It's War!

So I was going about my little duties in my room and all of a sudden my two very darling, most loving, so caring, precious, sweet, gentle and kind older brothers walk into my room. As they walked in, I was facing my window and turned around to respond to Josh's question, "What are these for?" just to see this string flying towards me. And before you know it...I'm covered in Silly String and nothing to protect myself but to stand there and take it! Then Josh, merciful Josh, takes pitty upon his dear ol' sister, hands me the can and says, "I'm getting out of here." But of course, I have to share the love...and cover them with whatever is left in the can. And that wasn't much but it sure made me feel better! :D

My Goal is God Himself

"My goal is God Himself - not joy, nor peace

Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God.

'Tis His to lead me there, not mine, but His -

At any cost, dear Lord, by any road!

So faith bounds forward to its goal in God and love can trust

her Lord to lead her there;

Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard,

Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer.

No matter if the way be sometimes dark,

No matter though the cost be oft-times great,

He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark - 

The way that leads to Him must needs be straight.

One thing I know, I cannot say Him nay;

One thing I do, I press towards my Lord:

My God my glory here from day to day,

And in the glory there my Great Reward."

-Source Unknown

A Key Worthy of Unlocking Your Heart

This past Sunday during church one of the fathers, while teaching used a neat analogy, perfect for children, connecting the simple procedure of a key specifically designed to unlock its associated lock with that of salvation. He made mention that not every key is designed for this pleasure but only one specific to this particular lock. He shared how a key, once made, has exact detailed curves and grooves used to lift the lock's components creating a straight line in order to unlock the bolt. Basically, for example, you stick your key into the lock of your door and twist and if it's the correct key, your door now is unlocked, right? Taking this thought, in connection to Salvation, he portrayed the lock as our hearts and the key as an example of Christ. Only in this he mentioned that Jesus doesn't have specific grooves or curves in order to unlock our individual hearts, nor does He need them. For His key is straight, piercing every part of the lock, making straight His path to give us freedom of salvation through Him. His key is the Cross.

As we left church, I was challenged by further thoughts regarding this subject...only ones that went a completely different direction.

We all may be familiar with the thought or need of "keeping and guarding your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life" Proverbs 4:23 AMP which is greatly important in all aspects of life no matter our age or situation. We may also be familiar with the analogy of a special someone, hopefully at this time it would be our fathers, who, hold the "key to our hearts" until one day another special someone, significantly handpicked and designed by the Lord, will take this honor upon himself and will receive the blessing and privilege of unlocking it's treasure bearing it unto himself as his prized possession. Just as 1 key is created for 1 lock, so too has God created 1 man to unlock the heart of 1 woman.

As young ladies, we have been given the challenge of protecting our "locks." By this I mean, not allowing it to be trifled with by our thoughts, actions, attitudes, or words, neither by what is read or watched, nor by what is desired or wanted. I must say though by experience that nothing, absolutely nothing can be done in our strength. Believe me, I have tried it and have failed over and over and over again. It is because of this that I am grateful for God's ever constant grace and His mercies that are new every morning. For it is truly as Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20 AMP

My dear friends, in order for this key to fit perfectly, and may this be our desire, we need not to allow our hearts to be trifled with by other foreign "tries" nor shall we encourage it. For God has truly designed 1 specific key created to unlock each and every one of our hearts only to be done in His perfect timing. For then it shall be precious and perfect, more wonderful than we have ever dreamed.

Until then, may God give us the strength to fight the good fight, leaning on His everlasting and powerful strength in order that He might, through us, keep our hearts with all diligence through His greatest protection. It is my prayer that our Daddy's have the strength and courage to protect such a treasure that as of now resides in their possession and that we, as their daughters will learn to trust them, as our God given protection and authority.

Again this is something that I have been pondering and am still working through according to what is found in Scripture. However, I still desired to post it at least as a start if I might for "my girls" that I admire so much and love deeply. Something to ponder and possibly take as an encouragement...and honestly, I knew that if I waited much longer to post...with life as it is...well...posting would never happen. :D

Until next time,

Elisabeth :D

SNOW @ ALERT

Andrew sent us these pictures taken a short while back when it snowed in Big Sandy, TX! Such a rare occasion...and wonderful at that! Truly amazing. Sure made PT more enjoyable for the whole gang. I thought that it would be fun to post pictures up for you all to see. Enjoy!

And the exercise of the day is...snow shoveling!

Snow is so wonderful...especially when in the midst of shoveling you have fun too! Today it was just me, my Dad, and my Sunny-bunny out shoveling the "ton" of snow we got last night into this morning...and it called for a couple of pictures.

My Sunny bear = buddy for life! And boy does he LOVE the snow...snow balls, snow angels, and if he could sled I know he would!

More Maine Pictures

Here are some more pictures from my trip. I hope you enjoy! 

 My favorite Josiah...just a sweetie!

 Levi is such a doll...I just adore his dimples! They are the cherry on top to his personality!

 

 Hannah and Levi...being goofy!

 Bethany, Levi, Me, and Asa...those boys are such a delight! Bethany truly has wonderful little siblings!

 Mrs. (Grammy) Reed and sweet little Emma

 Our matching shirts! :D

 Twas a lovely girlie night...one of the nights that I was there, we decided to have a girlie night with a yummy spaghetti dinner, delicious gluten and egg free chocolate chip cookies and a wonderful movie. Twas the life! (just a disclaimer...Hannah is holding an olive oil bottle :D)

My dearest Bethany! 

 It was a Wii duel...and a fun one at that! 

 Spending time with Bethany's younger siblings was such a highlight of my trip! Memories at the park were my favorite!

I can not begin to say how much of a blessing this trip to Maine was. The fellowship with a dear friend and the many moments of laughter each and every day were much needed. All the memories will be held dear and treasured for a lifetime. As always, this time went all to quickly however, it was my little gift from the Lord...a dream fulfilled...to meet and love my little Emma Joy who is a pure gem and delight.

<3 Elisabeth

Boothbay Harbor

While in Maine, Bethany took me site seeing. We went to a beautiful little town on the ocean called Boothbay Harbor. It was wonderful. Completely beautiful. The pictures here really don't grasp it's true beauty. In person it's 10 times better! The weather was perfect, although the wind chill was freezing but for this time of year, you really couldn't ask for a better day, especially spent with two lovely ladies!

Hannah, Bethany's sister got to come along with us...and spent time with us for a few days! I thoroughly LOVED it!