Just a thought I been' thunking ;-)

"Modern history is once again calling upon men and women to rise up and fulfill their God~given destiny to impact their world. True spiritual leaders do not wring their hands and wistfully recount the better times of days gone by. Genuine leaders understand they have but one life to live and so they expend it with purpose and passion. God placed you on the earth at this particular crossroad in history.
You live in a time of great challenges but enormous opportunity. May you live, and lead, well."
 - Henry and Richard Blackaby in their book "Spiritual Leadership"

I was reading through Henry and Richard Blackaby's book on Spiritual leadership that I borrowed from my brother and found this quote at the end of the first chapter. I love the mentality it challenges Christians to have as genuine leaders; we have but one life to live, so fill that life with purpose and passion and make an impact!

It was a challenge to me, and perhaps it will be for you as well. Do we live our lives with a godly purpose and passion? How so? Do we have have the goal of making an impact? How are we doing so? Are we answering God's call to rise up and live a life that glorifies Him??

Hmmm, just a thought....

A thought to ponder....

Just a thought to ponder...

The road to the Kingdom is not so pleasant, and comfortable, and easy, and flowery, as many dream. It is not a bright sunny avenue of palms. It is not paved with triumph, though it is to end in victory. The termination is glory, honor, and immortality; but on the way, there is the thorn in the flesh, the sackcloth, and the cross. Recompense later; but labor here! Rest later; but weariness here! Joy and security later; but here endurance and watchfulness – the race, the battle, the burden, the stumbling block, and oftentimes the heavy heart. - Horatius Bonar

Life won't be easy, life won't be fair, won't be filled with happiness nor with perfection. As soon as one struggle is dealt with another will come up, we won't ever be perfect nor will those around us be perfect. There will be battles, there will be a current and undertow to fight, and it will not be pure bliss. But...you can make the most of it, you can take joy in it (joy not happiness), rest in Christ's love, make your guide and rock the perfect God, and the omnipotent God your strength. God never told us it would be easy, but he did tell us the reward is better than you can even imagine.

You lead, I'll follow....

Zeb showed me this song a couple weeks ago, I was listening to it today and really enjoyed it so I figured "why not post it?".
It reminds me of a time I was talking with my brother (same one actually) many years ago. I don't remember how old I was at the time, nor the specific words but I do remember that he was talking about a conversation he and a friend had. It was something along the lines, that as Christians when we give our lives to God, that doesn't mean we put him in the passenger seat and let him watch while we drive the car. But rather we give God the wheel with total trust and dependency and with willingness to follow. He went on to explain that this isn't a one time action either, but rather a position we must yield to God every minute of every week of every year. 

It is a conversation that has stayed with me to this day and that I often think back on. I have found it so very easy to push God in the back seat and take the drivers seat for myself, and so very hard to let God lead me. Not because I'm unsure if God can drive the car, but rather because I don't like not being in control. I have found though, that God is an expert driver. This doesn't mean I never get to bumps in the road, but rather that I can sit back and relax knowing that I can trust the driver to take the best route for me and not to crash while going over those bumps. Not only that, but half the adventure comes, when you don't know where exactly you are going and how you will get there. Think of opening a present and already knowing what it is or watching a new movie after being told the plot and ending. Neither quite as exciting as an unknown gift that is something perfect for you, or a movie with an excellent plot that had you on the edge of your seat. Sure you may still get some enjoyment out of the first two situations, but it isn't nearly as interesting and enjoyable as the third and fourth.

This probably isn't a new concept to you, but no matter how simple, it is one we should constantly be thinking about. We should continually be asking ourselves who's in the drivers seat.  You Lead, I'll follow, Your hands hold my tomorrow!

You Lead - Lyrics

I've got waves that are tossin' me,
Crashin' all over my beliefs,
And in all sincerity, Lord,
I wanna be yours,
So pull me out of this mess I'm in,
Cause I know I'm wanderin'
Lead my soul back home again,
I've always been yours,

And this world may push, may pull,
But your love it never fails,

You lead, I'll follow, Your hands hold my tomorrow,
Your grip, Your grace, You know the way,
You guide me tenderly,
When you lead, I'll follow,
Just light the way and I'll go,
Cause I know what you got for me is more than I can see,
So lead me on, on, on and on,
Just lead me on, on, on and on,

As a child I heard your voice,
But as a girl I made my choice,
There is no other way for me,
I'm devoted to you,
You're my peace on the heavy days,
You're the warmth of an autumn blaze,
Your love carries me away,
And it's never too soon, no...

And this world may push, may pull,
But your mercy never fails,

You lead, I'll follow, Your hands hold my tomorrow,
Your grip, Your grace, You know the way,
You guide me tenderly, yeah,
When you lead, I'll follow,
Just light the way and I'll go,
Cause I know what you got for me is more than I can see,
So lead me on, on, on and on,
Just lead me on, on, on and on,

Sometimes when I wake up, I don't wanna rise up, Out of my bed, too many thoughts in my head,
Don't wanna be who I used to be,
Gonna take the back seat and let you lead,
And I...
Need to stop, need to stop,
Cause I'm going too fast,
And I...
Know my God is still God, And you got my back,

You lead, I'll follow, Your hands hold my tomorrow,
Your grip, Your grace, You know the way,
You guide me tenderly, yeah,
When you lead, I'll follow,
Just light the way and I'll go,
Cause I know what you got for me is more then I can see,
So lead me on...
Lead me on...

And I...
Need to stop, need to stop,
Cause I'm going too fast,
And I...
Know my God is still God, And you got my back,
You got my back,
I know ya got me, I know ya got me,
I know ya got me, Lead me on...

Happy Valentines Day!!

"Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts." ~Author Unknown

"The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to." ~Dodie Smith

I honestly don't know what I would do without my family. :-) They are such a wonderful blessing! They've made me laugh, been my guinea pigs, encouraged me to keep living for Christ, and loved me no matter what! They are so very much a wonderful blessing from God.


P.S. the first quote inspired the post and the second I couldn't help but add. I got a few laughs out of both, and I thought you might enjoy them as well. Regardless of what they say and how many nuts I have in my family (haha, just kidding), they sure are all a blessing and I love each and every one.

A trip to Olympia [Guest Post]...

I was in the midst of making a nice long for ya'all but decided against it, mainly because I saw how much time it would take. So I postponed that post and decided upon this one instead. This is written by a good friend of mine named Matt, on a topic we should all be aware of and he makes an excellent point at the end. I hope you enjoy! 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When we arrived, (around 10:00) we went to the Capitol Building and listened to the opening speech

for Senate Bill 6239 by some pro-equal rights politicians (pro homosexual marriage). Essentially, the

bill will legalize homosexual marriage completely in Washington State (right now we have domestic

partnerships)

In response to the opening speech, many people came up and stated why it was wrong.

Pastors Ken Hutcherson and Joe Fuiton made some REALLY good arguments against the bill as well a

woman from San Diego who has an organization that argues against same-sex marriage.

For example, in the actual text of the bill, Section 7 says that there will be exemptions for religious

groups from being forced to marry homosexuals.

But, in response, antagonists to the bill said that Gregoire could simply "Partial VETO". Which is

exactly right. Because of our state constitution, the governor can accept parts of bills while vetoing other

parts. If the bill was passed all she would have to do would be to partial veto that WHOLE section. And,

because those things said in Section 7 are not really stated anywhere else in the bill, pastors would

essentially be "forced" to marry gay couples. This is a major problem going on in other states. For

example, an Arizonan photographer was sued because he refused to take pictures for a gay couple’s

marriage.

Another argument that antagonists brought up was Civil Liberties vs. Civil Rights as well as "bigotry".

But both of these arguments are too long for me to explain (though they ARE REALLY good).

After listening to the Senate hearing, we went to a rally on the Capitol Building steps. It was cool (we

sang and listened to speeches) but not very many went to that, maybe 500-1000. This may seem like a

big number, but is actually rather small compared to previous rallies we've gone to where some 10,000

people came.

After that, we went into the "House Building" to listen to yet another bill on Homosexual Marriage.

(though this was like exactly the same as the Senate bill; it even had the same people speak for the bill!

) Even though many protestors for the bills came, the advocates for the bills got enough votes in the

houses, and will most likely vote next month to make it law.

If it becomes law, we will have to get around 250,000 votes around June in order for it to make it on

the 2012 ballot for the people to vote on.

One of the scariest things about this was exemplified by an eighteen year-old girl. When she went

up to state her reasons why she was for gay marriage, she talked about gay marriage saying along the

lines, “Why not have homosexual polygamy etc…?”

It’s not going to stop at just marriage rights. Eventually, it will become polygamous etc... And even

then, it won't stop. Like a proponent for the California gay marriage fight said, after winning the battle on

redefining marriage, "It’s not over until people totally accept what we believe."

To make matters worse, there was another bill we heard about. This bill is called HB2448. Essentially

this bill says, "Public and private early learning providers may apply so long as the program is free from

religious instruction, activities or symbolism, control or influence." So that means the nursery, "kids

church", and day care can't be provided by the church if it uses ANY religious teachings or symbols (like

having a cross in your room)

But anyways, away from the negative. Yes, there may be much against us, we, as Christians HAVE to

stand up!! After all, it says whoever is not with Jesus, is against Him. Yes, the numbers may sound really

bad, but God is not a God of numbers!!! Dozens of battles, for example, in the OT, were won by the

Israelites even though their numbers ere few. Look at Gideon, God gave him victory over the Midianites

with just 300 men. (Judges 7) Or look at Sampson who killed a thousand men with a donkey’s jaw bone,

and at the end of his life, killed more than he had in his whole life combined!

God is ready! He is waiting for us to make that move like Gideon did when he saw the angel. He

wants us to GO OUT/STAND UP!!!! He is OUR VICTOR/our God/our King. As Christians, we don't need

to fret or fear, because GOD HAS THE LAST SAY! not congress, not Washington, not even the U.S.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since this was written the State Senate passed the bill and Governor Chris Gregoire signed it into law. Washington is now the seventh state in the nation to allow gay and lesbian couples to wed. The law will take affect on June 7th, in order to get a referendum put on the ballot for November we have to get 120,577 signatures by June 6th. "God is ready! He is waiting for us to make that move.....he wants us to go out/stand up!!!!"

Of Fudge and Granddad....

Well, today I decided to have a little baking adventure so I set off to try making fudge. I've been craving good fudge for a while, and ever since we got some at the fair last year I wanted to try my hand at making it.
I grabbed a recipe that looked good and started making it with this great majestic idea in my mind. If you've ever made fudge or eaten much fudge you've probably tasted those fudges that are really creamy and smooth. Then there's the fudges that are grainy and are good....but just not quite there.
Well, by the time I was done, much to my chagrin, my fudge ended up turning out to be in the second category. But the reason I posted was not because I baked fudge, but rather something that happened during and after the process. As I told you in the last post, my Granddad is here.
Well, like he does every a couple times throughout the day, he came up to me and asked "what are ya up to Hosey?" [thats his nickname for me]. I told him what I was doing and with a huge smile on his face he said "ooooh that sounds good". I smiled, hoping it would turn out and got back down to work.
Towards the end when I was pouring the fudge out he came by and and helped me hold the pot while I was scraping it out. He got another huge smile and said "oh, you better make sure you don't scrape it ALL out". Haha, at first I was confused and then I figured it out and teased him back. When I was all done I gave him the pot and spoons and he cleaned them up after taking the remainder of the fudge out and eating it.
When it was all said and done and the fudge had cooled I took him a couple pieces then grabbed his coffee cup to go fill up. When I brought it back it said "why Hosey, I think you might just have to get me the recipe to this fudge so I can take it home and make it myself its so good" I smiled and he went on "I'll give it the approval its soo good!" He went said a couple more things about he fudge, but then I had to go. I must say though, I left the room with a huge smile on my face. I knew the fudge wasn't super amazing and it could have been better. But Granddad didn't care about that, he still made me feel special for making it and it was a huge encouragement.
Later on at the dinner table we pulled the plate of fudge I had made out plus a goody plate that some friends had brought over, to have some for desert. He passed the first plate on without taking anything and when the fudge I had made came by he leaned over and said "this is what I've been waiting for!" right as he grabbed a piece. Again it made me smile and my heart swelled with pride. A little bit later the plate with the other goody's came by and I pointed out that there was fudge on that plate too. But he said "no thankyou, your fudge is better" then went on to say "hey, do you think you could make a couple'a big batches on the 29th?" [which is the day before he leaves] and again he got the big smile on his face and started laughing a bit at the joke he had made and then explained "Then I can take it home with me..". Hahaha. The last one made me laugh the most but it really meant a lot to me.

Now you are probably thinking 'wow, she sure is weird if that meant that much to her' but truth is it really did! I think the reason why is because my love language is encouraging words. Haha, "What on earth??" you might be thinking "What's a love language?". Well, a love language is the way in which people make you feel loved or show that they care, a way in which people can express their love to you and show you that you are valued.

Apparently there are five of them:
Physical Touch (a hug, and arm around the shoulder, etc)
Words of encouragement (complement or just quite simply a word of encouragement) ;-)
Acts of Service (doing a specific act to serve you in a certain way...like getting a coffee, or weeding your garden for you, etc)
Gifts (pretty self explanatory, someone giving you a gift)
Quality Time (someone specifically taking part of their time to spend with you one on one, like going out to coffee or going out and throwing Frisbee with the person)

It's a rather interesting concept, but rather true. Now, everyone shows love through every one of these, but there usually tends to be one that is the 'primary' language of each person. When if you speak to them through that language they would feel valued. For me the main one is Words of Encouragement (or words of affirmation), and then partially Quality Time.
In this instance, when my Granddad took the time to say those comments and compliment, meant the world. I love to try out different recipes for cooking and baking, and then figuring out what people like. Even though I wasn't completely satisfied with the way it turned out, Graddad's words lifted my spirit!

This is turning out to be a long post, but with the topic of love languages there have been a couple different points I've been thinking about related to this topic.

The first is actually a conversation I had with my dad, dealing specifically with 'words of encouragement'. We were talking about some people we know who complement everyone they know, no matter who or what they've done. In that area, how are they sincere? One of the things that made me really enjoy my Granddads compliments was the sincerity behind them. That's a key area. When complementing someone or encouraging them, how can you be sincere? Especially when sometimes it doesn't seem like there is anything you can say.
I came across a quote the other day that basically said something along the lines of "even your worst enemy or the lowliest man has a quality that is stronger and better then yours". It's true! I think the first key area in being sincere is to find an area in which they are truly greater then you and compliment that area, especially if its an area you admire. If you were to look for that you can probably compliment everyone in at least one area. The second aspect of being sincere is the attitude with which you do it. If you are trying to pay a compliment only to get a compliment back, or to get something out of the other person. Then it generally doesn't come across as sincere. But if you pay the compliment purely to uplift them and because you mean it, then I think the sincerity comes across much more.
This doesn't apply to only words of encouragement though. When trying to communicate love to those around you, sincerity is always key.

The second point that I was thinking about deals with all the love languages, but more basically, with love in general. Because I know that my Graddad's love language is quality time, then I can go spend quality time with him and show him that I value and love him. Because I know my little brother's love language is physical touch I can go and give him a hug and show him I care. Because I know my sister's love language is partially encouraging words I can go right now and give her an encouraging word. In fact not only could I do it right now but I have the opportunity every single time I see each and every one of them to show them that I love them and that I care for them. Not only that but God told us that we ought to be an example in love, and to love those around us. Not just because He commanded it but because they are made in His image and are indeed loved and have value [or make that 'are invaluable'] in His eyes. Even if you wanted to put all that aside, the very fact that He showed His love in dying  on the cross for a wretched, unworthy sinner [ourselves], should be reason enough to show love to those around us! So why do we not??

I was actually having a conversation with a good friend about this and as we were conversing I was hashing it through in my mind. In today's culture everything has become about self gratification and making your self comfortable. We see this through a response that many of us give (myself included) just a little to often 'I'm to busy'. While at times there is legitimate reason to say no we often fall prey to using it as an excuse to not spend that time and effort on someone else.
We have the desire within us to make ourselves look good and feel worthy, look at celebrities. We build them up, paint their faces and obsess over them. Then later tear them down for making the same mistakes we do. We drive our culture to achieve perfection, and when we fail we usually try to make ourselves look better by tearing those around us and focusing on what others do wrong. Comparing ourselves to those around us to show ourselves that we are superior.
It's an attack that I'm sure Satan is behind and has cleverly put in Society. All throughout history we see it as well. Just consider why there are always bullies? Why some seek only to attain riches or get the most of something, why some do the most stupid things just to get their name on the news. They are in themselves evidence of the fact that people try to make themselves look better either by focusing on the bad in others or by trying to build themselves up through material possessions or physical deeds.
Alright, so with all that in mind. Knowing that each and every person is beyond value and a child of God loved and treasured and that Satan is trying to convince us and everyone else otherwise. We now have two options. We can go along with Satan's plan by refusing or not making an effort to show love to those around us, which is in essence helping him. Or we can fight! Fight against him, and fight for our lord! Fight to show those around us that they are loved and not just another insignificant human in this world but unique and invaluable!!! I think I'll choose to fight!
This doesn't mean I'll be perfect and completely loving to those around me all the time. Unfortunately I'm not perfect! But it will be something I'm trying to make more of an effort on and something I am praying for God's help in. Knowing full well that I can only do this if I try to use His eyes to view the people around me and His strength to battle the sin nature inside me that is trying to prevent me from doing taking this stand.

While I was thinking about this, it came to my mind that in taking up this war and fighting in each battle. Not only do we show love and value for those around us, but we can also recognize it in ourselves. Because in taking up this cause we are standing up and saying that we believe we can make a difference in that cause. I've sure you've heard the saying "It is more blessed to give, then to receive." It doesn't just apply to physical gifts, but to the gift of love we can give to everyone around us.

Now I've rambled for long enough, I want to end with just a couple questions or challenges you can think about. The first is a question, its simply this. Will you join us in this fight? Yeah, with God's help he and I can make a difference, but God, you and me together? We can make an even bigger difference. So I ask again, will you join me in this fight?
The second is a challenge, something I'm still working on. Think about your family members, your close friends....now figure out what their love language is! Often we try to reach out to those around us by speaking through our love language. Which isn't necessarily bad all the time, but something we need to be aware of. So try and figure out what their love language is. Then try telling them, through that love language, that they are loved. The results are both interesting and worth it!

Well, I have to sign off for now. I hope the entire post (haha, if you were able to read it all! I apologize for the length) made you think a little more and perhaps a little differently. I know it made me do both!

God Bless and have a very Merry Christmas!

-Hosanna

An Update in Pictures....

Beginning of August Jed on up to Jos went to Awana Camp. Jos was a couselor and the rest of us were still campers (although it was Rayni's last year). This is a picture of two of my amazing cabin mates Sarah and Kristin.  







This summer my dad took me to a wonderful 21 mile bike trail up in the mountains that he had discovered, it was a lot of fun! After having so much fun we decided to do it again with some friends of ours made some great memories while on the trail.

Mom and Dad at the beach (they sure are a gorgeous couple don't ya think ;-)?) All of us kids are blessed to have such wonderful parents!

We also got to go camping with the Cooper family, who have been good family friends for a while, and it was a blessing to be able to spend that time with them.

This little guy is getting older way to fast. :D He loves his "com-pooter" as he calls it and is quite the big boy when he carries it around with his little bible.

The whole family! [We had a hard time trying to get all the heads in there :-)]

Its FALL....nope, now its winter. And sadly fall has gone already.












First week of November Dad, Zeb, Jos, Rayni and I went Elk hunting. The weather actually turned out being beautiful and Jos was able to shoot a nice 4x4 bull Elk. 










The Speech and Debate season has started and its Jed's first year in the 'big league'. He's doing an excellent job and this is a picture of him and Jason (whose first year it is also). They accidentally matched that day and I couldn't help but get a pic.

The Little Guy and mom, being both cute and distracting!!

We have a walk-around part behind our back fence and this year it flooded. So the kids decided to keep up the annual tradition (if there's water) to go try out the new pool for them. Haha, conviently using the kiddy pools as their boats. This is the pic of  Jed and Malachi.

....and here's Keziah! She got the smaller one to try and direct all by herself.

Isn't he a cutie? I love this little kid!

Yep, those two next to me? They're awesome, yep pretty much downright awesome!!! I'm so blessed to have them in my family! Or should I say to be in theirs?

Zeb and Malachi

The 'big boys' Jos and Zeb. Haha, this picture seems to sum up both their relationship and their personalities!

Dad and Azzy! 

Dad, Azariah, and Zeb!!

Jed with our Christmas tree for this year. We actually went to a tree farm this year, rather than our normal up in the mountains tree hunting. It sorta felt like we were cheating, but it was still fun and we got a tree that actually looks like a Christmas tree. Haha

Dad's new mustache! What'da ya think?

[To the Side]: Malachi and Kez drinking Cider and Hot-chocolate!
[Below] A close up picture of Malachi

Rayni, Keziah, Mom, Hosanna and Malachi

We also have Granddad here with us for a few weeks, what a blessing he is! He's been a lot of fun. Its been an amazing last few months! But it wouldn't be so amazing if it weren't for a wonderful family and spectacular God.