He is not here; He has risen!

Well... Easter's coming up this week! What an amazing celebration!

Sometimes it's easy for Easter to just fly by. We've been thinking and talking about Easter a lot this week. Think about it. This is the most important holiday for us as Christians! Yes, Christmas is VERY important as well, it's the birth of our Savior! But if we stop there, what kind of faith do we have? No, the story doesn't end at that!

We have a God who not only came to the earth in the form of a baby.... He took on the sins of the whole world. We are forgiven because of what He did for us! Imagine the pain the came not only from the nails, but from having the sin of the whole world upon your shoulders? We celebrate God's incredible forgiveness and compassion on us at Easter... but that's not all.

After being crucified and laid in a tomb, 3 days later Jesus ROSE FROM THE DEAD! Imagine that! He conquered death and rose up in victory! What other god could do that? Ours is the only true and perfect God and King!

I thought I'd share with you some reasons I learned a couple Easter's ago why Jesus absolutely rose from the dead and it could not have been a story.
1) Breaking the seal to a tomb was punishable by death.
2) The disciples could not have gotten past the guards (more than 2) and stolen Jesus' body.
3) There was no way that Jesus could fake dead. His heart was punctured, He could not have rolled away a 2 ton rock.
4) They could not have hallucinated Jesus (after He rose). No two people have the same hallucinations.


As the rest of the world is celebrating fluffy bunnies and candy, let us realize the true meaning of Easter, stand for the truth, and shine for Jesus!

Luke 24:5-6
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!"

He is faithful!

The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.
I Thessalonians 5:24

Yesterday as I was getting more and more worried about my piano solo today, I sat down to do my quiet time. I've been reading this short book (I Thessalonians) every day for over two weeks now, but this verse really struck me yesterday.

I realized that this really didn't have much to do with me. The reason that I was doing this is for God's glory! This was something He called me to, so He was going to see it through! My only responsibility was to do the best I could and leave the rest up to Him.

Guess what? When I gave it up and simply trusted, God blessed incredibly! I must admit, there were plenty of moments when I was doubtful and started to turn to my own strength, but God used this experience to show me once again the He is in control!

As always, He did it! I'm so glad it's over ☺, but more importantly I was reminded of a wonderful lesson.

Isn't it amazing that when we simply trust God, He works everything out according to His perfect plan?

Super fun week :)

This week we had our aunt and cousin over from across the country! We had SO much fun with them! It was especially nice for them to visit because we haven't seen them in a few years. :(

~Cousins~
On our last day with them. :(

Our grandparents came up today to take them to the airport. Before they left though we all went bowling! It was lots of fun... even though we're really bad at it! Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma!

Some other things we did while they were here....

Our aunt taught us how to make real hula hoops... and how to use them. :)

Ian and Chris hooping.... or something... :)

Bunnies!

They were also a HUGE help in transporting all of the instruments to the nursing home... it just happened to be scheduled while they were here and I don't think we could have done it without them!

My sweet sister :)

We went go-karting at a neighbors while they were here while was really fun! :) Seth and I were watching...


We were so sad to see them go today, but it was such a blessing to get to visit this week.

As I was thinking about missing them today, I realized how special each person is if you take the time to get to know them. If we moved from here, we would really miss everyone! What a good lesson that we should love each of God's children as much as we possibly can while we have them, because you really never know when you could lose someone.

Alright, I'm off to practice piano before solo and ensemble tomorrow.... looking forward to that being DONE!

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Marissa

The Prayer of a Five-Year-Old

At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."
Matthew 11:25-26

"Mom and Dad, would you cuddle me in (my brothers' words for tuck me in ☺)?"
"Sure... goodnight."
"Goodnight... wait! I want to pray for you both!


Dear God,
Thank You for my parents, thank You for my mom and dad, thank You for the house..... and guide us with Your angels....
Amen."


For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways...
Psalm 91:11

12 reasons to read the Bible every day

I just finished reading the book Ten P's in a Pod by Arnold Pent III. It was not only very entertaining, but also a really encouraging book! Learning about the Pent family and their sold-out devotion to Jesus Christ was so motivating to me.

One of the things that really stands out is their family's diligence and determination to spend so much time in the Word of God. In one of the chapters is this list about why we should spend time in the Bible every day.

1. The Lord commands it. "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 1 Timothy 4:15-16

2. I want to be fruitful. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:4-5

3. I want to know true doctrine. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32

4. I want to be clean. "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." John 15:3

5. I want my prayers answered. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7

6. I want to be prosperous and successful. "This book of the law shall not depart out of they mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8

7. I don't want to backslide. "The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." Psalm 37:31

8. I want my soul fed. "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live." Deuteronomy 8:3

9. I want to grow. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2

10. I want understanding. "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation." Psalm 119:99

11. I want real life. "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63

12. I want to be thoroughly furnished to every good work. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."


God's Word is powerful and influences our attitudes, opinions and actions. What could be a better way to get to know the Author of creation than to read His letter to us?


Have you been reading any good books lately?

In Christ,
Marissa

HE will see it through...

Philippians 1:6
...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

The Beginning of Spring....

We are SO enjoying the nice weather we've had here the last few days! Here are some pictures...

My sweet sisters :)

Ian's almost ALWAYS in shorts... winter or summer!

One of our newest additions...

They're still nameless after almost a week :)

I think our dad's pretty desperate to start outdoor gardening again! haha No, actually he's done an incredible job keeping things growing in the hoop house all winter! :)

Ian and Seth built a "birdhouse".....
I don't think birds actually like holes in a pile of wood chips very much... :)



Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.

As we've been going through normal, busy life, God has been teaching me the last few days that I can find peace in Him even when everything seems crazy. Although outwardly we may be running constantly, we can still have inner peace through Christ who is our peace.

Thought for the day....

When reproached and persecuted by wicked men, look beyond them. Spend your wrath on Satan, who is your chief enemy. Men are only his puppets. They may be won to Christ's side and so become your friends at last. Anselm explains it in the following manner, "When the enemy comes riding up in battle, the valiant soldier is not angry with the horse, but with the horseman. He works to kill the rider so that he may possess the horse for his own use." Thus we must do with the wicked.

~From The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall

I thought that was a pretty neat quote. :)

Joy- February's Challenge

Alright, I'm doing my report on Jenna's February challenge--JOY!

Here are some verses that helped me this month:

Habakkuk 3:18- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Isaiah 55:12 - You will go out with joy and be led forth in peace...
Psalm 51:12 - Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grand me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Nehemiah 8:10 - Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

5 of the things that brought me joy:

1. Little boys :) They bring SO much joy and to my life! I love my brothers (and sisters!!!)!
2. Fresh, clean air and SUNSHINE
3. God's Word! I can know the Greatest Author because of His Book.
4. It brings me so much joy each morning to know that God has a plan for me and knows everything that's going to go on each day.
5. Friends and fellowship with other Christians.

Some people are just contagious with joy. Let it be your prayer that you would be so joyful that other people just have to smile! Remember though that joy isn't on the outside only.... true joy comes from Christ in you!

Blessings in Christ,
Marissa

Happy 14th birthday, Andrea!!!

Today is Andrea's 14 birthday!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my best friend!

14 things about Andrea:

1. She's almost always happy :)
2. She likes photography
3. She loves to write and I love reading her stories!
4. She's good at making up recipes
5. Neon colors are her favorite
6. She loves animals
7. She plays cello and piano and has a great voice
8. She doesn't like snow very much
9. Spaghetti is her favorite food
10. She's a FUN babysitter
11. Soccer is her favorite sport
12. She has a heart for serving other people
13. She loves when people play with her hair and she loves doing other people's hair
14. She likes to read about adventure!

The last few days have been so warm.... almost like spring!
Well... almost 40 degrees anyway!

Isn't is awesome to be outside without a coat?!?
It's a birthday blessing for Andrea who is not really a winter person... :)

I love you, Andi!!!

~Marissa

Matthew 5:44 Challenge-Love

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...

Jenna at Feminine Farmgirl did this challenge in January, but.... I missed it so I decided to do it (along with the joy challenge, which I'll post about later) in February! Here's my end-of-the-month report!

I decided to make an effort to show love to my sister, Elaina, last month. I was pretty consistent with praying for her every day... although I might have missed a couple... oops. Anyway, I think she enjoyed doing this things together, and I really enjoyed working on investing in her life and taking time to do things with/for her! Here are the four things I did:

1. Spent time crocheting with just her.
2. She loves to sing, so we played some songs that we like and found different ways to sing them together.
3. We tried to make a dessert called Sweet Nothings together. We've made them before and they were super good, but they didn't turn out this time.... and we almost blew up the beaters (well... it was sparking anyway)! Oh well... we had fun making them!
4. I wrote her a note telling her the things I loved about her and they joy that she brings to our family. :)

I had a wonderful time doing this challenge and I think that YOU should try it, too (if you didn't already)! Doing things for other people is such a great way to get the focus off of yourself and think about what other people like.

Thank you, Jenna, for doing this challenge! You are such a blessing. :)

1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

~Marissa