his beliefs.<br />
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Despite wanting to be liked or fit in, <b>Christians <i>should not </i>fit into the world.</b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom+12%3A2&version=ESV" target="_blank">Romans 12:2</a> tells Christians that they shouldn't conform to the world but rather have their minds transformed and renewed. Jesus explains the concept of being separated from the world in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+15%3A18-19&version=ESV" target="_blank">John 15</a>.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-15-18"><span class="woj">If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.</span></span> <span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj">If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.</span></span></blockquote>
<span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj">The first step to standing up for your beliefs is recognizing that even though you want to fit in with others, the reality is that by the very nature of being born again, you are not of this world. <b>You are of the Kingdom of Heaven. You should be different.</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj">Is losing favor with the world a sacrifice? Yes—and no. It is in the sense that since people want to be liked, they are choosing to give this up to honor God. However, in some aspects it isn't a sacrifice when considering the only reason Christians must be different from the world is because they are destined for eternity in heaven. <b>They've chosen to make their home in another world, so it only makes sense that they would not fit in on this earth.</b> "</span></span><span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj"><span class="text Heb-13-14" id="en-ESV-30239">For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+13%3A14&version=ESV" target="_blank">Hebrews 13:14</a>). You wouldn't expect </span></span></span><span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj"><span class="text Heb-13-14" id="en-ESV-30239">the Native Americans to understand the cultures of the Englishmen back in the 1600s?</span></span></span><span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj"><span class="text Heb-13-14" id="en-ESV-30239"> or </span></span></span><span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj"><span class="text Heb-13-14" id="en-ESV-30239">the hobbits of Middle Earth to get along very well in the Star Wars galaxy, would you? Even the elves were different from all the other beings in Middle Earth, <i>because</i> they were destined for another place, separated from the rest of their present dwelling.</span></span></span><span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj"><span class="text Heb-13-14" id="en-ESV-30239"> So why hope that Christians could be friends with the world when they are different at the core of their beings?</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj"><br />
</span></span> <span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj">However, in the sense that it is a sacrifice, is it worth it? I would have to say that it is. After all, <b>our savior gave His life so that we could be different.</b> The sacrifice of not being liked by the world is <i>nothing</i> compared to the sacrifice of His very life.</span></span><br />
<span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj"><br />
</span></span> <span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj">This is the conclusion that California college junior <a href="https://world.wng.org/2018/11/convictions_and_consequences" target="_blank">Isabella Chow</a> came to when faced with supporting the LGBT agenda in late October. As a student senator at UC Berkeley, she was asked to vote pro-LGBT, but she refused, based on her Christian beliefs. She provided a five paragraph statement explaining her views, and clearly explained how she felt about people involved in the LGBT movement. </span></span><span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj">“I have said, and will always say, that discrimination against or harassment of any person or people group is never, ever okay” (<a href="https://world.wng.org/2018/11/convictions_and_consequences" target="_blank">Lee</a>). The onslaught of criticism Chow received for abstaining from the vote was tremendous. Sophia Lee, reporter for <i>WORLD Magazine</i>, describes it this way:</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj">Heads turned when Chow walked across the campus, and her cell phone beeped with social media alerts. Disaffiliation notices piled into her email inbox. Online, people compared her to the KKK and called her “a terrible example of Christian hypocrisy.”</span></span></blockquote>
Despite the intense attacks from every direction she faced, thanks to the prayers and support of her fellow Christians, Chow remained steadfast in her conviction to not give in to the pressures. Her world was turned upside down, and she is still battling the results of her decision. Her sacrifice was great. Nevertheless, Chow refused to cave. She knew that she must stand for her beliefs, even if it meant losing her position in society.<br />
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Similarly, the American missionary, Andrew Brunson, who was recently released from 21 months in Turkish prisons, was willing to sacrifice everything—including his very life, to stand strong for Jesus. He was quoted as saying "Sometimes it's harder to live for God than to die for God. I would rather have been in heaven than in prison" (Belz). In fact, he considered himself a "living martyr" (Belz). While imprisoned, he remembered Richard Wurmbrand, who endured years of torture at the hands of the Romanian government, and later founded Voice of the Martyrs. Wurmbrand had praised God through his continued struggles, and Brunson imitated him by dancing before the Lord in his cell (<a href="https://world.wng.org/2018/11/convictions_and_consequences" target="_blank">Lee</a>). Despite the extreme hardship he faced, he made the difficult choice to continue his stand for Christ.<br />
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Over the years, many Christians have chosen to defend what they know to be right and true, at great personal cost. But the majority of Christians often fail to honor their Lord in this manner. <b>Their fear holds them back.</b> Don't you think Jesus was afraid of the pain and separation from His father at the cross? Don't you appreciate His sacrifice made especially for you?<br />
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Maybe you're currently in a situation where you have to make that hard choice to stand for God or not. Maybe soon you'll find yourself in a place like that. Only you can decide what to do, but know this: <b>there is no sacrifice you can make that even compares to Jesus' sacrifice for you.</b> Christians are called to be a light in this world—to be different. The Christian life is anything but easy, but as Paul said in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:18&version=ESV" target="_blank">Romans 8:18</a>, "<span class="text Rom-8-18">For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Sacrifice now to honor your God. Make that hard choice to do what you know is right. Just as Brunson was encouraged by Wurmbrand's example, so Christians everywhere can draw strength from the stand of Isabella Chow. Will you be one of the few who will step up to the plate, prepared to be a "living martyr?"</span><br />
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<span class="text Rom-8-18"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Will you stand?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Belz, Mindy. "'A Living Martyr.'" <i>WORLD Magazine. </i>24 Nov. 2018: 37-42. Print.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lee, Sophia. "Convictions and Consequences." <i>WORLD Magazine. </i>20 Nov. 2018.<i> WORLD Magazine </i>Web. 3 Dec. 2018.</span><br />
<i></i>Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-62258120513322158672018-09-20T10:20:00.001-07:002018-09-20T10:20:24.936-07:00Remember the Bible?Remember that thick book at the bottom of your TBR stack? The one you look away from whenever you see it, guilt plaguing your mind? <i>I really should read it. I know I should . . . but I'm too busy. I have to update my social media status first. Then I'll read a bit.</i><br />
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Two hours later: <i>Well, I guess it's too late now. I'm really tired and have to get up early tomorrow for work, and then there's that birthday party I'm going to afterward. I won't have time tomorrow, but I'll be at church Sunday so that's alright.</i><br />
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So often in today's American culture a family might own ten Bibles. The majority of them sit on a shelf collecting dust, and maybe one per family member rests on a bedside table to be used twice a week. Reading the Bible frequently seems like a chore. Something that should be done, but is more of a task to get over with than the privilege that it is. Compare this to the 1400s and early 1500s in England. <br />
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Each week people would attend church services spoken in a language they were unfamiliar with. The Bible would be read in Latin and interpreted by the church who changed the meaning to match its own agenda. Translating the Bible into English was forbidden. People didn't own a single Bible they could understand. They weren't able to study the Bible at leisure. If they were caught with an English Bible, their punishment would be death. In 1519, seven fathers were burned at the stake for teaching their children the Lord's Prayer in English (Piper). Stop and imagine that for a moment. Parents wanted their children to understand what they were <i>praying,</i> and they were murdered for this. <br />
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Why? Why would the <i>church</i> execute Christians, seeking to read the Bible and understand it? Wasn't the church supposed to want people to learn more about God? No. The church wanted people to hear specific things about God (some of these things altogether faulty), and<i> think</i> they knew God. The church was unwilling to lose the power it held over people by making them believe they were saved by good works.<br />
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Enter into the scene: William Tyndale.<br />
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As Pastor John Piper, founder of desiringGod.org, summarizes Tyndale's life, Tyndale was “always singing one note.” His single-minded focus in life was getting the Bible translated into the common tongue and the hands of every person in England. In Tyndale's famous declaration, he audaciously stated his ambition: “I defy the pope and all his laws . . . If God spare my life ere many years, I will cause a boy that driveth the plow, shall know more of the Scripture than thou dost.”<br />
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Tyndale recognized the importance of people reading the Bible for themselves. Mastering several languages, Tyndale devoted his life to translating the Scriptures to English, despite being wanted by the law and living in exile in Germany for it. Upon completing the Greek New Testament, Tyndale smuggled at least 3,000 copies into England. After studying Hebrew, he published a revised edition of the New Testament in 1534, as well as translating parts of the Old Testament. Piper explained that Tyndale's translations were so accurate, many of his exact translations have remained through today. He estimates that the English Standard Version of the Bible (the translation I primarily use) is over 70% of Tyndale's direct work. Tyndale's Bible was certainly the basis for both the King James Version and Geneva Bible.<br />
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While Tyndale dedicated every moment to translation and distribution of the Bibles, the church in England retaliated and burned as many of his Bibles as they could find. Because people had accessed the Scriptures and read them for themselves, more and more started standing against the church's contrary teachings and for the truths they found in the Bible. The number of martyrs grew—for doing nothing more than reading the very book you have three copies of sitting on your shelf, virtually unused. It's a shocking revelation to realize that simply owning only <i>one</i> of what you have multiple copies of would have made you a martyr a few hundred years ago.<br />
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Tyndale never was able to complete the Old Testament translation, because he was betrayed by Henry Philips, who Tyndale had thought was a good friend, and arrested in May of 1535 for heresy. The generally accepted date of his strangling and burning is October 6, 1536. While the exact year of his birth is contested, Tyndale was somewhere around the age of 40. He'd spent 12 years of his life in exile, and a long, hard twelve they were. Tyndale died so you could have the Bible in your own language. So that you could read and study it—not leave it lying somewhere unused. Allow George Mueller to remind you of the value of studying the Bible from his own life:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“I saw that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the word of God, and to meditation on it. . . . What is the food of the inner man? Not prayer, but the word of God; and . . . not the simple reading of the word of God, so that it only passes through our minds, just as water runs through a pipe, but considering what we read, pondering over it, and applying it to our hearts.”</blockquote>
The next time you see your Bible shoved in between the dictionary and the edge of the shelf, take some time to pull it down, dust it off, and read. Remember the sacrifices people made for the same privilege you have in abundance. America is still a free nation, and you still can access the Bible everywhere you turn. It's an honor. And a command. “Blessed is the man . . . [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+1%3A1-2&version=ESV" target="_blank">Ps. 1.1-2</a>). Remember what a treasure the Bible is.<br />
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Note: Another post I wrote on a similar subject as reading your Bible is one of my favorites, <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/06/dear-god-where-have-you-been.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear God, Where Have You Been?</i></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Piper, John. “<span style="font-style: normal;">Always Singing One Note—A Vernacular Bible.” </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Desiring God Conference for Pastors. Desiring God. 31 January 2006. Conference Presentation.</span></span></div>
Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-77382691272038541082018-09-17T08:52:00.000-07:002018-09-17T08:52:10.584-07:00Looking Into James: James 1:22-25A few mornings ago as I read my Bible, a passage in James stood out to me. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1%3A22-25&version=ESV" target="_blank">James 1:22-25</a> reads:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Jas-1-22" id="en-ESV-30272">But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.</span> <span class="text Jas-1-23" id="en-ESV-30273">For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.</span> <span class="text Jas-1-24" id="en-ESV-30274">For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.</span> <span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275">But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.</span></blockquote>
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<span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275">I read this, then went back and read it a few times over, trying to understand the mirror analogy. Through personal reflection and discussion with my family, I noted two major takeaways from the passage. The first point I noticed lies in <b>not forgetting</b>. So often, even in my own experience, I go to church, youth group, a Christian camp, hear a message, and forget about it within an hour. If you asked me the following day what the sermon covered, it would take me a few minutes to remember, and after several days, I might not have any idea. In these cases, I am being "</span><span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275"><span class="text Jas-1-23" id="en-ESV-30273">a hearer of the word and not a doer." <b>What good is it to sit in church and listen to a teaching if you then neglect to apply it to your life and grow from what you heard?</b> Sometimes, it's a challenge to pull a practical aspect out of a lesson, but I've found that the times I do this, the more I get out of it. <b>When I take the effort to find a practical application and truly work to practice this in my own life, that's when I make progress in my spiritual walk.</b> Growing closer to the Lord takes work, and that includes finding and applying spiritual lessons. For me, this may be hearing a teaching regarding self discipline, then asking myself what areas of self discipline I'm not good at, how to be better, and then doing so.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275"><span class="text Jas-1-23" id="en-ESV-30273">My second note regarding this passage concerns <b>self-examination</b> and relates to the point I made above. My best understanding of the mirror analogy is this: When we study ourselves, and find areas that we need to improve upon (as we always will), we are foolish if we do not then go and work to fix those areas. Like I mentioned earlier, it does no good to hear a message or notice ways we should be better in our spiritual lives and not work to become better. <b>The entire point is to notice things to improve in ourselves, and then find ways to do so.</b> Otherwise, we are being lazy, and honestly very foolish. <b>We're concentrating on our short-term, earthly lives, not on </b></span></span><b><span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275"><span class="text Jas-1-23" id="en-ESV-30273">honoring the One who gave His own life for us</span></span></b><span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275"><span class="text Jas-1-23" id="en-ESV-30273"><b>.</b> We're being focused on the temporary, not eternity-minded. Remember, even if we neglect to grow spiritually and examine ourselves, God knows. If you lack insight, ask Him and read your Bible.</span></span>
<span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+4%3A12-13&version=ESV" target="_blank">Hebrews 4:12-13</a> points out:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275">"</span><span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275"><span class="text Heb-4-12" id="en-ESV-30010">For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.</span> <span class="text Heb-4-13" id="en-ESV-30011">And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."</span></span></blockquote>
<span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275"><span class="text Heb-4-13" id="en-ESV-30011"><span class="text Jas-1-25" id="en-ESV-30275"><span class="text Jas-1-23" id="en-ESV-30273"><b>So
next time you are at church, youth group, or God reveals something to
you, ask yourself how you can grow through it, and apply it to your life.</b> God will honor your efforts and help you grow stronger in Him. "</span></span></span></span><span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-ESV-19649">You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A13&version=ESV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:13</a>).</span><br />
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-73411287619420129492018-09-04T01:00:00.000-07:002018-09-21T11:50:38.901-07:00Defending the Faith 5: Compromising TruthIn today's society, compromising truth has never been easier for Christians due to great societal pressures. Pastors sway under pressures from “science” and teach that Genesis is figurative. Churches agree not to discuss any potentially “divisive” doctrines. Christians neglect to speak out when the opportunity arises and cower instead, afraid to be called judgmental. Some Christian colleges insist on editing out news stories from school newspapers that don't follow their agenda.<br />
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According to WORLD Magazine's September 1, 2018 issue, this is the compromise in Liberty University's journalism department. Journalism students are taught to write accurate stories, but when it comes to practicing their skills in the school newspaper, the <i>Liberty Champion, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">their informative articles </span><span style="font-style: normal;">are</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> placed under extreme criticism. When they wr</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ite</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> about a topic the president of the university, Jerry Falwell Jr, d</span><span style="font-style: normal;">oesn</span><span style="font-style: normal;">'t wish to have made public </span><span style="font-style: normal;">about campus policies</span><span style="font-style: normal;">, he force</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> them to edit it out. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Similarly, if they wr</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ite</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> accurate </span><span style="font-style: normal;">but unflattering </span><span style="font-style: normal;">information about </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the </span><span style="font-style: normal;">United States </span><span style="font-style: normal;">presidential candidate </span><span style="font-style: normal;">that </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Falwell was an advocate for, he either force</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> the students to remove it f</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ro</span><span style="font-style: normal;">m the newspaper or </span><span style="font-style: normal;">also state which candidate they themselves are voting for. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">While it's not necessarily </span><i>wrong </i><span style="font-style: normal;">to include warning readers of an author's potential bias, being forced to specifically state your choice of candidate is. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Time and again, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the article asserts, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the students try to simply write </span><span style="font-style: normal;">truthful</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">articles about topics they find fascinating, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">only to have them be struck down by a president who would rather hide </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and compromise </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the truth. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Erin Covey, the </span><i>Champion's</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> news editor, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">states her frustration and confusion. “The level of oversight we have does make it difficult to pursue the accurate journalism that we're taught in classes.” </span><span style="font-style: normal;">When the students stand up for what </span><span style="font-style: normal;">they have been taught </span><span style="font-style: normal;">is right, the consequences are drastic. Former editor-in-chief, Jack Panyard, ultimately was fired from the position and lost the $3,000 scholarship each semester this job earned him. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The president of the college that instructs the students to write truthful articles in class, teaches the students not to do this in a “real world” environment</span><span style="font-style: normal;">—a</span><span style="font-style: normal;">nd this is in a Christian </span><span style="font-style: normal;">setting</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">If this is true, then it's n</span><span style="font-style: normal;">o wonder </span><span style="font-style: normal;">that </span><span style="font-style: normal;">so many lies circulate through our </span><span style="font-style: normal;">secular</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> society today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-style: normal;">No longer </span><span style="font-style: normal;">are Christians as determined to uphold truth. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Many have</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> compromised on one of the most important aspects of life. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">As Randy Alcorn put it, </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-style: normal;">“<span style="font-style: normal;">Suppose a professor or inspirational speaker says, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">'</span><span style="font-style: normal;">What’s important isn’t finding the truth, it’s searching for it.</span><span style="font-style: normal;">'</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> Try applying the same logic to your search for a life preserver when you’re drowning! Or, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">'</span><span style="font-style: normal;">Truth is whatever you believe, as long as you’re sincere.</span><span style="font-style: normal;">'</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
Certainly, you can step off a building sincerely believing you won’t
fall. But gravity cares nothing about your sincerity. Even sincere
people are often wrong, sometimes catastrophically so.</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">”</span></blockquote>
<i>Finding </i><span style="font-style: normal;">truth </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and </span><i>holding fast</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to it are</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> key element</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">of living a life glorifying to God. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">As Christians, we shouldn't be compromising truth, we should be standing </span><span style="font-style: normal;">firm </span><span style="font-style: normal;">for it, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and doing so with gentleness, grace, and love</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">C.
S. Lewis makes an outstanding point. “The glory of God, and, as our
only means to glorifying Him, the salvation of human souls, is the real
business of life.” </span><span style="font-style: normal;">A </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Christian</span><span style="font-style: normal;">'</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s job is to glorify God. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A31&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>) </span><span style="font-style: normal;">We glorify Him through helping point people to Christ. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">How can we point them to Jesus if we are inconsistent and compromising in our other </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Christian </span><span style="font-style: normal;">beliefs?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: normal;">If we hide some truths because we'd rather not think about them, and give in to secular pressures (or even pressures from other Christians), how can we honestly expect people to trust us when we say that we know the Truth? </span><span style="font-style: normal;">If we claim that Genesis is figurative because “science” disagrees with the Creation and Flood accounts, then what right have we to say that our Savior was born of a virgin, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">performed true miracles, battled demons, and resurrected</span><span style="font-style: normal;">? Science says th</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ose are</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> impossible as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-style: normal;">When we compromise on truth, we are compromising any reason we have for others to trust us and our beliefs. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">We are giving into worldly pressures to hide truths that might be a bit “messy,” </span><span style="font-style: normal;">uncomfortable, or embar</span><span style="font-style: normal;">r</span><span style="font-style: normal;">assing.</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Even if you do not recognize your own inconsistencies, others will point them out. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">If </span><span style="font-style: normal;">you say the gospels are true and accurate accounts of Jesus, then you cannot also claim other parts of the Bible are figurative.* </span><span style="font-style: normal;">You can believe that all of the Bible is true, or none of it, but you cannot compromise and believe both.</span><br />
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<span style="font-style: normal;">Don't give in to pressures from society and “science.” </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Stand for what you </span><i>know </i><span style="font-style: normal;">is true. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It won't be easy, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and sometimes will be very uncomfortable, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">but it's worth it. </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Don't compromise truth.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-style: normal;">*</span><span style="font-style: normal;">I'm not saying </span><i>some </i><span style="font-style: normal;">parts of the Bible are not figurative. Some certainly are, and <i>are very clearly so</i>. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I'm specifically referring to Genesis, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">which contains plain, straightforward language and is put forth as<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-style: normal;">a very literal book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Crotts, Charissa. Rieth, Elizabeth. Johnson, Isaiah.</span> "</span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: normal;">Papered Over</span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: normal;">." </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>WORLD Magazine</i><i>.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">1 September 2018</span><span style="font-style: normal;">: </span><span style="font-style: normal;">40-45</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. Print.</span></span><br />
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-51627714186282849822018-09-02T17:54:00.000-07:002018-09-02T17:57:43.231-07:00Summer 2018 Highlights: 100 for 100 ChallengeHey, everyone! I know I haven't been around lately, but I'm hoping that will change and this was just a season of exceptional busyness in my life. Maybe I'll get a chance to recap my summer for you. However, as for today, I'm here to highlight one sliver of it—my writing.<br />
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From mid November of 2017 to late May, 2018, my writing had fallen to the wayside. It wasn't that I didn't want to write, or didn't necessarily have the time, it was more that I didn't know what to write and didn't have the drive. None of the stories I was working on at the time were quite matching my mood, so I simply stopped writing. I recognize it seems contradictory to say I missed writing but also didn't feel like it, still, for whatever reason I didn't write for nearly six months.<br />
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Then . . . the 100 for 100 Challenge hosted by Go Teen Writers started, and I jumped on the bandwagon, wondering whether I would even survive writing 100 words a day for the first two weeks. Long story short, last Friday was day 100 of the challenge and I made it! The premise of the challenge was to write at least 100 words a day for 100 days to total 10,000 words by August 31. The exceptions: you got one "grace week," and one day off a week if you chose. In all, I had to take off 10 days combined from when I was attending camps. For the other 90 days though, I wrote consistently! This was both a massive battle and blessing for me. Some days my eyes kept drooping closed and I was writing at midnight to squeeze in my 100 words to barely scrape by. At times I just didn't feel like writing but I had to push through anyway. On occasion I couldn't decide where to go with my story, and had to force myself not to quit.<br />
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But other times, I woke up eager to write and determined to continue through the challenge. Sometimes I would write 500 words a day or more. Honestly, I had no idea that I had it in me to push through the difficulties and remain steadfast over that length of time. At the start, I wasn't sure how to manage writing when I would be gone so much over the summer, but somehow I managed. And not only did I make 10K, but I ended up with a grand total of 26,543 words! :) Though that's not much to some, it was a huge accomplishment for me. I started and completed a short story <i><a href="https://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/p/for-better-or-for-worse.html" target="_blank">For Better or for Worse</a> </i>(22,760 words), and began another to finish the final days.<br />
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A hearty thanks to all who urged me on through this challenge, and encouraged me to write every day. It's only because of your consistent prodding that I managed some days. Thank you to those who are eager to read <i><a href="https://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/p/for-better-or-for-worse.html" target="_blank">For Better or for Worse</a>—</i>it's encouraging to have people want to read my writing! And thank you bloggers at <a href="http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Go Teen Writers</a> for hosting and providing me an opportunity to test my limits and come through victoriously!<br />
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To read the synopsis and an excerpt from <a href="https://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/p/for-better-or-for-worse.html" target="_blank"><i>For Better or for Worse</i></a>, click on the story title anywhere it appears in the post. Let me know what you think!<br />
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-46777683564310483282018-06-21T18:24:00.000-07:002018-06-21T18:24:05.802-07:00Caption #13Wow, that was a lot of fun! I didn't think I'd get nearly as many wonderful responses as I did! Thank you everyone who sent in a caption: Abigail, Alex, Amy, Arianna, Audrey, Carla, Danny, Debbi, Faith, Isaac, Kathy, Natalie E, and Samuel.<br />
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As I received each caption, I couldn't help but laugh. Some were similar, but all unique, and each one was so much fun to read! My favorite caption was sent in by Danny, but second place was tied between several of you. Here's Danny's caption:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAoCfv0Bt84blUcwNKQAUx63asDPJu8N5Ieni4X1-5u8KCZIgwF9sc71zPrjko2qE_0ewCyeS6UcsDPVZFa0qCDLM7-uHUTUjMOAEugWeUMMcPVAuhdzgsgcFiK6iKftq45WgAYpwKA/s1600/IMG_5240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAoCfv0Bt84blUcwNKQAUx63asDPJu8N5Ieni4X1-5u8KCZIgwF9sc71zPrjko2qE_0ewCyeS6UcsDPVZFa0qCDLM7-uHUTUjMOAEugWeUMMcPVAuhdzgsgcFiK6iKftq45WgAYpwKA/s320/IMG_5240.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't mind all the kisses, but how will I ever break it to her that I ain't turning into a prince?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Isn't that so funny? I can picture the lizard thinking exactly that. Thank you, Danny! Some of the other fabulous captions are below.<br />
<b>Amy:</b> "Introducing ... The Great and Powerful Lizard of Oz!"<br />
<b>Alex:</b> "I've never seen a tree talk before!"<br />
<b>Carla:</b> "I know she can't see me, I know she can't see me . . . wait, I thought I was a chameleon—oh no, she sees me!"<br />
<b>Kathy:</b> "How many times did you have to shed your skin to be that super?"<br />
<b>Samuel:</b> "Are you Goliath?" <br />
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I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did! Let me know if you'd like me to do another at some point. :)<br />
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<br />Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-59118260901942237402018-06-17T18:43:00.000-07:002018-06-17T18:43:54.157-07:00Dear Fathers, Grandfathers, and Future FathersThis goes out to all the amazing guys out there, but especially to my dad and grandpa, both the best of the bunch (though I'm probably a bit biased). :) Happy Father's Day!<br />
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Dear fathers all over the world, thank you for all the times you love on your children, show them they're special, and take care of all their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. You are one of the most influential people in your children's life, so thank you for when you show them how to either be a good father and husband, or what to look for in a future husband. Thank you when you imitate your Father in heaven. As the leader of your household, treat your children with love (including discipline) and instruct them in the ways of the Lord. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+22%3A6&version=ESV" target="_blank">Proverbs 22:6</a> tells you to "<span class="text Prov-22-6" id="en-ESV-17022">Train up a child in the way he should go; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Prov-22-6">even when he is old he will not depart from it."</span></span><br />
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Dear grandfathers all over the world, thank you for spending time with your grandchildren, and raising your children to be Godly parents. You are an incredible role model and mentor to so many around you, whether your children, grandchildren, "adopted" children, or the neighbor down the street. Look for how God wants to use you in your community, and remember that each stage of your life is something special. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=job+12%3A12&version=ESV" target="_blank">Job 12:12</a> reminds you, "<span class="text Job-12-12" id="en-ESV-13141">Wisdom is with the aged, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Job-12-12">and understanding in length of days."</span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Job-12-12">Dear future fathers all over the world, thank you for the times you pray for your future wife and children. Thank you for putting effort now into being a good father and husband later. You are the next generation who will have the responsibility of determining the course of the world; this starts with your family. Thank you when you respect your parents and siblings, and put God first. Obey your parents now and learn all you can from them and any Godly elders around you. Never compromise on your beliefs; rather, rely on God to give you strength to do what is right as your fulfill your roles in the body of Christ. Honor all girls as your sisters in Christ. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+tim+2%3A22&version=ESV" target="_blank">Second Timothy</a> has lots of wisdom for you. "</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Job-12-12">So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+3%3A1&version=ESV" target="_blank">Proverbs 3:1</a> also instructs you: "</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Job-12-12"><span class="chapter-1"><span class="text Prov-3-1">My son, do not forget my teaching, </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Prov-3-1">but let your heart keep my commandments."</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Job-12-12"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-1">Dear fathers, grandfathers, and future fathers, "</span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Job-12-12"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-1"><span class="text 1Cor-16-13" id="en-ESV-28773">Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+cor+16%3A13&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 16:13</a>) Each of you has such important roles at all stages of your life. Don't dwell in the past, don't focus too much on the future, but enjoy where God has you <i>right now. </i>Never resent where you are, and pour your everything into being the man God has called you to be. Thank you for all the times you honor Him.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Job-12-12"> </span></span>Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-6539677270744667622018-06-14T21:24:00.003-07:002018-06-14T21:24:30.333-07:00Caption This #13By request, today I bring you a "Caption This" post. For those of you who are newer to my blog, this is a series of posts I ended in 2015 when people's interest seemed to taper off. But after a couple years, it's time for the thirteenth edition!<br />
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Here's how it works: Contemplate the image below, and decide a funny way you would caption it. Leave your suggestion in the comments (or email me) and I'll re-post the picture with my favorite caption. For some samples, click <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/search/label/Caption%20This" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see the previous rounds. Have fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's the lizard thinking?</td></tr>
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I'm looking forward to hearing your funny ideas! Thanks for participating! I enjoy connecting with my readers through fun games like this. I'll post my favorite within a week. :) God bless you all!<br />
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-3043054577692888492018-06-11T12:55:00.001-07:002018-06-11T12:55:56.570-07:00Smell the FlowersA few months back I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a local high school retreat/campout with one of my youth groups. The youth group was calling it "Pause," signifying the goal of the weekend was to get away from everyone's hectic lives and take a break to breathe and get some time alone with God. It worked.<br />
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The time I spent at Pause gave me an opportunity to take a much needed time of relaxation, and reminded me of the importance of taking time to just rest. In today's culture, everyone is always busy. There's a never-ending list of things to do, places to be, and people to catch up with. Sometimes it feels like you're only falling further behind, and never catching back up. It doesn't take long before you're overwhelmed, exhausted, and feeling like you're failing. It's an easy trap to fall into. And a hard one to climb back out of.<br />
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I still haven't found the secret to avoiding this pitfall, but I've found a few things that help. One of my biggest is stop procrastinating when I need to do things, and not keep "finding" distractions. But another thing I've found that helps, is allowing yourself some time to stop and rest. Give yourself a break. As one of the other youth groupers put it, take time to smell the flowers.<br />
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It's unbelievable how much it helps to take a few minutes, a couple deep breaths, and calm down. Giving yourself permission to rest is key. Don't worry about everything on your to-do list. Just go outside, enjoy God's beautiful creation, read a book, photograph, journal, do whatever is relaxing to you. Forget the stresses of life—allow yourself to rest. And just breathe.<br />
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Recently, my "theme song" has been <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnjeMwxFuBA" target="_blank">Jonny Diaz's "Breathe."</a> I'd highly recommend it if anything I've said today resonates with you.<br />
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Don't wait until school lets out or you get a break from work. Take time right now, this summer, and through the rest of the year to pause, take a breathe, smile, and thank God for your many blessings. Be refreshed and don't regret the moments you spend. Take time to smell the flowers.<br />
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<br />Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-18668864136804747002018-06-08T11:26:00.000-07:002018-06-08T11:28:16.922-07:00Top 10 Questions People Ask Me About HomeschoolI've been a proud homeschooler since third grade. At first, it was hard to leave my friends at school, but it wasn't too long before I fell in love with the homeschool atmosphere. Time with family, taking trips to locations I wouldn't otherwise be able to, the ability to pursue my interests, and a freedom I hadn't experienced before were the main highlights resulting in much closer relationships with my parents and younger sister. For these past nine years, homeschool has been one of the best things that has happened to me.<br />
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However, despite my enthusiasm for homeschool, there are many people who are curious, and some even skeptical, about homeschoolers. It's a foreign group of students. An unusual type of family. A rather odd decision. Without further ado, I give you ten top questions people ask me about homeschool (and my responses).<br />
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<b>1. Why did your parents decide to homeschool you? // Why are you homeschooled?</b><br />
Probably the most common question I'm asked, my go-to answer is simply: because my parents felt that God led them to. No, they aren't "anti public school" people, they simply felt God was calling them to pull me out for awhile. At that time, they thought it was only going to be for one year to correct some attitude issues I was having. However, by the end of that year they decided to do . . . one more year. And so on until eventually I hit high school and we realized unless God suddenly changed our course, I would be homeschooled the rest of my education until college.<br />
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<b>2. Do you like being homeschooled? // Do you wish you were in public school?</b><br />
YES, <i>I love being homeschooled!</i> I would never trade homeschool for public school. Nothing against public school students, but my personal preference is absolutely homeschool. When I think about just my few years in a public school surrounded by ungodly influences and how that affected me, and then I hear about high school experiences . . . . *shudders* I'm so blessed to be educated from home. The closeness as a family, trips we can take, and bonds I form with other homeschoolers are among my favorite aspects. I enjoy talking to skeptics and proving all their ideas about "homeschoolers" wrong. And I'm so grateful not to have an hour plus long bus ride to school each way. It's much faster to wake up and walk to my desk.<br />
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There have been times I've wished I was in public school, but only to have more friendships, and to be a witness for Jesus in the public school system. I would be challenged but so grateful to have more opportunities to share my faith with non Christians, and help them find the love and hope of Jesus Christ.<br />
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<b>3. What's it like to be homeschooled?</b><br />
I like to think it's a lot like public school in the sense that I still have school every day, still have the same core subjects (plus many more awesome subjects), and still have a schedule to keep. However, it is also understandably very different. Instead of spending two or more hours on a bus, I can use that time to do homework and visit with my family. I can help more easily with projects my family has, take more vacations during the off season (like to Disneyland and Yellowstone Nat. Park), and study more subjects I enjoy (i.e. cinematography, photography, calligraphy, marine biology, apologetics, blogging, Constitutional literacy, horses, etc.).<br />
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<b>4. Do you do school in your pajamas? // Is it nice to sleep in till ten every day?</b><br />
Unfortunately, I don't do school in my PJs, though I probably would if I didn't have to feed our horses first thing in the morning. As for sleeping in, I can't have that luxury for the same reason. Country life = no sleeping in. :) Besides, even without the horses, I still need to be up and start school by 8 in the morning. I don't sleep in as late as I want. I have a schedule to keep just like other students, although from time to time I can sleep in a little longer.<br />
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<b>5. Can't you just take the day off and catch up another day?</b><br />
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It's not quite as easy as it sounds to "just take a day off." True, I have more flexibility choosing which days to do school, but I still need to get in five days a week, and I still have work on the weekends. So although I am occasionally able to take a day off to participate in an event, it's not always as easy as it sounds to catch back up on what I didn't do that day. I don't have infinite days to take off/make up; even if I got sick, that day just becomes my "day off" for the week, but I still need to complete the assigned work later.<br />
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<b>6. Does the state give you your curriculum and grade your work? // How do your parents choose your curriculum? // How do you take tests?</b><br />
Although some "homeschool" students have state textbooks and curriculum, these are more accurately considered independent studies students. I'm the type of homeschooler whose parents don't use a single program, but they select which subjects I'll take that year and then choose the best books they can find for that subject. It's a lengthy and pricey process, because the state doesn't provide funding, but the textbooks they've found for me have been almost all from a Christian perspective, extremely well done and interesting, and taught me far better than many other curriculums that I've seen. Sometimes, they find them through hours of online research, and other times through recommendations or attending homeschool conventions. Through some of the material they've found, subjects I had never enjoyed much made sense and came alive and these became some of my favorite classes.<br />
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As for the tests, I grab a pencil and start filling in answers. Simple as that. Like I said above, my
curriculum, therefore my tests, are not state generated or
graded. They come with the various curriculums my parents have chosen
and my mom grades them using the teacher book/answer key. On occasion, she generates her own tests for a given subject. Few of my tests are only true/false or multiple choice; they are fill-in, short answer, or essays so that I must demonstrate a true understanding of the concepts.<br />
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<b>7. How does your mom teach you these subjects?</b><br />
I love informing people of how smart my parents are. So I always have an easy answer to this one. The two most common subjects people ask about are my foreign language (Spanish) to which I respond that my mom was a language major, and math. For math I explain that I have video based instruction and then I complete the lessons, but also that math comes naturally to my dad. As for my other subjects, between both my parents and my textbooks, I usually have no problem learning. If they can't help me figure something out, there's always this great resource called the internet. :)<br />
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<b>8. What do you feel you're missing out on? // What about graduation? Prom/dances? Friends? High school? Summer break?</b><br />
This one . . . is a little bit tougher to answer. I know quite a few things I'm "missing out" on, such as drama, secular teaching, etc. but that doesn't bother me. :) As for things I'm missing out on that I wish I had, for several years my answer would have been friends. The only reason this was a problem for me was because I live so far away from anyone else that church was the only time I would see anyone my age, but God finally brought me a few good ones I'm able to see on a semi-regular basis. Another aspect might be sports, but I played softball for a few years at the elementary school when my parents coached. The last thing I can think of at the moment that I might be missing out on is academic competition and brainstorming. As the only student in my class, I am my only competition. My goal is just to be better than I've already been doing, and it would be nice to have a little competition in that respect. Also, it would be helpful to have a class environment for discussing literature books, etc. So the social aspect and sports are primarily all I really miss out on.<br />
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Graduation: At this point, I'm the only high schooler in my homeschool group, so there won't be a traditional ceremony, but I'll probably have some form of gathering/party. This has actually been one of the hardest aspects of homeschool for me, even back in eighth grade. My family is wonderful about making things special, but I do wish I had a class to graduate and celebrate with. You could add that to the list of things above that I miss out on, but in the big scheme of things, having a ceremony or class to graduate with isn't necessary. Sure, I would like it, but it's not crucial.<br />
<br />
Prom/dances: Again, it's another aspect that would be fun, but it's not too important for me.<br />
<br />
High school: Homeschooling high school has been a real challenge, especially for my mom, but we've made it through the first three years. One more to go!<br />
<br />
Summer break: Yes, I do get a break for summertime! The biggest difference between my break and that of a public school student is that mine is a little shorter, but only because we exchange the longer summer break to have breaks between quarters. I gladly accept that trade.<br />
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<b>9. </b><b><b>Are you ever going to go back to <i>real</i> school?</b></b><br />
I don't take offense easily . . . but this one tests my limits. First of all, I am in real school. Maybe it's not <i>normal </i>school, but it most certainly is <i>real </i>school.
So please rephrase this to ask, "Are you ever going to go back to a
public school?" because otherwise it just sounds like you think I've
spent the last nine years skipping out on school and when I go back I'll
be in third grade. Trust me, homeschool is every bit as real as public
school.<br />
<br />
Now, to answer the heart of the question, as I
mentioned earlier, for several years we thought we would homeschool
"just one more year." But as each year came to a close, God told us to
keep going. Eventually, we realized that unless God suddenly told us
otherwise, we would be homeschooling through high school. This has not
been an easy process, and some days we've nearly given up, but no, I
plan to finish my last year of school the same way I've been doing it.
That being said, my senior year I will likely be taking some classes at a
local junior college, but I will not be attending a public high school.<br />
<br />
<b>10. </b><b><b>Are you going to homeschool your kids?</b></b><br />
First of all, that's a long ways off. Secondly, when that time comes, I'll have to see if this is what God and my husband want. My personal hope is to homeschool my children. After having these years bonding closely with my family, I can't fathom sending my children away to school for most of every day for so many years. I'd much rather homeschool so we can grow closer as a family. Homeschooling would be the fulfillment of one of my dreams.<b><b> </b></b><br />
<br />
And a bonus question . . . <br />
<b>11. Do you see your teacher and principal . . . <i>kissing??</i></b><br />
Ah yes, a personal favorite. And the answer is yes. Yes I do. I thought about reporting it to the school board . . . but nah. :)<i></i><br />
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<i>So there you are! I hope the answers to these top ten (or eleven) questions have been enjoyable and educational for you. Do you have any questions about homeschooling? Or, if you are homeschooled, which of these questions have you been asked, and what others have people asked you? Three cheers for homeschool!</i><br />
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<i> </i>Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-21867068369852578282018-05-30T10:14:00.000-07:002018-05-31T11:56:15.518-07:00Random UpdatesWell, I'm sitting here realizing that out of the few posts I've done this year, most of them have had a very serious note to them. So I decided to do something a little more lighthearted to end May. Here's a brief summary of my life lately to keep you updated.<br />
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<b> Life</b></div>
I've been busy, but who isn't this time of year? A few weeks back I took the SAT. My family just completed making a twenty-five minute film of our highest production quality so far, but it took a tremendous amount of time. I haven't been reading much, but I've been writing a little bit more lately. The event I went to with intentions of evangelizing was quite an experience. It made me more aware of how lost so many people are without Christ. These next couple weeks promise to be filled with lots of school and attendance of multiple graduation events for friends. I'm eagerly looking forward to the beginning of July bringing my first camp of the summer. This is one I'll be counseling at for my third year in a row.<br />
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<b>Music</b> </div>
I've been listening to more music these last few months than I usually do, and I've been enjoying multiple Christian artists. The newest songs I've been introduced to is Josh Wilson's "Dream Small" and Riley Clemmon's "Better for It."<br />
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<b>Jokes</b></div>
One of the things I've been doing lately when I'm feeling down is looking up Christian jokes.<br />
Q1: What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth?<br />
Q2: Who was the first tennis player in the Bible?<br />
(answers at the end of the post)<br />
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<b>Blog</b> </div>
I've been enjoying writing my "Defending the Faith" series, as it is a topic close to my heart and I'm grateful to have an audience to share it with. As for posts I'm planning, I suppose you'll just have to wait and see!<br />
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<b>Pictures</b></div>
I haven't been taking too many pictures lately, but I thought the image of the flower I used for the title picture came out pretty well.<br />
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<i>What sorts of things have you been up to lately? Any good songs or jokes you've heard?</i><br />
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A1: Ruthless.<br />
A2: Joseph, because he <i>served</i> in Pharoah's <i>court</i>.Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-9288030815119481912018-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-27T00:00:01.217-07:00Defending the Faith 4: How Will I Know What to Say?Ah yes, the age old question. "I want to talk to people about my faith, but I don't know what to say! They'll ask me questions that I won't know how to answer. How will I know what to say?" There's a few aspects to touch on regarding this topic.<br />
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First off, I want to point out God's response to this. In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus+4&version=ESV" target="_blank">Exodus 4</a> when Moses is begging God not to send him back to Egypt to free God's people, one of his many excuses is that he doesn't speak well. God replies that He made Moses' mouth and "<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614">I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus+4%3A12&version=ESV" target="_blank">verse 12</a>). I don't know about you, but that's a pretty amazing thought. God Himself will teach me what to say.</span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><br /></span>
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614">Secondly, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil+4%3A19&version=ESV" target="_blank">Philippians 4:19</a> teaches that God will give us what we need to do what He asks of us. He knows that we need the words to speak, "</span><span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614">And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Once again, God is telling us that He will take care of it.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614">Another case where God confirms He will handle this need comes from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+cor+12%3A9&version=ESV" target="_blank">Paul's second letter to the Corinthians</a>. "</span><span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text 2Cor-12-9" id="en-ESV-29015">But he said to me, <span class="woj">'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'</span> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." The context to this is Paul explaining that He has asked God to remove some sort of "thorn" from his flesh. The Bible isn't clear whether this was a physical ailment, person causing him trouble, or something else entirely, but regardless, this "thorn" is something burdensome to Paul. Instead of removing it, God says that He will use this weakness to make His power even greater in Paul, "</span></span><span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text 2Cor-12-9" id="en-ESV-29015"><span class="text 2Cor-12-10" id="en-ESV-29016">. . . For when I am weak, then I am strong" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+cor+12%3A10&version=ESV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 2:10</a>). </span>In our weakness, God reveals His strength. When you are uncomfortable speaking to people about your faith, that's when God will shine through all the more.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><br /></span>
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614">My personal favorite passage that directly relates to the worry of what to speak is recorded in three of the gospels. Each place is slightly different and adds even deeper meaning, so I'll share all three here:</span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+10%3A19&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 10:19</a> "</span><span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj">When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour."</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj">So far, we gather that when we are in situations where we have to defend our faith, we don't need to worry about how to do it, because at the time we need it, God will tell us what to say. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A11-12&version=ESV" target="_blank">Luke 12:11-12</a> "</span></span></span><span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-12-11" id="en-ESV-25462"><span class="woj">And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say,</span></span> <span class="text Luke-12-12" id="en-ESV-25463"><span class="woj">for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-12-12" id="en-ESV-25463"><span class="woj">Now we know that even when we are being brought before rulers, we still don't have to be concerned about defending ourselves or what to say because the Holy Spirit in us will teach us. We might not know what to say even sixty seconds before we have to speak, but when we open our mouths, He will provide. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-12-12" id="en-ESV-25463"><span class="woj"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+13%3A11&version=ESV" target="_blank">Mark 13:11</a> "</span></span></span></span></span><span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-12-12" id="en-ESV-25463"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-ESV-24721"><span class="woj">And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-12-12" id="en-ESV-25463"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-ESV-24721"><span class="woj">Finally, we gather that in addition to what we've learned above, it's not even us who are really speaking! It is the Holy Spirit doing the talking for us, and all we have to do is be the messenger and listen for what to say.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-12-12" id="en-ESV-25463"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-ESV-24721"><span class="woj"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-12-12" id="en-ESV-25463"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-ESV-24721"><span class="woj"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text Matt-10-19" id="en-ESV-23437"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-12-12" id="en-ESV-25463"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-ESV-24721"><span class="woj">This is such a comforting thought to me. I really don't have to worry about what to say, because when I need to speak, the Holy Spirit will put the words in my mouth. These verses are what I'm holding to this weekend when I will be speaking with unbelievers.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><br /></span>
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614">Does this mean we will always have all the answers? Not at all. However, even when we don't have the right responses for someone, God has still given us what we need. He simply decided that we didn't need that answer at that time.</span><br />
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><br /></span>
<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614">However, I see another side to this whole topic as well. Someone could interpret these verses to mean that they don't need to do any preparation, because God will just tell them what to say. I don't believe this is what the Bible is teaching at all. If my Dad never prepared a sermon and said "Oh, God will just tell me what to say when I get to the pulpit, I don't need to worry about preparation," . . . I think he would be very embarrassed when he stands up front without a clue of what to say and has to admit that he doesn't have anything because he failed to prepare. That being said, there have been times when he prepares all week but something about his planned sermon doesn't feel right, so he walks to the pulpit unprepared, but God always shows up and gives him the perfect words for that day. God honors his attentiveness and efforts. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A31&version=ESV" target="_blank">First Corinthians</a> instructs us: "</span><span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text 1Cor-10-31" id="en-ESV-28582">So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Exod-4-12" id="en-ESV-1614"><span class="text 1Cor-10-31" id="en-ESV-28582">Do your best to prepare, but don't worry. Make an effort, but rely on God in your hour of need. Study the Bible so you have verses that God can bring to your mind. Remain attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, so you hear His quiet whispers. Do all to the glory of God. Be on the lookout for "God moments" and trust Him to give you the words to speak.</span></span><br />
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-83434163569623944622018-05-23T16:13:00.002-07:002018-05-23T16:24:15.388-07:00Defending the Faith 3: Where Should I Go?Maybe this isn't a post best suited to be a "defending the faith" post, however, even before you defend your faith, you need to know where to start.<br />
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To share your faith, you don't have to be a missionary to Africa. You don't even have to go with your youth group to Mexico or downtown Los Angeles. You don't need to stand on street corners or in front of Planned Parenthood clinics. Yet . . . the Bible tells Christians to "<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . ." (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28:19&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 28:19</a>) So where do we do this if we're not traveling to Africa, Mexico, or L.A?</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">True, God does call some people to go forth as a missionary to foreign nations and preach the message of the Kingdom of God. But He doesn't ask everyone to travel to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I'm sure you've heard it said that the biggest mission field is the streets of America, and there's never been a truer statement. For example, my family lives in a rural area about an hour away from a town, and my dad is the pastor of the local church. Years ago a church in the local town decided to help support my family as missionaries. We were surprised when they informed us of this. Were we traveling to share the gospel? Were we dwelling among people who speak a different language? No. Yet this church considered us missionaries. God has given us a local mission field, reaching out to our friends and neighbors in this little community.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">Any Christian could be supported as a missionary in this sense. <b>You don't have to be a pastor in order to have your own special mission field God has given you.</b> Are you attending school? Shine your light with your fellow students and tell them about your best friend, Jesus. (Yes, students do still have the Constitutional right to talk about Jesus Christ in schools.) Do you work long hours every day? Even if your workplace doesn't permit you to discuss Jesus with coworkers, you can show Him to them in the manner that you handle situations and your work ethic. Are you standing in line at the grocery store? Maybe in that moment, your mission field is the cashier or person standing behind you. Sitting in a restaurant, do you see a girl walk in with a broken arm? Perhaps God is calling you to go pray for her.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">Always be on the lookout for "God moments" and people that He puts in your life. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit living in you and watch for opportunities. </span></span><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">Get involved in outreach events your church hosts. Volunteer with a local food bank or Samaritan's Purse. This summer a few of my friends and I will be staffing at summer camps for youth and teaching them about Jesus.</span></span><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">There are so many places and chances to share your faith with others. <b>Always be on the lookout.</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj"><b>Don't let your life fall into a monotonous pattern;</b> find people God wants you to pray for and bless. There's always someone whose life could be changed by you listening to the Holy Spirit prompting you to start a conversation with and pray for them. Maybe you are one of the people God has asked to go to New Zealand as a missionary, but more often than not, God has called you to be a minister to those around you right now. <b>God has put everyone in your path for a reason.</b> Whether it's a friend, family member, or coworker who you see every day, or whether it's the person in line at Disneyland you might never see again,<b><i> </i>be watchful for opportunities God places before you and listen for His voice.</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">Some of Jesus' last words here on earth were instructions to the disciples (and to all followers):</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">"</span></span><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj"><span class="text Acts-1-8" id="en-ESV-26920"><span class="woj">. . . you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1:8&version=ESV" target="_blank">Acts 1:8</a>) <b>Be a missionary to your family, in your hometown, and in every place God puts you.<i> </i></b>(As a side note, Christians are not always called to <i>defend </i>their faith, but they are always commanded to <i>share </i>their faith. This verse says to <i>be a witness—</i>to tell people about their faith, but not force conversions.)</span></span><b><i> </i></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">So where should you go to share the Kingdom of Heaven with people? Maybe to a foreign land, but also consider your next door neighbor.</span></span><br />
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P.S. This post is inspired by plans to go into a local event this weekend as part of a team seeking God encounters where we will witness for Christ. Prayers for God to soften people's hearts are much appreciated!<span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj"></span></span><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj"> </span></span><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj"></span></span>Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-81235050825712624742018-04-30T18:37:00.000-07:002018-05-01T09:16:17.536-07:00Separation of Church and StateHow much would you say you know about American history? Would you consider yourself a history buff? I'm suspecting you don't know half of the content in this post. Starting with this: Who first coined the phrase "separation of church and state"?<br />
A) Richard Hooker <br />
B) The Constitution<br />
C) Thomas Jefferson<br />
D) Benjamin Rush<br />
E) Justice Hugo Black<br />
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How many of these names do you even recognize? You might find it interesting that each of these historical figures has impacted the way the phrase "separation of church and state" has been interpreted over the centuries. First termed in the late 1500s by Richard Hooker, ordained minister of the Church of England during the Reformation, the intended meaning was to keep the state from interfering in the affairs of men's religious freedom. From then until 1962, this phrase consistently referred to protecting religious liberties from government intervention.<br />
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Commonly attributed to the United State Constitution's First Amendment, the first recorded instance of a prominent American using the phrase was none other than the deist Founding Father and president, Thomas Jefferson. While most consider the "separation of church and state" to be a provision of the Constitution, nowhere is it found,<i> nor in any other founding document</i>. Surprising, isn't it? In fact, out of the ninety men present at the discussion of what to include in the First Amendment, not once was the "separation of church and state" even mentioned. Surely, if the Founding Fathers desired to make this a part of American law, they would have at least discussed it.<br />
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Nearly everyone today is under the impression that "separation of church and state" implies preventing religious expression from public institutions. It has become a drive and backing to claim that religion must stay out of political matters in order to remain true to the Constitution and original intent of the Founding Fathers. If they know Jefferson wrote it, they believe he did so to affirm such an idea, thus "proving" that our Founding Fathers were opposed to religion being involved in the government. However, few are aware of Jefferson's true context in writing this.<br />
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Responding to a group of concerned Baptists who feared the ratification of the Constitution gave the government too much power to control religion, Jefferson assured them this would never happen. He explained that there was a separation between the church and the state <i>so that the government would stay out of religion</i>—<b>NOT</b> the other way around! Yes, one of the few <i>deist</i> Founding Fathers was convinced that the government would not, and should not, interfere with religion. Religious people involved in politics, government institutions, and public organizations were perfectly acceptable. If you wish, you can read Jefferson's letter for yourself by clicking <a href="https://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpre.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. It's interesting to note that Jefferson wrote this letter on a Friday . . . and attended a church service that Sunday in the <i>United States Capitol building</i>. He also founded a Bible Society and made a Bible translation known as the Jefferson Bible for the express purpose of creating a missionary tool for the Indians.<br />
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Today, we are being taught that the Founding Fathers were deists, the church should stay out of government, and that we have a godless Constitution. To the contrary, 95% of the Founding Father's were religious, the "separation of church and state" is in no founding documents, and the Constitution was founded on Biblical principles by Christian men.<br />
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Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence and a little known Founding Father yet one of the three most influential, wrote a dozen reasons that the Bible must never be taken out of schools, started the first Bible society in America, and said "I do not believe that the Constitution was the offspring of
inspiration, but I am as perfectly satisfied that the Union of the
United States in its form and adoption is as much the work of a Divine
Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament." In 1806 he also wrote: <br />
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"Let the following sentence be inscribed in letters of gold over the doors of every State and Court house in the United States. 'THE SON OF MAN CAME INTO THE WORLD, NOT TO DESTROY MEN'S LIVES, BUT TO SAVE THEM.' " Does that sound like a deist to you?<br />
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How about Fisher Ames, who is largely responsible for the language of the First Amendment? He also insisted that the Bible cannot get pushed to the back of public schools. Does that sound like a deist to you?<br />
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James Wilson, signer of the Declaration of Independence, teacher of law, and one of the six original Supreme Court justices, helped write the Constitution. In his books on law, he taught that human laws should be based on "Divine" law and that they need to go together. Does that sound like a deist to you?<br />
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George Washington's farewell address says that religion and morality were important for our government. John Adams wrote with Benjamin Rush about the Holy Spirit and claimed that the primary people who affected the Constitution were reverends. John Hancock wrote a proclamation to Massachusetts to have a day of prayer and fasting for people to come to know Christ. Do these famous Founding Fathers sound like deists to you?<br />
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The United States of America has drifted far from its original roots. No longer is the checks and balances system truly functioning. Courts have neglected to make decisions based on the <i>original intent </i>of the Constitution. The government is currently a far cry from anything the Founding Fathers had desired and planned. How did this occur? People have taken the founders intentions and perverted them to match their own agendas. Such as with the "separation of church and state."<br />
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Remember that I mentioned how the "separation of church and state" meant keeping the government out of religion from the 1500s to 1962? What made the meaning change? It was a court case, <a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/1961/468" target="_blank"><i>Engel v. Vitale</i></a>. The question of the case was "Does the reading of a nondenominational prayer at the start of the
school day violate the 'establishment of religion' clause of the First
Amendment?" (oyez.org) The prayer in question was a twenty two word prayer that read: "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessing upon us, our parent, our teachers, and our Country." Notice only once does it mention "God," the same number of times the Pledge of Allegiance does, and 1/4 the times the Declaration of Independence! Yet Justice Hugo Black delivered the court's 6-1 opinion to suddenly take the "separation of church and state" and turn it 180 degrees without citing any precedents. The court even acknowledged that at the time, only 3% of the nation's population was not religious.<br />
Nevermind the <b><i>97% who were</i></b>.<br />
. . . or the <b><i>Founding Fathers that were</i></b>.<br />
. . . or the 1982 court case, <i>Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States, </i>that cited <b><i>80 precedents allowing prayer in public institutions</i></b>.<br />
. . . or the <i><b>church services held in the Capitol</b></i>.<br />
. . . or the <i><b>chaplains and prayers in the early governing bodies</b></i>.<br />
. . . or the<b><i> 800+ court cases that cite the Ten Commandments</i></b> as their final source of authority.<br />
. . . or the fact that the <i><b>Bible is the number one source of quotes from the Founding Fathers</b>.</i><br />
. . . <i></i>or the numerous <b><i>verses mentioned in the Constitution</i></b> as reasons for the laws and provisions.<br />
. . . or the knowledge that <b><i>ministers wrote the books the nation was founded on</i></b>.<br />
. . . or that the <b><i>Bible was the source of the sermons that the founding documents were based on</i></b>.<br />
. . . or that <b><i>everything in the Declaration of Independence had been first taught from the pulpit</i></b>.<br />
No, instead of all the evidence proving that the "separation of church and state" was intended to protect religious institutions from the government, the court suddenly and without any valid reasoning completely altered the intended meaning of the phrase. Now, most all Americans believe that the church should stay out of politics. Little do they realize this is in complete conflict with the original meaning.<br />
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I pray that now you are more equipped to share this fascinating information with those who don't understand <i>true</i> American history. I, personally, find these topics and tidbits both intriguing and shocking. If you are interested in learning more about these types of things, I have many sources to recommend. Much of the information for this post was from renown historian, David Barton's American Heritage DVD series. You can visit his website at <a href="https://wallbuilders.com/">https://wallbuilders.com/</a>.<br />
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Now that your mind is spinning (like mine), go share this with your friends and family! Tell them how history is being altered from the Founding Father's original intent. Let's bring America back to being the Christian nation it once was.<br />
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-38340541263167701572018-03-08T17:11:00.000-08:002018-03-13T18:45:09.230-07:00Defending the Faith 2: How Do We Defend Christianity?Here's a word to add to your Christian vocabulary: <b>Apologetics—</b>The branch of theology that defends and proves the truth of Christian doctrines. Yes, there is an entire study devoted to <i>just defending the Christian faith.</i><br />
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Previously, we discussed <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2018/02/defending-faith-why-learn-to-defend.html" target="_blank">why we should learn to defend the Christian faith</a>. I showed how 1 Peter 3:15 instructs us to be ready to give a reason for our beliefs. The next step is understanding <i>how</i> we are called to defend our faith.<br />
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Recently I've been learning more regarding this topic. I've heard about many extreme approaches to defending one's beliefs, from yelling and calling people fools to softly and carefully treading so as not to offend and possibly turn someone away. I, personally, would fall somewhere in the middle, but what does the Bible say about this?<br />
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The first step is recognizing that the battle Christians are in is a spiritual war. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+cor+10%3A3-5&version=ESV" target="_blank">Second Corinthians 10:3-5</a> makes this point clear. "<span class="text 2Cor-10-3" id="en-ESV-28958">For though we walk in the flesh, <b>we are not waging war according to the flesh.</b></span> <span class="text 2Cor-10-4" id="en-ESV-28959">For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-10-5" id="en-ESV-28960"><b>We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God,</b> and take every thought captive to obey Christ." <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ESV]</span> A lot is packed into these verses. Some key points I'd like to make for this topic are:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="text 2Cor-10-5" id="en-ESV-28960">Spiritual warfare is a very real battle <i>every single Christian is engaged in, </i>whether they realize it or not! The enemy is constantly seeking to devour Christians, and he succeeds far too often. Many people (Christians included) do not understand or choose to believe in the spiritual realm of angels and demons, but they are just as real as the sun shining or you breathing. Christians need to always be on guard against the attacks of the devil.</span></li>
<li><span class="text 2Cor-10-5" id="en-ESV-28960">In understanding this, it is also crucial for Christians to realize they aren't fighting earthly battles when defending their faith, but they are coming against the powers of darkness in the name of Jesus. Christians possess spiritual weapons designed to "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God." Christians shouldn't try to make a "scholarly" case for Christianity without allowing God to lead them and give them the words to speak.</span></li>
</ul>
The verse we examined in my last post and the following verse also give some insight as to how we should defend Christianity. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+pet+3%3A15-16&version=ESV" target="_blank">First</a><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-26-5"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+pet+3%3A15-16&version=ESV" target="_blank"> Peter 3:15-16</a> instructs Christians "</span></span><span class="text 1Pet-3-15" id="en-ESV-30423">but <b>in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,</b> always
being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason
for the hope that is in you; yet <b>do it with gentleness and respect,</b></span><b> </b><span class="text 1Pet-3-16" id="en-ESV-30424"><b>having a good conscience,</b> so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ESV]</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li>The first bit we can glean from this is that Christians must honor Christ. One of the best ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others is to be the example so that the unsaved look at you and ask what makes you different from everyone else. Realize that you are serving a holy God, and give Him all the honor He is due.</li>
<li><span class="text 1Pet-3-16" id="en-ESV-30424">Additionally, when Christians are responding to people, they should behave <i>gently and respectfully</i>. This rules out the radical, yelling-at-people approach. Consider how receptive you'd be to an idea if the person attempting to convince you is screaming in your face. Behave in a manner you know is worthy of the King you serve. You are His ambassador.</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="text 1Pet-3-16" id="en-ESV-30424">Another verse with important tie-ins to defending Christianity is <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+pet+2%3A15&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Peter 2:15</a> "</span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398">For this is the will of God, that <b>by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.</b>" </span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"><span class="text 1Pet-3-16" id="en-ESV-30424"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[ESV]</span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398">One of the biggest points non-Christians make that they seem to think undermines any Christian's stand is pointing out that Christians aren't perfect. They often point to the crusades and say that Christians are hypocritical for preaching one thing and living another. And they would be right in some cases. Sometimes, this causes Christians to doubt if they should be teaching and sharing their beliefs. They wonder if they are being hypocritical and if so, then they think they have no place criticizing others. Hypocritical Christians need to examine themselves and make sure that they are living in a God-honoring way that reflects Christ.</span></li>
<li><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398">However, no one is perfect, and all Christians will mess up. The world interprets this as a piece of evidence that Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites. The difference is for Christians who recognize their faults, and praise Jesus for saving them from their sin. Something I've noticed that seems to cool the steam of hostile unbelievers when they accuse Christians of being judgmental hypocrites is having the Christian readily admit they themselves are flawed as well. This often catches unbelievers off guard and destroys their accusations of judgment on the part of the Christian. When a Christian says, "Yes, I mess up. Yes, I'm sometimes a hypocrite. Yes, I'm a sinner. And yes, I've been saved and forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ" suddenly the unbeliever can't call the Christians judgmental. The Christian has knocked down a barrier and worked in the gospel message all in one.</span></li>
<li><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398">Coming back to the verse, Christians should do good, simply because God tells them to, but also because it is a wonderful witness. But when they mess up, even that can be used to bring people to Christ.</span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"> </span></li>
</ul>
<span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398">Here's yet another passage that shows Christians how to act and defend their faith. </span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=col+2%3A6-8&version=ESV" target="_blank">Colossians 2:6-8</a></span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"> "</span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"><span class="text Col-2-6">Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so <b>walk in him</b>,</span> <span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-ESV-29485">rooted and built up in him and <b>established in the faith</b>, just as you were taught, <b>abounding in thanksgiving</b>.</span></span><span class="text Col-2-8" id="en-ESV-29486"><sup> </sup>See to it that <b>no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit</b>, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."</span><span class="text Col-2-8" id="en-ESV-29486"><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"> </span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"><span class="text 1Pet-3-16" id="en-ESV-30424"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[ESV]</span></span></span> Once again, there are multiple points in this passage.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="text Col-2-8" id="en-ESV-29486"> The three major pieces of instruction offered first all direct the behavior of Christians. They are to walk in Christ, and be established firmly in the faith. You can't defend your faith if you aren't convinced of it yourself. Know what you believe and why.</span></li>
<li><span class="text Col-2-8" id="en-ESV-29486">Don't allow anyone of the world to cause you to doubt God. Many intellectuals and scientists have what may seem like good and compelling arguments, but don't allow their empty deceit to fool you. If someone brings up a seeming "contradiction" in your faith, then ask a strong fellow Christian and reestablish your convictions. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek answers, just don't fall prey to the "logic" of the world. </span> </li>
</ul>
<span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398">Notice that in all these verses, the instructions are for <i>responding. </i>First Peter 3 says to be prepared to give a defense to anyone <i>who asks you </i>for a reason for the hope that is in you. First Peter 2 doesn't even include speaking. Rather, it merely commands you how to behave. Of course, the Bible also instructs Christians to "</span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj">Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . ."</span></span></span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211"><span class="woj"> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+28%3A19-20&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 28:19-20</a>)</span></span>. However, I do find it interesting that all three of these passages are about responding and answering. The definition of <b>defend</b> is to: </span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398">resist an attack made on (someone or something). That's what I'm discussing in this particular post, not how to go out and preach the gospel. That's a topic for another time. :)</span><br />
<span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398">These verses just barely scratch the surface of the Biblical instruction for how to defend the Christian faith. I've found countless others rich with teachings on this topic. I encourage you to see how many others you can find until I share a few more in part two of "How Do We Defend Christianity?"</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"><i>Have you ever been placed in a position where you've had to defend your beliefs? How did you handle the situation?</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj4rvBzITaHJDsHk0h_3u_wKejq0ghS3ywu-3xqeu4EvMCsoah0EbBU8akk-xhe9UYz9kX5j_K9YcVLPpVmK2JfYM8IGwar11mtL5oVkFM7HWzGas86y9H2K_F4TnOlxgh96auayCqQ/s1600/Signature+Reduced1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj4rvBzITaHJDsHk0h_3u_wKejq0ghS3ywu-3xqeu4EvMCsoah0EbBU8akk-xhe9UYz9kX5j_K9YcVLPpVmK2JfYM8IGwar11mtL5oVkFM7HWzGas86y9H2K_F4TnOlxgh96auayCqQ/s200/Signature+Reduced1.jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398"><i> </i></span><span class="text 1Pet-2-15" id="en-ESV-30398">P.S. I changed my blog layout in anticipation of spring! Let me know what you think. :)<i> </i></span> Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-39196685015551147842018-02-22T13:47:00.002-08:002018-02-22T13:47:12.820-08:00Defending the Faith: Why Learn to Defend Christianity?<span class="text 1Pet-3-15" id="en-ESV-30423">Allow me to paint a
scenario. Assume you are at school, or work, or chatting with your
friends, or just talking to an acquaintance. Suddenly, your faith is
placed in question when a teacher explains that the Big Bang resulted in
the world and evolution took it from there, or that aliens brought life
to earth. Your coworker adamantly proclaims that science disproves
God's existence. A friend asks how you know that Jesus is the Son of
God and that the Bible is trustworthy. The acquaintance laughs at the notion that Jesus rose from the
dead. How would you respond?</span><br />
<span class="text 1Pet-3-15" id="en-ESV-30423"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30I12w3nWzP6Wwlx5UhVuf34OKf0et1v-bYE4agQM4sv59uIR8zdOq_3Ue1foM-IS34ij-we9FKCCXEUp8bEasaKoCeDPwHYugy4xLvYZEMK9qfFdwl2-fSVzS-8jc8TRvxygniQejw/s1600/Defending+the+Faith+Why+Learn+to+Defend+Christianity+drop+shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30I12w3nWzP6Wwlx5UhVuf34OKf0et1v-bYE4agQM4sv59uIR8zdOq_3Ue1foM-IS34ij-we9FKCCXEUp8bEasaKoCeDPwHYugy4xLvYZEMK9qfFdwl2-fSVzS-8jc8TRvxygniQejw/s320/Defending+the+Faith+Why+Learn+to+Defend+Christianity+drop+shadow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />So why should we learn to defend our faith? You'll find the answer to that question in a single verse, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A15&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Peter 3:15</a>, "<span class="text 1Pet-3-15" id="en-ESV-30423">but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,<b> always
being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason
for the hope that is in you;</b> yet do it with gentleness and respect."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 1Pet-3-15" id="en-ESV-30423">Put quite simply, we need to be able to stand up for and explain our Christian beliefs because the Bible commands us to do so. Similar to being "<a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/08/gods-billboard.html" target="_blank">God's Billboard</a>," we should know what we believe and why so that when asked, we are prepared to give a solid answer. <b>By knowing scripture and studying, not only are we as Christians prepared to give a reason for our faith when put on the spot, but we are preparing our own minds to fend off any falsehood others will claim is fact.</b> Instead of being placed in a situation where your faith is put on trial and you find yourself without an answer, be <i>ready. </i>Prepare <i>now. </i>Don't wait until a suicidal friend gives you five minutes to convince her that her life has true meaning before searching for the answers.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 1Pet-3-15" id="en-ESV-30423">An example I believe demonstrates this well is that of a fireman, policeman, or soldier. They prepare so that when they are deployed, they will know what to do. They pour their time and energy into knowing everything possible about their field of work so that when the time comes, they're ready to put out the fire, handle dangerous situations, and fight the enemy. In order to defend our faith, Christians must learn how to do it, and know what their answers will be when the opportunity arises. <b>Don't be caught unaware.</b> There's abundant evidence for the truth of the Bible in astronomy, geology, biology, physics, archeology, and all aspects of science. If you aren't sure where to find these evidences, ask strong Christians who hold your own beliefs, locate Biblical institutions that interpret the Bible literally and offer clear evidences. Most of all, study your Bible to know truth for yourself—don't simply accept what you are taught, even from pastors and people you trust. Base your own beliefs on doctrines you can Biblically support.</span><br />
<span class="text 1Pet-3-15" id="en-ESV-30423"><br /></span>
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<span class="text 1Pet-3-15" id="en-ESV-30423"><br /></span>Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-40735860773747419002018-01-26T01:00:00.000-08:002018-01-27T13:23:13.187-08:002017 Book and Music RecapSince my wrap-up post for 2017 was already extremely long, I decided my reading of 2017 and a list of my favorite songs could comprise a second post. To read my year's summary, you can click <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-year-in-review-2017_20.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Now, on with the post.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfV08jQnCJFxm8qcUfsGBb56ULTMmG-R-XqksoDVhVhHn7zfvlMQTAotGBnCctW-tr7Sko0ZxGr6bIZXjX1YOGspwTcQO1KBZtXpv8cIcMCf2rKPFT7UVFSnHF1NfUw-unR1zUFzyEw/s1600/2017+Book+and+Music+Recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfV08jQnCJFxm8qcUfsGBb56ULTMmG-R-XqksoDVhVhHn7zfvlMQTAotGBnCctW-tr7Sko0ZxGr6bIZXjX1YOGspwTcQO1KBZtXpv8cIcMCf2rKPFT7UVFSnHF1NfUw-unR1zUFzyEw/s320/2017+Book+and+Music+Recap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Music~</div>
<div align="LEFT">
I'm generally not a big music-person, but as I've found better and better songs, I've come to look forward to putting on my music and praising the Lord. I generally only listen to Christian contemporary, so that's what all these are. Over the last few months, I've been listening quite
often to K-Love, a Christian radio station. I've enjoyed almost every
song they've played. The lyrics are absolutely incredible. To mention a few I'd
recommend:</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"When We Pray" Tauren Wells</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"O Lord" Lauren Daigle</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Control" Tenth Avenue North</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Point to You" We Are Messengers</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Lions" Skillet</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Miracle" Unspoken</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Different" Micah Tyler</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Jesus I Believe" Big Daddy Weave</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Miracles" Audio Adrenaline</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT">
I've also enjoyed several songs by King and Country,
the Newsboys, Jordan Feliz ("The River"), and Hawk Nelson
("Diamonds," "Words," "Drops in the Ocean").
"Courageous" by Casting Crowns is powerful. A Christmas
song that really spoke to me this winter was "The Night Before
Christmas" by Brandon Heath.</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
I could list a hundred more, but these will suffice for now. :) I'm eager to discover more great songs this year. I've already found a few!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Reading~</div>
Now for the best section of my 2017 recap. :) It's been a wonderful year as far as finding some fabulous authors. This marks my third year keeping meticulous track of the books I read. Often, I can tell my mood from each month simply by which books I read. Here are my reading stats:<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>15,600+
</b>total pages</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>53 </b>books</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>1300</b>
average pages/month</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>294</b>
average pages/book</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>4.4</b>
average books/month</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Best
month: <b>March</b> (9 books; 2,633 pages)</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Worst
month: <b>October</b> (2 books; 749 pages)</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Longest
book: <b>486 pages</b> (<i>Exiles, </i>Jaye L. Knight)</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Shortest
book: <b>108 pages</b> (<i>Befriending the Beast, </i>Amanda Tero)</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Number of rereads: only <b>3</b> (<i>When Dreams Come True, </i>Eric and Leslie Ludy; <i>Dare, </i>Tricia Mingerink; <i>Deny, </i>Tricia Mingerink)</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Number of authors: <b>33</b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fiction books: <b>50</b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nonfiction books: <b>3</b><br />
<b></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Here is the complete list of books I read.<br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
January <span style="font-style: normal;">(</span><span style="font-style: normal;">1,894</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
pages total)</span></div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Red
Rock Mysteries: <i>Hollywood Holdup, </i>Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris
Fabry (208 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Out
From Egypt: <i>Shadow of the Storm, </i>Connilyn Cossette (346
pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Blades of Acktar: <i>Destroy, </i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Tricia
Mingerink </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">(165 pages)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Adventures
of the Northwoods: <i>The Vanishing Footprints, </i>Lois W. Johnson
(156 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dragons
in Our Midst: <i>Tears of a Dragon, </i>Bryan Davis (363 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Staff and the Sword: <i>A Cast of Stones, </i>Patrick W. Carr (428
pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Red
Rock Mysteries: <i>Wind Chill, </i>Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry
(228 pages)</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
February
(1,135 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Land
of Shining Water: <i>The Icecutter's Daughter, </i>Tracie Peterson
(331 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Chiveis
Trilogy: <i>The Gift, </i>Bryan M. Litfin (407 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ilyon
Chronicles: <i>The King's Scrolls, </i>Jaye L. Knight (397 pages)</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
March
(2,633 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Out
of Time: <i>A Time to Die, </i>Nadine Brandes (389 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Circle
C </span>Milestones: <i>Courageous Love, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Susan
K. Marlow (</span><span style="font-style: normal;">186 pages)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A Seven
Wonders Novel: <i>Shadow of Colossus, </i>T. L. Higley (384 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Left to Die, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Ivy
Rose (116 pages)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Martin
Generations: <i>Martin Hospitality, </i>Abigayle Claire (386 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Circle C
Adventures: <i>Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home </i>(expanded
edition), Susan K. Marlow (195 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ranger's
Apprentice: <i>The Ruins of Gorlan, </i>John Flanagan (249 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ranger's
Apprentice: <i>The Burning Bridge, </i>John Flanagan (262 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ilyon
Chronicles: <i>Samara's Peril, </i>Jaye L. Knight (464 pages)</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
April
(1,283 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ranger's
Apprentice: <i>The </i><i>Icebound Land</i><i>, </i>John Flanagan
(266 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Red
Rock Mysteries: <i>Hidden Riches, </i>Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris
Fabry (249 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Red
Rock Mysteries: <i>Dead End</i><i>, </i>Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris
Fabry (235 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Blades of Acktar: <i>Deliver, </i>Tricia Mingerink (239 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ranger's
Apprentice: <i>The </i><i>Battle for Skandia</i><i>, </i>John
Flanagan (294 pages)</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
May
(1,164 pages total + Romeo and Juliet)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ranger's
Apprentice: <i>The </i><i>Sorcerer of the North</i><i>, </i>John
Flanagan (295 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>When Dreams Come
True, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Eric and Leslie Ludy (</span><span style="font-style: normal;">265
pages)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ranger's
Apprentice: <i>The </i><i>S</i><i>iege of Macindaw</i><i>, </i>John
Flanagan (293 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Omega Trilogy: <i>Unbound, </i>J. B. Simmons (311 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
June
(947 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Steadfast
Love: <i>The Sound of Diamonds, </i>Rachelle Rea (276 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Dandelion Dust,
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">Faith Potts (1</span><span style="font-style: normal;">7</span><span style="font-style: normal;">8
pages)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Outrageous Courage,
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">Kris and Jason Vallotton (154
pages)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Out
From Egypt: </span><i>Wings of the Wind, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Connilyn
Cossette (339 pages)</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
July
(1,471 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Staff and the Sword: <i>The Hero's Lot, </i>Patrick W. Carr (437
pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Atonement Child,
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">Francine Rivers (3</span><span style="font-style: normal;">7</span><span style="font-style: normal;">2
pages)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Homelanders: <i>The Last Thing I Remember, </i>Andrew Klavan (336
pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Michael
Vey: <i>The Prisoner of Cell 25, </i>Richard Paul Evans (326 pages)</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
August
(835 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Michael
Vey: <i>The Rise of the Elgen, </i>Richard Paul Evans (335 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Michael
Vey: <i>The </i><i>Battle of the Ampere</i><i>, </i>Richard Paul
Evans (320 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Autobiography,
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">Benjamin Franklin (</span><span style="font-style: normal;">180
pages)</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
September
(1,469 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
DragonKeeper
Chronicles: <i>DragonKnight, </i>Donita K. Paul (393 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Michael
Vey: <i>Hunt for Jade Dragon</i><i>, </i>Richard Paul Evans (319
pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ilyon
Chronicles: <i>Exiles, </i>Jaye L. Knight (486 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Michael
Vey: <i>Storm of Lightning</i><i>, </i>Richard Paul Evans (271
pages)</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
October
(749 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Blades of Acktar: <i>Dare, </i>Tricia Mingerink (334 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Last of the
Mohicans, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">James Fenimore Cooper
(415 pages)</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
November
(1,080 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Blades of Acktar: <i>D</i><i>eny</i><i>, </i>Tricia Mingerink (328
pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Michael
Vey: <i>Fall of Hades, </i>Richard Paul Evans (328 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Michael
Vey: <i>The Final S</i><i>park</i><i>, </i>Richard Paul Evans (316
pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tales
of Faith: <i>Befriending the Beast, </i>Amanda Tero (108 pages)</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
December
(949 pages total)</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Heroes
of Quantico: <i>Against All Odds, </i>Irene Hannon (332 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Alaskan
Courage: <i>Submerged, </i>Dani Pettrey (310 pages)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Beautiful
Pretender, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Melanie Dickerson
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">(307 pages)</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
If asked to choose a favorite book from the year, it'd be a difficult decision. The nominees are:<br />
<br />
<i>The Atonement Child, </i>Francine Rivers<br />
This is an extremely powerful, and well-written story. Rivers is among my favorite authors, and I'd highly recommend this book to all mature readers.<br />
<br />
<i>Dare </i>and <i>Deny, </i>Tricia Mingerink<br />
If you've kept track of my blog and favorite books for any length of time, you'll know that Mingerink is my top favorite author, thus why <i>Dare </i>and <i>Deny </i>absolutely had to make the favorites list.<br />
<br />
<i>Exiles, </i>Jaye L. Knight<br />
Book four in the series, <i>Exiles </i>was a fast-paced, thrilling fantasy that kept me turning the pages. Knight is also one of my favorite authors.<br />
<br />
<i>When Dreams Come True, </i>Eric and Leslie Ludy<br />
Another reread, the few books I've read by the Ludy couple are very well done and appealing to the intended audience. This particular book is the story of their courtship.<br />
<br />
<i>Martin Hospitality, </i>Abigayle Claire<br />
As Claire's debut novel, you can't tell it's her first publication. The story line is deep but written with a tasteful sense of humor. I'm eager for book two.<br />
<br />
<i>Dandelion Dust, </i>Faith Potts<br />
Also a debut author, I've been following Faith for several years<a href="https://fireflysstoryspace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> on her blog</a>. I was thrilled for her book's release, and thoroughly enjoyed the tale. Heart-wrenching as it is, Faith succeeded in making me cry. Excellent characterization and plot.<br />
<br />
<i>Submerged, </i>Dani Pettrey<br />
A new author to me, Pettrey's first book in her Alaskan Courage series was thrilling. A suspenseful romance, it was also a story of redemption that kept me flipping pages.<br />
<br />
In my winning envelope is a tie between Mingerink's <i>Dare </i>and River's <i>The Atonement Child.</i><br />
<br />
I didn't have too many disappointing reads this year, but there were still a few that didn't quite tickle my fancy. I'd really been looking forward to Nadine Brande's <i>A Time to Die, </i>but the style just wasn't what I'm used to, and I felt the characterization and plot left room for some improvement. I found the ending of <i>Dead End, </i>the fifteenth and final book in the Red Rock Mysteries series by Jenkins and Fabry, to be a personally disappointing close to a wonderful series. And finally, Cooper's <i>Last of the Mohicans </i>was just too difficult for me to read style-wise. I've never been a big fan of the "classics."<br />
<br />
On the other hand, my top three favorite series of the year would have to be the Blades of Acktar by Tricia Mingerink, Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight, and Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans. I read all seven books of the Michael Vey series this year and they were fantastic! Although not a Christian series as all the other books I've specifically mentioned so far have been, the series was still clean and greatly entertaining.<br />
<br />
In addition to my favorite authors already mentioned above, some authors new to me who are now on my list include Faith Potts, Abigayle Claire, Ivy Rose, Richard Paul Evans, Melanie Dickerson, and Dani Pettrey. Another new author I found enjoyable was John Flanagan.<br />
<br />
Top 5 favorite book covers:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUK7G6xM9SF0MDQ8IKIpHEMhIn1R1HKLwhgpQzrfFnOHGBmc9jBPOEcioCLy52EcJcy7j4MJCRqgYnjFCt8bbMUC4TQ8C5dXb7PRTTiSXJI-19BZqFWHWyKRaFiHvGES6XsEm6emUdKA/s1600/Exiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUK7G6xM9SF0MDQ8IKIpHEMhIn1R1HKLwhgpQzrfFnOHGBmc9jBPOEcioCLy52EcJcy7j4MJCRqgYnjFCt8bbMUC4TQ8C5dXb7PRTTiSXJI-19BZqFWHWyKRaFiHvGES6XsEm6emUdKA/s320/Exiles.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<br />
This year, several books left me thinking and had quite an impact on me. The first was (once again) Francine River's <i>The Atonement Child, </i>which addressed the abortion issue. A similar novel was <i>Martin Hospitality. </i>Then Ivy Rose's story, <i>Left to Die, </i>kept me considering situations missionaries face in foreign countries. A nonfiction book that challenged me was <i>Outrageous Courage </i>about missionary Tracy Evans. I found her incredible story powerful and entirely inspiring. It's a great reminder of God's power in present, day-to-day life.<br />
<br />
A giant thank-you to everyone who recommended books for me to read this year, and who gave me books for Christmas or my birthday. (My parents, grandparents, the Martin family, Alex, Samuel—thank you all!) It's because of you that I can keep reading and discovering amazing books and authors! :)<br />
<br />
Be sure to pick a few of my favorite books from the year to add to your 2018 TBR list, and check out some of the songs! Have you read any of these? Or listened to these song artists? Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-57567336167129082662018-01-20T15:16:00.001-08:002018-01-20T15:16:53.031-08:00A Year in Review: 2017These last few months have been hectic, as I'm sure you can guess based on my absence from the blogging universe. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, taking trips, Christmas, school, friends, and my birthday, life has been quite the busy adventure. Am I the only one having trouble believing 2018 is already upon us? Please note, this post has a large amount of photos. :) What's a year recap without pictures?<br />
<br />
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<br />
I know it's already halfway through January, but allow me to recap my year, if for no other reason than for the sake of my own sanity to bring closure to 2017.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxWmn3B4ZbaWHnLFFTcyd1XDCAjK6QIyClb2bh0gLmGBNvHmIyWY-oAJRTFLcTCbEqUeSdWDfbQBoQEHpoJju4QgPIB2UNQ7y8LBGA9vI9f5UOfD-7cCcxHYQvOmUQJXkyu9Cb3BERg/s1600/let_me_explain_princess_bride.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="680" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxWmn3B4ZbaWHnLFFTcyd1XDCAjK6QIyClb2bh0gLmGBNvHmIyWY-oAJRTFLcTCbEqUeSdWDfbQBoQEHpoJju4QgPIB2UNQ7y8LBGA9vI9f5UOfD-7cCcxHYQvOmUQJXkyu9Cb3BERg/s320/let_me_explain_princess_bride.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite Princess Bride quotes. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In some ways, 2017 was a far better year than 2016, but in other areas it was just as hard—or harder. There have been some amazing highlights to my year, but also quite a bit of difficulties regarding the health of family members. I've made some fabulous friends, but also lost some other close friendships. I've received good grades in tough classes, but also struggled through certain areas of my schooling. I can think of several words to summarize 2017: challenging, surprising, full of change, but if I had only one word to describe it, I'd say it was a year of <i>growth</i>. Spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I faced several new experiences, some good and some . . . not-so-good.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Growth; Spiritually</span><br />
I am confident this last year has grown me stronger in my walk with God. I've made many mistakes (thank you, Jesus, for your grace and mercy!), but each time I came out stronger. I found myself placed in situations where I had to make the choice to put God as more of a priority in my life. Throughout the year, God also placed me in circumstances where I could help and give advice to others. This gave me a chance to answer some questions for myself and learn how I can share with others. I've become more firm in my convictions, and closer to more fully trusting God. Each different environment I found myself in was an opportunity to shine more brightly for Christ. Every person I had contact with was a chance for me to act like "<a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/08/gods-billboard.html" target="_blank">God's Billboard</a>". All the situations I faced were ways to test me and my commitments to people and God. Not that I was ever <i>ashamed </i>of what I believe, but now I'm a little more willing to speak up about it and for what I know is right without cowering. As you can probably tell based on the added dimension of seriousness my posts have had, I've been viewing things in a deeper level, and I've found myself eager to share the things God points out to me. I'm still learning how to find and follow God's plans for my life, but through everything I experienced in 2017, I've come to trust God more and be more willing to be His hands and feet.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Growth; Mentally</span><br />
My sophomore and junior years of high school have been <i>tough. </i>Really, really, difficult. By noon on some days, I can practically feel my mind expanding. :) Don't ever believe that all homeschoolers have it easy. ;) As my family and friends can attest to, I've had a heavy schedule and extremely challenging courses. For the first time, I tried having a double (i.e. college) schedule with a few of my subjects. Last semester I did a full year of Physics and PreCalculus, so that I don't have either science or math this semester and can double up on some other subjects. Some of my favorites of the past year are my Apologetics (defending the Christian faith), Worldviews and World Religions (studying six major worldviews of modern day), and Constitutional Literacy (learning the original intent of the Constitution in relation to where America stands today). All these classes have changed my outlook at the world and the people in it. Now I have a better understanding of why people view things the way they do, and I'm better equipped to talk with them. My other courses have also been readying me for adulthood. While the schedule has been challenging, I've truly enjoyed studying more about the world in which I live.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Growth; Emotionally</span><br />
Between friends and family having some major health crisis and looking ahead thinking about my future, it's been a pretty emotional year. Unfortunately, it has become far too easy for my emotions to wear me down and lead toward depression. Thanks to my wonderful family, friends, and God, I made it through the year. I'm still drained emotionally, but trying to keep my focus on God rather than everything the world throws at me helps.<br />
<br />
Life hasn't been easy, but God has been good. He's blessed me and my family beyond measure. I've found one of the keys that's guided me through 2017 has been a continuous gratitude. Thanking God for all the blessings, big and small. "Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful weather!" "Thanks for amazing friends!" "Thank you that I have food to eat and clean water to drink." "Thanks for allowing me to have another day on this earth!" "Thank you for helping me do well on this test/in my job." There are so many things to be grateful for. "<sup class="versenum"> </sup>Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above . . ." (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1:17" target="_blank">James 1:17</a>) Concentrating on the blessings rather than the difficulty has been a key step for me this year.<br />
<br />
Now, for the lighthearted part of my 2017 journey.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Blog Stats~</div>
Total Blog Posts:<b> 172</b> (including this post)<br />
Number of 2017 Posts: <b>28</b><br />
Most Popular Posts of 2017:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/06/dear-god-where-have-you-been.html" target="_blank">Dear God, Where Have You Been?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/05/8-reasons-why-summer-isnt-my-favorite.html" target="_blank">8 Reasons Why Summer Isn't My Favorite Season</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/05/tag-time.html" target="_blank">Tag Time</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/09/urgent-prayer-request.html" target="_blank">Urgent: Prayer Request</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/06/rebelliouswriting.html" target="_blank">#RebelliousWriting</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/04/writing-accomplishment.html" target="_blank">Writing Accomplishment!</a></li>
</ul>
Personal Post Favorites From 2017:<br />
<ul>
<li>The "Highlights" posts: <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/02/january-hightlights-2017.html" target="_blank">January</a>, <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/03/february-highlights-2017.html" target="_blank">February</a>, <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/04/march-highlights-2017.html" target="_blank">March</a>, <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/05/april-highlights-2017.html" target="_blank">April</a>, <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/08/summer-has-come-and-gone.html" target="_blank">Summer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/03/tu-v-usted.html" target="_blank">"Tu" v. "Usted"</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-blades-of-acktar-deliver-plus.html" target="_blank">The Blades of Acktar: Deliver (Plus Author Interview)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/06/rebelliouswriting.html" target="_blank">#RebelliousWriting</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/06/dear-god-where-have-you-been.html" target="_blank">Dear God, Where Have You Been?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/08/gods-billboard.html" target="_blank">God's Billboard</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/09/gods-plans.html" target="_blank">God's Plans</a></li>
</ul>
I'm up to <b>49 Google followers</b> and <b>52 email subscribers</b>. (Some of those are overlaps.) <b>Nine</b> email subscribers were added in 2017.<br />
My blog has now had almost <b>33,600 pageviews</b> over its history. Almost <b>20,000</b> of those are from the United States, but apparently I have nearly <b>9,000 views</b> from Russia. There's also a substantial amount from France and Canada.<br />
I only changed my blog layout <b>twice</b>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Writing Stats~</div>
As seems to always be the case, I didn't do nearly as much writing this year as I'd hoped. But considering all my other varied experiences, I'm okay with that.<br />
Words on Arkinland Chronicles (formerly Dragon Chronicles): <b>14,700+</b><br />
Words on other projects: <b>13,000+</b><br />
Grand Total: <b>Almost 30K</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
~Reading Stats~</div>
<b> </b>I'll wait on this and am planning a separate post for just my reading in 2017. Stay tuned!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
~Firsts~</div>
Here are a few of my new experiences in 2017 with no particular order.<br />
I spent an afternoon whitewater rafting on the Kern River! I've dreamed of river rafting for years, so to finally be able to was thrilling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGjLdW5oR6qGy1aBVcu5xyJpgJfjwVGKiDaNiMYm5zdeRiq3F0cB4DcT9N3fOAxxKK_CD7hBQ5sOI4isedbI4FX9sRVK4hqxbTDjfbdCgFawNLR3flVIDFfdHhhRe5_VuL_qcIxeBXw/s1600/2017+Recap17.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGjLdW5oR6qGy1aBVcu5xyJpgJfjwVGKiDaNiMYm5zdeRiq3F0cB4DcT9N3fOAxxKK_CD7hBQ5sOI4isedbI4FX9sRVK4hqxbTDjfbdCgFawNLR3flVIDFfdHhhRe5_VuL_qcIxeBXw/s320/2017+Recap17.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Early in the year, I got my amateur radio technician license! Having the option to use the radio for communication has been extremely freeing for my family.<br />
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I learned to play both the board games of Catan and Risk. Since playing them for the first time, they've become among my favorite games. (I'm currently the Catan champion in the family.)<br />
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In March, I had the excitement of watching myself on a big screen in Bakersfield for the Christian Youth Film Society's annual film festival. For those of you who recall from November 2016 when I participated in the film camp, the short film I acted in was entered into the Film Festival. It was extremely fun to hear the crowd laughing at all the humorous scenes. :)<br />
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Beginning of December, I volunteered at a Christmas party for foster children where I worked at a cookie decorating table. <br />
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My sister and I rode our horses over to a neighbor's property for the first time and were able to work in an arena.<br />
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I filmed a funny short movie (mostly) on my own, for a homeschool project on Newton's Laws of Motion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3AuBRhC5Y487-pLz_lkEF8bh3P89JtoBZifyNJaeWBWzTijact10v4ko53WfWye_q4Ik38Q2l1hN1Q6bZwZ4o13NarHEeDBBuqNh6BVP2-FMpSL1xlGO5sWta_sYT3rDJ_5aXc3Iuw/s1600/2017+Recap3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3AuBRhC5Y487-pLz_lkEF8bh3P89JtoBZifyNJaeWBWzTijact10v4ko53WfWye_q4Ik38Q2l1hN1Q6bZwZ4o13NarHEeDBBuqNh6BVP2-FMpSL1xlGO5sWta_sYT3rDJ_5aXc3Iuw/s320/2017+Recap3.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A still from the film: a fig newton bar being chased by a star destroyer.</td></tr>
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My sister and I performed a scene from the Princess Bride for the Life Camp talent show. (It was our first act together in the talent show.)<br />
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I acted in front of a green screen.<br />
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Flying a drone for the first time was exhilarating!<br />
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In June, my family and I returned to Lone Pine for vacation and worked on a lavender farm for a few days. My sister and I also were able to help with the horses on the farm. This was the first time in months I'd had a chance to relax and read, both of which I did in some unusual places (like up in a tree over a river).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhR6RmcNLYfi9aj53oMGEbMcdpCMwou3kS5X1WF1Yxo2HVqUySEhzB5kX6MopoN7JieNFyyOBELUgaHRXopDPEM9hlgxJnOtvjwfsOa1YJPBJU06jpnanK7S4YTXDY1I_P4T6qlpj2SQ/s1600/2017+Recap1.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="765" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhR6RmcNLYfi9aj53oMGEbMcdpCMwou3kS5X1WF1Yxo2HVqUySEhzB5kX6MopoN7JieNFyyOBELUgaHRXopDPEM9hlgxJnOtvjwfsOa1YJPBJU06jpnanK7S4YTXDY1I_P4T6qlpj2SQ/s320/2017+Recap1.jpg.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading in the middle of a high mountain meadow.</td></tr>
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I finally was able to travel to the beach with a group of friends as part of high school Life Camp. We had a wonderful time, and even had "chapel" on the beach.<br />
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I participated in Camp NaNoWriMo for the first time. (It's a virtual writer's camp.) <br />
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During the solar eclipse, I watched it from the 70% zone.<br />
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This was my first full year as the church librarian. (That's still the best job out there when you love reading!)<br />
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I finally drove my dad's tractor for the first time as part of filming another family movie. :)<br />
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While on a trip to Hume Lake for my sister's birthday, we helped the staff build the set in the chapel for their summer camps. The castle design was extremely intricate!<br />
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I went on the ocean for a whale watching expedition!</div>
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<br />
~Other Highlights~</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Counseling for the second time at Camp Good News for a week of the summer was a marvelous experience. My group of girls tested me but were all so sweet, and I loved being there to pour into their lives and teach them about Christ for a week.</div>
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Last winter was a record for rainfall with a total of 42"! Gratefully, the rain came over a long enough time period where we didn't have mudslides from the fire a few months previous.</div>
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My family and grandparents took our tenth annual family picture at a coffee shop in Carmel, CA. We're so blessed to have had those ten years of good health and great memories.</div>
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Over the course of the year, my family and I took trips to Pacific Grove and Monterey, Los Angeles, Kernville, Lone Pine, Shaver Lake (where we went skiing again!), Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxR3UBicznGGAj9GvEGBIKLMGYjnhUgX0dvKC7aJdI4KX478va38p74Z1a5rzPzIYScK8GdJGSrISLhuFhNafsY9vbCzK9s-cFJPg82Me_m-SCN8_8946EuaW3a9bumfzoPEZC-zJmg/s1600/2017+Recap10.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxR3UBicznGGAj9GvEGBIKLMGYjnhUgX0dvKC7aJdI4KX478va38p74Z1a5rzPzIYScK8GdJGSrISLhuFhNafsY9vbCzK9s-cFJPg82Me_m-SCN8_8946EuaW3a9bumfzoPEZC-zJmg/s320/2017+Recap10.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skiing at Shaver Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX25WUK2S6tHwvgNhUqX_P5uGOHBw8wXY26_wUeZZvkJMHv6hn4TpS5CaIuEtqusmv0CNNDNbkRd1lLChC48ZBmtSRYf6_6i5dg-1ONPzbfwuYt0gpdnjcF0_ZBMntyJi9HXqjCYDfQ/s1600/2017+Recap14.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX25WUK2S6tHwvgNhUqX_P5uGOHBw8wXY26_wUeZZvkJMHv6hn4TpS5CaIuEtqusmv0CNNDNbkRd1lLChC48ZBmtSRYf6_6i5dg-1ONPzbfwuYt0gpdnjcF0_ZBMntyJi9HXqjCYDfQ/s320/2017+Recap14.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing by the Kern River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking pictures of the Kern River</td></tr>
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I had a doctor dig around in my finger because I accidentally stuck a pencil in it. Long story. Don't worry, I won't post pictures of that. :)<br />
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We filmed another short family movie over the summer and fall. It's best described as an Indiana Jones parody with lots of fossils included. :) We consider this to be the height of our production quality thus far, by expanding our limits to working with a green screen, "blowing things up" for the sake of the film (don't worry, not really), and creating a "behind the scenes."</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdHZEfPKknHN38GHGxYIAaQdgHMV5M2wLqsocPr4Ctt-AbISmNl9v5Knd9rXBvljHSqk0FCBJJGRyZQvdRpSKsrz3PWw4Q0p2bjiIlwp_yGSMqCQHljUiE6XJT2JYfT9O9oD6iiAElg/s1600/2017+Recap6.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdHZEfPKknHN38GHGxYIAaQdgHMV5M2wLqsocPr4Ctt-AbISmNl9v5Knd9rXBvljHSqk0FCBJJGRyZQvdRpSKsrz3PWw4Q0p2bjiIlwp_yGSMqCQHljUiE6XJT2JYfT9O9oD6iiAElg/s320/2017+Recap6.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our "explosion"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfR085KRWpkU1JX5Iuv-IIjBd6kdapyZuVIcJORkNvfaWxQuKxHYD3EYbSzRhtR_vniuh3WDUzynECttx2vLX9UunYsFORDdOYLyTouxmW1RrzyqC5530188LecNkM3_wuUznQcbFuA/s1600/2017+Recap8.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfR085KRWpkU1JX5Iuv-IIjBd6kdapyZuVIcJORkNvfaWxQuKxHYD3EYbSzRhtR_vniuh3WDUzynECttx2vLX9UunYsFORDdOYLyTouxmW1RrzyqC5530188LecNkM3_wuUznQcbFuA/s320/2017+Recap8.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the horses got in the film!</td></tr>
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My family and I started a hunt for all 50 license plates. So far we have 42. <br />
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I actually dressed up for my church's Light the Night festival. I didn't think I was going to but then I decided, "why not?" My outfit was <i>technically </i>Cleopatra, though I'd rather not be associated with her. Instead, I'm just saying that I was an Egyptian queen. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFwOlGVnryjMoX_YppIJJKSWo04302wqowZ9uPtqV-yr5MvG_TcYXVEofCtGn9P5ft7UKtJw_bwxTPYYU4ZqKtrTJLD166Qk4ZZ-UUrR5966IfKuxiZYsR8Tm5421SQIDd-s56iH7wQ/s1600/2017+Recap19.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFwOlGVnryjMoX_YppIJJKSWo04302wqowZ9uPtqV-yr5MvG_TcYXVEofCtGn9P5ft7UKtJw_bwxTPYYU4ZqKtrTJLD166Qk4ZZ-UUrR5966IfKuxiZYsR8Tm5421SQIDd-s56iH7wQ/s320/2017+Recap19.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My family's Christmas picture this year expanded to include our horses, Dream and Baylie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdi8UcA-hZrUbzanw8BgSC-X7e5Amd2HK9x5OjAGxPr76nba0nxt4XO8SXCl-s1M5KveO_SlHyTtmVKZyqcY8pJDcjfPT7LfO2JE8fEZUT_1WEVXcjVs0VQjIjmmQe2rNmCBkDWk2-w/s1600/2017+Recap5.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdi8UcA-hZrUbzanw8BgSC-X7e5Amd2HK9x5OjAGxPr76nba0nxt4XO8SXCl-s1M5KveO_SlHyTtmVKZyqcY8pJDcjfPT7LfO2JE8fEZUT_1WEVXcjVs0VQjIjmmQe2rNmCBkDWk2-w/s320/2017+Recap5.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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~Favorite Pictures I Took~<br />
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I've posted a few of these at some point during the year, but they're still my favorites. Enjoy!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLTFucOjKNHfBb7tTG8_x-BbpXUYZ90DyCPJRFwUrhVDc2qul8oVmr9ZZo4VRkU6OmAqysQpLpgn4VWB4NcuYjZ6l5lOx7oa0AltpRowYsVBeQWJG1Lc0UMrvUjbYDSywgtNy5Od5Rw/s1600/2017+Recap+set+c+2.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLTFucOjKNHfBb7tTG8_x-BbpXUYZ90DyCPJRFwUrhVDc2qul8oVmr9ZZo4VRkU6OmAqysQpLpgn4VWB4NcuYjZ6l5lOx7oa0AltpRowYsVBeQWJG1Lc0UMrvUjbYDSywgtNy5Od5Rw/s320/2017+Recap+set+c+2.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monterey Bay. Everyone says this could be a postcard photo.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4waElUQc-09RVB9VLf9MND5Om8PcvdItzTnYqARMDKvEXx2kPFqOkYkW6d8D8D-qGhPhMMqvqg9WdgnWl0CvbLw9mzUnIT9yy5aqWwhYwyKSXcBXL4ZhVxUUW9LNkYsNwRd_aIYvCvg/s1600/2017+Recap+set+c+3.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4waElUQc-09RVB9VLf9MND5Om8PcvdItzTnYqARMDKvEXx2kPFqOkYkW6d8D8D-qGhPhMMqvqg9WdgnWl0CvbLw9mzUnIT9yy5aqWwhYwyKSXcBXL4ZhVxUUW9LNkYsNwRd_aIYvCvg/s320/2017+Recap+set+c+3.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like this one. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxhyphenhyphenwdi_SdfrXuloQOx2ENDU8WJZQMx20IVVtVr-QDf9uu_RIrfCJ1kcePprHMB4OWwgpoBoAJvMvs6VbHfnKCgnhDM7Qg3AGA_kfud8o9Avh6YDijV8wdQnmqVU2SMCYOLSVe4dJnQ/s1600/2017+Recap+set+b+2.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxhyphenhyphenwdi_SdfrXuloQOx2ENDU8WJZQMx20IVVtVr-QDf9uu_RIrfCJ1kcePprHMB4OWwgpoBoAJvMvs6VbHfnKCgnhDM7Qg3AGA_kfud8o9Avh6YDijV8wdQnmqVU2SMCYOLSVe4dJnQ/s320/2017+Recap+set+b+2.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean sunsets are among my favorite pictures to take.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8yr-z12BfswAgQUdBy5z_a5CX5SdqtFbqF7ajPYYRssyfkzyXcPNGqXNdTSjDbDBtM2lBdJ2ARyUyvW27nuEQ8arqL2kpO_KWFdH72gDHvo8vdu9qlW_2T-6g9vMTyzVf1PzyX00Yg/s1600/2017+Recap+set+b+3.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8yr-z12BfswAgQUdBy5z_a5CX5SdqtFbqF7ajPYYRssyfkzyXcPNGqXNdTSjDbDBtM2lBdJ2ARyUyvW27nuEQ8arqL2kpO_KWFdH72gDHvo8vdu9qlW_2T-6g9vMTyzVf1PzyX00Yg/s320/2017+Recap+set+b+3.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was on the whale watching trip.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl1s-COhiFIg3RtX4bYbuZfeQvy8iqTn0BvqSXYUX0rbwt4pSNm3Q8GAfhoVPDJ7RSBZ7CTXeaiiTIxIqVIxwXT8rVZXAd0Gf3q5a0SHefje-fuECQjA_ovJktx1-K_36KmWmVC1iEg/s1600/2017+Recap+set+b+6.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl1s-COhiFIg3RtX4bYbuZfeQvy8iqTn0BvqSXYUX0rbwt4pSNm3Q8GAfhoVPDJ7RSBZ7CTXeaiiTIxIqVIxwXT8rVZXAd0Gf3q5a0SHefje-fuECQjA_ovJktx1-K_36KmWmVC1iEg/s320/2017+Recap+set+b+6.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is probably my favorite from the whole year.</td></tr>
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~Bible Verses and Quotes~</div>
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A Bible verse I often referred to during 2017 was my current "theme verse", <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+timothy+4%3A12&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Timothy 4:12</a>. "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."</div>
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One of my favorite quotes I heard last year is: "Life isn't how many breaths you take, but it's the moments that take your breath away."</div>
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With that, I'll wrap up my 2017 recap. I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into my year! May 2018 be a blessed year for every one of you! Thank you for reading. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRSAnJswutvx2AZ2q7LNWz_KLedFpFTqGI6XGs0pO83gHo8s6FUtjUBGymt2WTsy-EFhDV6ZgfQDP4Xf8YXD1SS_mCshHDxtden6-ADEcMgSG9LL0mp5cZd978cZ2bjEZM6a4kg5mOw/s1600/Signature+Reduced1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRSAnJswutvx2AZ2q7LNWz_KLedFpFTqGI6XGs0pO83gHo8s6FUtjUBGymt2WTsy-EFhDV6ZgfQDP4Xf8YXD1SS_mCshHDxtden6-ADEcMgSG9LL0mp5cZd978cZ2bjEZM6a4kg5mOw/s200/Signature+Reduced1.jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: All images used in this post are not to be duplicated or used in any format without express permission by the photographer.</span>Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-33612262822524582592018-01-13T12:27:00.003-08:002018-01-17T08:28:52.722-08:00Looking Into Psalms: Psalm 1<i>I can't believe how long it's been since I posted! Allow me to offer my most sincere apologies, and send out a hearty "thank you" to all you faithful who stick around. I wish you a very late Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! :)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cwG3gxf4VQNX9JwgdfuxoCUqlHN2um61gs4FOSGVUKv2y6s2LXltKzDbKNR_utZNw_XLtcmsc-so7BqCRsrYdwfE5T_0FH6zfqkEzkAxx8ikQit8gpr460nxfpfu8zsx0lTgJ_fLig/s1600/Looking+Into+Psalms+1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cwG3gxf4VQNX9JwgdfuxoCUqlHN2um61gs4FOSGVUKv2y6s2LXltKzDbKNR_utZNw_XLtcmsc-so7BqCRsrYdwfE5T_0FH6zfqkEzkAxx8ikQit8gpr460nxfpfu8zsx0lTgJ_fLig/s320/Looking+Into+Psalms+1b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This morning, in reading over <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+1&version=ESV" target="_blank">Psalm 1</a>, which I've read and studied more times than I can count, something new jumped out at me. That's one of my favorite things about the Bible; God always reveals new things to us, even in passages we know by heart. <i>If you read nothing else from this post, please make sure you read the key points in bold below.</i> Throughout the post, all Bible verse references are links to the verse/passage, where you can read them yourself. Don't trust my interpretation; read the texts and do it yourself! The text of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+1&version=ESV" target="_blank">Psalm 1</a> is as follows in the ESV.<br />
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<span class="chapter-1"><span class="text Ps-1-1"><span class="text Ps-1-2" id="en-ESV-13942"></span>Blessed is the man</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-1">who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-1">nor stands in the way of sinners,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-1">nor sits in the seat of scoffers;</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-2" id="en-ESV-13942"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>but his delight is in the law of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-2">and on his law he meditates day and night.</span></span> <br />
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<span class="text Ps-1-3" id="en-ESV-13943"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>He is like a tree</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-3">planted by streams of water</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-3">that yields its fruit in its season,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-3">and its leaf does not wither.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-3">In all that he does, he prospers.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-4" id="en-ESV-13944"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>The wicked are not so,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-4">but are like chaff that the wind drives away.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-1-5" id="en-ESV-13945"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-5">nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-6" id="en-ESV-13946"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> knows the way of the righteous,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-6">but the way of the wicked will perish.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6">My interpretation of verses one and two is: "God will bless those who avoid wrongdoing and keep their minds focused on God and His Word at all times—in all circumstances." [NOTE: <i>meditate</i> in the Bible means simply to focus on God, His Word, and things pure as commanded in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4:8&version=ESV" target="_blank">Philippians 4:8</a>. New Spirituality (aka New Age) has stolen the word from Biblical context and given it a poor connotation, but in a Biblical sense it is not the same type of "meditation" as New Spiritualists promote.] Lately, I've been attempting to meditate more on God, His promises, and His Word, like verse two instructs. Thus I found myself rereading Psalm 1 today as I've been doing the past few days. How do we meditate on God's law? Read the Bible, reread passages, pray about it, and ask God to reveal new things to you. He will.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6">The following verse is what stood out to me this morning. Isn't the metaphor beautiful? Who wouldn't want to be like a strong, thriving tree provided with everything it needs? Who brings glory to God and prospers? But how do we achieve this? Look back at verse two for the key. We must meditate on God's Word. Now that we have that knowledge, let's look at the third line of verse 3: <i>"</i></span></span><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3">that yields its fruit in its season" </span></span></span></i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3">This is the part where I found some new insight which inspired me to write this post.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"><br /></span></span></span><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"><b>Key Point 1:</b> I looked over the passage, half reading, half reciting from memory, and almost instantly, "in its season" jumped off the page at me. Oftentimes as Christians, we look around but fail to recognize any fruit of our faithfulness to God. First, make sure you are being "righteous" as we learn in verses one and two. If you realize you are obeying the commands in the first verses, then take a look at "in its season." We aren't always privileged to witness the fruit of our labors. When we are, it isn't usually right away. God decides the "season" for each person to yield their fruit.</span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A1-8&version=ESV" target="_blank">Ecclesiastes 3:1-8</a>)</span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"> It might be the next day, the next month, or not even in our lifetime. But Psalm 1 promises there <i>will be fruit </i>for those who fulfill the part of the righteous man depicted in the passage. </span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"><span class="text Gal-6-9" id="en-ESV-29181"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206:9" target="_blank">Galatians 6:9</a> affirms this: </span>"</span></span></span><span class="text Gal-6-9" id="en-ESV-29181">And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."</span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"><br /></span></span></span><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"><b>Key Point 2:</b> My second revelation came from my new Study Bible's commentary. (Thanks, Dad and Mom!) Also from the third line of verse three, my commentary pointed out, "As a tree bears fruit not for itself but for others, so also, when the faithful person prospers, he brings benefit to others." As I considered this, I realized its truth. A tree doesn't eat its own fruit! Instead, others are blessed by it. This is the purpose of being a righteous man, to bring glory to God through our works. (See the post I wrote on bringing glory to God: <a href="http://bethanyr4him.blogspot.com/2017/08/gods-billboard.html" target="_blank">God's Billboard</a>.)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3">Moving on to verses four and five. In the end of time when Jesus returns or we die and meet our maker, God will segregate the wicked from the righteous. He, and He alone, knows who are the righteous, and who are not. No one can fool God. He will divide the goats from the sheep, the sinners from the saved, the wicked from the righteous. To the unrighteous, no matter how they plead and grovel, He will speak the dreaded words: "</span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3"><span class="text Matt-7-23" id="en-ESV-23340"><span class="woj">I never knew you; depart from me</span></span>." (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A22-23&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 7:22-23</a>) For the righteous, however, he will welcome them with open arms into His kingdom, as His children come home.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3">Finally, verse six ends the Psalm on a happier note for the righteous. God looks with pleasure and joy upon the way of the righteous. He rewards them, if not here on earth, then in heaven.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6"><span class="text Ps-1-3">I'm praying that some of this may have blessed you as it did me. Have a marvelous weekend, friends!</span></span></span></div>
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Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751505831815098469.post-45950918139356504242017-10-04T18:02:00.003-07:002017-10-04T18:02:30.961-07:00Five Fall Favorites Book PartyHello, all! I wanted to drop in quickly today to make all my fellow book-lovers aware of an amazing book party multiple authors are hosting and welcome you to my second favorite season of the year. It's time to curl up as the air grows ever crisper and read your favorite books.<br />
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You can view the main site for the party, <a href="http://readanotherpage.com/blog" target="_blank">Read Another Page</a>, by clicking on the blog title. For two more days ten readers are sharing their top five favorite books in a different genre each day. This is the second annual party; and I enjoyed the last one. So far, this one is fantastic too! Maybe I'll even end up sharing some of my favorite books as well. Additionally, there's a <span style="font-size: large;">huge</span> book giveaway with a grand prize awesome enough to make any reader covetous. :) So come—join in the fun! Let's get in the book-reading, fall spirit. Once again, click <a href="http://readanotherpage.com/blog" target="_blank">HERE</a> to participate in the party! Three cheers for books!<br />
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P.S. Stay tuned for a new blog layout in honor of autumn's arrival!Bethany R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05109155620478749892noreply@blogger.com4