Winter Collection

Well, technically, winter has come to an end. It’s been a short three months, and in some ways I’m sad to see it go. But then it will be nice to have warmer days, and who doesn’t like it when the grass gets greener, and the trees bud and leaf up, and flowers start to bloom? Actually, the last two days have been very spring-like; bright and sunny, and we had a snap of warm weather last week - so it's coming.

My reading this winter has been a little sparse. I’ve only scraped in a maximum of five books a month. My favourite of them all though, would have to be Between Shades of Gray, (which I reviewed here). Paperboy, Treasures of the Snow, and Seven Little Australians were also good. (See, I like reading books below my age.)

This blog, Small Things, has been inspiring me lately. I only discovered it recently (and don’t ask me how), but her photos are really good. I like how they’re of home life, animals, and scenery – the simple things in life, which most often, end up being the greatest. 

This quote, especially the last sentence:

The price paid for our redemption, the infinite sacrifice of our heavenly Father in giving His Son to die for us, should give us exalted conceptions of what we may become through Christ. As the inspired apostle John beheld the height, the depth, the breadth of the Father’s love toward the perishing race, he was filled with adoration and reverence; and, failing to find suitable words to express the greatness and tenderness of this love, he called upon the world to behold it. “Behold what manner of love hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1 What a value this places on man! Through transgression the sons of man become the subjects of Satan. Through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ the sons of Adam may become the sons of God. By assuming human nature, Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men are placed where, through connection with Christ, they may indeed become worthy of the name “sons of God.”  Steps to Christ 15.1

One of the highlights of this winter was going to the Eastward Music Camp. It was a really amazing experience; musically, socially, and spiritually. We learned, recorded, and filmed five different songs, and so far three of them are released! Here’s my favourite, Into the Woods:

There’s also All for Christ and A Tender Heart. And, hopefully the last two will be released soon!

Other than that, it’s been a fairly quiet winter. We went away for a couple of weekends, we had a pet lamb for a few days (until it died :(), and we’ve had lots of rain. My brother and I had our birthdays; he got his license, and I got officially old. My family and friends made me feel much loved. I started having piano lessons, and committed to doing a piano exam. I finished the course in Creative Writing I was doing, and made little progress in maths. And, as usual, time went very fast. 

So, how was your winter? Or summer, if you live on the other side of the world? What inspired or encouraged you? What are you looking forward to most about spring/autumn? For me, I’m looking forward to warmer sunshine-y days where I can go for morning walks without freezing; flowers and buds; more opportunities; new life and growth.

Jabez' Prayer

I was reading a couple of chapters in early 1 Chronicles, and to be honest, I wasn’t taking much of it in. The fact that the sons of Shemaiah were Hattush, Igeal, Bariah, Neariah and Shaphat didn’t really have any meaning to me. But then I came across these verses:

“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldst bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast. And that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldst keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

In the middle of the genealogies of the sons of Judah are these verses about a guy called Jabez. It doesn’t even say who his father was, or who his sons were. And, this is the only time he’s mentioned in the whole Bible. Yet look what it says about Jabez: he called on God, and asked God to bless him, and be with him. God heard his prayer, and answered it. 

Maybe these verses are in the Bible to remind us that God is there for us. He does hear and answer our prayers. He will bless us, and be with us, and protect us. We only have to call on God, like Jabez did.

“Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence?” STC 94.2

Pondering

Photos by my sister, Rachel

“Life isn't about having, it's about being.” 
Nick Vujicic

“I wasn't interested in in making a lot of money, but I was interested in making a lot of living.” 

Dale Carnegie

“I have always felt that one of the chief reasons for success in life is enthusiasm.” 

William Lyon Phelps

“You may go forth in search of happiness – but to find it you must return.” 

Timothy Crowley's mother

“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness.” 

Anne Frank

“A mere man alone can easily be defeated, but a man alive with the power of God within him is invincible.” 

John Anthony

So Much to Learn

 Cosmology: 

a study of the universe

Selenolgy:

 a study of the moon 

Colourimetry: 

a study of colour

Astronomy: 

a study of the stars

Theology: 

a study of God

Sometimes I stand outside and look at the clouds, the sunset, the stars, the moon, and contemplate my God and my life. 

There's so much to learn.

“The weight of God's glory, not illusory or ephemeral, but daily and everywhere, punctures earth's lid and heaven falls through the holes.” 

Ann Voskamp