Consider Him...

"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Hebrews 12:3 (KJV)

Consider Him...

He who was betrayed by one of the twelve

He who was denied by his disciple

He whom they spat upon

He whom was scourged and smote

He whom they mocked

He whose clothes they parted by lots

He who endured public shame

HE WHO WAS CRUCIFIED FOR MY SINS!

"...by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities...because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors  and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah 53:11b, 12b (KJV)

Commemorating the sacrifice that Christ has paid for you, for me. 

Recognizing that far too often, I take for granted the price that has been paid.

Thank you Jesus...Hallelujah, thank you Lord for what you done for me!

Blessings to all,

Andrea

Friends...5-Minute Friday

FRIEND: what is a friend? 

There are so many types of friends, and the ones that are dearest, are the ones who stop to listen when the day is rough, when tomorrow seems to never come, or when the water rushing over you seems to drown you. Friends take the time out of their day to just let you know they care, maybe a text, an email, a visit with a cup of coffee from the local coffee shop. Best friends are those who take time to listen to the rough moments, rejoice in the blessings of life, but most of all when you need them the most, they are right there waiting for you.

Among all the best friends that a person could ever have there is only one Friend that will never leave, never gossip about, never laugh when you are crying. 

Jesus, the Friend of all friends, stands by your side, listening waiting and loving you.

"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit,O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." Joseph M. Scriven

Friend of friends, He is waiting for you and loves you as only the "Bestest" best friend can.

Thursday Thoughts - Time

I'm running out of time, it seems to be my second name. 

I guess it must be me cause its always the same. 

I gotta to keep turning a little further down the line. 

It's 5 o'clock. I'm running out of time.

(Chorus from the song, "I'm Running Out of Time" by Amos Raber)

This song was running through my mine this morning, as I am starting my day. For some reason, time just flies by. But as I thought of how fast time goes from one day to another, I looked back at many of my days in a week and was reminded of a Bible verse. 

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply 

our hearts unto wisdom. Psalms 90:12 (KJV)

When my day is over, what was done for God? Do I look back over my day with regrets, when I see what I did in my day? As I reflect over the two explosions that occurred this week (Boston Marathon and fertilizer plant in West, TX), I had to stop and look at the time that I spend with my family members. Do I make it a priority to spend time with them, ask them about their day, help them with their tasks, or just be the daughter or big sister that God created me to be? 

Many families' lives have changed dramatically in the scenes that have unfolded in the last several days. Loved ones' lives were taken instantly, others were suffered massive trauma. Many families just wish they could turn back the clock and erase these disasters from their mind. But these disasters have taken place and many need to move on without loved ones. Many people will hold family close as they move on in life.

Though time with loved ones should always be of utmost importance, it has not always been this way. Such disasters often make us re-think how we are spending our time. Following such disasters, me, as well as many others will spend extra time with loved ones and let them know what they mean to us.

Take time for your loved ones today! Hold your loved ones near and let them know what they mean to you and how much you love them. No one knows what tomorrow holds. 

Praying for the families, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, governments officials, and everyone else that is involved in the situations in Boston, MA, and West, TX. May they feel the prayers of Christians around the world.

Blessings,

Andrea

Thursday Thoughts

A friend sent me a message this evening, asking me to watch the video below:

I will be the first to admit that God spoke to me, asking me to evaluate my life in regards to modesty. Modesty is one of the traits that identifies a Proverbs 31 woman. To me, modesty is not just about how I dress, but about so much more. 

Modesty:

(Brothers refers to Brothers in the faith, our Christian brothers)

In dress - We are created as beautiful ladies. We have been intricately designed by the Creator of the universe. However, we are responsible to cloth our physical being appropriately. Tight-fitting clothes, short skirts, low bodices are used by Satan to tempt our brothers in their thoughts. Modestly attired is not about wearing baggy, extra-large clothing, but about be covered appropriately, allowing a brother to focus on your conversation without being tempted lustful thoughts.

In spirit: What is it to be modest in spirit? No, it does not mean to be backwards or withdrawn, but rather it is having the love of Jesus radiating on your face. I personally know some sisters who are modest in spirit and bubbling over, willing to talk to anyone, and then there are some that are quiet, but one look at their face will reveal the love of God that fills them. So sisters, you can be outgoing or quiet, and still be modest in spirit. Be who God has created you to be!

In speech/actions: Are you one who checks your reflection in the mirror numerous times before going out with friends? Or bat your eyelashes when a cute fellow come into the room? We all desire to be loved and be a vital part of a man's life, but too often the way we go about it is wrong. So what is modest in speech and actions? Yes, we do need to care about our physical looks, but what is really is important is what is inside. Being modest in speech and actions is being friendly with our brothers and talking to them when they approach, but avoiding flirtatious speech, continuous batting of eyelashes, and such things. How we act when we are with them at a youth function is often our good behavior, thus being who we really are is what God desires. Being who we truly are is the key to modesty in speech and actions.

To close, I bring this challenge to you: 

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I John 2:10-11 KJV

In hearing this brother share what is on the heart of many of our brothers, as well as is the desire of our Eternal Father, I took a step back and looked at modesty in my life. I was convicted of several of these areas in my life and I was burdened to share what God laid on my heart. There is so much to learn about being modest, that I barely have skimmed the surface. 

Feel free to ask questions!

Blessings, Andrea

Wednesday Windows...

Wednesday Windows, a day late...

Panzer and Joy becoming acquainted

Farm equipment stilled after a long day of field work

Peaceful!

Chemistry homework and test preparation

Each week is filled with many memories and reminders of God and His love for us.

Have a great week!

The Guidance of God

Oft times the mist covers the path before us and we wonder where to turn. The path looks uncertain and at times, disappears in the fog of the day. God has promised to be beside us all the way.  He hath said 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 3:16

These words lodged in my heart this week, as once again I saw God's hand in my life. Some of you know that I have been seeking God's will for direction in relation to a job in health care as a Nurse Aide. I had applied several times prior and each time God shut the door. I must admit several times that I wondered "why" and was guilty of knocking on the closed door. But as all Christians know, God always has the bigger picture in mind. 

I applied at Ephrata Community Hospital in February with hopes that just maybe this time would work out. Much time was spent in prayer, asking God for guidance as I searched His will. This time the door opened and I was called in for an interview. Almost three weeks after the interview, I spoke with the hospital once again - this time being asked if I am truly interested in the position they have available for me. And yes, I accepted their offer of a full-time position. Looking back, I have been challenged as I have seen God's hands in each step. I was reminded of the song below - "God Leads Us Along"

No matter what He calls us to do, His grace is sufficient for us. He might open some doors, just to close them later to teach us to truly rely on Him for each moment.

Where is He leading you today? Does your path seem uncertain or hidden from view? He will lead us along, but He is waiting for us to ask. May I, may you learn to lean on Him in the good times and the bad times. He is all-sufficient!

Blessings!

Andrea

Wednesday Windows...

I have decided to start a new routine of blogging. "Wednesday Windows" will be pictures of the sights that surround me from week to week.

Forlorn little house 

The construction of a new house

Stone walls built by hand over the years by the property's owner

Snowy and dreary one day

Bright and sunny the next day

The lonely windmill in the field

 The beautiful view on Easter Sunday morning at our Sunrise service

Man's best friend...

Often seen on the back roads of Amish Country...

Have a wonderful day!

Andrea