Saving lives... one at a time.

Earlier today our orchestra played at a local nursing home. We do this once a year for "ministry". Our goal today was to glorify God through music and to show others examples of homeschoolers and Christ-followers.

Before and during the performance we prayed that we would be able to be an example and a blessing to these people, but I wondered... "Is this really touching lives?", "Are they just waiting for us to be done?", "Can some of these people even hear?"

We finished, and I went up and sat by the door to wait for my parents (they were running errands). While I was waiting, a woman came up to me and started asking me about the homeschool group that we're in, homeschooling... etc. After a few minutes she went and sat down with a few other people. I heard her excitedly explaining to them what I had told her....

That made me smile. I remembered that God was concerned about each individual person. Even if she was the only one that cared, that's one person that we touched and were able to be a blessing to.

Remember that wherever you go, no matter what you're doing, you can set an example to the world of something different, something better! It may seem like no one cares, but usually, someone is watching! You have no idea how much one little act, opening a door, helping a sibling, a kind word, or a smile... etc. can brighten someone's day... or possibly change their life!

One more example:

Last month my sisters, brother and I were playing/singing at a different nursing home. While we were playing, one of the residents started talking to our mom. He asked her if we were homeschoolers. After she said yes, he started explaining how he could just tell by our countenance and joy and the way we treated each other (don't forget... your bright faces stand out!!!). A few days later we visited him in the nursing home, and the next week he started coming to our church!

Psalm 37:5-6
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

"If all mankind had been righteous and only one man a sinner, Christ would have come to endure the same cross for this one man. He so loves every individual."
-St. Augustine

I hope you all have a blessed day of rest tomorrow!
Serving the King,
Marissa

Meekness and Majesty

We sang this song at a nursing home, and I just loved this second verse! :)

Father's pure radiance, perfect in innocence;
Yet learns obedience to death on a cross.
Suffering to give us life, conquering through sacrifice;
And as they crucify - prays, "Father, forgive."

Oh what a mystery, meekness and majesty;
Bow down and worship,
for this is your God.

I just got a new camera the other day and these are some of the pictures I took with it!

In Christ,
Andrea

Your days are in His hands

Psalm 138:8a, 139:16b

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me...
...All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

What a promise! Isn't it amazing to think that God has each and every one of our days planned out? Before we wake up, He knows exactly what is going to happen that day (and every day!).

This morning I was so excited to get started with my day and just.... happy! I realized the reason that I was so full of joy was because I was simply excited to see what this day held. I knew that God had a plan for each minute and I couldn't wait to find out what those plans were!

While I'm going to sleep at night, I love to reflect on my day. The things that I learned, the conversations that were had, what I got done... God's blessings on each and every day are unmistakable if you take the time to look for them.

I don't know if this makes any sense.... it's just what was running through my head at the moment!

Remember that God not only has a plan for your days... but an ultimate plan of how you will glorify Him with your entire life!

In Christ,
Marissa

Knit/Crochet-Along

Eden over at Heirs of Promise is having a knit/crochet-along! I'm so excited! :) Anyway... if you would like to join, head on over to her blog and check out the details.

Here are the patterns to choose from:

9-Patch Baby Throw (crochet)

Hanover Hat (knit)


I decided to work on the baby throw because I love to crochet! (Plus I think it's really cute.) I have three other projects going on right now, but I'm really excited to do this so I'm going to try! Fortunately the baby I'm planning on giving it to isn't going to be born until June... so I have some time. :)

Have fun!
~Marissa

A Maiden's Warfare

A Maiden's Warfare
by Carol A. DeLadurantey

Press on to heights of glory now,
And keep thou steady eye.

One must not falter in this fight,
Though some may flee of fly.

Take hold the charge thou hast been given,
To battle we must go.

But not with our own maiden hands
Do we take up shield or bow.

We wage this war in words and actions,
With our every deed.

We follow Christ our captain,
Thro' Him we will succeed.

Tell me now have we forgot
The charge from God above

To keep our hearts in purity, grace
Modesty, truth and love.

These are our weapons, our shields, our swords;
In this battle we now fight.

We strive not for an earthly king,
But for our God of truth and might!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and blessed weekend!

Psalm 37:5-9

Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Grace and peace,
Marissa

Giveaway at Content in Christ!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know that Lindsay at Content in Christ is having a giveaway! Go check it out! :)

Edit: Sorry! I forgot to put the link the first time! There you go... enjoy! :)

Yours

"...I have learned the secret of being content..."

Philippians 4:12
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Today as I was looking out the window watching the snow fall softly against the ground, I became angry and started thinking of how the snow was "ruining everything" and though people kept saying how beautiful it was, I could not bring myself to admit it and starting fooling myself into how ugly it was. Though it was true that I didn't like snow very much before today, I have to say, it was even worse this day. Everything was canceled and today was particularly a day I was looking forward to. It truly did ruin everything planned for today. But it did not ruin the day.
I had to catch myself each time I wanted to say how nasty the snow was. The truth was, however, I believed the snow was beautiful. The tiny flakes that fell to the ground - not one of them the same - were captivating. Honestly, one could look at them all day. After a while of not 'catching' myself, I fell into the trap of believing the lies that sprouted in my head from the silly stories I kept saying over and over. "Why do people love snow so much!? I can't see why they think it so beautiful...I daresay it might even be ugly! Who would want to look at tiny drops of water? nothing special." that was the kind of talk that rolled through my head, and I started believing it. However, as the day rolled on, I busied myself with practicing my cello, reading, doing school with my siblings, and tasting some of the delicious muffins my mother threw together, thinking it would be fun on a cold winter day. I decided that if I could not do the things planned then I would not lose the day to sulking. It was the right idea, but the wrong motives. I took on a headstrong, "I'll show it!" (meaning the snow) sort of attitude.
As I looked out the window and saw the snow drifting to the ground, the now white trees that looked simply elegant dressed in the white of snow, and then looking up now at the sky, it seemed actually beautiful. I tried to shake myself out of the idea of thinking snow could be beautiful, it ruined my day, don't forget!
Then suddenly I remembered the people of Haiti, the people on the street who were enduring this blizzard head on while I sat in my room sulking. Then taking the time machine backwards to the times of Caesar, Hitler, Nero, Nebuchadnezzar...these men who attempted power and afflicted pain on all those in their way, and even those who weren't! I became embarrassed. What was I complaining about? My life was a perfect fairytale that showered me with gifts and easy living. I felt no pain. It was true I may have stayed home from an event or two, missed a lesson, didn't get to see a family of friends, and I surely had some right to be dissapointed, but I had felt no pain, hardship, I was not standing in the cold freezing and I was not in the hospital dying. Why was I so upset? The truth of the senseless matter was that- I wasn't upset. I was just feeling sorry for myself. I made a big deal of nothing, fell into the sin of hating one of God's precious creations and spoiling the afternoon. The pain of realizing how foolish I had been was ten times the pain of the plans I had being shattered. My dream day- thats what I had labeled it- and once it was ruined I fell into despair and anger at something that was not to be hated but to be looked upon as the magnificence of God; for His creation is truly wonderful and a beauty. What can compare to the glory of God's creation? How silly we can become when we get trapped in emotions that tear us from reality. Now I look upon my day and think of how I could have done the things in it. Maybe with more joy?

I know this post has been long and I hope I didn't bore you....I think I may have written too many medieval books....

In Christ,
Andrea

Happy Birthday, Seth!

Today is Seth's 4th birthday!

This little boy has been such a tremendous blessing to our family the past 4 years. One of his greatest characteristics is his almost constant smile. He is such a joy to have in our family.

Seth also has an incredible amount of energy! He loves to wrestle with his brother and RUN! He can also spend hours doing legos, playmobil, and drawing. He can make almost anything out of... almost anything!

Other things he likes to do are sing, read, say the alphabet, and cook (he calls himself our "cooker boy").

We love you, Seth!

Raising Maidens of Virtue

Dear Lord,
let my life be a reflection of Your mercy and goodness. Allow a lovely and gentle spirit to shine forth from me. Make my countenance properly express your holiness. Keep me from attempting to glorify myself and help me to instead glorify You in all that I do, wear, and proclaim. Take my life, Lord--do with it what You will, and make me content and joyful always and in everything. Amen.

~Stacy McDonald, Raising Maidens of Virtue

My sisters, mom and I started reading this book a few days ago for morning devotions. It's really good! We're not even halfway through it, but I would really recommend it for any of you who haven't read it yet! :)

Blessings,
Marissa

Peach Smoothie....

...a delicious and healthy way to start the day! :)

It's so easy, too! :) We've been making these a lot the past week and I thought I would share the recipe with you.

2 C yogurt (I found this recipe from the Wissman's blog a couple of weeks ago. Give it a try!)
1 1/4 C milk
2 C frozen peaches
1 1/2 Tbs honey

Throw everything in a blender and enjoy!
~Makes about 5 servings~

You can add more or less of anything depending on how thick, thin, or sweet you like it. I think we change it a little bit every day. :)

Giveaway at Feminine Farmgirl!

Jenna at Feminine Farmgirl is having a giveaway for a Marie Madeline Studio skirt pattern! Head on over and check it out!!! :)

"Jesus came on a rescue mission for creation. He had to pay for our sins so that some day He can end evil and suffering without ending us."
-Answers magazine