Proverbs Charm and Beauty

Growing Pains Part 6

2010-05-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in Part 1 of this series, "Basically, in order to fully follow Christ, we may have to leave behind possessions, earthly treasures, family, occupation, or the group (clique). Of course this is not always easy." I have shown you how God has grown me and had me change in these areas:

1. I gave up my love of dating, and dressing, among other things (Part 2)
2. I gave up how the world deals with death, and dealt with it as God intended (Part 2)
3. I gave up people pleasing for God pleasing (Part 3)
4. I gave up my hatred for forgiveness (Part 4)
5. I gave up my engagement ring and my womb (Part 5)

There are many other ways that God changed me, and many other things He led me to give up, (work for example), but I am only highlighting these, and a few more...

At the same time God called me to give up my ring and womb, He also had me give up something else... T.V. I spent way too much time watching T.V., and not to mention, all the trash that is on it these days. So if you come to our house, we have a television for watching movies, but if you try to change the channel, the screen will go to the ants.

Then about bout 2 weeks ago(written back in March 2009), God was loud and clear again. And, once again, He got loud because I had been ignoring Him. He called us to something radical, but it was a very painful thing to do. What was this radical/painful thing to do? Give up my movies. Huh? Really, that's it? Ok, let me explain...

After becoming a Christian I knew certain movies were unacceptable to God, so I got them out of my life. Easy. Then I heard God again prompting me, but I (once again), didn't like what I was hearing. If you study the word, "ungodly," you will find that it is not a synonym for wicked; no it is an antonym for godly... meaning simply, void of God. So in other words, a rated R movie with sex and cussing is wicked, while a Disney movie is only ungodly. Starting to make sense? Every time I would hear a sermon on ungodliness, (yes, the nudges from God go as far back as Kempton, Caryn), or read it in God's Word, I would see Disney, but I would shake it off. There is nothing evil about Disney, and I didn't own any rated R movies, so what is the big deal God?

The big deal? When I sat in front a t.v. show or movie for like 2 hours... well, that was 2 hours I could have spent with God. God created us to glorify Him, to love Him, to fellowship with Him. How is watching Beauty and the Beast fellowshipping with God? It is not. I may have a little free time now, but when kids come it will dwindle to nothing, I am aware. How should I spend my free time... with Cinderella? Or with God? Um, yeah, GOD!!!

God called us to give up all our secular movies, and only keep the movies that are godly. This way, if we watch a movie in our free time, we are still spending time with God!

What was so hard about that? Well:

1. I spent a good chunk of change on all of this
2. Since I was getting rid of the secular movies, I also got rid of secular books, meaning...
3. The "library" I had been collecting for my kids for years has shrunk dramatically
4. Since I don't have tv, and now I barely have any movies, what am I going to watch, (you can
only watch the same thing so many times).
5. I LOVE DISNEY! It is not wicked, so why do I have to get rid of it???

God loving said, "Because I said so." Now when your mom says that it is irritating, but when the Creator of the Universe says it, it is comforting and empowering.

All my movies and books, (I gave a good amount of the books to my sister, (future school teacher) ;)
The top 4 were particularly hard to get rid of... I LOVE princess stories, and these were four of my all time favorite!!! Serioulsy, getting rid of all of these made me feel like I did when I broke up with a boyfriend in middle school... I knew I needed/ wanted to, but it was still losing a companion... these companions are better than m.s. boyfriends... they are always there!!! Ok, drama queen! GOD IS ALWAYS THERE!!!

Growing Pains Part 5

2010-05-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

I always knew I wanted to adopt. Always. But I was disobedient to God's leading on that in my life. He wanted total surrender, but that was too hard for me. So, I would surrender a little, "Ok, I'll have all the birth children I want, then I will adopt however many you want to give me... No? Ok, I will have 2 or 3 birth children and adopt the rest.... No? Ok, I will have only one child, then adopt the rest."

See, I never totally submitted to Christ's Call. I did what I felt comfortable with. You see, when it got down to "I'll have only one and adopt the rest," I was really praying, "God, please please please let me have one! I have to have one! How terrible would that be to never have a birth child!" I knew what God really wanted, but it wasn't easy to swallow. Then in July 2008, I went to Church camp with the youth, and God spoke to me loud and clear.... so much so that I couldn't pretend to be obedient any longer, total surrender was expected! David Nasser was the speaker, and he said, "there are 200,000,000 orphans in the world, and if only 7% of THE CHURCH would adopt, there would be no need for orphanages!" At that moment I realized my disobedience, and understood why God had called us to this life of adoption. 7% of a people is not much, and it isn't even 7% of the world! No, it is 7% of the believers in the world! Wow! That means it won't take that many to wipe out the orphanages! Recently I found a new blog friend, and she is someone I greatly look up to as a woman, wife, mother, and home schooler. ;) She had a quote awhile back that was heartbreaking. "1.1% of the population has adopted." WOW! Isn't that terrible, especially in light of the statistic from David Nasser? If you feel God tugging on your heart to adopt- don't ignore it!

Now, I have had many objections in my obedience from many people. That's ok. It is a radical thing God called us to, and I wasn't to keen on it at first either. Will we ever have birth children? Sure, if that is God's will. It will never be our will, so it will never be on our terms. We will never try to get pregnant, and if God decides to bless us then we will rejoice. But do you know what? I am 100billion% ok with not having a birth child. NEVER in my life did I would think I could come to that. But, I find my joy In Christ, not in getting pregnant. I am happy to be a mommy, period. Who says being a mommy= pregnancy? There are many women out there that had birth children, but they are terrible mothers. Think of all the children that are beaten across the world. No, blood doesn't mean anything! It is a heart matter! Let me leave you with this, (on this subject): as Christians, we are Brothers and Sisters in Christ. That means that if you have an unbelieving family member, then you are more family to me than you are to them. It is the truth, people. So, in reality, when I said blood doesn't matter, I wasn't entirely correct. Our family blood does not matter... the blood of Christ does!

I know the children God created for me will only be mine for awhile, then they will grow up and have families of their own. I only have about 18 years to raise them to know Jesus and to teach them to live their lives in glory of Him. We are ready Lord; ready when you are!

Click here for my whole recount of summer camp, and read about the other thing God have me leave behind that week, my engagement ring.

Check back for part 6 of this installment soon! :)

Growing Pains Part 4

2010-03-29T15:38:00.001-07:00

My Daddy. Oh, what a story. Poor guy, I hated him for a good part of 8 years, (age 12 to 20). Now when I say hated, I am not over exaggerating- I hated him with every ounce of my being. I won't go into detail here of why he didn't meet my standards of what I thought a dad should be. He had his faults, (who doesn't), but mostly I was to blame.

After I got saved when I was 16, I knew I needed to forgive my dad. If Jesus could forgive me, (not just once, but daily), why couldn't I forgive him? My hatred continued, but so did my desire to forgive. When I graduated high school, he took me to D.C. for my gift. Dream trip! Anyway, while driving back from the Pentagon, we were listening to the radio. "Live like you were dying," came on. "I gave forgiveness I'd been denying." Um, Yeah. Thank You Holy Spirit for that prompting. Even still, forgiveness was very difficult. The slightest mess up, (well a mess up in my eyes), and he returned to hated status. I received so much grace from God, and yet I could not bestow it on him.

Finally when I was 20, (September 2006), I started seeing a Christian counselor because I had many health problems... and the root cause... my dad. So I went to counseling to try to resolve the daddy conflict. I won't go into detail about what really got me to begin truly forgiving him, (that's between him and me), but I will tell you that it was working. Well, until October. After my sister died, I let go of all the good progress I made, and I was spitting angry at my dad. I gave him an ultimatum, (in my head), and if he didn't meet it then I would banish him from my life. Well, by the Grace of God, I was in counseling, so the banishment never happened. She wouldn't allow it! ;) 6 months later, I got married, and my dad started to become my dad to me, not just a man that I had to tolerate. After April, I continued to soften towards my dad, and then that next February, God broke me down, and I called my dad and apologized! Yes, me apologize to him. I always told myself that I would never forgive him until he apologized to me, but I was the one who needed his forgiveness.

You see, something I learned in counseling, (and I have eluded to it here already), was that I had a picture of what I thought a dad was supposed to be. When he didn't fit that mold, I held it against him. He is not perfect, nor am I nor is anyone else for that matter! Only Jesus Christ was perfect, so why would I think my dad could fit that mold?

Second only to my salvation, my relationship with my dad is the biggest picture of grace in my life. I have a love for my dad that I never thought possible. It is truly amazing to me to look back in my life and see where God has brought me. He forgave me, and allowed me to forgive otehrs. Mind you, I was terribly disobedient to God for a good 4 years or so by denying my dad forgiveness- see what a gracious God we have!

Dad,
Once again I apologize for hating you so. I want you to know that I am blessed to be your daughter. I wish I could put into words how I feel about you, but I can't! All I can say is that I used to say I had no dad... you were just the man who fathered me. But now, I can say, with pride, that you are my daddy! I love you!
Tricia

You can see I wasn't thrilled he was kissing me. I had gotten over hating him, but he wasn't out of the woods yet. This kiss irritated me... yes, I was a brat.

I LOVE this picture!!! One of my favorites from the day! When I first got my pictures in, I hated loving this picture so much! But now that Grace has covered us, I love it!!! :)

Growing Pains part 5... why adoption? :)

Growing Pains Part 3

2010-03-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

On August 21, 2006, Paul asked me to be his wife! The road to our wedding, (April 7, 2007), was laden with many "growth bumps." To spare all the details, we set a date for July 2007. We were not entirely happy with the way everything was panning out. It was all too much a people pleasing event, and not God centered like we wanted. After much prayer, and a new growing pain, we decided to move up the date. So in March, right after we sent out the July "save the dates," we told everyone that we would be getting married in April. We upset many family and friends in doing this, but it was the best decision for us. If we, (well, I), had be straight up from the front, and not tried to be people pleasers, then this never would have happened. But, since we did try to please everyone, we had to make many mad in the end. What goes along with people pleasing? People's approval. Well, in moving up the date, that was in jeopardy too. We were warned that people would think I was pregnant, and many people did. Well, I wasn't and I had to know that we were doing what God wanted, and people would talk. Period. Nothing we could do about it.

Breaking away from my people pleasing ways was such a blessing and it was so freeing! Also, what else came out of this growing pain? I got to get married sooner- duh! lol I love being Mrs. Paul Keierleber! It is such a blessing to be one with that man! In 11 days, we get to celebrate our 2 year anniversary! 2 years of wedded bliss, and 2 years since we gave up people pleasing, and turned to FULL God pleasing! :)
August 21, 2006... maybe one day I will do a series over our story, and go into detail over certain events like this one... hmmmm, we'll see... :)
Same day, just got into comfy clothes... Tracie took this pic... left for school not too long after, (she left before Paul headed back for LBK).
Taylor and Elise helping me get ready for pictures... one of my all time fav pics... can I please wear this dress again? I LOVE IT!!! I would probably have to get it altered because I am smaller now! teeheehee
Everybody LOVES the ring picture... not only is it cute, but I have it here because it will show up again later in Growing Pains, Part 5! ;)
Something about the dinner table... every wedding album I see, one of the best pictures of the couple is at the dinner table! Don't believe me... go see your/someone's wedding album! :)

Growing Pain Part 4: an AMAZING story about grace...

Growing Pains Part 2

2010-03-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

***Disclaimer: I never anticipated to write about my sister in this series, but it was a growing experience, which God had me write to you here. It is the first time that I have gone into complete detail, and as I wrote it all I was shaking.***

After becoming a believer in Christ when I was sixteen, my life changed for the better. I became single, (for the first time in my life), because I knew now that God created dating to find a spouse... so I waited till I found "husband material." Right before I found my hubs (Jan 2006), I got restless and dated a few guys who did not meet my husband standards, therefore, I should have gone no where near them. Alas, God saw I had grown impatient, and instead of being irritated with my impatience, He graciously blessed me with Paul (4.6.06). Thank you, Lord! Your Grace never ceases to amaze me! ♥

Now that was something in particular that I had to die to myself over, and I'm sure there are more... I just didn't notice the changes He was making in my life... He was making them, I was not, so it is harder to pinpoint them. (For example, I started dressing more conservatively). He was growing me! When Paul came, I grew so much more! My faith continued to grow until October 2006.

On October 6, 2006, my 18 year old sister Tracie began her journey home from SFA University for the first time since she started that fall. I was very excited this weekend because two of my besties from high school were, (finally), coming down to stay with me, (I stayed home during college). I spent all morning cleaning my room and getting ready to have company! I had been seeing a Christian counselor at the time, (later post), and while I was in counseling I got a phone call from my Mom, two actually. It was very common for her to call during the day like that, (join me for shopping, question about ____, did you hear about so and so, etc). When I left counseling, I called her and she informed me that Tracie had been in a car accident, but she was conscience (sp?). She was a little panicky, and was back and forth about going to Nac to get her. I told her to stay where she was, (at my aunt and uncle's), and I would go with her to get Tracie. On my 15 minute drive to my aunt's house I called my boss and told him I would late to work that day, (I worked at an elementary school and we only worked 3.5 hours a day in the afternoon, and that day happened to be my last, so I wanted to at least go to say goodbye). I had to leave him a message, and in that message I started to cry as I said, "she could have a broken leg or be dead for all we know." As I said that, I knew I was being dramatic, and that couldn't be true. I also called Paul to fill him in on everything. When I got to my uncle's house, I saw him on the phone outside. He must have not heard/seen me because right as I got in ear shot of him I heard him say, "Linda, she didn't make it!"

UMMM, WHAT????

I walked up to him crying and he hugged me, unknowing what he had just told me. I opened the door and met my mom's embrace and began to wail...

Now let me back up a bit. I was always "strong" in my family. I was the oldest of 4 kids, so I had to be an example. I was strong for them, (and my mom), when my parents got divorced and my grandma died, etc.

So when I met my mom in the entry way, I completely lost it! I never thought I would cry like that. ever. Just like in the movies. Then we let go of each other, and it stopped. I never cried that hard again. For a while I was a little worried how my emotion at that minute affected my mom, but do you know what? To this day she does not remember that. She only remembers me taking it, "rather well." Thank you God, again!

For the next 30 minutes or so, I was still in shock and denial. I wasn't sure if I heard my uncle right or not. Did she die, or did I misunderstand. I called Paul, and he asked him to come to me, (he was in Lubbock finishing school). I felt bad asking him to come to me, (I don't know why because losing your sister is a very big deal). I called one of my friends that was going to stay with me, and I said, "Kristina, I think my sister died." She told me not to say that, thought I was just worrying too much, but I told her, "No, I really think she did, I heard my uncle say so." Finally my uncle asked if I knew what was going on. I told him that I had overheard, but I needed to hear from him to make sure because it isn't something you easily digest. So he told me, and to this day it is unreal to me.

The next couple days I neither slept nor ate. Until about the third day, God calmed my spirit. You see, I wasn't sure if Tracie was in Heaven. Contrary to popular belief, being a good person will not get you into Heaven. You must give your life to Christ to enter into Heaven. Period. I wasn't sure if she had done that. So three days later, God revealed to me that she had in fact given her life to Him, and she was with Him in Heaven. God does not lie, so I knew she was in Heaven. After that I was able to eat, sleep, and function much better.

Something beautiful I experienced through all this was on the Sunday after her accident, (she died on Friday). I went to Church as usual, and got loved on by my Brothers and Sisters there. During the service, and during the second song in worship, I started to cry. Not because of her death, but because I was WORSHIPING GOD! I was able to worship God in spite of losing my sister! It was a wonderful gift that God gave me that day. Once I knew Tracie was in Heaven, that and my moment of worship helped my get through the loss to this day! I will leave you with the chorus of that song, which will forever have a special place in my heart. Stay tuned for my 3rd installment of Growing Pains!

"He is Lord of Lords! He is King of Kings! He is Mighty God, Lord of Everything! He is Emmanuel! He is the Great I Am! He is the Prince of Peace, who is the Lamb! He is the Living God! He is my Saving Grace! He will reign forever, He is the Ancient of Days! He is Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End! He's my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and Friend! He's my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for Him!!!"

No wonder why that song was played, huh? ;)

Growing Pains Part 1

2010-03-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been absent. I will make it up to you with a series. :)

I am beginning a series on here called "Growing Pains." I will add a new part daily, (Lord willing), so be sure to check back often. Today I am stealing a post from my friend Caryn. She just said it so nicely, I decided to let you see for yourself!

The gospels contain several accounts of people leaving something behind for the sake of wholeheartedly following Jesus.

* Simon & Andrew "left their nets" (Matt. 4:18-20)
* James & John "left their boat and their father" (Matt. 4:21-22)
* The woman at the well "left her water jar" (John 4:28-30, 39-42)
* Matthew left his career (Matt 9:9)
* The grateful leper left the 9 others (Luke 17:11-19)

Basically, in order to fully follow Christ, we may have to leave behind possessions, earthly treasures, family, occupation, or the group (clique). Of course this is not always easy. For example, Matt. 19:16-22 gives account of a law-abiding rich young man who came to Jesus to inquire about following Him. When Jesus told the man to first sell what he possessed and give to the poor and then follow Him, the young man went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

However, God promises that "everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life" (Matt 19:29).

So, what is God calling you to leave behind? Praise the Lord for what you have already left behind for the glorious gain of Christ.

The following parts to "Growing Pains," will be experiences from my own life of things God has called me to give up or to do for Him. (Some of this stuff you will know, some of it will be brand new information about me, so be sure to stay tuned)!

proof, you want proof?

2010-01-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry for my lack of posts. :) Happy 2010!

So, do you need proof that abortion is bad? Besides the fact that is murder.

Today I found this article on Yahoo: "More than 24 million Chinese men of marrying age could find themselves without spouses in 2020, state media reported on Monday, citing a study that blamed sex-specific abortions as a major factor."

There are so many proofs that come about that prove that abortion is wrong. Let's keep fighting!!!

Pray for Matt Chandler

2009-12-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving, Pastor Matt Chandler had a seizure, and has since had surgery, and today found out that the tumor in his brain was malignant. He is a Man of God, a husband, and father. We need to fervently pray for him. Click here to see the website to see updates.

In a world of mediocre and even evil pastors, Matt is a light. He preaches the Word of God, and lives what he believes. To lose such a light would be devastating, not to mention he is a young husband and father. We must pray, pray, and pray.

Below is a clip of one of his sermons to show you his heart for God. You will not regret watching it.

Adoption Awareness Month

2009-11-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

As we all know, October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Now, don't get me wrong, I was greatly affected by breast cancer myself. My grandmother fought it 3 times before it finally took her life in 2002 at the young age of 56.

BUT, October is over. November is Adoption Awareness Month. One of my goals/dreams in life is that Adoption Awareness Month will be as "celebrated" as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Today I will write about the need for adoption... taken from the Hands for Hope ministry of Grace Community Church, (we are visiting this church in January, and I will be meeting with this ministry for information of one day staring my own adoption ministry one day).

THE FACTS

What is the need?

* Over 130 million children have lost one or both parents.(1) 
* Every 18 seconds another child becomes an orphan, without a mother or father.(2) 
* At least 16.2 million children worldwide have lost both parents.(3)
* Every 14 seconds a child loses a parent due to AIDS.(4)
* Conflict has orphaned or separated 1 million children from their families in the 1990s.(5)

Where are they?

* 43.4 million orphans live in sub-Saharan Africa, 87.6 million orphans live in Asia, and 12.4 million orphans live in Latin America and the Caribbean.(6) 

* 1.5 million children live in public care in Central and Eastern Europe alone.(7)

* At any given point there are over 500,000 children in the U.S. Foster Care system.(8) 

* In some countries, children are abandoned at alarming rates, due to poverty, restrictive population control policies, disabilities or perceived disabilities, and cultural traditions that value boys more than girls.(9)

What about AIDS?

* More than 14 million children under the age of 15 have lost one or both parents to AIDS, the vast majority of them in sub-Saharan Africa.(10)
* By 2010, the number of children orphaned by AIDS globally is expected to exceed 25 million.(11) 
* AIDS is more likely than other cause of death to result in children losing both parents.(12 )
* As the infection spreads, the number of children who have lost parents to AIDS is beginning to grow in other regions as well, including Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and Eastern Europe.(13)

What happens to the children?

* Children are profoundly affected as their parents fall sick and die, setting them on a long trail of painful experiences often characterized by: economic hardship, lack of love, attention and affection, withdrawal from school, psychological distress, loss of inheritance, increased physical and sexual abuse and risk of HIV infection, malnutrition and illness, stigma, discrimination, exploitation, trafficking, and isolation.(14 )
* Orphaned children are much more likely than non-orphans to be working in commercial agriculture, as street vendors, in domestic service and in the sex trade.(15)
* Unaccompanied boys are at high risk of forced or 'voluntary' participation in violence and armed conflict.(16)
* Orphanages, children's villages, or other group residential facilities generally fail to meet young people's emotional and psychological needs.(17)

What about foster care?

* On average, children stay in foster care for 30 months, or 2.5 years.(18 )

* 118,000 children were waiting to be adopted on September 30, 2004.(19)

 * On average, those children waiting for adoption have been in foster care for 43.8 months, almost 4 years.(20)

 * Each year, an estimated 20,000 young people “age out” of the U.S. foster care system. Many are only 18 years old and still need support and services. Of those who aged out of foster care:(21) 

Outcome(22) 

Earned a high school diploma: 54% 

Obtained a Bachelor's degree or higher: 2%

 Were unemployed: 51% 

Had no health insurance: 30% 

Had been homeless: 25%

 Were receiving public assistance: 30%

Is there any hope?

* Yes. There is a Father who infinitely loves each orphan and calls His people to join Him in caring for the fatherless.  

* If only 7% of the 2 billion professing Christians in the world would care for a single orphan, looking after the child in their distress, there would effectively be no more orphans. We can each do something.

Click here to see the sources of the statistics.

Center

2009-10-22T07:26:00.001-07:00

What is the center of your life? Your family, health, job- what is it?

Do you know what should be the center of your life? JESUS CHRIST.

When we put anything else before Him, that is called idolatry. Idolatry breaks the first and second commandments.

This song is a great way to call out to God and to ask Him to be the Center of your life, and it is a great way to commit yourself to Him being your center.

L♥L

2009-10-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

My pastor used this as an illustration yesterday, and it was hysterical, yet convicting.

We need to be prepared to complete our mission from Christ!

Hiatus Status

2009-10-17T15:58:00.001-07:00

Sorry for my blog hiatus. We have been praying through BIG decisions in our lives, and we finally have decided.

My family blog will now be called The California Keierlebers instead of The Keierleber Family. We are moving from Texas to California so my husband can attend the Master's Seminary. We are so excited to see where God is leading us!

Oh, and I promise to update this blog soon!

Leave Those JoBros Alone!

2009-09-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am not a Jonas Brothers fan or anything, but I do respect these boys. They wear purity rings... how cool? :)

Kevin, (Jonas on right), is getting married. They want a calm family event for his bachelor party. A yahoo blogger cannot stand the fact that there may be pure people in the world.

"An epic night of debauchery -- he'll regret it later if he doesn't do it now. " Seriously- regret? Living for Christ is nothing to regret... having a crazy bachelor party WOULD be something to regret.

Get full ridiculous story here.

Romans 12:2- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Worth it?

2009-09-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Since you have accepted Christ, what has been your worst form of persecution? Friends making fun of you, slander of you by all walks of life including people you love all the way to complete strangers, or distance between you and your family and friends. Yes, those are legitimate persecutions we face as Christians, but have you ever feared for your life? If you are an American, probably not. If you are a Muslim, (yes even in America), then yes you probably have- if you are not already dead.
We need to be fervently praying for this beautiful girl, Rifqa Barry. She is 17 years old, and she converted to Christianity from Islam 4 years ago. Her family recently found out, and have threatened to kill her. She ran away and is in court right now to determine if she should be sent home to her parents. Of course her family is denying it and are coloring her as a normal hormonal teenager. "Honor Killings," yes even in America, occur... the media covers it up, or just ignores it all together. Also, there was a Facebook group of 123 people who said that if she comes home to Ohio, then they will kill her. FB of course took off the group, but that is just proof that Honor killings still exist.

Visit here and here to learn more.

PRAY PRAY PRAY!!! Not just for her, but for all of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ that are facing death for simply accepting Christ.

Did you know that I am a published author?

2009-09-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

I received my final proof of my book! I just have to ok it and send it back and I will hear from Marketing! YEA!!! :) I will let you know as soon as it hits stores. This book is perfect for any Christian, and anyone who is/has adopted.

Forgive the glare from the flash... Here is a sneak peak at my BOOK!!!

our FAV page! :) Do you see Jersey joining in the prayer? :)

DIY Christ Centered Decor

2009-09-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

I read this quote and KNEW I HAD TO HAVE IT! I decided to put it with a pretty picture and make a poster. I looked through my pictures and found this one to go with the quote. I am hoping to print it out in three sections like this, (or something like it).

Who is George Washington Carver anyway? He is a new hero of mine and my husband! He was such a hero of faith! You have to look him up- and never fear- I will post about him on here soon! :)

I am a firm believer in using photographs in home decor! Look through your photos to see if you have some decor worthy photographs too! :)

Christ Centered Fall Decor

2009-09-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

I saw these pumpkins at the Christian store last year, and I HAD TO HAVE THEM!!! Well, I actually had to wait to get them, but either way- I have them! :) I LOVE them!!! They are my only fall decor. I love them because they can stay out from Sept to Nov. They are not too Thanksgivingish, nor are they too Halloweenie, (we don't celebrate Halloween). AND the scriptures- PERFECT!!!
Oh, and be sure to notice the painting above the fireplace- that is there year round... it was another, "HAVE TO HAVE" item.

Don't you just LOVE them???

The pumpkins and the painting were purchased from Family Christian Stores.

YEA! :)

2009-09-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

My Friend, Traci, awarded me with this award today. Thanks girl! That is what my purpose of this blog is! In her words:"who inspire others to Love GOD, Love FAMILY, and Love OTHERS. I think it is good to honor those who glorify God."

I promise I will continue to make this blog award worthy. ;) If you want to see another blog that is award worthy, check out Traci's blog! I actually have borrowed her posts and put them on here before since they are so good! :) Also, while there, you will find the other winners to add to your blog list! :)

Never Forget

2009-09-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

I hope we never forget 9/11/01. Watch this video as a reminder of how you felt that day, and in honor of those who lost their lives and those who mourn them.

Watch this video in its entirety and be sure to grab the kleenex! There is a man talking, and it is worth a full listen!

So if you would have died in the tower, the pentagon or the field in Pennsylvania, would you have gone to Heaven? Jesus is the only way to Heaven. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus is that Savior. Accept Him as your Savior, and repent of your sins, and you can have Everlasting Life. Want more information? Please comment and leave your email address, and I would be happy to share it with you! ♥

That's my girl!

2009-09-10T11:43:00.001-07:00

Katherine Heigl and her husband are adopting a little girl from Korea!!!

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are so many precious children that need a family- have you considered adoption? :)

We are adopting- be sure to check out our family blog to stay in touch with our process. :)

Watch This, Be Blessed.

2009-09-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ad♥pti♥n Bug

2009-09-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

If you are adopting, like me, or if you know someone who is- check out Adoption Bug! Great gift ideas since the Christmas season is getting close! This site is on my "I want" list for sure! :)

Why Be Conservative Chic?

2009-08-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Traci posted this a few days ago, and you MUST check it out: Does what you wear encourage men to stumble?

Check out all of my Conservative Chic posts to find great clothes that WON'T encourage men to stumble, and in doing so will glorify the Lord!

{OH SO} Conservative Chic

2009-08-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

My original Conservative Chic post had dresses that were cute, but nothing to scream about. The next one got better, and these are even better! I wish I had money just laying around to buy it all! :)

Funky Frum

Shabby Apple

Diviine ModesTee

Modest Threadz

Please continue praying for the sweet baby's Mama in the below post!

Urgent Prayer Request

2009-08-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

My friend's sister needs urgent prayer right now, read below: Mary is in the hospital and will not come home until the baby is delivered. She is 30 weeks now. Her water broke, her fluid level is not good but not at an extremely dangerous level. So, if she can keep from getting dilated or loosing any more fluid, she will stay put until he is born. Some people have stayed in this situation for a month but her doctor said that normally when your water brakes the likely hood is that the baby will be born within a week. For now, she has to wait day by day to see what will happen. She is very uncomfortable and is having back labor pains.

They are giving her steroids to develop the babies lungs and each shot increases his chances of being better off. She gets the second dose today at 5:00. She is very upset about not being able to care for Andrew (I year old) at this time. You could be praying for Mary – remain in stable, healthy condition as well as her emotional/spiritual state now and in the future. New baby Luke – remain in his mother’s womb and to be strong and healthy at delivery. Andrew to be cared for and not too distressed over his mommy being gone or unable to hold him. My mom, Paula that she will be physically, mentally , and spiritually strong to care for Andrew. The whole family – all grandparents and siblings to be supportive of Mary and Joe at this time.

Look at that sweet face- how can you not pray for him and his family? ♥

Christ Centered Decor, Revisited

2009-08-26T10:04:00.001-07:00

A few posts ago I wrote about Christ centered decorating. Here are a few more ideas:

Do you remember the bird room? Well, I made some adjustments. Check it out here. Here is a scripture piece I made which is the theme of the whole room. I had to abridge it a bit for space... here is what the Bible fully says: "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" Matthew 6:26
I also have a cow room which has this as its theme: "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul;" Psalm 23:2,3... also abridged for space. :)

What are some of your Christ centered decor ideas? :)

Consevative (really) Chic

2009-08-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

I found a GREAT website with REALLY Chic, yet conservative, items. I would have posted pictures, but they won't let me. Be sure to THIS LINK! I will so be buying from them! Really cute stuff!

Thou SHALL Steal?

2009-08-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

I stole this from a friend of mine, and it is a MUST SHARE!!!

A Daddy Alarm,
By Julie Banton
Pierson Station, Illinois,, USA

At our house we have a "Dad Alarm.” This is a recurring alarm that I set on my cell phone. It goes off one hour before my husband arrives home from work. It reminds my children to clean up any messes around the house and tidy themselves up. It reminds the older children and me to start supper. It also reminds me to make sure my clothes are fresh, to fix my make up and my hair and say a prayer for my big sweet hubby.

To be honest, we are not as consistent with this as I would like to be. Sometimes the alarm goes off and I ignore it, thinking to myself "too busy." But when we are consistent, the results are not only a blessing to my husband, but a blessing to our whole household. My husband is never "too busy" to go to work to provide for his family and this family should never be to busy to provide a warm, clean, "Welcome Home" for him.

Here is a picture of my sweet hubby! I am so blessed to be his wife, and I will for sure be implementing the Daddy Alarm at our home! :) You should too!!! :)

Christ Centered Decorating

2009-08-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my blogging hiatus! I went to summer camp with the youth group, (we work with the middle schoolers at our church). It was a blessing as always! :)

My FAVORITE passage in the Bible is Matthew 6:25-34. I have it in my house at least 4 times, in different ways of course. :) Here is number 5! :) I am hoping to adopt two little girls, (prayers appreciated). If I do get them, the eldest's room will be Birdies and Flowers, so the theme of her room is Matthew 6:25-34! She will have a worry free room! ;)

I used left over art board, and paints I already had. This was absolutely free!

Help keep Christ center in your life by keeping Him the center of your decorating! :)

Conservative Chic Swimwear

2009-07-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

I found a great site for conservative swimwear! Click on the logo to check them out!

Conservative Chic

2009-07-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Conservative Chic was originally going to be the name of my magazine which is now this blog. However, I wanted something that was more godly than just conservative.

So, when I talk about clothing on this blog, I will refer to it as Conservative Chic. Conservative Chic, as in conservative, yet chic!

Check out Jen Clothing to see some cute conservative dresses! :) Now these may not be the most amazing fashion pieces you have ever seen, but if you have looked for conservative dresses, these are much nicer than anything else I have seen on the market!

Ok, nix the gloves, get better shoes and you have to admit this is a cute number.
I like this one, even though I think even this top would be too low cut on me. (The larger your chest, the lower the neck line goes)
I would love to try this one on to see how it would fit. Super conservative, but maybe super cute too!

(Jen's Clothing is for LDS- Jen also is an LDS magazine, much like what I am doing with this blog (which is Christian). Interesting, huh? I completely disagree with their theology and beliefs, but I agree with their modesty)! :)

Hearing the Call

2009-07-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

So, do you know something that grinds my gears?

Okay, it is socially acceptable to tell everyone, "Don't purchase your puppy, you should adopt!" Why don't we do the same about people?

God has given me a great burden for orphans, and I know that this is one of the main reasons God put me on this earth. Recently, we have felt called to adopt from Africa. I have a friend who has adopted from Ethiopia, and we are planning to go the same route. Please pray as we pray and prepare for this process. It may be quite awhile before me begin it, but prayers would be greatly appreciated! :)

Here is something to chew over: growing up I used to wonder why anyone would adopt overseas when we have so many orphans here in America.* Here is what I realized:
Orphans here have
1. Running Water
2. Roofs over their heads
3. Access to education
4. Shoes
5. Opportunities to hear about Jesus
6. IT'S AMERICA- besides not having a family, they have access to pretty much everything!

Now, don't get me wrong, American children still deserve to be adopted- ALL ORPHANS SHOULD BE ADOPTED! I am just showing you why my above train of thought (*) was incorrect.

I hope you open your heart to hear the call from the Lord in regards to adoption.

There are over 200,000,000 orphans in the world, and if only 7% OF THE CHURCH would adopt there would be no need for orphanages. Think about it!

Below, some precious Ethiopian angels. My heart aches.

Design on a Dime

2009-07-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad blogger lately! SORRY! I have been very busy!

My post today is about decorating, and decorating money consciously. We are huge Dave Ramsey fans, (post on him to come later), and we believe we should be good stewards of our money. After all, it is God's really. So, spending loads of money on home decor is out of the question for me. That is why I loved the below I ideas! I hope you do too! :)

The first two ideas I got from an episode of Rachel Ray when she had a special guest from Design on a Dime.

First, the Cornice box:
All we used was foam board, and fabric...
Ready for fabric...
Coming together...
TADA!
Close up to see it better, (a little dark in above pic). (Oh, and no it is not crooked, just my shot was) lol

I loved that project, and I will do it again! :) Below is the next idea I got from Design on a Dime.
Ever noticed how unsightly books can be in a room? Well, if you never thought about it before, think about it now. Now, notice how much nicer they looked all wrapped up in room coordinating colors!
I loved how this turned out, and it was an inexpensive way to add decor to my room!

For this last project, I got the idea from HEB. They sell these arrangements, but they are pretty pricey, so I made it myself, and it was a big hit!

Do you have any money saving, DIY decorating ideas? I would LOVE to hear about them! :)

Under God

2009-07-05T14:31:00.001-07:00

I bought this book at the Christian bookstore years ago, and have had yet to read it. I am KICKING myself about that one! This book is wonderful!!! The night before the 4th, I decided to give it a go, and it is just fantastic! It is about Christianity in American history- the chapters are about 3 pages long, so really short, and they are really easy to read. Go out and buy it now!!! :)
My little boy celebrating the 4th! :)
"Wag if you ♥ USA!"

I hope y'all had a great 4th!

Psalm 101:3 Laughs

2009-06-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

In this post, I mentioned about godly entertainment choices.

We have Sirius satellite radio, and there we were introduced to Christian Comedian, Bob Smiley. He is so funny and his sets are God honoring! What more could you want? :) Be sure to check out his website and listen to some of his stuff. We are huge fans, and we think you should be too! :)
How big of fans are we? We were making plans for our two year anniversary and had nothing down on paper yet... one month away, so I took over the planning. ;) I was looking at Bob's website and saw that he would be at the Woodland's the weekend we were planning to celebrate. Now we had plans! We planned the whole weekend around his show. We were so glad we did! We had a wonderful weekend, a wonderful night at his show, and we got to meet him!!! :) (Please excuse this less than stellar picture of me. I don't like it- but it is the only one we got with Bob, so there ya go)! :)

Sermon Jams

2009-06-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a link for a GREAT resource!!! You HAVE to check it out!!! You will not be disappointed!!!

Psalm 101:3

2009-06-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Psalm 101:3 says: "I will set before my eyes no vile thing."

We Christians do not follow this I am afraid. After becoming a Christian I knew certain movies were unacceptable to God, so I got them out of my life. Easy. Then I heard God again prompting me, but I (once again), didn't like what I was hearing. If you study the word, "ungodly," you will find that it is not a synonym for wicked; no, it is an antonym for godly... meaning simply, void of God. So in other words, a rated R movie with sex and cussing is wicked, while a Disney movie is only ungodly. Starting to make sense? Every time I would hear a sermon on ungodliness or read it in God's Word, I would see Disney, but I would shake it off. There is nothing evil about Disney, and I didn't own any rated R movies, so what is the big deal God?

The big deal? When I sat in front a t.v. show or movie for like 2 hours... well, that was 2 hours I could have spent with God. God created us to glorify Him, to love Him, to fellowship with Him. How is watching Beauty and the Beast fellowshipping with God? It is not. I may have a little free time now, but when kids come it will dwindle to nothing, I am aware. How should I spend my free time... with Cinderella? Or with God? Um, yeah, GOD!!!

God called us to give up all our secular movies, and only keep the movies that are godly. This way, if we watch a movie in our free time, we are still spending time with God!

I challenge you today to go through your movies, music, books, and tv shows and pray for the Holy Spirit to convict you! Let me know if you do get convicted so we can pray for your strength to turn away, and also so we can praise God together for the work He is doing in you! :)

Click on this link to read my original movie post in its entirety, or click on the picture below to see the whole series. :)

10 years

2009-06-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

So Jon and Kate "made" it to 10 years, but are calling the quits. We need to be sad for them. We need to realize that we are desensitized to divorce, and we need not be. It breaks God's heart, and it should break ours too!

While we are saddened for Jon and Kate, we can rejoice with another couple that has made it to the 10 year mark. My friends Kempton and Caryn Turner just celebrated their 10 year anniversary and are still going strong! They have not had the easiest hand dealt, (their son Christian was born extremely premature and now is a special needs child who glorifies God with his life is amazing ways), but God has molded them and used them for His glory. They are a great example of godly people and a godly marriage. Be sure to visit their blog to accompany them on their journey through life, and to get great godly examples!

As we see with Jon and Kate, anyone can be married 10 years. BUT to be happy and married in a way that is pleasing to God is something worth celebrating and worth striving to emulate!

Thank you Kempton and Caryn for being such great godly examples of children of God, spouses and parents. Y'all are a blessing to me and I am proud that y'all are my siblings in Christ! Congratulations on 10 years of marriage! We love y'all! ♥ PK, TK, and JK ;)

On The Rocks

2009-06-22T13:50:00.001-07:00

As most of you probably know, whether or not you are a viewer, Jon and Kate have a big announcement tonight. I am praying it is that they are quitting the show to heal their relationship, but I fear it will be about divorce. :(

We need to pray, pray, pray for this family!!! Even if they announce divorce, or even if they get divorced, they can still mend their relationship.

Despite the obvious fact of them having 8 kids-two sets of multiples- do you know what killed their marriage? Do you want to know how to avoid their fate?

They put their kids before their marriage. Period.

You see we must put God first, Spouse second and children third. If these get out of order, trouble will occur!!!

In Mark 10:8, Jesus says, "AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh."

Where in the Bible does it say that we become one with our kids? NO WHERE! We are one with our spouses! They MUST come before our children!

Seems too easy right? Well, it is really. If we live our lives the way God intended, then life will be easier, (notice I said easier, not easy. Jesus promised life would be hard- BUT if we keep our priorities in order, satan will have a harder time bringing you down in those areas). :)

I fear we have become desensitized to divorce in this culture. It breaks God's heart, and it should break ours too. I am heart broken for Jon and Kate, and I hope you join me in praying for them.

*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*

Don't forget to enter yourself in the giveaway!

First Giveaway!

2009-06-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

****Giveaway is closed!*****

Hey friends!!! Time for my first giveaway! In honor of Father's Day today, I have two books to giveaway! One book is for dad's and one is for men in general. Just leave me a comment saying hello and which book you would like and whom you would like give it to! Good Luck! :)

For that special guy!

2009-06-20T16:15:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I am very late for a post about graduation, and considering Father's Day is tomorrow... well, I am late. It is not my fault- I started this blog, what, 3 days ago? :)

So here are just a few ideas for that special guy in your life:
Husband, Father, Boyfriend, Brother, Uncle, etc, etc, etc!

Okay, yes we do not offically have a child yet, but I still like to acknowledge my hubs on Father's Day. He is going to be the greatest father, so I am honoring him in advance. Along with a few sermon cds that I knew he would love, I got him this wallet. He needed a new one, and I knew this was a must buy! I bought it at Lifeway Christian Store, and I found it online here. On that website, you will find many differt styles and verses too! :) This was my favorite. :)

For Christmas I bought this watch for the hubs, and he gets compliments on it, (literally), daily! You can find it here.

Raise 'Em Right!

2009-06-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

It is never to early to get your children into witnessing! Here is the way I look at it: if we are willing to show our support of our favorite sports teams, etc on our babies/children/selves- why not show our love of our Savior? :)

These first two websites hold wonderful baby shower gifts for your friends, hint hint! ;)

I was at the Christian store about 6 months ago and I about peed my pants in excitement- no joke. I saw onesies with cute sayings on them, much like the shirts that I love and wear frequently! Ladies, I give you Little Disciples:

Um yeah. How cute is that?

Okay, so remember when I said I almost peed my pants? Well, I ALMOST peed my pants, but I FOR SURE cried in the middle of the Christian store. This onesie is was the culprit! Just think of your little newborn in the hospital- is there a more joyful noise in the world? I don't think so! This made me think of that!

Little Disciples in their own words:

"Why is the Little Disciples company mission?

Our mission is to provide Adorable, soft, high quality Christian clothing for babies and children that spread the word of God through creative, fun designs. These Christian baby and toddler clothes have a biblical/religious theme and make for great baby shower gifts, christening gift and church clothes.

LittleDisciples offers a whimsical selection of embroidered and screen printed, Christian designed clothes, and coming soon are bibs, diaper bags and accessories. Our Christian clothing, whether purchased as a gift for your baby or given as a baby shower gift, are seeds planted into the life of a child or expecting mother."

Yes, Little Disciples will be getting my money for sure once God decides to bless us with our little ones! Seriously, I want their whole wardrobe to be witness wear! Another store that will surely get my patronage, Faith Baby:
You can never have too many witness onesies- well, at least I can't! :)

Kerusso is my favorite place for tshirts! They also have other fun accessories! The best part- they clothe the whole family, not only babies as the above sites do! Be sure to check them out!

Welcome to Proverbs Charm and Beauty!

2009-06-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

The Bible says in Proverbs 31:30 that, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised." The world tells us that beauty is everything, and the Bible tells us differently. I have wanted to make a magazine with this title for awhile now. All magazines are so worldly, and I wanted this one to be different. However, a blog seems more feasible for me at this time. This blog will cover the many different topics about being godly women. Such topics will include health and wellness, beauty, advice, conservative fashions, dating and marriage, etc. Enjoy! ♥

To show your support for Proverbs Charm and Beauty, copy this picture and post it on your blog- don't forget to link it back to this page so others can discover the joys of being a Proverbs Charm and Beauty Girl! :)