Soaring on Wings like Eagles

New MMT video: Why should I get involved?

2012-02-08T19:58:00.000-06:00

You Never Let Go...Ever

2012-02-07T18:58:00.000-06:00

This past year..my jaw locked up, I was allergic to glutin, corn, and dairy, to name a few, I was in the ER with kidney stones, I'm currently three weeks behind on school...needless to say, many, many times I was down.

And I was down not just because of health issues either, mind you, but emotional - eight of my bffs moved away within six months time - and spiritual, too.

With every thing that came up, every challenge, every hard spot...I'd break down. Most people don't know the hard times I had, and I'm not under any circumstances asking for sympathy, just making my point:

He never let go...ever.

In every challenge, He was there.

In every hard spot, He was there.

Every time I broke down, He was there.

Every time I would have given up, He held on tight and never ever let go...

EVER.

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

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't turn back

I know you are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

-Matt Redman, You Never Let Go

Waiting for a Sign

2012-02-06T18:46:00.000-06:00

Just a moment ago, I sat here at the computer looking at the comments that you, my dear readers, have left on my last couple of posts. And as I sat, a song came on. It was Lift Me Up, by the Afters.

I've always loved this song, but the timing seemed impeccable. So here I am...posting about it.

Waiting for the sunrise

Waiting for the day

Waiting for a sign

That I'm where you want me to be

I love this part, I mean, it's SO true! Sometimes, when I don't know where to go, don't know what to do, don't feel like I'm making an impact for the Kingdom...just the feeling that I'm wasting time...I am just waiting for the sunrise, the day, a sign, any sign, that I'm where HE wants me to be.

I feel like I'm open. I feel like I am just supposed to sit and wait for direction, and until then do....well, nothing but sit and wait.

That's not what the Christian life is supposed to be. We are to continually be shining our lights in the world, though small they are, they are still a light in a dark world.

Even a little glimmer can be clearly seen in the pitch dark.

So, here I sit.

Waiting.

But is that what I'm supposed to be doing?

I - we! - have already been given direction.

Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the world. -Matthew 28:18-20

That sounds a lot like directions to me.

I'm a firstborn, I like structure, I like specifics, I like order. So this command, this direction, this guidance, seems pretty broad. But keep in mind that that's not all the direction that He gives us!

He guides and directs us, this is very, very true, but in some instances we might not receive specific instruction.

Sitting on your rear end waiting for specifics is one thing. Working to further His Kingdom and serve His people in any way you know how is another thing entirely.

Most likely, we are not going to get moment by moment instructions, but that's ok, because we've already received an order from our Lord - go ye therefore.

So, in the meantime, I - we - just have to keep working. We've need to pray for guidance and direction, but always look towards the goal, never stop learning, serving, and worshiping Him, and continually work to further His Kingdom.

There's no time to sit around and wait. 2000 years ago the time was at hand...what does that mean for right now?

You are what you Eat

2012-02-04T09:41:00.001-06:00

You've no doubt heard this at one time or another, it's a pretty widespread phrase.

You are what you eat.

But have you ever thought about it in a different aspect?

How about, you are what you believe?

Interesting statement, yet true.

What you believe determines your actions, attitude, and choices throughout your life.

Now I'm not talking about what you say you believe, I'm talking about what you believe deep down. So deep may be these beliefs that you never really put them into words, you just...believe them. They're who you are - what you're made of.

The choices you make show what you believe. They show whats important to you. They show who you are.

It's the same with your attitude and every other aspect of life.

You are what you believe.

What do you believe? Is it really what's in your creed? Or is it just what you say you believe cause that's what makes sense in your head?

Does the stuff that makes sense in your head make sense in your heart?

You are what you ~~eat~~ believe.

Worth Fighting For

2012-01-31T19:58:00.000-06:00

The clock ticks. Slowly. Steadily.

You chew your pencil. Day dreaming. Staring.

You inhale. You exhale.

School, chores, work, church, volunteer work, hanging out, video games...these things fill your life, your spare time, your thoughts.

Life seems boring. Dull. Repetitive.

You want adventure. Excitement. Purpose.

You know what you could be doing. You know what you want to be doing. You know what you need to be doing.

But somehow, these things often don't happen.

Life becomes grey. Purposeless. Worthless.

You need something. Something new. Something exciting. Adventure. Purpose.

Something worth fighting for.

Every hour, dozens of abortions take place in the US alone.

Every hour, Dalits are raped and murdered.

Every second, a mortal life ends and an eternal life or death begins.

These are battles that are currently going on in your world.

These are battles most people either don't know about, or just chose to ignore.

These are just a few examples of causes worth fighting for.

End abortion. End the raping and murder of Dalits. Show the lost the Savior.

You have a choice.

You can chose to ignore these ongoing battles like most people, or you can fight. It's your choice.

No excuses.

There are things in this life that are worth fighting for.

Strange how things Change

2011-12-30T13:23:00.000-06:00

My dear readers! I am back! Three months is so long and so short a time. Short in the way that its hard to believe that I haven't posted since then. Long in the way that it feels like I've grown up a lot since then. I don't know what it is about time, but it feels like you never have enough of it and it flies so fast.

Funny thing about time. You love it and you hate it. You hate it when you can't wait for some specific time or event to come. You love it when it's there and when it's gone it's kind of a mixture of feelings. Love-hate relationship I suppose.

What's strange is change. It's strange how these two things we love and hate work together in perfect harmony to create the constant whirl of life. As time goes by everything around us changes - and we change. It's hard to find a solid, unchanging ground to stand upon, but once you find it, it will carry you through life - through all those changes - and it alone will be unchanging. This ground is God. This solid, unchanging, firm place is our Heavenly Father. The only One who will not change, who will carry you through life with all that change, whether good or bad, and will never let you fall.

Maybe that's what has changed most in my life in the past three months. My feet have become even more firmly planted on that Solid Ground. Daily it seems like they can't be more firmly planted, but as the next day (or challenge) comes and goes, I am over and over again proven wrong. And how glad I am that I have been wrong so many times! Because for every time I am wrong my feet are planted more firmly and my eyes more set on that which matters most of all. Yes, both my feet and eyes go astray way too often from that which they should be on, but without fail He brings me back again. That's the God I serve.

It's strange how things change. One day you think everything is great, nothing could go wrong; the next day the clouds overhead become dark and let loose their water; and the next, the sun shines out even brighter than before. You can't ever tell what the next day - or even the next moment! - will bring, but you know that the Rock you are continually standing upon will always be the same.

Thanks, Talia, for encouraging me to come back. :)

In Christ our Rock I stand,

Buttercup

50 minus 1 Q&A about me :)

2011-09-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

1. High heels or boots? I trip without heels. Give me heels and I'd think you were trying to get rid of me. I like boots. :)
2. What time did you get up this morning? Sevenish I think...
3. What was the last movie you saw at the theater? Pirates of the Carribean 4. Not a fave but still a good movie. :)
4. What is your maiden name? Well, right now at least, it's my last name.
5. What is your favorite TV show? Well, seeing as I don't really watch TV besides a random NCIS guess that's my fave. xP
6. What do you usually have for breakfast? Cereal. *sheepish grin* I'm lazy in the mornings.
7. What is your middle name? Don't you wish you knew...
8. What food do you dislike? Olives.
9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Let's make that plural...Undone by Mercy Me, Restored by Jeremy Camp, Underdog by Audio Adrenaline, and Over and Underneath by Tenth Avenue North.
10. What characteristic do you despise? Self-centeredness.
11. Favorite clothing? Blue jeans.
12. Anywhere in the world on vacation? Not all that hip on vacations. Missions trip? Now we're talking!
13. Are you an organized person? Can't stand my room a mess. Drives me bonkers.
14.Where would you retire to? Right here.
15. What was your most recent memorable birthday? This last one. Awesome possum to say the very, very least.
16. What are you going to do when you finish this? Homework.
17. Furthest place you have ever been to? Belize.
18. Person you wish you could meet? *wish* or *will*? If the latter, then my Lord!
19. When is your birthday? Not tellin'. Though a certain person reading this should know all to well...haha. You know who you are. Don't ask your brother.
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night.
21. What is your shoe size? Ultra tiny. 6-6 1/2.
22. Do you own any animals? Nope.
23. Any news you'd like to share? (I feel...interviewed. Like, "anything else you want to say?" Anyways...) I am going to try my hardest to get Go Ye Therefore out this Friday! Don't ask how much I've done...this month has been crazy. And...I'm the world's bestest procrastinator...
24. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Many, many things...One that sticks out in my memory though is an interior designer.
25. What is your favorite flower? Sunflower. :) They're so big and bright and just seem like they're smiling at you.
26. What day on the calender are you looking forward to? hm....probably this Friday...Co-op, Teen Club water day, and sleepover! :)
27. If you were a crayon, what would you be? I don't know...probably a mix between hot pink (excited and happy) and sea blue (calm and peaceful)...depends on the time of day and who is around me.
28. How is the weather right now? Teasing. Holding all that rain up there and just blowing away from us and dropping all it's beautiful goodness somewhere else that doesn't NEED it as much as we do.
29. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My friend, Nona. (nickname)
30. Favorite drink? Water or Dr. Pepper. Depends...
31. Favorite Restaurant? Giovanni's. ooooh man.
32. Hair color? Blonde and proud of it.
33. What was your favorite toy as a child? Giraffee. :) And *was* isn't the right word... xD
34. Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter? WINTER!
35. Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla!
36. Coffee or tea? Neither. Aw man, that's the second time now...
37. Wish you were still young? What's that supposed to mean? I'm still high school.
38. Do you want to get married? Depends on what He's got in mind. :)
39. When was the last time you cried? Yesterday or the day before.
40. What is under your bead? Nothing but carpet.
41. What did you do last night? Sat in the dark. (Power went out)
42. What are you afraid of? Needles. O.O
43. Salty or sweet? oooh sweeeeet!!!
44. Best quality you have? I feel bad answering this question. I don't know...ask someone else...
45. How many years at the current job? Random babysitting job? Maybe a year. Maybe.
46. Favorite day of the week? Sunday!
47. Favorite movie? Don't have one, but I love Fireproof, Soul Surfer (just saw it for the first time...LOVED IT!), Princess Bride...and others.
48. Have you ever had a crush on anyone? That's for me to know. Some of these questions are creepy...
49. Do you like finding all this stuff out about your friends? Oh yeah! Especially when it's peoples like Anna, who tagged me, because she knows how to write and make you just die laughing.

If you want to do this, please feel free! :)

Have a SUPER DUPER FANTASTIC rest of week!!!
Love in Christ,
Buttercup :)

The Legal Mass Murder

2011-09-23T15:32:00.000-05:00

It’s a mass murder that goes on both continually and legally. It has claimed 15,167,502 (fifteen million, one hundred and sixty seven, five hundred and two) lives since the year 2000. It tears families, friends, and a country apart. This ominous monster is known as Abortion.

Abortion is the killing of unborn infants in the name of freedom. But what freedom is this? This so called freedom is the freedom to kill defenseless children, to end their lives that have hardly even begun, just so that the woman doesn’t have the “burden” of raising a child. But what freedom does this child have? If you are honest, then the only answer is that they have none at all. This unborn child has no say in whether or not their life will end right then and there. They are completely defenseless in the arms of the ugly fiend known as “choice”.

Many people are unaware of how this monster works. And many people, like me, know as much as they can handle knowing. The act of abortion is utterly sick. It is brutal. The unborn child is not thought of as human excepting where the furtherance of science is involved. They are inhumanely murdered – taken from their only life support (their mother’s womb) and then they are killed in one of the many indescribable ways that man has thought up. When dead, they are used to further science, not buried or cremated like a normal human being. Their still forming, beautifully designed, little body is treated like garbage. Tell me there are not people that evil in this world who take pleasure in doing this! But there are.

Here are a few reasons why you should not support abortion.

1. By supporting abortion you are supporting murder – which is sin. Period. From the time of conception that baby is a human being – nothing less.

2. The woman who goes through with an abortion usually regrets it. There have been many testimonies of women who had abortions having nightmares and hearing the cries of their baby whom they wanted dead, and other horrible things that only succeed in causing great grief, regret, and depression.

3. You end a life. The numbers are unreal, the process horrific, the regrets exceeding painful. But the worst part is the fact that that child, that unborn person, doesn’t have a chance to live.

I think that the most intelligent people on earth cannot truly believe that the unborn baby is not human. If life does not begin at conception then when does it begin? I think that doctors know deep down, even if they don’t admit it, that the unborn baby is indeed human. How can they not when they hear that little heart beat, feel the feet kick, see the baby suck his thumb? And then still, they can take that baby out of his or her mother’s womb and lay it on the table to suffocate, or worse – why?

There is nothing good about abortion. Choice? Why should we have a choice? The choice to commit sin and not to commit sin is prevalent all day every day. Abortion is murder. Murder is sin. Abortion is encouraged; therefore murder (and sin) is encouraged by the giving of a choice.

It very well may be that the way to end abortion is to steal away the hearts of those who carry them out – by communicating to the doctors the truth about the awful task they are carrying out and the implications of it. And then telling them of the love and forgiveness that Christ alone supplies.

What will you do? Will you assent to the murder of innocent unborn babies? Will you allow it to carry on when you can do something about it? Will you promote this mass murder by your admission of being “Pro-Choice”?

*originally written as a speech for a homeschool co-op class assignment*

Healing Begins - Tenth Avenue North

2011-09-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside

So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear

So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

(http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/tenth_avenue_north/tenth_avenue_healing_begins.html)

Hope's Song

2011-09-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Who cares that it's a kids movie? The song still holds a powerful message.

James - part 13 - "Not listening!"

2011-09-15T20:11:00.000-05:00

Dear readers,

Last time I wrote of how we must ACT like Christians. James is still going on with this topic, so just read on. For now though remember this: what's inside comes out. Good and bad. Get the inside fixed by Christ and the outside will follow along.

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

James 1:23-24

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

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

Take note that the first word in verse twenty three is the word "for". This word is in the same family as all the therefores and wherefores we already talked about. So remember what I said - if you find one of these, be sure to read what's next in light of what came before! With that in mind, let's go back and see what the last few verses were.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

James, it seems, is spending a lot of time on this, so we should probably take it pretty seriously. James wants us to know that we are not to be HEARERS of the word only, but DOERS also.

Getting on to our current text: James tells us WHY we should be doers as well as hearers. He tells us the consequences of a mirage-like faith. A faith that in only in your head and not your heart.

He writes that the person who is a "hearer-only" is like a man who looks at himself in the mirror, then turns around and forgets what he looks like. We girls especially can see how crazy this is. The question I asked in utter shock at how stupid this guy was, was this: Why look in the mirror if you're just going to forget as soon as you turn around? What good does that do? I look at myself in the mirror - I know what I look like. I don't look, turn around, and utterly forget. If I did that once I'd probably give up on looking into the mirror! Just a waste of time if you don't remember.

So what is James' point? "Hearers-(or Lookers-)Only" will disregard (forget) what they hear (look like). His point being that if you don't act on what you know then you are as bad as the man that forgot what he looked like the instance he turned away. You turn your back on Christ. You heard. Yes indeed! But you didn't act on it. You didn't believe in Christ while you had the chance, now you are nothing. You have disregarded and turned your back on that which you needed most. You have become unresponsive to the Gospel because you chose this world instead of Him.

As a final note, I think it interesting that James puts in the little phrase, "and goeth his way". I believe this implies not only a turning your back on Christ, but also of a rebellious "going your own way"; going the way YOU want to go, not the way Christ has offered to you (which is way better!).

So, what is James trying to communicate to us? That if you only hear and don't do anything about it, then you are lost.

Don't just be a Christian in word, but also in action. That's the definition of a true Christian.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

A lesson from Toy Story 1? Oh yeah.

2011-09-13T12:29:00.005-05:00

Near the end of the movie, when the toys are in the moving truck and Buzz and Woody are on RC trying to get into the truck, Bo Peep says: "Look! It's Buzz! Woody was telling the truth!" And among other comments by other toys, Rex says, "Oh great. Now I have guilt!" When he found that he had done wrong in accusing his friend of lying, he regretted it - he felt guilty.

This is what happens in our lives. At the moment, we may make false accusations on the basis of presuppositions, but later we may find out that we're wrong.

When you find that you have sinned against God; when you realize that you have done wrong, you feel guilty; you feel guilty because you know that you're wrong and God's right.

This line, even though it was in a slightly cheesy kids movie, is incredibly true when you think about it. "Oh great. Now I have guilt." It reveals that this guilt was very uncomfortable. It implies that guilt wasn't a thing to be treasured, caressed, and kept forever, but one of those things that "the sooner it's gone the better"!

The Holy Spirit (aka: your conscience) tells you "hey, that was wrong" - guilt. You KNOW you did wrong. This is called guilt. You feel guilty because what you did was wrong and you know it.

Guilt can lead to salvation. Once you realize that YOU have sinned against GOD - that YOU were wrong (guilt) - then you may choose to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Or, you may choose to push that guilt behind you...not a happily ever after ending there.

So, we just got ALL THAT from a little line in a kids movie...wow. I encourage you, my dear reader, look around you. What lessons can you learn from the world around you when you compare physical things to spiritual things? There's so many out there! Just keep an eye out for them! Just be careful when you compare; you can get some pretty wacky doctrine by comparing the wrong things! The safest thing you can do is look at God's word first, then DO NOT go looking for comparable things, but rather, let them come to you. They will. Promise. :)

In Christ my Rock,
Buttercup

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T12:58:00.001-05:00

9/11/2001 - terrorist planes hit the Twin Towers and the Pentagon...

The devastation was unreal...

Many firefighters and police risked their lives trying to save others and that day they were made heroes...

2,976 people died...

Americans should never forget 9/11 and the terror it brought to our own soil...

Lest we forget how blessed we are to have the freedom we do...

Taking it for granted and therefore wasting our lives in the "pursuit of happiness" when what we really should be pursuing is knowing God more...

You only have one life and then it's gone...

Live for Christ now.

Lord, protect our soldiers. Protect America.

Forgive America, Heavenly Father.

America needs to remember Christ.

Before it is too late.

God, please bless America.

Today, remember the families of those 2,942 people who died on September 11th 2001 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in the other plane that crashed, and pray for them. They need your prayers - today especially.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

*Disclaimer: photos without my watermark were found on Photobucket.com

NOTE: Photos with my watermark were taken at a military cemetery in Oklahoma, but I do not know if there are any 9/11 soldiers buried there..

41 Things I Don't Really Like...

2011-09-09T15:46:00.003-05:00

1. Having to make decisions, 2. friends moving away, 3. when people don't write back, 4. not understanding, 5. working really hard at something and then figuring out you didn't need to do any of it, 6. getting hurt, 7. getting up late, 8. bad dreams, 9. not getting enough sleep, 10. writers block, 11. failing, 12. algebra, 13. grammar, 14. blood (you know...not in and of itself, but being around it as in an injury. Dude, we couldn't live without it), 15. olives, 16. creeping things, 17. coffee (deal with it, I greatly dislike it), 18. snakes, 19. silver fish, 20. growing out of cute clothes, 21. awesome shoes that don't fit right, 22. neon green, 23. the end of a fabulous visit, 24. sweating, 25. being sick, 26. rubbing hot pepper juice in my eyes on accident, 27. cayenne pepper, 28. football, 29. being late, 30. missing something, 31. being on the OUTSIDE of an inside joke, 32. worrying, 33. oily hair, 34. sad books, 35. no happily ever after, 36. depressing romances, 37. really long dry books, 38. getting makeup in my eyes, 40. smearing my makeup all over my face, 41. when people startle me.

Wow. 41 things I don't like and 202 things I love...Guess I've got it pretty good. :)
In Christ,
Buttercup

James - part 12 - Engrafted Word

2011-09-07T16:16:00.137-05:00

Dear readers,

Last time I wrote of God's great love for us, His adopted children, and how we can show our love for Him to the world through how we act, what we say, and how we do things. This time, James is going on with what he just wrote, expanding on the topic.

----------

James 1:21-22

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

----------

James once again starts with "wherefore". What is this "wherefore" here for this time? (Tip: when you see a "therefore" or a "wherefore," look at the text that came before it! For the author wishes for you to read that which comes next in light of that which came before!) What happened in the previous verse? James wrote of how we must be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to wrath; so in regard to that, he now exhorts us to separate ourselves from those things that are bad and receive (or encourage and do) that which is good.

Wherefore, now that you've got a simple grasp on how to live so that others may see Christ in you and that you might continue growing in Christ, here are some tips to REALLY live for Christ! The whole core of it - the basics - are being slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to wrath. Do all that and you are in pretty good standing. But James goes on to expand and explain a little bit so that we have a better idea of what exactly we are to do.

"Lay apart" - this means that you set it aside. If you lay apart a certain blanket from a stack of them you are separating that one from the rest of the group. In many cases, this phrase is used to imply a rejection of that which is laid aside. Not only are you separating it from the group, but you are REJECTING it also. Laying aside in the way James is using it is a complete separation and rejection. A metaphorical brick wall, you may say, between the two groups. But what is it that we are to lay apart?

"All filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness" - this is what we are to lay apart. ALL does not mean some. ALL does not mean certain or chosen ones. ALL means ALL. To say anything differently is to be reading it biasedly, for ALL means every single cotton pickin' one. Filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness are super awesome ways to say evil and sin. You may think of it in this way: God is perfect, clean, white. Sin is dirty, black, and evil. Sin is filthy. Who honestly likes to be filthy? (Sometimes I think my brother does, but I think he just does that cause he's the only boy with five sisters.) It's dreadfully uncomfortable unless you are just totally used to it (which, sadly, is what happens with sin too. By sinning and searing your conscience continually you are getting used to the dirty blackness of sin and sooner or later your sin will not provoke guilt, but it will become comfortable).

I think the word "superfluity" is awesome. According to dictionary.com it means an excessive amount. So, we are to lay aside, all excessive amounts of naughtiness. That's kind of oxymoron if you just read it fast. But really, I think that James used the word "superfluity" to emphasize how great our sin is. He knew our sin was excessive, he knew that all people sinned so much, so often, so consistently, that it was superfluitous (Note: that's not a word but it gets my point across) for everyone. Therefore he said to lay apart ALL of your superfluitous naughtiness.

"And receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls" - This phrase is packed with meaning, so be careful to take it a word or two at a time. Receive - although Calvinists say differently, this word implies a choice. Receive is the opposite of reject and by using one or the other you are implying an option. I won't go into depth about this right now because I'll start ranting and the next thing we both know is that this post will be ten miles long, so I'll just say this: I believe in free will; that God knew beforehand who would choose Him, but that He loves us so much that He gave us the choice of either receiving or rejecting Him. (If you would like to talk about this I'd be more than happy to talk with you, just be forewarned that I can/will argue my point till the cows come home...)

I think it interesting that James put the two word phrase "with meekness" after the word receive. By doing this he makes it obvious that receiving Christ is not something you do (or even can do) pridefully. By receiving Christ, truly, you are saying that you know that you cannot save yourself but that you need Christ to save you. "With meekness" you must receive Christ.

When something is grafted in, it is placed into something that is not like itself. A perfect example of this is in horticulture - sometimes people will let a certain kind of tree grow, and when it is big enough they will cut off one limb and put in it's place a limb cut off from another kind of tree. This new limb, apparently, will grow with the tree. Granted, I've never tried it and it doesn't make sense to me, but that's the way I understand it to work. James refers to receiving with meekness the "engrafted word". This means that the word, or Jesus Christ, which is THE WORD, is not a natural part of the Jews life. He offers salvation, a totally unnatural concept, to those who did not have it beforehand.

To gain good fruit, you must first prune of the bad branches so that the good branches get all the nutrients. To live a godly life, you must first do away with (lay apart) your ungodly life (your sinfulness). So, James writes, do away with all evil and sin and receive with meekness the engrafted word. This engrafted word is Jesus Christ, and HE is able to save your soul.

James now warns us: Don't be just hearers, but doers also! You can hear something all day long every day of your life, but if you do not act upon it then it does nothing for or against you. You can hear about Jesus Christ and His love and sacrifice all day every day all of your life, but if you do not receive Him then you will still have to pay for your own sins by spending eternity in hell. Hearing does you no good unless you act upon it. Don't just hear stuff, ACT on it!

Beware! Don't take this as a verse that promotes salvation by works. Many people take things out of context and get crazy doctrines from it. But when taken in context, we can see that it is by RECEIVING Christ that we obtain salvation, not by working hard and "being good" because we can't do it, no matter how hard we try.

By hearing and not acting we may possibly be deceiving ourselves. We would be deceiving ourselves because we somehow got the notion into our own heads that we are Christians on the inside and we do not need to be Christians on the outside. Well, if you are not a Christian on the outside then it's probable that you are not a Christian at all. For being a Christian means that Christ is your Lord, your God, and should be your number one priority. In Luke 9:23 Jesus says that to follow Him you must carry your cross, deny yourself daily, and follow Him. He demands all or nothing. If you are only willing to give Him part and not all then you are rejecting His insanely huge offer of salvation.

Don't just claim to be a Christian: act like one. Be one outside as much as inside. The outward attitudes, words, and actions of every man and woman betray that which is in the heart.

For His glory,
Buttercup

They're watching you!

2011-09-05T21:07:00.002-05:00

Hey guys, I just wanted to tell you guys something I know I've told you before...but, hey, reinforcing and reminding is good, right?

You are being watched.

The little ones always see you. Your peers see you. Those older than you (guess what?!) see you. Everything you do around others is seen. Only those things that are done when you are alone are not seen.

You are being copied.

Ever see a little kid spout off to their parents and wonder what those parents do at home? hmm. Interesting. If you look closer you'll see that a lot of times, the kids are doing just what their parents are doing. Don't get me wrong though! There are many cases in which the kids are doing something completely abhorrent to the parents, but you can be assured that the kids are learning it somewhere and from someone. You put your attitude in the copy machine and *pop!* an exact replica comes out on a different sheet of paper. Sounds pretty accurate to me.

Just recently I had the opportunity to see this in action...unfortunately. A group of teens of which I was a part of were watching an exceedingly large group of young children for a few hours. Unfortunately, one teen thought it best to start yelling at the kids; another thought it best to stand on a chair and raise their voice (not yell, just speak really loudly); and a bunch of them thought it best just to leave a couple of us to our own demise and just left the room.

The teen who frequently yelled at the kids, needless to say, didn't get anywhere with it. In fact, the kids just got rebellious at this act, and simply made more noise.

The teen who stood on the chair and raised their voice didn't get any response at all.

The teens who left the room...yeah, they didn't even try.

Finally, after I'd stayed shut up for way too long, I broke up the yelling and calmly asked the boys who were causing the most ruckus to watch out for the younger ones and be quieter. They responded by being open to me with their feelings and wants, they were calm, and they behaved quite nicely the rest of the time. What caused this difference?

Love.

When you love like Christ, when you act like Christ, when you serve and care like Christ, you get a different response. When you respond out of love in every situation, you can make ANY situation better. Guaranteed.

Most people today do not respond that way. They respond my yelling, then breaking down because no one is listening, and yelling some more out of anger. But when kids (and teens and adults) are treated with love as fellow human beings, and not as animals needing to be herded and led about, they usually respond back in love - at least, if not in love, they are calmer and respect you more for you are taking control of the situation calmly.

Therefore I exhort you, my dear brothers and sisters - set the example!

Love like Christ. Serve like Christ. Care like Christ. Behave like Christ. And finally, have the attitude of Christ. Do all things out of love, not out of anger or frustration; those things get you no where, but love conquers.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

NOTE: I absolutely do not hold anything against those teens that I mentioned! They just haven't learned that lesson yet. I pray that I might be an example to them that they might see Christ through me.

James - part 11 - Love is a verb

2011-09-03T14:36:00.098-05:00

Dear readers,

In my last James study post, I wrote of how we are adopted by Christ, this time we will talk about what we should do as His new children.

--------

James 1:19-20

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

--------

"Wherefore" - because we were created and adopted by God. This should tell us something. What James is doing is saying that BECAUSE of what I just said, THIS is what comes next.

The verse comes to mind: "...what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." (Micah 6:8b) Salvation is not of works, but to show the world that we have faith we must use works. This is kinda sad when you think about it. Remember what Jesus did? "Many signs and wonders" according to the apostle John, and yet, some STILL didn't believe. Jesus said that blessed are those who do not see, and yet, believe! As human beings we like proof. We like tangible proof of things. Many take this to the extreme and worship idols that they can see instead of the true God who they cannot see. Therefore, in order to show God's power, Jesus worked many miracles to show the people, to give them tangible proof, that He was indeed the Son of God.

Now, we as believers, His hands and feet, must also give tangible proof. We do this by our words, actions, and attitude. Our prayer and desire should be that God would give us the words to say, the courage to say them, and that His light would CONSTANTLY shine through us in everything we do and say. I have written before on the topic of being a "inside only" Christian and being an "outside only" Christian, and the truth that only those who are both are true Christians. Granted, there are times when Christians must go into hiding "faith-wise" to save their lives and the lives of others in the face of persecution, but when you look deep you can see that they would be living out their faith to the whole world if that's what was best for those around them. At times like that, the best way you can be a witness is to do it in secret so that you can reach more people singularly before you are possibly caught.

Okay, that was an insanely long rabbit trail. Let's get back on the track...

James then exhorts his brethren (brothers and sisters in Christ because of our adoption): let every man be swift to hear - listen first, listen carefully, be polite, learn from others. Slow to speak - think about what you are going to say before you say it, make sure all your words are God glorifying. And slow to wrath - don't easily get into fights or get angry, be patient and loving. If you think about it, that covers just about everything. It covers just about every situation I can think of. In many tough situations, we tend to explode, and overall, we tend to do the opposite of all three of these exhortations. We want to be the only ones speaking (swift to hear), not letting anyone else get word in edgewise; we want to say everything we want no matter what it is (slow to speak); and we explode in anger and frustration (slow to wrath). This isn't what God wants for His children. Situations like this sadden our Father just as a naughty child saddens his father. When we do things against the nature of God, things against HIM, sinful things, we cause Him grief.

This saddens me. It makes me sad to think that I made my adoptive Father so sad by doing things I know I shouldn't have done. It makes me sad to think that He loved me so much that He gave His only Son to die in my place so that I could live with Him, and then I disregard all that and do what I want again. This is sad.

Instead of doing those things that sadden God, we should, as good children, do those things which make Him happy, those things which glorify Him and exalt His name. Out of gratitude alone, should we do this. Not because we feel like we have to, but because we LOVE Him. It's like a child who cleans up the house for his parents, when it is done out of love it is done with a good attitude and it brings a smile to his parents faces. On the other hand, it is like a child who cleans up the house just because his parents told him to, in many cases this command makes the child go through with this with a bad attitude.

People who are generally quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to wrath are the kind of people that are enjoyable to be around. These three attributes are those things which generally draw a line between believers and unbelievers. Why? Because believers love God and wish to do HIS will and not their OWN will. For this reason they are less self-centered and more God- and others-centered, they usually care more about others than themselves, and they wish to do what is pleasing in God's eyes.

You have probably heard the phrase "love is a verb", but have you ever thought of that phrase in light of your love for Christ and His love for you? His love was made manifest for you through His death. Now it's your turn. Does your love for Christ show through your words, actions, and attitude? Hmm. Might want to think about that one a bit.

James also adds that "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God". Being angry does not help you learn more about God and bring glory to Him, therefore, it is not beneficial, but rather, it can be very hurtful both to you and to others. Being angry does not show the world the glory of your adoptive Father, but rather it hides that identity behind your old sinful nature. That is not good. It not only denies you the opportunity to live for Christ, but it also causes you to cease growing in God/growing more like Him. Throughout our lives, yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, hourly, and minutely, we should be growing more like God as we grow closer to Him. When we sin we cause a rift in that relationship to form. This isn't good. This does not bring us closer to Him.

I hope you have really thought about the things spoken of in this post. This is a very important thing that every Christian should recognize consistently as they strive to live their lives for the glory of God. To Him be the glory, and may His light shine through us!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

202 Things I Love

2011-09-01T14:58:00.006-05:00

1. God, 2. my parents, 3. my siblings, 4. my grandparents, 5. my great grandparents, 6. my uncles, 7. my aunts, 8. my cousins, 9. all my other family, 10. God's word, 11. my youth group, 12. my youth leaders, 13. sunshine, 14. smiles, 15. tears, 16. hugs, 17. very good hugs, 18. flowers, 19. butterflies, 20. clay, 21. cameras, 22. captured moments, 23. perfect shots, 24. my friends at the rest home, 25. my three bestest friends, 26. joy, 27. the book of 2nd Timothy, 28. the book of John, 29. the book of James, 30. the book of 1st John, 31. my little Bible that fits in my purse, 32. school, 33. getting done with school earlier than usual, 34. telling secrets to a friend, 35. hearing secrets from a friend, 36. inside jokes that I actually understand, 37. skirts, 38. blue jeans, 39. Converse, 40. ranting, 41. people, 42. a warm handshake, 43. painting my nails, 44. my ring, 45. my two bracelets I wear everyday, 46. hair rubberbands, 47. blonde hair, 48. freckles, 49. chocolate, 50. skittles, 51. volleyball, 52. winter, 53. swimming, 54. snow, 55. mascara, 56. light blue eyeshadow, 57. pink, 58. purple, 59. blue, 60. laughing and smiling eyes, 61. a sweet note, 62. emails, 63. good news, 64. wind, 65. fast working computers, 67. rainy days, 68. stormy nights, 69. warm blankets, 70. bed, 71. praying with a friend, 72. debating, 73. getting my point across, 74. being right, 75. cleaning, 76. a good book, 77. a convicting book, 78. lightbulb moments, 79. stained glass, 80. singing at the top of my voice when no one cares, 81. closing my eyes, 82. biking, 83. giving, 84. sunglasses, 85. crocheting, 86. sculpting, 87. finishing a project, 88. homeschool co-op, 89. AWANA, 90. my kids (AWANA kids and kids I babysit), 91. getting up early, 92. going to bed late, 93. chatting, 94. blogging, 95. taking pictures, 96. editing pictures, 97. when my hair cooperates, 98. music, 99. being comforted, 100. comforting others, 101. bawling, 102. icecream, 103. hearing others laugh, 104. laughing, 105. winking, 106. puppies when they aren't ornery, 107. CD players, 108. Christmas, 109. Thanksgiving, 110. birthdays, 111. pears, 112. strawberries, 113. cookie dough, 114. well done art work, 115. accomplishment, 116. completion, 117. beginnings of good things, 118. ends of bad things, 119. missionary biographies, 120. my brothers and sisters in Christ, 121. opportunities, 122. guidance, 123. remembering, 124. scrapbooks, 125. old photos, 126. Texas, 127. freedom, 128. sight, 129. hearing, 130. taste, 131. touch, 132. scents, 133. being unique, 134. being included, 135. teeny tiny things, 136. enlarging through photography or microscopes those things that are tiny, 137. mechanical pencils, 138. extra lead, 139. erasers, 140. batteries, 141. memory cards, 142. peace, 143. learning a lesson, 144. looking back at old problems and seeing how small they ended up being, 145. agreeing, 146. time, 147. warm shower, 148. fajitas, 149. pasta, 150. making someone's day, 151. parties, 152. having friends over for dinner, 153. cracking up, 154. being alone, 155. being together, 156. Dr Pepper, 157. Root Beer, 158. twenty-five cent machines, 159. plans, 160. goals, 161. a clear schedule, 162. a full schedule, 163. earrings, 164. creating something worthwhile, 165. getting to know someone better, 166. standing up for what I believe, 167. courage, 168. wisdom, 170. grace, 171. mercy, 172. salvation, 178. serving, 179. playing pitch, 180. playing Spoons, 181. getting things out in the open, 182. receiving a letter, 183. sending a letter, 184. giraffee (doll I've had for many years), 185. giraffes, 186. graduating, 187. knowing what to do, 188. making the right decision, 189. not having to make decisions, 190. stripes, 192. checkered pattern, 193. paper, 194. teachers, 195. students, 196. nature, 197. history, 198. knowledge, 199. assurance, 200. sign language, 201. dancing, 202. falling down on my knees before my great God and Savior.

James - part 10 - Adopted by Him

2011-08-30T14:03:00.005-05:00

Dear readers,

Last time we were reminded of how great, powerful, and fantastic our God is, this time, we will be taking a look at a slightly difficult verse to understand. But don't let that scare you away!

----------

James 1:18

Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

----------

"Of His own will..." implies that this was His plan. His will was that He would have adopted sons and daughters - believers.

"...begat He us with the word of truth..." Begat. When you produce children, you have begotten them. They are your children. God begets believers "with the word of truth". This word of truth is the gospel. We hear the gospel, we receive it, and we become God's children. Adopted children, but nonetheless His own children. Just as a (good) parent loves the adopted child as their own, so God loves us as His own.

So, why would God want to adopt us? Why save us from our sinfulness and pay for our salvation with His own flesh and blood (so to speak), His own Child? Its as if a King, who had but one Son and loved him dearly, when seeing the plight of His people and knowing that only if His Son gave His life, would the people be saved - and He gives His only Son for His people who have sinned against Him. This is the great love of our King and our King's Son. This is the price that was paid for our adoption.

But, do we have to be adopted? You may ask. No. The King, in His great love, allows us to remain in our sin and in our plight if we so desire. Sadly, many people do reject this offer. This offer of life, this offer of a home, this offer of salvation.

"...that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures..." This is a strange phrase, and I don't really understand it. My best guess is this: "we," as we have seen by the first part of this sentence, is referring back to believers. "His creatures" are either all living things He has created, or just human beings. I'm not sure which is the correct interpretation. In the case of it being all human beings, which I am leaning towards, this would mean that we (believers) are the firstfruits (or the first fruits produced in each batch) of His creatures. The firstfruits are those that are taken to the lord and owner of the land for him to see how things are growing. Believers are those who are taken to be with the Lord. Although this continually confuses me, this is my best guess.

I hope this served to get your mind working around one of those seemingly impossible to understand verses of the Bible. Some verses are just so hard to understand! But man, not being able to understand them serves to keep me humble - seeing as I cannot explain everything! Praise God for this blessing! And, oh so much more, thank God for adoption!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Tenth Avenue North - You are More

2011-08-28T19:02:00.003-05:00

James - part 9 - That's one fantastic God!

2011-08-27T21:56:00.000-05:00

Dear readers,

Last time we talked about lust and how it turns into sin, which then turns into death. This time is better news...

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

James 1:17

Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

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

Every. All. No other.

James states here that all good and all perfect gifts are from above. That means that no perfect, or even good, gift can come from anywhere else. Everything of value, everything of worth, comes from above, comes from God. That implies that all the "good" gifts that people give here on earth don't even compare to the gifts given by God. He loves us more than anyone else ever could. He loves us more than we can even fathom.

But James doesn't end there. Not only do they come from God and they're the greatest gifts in the universe, but James describes God as the Father of lights. In Revelation, when John tells of the New Jerusalem, he says that there are no sun, stars, or moon, but God Himself lights the city. God doesn't need physical light like we do. He CREATED light! He is the Father of lights. But, is this what James means? Is James speaking of physical light, or something else?

I think James might be thinking of something else...

Perhaps James is not speaking here of His physical light, but rather of His constancy. Natural light is constant if you think about it. Yes, clouds, trees, buildings, and even the earth, get in the way of the sun - our source of light. But does the sun ever really "set"? Does it ever fail? Does it ever just cease to shine? Does it ever just leave? No. It's the same with God. He never fails to love us. He never fails to care about us. He never leaves. He IS perfect. He IS love. He IS faithful. Just like with the sun, sometimes we can't see the love of God because things get in the way. Perhaps this is what James is speaking of.

"With whom is no variableness." God doesn't change. Yes, He repents of things, and He does listen and respond to our prayers. It is recorded in the Bible that He has changed His mind. I don't want to go into this much right now, mostly because I am honestly trying to figure this out myself. But you can hold onto this: God's character doesn't change, and neither does His Divine plan for us and the entire world, but - He does change His mind on occasion in accordance with our requests and our sinfulness. Think, for example, of the Flood, the Bible says that God repented that He had made man on the earth. Think also of the multiple passages that tell of Him rejecting Saul as king of Israel and putting David up there instead. God put Saul on the throne, but later He repented that He had done so. Do not think, however, that God repented because He was wrong, He is perfect and therefore cannot be wrong. God simply made His already perfect plan for the world better.

"Neither shadow of turning." I think that James is saying here, that just as God doesn't change, He doesn't even think about changing. He doesn't even contemplate making a decision that goes against His character. Why? Because He is eternal and all-knowing. He is God. He doesn't change, and He doesn't even think about it.

Now that's a God you can rely on! One who's plan for YOU was laid out thousands of years before you were born. One who knows EXACTLY what's best for YOU.

That's the God I trust.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Book Review: Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand

2011-08-24T12:20:00.002-05:00

Before I even start, besides the Bible, this is the best book I have ever read.

Tortured for Christ was written by Richard Wurmbrand. Pastor Wurmbrand lived in Communist Romania in the 1940's-60's. He was in prison for a total of fourteen years. He was not only stuck in prison, but tortured beyond belief. Through all his torture, imprisonment, separation from his wife and son...he was a faithful witness of his Savior.

Even in prison when he knew that he would be beat severely, nearly to death, if he preached to fellow inmates - he did it. Even when he was released from prison, but warned not to preach lest he get himself back in - he did it. Even when he was threatened with death if he preached - he did it. He never gave in. He never denied his Lord. He never regretted proclaiming His Name.

That's faith. That's dedication. That's love.

In his book, Pastor Wurmbrand tells of his time in prison and outside of prison. He tells of some of the tortures he and other believers endured in the name of Christ. He communicates to us the love that he and the other believers had for Christ, their brothers and sisters, and for their enemies - their torturers and murderers, the Communists. These believers had a love for Christ that soared far beyond their love for family and friends, a love that soared above their love for comfort, their desire for peace - they loved Christ more than life.

Many times in his book, Wurmbrand tells of one person or another answering the question of "why do you do what you do?" with a simple and sweet phrase like: Christ died for me, it's the least I can do to be tortured for Him. That's love.

I read this book in three days - you simply can't put it down! It drags you in and chains you to itself. In fact, the night I started to read it, my dad noticed my eyes were bloodshot - guess I forgot to blink.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book.

"But those Nazi times had one great advantage. They taught us that physical beatings could be endured, and that the human spirit with God's help can survive horrible tortures."

"We should never stop at having won a soul for Christ. By this, we have done only half the work. Every soul won for Christ must be made to be a soul -winner...They [Russian believers] were reckless and daring for Christ, always saying that it was the least they could do for Christ who died for them."

"For them [Communists] nothing besides matter exists and to them a man is like wood, like an eggshell. With this belief they sink to unthinkable depths of cruelty."

"If the heart is cleansed by the love of Jesus Christ, and if the heart loves Him, one can resist all tortures."

"It was a deal: we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching; they were happy beating us - so everyone was happy."

"Love conquered even the natural thirst for life."

"It was in being tortured by them [Communists] that we learned to love them."

"A man really believes not what he recites in his creed, but only the things he is ready to die for."

"The Underground Church denounces it [Communism], risking liberty and life. The less have we to be silent in the West."

"I have found truly joyful Christians only in the Bible, in the Underground Church, and in prison."

"What compelled them [underground believers] was the love of God. They knew that they risked their liberty, and that in prison starvation and torture awaited them."

Yeah, that might have been a lot...but believe me, if I really wanted to I would quote the entire book.

Over all, this book receives six stars. Aw, we only go to five? Fine. Five.

I definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially believers who have never heard of the persecution of our brethren in other lands.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

NOTE: Pastor Richard Wurmbrand was the founder of Voice of the Martyrs. Please visit their website - it's wonderful what they are doing!

James - part 8 - Lust

2011-08-22T10:59:00.007-05:00

Dear readers,

The last James post was really short, I know, but I felt like I could do that without feeling bad because it was so important. Many times, I think, we blame God when bad things come, but it's not His fault. He allows hard times to come so that when we go through them our faith might be strengthened.

Let us go on to verses fourteen through sixteen, which are still speaking of temptations.

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

James 1:14-16

But every man is tempted, when he is driven away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.

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

Temptation originates in your heart. James is clear with this in verse fourteen. He says that "every man is tempted when he is driven away of HIS OWN lust, and enticed. It's not God, it's YOU. God does not tempt you, you are tempted when you are driven away by YOUR OWN lust. You have no one else to blame.

Stop now and think of one time you desired to have something. Shouldn't be too hard. It happens many times to each of us every day. Have you thought of something yet? Did you ever want a new cell phone? Corvette? Chocolate bar? Don't read on until you've got one thing in your mind.

Got it yet? Okay.

What did you think of in relation to this thing? You probably wanted whatever it was pretty bad, right? For some of us, a beat up Jeep is the last thing we'd want; but for some of us, that's our dream. The reason for this is simply personality. We all like different things, we all dislike different things. We were created different and unique. Nothing wrong with that.

What is wrong, though, is lusting after something. Obviously, if you hate chocolate, you're not going to lust after a bar of it. But you may lust after a beat up Jeep or brand new Corvette.

But how, you ask, am I supposed to keep these lusts out?! How in the world am I to NOT think about things like that. I don't have power over things that just pop into my head!

Well, no you don't. But, yes you do.

Thinking, "oh, it would sure be cool to have that", and thinking, "oh, I would really LOVE to have that!" are two different things. They are different mind sets. Different levels, you might say, of lust.

Just thinking that something is cool isn't bad; and it's not sin. Lust is sin. Lust is thinking about it often, wanting it, looking towards it as something very important. Dictionary.com uses the words "passionate" and "intense" and "overmastering desire" when defining lust. Lust is a thing that eats up your energy, time, love, and attention.

I like how James started verse fifteen - he writes that when lust has "conceived". A good word for this is "formed". When lust has formed...This implies the prior building up of it. The nurturing of it. The "forming" of it. Clearly, this lust wasn't taken care of when it was small, but has now grown.

James goes on to say that once lust has conceived, it brings forth sin. Here, he uses the analogy of human life. Lust, once conceived, brings forth sin. When lust is allowed to grow and form, it will eventually cause you to sin. So, is lust in and of itself sin? Or does it just make sin happen? Say, if you want a candy bar long enough and you allow that lust to conceive, will you go steal one? I don't think this is correct. Granted, in many cases, if you lust for something long enough you will more than likely act upon it. But I don't think that is what James is implying.

In the original Greek and Hebrew, the languages in which the Old and New Testaments were written, the words for lust and covet are very similar. They mean basically the same thing. One of the ten commandments was "Do not covet". It made the top ten! Clearly, this is something that does not bring God glory.

But, there's one more step. Sin, James says, then brings forth death. The wages of sin is death. The payment for sin is death. Not physical death, mind you, but spiritual death. Eternal separation from God. Eternity in the worst place of all - hell. Eternal torture. Eternal death.

But, you may ask, you didn't answer your own question! HOW am I to NOT lust? Answer this question yourself. Think about it. If your mind is filled with these lusts, how do you get them out? In the same way, if you have a pool full of water that you cannot tip or drain, how do you get the water out?

By replacing the water with something else.

Go to God's word. Go to Him in prayer. When you fill your mind with other things, things more important, you replace what was in your mind previously. You can replace your lust.

Ask God for guidance. Ask Him for help. Fill your mind with things of Him. Fill your time with things that glorify Him. Live every moment for His glory alone and you won't have any time left over for things of this world.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says that in everything we do - whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we need to do ALL for the glory of God!

Finally James writes, "do not err my beloved brethren". James loves his brothers and sisters in Christ as we also ought to love them. He is human also, he knows what they are going through for he goes through the same things. He feels their pain. He warns - do not err. Don't do what's wrong, do what's right. Those believers then, as well as the believers now, are our "beloved brethren". Our brothers and sisters whom we love in Christ.

I think we can pull one last thing from this section. James' love for his brethren. He loved them enough to take the time to write this letter to them. He loved them so much that he took the time to instruct them in the word of God. Do we love our brothers and sisters that much? Do we love them enough to set aside what we want to do to take time to help, edify, and encourage them?

Do you love your brethren?

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

What's on the inside?

2011-08-20T11:42:00.005-05:00

Luke 11:39

And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

Ever heard the phrase: "it's what's on the inside that counts"? That's what Jesus was talking about in Luke 11:39 when he told the Pharisees that even though they look good on the outside with all their good works, their hearts were full of wickedness. How about the phrase: "don't judge a book by it's cover"? That can go both ways. The cover may look bad, but the book could be amazing. Or the cover may look amazing and the book be horrible. It's the same with people.

Take this example.

One day a handsome young man came walking into the grocery store looking for all his fruits and vegetables. In the store he was pleasant to all, and he left the store, got into a brand new Mustang and drove away.

Soon after that man left, a scruffy old man came walking into the grocery store, he bought a few items also. While in the store, he was sad and didn't speak or look at anyone, he left the store, and started walking down the highway.

Later that day, the handsome young man was seen at a bar, utterly drunk, cussing and fighting with other men there.

Also later that day, the scruffy old man was seen walking into a cheap housing area, and into one of the houses. Inside, the man was taking care of his wife who was sick. He had walked the two miles to the grocery store for her. He knelt by her bed, and prayed.

You see, it's not what WE see that matters. It doesn't matter what the person may look like on the outside. What matters is where their heart is, what matters is what God sees.

Examine yourself, are you a Christian on the outside, inside, or both? If you are only a Christian on the outside, what are your motives? On the contrary, if you are only a Christian on the inside, what are your motives? We need to be both. If you are a true believer, then you will be both. Your Christian life when no one is watching should mirror your Christian life when everyone is watching.

Ultimately, is Christ as important to you in public as He is when you are alone with Him?

In Christ alone,
Buttercup

James - part 7 - Hard to blame a perfect God

2011-08-18T21:09:00.001-05:00

Dear readers,

In the last James study post I asked you a strange question...who's chicken are you? I hope you have honestly answered that question for yourself. It may sound like a pretty stupid question, but the answer is vital - who (or what) would you lay your life down for?

This time, we will continue on in the subject of temptation.

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

James 1:13

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.

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

In this verse, James is very to-the-point. He begins by telling us what not to do, then gives us the reason. Short and simple.

What NOT to do: don't blame God when you are tempted. Don't throw a pity party and lose your head and start blaming the God of the universe.

Why? Two reasons. Number one: God absolutely cannot, under any circumstances, be tempted with evil. He is holy. He is perfect. He is the greatest, most powerful, highest being in all the universe. Evil can't even come NEAR Him, much less tempt Him. For example: why would a twelve year old boy (in his right mind) be tempted to buy nail polish for himself? They are utter opposites. They completely contradict one another. It's the same - but to a much, much higher extent - with God and temptations. It doesn't even phase Him. Number two: God doesn't tempt anyone. Temptations are only given out by the devil and our own evil desires (as we will see later). But under no circumstances does God tempt us.

Hard to blame a perfect God? You betcha. Don't blame God when you are tempted - it's not His fault.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Meat or Milk?

2011-08-16T11:18:00.000-05:00

Hebrews 5:12-14

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

When taken literally, this sounds...strange. But this is one not to be taken literally.

Instead of literal milk and meat, the author of Hebrews (probably Paul) uses these two elements to represent levels of understanding when it comes to Biblical and spiritual things.

Milk represents easier to swallow things, simpler things, more general things. Things such as: you are a light in a dark world.

Meat represents harder to chew things, more difficult, complex things. Things such as doctrinal things: did Christ die for the whole world or just for the elect?

This whole meat vs. milk thing if very important. The reason it is important is because if a new believer, or young believer, is immediately bombarded by difficult questions, their faith can be damaged or even destroyed by questions that they are simply not able to answer. But as you grow as a believer it is important that you are challenged by harder stuff - not too hard as to tear at your faith, but hard enough to force you to keep learning.

It's just like with many things in the world. You learn by being forced out of your comfort zone. You won't get anywhere if you just stay with what you know. In fact, you won't know anything that an infant doesn't know. You must be forced out of your comfort zone to learn anything.

Something too hard can discourage and oppress you, something too easy won't teach you anything. The balance in the middle is what we're looking for, and shooting for as we study God's word.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

James - part 6 - Enduring until the end

2011-08-14T20:25:00.001-05:00

Dear readers,

Last time, we found that James encouraged those who were poor to rejoice in that they were exalted and he encouraged the rich to rejoice in that they were humbled. Did you find which you were? What is your attitude?

This time we will be looking at temptations and the reward for enduring until the end.

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

James 1:12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.

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

James starts out this by saying that the man that endures temptations is blessed. What does it mean to endure temptations? To me it means not giving in when your friend is asking you to go help him steal something. It means standing strong and immovable through the ridicule you will face for "being a chicken". Well, who's chicken are you? The world's? or Christ's? Being called a chicken is a derogatory statement used to taunt the person to do something outside of their comfort zone, or in some cases, their "belief zone". If you are the world's chicken, then you won't do anything for Christ that takes you outside of luxury and comfort. Obviously, if you are not a believer then you won't be called a chicken by believers if you refuse to do something for Christ - for example, taking the word of God to a cannibalistic jungle village. Why would you risk you life - waste you life - for this God you don't even believe in or worship? If you are Christ's chicken, then you will strive to do His will, which implies doing things that the world thinks is cool, but is against your Lord. An example of this might be like my earlier example - you may not be afraid to steal something (worldly speaking), but you know it's wrong, so you refuse to do it. You may look like a coward in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of Christ you're doing what's right.

Getting back on track...He that endures, stands strong, doesn't fall into all the evil schemes of the devil and desires of his own flesh - that man is blessed. Sounds easy, right? Not if you've ever resisted a temptation! Or, better yet, fallen into one! The trick to not falling into temptations that I have found, is loving God more than anything else. When your number one priority is doing HIS will, then doing YOUR will will be further down on the list. That probably wasn't a great way to put it - the trick to it - because it's really no trick, just the truth. When you love God more, everything else becomes less important - even your own desires.

But, being blessed isn't the only reward. That man will also "receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to them that love Him". See! Told you! Loving God more = wanting to do His will instead of your own. It's all a loop, isn't it? Loving God more = wanting to do His will = not wanting to do your own = resisting temptation = loving God more.

Giving into temptations results in sin. Giving in and going to steal something with your friend results in sin. Deciding to get drunk "just this once" results in sin. Lying to cover your tracks is sin.

Don't give into temptations. Strive to know God more. As you get to know Him more, you will love Him more - guaranteed.

Who's chicken are you?

In Christ alone,
Buttercup

It's not green, it's blue!

2011-08-12T13:34:00.002-05:00

Recently, my sister Poppy and my mom were debating about whether a certain piece of fabric was green or blue.

Poppy held it up to the lime green dress she was wearing and stated emphatically that the fabric was blue.

Mom held it up to her sky blue shirt that she was wearing and proclaimed the fabric to be green.

I laid it down on my white shorts and announced that it was pink. But I was totally joking. I promise.

But that little discussion made a point. Depending on where the fabric was, you could claim that it was either green or blue. It's perspective that matters.

It's the same with everything in this world. Two people can look at the exact same thing and draw completely different ideas from what they see. Perspective.

Take the Bible for example - many different religions all look at the same Bible, but they get completely different ideas from it. Even within the realm of Christianity you have Calvinism and Arminianism. For example: Calvinists believe Christ died only for the elect; Arminians believe that Christ died for all people. They both read the same Bible, but they read it with differently biased glasses on.

How about you take worldview for an example? Evolutionists and Creationists look at the exact same world, but they think of it in utterly different ways. Evolutionists do not believe that God created the world but that it came about by random chance. Creationists believe that God did, in fact, create the world. They're both looking at the same world - the exact same thing - but draw completely different conclusions about it.

Since it all depends on the way you look at it, how do you know if you are looking at it the correct way?

The only answer is that you have to base all your knowledge off of something or someone that always has, is, and will be the same. Someone who is Truth, Love, Justice, and quite simply - Perfect.

God.

When you base all you guesses, all your beliefs, all your trust on God, who always has, is, will be, you will know that what you believe is the truth. When you look at the world through His word, when you look at the Bible unbiased, you will find the truth. In simpler terms, when you look at everything with a heart that is completely impartial to worldly things and simply sold-out to God, you will find what is true.

In the end, does it matter if the fabric was green or blue? No. Actually, it was probably exactly in the middle. But, what if it did matter? Does it matter if you are an evolutionist or a creationist. Yes. Depending on which you are, you will look at everything differently - including God and His word.

I end with this one exhortation - don't just END with God and His word, BEGIN with it! When you are not sure which to believe, before you even look at any of the evidence, START in prayer and in God's word. You won't regret it.

For His glory,

Buttercup

James - part 5 - Rejoice!

2011-08-10T10:23:00.004-05:00

Dear readers,

Last time we looked at the man with wavering faith and how you cannot expect to receive anything of the Lord if your faith wavers. This time we'll be looking at the rich and the poor and how that impacts your decisions.

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

James 1:9-11

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted but the rich in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

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

The main thing I see in this passage at a glance is how contradictory it is to this world. The world is so lost that most of the time, the doctrine of the world and the doctrine of the Bible contradict, usually quite obviously. Here, James exhorts the poor to rejoice in that they are exalted and the rich rejoice in that they are made low - or humbled. In the eyes of the world, this is exactly the opposite!

REMEMBER: James is writing to the Jewish believers.

For the poor, this exaltation is because he knows that even though he is poor on earth he is rich in heaven. James is exhorting them rejoice in this as a testimony of what God has done, is doing, and will do for them. Do you often see a happy beggar? Or are they sad and melancholy? I have seen both. Granted, I never spoke with them, so I don't know if the happy ones were Christians or not, but they did stand out in the crowd. As believers, no matter rich or poor, we should be different than everyone else - we should stand out in the crowd, we should not blend in. Christ has not called us to be like the world, but to be completely different! To let His light shine in this dark world!

For the rich, this rejoicing in their humility is to keep them from exalting in their riches. For the"love of money is the root of all evil". You can be rich and not love your money, this is how the rich believer should be. Putting God first, and money last. James compares the rich man to the grass and the flowers. As soon as the sun rises (as it does quite often) the grass withers and the flowers die, for they cannot stand against the heat of the sun. Like the grass and the flowers, the rich person will fade away. "Where you treasure is, there your heart is also." If the man is his riches, if that is his love, his life, his purpose, then when the sun rises, he will wither and die. This is not to say that rich people are evil, it truly depends on where their heart is, and ultimately, their treasure. Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves don't break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart is also. Therefore, it is not the riches that will fade away, but the rich person himself if he is not 100% following after God.

This is not to say, however, that all poor people are believers! On the contrary, many are not. But by being poor you are eliminating one of the biggest obstacles that stand between you and Christ - money and possessions. Rich people can be believers and poor people can be believers. Both are equal in God's eyes. But as the scripture says, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God...who then can be saved?...With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Riches and pride, I believe, are the biggest obstacles that people have to get around before they can be true believers. We may not all have riches, but I guarantee you that we've all got pride.

Put God first.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Yeah, it's gonna hurt...

2011-08-08T10:27:00.002-05:00

I thought I had it all under control
I thought my fate was still in my hands
All of my plans were firmly set
By the words they I say
I forgot how quickly things can change
Now my vision can not be the same

(Chorus)
My life is not what I thought
I'm not where I planned to be
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world

I need to let go of my destiny
I need to trust in things unseen
I believe in having faith
Though I yield my control
I forgot how quickly things can change
Now my vision can not be the same

I'm embracing all of my fears
I am watching them turn to delight
The very fears which
Were gripping my mind
Are now the hands shaping and sculpting my dreams

In my world
In my changing world
In my world
In my changing world

(http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/kutless/changing-world.html)

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

I've always liked this song. It's got great music, lyrics, voices are amazing...but...now I love it.

It's so true.

I thought I had it all under control....I need to let go of my destiny, I need to trust in things unseen.

My world is changing.

The highlight of my week is Sunday night Youth Group - I get to fellowship with my bestest friends. Those guys mean SO much to me. Now, with the approaching school year, things are changing - because the graduates are leaving.

D is moving away. A, C, and K are moving away. J is moving away. Another J isn't moving but won't be coming to Youth Group anymore. Another C will be leaving in the spring....That's half the youth group. And half of my best friends.

That hurts...ya know?

That section of my world is changing.

A year ago, it didn't occur to me that at some point, people would leave the youth group. I didn't even think of it. Honestly, I didn't think about it until our youth camp out that happened this May.

At camp, on the last day, Mr. W told us all to put our hands on the seniors - we were going to have a prayer time for them. It was sweet. Actually, it was really, really sad. We were all bawling. I couldn't STOP crying. I mean, here are those friends that mean the most to me, and...we're saying...goodbye.

At the moment, everyone staying, everything just remaining the same, seems best to me. But...that's not how life works.

We grow up. We change. Those around us change. Plans change. Life changes.

Starting soon, I will be the oldest teen in youth group. Dude, I remember when I was one of the YOUNGEST only two years ago. Now, I will be the one that the younger ones look up to. Not the one looking up to the older ones. My role in the group is changing.

I forgot how quickly things can change...

Yeah. Everyone leaving will be insanely hard, but you know what?

Romans 8:28 stands.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, for them who are the called according to His purpose."

God knows what's best. And He will work all things together for the good of those that love Him, and for His glory.

Easier said than done? Oh yeah. I'll be crying. I know I will. But tears are not forever. And neither is separation. Praise God, not only are these guys my best friends but also my brothers and sisters in Christ. I'll be with them forever worshiping our great, fantastic God.

God has a plan for each one of us. I believe that with all my heart. I don't know what those plans are, but I know that God will do what's best.

I can deal with the pain that comes before the sweet. But not on my own. Philippians 4:13 says that "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Through Christ, I can do anything.

Now, "I will praise YOU in this storm!" (-Casting Crowns) Praising God through the hard times is both the hardest and most beautiful.

Yeah. It'll hurt. Bad. But God is always with me, my friends, and you if you trust in Him.

Giving HIM the glory through the storm,

Buttercup

James - part 4 - Don't waver

2011-08-06T18:01:00.002-05:00

Dear readers,

In the last section on James, we looked at asking God for wisdom. This time, we'll be going on with that subject.

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

James 1:6-8

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

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

Going on from what James wrote in the previous verse, he writes that the person who asks for wisdom should ask in faith, an unwavering faith, a perfect faith, a faith with no doubts. Here, there are two extremes - faith and no faith. The reason I say this is because when it comes to faith, you can either have complete faith and jump out that window, or you can have no faith and stay in the burning building. Halfway faith is impossible, as is kinda-sorta-maybe leaving the window sill. You can either trust God, and have an unwavering faith, a solid faith; or you can have no faith.

This may sound harsh. I mean, how about when you really, really want to have faith and trust God, but you rely more on yourself because you don't know in your heart if God is trustworthy. I hear you, I know it. I've been there myself. Trying to trust God, but somehow always falling back on trusting yourself. This happens when one has too tight a grip on their own life. When one has such a tight grip, it's hard to let go, it's hard to let go of what you think is solid to grab onto something you know is solid but it's also something you can't see.

It's as if you were trying to do the monkey bars in a thick fog. The bar you've got both hands tightly attached to is about to snap, but you hear from your friend down below, who can see the bars clearly, that the next bar is completely solid. Do you let go of the breaking bar that you have a tight hold on to reach blindly to the solid one? It's the same thing with faith. It's an all or nothing leap.

Of course, it's not quite as black and white as I make it out to be. There are times when you have doubts, there are times when you wonder if God can take care of something as big as your problem. But friend, God is bigger than the biggest problem, the biggest trouble, the biggest trial you will ever face. And He can take care of you a whole lot better than you can! And He will when you just let go and trust Him.

The person who's faith wavers, James writes, is like a wave of the sea. Waves are driven to and fro by the winds. The waves themselves have nothing to do with where they are or where they're going, they just let the winds take them where they like. The person who has wavering faith is like this. They let the troubles and cares of this world batter them and toss them to and fro. This doesn't sound good to me, and it shouldn't to you either. The person who's faith and life get tossed around like this are liable to get into big trouble. They might think that they have faith, but when they see the storms coming, and when the storms are upon them, they lose what little faith they might have had because they think that God has abandoned them.

People with wavering faith, James writes, should not think that they will receive anything from the Lord - wisdom included. A good example of this is the workplace, a good business would not hire someone who came into work only half of time - you can't rely on a person like that. Instead, a good business would hire someone with a good reputation, someone who they can rely on to be there every time they are supposed to be there. Going back to faith and wisdom - why should God grant wisdom to someone who asked for it but didn't really believe that God would give it? Do you think that they would believe that God actually did grant that wisdom and glorify Him, or would they simply glory in their new found wisdom that God had nothing to do with? He that asks for wisdom, or anything else, must believe that God can actually do it. Why ask your Dad for something you know he can't give you? In the same way, why ask God for something you don't believe He can give you?

The person with wavering faith is also called a "doubleminded" person. This literally means that they have a wavering mind, that they are "undecided", they don't know for sure. A person who is "undecided" in their faith is a person who doesn't know whether to trust God or themselves. There is only one kind of person who is like this - the person who has too tight a grip on their own life and who doesn't know God well enough. Once you know who God is, you become willing and eager to let go. And as you grow to know God more and more, you rely more and more on Him. You learn in His word and in your everyday life about His attributes - His love, His justice, His mercy, His grace. Your faith gets strengthened by learning more about what it is based upon.

The last point James makes is in verse 8, he states that not only is a double-minded person unstable in his faith, but he or she is unstable in all things. Faith is the base of your life. What you believe changes how you act, what you do, what you say, and it severely impacts your decisions. What you believe is who you are. A double-minded person is unstable and wavering in everything they do because their foundation is wavering, not solid.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Dollar for a Drink's Promo video

2011-08-04T16:37:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all!

Dollar for a Drink is a non-profit organization headed by a teen named Joshua Guthrie, who's sole purpose is to raise money to dig wells and provide filters world wide for those that do not have clean water. Their promo video for their third year is really good! Please take a look.

Visit Dollar for a Drink's website.

James - part 3 - Lacking wisdom? Ask God.

2011-08-02T16:41:00.001-05:00

Dear readers,

I hope you all thought real hard about that last one. That is such a hard, yet important, thing we've got to grasp. Counting your trials as joy...phew...that's something you don't learn overnight. It's something you must learn as the trials come - I personally guarantee it.

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

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.

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

James now exhorts that those who do not have wisdom, should ask God for it. Okay, that sounded kind of weird. But it's really not. What this means is that when we are in need of guidance/wisdom, that we need to ask God for it. When we are lost and don't know what to do, ask God. When we don't know how to communicate the gospel to someone, ask God. When we want to do His will and not our own, ask God. When we lack wisdom, ask God. When we lack guidance, ask God. I know I'm constantly praying for guidance, especially right now with Mission Minded Teens - praying that God would lead my co-leader and I to make the right decisions, and praying that God would show us what HE wants to do with the team.

After encouraging us to ask God for wisdom, James comforts those who are afraid to ask by stating that God gives to all, without finding fault. Ask God for wisdom. Ask God for guidance. He's not going to push you aside. Asking for guidance and wisdom for your own life shows that you want to know what He wants you to do.

He's the one who has the blueprint and plans for your life, ask Him what He wants you to do next.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

That's what faith can do

2011-07-30T12:26:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all,

Recently I was in the car with my sister and a friend of ours and I heard this song. Now, you must understand that I am the WORST at identifying artists, I listen to Kutless a lot, and when I heard this song I had no clue it was Kutless. I listen to the LYRICS, not the voice or the music, ok?

Anyways, I love this song. It's "What Faith Can Do" by Kutless, on their newest album, "It is Well".

Here's the song and the lyrics below it:

Everybody falls sometimes
You gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you’re stronger, stronger than you know

And don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
You may decide to take that step
Out on the water
But it’ll be all right

Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

Overcome the odds
When you don’t have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It will tell you that it can

http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/kutless/kutless_what_faith_can_do.html

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

I love this song because it's so true. "Everybody falls sometimes - you gotta find the strength to rise - from the ashes and make a new beginning." I know I'm not alone, feeling like I'm the only one that falls, and that everyone around me doesn't fall, but I have to be reminded of it sometimes. "Everybody falls sometimes." And when you feel like you have fallen beyond the point of return - "you've gotta find the strength to rise from the ashes". And then you must try again - "and make a new beginning!"

"Anyone can feel the ache - you think it's more than you can take - but you're stronger, stronger than you know." Even when you're going through what you think is the hardest thing ANYONE has EVER gone through - you can make it! "You're stronger than you know!" When you are in Christ, He gives you strength. And oh man! That strength will NEVER fail! It's like a platform that can hold whatever you put on it. It's so strong that no matter how heavy a weight is put on it - no matter how much stress, sadness, and pain is piled on top of it - it will never break! Now THAT'S strength!

"And don't you give up now - the sun will soon be shinning - you gotta face the clouds - to find the silver lining!" Everyone needs to be encouraged, everyone needs to be lifted up. This is one reason fellowship with believers is SO important! We must encourage and uplift each other as well as edify one another. I like the last two lines of this part especially - you've got to go through some hard times to get to the good ones. You've got to sweat to get the reward.

The chorus is my absolute favorite part of this song! Such an encouragement! "I've seen dreams that move the mountains - hope that doesn't ever end - even when the sky is falling - I've seen miracles just happen - silent prayers get answered - broken hearts become brand new - that's what faith can do!" At the end of the chorus there should be, like, a TON of exclamation points. "That's what faith can do!!!!!!"

"It doesn't matter what you've heard - impossible is not a word - it's just a reason for someone not to try - everybody's scared to death - you may decide to take that step - out on the water - but it'll be all right." I LOVE that! Impossible is SOOOO NOT a word! Many times I tell my younger siblings that "can't" isn't a word - it's a mindset. When you think that something is impossible - say, a task - then there is no possible way for you to do it. Simply because you BELIEVE that you CAN'T. Impossibility is only a reason for someone not to try. It's scares you to death. But when you BELIEVE that it really is POSSIBLE then "you may decide to take that step out on the water" in faith and with the strength God gives you.

"Life is so much more - than what your eyes are seeing - you will find your way - if you keep believing." ~~Sometimes~~ Many times, we see only the surface. We can't see what God has in store. We can't see where all our decisions and trials and happy days will lead us in the long run, but God does. Therefore, we MUST rely on GOD for HE knows! You WILL find your way if you keep believing!!!

"Overcome the odds - when you don't have a chance - (that's what faith can do) - when the world says you can't - it will tell you that it can." You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength! Even when the sky is falling. Even when the world's coming to an end. Even when everyone leaves you. Even when you think you are all alone - God is there and HE gives you strength.

I've seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn't ever end

Even when the sky is falling

I've seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts get made brand new...

THAT'S WHAT FAITH CAN DO!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

James - part 2 - Counting it all joy

2011-07-28T15:49:00.001-05:00

Dear readers,

I hope you all got something out of part one, and I hope you enjoyed it! What surprised me was how much information you can get out of such a short, and seemingly boring, introductory verse! Let's get on with part two!

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

James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

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

James starts the body of his letter by referring to his readers as his brethren. This tiny phrase emphasizes the fact made in the first verse that who James is writing to are believers, fellow laborers in the faith, his brethren, our brethren.

James then exhorts them to do something out of the ordinary - consider trials as joy. Joy, to me, is spending time with friends and family. Joy is learning something new in God's word. Joy is playing with a new camera. Joy is diving into a new book. Joy is sculpting a little person out of clay. But James says to count our trials as joy. When you read this you probably stopped and thought something like "whoa!" or "no way!" or "nu-uh!" This idea is repulsive to us for one reason alone - we're human and we like comfort. We naturally dislike pain. We naturally dislike hard times. We naturally do what's best for us and for our comfort and our enjoyment. Anyone who says differently needs counseling.

This idea of counting your trials as joy doesn't make sense unless you read verse 3 (one example of why context is SO very important!) - "knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." So, knowing that the trying of our faith teaches us to be more patient, we can honestly and truly count it all (even the hard times) as joy because we know that the reward at the end it greater than the pain you have to go through to get it. But, that is still an awfully hard thing to swallow. How can we really count trials as joy? I mean, yeah it may sound easy, but is it really? Can you really go through a time being rejected by everyone? Can you really lose your best friend and still trust God to do what's best?

The only way to get through these trials is through the strength God gives us who trust in Him. We (you) must believe that it is because of Him that Romans 8:28 stands. "And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." By trusting Him - by putting our lives in HIS hands and letting him take control - we can joyfully go through any trials that come our way. The trying of our faith makes patience grow.

Verse four - Now that we have a bit of patience, after we learn to joyfully go through some trials, we must keep having patience. Patience with each other, and in with our circumstances. It's not a one time thing. If you're human, I promise you that you will have one trial after another your entire life. You never get a break. But you know what? As you grow in Christ, it gets easier - easier to be joyful and easier to get through those trials, especially the hard ones, without breaking down.

Easier said than done? You betcha. I can't imagine losing one of my best friends, much less, losing my best friends and counting it as joy! If it came down to it, be honest, if you had the choice to keep your best friend and reject Christ, or to lose your best friend and remain in Christ, which would you choose? Ultimately, the question comes down to this: who do you love more?

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Mercy Me having a good time...

2011-07-26T09:48:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Prism, for posting this first!!!

The guitarist in the front cracks me up. But they're all hilarious! haha. Enjoy!

In Christ,

Buttercup

A study on the book of James - part 1

2011-07-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

Dear readers,

I don't know about you, but I'm excited about this! Just as a note, I will be changing some of what I originally wrote in my notebook for different reasons; the main reason being that I now understand it better and can further expand on it.

Let's begin, shall we?

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

James 1:1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

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

The first thing that stands out to me is that James is bold in his faith, for he proclaims it. He doesn't hide that he is a believer. He doesn't even just hint at it - he proclaims it. He humbly proclaims himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Proclaiming such a thing in his day, where he was, was probably a dangerous thing. Many were out to kill the Christians - Jews and Romans (for different reasons). Therefore, by proclaiming such a thing, and knowing that if someone who hated Christians got a hold of it and somehow found him he might very well be killed, we can see that James loved Christ more than life. We can see that he wasn't ashamed of his Lord. This reminds me of Romans 1:16, in which Paul writes that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is power of God for the salvation of all who believe. Paul wasn't ashamed. And neither was James.

His mission, as the servant of God was to preach. Specifically, it sounds like James' sole job was to teach and encourage "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad". These are the twelve tribes of Israel - but more specifically, they are the true Jewish believers. But, why were they scattered? Those Jews who had become Christians were probably resented by their own people who were against Jesus. Not only were they resented, but probably persecuted and killed for their new found faith. Therefore, to remain alive, they had to scatter. They had to hide.

In those days, when the believers received letters from the apostles, they were passed from family to family and group of believers to group of believers so that all could be edified and encouraged. They couldn't simply have one person read it out-loud to everyone all at once - it was too dangerous a time to do that.

So ends James' introduction to his letter to the Jewish believers who were scattered abroad.

Don't be ashamed of your Lord - have courage, have faith, love HIM more.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

3D printing?!

2011-07-22T16:34:00.001-05:00

I didn't believe it at first. Thought it was a joke. But it's not! And pretty darn amazing! Watch this video to see what I mean:

Starting over the study of James

2011-07-20T15:14:00.000-05:00

Dear readers,

Well over a year ago, I began a study of James. And that's all I did - begin it. As you can see, only one post made it on my blog, and I only got through the first four verses. But this time it will be different. For a few months I've been personally going through James verse by verse and have been writing down my thoughts in a little notebook, now I will post what I have been writing.

I pray that this new study would encourage and challenge you. James is a magnificent book - actually it's a letter, but we'll get to that later. In the meantime, I encourage you to start reading through James on your own. Jot down things that stand out to you. Look at cross references. Study it. These don't just have to be blog posts if you don't want them to be, you can turn it into a study time.

I encourage you to join me on this study! I think it will be good. :)

In Christ alone,
Buttercup

This is the good life!

2011-07-18T15:02:00.000-05:00

Just recently, I found that I am a huge Audio Adrenaline fan. I never really listened to them before, even though we have had two of their CD's for as long as I can remember, but for the last few days, I have listened to their CD, "Underdog", many times through, especially the first four-six songs.

Before I say anything else, I'll just state that they have AWESOME lyrics! Love it! And since I listen to the lyrics and not so much the music...well, lyrics make the song for me!

Track four on Underdog is a song called Good Life, and one line hooked my attention more than any other line...

...and the people that I've loved the most, just turned their backs and ran...

ouch.

Every time I hear that line I get shivers up my spine. Anyone that has ever loved anyone knows that this would hurt SO bad! I know that would be insanely difficult for me. Just having friends move away hurts SO bad, but having the people that I love the most - my family and friends -just turn their backs and run...phew. I don't even want to think about it. Let's see what the rest of the song says...

...this is the good life! I've lost everything I could ever want and ever dream of....

Uh, wow. At first this sounds kinda oxymoron. You know? I can just picture someone standing out in the rain, owning just the clothes on their back, all alone, and singing loudly with their arms outstretched: "This is the good life!" But let's go on...

...this is the good life! I found everything I could ever need here in Your Arms...

Ah! Yes! Maybe you've lost everything you ever wanted and ever dreamed of, but friend, you can find everything that you ever need in the arms of Christ!

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

I've watched my dreams all fade away

And blister in the sun

Everything I've ever had is unraveled and undone

I've set upon a worthless stack

Of my ambitious plans

And the people that I've loved the most

Have turned their backs and ran

This is the good life

I've lost everything

I could ever want

And ever dream of

This is the good life

I found everything

I could ever need

Here in Your arms

Loneliness has left me searching

For someone to love

Poverty has changed my view

Of what true riches are

Sorrow's opened up my eyes

To see what real joy is

Pain has been the catalyst

To my heart's happiness

This is the good life

I've lost everything

I could ever want

And ever dream of

This is the good life

I found everything

I could ever need

Here in Your arms

What good would it be

If you had everything

But you wouldn't have

The only thing you need

This is the good life

I've lost everything

I could ever want

And ever dream of

This is the good life

I found everything

I could ever need

Here in Your arms

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

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Kaboom!

2011-07-17T08:44:00.000-05:00

Hey Y'all!

Yeah, I'm bad, I'm just now posting the fireworks photos I took on the fourth of July. Hey, give me a break, we had VBS this week. Anyways, here are some of my faves. Some are pretty wild looking! I LOVE 'em!

Ok, yeah, that was more than a few, but they were all so different and beautifully unique! Hope you enjoyed looking at them!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

VBS - Voyage (day) Five

2011-07-16T12:07:00.002-05:00

Well, that's it. VBS is over until next year. So sadful...

But, I know I had a fantastic time, and I'm sure that everyone else did too. My prayer is that the Christian kids, parents, and workers walked away from this week being closer to God, having learned more about Him; and that those that are not believers may question salvation and come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Please be praying with me for these people.

Last night went absolutely fantastically! So many strange and funny things happened last night I'm not even sure I can remember them all.

While out with the 5-6 graders, we played touch ball, or something like that, basically ultimate football just with a round ball about the size of a volleyball or basketball. That was fun, but the really fun part was when we just gave the kids water balloons and let them have at it! A few minutes into it, after most everyone was wet, some of the kids thought it would be fun to gang up on me and soak me all at once. I wasn't planning on getting wet...but it sure felt good!!! I was so wet that I wasn't even completely dry three hours later when I got home. But it felt awesome! It wasn't as hot yesterday as it was Thursday, but pretty close.

When the 5-kind class came out, we let them run like mad for a little while then organized a game of switch bases. I still can't figure out what the difference is between switch bases and sharks and minnows. I think they're the same thing. That class and the 1-2 grade class are the hardest to control. They're all crazy maniacs after they've been sitting still for a while, but then you add water balloons to that...phew. YIKES.

Unfortunately, we had one accident. My friend...let's just call him Bob....got hit in the face with the football. Really hard too. Knocked his glasses off his face and left a huge red mark on his cheek. On the way home his one of the nose pieces of his glasses fell off. He's going to have to get completely new glasses today, I think. But, he was alright after a minute. Getting hit in the face with a football can't be fun.

Mom let Poppy and I ride home with Bob (that sounds really strange lol) because she had to take the little ones home to go to bed and we wanted to stay to help clean up. So, we cleaned up the church, probably close to record time too! And then we drove home. Thankfully, Bob felt like chatting the whole way so we had a ton of fun on the way back too just talking about random things.

But, now it's over.

We have our VBS review meeting after the church service tomorrow, but besides that we've gotta wait until next year. If I have the option, I think that next year I'd like to do the same thing I did this year - memory verse coordinator and game worker. For I really loved doing both of those jobs this year!

Thank you guys for your prayers! They were so very appreciated!

Please pray for Chelsea as she is going to be helping in her church's VBS soon!!!

And lastly, "Keep your eyes on the lighthouse, it will always guide you in!"

In Christ alone,
Buttercup

VBS - Voyage (day) Four

2011-07-15T11:24:00.003-05:00

Hey Y'all!

Oh man, I'm just now getting my act together at...almost noon. haha.

Ok, well, last night went amazingly! It was SOOOO hot outside, and we had gnats like you would not believe, but God is good and we didn't have anyone get hurt or get too hot!!

Our poor skit team forgot their lines - like, all of them - but they pulled it back together and the show went on! If I wasn't around them a ton and didn't know how they usually acted, I probably wouldn't have really noticed - these guys on the skit team are doing a great job!

Oh gosh, we had a scare last night! While outside with the youngest group (5-kind) I counted the kids a few times to see if we had all of them. We were supposed to have thirteen, and I counted to twelve probably a dozen times. Finally, I ran inside and asked their leader exactly how many of them they were - 13. I asked if any had come into the bathroom - no. Oh man. Not good! I ran back outside and had the other leaders count too. Soon, their leader lined them all up to go to snack time, and I didn't hear any more of it. Apparently they either had 13 and I had missed one every time I counted, or one of the kids had taken their name tag home the previous night; but all turned out good. Still scary though!!!

Well, that's all I've got for last night. Tonight is our last night of VBS...and I've got mixed feelings. I LOVE VBS, but I'm exhausted! haha. Oh well.

Please be praying for us (workers, kids, parents, and guests from another church) today as we wrap up our 2011 Vacation Bible School. Thanks so much for your prayers! They are appreciated!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

VBS - Voyage (day) Three

2011-07-14T09:54:00.004-05:00

Howdy y'all!

Wow! I slept in until 9:30! I NEVER do that! Guess that tells you how exhausted I was. But compared to the leaders of the 5-kind class and the leaders of the 1-2 grade class, I was full of energy!

Last night went great!!! The skit was SO funny! And they got their point across with flying colors - we can't save ourselves, only through Jesus Christ can we be saved. Four of my best friends are in the skit, and man, they are doing a FANTASTIC job!!!

Outside, we did water balloons during game time! Oh, it felt SO good!!! We played a the game where you have two rows of kids facing each other about four feet apart, and they have to toss the water balloon to their partner without breaking it, take a step back, and do it again. The last team to still be going wins the game. Because we had an uneven number of kids, I (in all my wisdom) offered to be the last kid's partner. Let's just say, I was the one to get soaked from the knees down. The bottom few inches of my shorts, and my shoes and socks were soaked, but man did it feel great in that hot weather! My partner and I, I must say, did pretty good; I think we got probably 20 feet apart, still throwing a 5in diameter water balloon!

Again, your prayers are so very appreciated as we try to teach these kids this week and as we shine as lights for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks, y'all!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Vacation Bible School!

2011-07-13T15:33:00.002-05:00

Hey guys!

I am SO excited! This week is my church's Vacation Bible School! I LOVE VBS!!!

I originally wanted to post every day about VBS like I did last year, but I have failed so far...so, I guess I'll just catch up in one post. :)

For VBS this year, we are doing a sailor theme. It's called Summer Seaquest, and it's from VBS Reachout Adventures. This being at least our fifth year of using this company, most of the workers know the basic setup, and this makes it SO much easier!

This year, I am the "Lighthouse Drill Commander", in other words, Memory Verse coordinator. At the end of every night, I quiz the kids in their age groups on that night's memory verse(s). Also, since that only takes up 5-10 minutes at the end, I am helping out of doors doing the games. And guys, it's hot! But praise God, both nights so far there has been a breeze, and it hasn't been quite as hot as we anticipated, and most important of all, we haven't had any heat injuries! Workers or kids! Water, water, water, and God's grace!

Oh! Also, we've got these awesome hats this year! They're little, white sailor caps, and I love them. :P All the workers (minus those adults that don't like them...) have hats, and all the kiddos will get hats on Friday right before we do our Super Summer Seaquest Sundae!

Ok, well, let's get on with this...

Saturday

On Saturday morning, some people from our church got together and put door hangers promoting our VBS on the doors of the houses and duplexes surrounding our church. Our church building it situated right in the middle of a large housing area, so from the church we can literally walk across the street and put up a door hanger. So, I'm not sure exactly how many door hangers we put up, but I'm nearly certain that it was around a thousand.

We were blessed on Saturday morning with high spirits and great weather, so even though we had less people than usual, we got out probably the same number of door hangers! It was awesome!

Sunday

On Sunday we had our All Workers Meeting, that's when we went over all the main and last minute stuff that every VBS worker needed to know. It went on great.

Monday

VBS started Monday night! Because our church is so small, to have enough workers to put it on, we have to wait until most of them get off of work, so our VBS is from 6:30-9:00. That means, that all of us workers have to be there from 6:00-9:30, so it's a long night! But SO worth it!

Monday night is usually the day with the most issues that must be resolved. But surprisingly, this Monday night went on very smoothly! We were all very, very thankful! Also on Monday night, because it is the first night, we have to register all the kids that do not normally come to our church. The kids that normally come to our church registered on Sunday after the service. But all in all, Monday night was awesome!

Tuesday

The second night of VBS went even more smoothly, praise God! We had two more kids than the night before, so that was a blessing! Lord willing, they will, and maybe more, all come tonight!

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

All of the workers did their jobs with flying colors! The group leaders and assistant group leaders (Captains and 1st Mates) did great with their kids. Although the leaders of the 5-kindergarten group are utterly exhausted by the end of night (four of them for 15 little kids that all have WAY too much energy!). The sound booth people did great with the sound (obviously lol) and the slides. The music group, especially since we have live music this year, did fantastic! I love the live music idea over just the VBS CD! The people in the kitchen making dinner for the workers and snack (later in the evening) for the kids are also doing an amazing job. The game workers are doing awesome. Our director is also doing great! I think that's everyone...but if not, EVERYONE has been doing an awesome job so far! All the workers are so committed to this!

Well, I have to leave in a hour for VBS tonight. Please be praying for all the workers, the kiddos that will be coming tonight, and the parents that are dropping their kids off. Thanks, y'all!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Mission Minded Teens on YouTube!

2011-06-17T15:32:00.002-05:00

Hi y'all!

Mission Minded Teens is now on YouTube! Please visit our channel at www.youtube.com/mmteens.

In Christ alone,Buttercup

Smile :)

2011-06-15T15:20:00.003-05:00

On a plane somewhere again

I take my place in line

Just like every other time

I slide into my window seat

She was sitting there

One seat over so I said

"Hello, how are you today?"

With my smile I could see the hope within her eyes

And I knew that something's different today

Though everything's the same

Inside there's something real

A faith which causes me to change

(But what's different now)

A spark is gleaming in my eye

Like diamond stars that fill the sky

I think a smile says it all

A smile says it all

The conversation presses on

As miles pass below

She said I have to let you know

You seem so different to me

There is a joy inside

The love of God is all I know

From which this could originate

With one smile I could see, the faith we share inside

And I know that something's different today

Though everything's the same

Inside there's something real

A faith which causes me to change

(But what's different now)

A spark is gleaming in my eye

Like diamond stars that fill the sky

I think a smile says it all

A smile says it all

I see what a smile can say about me

I know that words are not always what speak

Sometimes it's not what I say

That the world around me seems to understand

Though everything's the same

Inside there's something real

A faith which causes me to change

(But what's different now)

A spark is gleaming in my eye

Like diamond stars that fill the sky

I think a smile says it all

A smile says it all

(A smile says it all)

A smile says it all

(A smile says it all)

A smile says it all

(A smile says it all)

A smile says it all

(A smile says it all)

By Kutless

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

The first thing people see when they look at you is your expression - your attitude. What do they see? What is their first impression of you? Do they see that you are unhappy? stressed out? angry? kind? overjoyed? Do they see a smile? or a frown?

Please, honestly answer this question: What do others see in you?

Your answer should either encourage or challenge you. It should encourage you if you are already living your life with a smile on, living in a way that shows the world that you are different - a servant of Christ. But on the other hand, if you examine yourself and find that you are not that kind of person, then it should challenge you to BECOME that kind of a person!

I have always liked this song by Kutless. Love at first sight, you could say. For it tells of a man who gets on a plane, sits next to a woman, and through his smile and joy, she sees something different in him. The song goes on to reveal that the woman figures out that the man is a believer without him saying anything about it and that the smile and joy of the man betrayed where his loyalty stood.

The writer of the song makes it obvious that it was nothing the man said that showed the woman that he was a believer, it was his joy - his smile.

That is how we should live. We should live in a way that shows the world that we are different because of Christ. He lives in us. We must live in a way that manifests Him in our lives. This means allowing His light to shine through. Putting ourselves behind, and Him in front. So the world sees Him not us.

"A smile says it all."

Live your life to His glory. Manifest Him not only through your words and actions, but also through your attitude.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

"Don't leave it on the desk"

2011-05-21T14:17:00.006-05:00

Found at Rural Revolution. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It's long, but it's definitely worth the time.

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

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States.

Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course their freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Chriistianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.

One day Dr. Christian asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.

"How many push-ups can you do?"

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"

Steve replied, "I don't know...I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" asked Dr. Christianson again.

"Well, I can try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well...I think I can...yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When the class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"

Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"

"Sure!" Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"

Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. he was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"

Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?"

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Scott can have the donut he doesn't want?"

With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups.

Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christianson said, "Look! This is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Sternly, Jenny said, "No."

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?"

Steve did ten. Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, "No!" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.

Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get read because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."

Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?"

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."

"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself again the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, and there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"

Grunting from the effort , Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.

Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"

Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice when a player messes up, he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"

As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, pleaded to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not His Only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."

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

"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"

How long must they wait?

2011-04-28T21:45:00.001-05:00

Christ the Lord is Risen Today!

2011-04-24T13:24:00.002-05:00

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!

Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!

Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia!

Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!

Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

Happy Resurrection day, everyone! All praise to the King who died for us, conquered death, rose again, and conquered the grave! Alleluia!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

*lyrics taken from http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh302.sht*

I Will Rise

2011-04-23T20:25:00.000-05:00

Hey Y'all!

Thanks Anna! She did this a LONG time ago, and this has quite honestly been sitting as a draft for a good long time. Anyways, she was so kind as to tag anyone who wants to do it, so I am taking her up on it! I'm going to do the same format as she did with the questions, answers, and comments...worked pretty good.

Okay, so for those of you who don't know, you grab your IPod or Mp3, or turn on ITunes. This is my first time to do this cause I don't have any of those, but...Playlist works! Just set it to random! So, no cheating was done here, cross my heart. The first thing that popped up, I did. So some of them don't make any sense, some are really, well, bad (LOL), and some work so well you just burst out laughing. So...do you want me to stall more or are you ready???

Great! Here we go!

If someone asks "are you okay" you say?

All the Above - Mercy Me

What would best describe your personality?

Your Love is Extravagant - Casting Crowns

LOL. wow.

How would you best describe yourself?

Who am I - Casting Crowns

okay, now that's sad, man...

What do you like in a guy/girl?

Right Here - Jeremy Camp

How do you feel today?

All that I can do - Bethany Dillon

Not today. :P

What is your life's purpose?

Nothing Compares - Third Day

That's...a pretty big goal....

What is your motto?

Beautiful - Bethany Dillon

yeah...that's odd.

What do your friends think of you?

Brave - Nicole Nordeman

Ha! Cute. Anything but that, though, they all know that I scream/squeal whenever a person or the ball comes close to me while we're playing football.

What do your parents think of you?

You're not alone - Meredith Andrews

Is that supposed to be creepy?

What do you think of most often?

Believe - Third Day

What is 2 + 2?

It's alright - Third Day

Yeah, "it's alright" that my playlist doesn't have any numbers. :P

What do you think of your best friend?

I got you - Third Day

Hahahaha!

What do you think of the person you like?

On my way to you - Mercy Me

oh, come on! really?

What is your life story?

Consume Me - DC Talk

What do you want to be when you grow up?

God of Wonders - Third Day

Oh wow. That's bad.

What do you think when you see the person you like?

Amazing Grace - Chris Tomlin

oh, stupid playlist...

What will you do at your wedding?

Somewhere in the sky - Kutless

LOL. That's great.

What will they play at your funeral?

Shut me out - Kutless

Dude! That rocks, man! If you don't know that song, listen to it with this question in mind!

What is your hobby/interest?

For my love - Bethany Dillon

What is your biggest fear?

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns

oh cool. that actually fits sorta.

What is your biggest secret?

Praise you in this dance - Casting Crowns

That shouldn't be a secret, but...hehe...there are things you do when you're alone in your bedroom with the CD player on...

What do you want to do right now?

Wire - Third Day

What do you think of your friends?

Run to you - Third Day

awwww!

What is the worst thing that could happen?

We fall down - Kutless

Uh, no. That's the best thing that will happen! Everyone falling before the King!

What is the one thing you regret?

Holy - Nicole Nordeman

What makes you laugh?

Real to me - Nicole Nordeman

What makes you cry?

Gratitude - Nicole Nordeman

awww. Dude, is that right.

Will you ever get married?

Praise you in this storm - Casting Crowns

That's kinda, well, an indirect answer. No matter if I get married or not I will "praise you in this storm"!

What scares you the most?

Come on back to me - Third Day

Does anyone like you?

God of this City - Chris Tomlin

If you could go back in time, what would you change?

Your love oh Lord - Third Day

That's horrible! Stupid playlist! NEVER! It's too great to change!

What hurts right now?

Saved - Third Day

What would you want to say to the person who tagged you?

Arriving - Chris Tomlin

What will you name this note?

I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin

Hope y'all enjoyed it. If you want to do it, go right ahead! But comment if you do! I love reading the answers. :D I emailed it to my best friends and it was so fun reading their answers!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Seeking Him

2011-04-19T21:00:00.002-05:00

Hey Y'all!

A while back Anna posted about seeking God, and on that post, I commented a really long comment. lol. But anyways, I thought I'd edit some things and turn it into a post. :)

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

Ever heard the quote: "a girl should be so lost in God that a boy has to seek Him in order to find her"? It's pretty well known, so all of you probably have heard or read it somewhere, but have you ever thought of what it implies? It implies a girl that is completely consumed in God. A girl that is fixed on Him, so fixed in fact that in order to find her, a boy has to seek Him!

We need to be seeking Him daily, hourly, and even minutely; we need to be listening and talking with Him constantly, but do we? I know I don't. Maybe that is why Paul the Apostle exhorted, "Pray without ceasing."

Also, I think that we need to seek him outside just as much as we seek Him inside, or for some people, seek Him inside just as much as we seek him outside! What I mean is this, we might seek Him at church on Sunday, but what do we do the rest of the week? On the other hand, we may seek him at home with no one around, but not in front of our friends at school.

Lastly, I think the most important thought I got from Anna's post was that we need to set our priorities right; meaning that if Christ is our number one priority, we will WANT to seek Him, on the other hand, if the computer (or anything or anyone else) is our number one priority, we will WANT to be with whatever the other thing is - all the time!

Hope that kindled some thoughts about seeking Him in your mind, and that you take to heart the truth - a girl should be so lost in God, that a boy has to seek Him in order to find her!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Accuracy of God's Word

2011-04-13T19:08:00.005-05:00

More accurate than any other history book, the Bible contains the history of the world from when the world literally began (Genesis 1:1 - in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth). It even contains facts about future events - all the way to the end of time.

All history books, save the Bible, will or have been proven to have errors, every one of them. That is simply because they are written by humans, and as human beings we cannot know everything that happened as fact, especially if we were not eyewitnesses of it. But the Bible is different, it was written by men directly inspired of God; so really, God wrote it. It's God's word. Most history books contradict each other at one or more points, again, because of the fact that we are, indeed, human. But the Bible doesn't do that. The Bible contains 66 books, written by over 40 people, over a course of about 2000 years, and nothing in the Bible contradicts something else in the Bible. That is just the internal proof of the accuracy of the Bible. What about the archaeological proof?

Over the centuries, Old Testament stories have been related and read. So much so that many were counted as ere fiction, just as stories, nothing more, and finally they were not counted as historically accurate. But recently, many discoveries have been found that prove the Biblical events as true, not as fiction. For example, discoveries unveiling evidence outside of the Bible that kings like David, Solomon, Uzziah, Jehu, Joash, Menehem, and Hezekiah were real kings of Judah and of Israel. Things such as inscriptions on rock, not only in modern day Israel, but also Egypt and the other surrounding countries have been found that give evidence to the real reign of these kings.

One cool discovery proving the accuracy of the Bible deals with the defeat of Jericho. Such evidence states that the walls actually did fall outwards, instead of inwards, which is usually what happens to a wall when an invading army knocks it down. The story in the bible speaking of the defeat of Jericho states that the people walked around the city, blew their trumpets, yelled, and the wall fell. The evidence that it fell outwards instead of inwards is strange indeed to those who do not take the Bible as a historically accurate document.

That was only two examples of the always growing, already large number, of external archaeological proofs for the Bible. Many more interesting discoveries are being found all the time that clearly point to the truthfulness and accuracy of the Bible. The Bible really is the historically accurate word of God.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Looking through your Belief System

2011-04-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

A persons belief system can be described as a pair of glasses, because once they have built up a system of what they believe, and they know that what they believe is true, then they will look at everything through that belief system - through those glasses.

For example, when wearing some sun glasses, things will look a slightly different color - like from black to brown - to the person wearing the sun glasses, the object would most obviously be brown, but to the person without sun glasses, the object would most obviously be black. Both people are certain that they are right, but their interpretations contradict - one or the other must be wrong.

This is what happens when people's belief systems get in the way of their seeing scientific information (or any other information) clearly and unbiased. For many people, the idea of tossing their belief system out of the window to see clearly is absurd, and I agree, what you believe defines who you are. For me, and any other Bible believing Christian, we look at scientific information through the Bible, and this, I believe, is the right thing to do. Why? Because the Bible has been proved to be 100% true, so looking through the Bible at scientific information will not give us the wrong answer, ever, as long as we take what is not in the Bible impartially. Granted, I sound like I am contradicting myself. But I am not, for the Bible is 100% true - that is my belief, but it also has been proven. Evolutionists do not have that kind of backup. Their theories have not been proven, and cannot be proven.

Therefore I encourage you to see what kind of glasses you are looking through. Do your glasses deceive you into thinking something contrary to the truth/to what the Bible says? Are your glasses tinted so as to betray the truth for a lie?

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

How I Live by Faith

2011-02-15T15:38:00.000-06:00

Note: this was originally written for my AWANA book, like my earlier post.

As a Christian, I am constantly faced with choices and temptations, but through faith in Christ, I have the strength to battle them.

I am still a young, learning, still growing Christian, so I am just now learning how to live by faith. In my life, living by faith includes trusting God to do what is best fro me, even when I think differently - this is a big one, it's kind of like how Peter probably felt, stepping out of the boat and onto the water, believing that God can make that water firm beneath my feet, even when I cannot. It is knowing that when i jump out of the window, even though I can't see Him, Christ is just below me, ready to catch me. It also includes trusting God to do what is best in other people's lives, even when I don't agree. I know that He will do what is best because I know that He knows everything that will happen in the future.

When it comes to making choices and facing temptations, I have to remember that faith takes two people - the trusted and the trusting. I can't just pray and hope that I do the right thing, I have to listen for an answer. Sometimes God helps me through scripture, sometimes through another believer, and sometimes He just tells me. I believe that if I am doing the will of God and relying on Him, that I will never lack an answer.

I once saw a magnet that said, "Faith is not believing that God can, it's know that He will." I think this is so true in my own life, if I simply believe that God can, I am not putting all my faith and trust in Him, but if I know that He will, then I am putting my entire being into His arms, those arms that I know will never, ever fail.

I am not claiming to be perfect, not by any means, I just know what I need to do - let Christ hold all of me - and I'm learning how to do it - lifting my feet off of the ground.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Wishing you all...

2011-02-14T16:19:00.002-06:00

...a very happy Valentine's day!

On this day, I encourage you to not only think of all those who love you and who you love, but also, who loves you way more than anyone else ever could! Jesus Christ!

No greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

He loved us so much that He died for us. He loved YOU so much that He died for YOU.

True love is an emotion that can't stay contained. True love proves itself through actions. Follow Christ's example: This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. - John 15:12

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Peer Pressure - good or bad?

2011-02-12T15:08:00.000-06:00

Most of the time when you hear about peer pressure, you get this overwhelming feeling that something bad happened. Am I right? For most any age group, this is true. From the time that you are old enough to care what other people your age are doing, until you are too old to care.

Peers - "Friends, those in your same age group, those who influence you."*

Bad peer pressure -

Pressure coming from peers who influence you in a bad way. For example, peers who dress in a way that is immodest, and they tease and pressure you because you dress modestly. That sort of peer pressure influences you to do something that you believe is wrong. People who do that want to do one of two things, 1. lead you astray, 2. make you feel bad because you are different. When you give in to bad peer pressure, you might do, say, and/or think things that you would not have otherwise.

Good peer pressure -

Pressure coming from peers who influence you in a good way. For example, peers who read the Bible and pray daily, they encourage you to do the same because they know that it will help you grow as a believer and grow closer to God. That sort of peer pressure influences you to do something that is right. People who do that want to do one of two things, depending on your situation, 1. they want to lead you to Christ so that you will find your Savior and be saved from eternity in hell, 2. they want to help you learn and grow in Christ.

The number one way to receive good peer pressure and to avoid bad is to choose your friends wisely, choose friends who will influence you in good ways not bad. Also, you personally need to be alert, if you think that someone will try to influence you to do something bad, get away! It would be much better for you to avoid bad influence, then to try to stand against it.

"...be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!" Ephesians 6:10.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

*definition take from On The Rock, an AWANA ministries book.

Do Evolution and Human Beings contradict?

2011-02-09T14:47:00.004-06:00

Believe it or not, this typed section below equals a written page. Doesn't look like it does it? lol.

I originally wrote this for my Journey book (in an AWANA club), but I liked it, so I wanted to share it. The topic is "why humans have souls and spirits, how we got them, and why we are superior to plants and animals." But I titled it "Do Evolution and Human Beings contradict" because if you believe that evolution is true, then you must believe that we evolved from animals, and therefore that we are nothing but animals. But if you realize that we are eternal beings, then you see that it contradicts the theory of evolution. Hope that makes sense. :) And I hope you like it.

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

God created all nature, the water, the land, the sky, the trees, the plants, the grass; God created all animals, birds, sea creatures, land animals, insects; then God created man. Human beings are different from nature and animals in many ways, but the most important is that we were created in the image of God. "And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness..." (Genesis 1:26a) By creating us like unto Himself, God separated us from all the rest of His creation. Then He said "...and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26b) Giving us dominion over all of His creation was God's way of saying that we are special, we are greater than the rest of His creation.

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7) Being created in the image of God doesn't mean that we look like Him, it means that we have some (but not all) of the same attributes He does. Such as the ability to perceive beauty, understand emotions, and to tell right from wrong. But more importantly, we are eternal, unlike the animals, we will live forever. When animals and plants die, they cease to exist, but when a human being dies, he or she will go to heaven or hell depending on what choice they made during their life here on earth.

Don't you worry!

2011-02-01T15:55:00.002-06:00

Luke 12:22-32

And He said unto His disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to say in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

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

I read this today in my Bible reading, and although I've read it many times before (not always in Luke), it comforts me. Jesus says that we shouldn't worry about having clothes to wear, or food to eat, for He will provide for all our needs. He may not provide for all our wants but He will provide for all our needs. He talks about the ravens, how they do not store any food, yet they are fed year-round. He talks of the lilies of the field, flowers, how they don't work to make clothes, but they are clothed even greater than King Solomon. He talks of the grass, which lives for a little while, but then is burned, and yet while it is still alive, it is clothed beautifully.

So, Jesus said, don't worry about what you will eat or wear or anything at all! You are so much greater than the ravens, the lilies, and the grass! If God took care of such little things as those, He can take care of you. But the most important thing in this passage is the instruction that Jesus gives: "Seek ye the kingdom of God", dig into God's word, pray, and listen to what God is telling you; and then "all these things shall be added unto you". God will provide; trust in Him, follow Him, love Him, worship Him. And don't you worry!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

New Year - my favorite songs

2011-01-12T16:18:00.004-06:00

Yipes! Yeah, I know, I haven't posted since 2010...Sorry!!! So...let's catch up....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! Thanks for reading my blog!

Okay, now that that is done, I can go on without regrets...

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

This last year was awesome! Not only did I grow closer to my parents and siblings and friends, but also my God. Though part of it was painful, sometimes almost more than I could stand, I learned so much about God, and really, I learned what I believe. It was hard, frustrating, painful, tear-jerking, wonderful, amazing, fantastic, and smile-jerking. If you've never gone through something like that before, something that makes you want to scream but you know that's what is best for you, then you probably have no clue what I'm talking about. This last year was probably the hardest but the best year I've ever had.

I love contemporary Christian music; Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, Kutless, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, etc, etc, etc. Love them all! But the band who's songs lyrics I really loved this year is Mercy Me. Here are some of my favorite songs from them...

Everything Impossible - Undone

I was taught to be practical in everything I do

Holding on to what is tangible, then came You

That's when I found myself so far away, from everything I knew

I took a leap of faith

Even though you're difficult for me to explain

I know I"ll never be the same

You're everything I cannot see

You're everything I cannot say

I know it all seems so illogical

But that's okay

You're the love you give to me

You're the love I give away

You are everything impossible

And that's okay

All the things that make no sense to me, draw me to You

Like finding freedom by surrendering, can it be true

With everything I can and cannot know

This mystery is bringing life to me

And all this love I have for You I can't contain

I know I'll never be the same

You're everything I cannot see

You're everything I cannot say

I know it all seems so illogical

But that's okay

You're the love you give to me

You're the love I give away

You are everything impossible

And that's okay

What's so hard to understand

What I cannot comprehend

Is that you love me the way I am

You're everything I cannot see

You're everything I cannot say

I know it all seems so illogical

But that's okay

You're the love you give to me

You're the love I give away

You are everything impossible

And that's okay

In the Blink of an Eye - Undone

You put me here for a reason

You have a mission for me

You know my name and You called it

Long before I learned to breathe

Sometimes I feel disappointed

By the way I spend my time

How can I further Your kingdom

When I'm so wrapped up in mine

In a blink of an eye that is when

I'll be closer to You than I've ever been

Time will fly, but until then

I'll embrace every moment I'm given

There's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eye

And though I"m living a good life

Can my life be something great?

I have to answer the question

Before it's too late

In a blink of an eye that is when

I'll be closer to You than I've ever been

Time will fly, but until then

I'll embrace every moment I'm given

There's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eye

If I give the very best of me

That becomes my legacy

So tell me what am I waiting for?

What am I waiting for?

In a blink of an eye that is when

I'll be closer to You than I've ever been

Time will fly, but until then

I'll embrace every moment I'm given

There's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eye

Hold Fast - Coming Up To Breathe

To everyone who's hurting

To those who've had enough

To all the undeserving

That should cover all of us

Please do not let go

I promise there is hope

Hold fast

Help is on the way

Hold fast

He's come to save the day

What I've learned in my life

One thing greater than my strife

Is His grasp

So hold fast

Will this season ever pass

Can we stop this ride

Will we see the sun at last

Or could this be our lot in life

Please do not let go

I promise you there's hope

Hold fast

Help is on the way

Hold fast

He's come to save the day

What I've learned in my life

One thing greater than my strife

Is His grasp

So hold fast

You may think you're all alone

And there's no way that anyone could know

What you're going through

But if you only hear one thing

Just understand that we are all the same

Searching for the truth

The truth of what we're soon to face

Unless someone comes to take our place

Is there anyone

All we want is to be free

Free from our captivity Lord

Here He comes

Hold fast

Help is on the way

Hold fast

He's come to save the day

What I've learned in my life

One thing greater than my strife

Is His grasp

So hold fast

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

Y'all better be proud of me, if I really, really wanted to, I would post every song in both of those albums: Coming up to Breathe and Undone, but that would be a VERY long post...and it would take forever...But watch out! Over the course of this year, you very well may be seeing all of those songs posted here!

To wrap up this post, I'll end with this last song, my motto and prayer for this year.

Bring the Rain - Coming up to Breathe

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise You with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possible

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus bring the rain

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

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

Thanks for writing such amazing songs, Mercy Me band!!!

One last thing...

I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!!!!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

Forgotten Christmas

2010-12-29T16:21:00.003-06:00

Dear readers, I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas time and break off of school! I sure am! Anyways, I was looking back at the comments I received from a recent post, and came across one I had forgotten about. Cari, someone who works with Gospel for Asia, left a comment telling me about a site they made - Forgotten Christmas. I encourage you to go to their website and look around, it is definitely worth the time! I know it is after Christmas, and I'm sorry I didn't post this weeks ago, but you can still make a difference! Hop over there and check it out!

Here is one of the videos:

Love in Christ,

Buttercup

P.s. the December issue of Go Ye Therefore is coming out on Friday! Shoot us an email if you want to receive it! :) (helpnm@embarqmail.com)

Absolutely Nothing Compares...

2010-12-19T12:14:00.000-06:00

No doubt you've heard this story...

This 2000 year old tale...

Of the birth of a little baby...

That was the Son of God.

How precious was this gift...
So undeservedly given...
That would change the course of the future...
For all that would believe.
_________________________________
2000 years ago, in the country of Israel, in the town of Bethlehem, a child was born. His parents could not find an inn that was not already full, but they were offered a stable that they could stay in. This stable, because of the time and place, was probably a cave or large outcropping in the rock, and it was used to house animals. In this place, on that night, Jesus was born. Our Lord came into the world. If you met him, you would soon know that he was no ordinary child. He was different - he was perfect; he never lied, he never cheated, he never teased, he never disobeyed, he never sinned at all. This was weird and very unusually to those he came in contact with who did not know who he was, for they knew that everyone sins, and no one is perfect, but God.
This special and unique child who never sinned, this perfect human being, was the Son of God. God sent Him down to earth for a reason, to complete His plan, to fulfill His mission. This plan was also special, it involved a one time occurrence that would save the souls of all who would believe.
2000 years ago, this perfect child, now become a man, took upon Himself the sins of the world. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." This amazing man, the Son of God died a horrific death so that you and I could live. Gives new meaning to "amazing love, how can it be? that you my King should die for me!" doesn't it?
But that is not the end of the story! This amazing story does not end with the cross, or even the grave, for He rose again! And He is alive today, sitting at the right hand of God the Father in heaven, intervening on our behalf. He was born for us. He lived for us. He died for us. He rose again for us. Why? Because He loves us, His most special creation.
Jesus lived the life I could not live. Jesus died the death I should have died.Jesus gives the gift I could never earn.-Mark Driscoll
I know I that this is a Christmas post, and that I went far beyond just the Christmas story; but how can you end with His birth? For that miraculous occurrence was only the beginning! His birth alone is a wonderful thing - God sent His one and only Son down to a sin-filled world! But, why? To know that we must know the whole story! When put together - His birth, life, death, and resurrection - they paint an amazing picture, the picture of God saving His people. This Christmas, I challenge you to think more of Christ and His Gift more than of the perishable gifts that you will be given by friends and family. For absolutely nothing compares with this wonderful gift that was offered to us! This amazing gift, so freely offered - will you believe? Merry Christmas!Buttercup

Your Example Counts!

2010-11-23T20:17:00.004-06:00

No matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter what you say, someone is watching you. You may not know who, you may not know when, you may not know why, but there is at least one someone watching you.

Your example counts.

In the case of us as teens, we are very often looked up to by younger kids, they watch us, and no matter what you think of yourself, they want to be like you. They want to dress like you, talk like you, act like you, and do everything that you do. And not only are we looked up to by younger kids, but by peers as well.

For example, think of a popular girl. Someone who most everyone knows about. Do you know how many kids, and even teens, want to be like her? Don't you see how she has made herself a standard of "coolness"? The world thinks she is just about the coolest girl on the planet, so what happens? Basically everyone wants to be the coolest girl on the planet, right? So people begin to copy her, they begin to try to be like her: talk like her, dress like her, act like her...etc.

What do you think now? Are your standards for yourself the same as the standards that you place before others? In others words, do you practice what you preach? For example, do you look down on cussing, and then go out and do it yourself? Or, do you say that wearing sleeveless tops is immodest, and then you go and wear them yourself?

Examine yourself. Is what you wear what you want those around you to wear? Is what you say what you want those around you to say? Is what you do what you want those around you to do?

You are being watched. Your example counts. When you get that through your head, you act differently, you talk differently, you dress differently, you change.

-Buttercup

The Extra Challenge!

2010-11-20T20:06:00.004-06:00

Hey Y'all! Remember how I said that on the 20th I would post an extra challenge? Well, I'm actually doing it! lol. Kinda creepy, since that never happens. "Aren't you proud of me?!" ("Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs")

So, The Extra Challenge is...

Matthew 6:3-4 - ³But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: ⁴That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Do actions of thoughtfulness *in secret*. Not only does God enjoy seeing us do things in secret, but they are also really fun. *hehe* Therefore, I would like to challenge you to do some "fall actions of thoughtfulness" in secret! Here are some ideas:

-Leave anonymous notes.

-Slip a note of appreciation in someones mail folder at church (our church does the mail folder thing, but I don't know about others)

-Leave a little gift (i.e. chocolate, candy) in someones chair or desk.

-Leave cookies with an anonymous note in random places (obviously where it's legal and where people are gonna find them soon)

-Send anonymous emails (you know how much fun these are?! Most of the time I get found out though, cause I'm not that good at hiding my name and email address.)

Also, here are some other ideas for not-so-secret actions:

-Buy an extra sandwich and give it to someone who needs it.

-Send a friendship e-card.

-Buy a drink for a grocery store worker.

-Clean a room without being asked.

-Smile (you know how many people don't smile these days? This is one way we can show the world that we are different. And sometimes, someone needs a smile.)

-Make and give baby blankets to a pregnancy center.

-Donate clothing and shoes to a resale shop.

-Give stuffed animals to a fire station.

-Give bottled water to nurses at a hospital or rest home.

-Bring a gift, or just even visit, a rest home resident. Some of them never get any visitors, and they get so lonely.

-Bring your neighbor's trash cans in on trash day.

-Leave a note and treat for the mailman in the mailbox.

There are literally hundreds of things you could do! So what are you waiting for?

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

*note: some of these ideas were not originally mine.

The Story of Jonah

2010-11-19T15:52:00.003-06:00

This little girl tells the entire story of Jonah, and it is so cute! lol. You'll see. :)

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Wasn't that adorable?! Also, tomorrow we are having another garage sale fundraiser for a well. (For more info click here) So please be praying that we raise a lot of money, and that we will be Christ-like examples for those we come in contact with! Thanks!

In Christ,

Buttercup

P.S. don't forget! The extra challenge for the Fall Actions of Thoughtfulness challenge is coming tomorrow! So get ready!

Fall Actions of Thoughtfulness challenge - what I've done

2010-11-16T19:23:00.005-06:00

Hey Guys! I really hope that you have participated in this challenge, no one has told me so, but I can still hope, right? :D

Anyways, I know this post is LONG overdue, and I apologize, but better late then never!

First, for the past couple weeks, I've been making Thanksgiving cards for some of my friends. I've been making them out of colored construction paper that I got at the dollar store (it is really good construction paper though), a glue stick, scissors, and a pen! Easy cheesy, but I think they turned out good. :)

I traced a slightly real looking, plastic leaf, then just kept tracing the leaves I cut out. Needless to say, the leaves got quite a bit bigger as time went on. lol. So they kinda hang over the edges of the cards, but I think that's cool. I think I made a total of about 20 cards before I ran out of construction paper. Well, all I have left are black, blue, pink, and purple! haha.

In the inside on the left I wrote out 1 Thessalonians 5:18a - In everything give thanks. And on the right side I wrote a note to the receiver. Though, only a couple (uh, one or two?) have personal notes, the rest are all the same (because I'm not creative like that). Nonetheless, it's the thought that counts, right? And I worked hard on 'em. :)

Second...aw man. I just went totally blank. I know I did other things, and I was thinking of all of them when I was thinking about this post! Ahh! I hate that. Well, when I remember, I'll post.

So what have you been doing? I hope you've taken this challenge with me, I really do. It's a great time to remember to think about others first - and do things for others before you do things for yourself.

Lastly, I want to encourage you to read these two posts: by Anna and by Chelsea, they are really great!

Till I remember what I did or I think of a good post!

In Christ,

Buttercup

To our Veterans...

2010-11-11T20:32:00.003-06:00

Dear Veterans,

I don't know what you've gone through, I don't know where you went, I don't know much about you at all, but I do know this: you fought for the USA and for me, so we could be free. Thank you.

Love in Christ,

Buttercup

It's Fall and time for a challenge!

2010-11-03T16:19:00.012-05:00

Hi Y'all! Well, all day it's been quite chilly, rainy, and windy! As long as I am indoors, and not out, this is my favorite weather! If I'm outside...just stop the rain. :)

Well, seeing that it is now fall, and the month of November, we are getting quite close to Christmas! Dangerously close for those of us who like to make all our gifts! Anyways, in honor of fall, I am going to propose a challenge!

The Challenge

Fall Actions of Thoughtfulness

It sounded kind of weird to me, but not so much that I would try to find another name. The idea is not mine, but another blogger's. But they named theirs "Random Acts of Kindness." So, to be honest, I just typed that into Microsoft word, right clicked each word, found a synonym that I liked, and went with it! lol. (Just in case you thought I've lost it... no, "fall" is not a synonym of "random". But all the synonyms for "random" were bad - not the "random" that I'm trying to get across.)

So that I don't leave anything out, let's get organized with the classic 5W's and an H:

Who: Anyone who wants to.

What: Fall Actions of Thoughtfulness

Where: Everywhere! You figure out what your going to do, and then go do it for someone.

When: From now until November 30th. Making it a month-long thing, I think, will give all of us plenty of time to do many different things! No time excuses.

Why: To do things for others and to bring glory to God by thinking of others instead of ourselves.

How: is this necessary???

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fall/Thanksgiving cards. Who doesn't like receiving a card or note from a friend? It is a simple thing that says that someone took time to think of you.

Small gifts. I.e. crocheted scarf, earrings, photo of you and them, etc.

Take on someone else's chores or do a service for free.

These are just a few ideas, but there are so many things you can do! Get creative!

This challenge is open to anyone, and it will be a challenge. Doing things for others, taking time to do something for someone else and not for ourselves can be hard, but it is awesome when you can lift someone up and make their day; and at the same time, be a shining light in a dark world.

Please, don't shy away from this challenge! Do it with me! I'll be posting what I do so that y'all can hopefully get some ideas and encouragement from it, so I would like you to post too! When you do, please share it with me and my other readers:

When you do put it in here, please put the link to the exact post, and not just your blog - because that makes it hard to find your post sometimes.

In Christ,

Buttercup

P.S. On the 20th, I'll propose a special, extra challenge! So be sure to look out for it!

Announcement and Concert Pics!

2010-10-31T14:02:00.009-05:00

Hey Y'all! Hope you are all having a fantastic Sunday! Just wanted to let y'all know that the October issue of the free, online Mission Minded Teens magazine, Go Ye Therefore, is coming out today! This is our 7th issue! And let me tell y'all this, there is an awesome guest article in this one so you won't want to miss out! Email us at helpnm@embarqmail.com to subscribe.

For those of you who are new to reading my blog and haven't heard of Mission Minded Teens or Go Ye Therefore: the purpose of Go Ye Therefore is to equip teens with information and inspire and challenge them to get involved with missions and making a difference in this world, therefore our online magazine is free. All you have to do is send us your email address so we can get it to you! Simple it is, yes? (sorry, couldn't resist)

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

Last night, I got to go to my second concert! And it ROCKED!!! It was MercyMe with Phil Wickham! (I didn't know who he was 'til last night either, so don't feel bad. He's a new singer as far as I know.) The theme was The Generous Mr. Lovewell, their new CD! And if you haven't gotten that one yet, do it! I rocks, y'all! There are so many great songs on there! Anyways, here's some pics from last night.

I had to zoom in a lot, so I was super happy today when I uploaded them to the computer and a few of them turned out okay! lol. Also, since this was my first big concert...were the screen things new or has that been around for a while? Cause man, that was pretty cool! lol.

The only weird thing was that they didn't sing their title song. Oh, well. They sang my favorite one though! So-Long Self!!! oh yeah!

Well, I tried to upload the two videos that I took, but it's took forever for the first one, and then I tried to play it and make sure it worked, and "an error occurred." oh, joy. Sorry y'all.

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

Thanks for taking Poppy and I, Mom and Dad! We LOVED it!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

-Buttercup

A Butterfly

2010-10-29T21:37:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all! Earlier today I found this butterfly outside. And as a lot of you know, I LOVE butterflies! And it was staying so still! So I crept up, laid down on the ground, slowly brought my camera closer to it, thinking it's going to fly away at any moment (Wonder how many times I've done this? Don't ask.), just trying to get one picture...and what happens? He doesn't move.

I take a few pictures, very excited that the butterfly is actually staying still, but then I wonder...why is it not moving? hmm? I tap the ground, hoping to scare it away so that I can know that the poor thing is not dead, and it jumps and rolls over! Okay, I know it sounds weird, like, maybe kind of like a dog...but not that kind of rolling, it like, fell over. After that, it got back up, and just stood there. Looking at it for a while, I saw that one of it's wings was torn, pretty badly too. Poor thing, probably got attacked by a bird but heroically escaped with it's life!

Okay, maybe not. But still, it was obviously hurt, and wasn't going to be moving anytime soon. I don't even know if it could fly. But anyways, since it wasn't going to move, and I don't know how to help butterflies even if there is anything you can do for them, I took pictures of it. And man, I got some cool ones! Here are some (most possibly??? hehe)...

*He was on the green thing first, then when I scared him, he fell off (only about an inch at the most) onto the concrete. Sorry little guy!*

A few hours later, it was still there, so I brought it some sugar water on a plate. I don't know if butterflies would even drink it, or if this one has, but its still out there, and I'll check it in the morning.

In Christ,

Buttercup

P.S. yeah, I know its a lot of pictures...I just couldn't decide which ones to post, so I just posted most of them. :P

Standing up for what is right

2010-10-26T11:47:00.004-05:00

Standing up for what is right can be difficult. And it usually is. Especially when it is around people you know - friends and family.

It takes courage, and a love for God that is so deep that it overpowers your love for friends and family and what they think of you. When you take a stand, when you do what is right, you could lose friends, but through Christ we (as believers) can do anything because He gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13)

Last night I had to take a stand. I had to stand up for what was right. And I had to do it among friends. They were talking about inappropriate stuff, things that I believe are best kept unsaid and unthought. It was hard to take a stand, but after staying silent for a long time, I felt the power of God rush through me and I knew I could keep quiet no longer. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I started telling them that what they were talking about was inappropriate and wrong, and I started quoting Scripture to them. To be completely honest, I didn't plan much of anything I said, nor did I think about what I was saying, it just flowed out and it all made sense.

That was a cool feeling. It was the first time I felt that, and I pray that I feel it again - multiple more times. It was neat, y'all. It really was.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to go through that situation and for helping me through it, and putting into my mind your Word and putting into my mouth the words to say. Praise God!

In Christ,

Buttercup

You are...

2010-10-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

You are Lord of Creation

And Lord of my life

Lord of the land and the sea

You were Lord of the heavens before there was time

And Lord of all Lords you will be!

We bow down

And we worship you Lord

We bow down

And we worship you Lord

We bow down

And we worship you Lord

Lord of all Lords you will be!

You are King of Creation

And King of my life

King of the land and the sea

You were King of the heavens before there was time

And King of all Kings you will be!

We bow down

And we crown you the King

We bow down

And we crown you the King

We bow down

And we crown you the King

King of all Kings you will be!

I have always loved this song. It simply tells that, God, you are Lord of my life; God, you are King of my life. You are in control. You are not only Lord and King of my life, but also of the entire universe, and you never began to be Lord and King - you always have been and always will be. You are the great Creator and God of all.

God is so great,

so big,

so beautiful,

so majestic,

so awesome,

and SO much more!

Buttercup

I've been tagged! Twice!

2010-10-16T11:32:00.011-05:00

NOTE: okay, the text color keeps messing up for some odd reason. Hopefully it won't once I post this, but it might. sorry!

Okay ladies and gentlemen...this first tag comes from Anna @ Sisters in the Savior! Thanks, girl!

1) If you were stranded on an island and you could only order take out once, what restaurant would you order from?

Giovanni's! Gotta love that Italian food! Yum!

2) If you had a backstage pass to meet any band/singer in the world, who it be?

ouch. That's a hard one. Probably Kutless or Mercy Me. :)

3) What was your favorite TV show when you were three?

Honestly, how am I going to remember that? lol. I don't know...what was was on when I was three?

4) Pick a song that describes you or the situation you're in as of right now.

You're all I need - Bethany Dillon *Love this song!* Actually, I love it so much I'm going to post the lyrics...

When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head

You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear

You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need

When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need
You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need
You're all I need

I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You

[http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/bethany-dillon/all-i-need.html]

5) Post a picture of your favorite shoes:)

6) If you could create a new word to put in the dictionary, what would it be?

Cytoplasmic Reticulum! Long story...

7) Are you a rush, rush, rush kinda person, or do you stop and smell the roses?

Depends on how much I have to get done. But I do enjoy stopping and smelling the roses. :)

8) When you meet Jesus, what's the first thing you want to do?

Bow down at His feet and thank Him!

Now, I'm going to post my eight questions for you to do!

1) Are you a "talk on the phone" person or an email/texting kind of person?

2) Post the lyrics to your favorite song.

3) If you could re-live any day in your entire life, what would it be?

4) If you were the ruler of a desert island what would you do to get people to come live there?

5) What is your favorite book of the Bible?

6) Where is your favorite place to be in the entire world?

7) If you could do anything you wanted for one whole day, what would it be?

8) What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

And for this one, I tag...whoever wants to! :)

And the second tag comes from Emily @ Ramblings of Emily Rose! Thanks!

I know, I'm horrible. She tagged me, like, in August, and I completely forgot about it! Sorry, Emily!!!

Here we go!

Here's the rules:

1. Write down the following, snap a picture (or scan the document), post it, and tag others.

2. Name/Blog name

3. right handed, left handed or both

4. Favorite letters to write

5. least favorite letters to write

6. Write: the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

7. Write in caps: CRAB HUMOR KALEIDOSCOPE PAJAMAS GAZILLION

8. Favorite song lyrics

9. Tag 7 people

10. Any special note or drawing

Later!

Buttercup