New blog-Lydia

I want to let all of you know, that I have added a new blog to my blogging list. It's this new young lady Lydia, a girl like us who strives to be pure before the perfect and holy God! Give her blog a view and tell her how beautiful and wonderful it is! Praise the Lord for more young ladies like this. Our world sure needs it!

http://daybyday-lydia.blogspot.com/

Pray for the ones in need!

I'm sorry y'all! I've been just so busy that posting on my blog isn't part of my life lately. I'm telling ya, being a Junior this year really holds you back for some hours! Anyways, my post isn't about my school life! :)

I was thinking today (like usual), how my mom always told me from little on, perhaps when I was 5 or 6 how the power of prayer works and how to use it everywhere no matter knowing the person or not. This is what she has taught me, "Vanessa, whenever you hear an ambulance, voice a 5 second prayer in your mind for that person, that the Lord will be on his/her side and that if they are not saved that either the doctor or nurse will be the witness to this lost soul." Sure enough, I do keep that statement in mind whenever one passes by, (believe me, you'll notice how often it happens).

1. Whenever you hear an ambulance siren, say a prayer for the person inside!

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up... James 5:15 (a)

That's all have for now. May the Lord be with all of you, keep strong, press forward, and pure before the eyes of the Lord. Have a blessed week and a joyous day!

Press forward!

This has helped me a bunch over the past 2 years when I had to move from my home state, and when going through some difficult times last year. I just thought about sharing this with all of you.

Don't waste time grieving over the past mistakes. Learn from them and move on!

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:14

We have a big impact!

Have you ever had a moment of anger, such anger where you want to really throw it out and make it known? If so, then you know what I'm talking about. I don't mean you have to yell or scream, hit or kick, or use bad language, just having it inside of you and being irritated and standing on the edge of your patience. I can relate to this pretty well when playing the sport of tennis. Sometimes that ball will not get over the net and it'll just barely go high enough. Or if the ball goes onto the other court or if I have a weak backhand and I can hardly get it over the net. My patience really goes low. I want to at times get that racket and wack it on the court. Hey, I know that may sound funny, or a bit rediculous that little Vanessa would really do that, but believe me, I do at times feel that way and want to let all my anger loose! If the racket I use wouldn't be the kind and costly one it is, then I would whack it on the court! However, at times I really do appreciate in a sense that my tennis racket is a great brand and is costly because it forces me from not banging it on the court. You see, even though this is just a sport, but I have a weakness in this area to become angry.

I have realized and have come to the point that my actions speak louder than my words! There are others on these tennis court area playing the exact sport. Now, who knows, they may all be unbelievers or all believers. Or there may be just one unbeliever who has the same anger letting out and being mad at himself and sure is showing it. If this person sees me then he/she might be thinking, "Oh, everyone has this problem of anger, it's considered normal and especially when playing this sport!" Do you see this my friends? Do you clearly see how much of an impact a Christian does have. Even if this person doesn't know that we are believers, but we know, and it is important for us to always act with kindness and being gentle with our actions and words. We could be a light for this person without any of us knowing. This person could then see and be impressed with how we are acting, and therefore God will get the glory, not us. Always remember that!

Anger turns to sin when it is selfishly motivated,when God’s goal is distorted, or when anger is allowed to linger. Notice that anger isn't always sin. Take Ephesians 4:26 as an example: "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath." Psalm 4:4 says, "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." When we give in to anger, we often focus on our own welfare, comfort or happiness. Instead, we should be primarily concerned about other people’s welfare and being a good witness for God.

My friends, for my conclusion I want you all to see and realize that we have a big impact with the way we act and speak. It doesn't have to be tennis which gets you angry, it could be your siblings, parents, best friend, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, whoever and whatever the situation might be. Let us always speak and act pleasing unto the Lord. Anger is of Satan and he uses this tool for us to fall into sin and into an area with which we are weak in. If we know we are weak in a certain area, then ask the Lord to help you and give you the strength to walk out of it. Anger can shatter communication and tear apart relationships, and it ruins both the joy and health of many.

Psalm 37:8: Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

A BIG Thanks!

Hey everyone! I just want to thank you all for taking your precious time and visiting my blog. Also, even if I have some "invisible" viewers, I just want to take the moment and thank you for visiting. For all of you who have left numerous comments I really appreciate it! I like to thank Allison on Letter From Christ for coming to my blog and often saying, "Thanks for the encouragement!" That is very nice to know that there is some 'help' in my words and posts! There has been so many visitors that I can't even think where to begin. Kalani on Unhidden Light, Emily on Emily's Rabbit Blog (she left a comment on my post 9/2/08...thanks:), Paige on Paige's Page, Samantha, and my best friend Erica who has been leaving comments as anonymous! Noelle as you visited my blog this past weekend, and Lacy on A Godly Maiden. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I know there are many more and my thanks are to all of you.

With Love, Nessa

School is in Session!

My, my, my! School is actually here. I have completed my first day of being a Junior. Do I feel any different? Nah, not physically, but I sure do mentally! I'm more smarter today than yesterday, isn't that right, learning everyday! Even though I sometimes still use the words, 'y'all' and 'ain't', that's just my Texan tongue. Once a Texan, always a Texan! Anyways, I'm talking about school here, not my past. Since I was a very young child I have been getting up early and starting school early. All of my siblings have. It's the way we have been raised since I have a military father. Those of you who have one know what I mean! :) They are more strict at times and there is a schedule. I wake up at 5:00 and begin school at 6:30. From then on it's study, study, study, and work out the math (as to speak). I end school on average at 2:30. So there you have it, 8 hours of fun!! (just kidding). No, really it's not too bad. It just sometimes gets to me when you have that many hours...! However, this morning as I was doing my quiet time I thought of how blessed I am. The Lord has blessed me with another school year. Giving me a mind which is able to comprehend major high school stuff!

Now, I have completed 1 day and just have 179 more days to go! Yippee! Look at school from a different perspective. Make it a joy! Do everything unto the Lord! Even through all the difficult problems, the Lord is with you! School is tough, I know it!

Have a blessed week!

Change

Hey guys! This is still Maiden of Purity. I just got a whole new layout. I wanted to try something different. That's who I am, trying new things! Let me know what you think about the 'new' background!!

Taking off for a week!

I will not be posting for about a week. I just want all of you to know this because I have to take only these last few days of my summer and spend them wisely. Also, I am being kept busy with preparing for school. I only have one more week and then the business starts up again. I have been going through my books, gathering up school supplies, writing out a lesson plan, and most of all, psyching my mind up! HA HA! Ok, I will be back in perhaps a week, unless something comes up this week which I will want to share. God bless y'all!

The '3' letter word...why!

Have you ever had a moment where you thought, "Lord, why is this incident happening? Why are you allowing this to happen?" I sure have, and am very guilty of sometimes catching myself with asking, "Why, why, why?" Well, let me tell you about the little word 'why.'

When we often say why we are simply meaning, "For what reason?, how so?, how?, how is it that?" And, that little why word is also another way of either complaining, or questioning. We many times don't even realize what that little three lettered word can mean or how much of an impact it can have. Look, let's take another example, let's say, your mom asks you to clean the dishes for lunch, however, without doing it some of us say, "Why mom?" That right there my friends is complaining and questioning her command. Just as I stated in my first paragraph at how many of us come to God when things aren't going the way we want them to be, we come straight at him and say, "Why Father God, why?"


Allow myself to read you a line which my best friend told me when I was going through something I didn't understand. "Vanessa never ask God 'why' He's obviously allowing this incident to happen for a reason! We don't always understand what, but he knows. Nothing passes by the eyes of the Lord, he has a plan in this." Isn't that amazing words of wisdom? When she told me that it was a light bulb inside of my turned on and I awoke. All the times before when something would go on which I wasn't to pleased with, I would, complain to the Lord. When my friend told me this I realized and confessed to God. Everything that goes on in our lives are just a clear sign that the Lord has his hand in it all and is in total control.

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. I Corinthians 10:11

He teaches us through the hardest times and we are not to be murmuring and questioning God why this and that. When incidences happen where we don't always understand it is a time where we draw closer to God, because we cleave to him all the more to find the answer!

Draw nigh unto God and he will draw nigh unto you. James 4:8 (a)

Last days of summer :(

Hello everyone. I'm so sorry that I haven't got around and published anything new since August 8th. I have been just enjoying the last few days of summer, and am slowly getting ready for school. We haven't started and won't start for another 2 weeks, however, just writing out a lesson plan, and getting all my books together, and going over some new ones. I'm getting a little bit excited, but can't believe summer is about over! Fall will be here in a month and then, oh no, the long cold winter months. Especially where I live, you get about 5-6 months of cold, snowy weather. Well, it's still some months away!

This Sunday at church my family and I recited for the first time, Psalm 1 by heart! I was so amazed and very excited that we achieved this task. I know Psalm 1 is only 6 verses, but hey, it was a start, and as for my mom and dad, we need to go slow on them at first. :) We are working on Psalm 100 for the next time. You see, each month (third Sunday of every month) our church has what we call a, hymn sing. It's where we play hymns on piano or guitar, then our pastor reads scripture and allows a few moments of silence for the Holy Spirit to speak to anyone. Then you can either recite scripture as an individual, or together with your family. We decided to do it together as a family. However, my dad has challenged my siblings and I to take a chapter in the bible and work on it till the next hymn sing which will be, Sept.21. I have decided to do James 3. It will be a challenge, however, it's kind of motivating to do because you feel as you have achieved a great accomplishment. And you have! It's a great reward!

Oh, one quick thing before I go. As I was out and about last week, I saw a bumper sticker on a car, this is what it said. "God hears knee-mail!"

DON'T take the BAIT!

I got this book by Nancy Leigh Demoss and Dannah Gresh for my birthday. It's titled, 'Lies Young Women Believe.' I want to take a moment and share something out of that book what I learned this morning while doing my quiet time, take a look at these four powerful paragraphs. I recommend this book for any young lady. It is a big eye opener. Not everything, but a lot of things!

If you've ever gone fishing, you know that you won't catch anything if all you do is throw an empty hook in the water. Fish are smarter than that. If you want to catch a fish, you have to put some kind of bait on your hook.

Satan's lies are the bait he uses to catch us. James 1:14-15 exposes the tactics Satan uses to ensare us. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn 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."

Satan takes the things you desire and promises to fulfill those desires if you will simply reject God and ignore His Word. But he doesn't come right out and say. "Reject God and ignore His Word. " Instead, he convinces you that doing something just once won't really hurt anything. Or that other people are finding happiness when that reject God. "And after all," he hisses, "doesn't God want you to be happy?"

When you take the bait, you've given birth to sin. Satan's goal is to use your sin to destroy you. John 10:10 says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." So, the next time you're tempted to do something you know you shouldn't do, remember-there's a hook waiting for you. Don't take the bait!

My birthday!

It's my birthday! Yes, my 16th! I can't imagine that I'm actually 16 years old! I remember when I was always about 8 or so I'd try to think and just wonder how I'd be like when I'm 16. Well, life went by without even realizing and I'm there now. It's amazing, God has given 15 wonderful years. I'm healthy, blessed, have a awesome family, and an amazing best friend!

As I start my new year, I pray that the Lord will bless me with wisdom, courage, strength, and love. I have had a great 15 years of my life. Each day I learned something new. My fifteenth year was great. I really came closer to the Lord and learned to totally rely upon him in ALL things. I endured trials and hardships, and as well as joyful moments. Times where I didn't want it to end. I was blessed to see my God, seeing him work through my life and through the lives of others. It was wonderful to just watch as I prayed for a request and see the Lord fulfill it slowly by slowly.

I have an amazing family. Parents who are always there for me when I need them most. My dad and mom are the ones who have taught me the ways of the Lord. They directed me when I was younger, with love, patience, and joy. They have been the ones who encouraged me when I was down, they brought me up in the way of the Lord. I wouldn't be where I am right now if it weren't for my parents. I have a mom who knows me in and out. She is a powerful praying woman, praying for the ways of her children. She has directed me in wisdom and love when I need it the most. My dad has provided such a wonderful love for me. He has never missed my birthday, and always made it possible to come home from work. As I celebrate my sixteenth birthday he is out of town on a business trip, however. This is the first time, and he sure doesn't like it. He has corrected me when I have sinned and has turned me from the way of sinners. He has been my shield and protector. I feel safe in my father and love him dearly. His funny humor brings me up when I'm down. Thank you mom and dad for being in my life, for leading me, and for raising me up to become a godly lady. I love you both!

My siblings are the ones who I couldn't imagine life without. We have laughed endless hours, talked, and fought. They never ignore me, and always are there for me. I pray for you guys daily, and am so blessed that we are still all together. Marc, as you are approaching 19, I'm very happy that you still are with us. That you haven't left this house yet, I love to talk to you at night, and am blessed for the brother I have! Alec, and Noah, you guys are something else. Making me laugh 24/7 and are always there when I need you guys. Continue to stay the cute little boys, and always remember the relationship with have as siblings. Izzy, my sister, I love you, you little thing. Thanks for making my life wonderful. You are my sister, and my love! I cannot believe that we are all growing up. I wish and pray to God that we will all live together. In a reasonable distance. I don't want to live without my four wonderful siblings, and my lovely parents. I need God, my family, my grandparents, and my best friend and that's all. I have been blessed with amazing siblings, a godly, caring, loving family. I love you guys so very much, my siblings, my best siblings!!

Now, my best friend. Erica, I want to thank you for the friendship you have given me. The wonderful times we have had, the long conversations, and the encouragement you give me. You correct me when I have wronged, and have been there from me at all times. I feel like you are no longer a friend, but a sister. A dear sister to my heart, one whom I can talk about anything! You are the best friend, a friend anyone needs to have. You are a true friend, a sister in heart. You even called me at 12:27 AM the time I was born and wished me a happy birthday this early morning. You have taught me and showed me the ways of the Lord. Erica, I love you!

I can say more, to my family and friend, but it would be a very long post. I have had a blessed year, and pray for another wonderful year to come. My sixteenth year will be following after the Lord! I want this year to be even better than last years, to have a closer relationship with my God, and with each of my family members. Thank you guys for everything!