Encouraging song

Love this song. Edifying and comforting. 

The Recent Uproar In Ferguson, Missouri

As we wait to find out what really took place, we, Christians need to be renewing our minds.

Here are a couple verses to meditate on.

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

Romans 13:1-7
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Let us also keep in mind that hating authority figures is rooted in the fall of mankind. Whether it's God, governments, our parents, or even...hmm...cops. We are wired to rebel against and despise those who rule over us or enforce rules. In light of this ongoing tragedy in Ferguson let us consider these truths lest we come to despise the authorities God has put in place purposely to mimic His own rule. And when they do not mimic Him, exhort them peaceably and pray all the more earnestly.

Don't let racial injustice or speculated racial injustice cause you to sin. The white man doesn't want to kill you...Satan does. Know the real enemy...and know that He is a defeated enemy and find your resolve in his conqueror, Jesus Christ.

Because when we despise them...we despise Him.

God Bless you all.

2 weeks to go!

 

Baby Girl is almost here! It's been an extremely hard pregnancy and now, we are being pressured to have her by 39 weeks or they'll give us a repeat C-Section. Praying hard and Waiting on the Lord. May He have His way and be Glorified. We can't wait to hold her in our arms.

True Joy

Are you frustrated? Utterly discouraged because of how life is going? What did you expect? Did you believe the lie that life was all about you and your desires? ?Yes nowadays we are taught to indulge, be "ourselves" 

(whatever that means) seek pleasure at all cost but is that really what life is all about? Is it really pleasurable to live in such a manner or does living this way just rob us of joy? Being sinful, indulging in what seems pleasurable to us and seeking to fulfill our own desires only leads to sin and sin to death. So how are we to live then? The Westminster Shorter Catechism puts it simply 

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? 

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

So What is the point of life? How are we to live you ask? Scripture tells us that we ought to live for the glory of God. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) Instead of seeing all things through the lenses of whether or not whatever we are thinking about doing will be pleasurable for us, we ought to ask instead whether whatever we're considering doing pleases the Lord and will bring Him the most Glory. 

Life is hard, we live in a fallen world. We are constantly met with disappointments. We cannot live for the "pleasures" in  this life. Things in this life are fleeting and passing away. We must set our gaze on Christ and the things above. When we are self absorbed not only are we in sin but we rob ourselves of joy.

R.C. Sproul wrote a book Titled Can I Have Joy in My Life? in it he writes: "The enticement of sin is that we think it will make us happy. We think it will give us joy and personal fulfillment. But it merely gives us guilt, which undermines and destroys authentic joy."

This book has really helped me in my walk. It was extremely difficult for me to transition from living for my own pleasures to living for the Lord and finding my Joy in Him. The Lord has used this book to put everything in perspective for me and teach me to imitate Christ and lay down my life for others not to mention live to do the Will of my Father in heaven rather than doing my own will and whatever I perceive will bring me joy in this life.

Download for Free HERE

Come And Rest in Me

A Poem from one of my favorite poets in the entire WORLD! ^_^

Why doth thou despair?

Dost thou loveth thy life too much?  Why hast thou not found Me sweeter than all life... CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING --->Living In Light Of Eternity: Come And Rest in Me: By Tyrell L. Samuels

Happy Birthday Jim Bob Duggar!

Today we're thanking God for the life of Jim Bob Duggar. My husband and I really admire him and have learned so much from him. We're thankful to the Lord for his life and the way God has used him to show young couples like us who didn't grow up in Christian homes what a christian home looks like. He has taught us the importance of training ourselves in Godliness, the importance of Family devotions and so much more. May the Lord Bless him and Michelle with many more years to glorify Him and teach us what it means to be a christian couple that seeks to glorify the Lord in all things.

With Just One Click

This is a bit different.

I just wanted to ask you all to check out this short essay from a young man that is very dear to our hearts. He is the Grace Brethren Christian School valedictorian for the year 2014. With Just one click you can help him win this scholarship to attend Maryland University College Park in the Fall. Please take the time to vote today. Vote for Isaiah please. Thank you all!

 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Almost 3 years!

I am looking forward to celebrating 3 years of marriage to my best friend. The Lord has been so gracious and faithful. I've learned so much about God's Character through our trials and I wouldn't have things any other way. I am in awe watching my husband go off to work daily and provide for our family. Seeing how God sustains him and gives him strength to head out daily and glorify him at work. Some of you may or may not know what the Lord saved my husband from but no one could have predicted his future. He wasn't suppose to be here, he should still be in a hospital somewhere drugged and away from society. But he is here! Redeemed and in his right mind! Leading our family, providing, praying for us and teaching us about this Great God that makes it possible for him to breathe daily. Glory to God!!! We have seen him at his lowest, body shutting down from a panic attack and yet reciting bible verses and worshiping God regardless. What a man! What a God! What an honor it has been to follow my husband as he depends on our Great God daily. I admire my husband so much. He has been such a gift to me. A real Christian man weak in nature but depending on a strong and mighty God for EVERYTHING and teaching his family to do the same. I pray the Lord blesses us with many children and the means to provide for them. I hope that the Lord enables us to teach our children about our Lord and how holy He is, how wretched we are and the mighty work that was done on the cross. We married young and barely had anything but the Lord has kept us and graciously showered us with His love, children and much more! We serve a mighty God. As we approach 3 years of marriage, I look forward to learning more about our Great God and of course being conformed into the image of Christ. May the Lord use our marriage to show the beautiful picture of Christ and the church. May He be Glorified!

Battling Unbelief by John Piper

This book is one of my favorites. It was so helpful and really helped me view things from the right perspective. It drove me to my knees and fueled my desire to commune with our Lord. A great read for everyone! You guys should totally read it! :)

The Modesty Issue

Written by my wonderful husband :)

Yesterday, on my way home from work I saw a young dolled up girl with a questionable looking guy at the Branch Ave subway station having sexual intimacy with their clothes on. They groped each other, sat on each others' laps, and mimicked very sexual gestures for at least 20 minutes. They were off some way in the distance from where most of the travelers were seated, but very much in view. In fact, as many walked right pass them there seemed to be no indication that they were embarrassed or even took notice of those walking by.

I immediately thought to myself, "she has no shame." Well, he has no shame either, but that wasn't as surprising. I kept thinking, "She doesn't even understand how she's degrading her self...or how she's being degraded. This guy is basically parading her around as a whore...in public...in broad daylight. At least cover your shame" I thought to myself.

God's word tells me not to marvel, not to even look on such wickedness, though I found it hard not to be captivated by such a sight.

Before I was too deep in my own self-righteousness I was reminded of myself when I was a teenager...doing the very same things...in public even. I was no stranger to this and yet I couldn't help but wonder why this young girl was so ignorant, so careless of her own dignity. I mean, I do understand of course, how sin blinds, how sin doesn't actually make any sense, how when we become so deep in sin we are oblivious to how foolish it makes us look...even as one person noted that sin is "self inflicted nonsense" Yes, I know these things but I'm always surprised.

This guy was disgracing her in public...AND SHE WOULD PREFER IT THAT WAY.

You know, it's fitting that I should talk about the modesty issues that plague the church right now. It's really no strange thing that unbelievers would be so immodest in their conduct but when we have professing Christians engaging in such conduct or "wearing" the part is an entirely different thing. This girl was merely behaving as a prostitute. Is this not what a girl does when she dresses in clothing that brings attention to her body and not her character?

We live in a culture that prizes beauty and self-esteem. We find our value in how we look and appear to others. (HOW CHEAP). If we do not fit the image of the media woman then we are not confident in who we are. Instead of finding one's confidence in what Christ has done for us, we'd rather place that confidence in how we look. Christian women are caught in a stronghold here. Where scripture tells us ""Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised"(Proverbs 31:30), women would rather be praised for their good looks or their sexy clothing. And then other professing believers, some even in ministry would come along side them and praise them. THIS IS COMPLETELY BACKWARDS!

In our generation, what was considered ONLY the attire of a prostitute is now everyday wear. What was considered underclothes is now the casual bathing suit. Women find their glory in looking skinny, sexy, and showing off skin. Does not scripture tell women to find their glory in godliness?

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious." (1 Peter 3:3, 4)

Sisters, are you disgracing yourself in what you wear just like that young woman I mentioned earlier?

"likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." (1 Timothy 2:9, 10)

"And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home; now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait. She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him,

With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him.

Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death." (Proverbs 7:10-13, 21, 25-27)

Are you dressing like the women who lead men to Hell? Let it not be so...let this not be said of you.

HUSBANDS!!! IS THIS YOUR WIFE??? Are you loving your wives? Are you caring for her purity on facebook and Instagram? Are you protecting her honor by not allowing her to post scandalous photos of herself? Or are you standing right next to her in those photos as she flirts with your brothers through her clothing...as she leads them down to Sheol? Are you smiling and liking her photos as many men also take delight in her?

Tips for New Parents from Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

I just bumped into this on the TLC Website.

10. Parenting brings some of the greatest joys in life, but it will also keep you on your knees in prayer.

9. Keep dating each other, even after you have children. The stronger your marriage is, the closer your family will be.

8. Don't be a perfectionist, military drill sergeant to your children. Praise your children ten times more than you correct them.

7. Your children will learn more from what you do than what you say! Lead by example.

6. Realize each one of us makes mistakes everyday and we must be willing to quickly humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness and make things right.

5. Hold everyone lovingly accountable. Gently respond when anyone speaks with sharp words, harshness or anger and make them aware of their tone.

4. Don't be self-centered or put others down. Concentrate on talking with a soft tone and showing acts of kindness to each other.

3. Turn off the computer, TV, and video games and spend time together as a family looking for opportunities to invest in the lives of others in need.

2. You will never regret spending too much time together. Make fun memories; enjoy the time you have with your children because they grow up fast!

1. True success will come as you love God and treat others as you would like to be treated.

Modest, Feminine Dressing for the Plus Size Woman

This Blog post by Jacqueline was super helpful!!!

Definitely check it out!

Modest, Feminine Dressing for the Plus Size Woman





       

Beautiful and Modest Outfits

I was online researching for modest apparel this morning and found a few more sites! Here you go guys ^_^

http://www.shabbyapple.com/ a bit pricey but here are some pictures of what they sell there.


http://putsomethingon.com/index.php/

http://www.jcpenney.com/ (Super Great Prices!) Great Sale going on!

http://www.womanwithin.com/

http://www.4evermodestapparel.com/ (Great Prices!!!)

http://www.expressiva.com/ (If you are nursing a baby you totally should check this out. It's pretty neat)

http://www.seraphine.com/us/

http://oldnavy.gap.com/ (Great Prices!!!)

Anger Anyone???

This weekend was very difficult for my husband and I. We had a huge argument. By God's grace my husband realized he was wrong and like the wonderful God-fearing man that he is, he came back to me and apologized. I listened to him but was too angry to be grateful. I lost my temper during the argument, bruised my right hand and raised my voice. I was angry because I lost control and I was also angry because I felt like I was a horrible witness for the Lord in the apartment complex that we live in. This was Friday night. Saturday night, my husband opened his precious heart to me and told me something I didn't like and I was so upset that I went downstairs to our living room and pretty much cried, prayed and listened to sermons on God's Character until I was calm. It was an extremely humbling weekend and my eyes still burn from all the tears. This is horrible please pray that the Lord would help you not to do what I did Friday and Saturday. Continuing in such a pattern would only create a hostile environment in your marriage and cause your spouse not to open up. My husband can be very gracious and he knew about my anger issues before marrying me and so he tries to long-suffering and help me find better ways to express myself. I'm so thankful for how patient he is. I've never had someone slow me down and help me evaluate why I'm getting angry and what I want to articulate. I know this probably sounds silly but this is one of the many ways the Lord is using my marriage to sanctify me and help me.

A little Background
Growing up, I've always had an anger problem. In my teenage years, I struggled with depression, suicidal thoughts and occasionally hurt myself physically when I was upset. My parents had an extremely hard time having children so when the Lord opened my mother's womb everyone was happy. When she gave birth to me though painful she was overjoyed. My brother who is 5 years older than me loved his little sister and was always very protective. My dad along with my mother covered me attention and affection. I rarely didn't get what I wanted. I was and still am a horrible sinner. I cried all the time (so much so that they would tease me and call me a cry baby), I demanded my way and when I didn't get it, I screamed until I did. All my issues as a teenager came from the fact that I was a murderer at heart, who wants to rule and control everyone. I yearned for constant affirmation, affection and service. Without those things I felt unloved and wanted to destroy everyone including myself. I didn't know or understand how to live without these things. After becoming a believer at 18, I still struggled horribly. I was no longer screaming until I got what I wanted but would lose my temper, yell and say things that would scar others. Salvation made the war in my members more real. I realized that I was not in control and that I desperately needed the Lord to rescue me. It is only through surrender to Jesus as LORD that I am set free. This is still very hard today but I definitely see God's hand and I'm humbled and brought back to reality when I fail. Whatever good I am able to do as a Christian it is only by His grace. I know how depraved I am and I war in my members daily. Today I just want to praise God for dying on the cross and making salvation available to those who would believe and call upon His name. I think Him for drawing me to Himself and suffering long with me and working in me. I clearly deserve nothing but His wrath and yet he gives me life time and time again. What a Savior! What a God! Who can love like that?


Praise be to God my husband and I are fine now. I'm so thankful that the Lord broke my heart, humbled me and helped me to forgive my husband and not be bitter. Glory to God!

Psalm 130: 3-8

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
    O Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness,
    that you may be feared.

 
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord
    more than watchmen for the morning,
    more than watchmen for the morning.
 
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
    For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
    and with him is plentiful redemption.

And he will redeem Israel
    from all his iniquities.

Bible Study Tools

"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;" 1 Timothy 4:7

Do you have questions about marriage?

Do you want to understand what the gospel is?

Do you have questions about God's Character?

DesiringGod.org is a wonderful website that can help you understand the bible better

Here's a little video for some more information on what you will find on the site

How Past Sexual Abuse Has Affected Intimacy In My Marriage

I just read an article titled "How Past Sexual Abuse Has Affected Intimacy In My Marriage" and it was so helpful. As some of you may know, my past before marriage was filled with different types of sexual assaults from rape to unwanted touching. My first assault was done when I was only 3 or 4 and the last was only 2 years before meeting my now wonderful husband and that one was the worse one ever and I have yet to heal fully from what happened. Yes, both my past and my husband's past has greatly affected our marriage but our Lord is great and continuing the work he began in us both. The Elders at our church are aware of our struggles and pray for us, we also pray for and with each other.  This little paragraph pretty much sums up my biggest struggle She says: "I still struggle with fear of failure, of expectation. In my own mind, if I feel that I am supposed to deliver on demand or that a romantic dinner is going to automatically lead to an exciting night of intimacy, I psych myself out. Instantly I am not the one in control and my fears are triggered again. There is a lack of trust within me that affects not only my intimate relationship with my husband, but also with God." But I am encouraged for I know that the other statement she made in this article is true and that is that "God wants us to be free. Free to experience intimacy in our relationship with our husbands, and that our enemy desperately wants to prevent this from happening."

Be of Good Courage and do not lose hope if you are in a similar circumstance. We are still wrestling with a few things but we definitely see God's hand working and healing.

To Read the Actual article CLICK HERE

Jill Duggar is Engaged to Derick Dillard!!!!

PRAISE GOD! THIS IS EXCITING NEWS! GOD BLESS THOSE TWO!

Creamy Italian Chicken

I found this recipe on This Blog Page and wanted to share it with you guys =)

Ingredients:

2-4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese (let sit out to soften)

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 pkg. italian dressing seasoning (the dried kind in the packet)

rice

Stir the cream cheese, cream of chicken, and seasoning together in the crock-pot. Put the chicken in. No thawing necessary. Leave it for 4-6 hours on high and cut into pieces when ready =)

cook the rice in a pot and cover with the chicken mixture

I made this on Wednesday and it was VERY GOOD! ^_^ 

Moore Family Films

I am so excited about these DVDs!!! I can't wait to buy some and watch them. I'll be sure to update you all as my husband and I look into these DVDs. Feel free to check out the trailers for yourselves below =)

CLICK HERE

Pasta Night! ^_^

Today is Monday and it's Pasta Night at our house =) I am so excited about Dinner.

Tonight I'll be making Spaghetti with Ground turkey. It's pretty Simple and Quick. I'll also be making some Pillsbury biscuits to serve on the side.

This is all I'll need

ground turkey (I prefer the Italian Seasoned variety)

Tomato sauce

Dried Italian herbs

Basil

Oregano (maybe) 

1/2 box of spaghetti

Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat 

Add a little bit of olive oil to the water to prevent spaghetti from sticking to each other

When the water Boils

Add Pasta and cook it according to the package

While That's taking place grab a large sauce pan or skillet (I usually use the skillet)

Cook ground turkey over medium high heat. 

Once meat is cooked, drain off fat

Add in tomato sauce (I'll be using 

Ten add whatever seasoning you like and adjust seasoning to taste.

Some seasoning ideas would be onion flakes, garlic powder, Italian herbs, basil. Let simmer while pasta finishes cooking. 

Drain pasta 

Serve with meat sauce on top =)

Things go so much smoother when I meal Plan.

Websites for Modest Apparel

One of my dear friends bumped into Erica's Blog page a couple days ago and shared it with me. Erica recently wrote an extremely helpful article on Modesty which included websites to purchase modest clothing!!!! I just had to share. I cannot wait to buy a few skirts, shirts and etc...

Here's the List she wrote but please take some time to read her entry. She covered a whole lot in it.

New Creation Apparel – long skirts, and maternity long skirts!

Meant To Be Modest – skirts ($10-17), bathing attire ($40-70).

Katies Mercantile – lots of things.

Ringger Clothing – dresses & jumpers ($50 average).

Practically Pretty Design – Nice quality, girls’ dresses $45.

Jumpin Bloomers -- ($12-16 each); nightgowns ($15-21 each); FREE shipping!

Works Of The Heart -- This appears to have great quality, too (seems finished with overlock serger) and has cute styles ($35/dress or so).

Hannah Lise -- Jumpers ($21), Dresses ($52-64) pretty & long.

April Cornell -- Dresses $54 each, but modest and pretty (I've heard a rumor that they're going out of business?)

Target – leggings ($6.99).

Laina Line -- Bloomers ($16-$22), and a few dresses.

Hanna Andersson -- Bloomers ($18); other dresses $42+ each.

Lands End -- Girls' Cap-Sleeve knit Jersey Dresses ($19.50)

The Kings Daughters -- Well made (seems finished with overlock serger), long, wide variety of dresses, pinafores, jumpers, slips, aprons, variety of fabrics to choose from ($29-39/piece -- mostly $30).  We've used this just for our younger girls sometimes.

Lilies Apparel – High quality, beautiful, huge selection of styles and fabrics, similar prices to above site, everything from dresses, maternity, jumpers, bloomers, socks, etc.  You can order their catalog to be sent to you.

Large Families on Purpose: Modest Dress: The Heart of the Issue Surrounding C...: Our family had always tried to dressed as modestly as we could in our pants, however I wondered why some Christian families had all of thei... READ MORE

Learning more about Modesty

So much has changed since our wedding day! There were things I use to wear that I can no longer wear because my body type has changed due to pregnancy. I've been praying and seeking God's word on what style of dress for me would glorify Him the most. My convictions are growing and changing. I'm learning so much about myself, my body type and God's will revealed through His word. Before I share what my current convictions are for how I feel the Lord desires for me to dress.

What do you do when your body type completely changes and 90% of the things you use to wear are now form fitting or draw more attention to your curves rather than your face?

It's been such a long journey. I'm still learning but wanted to share the little that I've learned so far.

My husband has also been a huge blessing through this process. His feedback on the many things I tried were very helpful.

So far, I've learned that Long Skirts are the best way to go 

The issues I ran into with the knee length skirts were that sometimes the front of the skirt would be way longer than the back due to now having curves. When I wear long skirts I don't have to worry about my skirt rising in the back or anything like that.

I've always worn Jeans growing up but if I must, I have to make sure I have a cardigan long enough to cover in the back. My husband absolutely loves it when I wear skirts so my ultimate plan to Lord willing one day only wear skirts. I just need to learn how to properly wear long skirts in the winter and what combinations I can pull off.

I use to think that I NEEDED to wear pants to be functional but I've also learned that I can do so many things in a skirt! I spent this past summer wearing skirts only and I managed to play various sports with my husband and really have a good time. I didn't have to be concerned when I had to bend over and pick something up or pull down on a cardigan every now and then to make sure I'm covered. It was freeing and I absolutely loved it  :) 

I'm looking forward to next winter to attempt to put various combinations together and glorify the Lord and serve my husband and the church by the way I dress. 

Here are a few quotes and bible verses that encourage/convict me and help me on this journey.

"Dress appropriately, modestly, and not to entice or flaunt." -John Piper

1 Timothy 2:8-10

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

"Women should dress in such a way that they draw men's attention towards their eyes, their face, and not towards the other parts of their bodies." -John Piper

"Clothes are not meant to make people think about what is under them." -John Piper

1 Peter 3:1-4 ESV / 59 helpful votes

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

“Modesty means propriety. It means avoiding clothes and adornment that are extravagant or sexually enticing. Modesty is humility expressed in dress. It’s a desire to serve others, particularly men, by not promoting or provoking sensuality.” -C. J. Mahaney

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / 44 helpful votes

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

May the Lord give you wisdom and keep you as you seek to glorify Him in the way you dress. 

God Bless!  

New Apartment =)

Hello Friends,

As you all know, March 1st was supposed to be our last day in the condo and on February 28th we got a phone call from a complex we were praying about that we were approved for a 2 bedroom duplex in a much better neighborhood. March 1st we spent the day moving out.

By the Grace of God, we were able to schedule a moving company and we are now living in our marvelous 2 bedroom duplex apartment. Thank you all for praying for us and encouraging us.

Our little boy loves his bedroom and sleeps through the night. I (Marie) am 18 weeks pregnant now and we find out baby#2's gender April 3rd! We're extremely excited and so is Aidenn. He is going to be a big brother. Praise God!

I hope you all have a marvelous weekend.

God bless!

Self-Discipline by Steven Lawson

This Article was extremely convicting and edifying.

http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/self-discipline/

Moving Again

In June of 2013 we (the Samuels) moved from our tiny basement apartment in Takoma Park, MD to a spacious 1 bedroom apartment in Temple Hills, MD. It's called LynnHill Condominiums, and we are currently renting the condo from an owner. We knew when we moved into this building that it was pretty dilapidated due to owners not paying their condo fees. We live on the 6th floor and the elevator does not work. This has been a consistent challenge for us. Along with our water being cut off regularly, pest infestations and rampant prostitution and drug use happening on our very floor. We considered our stay a blessing since our rent was very cheap. Now however, God seems to be bringing judgement on the condominiums. The WSSC has ordered our water be cut off on March 1st due to unpaid water account charges from the Condo owners over $100,000. As a consequence the Condos will be considered unfit for human habitation and all owners/tenants will be ordered to vacate immediately. We received this letter on Monday, February 10th. 

We need to move by March 1st and are looking for any leads in the DC metropolitan area (but particularly somewhere close to Alexandria/Arlington, VA since that's where I (Tyrell) work, somewhere like southern PG County for example would be great). By God's grace I make a little extra change and we can probably afford something up to the $1100 mark...though that might be pushing it. $900-$1000 would be ideal. We'd love a two bedroom apt but may have to settle for a one bedroom temporarily. If you know any condo owners who are renting that would be great too since rent usually goes up in typical Apartment complexes. If you don't have any leads, your prayers are greatly appreciated in this time. Currently, we are set to visit three apts on Saturday Feb 15th but I'm not too hopeful for any of them. 

Though this is tragic. We are encouraged by God's sovereignty. Marie is pregnant with our second child and going up and down the steps are becoming increasingly difficult especially with having to carry a one year old. Though our place was renovated and a fairly nice apt, losing hot water and noticing we weren't "alone" anymore (hint hint) in our place we began considering to move. This was dicey though since our lease isn't up til June. Now God is definitely telling us to leave and He is making a way for us to do it. 

We have two weeks to find another place to live. Until our next post help us pray that all goes well with the apartment search and especially the apartment we applied for Feb 16th.

God Bless you all!

Tyrell, Marie, Aidenn and our unborn one :)

Five Lies About Your Body

I just read a great article written by Jen Wilkin on the Gospel Coalition Website and I just had to share it again!

"How we view our bodies will determine whether our plans to change them are God-honoring or self-elevating. Do we see our bodies the way our Maker does?"

Lie #1: Your body is decorative. Truth: Your body is useful.

Lie #2: Your body's appearance is flawed but fixable. Truth: Your body's appearance is designed by God.

Lie #3: Your body is a source of power. Truth: Your body has a set of limits.

Lie #4: Your body is yours. Truth: Your body is not yours.

Lie #5: Transforming the outside will fix the inside. Truth: Transforming the inside will make peace with the outside.

... Read More

Check out her Blog Page =)

"Because you were bought with a price, all decisions about and behaviors toward your body must be run through a filter: "Does this glorify God in my body?"

Modesty For Men

We hear a lot of talk nowadays when it comes to young ladies and dressing modestly but not enough about men. What is modesty? Let's go to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. It defines modesty as the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities and as the quality of behaving and especially dressing in ways that do not attract sexual attention. Now it's time to examine ourselves. When dressing up to head out, let's examine our thoughts. Are we fixing ourselves up in such a way to receive attention and praise when we head out? or even worst are we purposing to attract sexual attention by the way we dress? 

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (NKJV)

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: 

that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.