Saturday, February 27, 2010

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

Friday, February 26, 2010

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

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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

Saturday, February 20, 2010

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

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

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! :)

Sunday, February 14, 2010