Last Post Of 2011

The New Year is nearly upon us. Scary right?

My year has been full to overflowing. First with more teaching at co-op, play, cross stitching, baking, taking care of a neighbor, cleaning, writing, sewing, traveling, blogging, play writing, family stuff, and volunteering. Yes, for me it has been a full, crazy, wonderful year.

As I look ahead to the coming year I’m excited at what is coming. There are always new projects to get done, stories to be written, new mountains to climb.

As I dive into a new year of ministry, I look forward to exploring new horizons and sharing it with all of you.    

Merry Christmas

I hope that you are having a great Christmas.

I know that I'm having a great time with my family and enjoying some time off.

Let's enjoy the day and enjoy the last little bit of the Christmas season.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.



Scheduled post.

Emmanuel

By Rose H.

It’s Christmas Eve. About this time we are putting the final touches on our Christmas preparations and getting excited about tomorrow. It’s a fun time of year.

At Christmas time we celebrate, God coming down and making Himself one of us. It struck me with new force this evening that over two – thousand years ago, the thought that God would come down was insane. God, in their minds, lived up in heaven only available to the priests. They (sometimes) followed His rules, but lived without much hope of a better future.

Source

It dawned on me that when God came down that night as a baby, He was Emmanuel. God with us. God living among us. God in us. Now instead of being cloistered in heaven, God is among us. We get to know a whole new part of God. We get to talk to Him all the time. We get to feel His presents. We get to come to Him with all our problems. God is with us, living in us, working though us, loving us. Emmanuel.

I know that things can get stressful in this life. Things get crazy, schedules fill up, and we wonder what we want guidance in the midst of it. Just remember that He is Emmanuel. God with us. No matter what we are going through, we can make it with God’s help.

Source

God With Us by Amy Grant

The skies don't seem to be as dark as usual
The stars seem brighter than they've been before
And deep within I feel my soul is stirring
As though my hope has been restored

The shepherds say they've heard the voice of angels
Confirming rumors spread across the land
That a child protected well from Herod's anger
Is our Father's Son and the Son of Man

Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here I can tell
God is in us
God is for us
God is with us, Emmanuel

He's the savior we have been praying for
In our humble hearts, He will dwell
God is in us
God is for us
God is with us, Emmanuel

I feel compelled to tell all who will listen
That peace on Earth is not so out of reach
If we can find grace and mercy and forgiveness
He has come to say He is all of these

Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here I can tell
God is in us
God is for us
God is with us, Emmanuel

He's the savior we have been praying for
In our humble hearts, He will dwell
God is in us
God is for us
God is with us, Emmanuel

Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here I can tell
God is in us
God is for us
God is with us, Emmanuel

He's the savior we have been praying for
In our humble hearts, He will dwell
God is in us
God is for us
God is with us, Emmanuel

God is in us
God is for us
God is with us, Emmanuel

    

Nativity Time Part 3

This is a paper nativity that I made for a Christmas show and tell one year. 

I gave it to mom for her collection later. 

Nativity Time Part 2

Black and white. One of my favorites.

Nativity Time Part 1

For December I’ve decided to show you all some of the nativities that I make my mom every year for Christmas. I started doing this about five years ago and have made her a nativity each year ever since. 

Black Friday

Wow, thanksgiving 2011 is in the books. Now it's time to do our Christmas planning and shopping.
Normally our family doesn't do much shopping today, but I am looking forward to the new holiday season.
I pray that in the coming weeks God will help me to be able to spread joy and good news wherever I go.
Let's be on the lookout for ways that we can bless others this holiday season. Even if it's just giving a few dollars to a bell ringer, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or spending some extra time with family.

Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to say, Happy Thanksgiving. As you celebrate and spend time with family, remember to thank Him for His many blessings! May God bless you and keep you, Rose

Re-post Baby Surprises

Source

Over the years I’ve known many moms who have had new kids. A new baby is always such a sweet thing. There’s such excitement and anticipation that comes with having a new child. No matter if it’s number 1 or 8, each child is a blessing.

I like doing something special for new moms. While having babies is a joy, it can also be a little stressful making sure that everything gets ready for the baby.

Here are some things that you can do for the new mothers in your life.

1.       Make them a baby blanket.

2.       Put together a new mother basket. Put in things like bath salts, tea, lotions, candles, and other things to help her to relax.

3.       Make them a baby bonnet.  They can use it for the baby’s dedication day.

4.       Offer to go over and clean house. This can be really helpful for mothers who have little kids. Cleaning house and watching kids can be a great blessing.

5.        Make them meals after the birth. While they are recovering, the meals are taken care of. 

The Destiny of A Few Blog Tour!

The wait is almost over! Author Sarah Holman is about to released the long awaited sequel to the Destiny of One!

Watch the trailer HERE 

Continue the journey with Maria as she searches for the crown prince. Yet danger is around every turn. Fighting fears within and enemies without, can Maria overcome all and find what she seeks? Or will it cost her more then she can pay?
Filled with action, page turning suspense, and Bible truths The Destiny of a Few is sure to become one of your favorites!

Sarah H. My sister, is (in my opinion) amazing. She has a deep love for God and family that is inspiring. She makes the lives of everyone she comes into contact with better. She's a great author, but she walks the talk. It's just one of the many reasons I love her.

Check the website for more info on her books and when you can get your copy of the Destiny of a Few!

http://thedestinyofone.com/

AWARDS! FUN!

I got these awards from Rachelle Thank you! <3 One isn't going to cut it, thank you! <3

Okay so I have to say 7 things about myself and pass it along to 15 other bloggers. 

7 Things About Me

1: I love pink. Anything pink (except the combination of  black and pink) I love!

2: I write plays. I've been working on four plays over the year. :) Keeps me busy.

3: I love giving presents to people. It's so fun to watch there faces light up.

4: I love teddy bears. Okay I know it might be considered strange for a 20-year-old to like bears. But they are so cute!

5: I love spiritual audiobooks. The Bible on CD, sermons, books on CD, audio dramas, I love them!

6: Sometimes I get overwhelmed with blogging. Then I remember that there is no blogging police (thank goodness). Then I take a deep breath, and just do what is laid before me. 

7: My favorite scent is rose. LOL Yeah, I get a lot of jokes about that one.

Now to the people that I award these awards to. You have to put these awards on your blog and you have to share 7 things about yourself and then you have to award it to 15 other bloggers. 

Bailey

Ashley

Sarah

Annie

Sarah H.

Angela

All Things Lovely

Paula

Virtuous Girlhood

Lauren Nicole

Lucia

Rebekah

Joanna

Bonnie

All The MOHL Ladies! Love you!

Check this out!

http://raisinghomemakers.com/2011/free-downloadable-crochet-guide-share-homemaking-skills-with-girls-all-over-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-28196

Want to help girls in third world countries crochet? Follow the link to find out how!

One Day...

Just a short thought for your day.
Here we work hard, we give, we pray, we volunteer, we work with our hands. Sometimes it seems like it's one drop in the ocean. That it doesn't do any good.

But one day, when we meet our Savior we will see what we did on earth in a new light. We will see all the good that was accomplished, all the souls touched, and all the joy that we spread. One day we'll see all this and be amazed at all that God did through us. 

For now, press on. Keep looking to Him. Don't give up!

Encouragement Verse

Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for men. Since you know that you will receive from the Lord a reward. - Colossians 3:23

What I've Made 2

I thought that I would share with you some of the projects I've made and then kept for myself. Sometimes it's good to take some time and make something just for you.

Cross Stitching on crocheted canvas

So fun to make!

What I've Made

I thought that I would share with you some of the projects I've made and then kept for myself. Sometimes it's good to take some time and make something just for you.

My Snuggie.

Modeled by my sister Rebekkah.

New Background

I got a new free background thanks to I Love It blog designs. Check it out!

http://iloveitblogdesigns.blogspot.com/

Re-post Ministry Blessing or Burden?

        Have you ever become exhausted while doing ministry? I certainly have Even though God says not to become weary while doing good, I still find myself getting tired as I work on charity projects. I find my heart getting discouraged in the midst of God’s work. Many times I even take my eyes off the reason that I’m doing these things and just focus on getting it done. It becomes one more thing on my to do list.
         Lets face it ministry can become a burden. We can make a preemie baby blanket, but merely to put a check on our list. We can sing in church, but be filling the air with empty notes. We can help out at the nursing home, but be doing it just to get some brownie points. It’s easy to slip into the routine of going through the motions in ministry. But when the heart of ministry is gone, simply going through the motions won’t help. We soon end up tired, weary, and discouraged.
         But take heart, dear sister. We love a God of encouragement. He takes the poor, tired, dry, and burned out children and makes them whole again. He is a God of strength as well as love. He is a God of restoration as well as hope.
         If you feel weary, look to Him. Take time away from ministry to sit with Him and let Him renew you. Take a breath and let God fill you with His strength. When we focus on Him, he will give us all that we need.                  2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. The pretty much covers everything doesn’t it?
         Don’t give up. Take time to seek God. He is with you and will help you.

What I Made

During the Ministry Month Challenge I was so busy making and doing things that I did have time for pictures. But here at last is a picture of what I made during the challenge.

I know it doesn't look like much, but I wasn't able to make things everyday. But I enjoyed challenging myself. I pray that these will be a blessing. 

Have a great day, Rose

The Name

                Homemade Ministry

                It’s been over a year and a half since I started this blog. Wow! Time flies. It’s amazing what God does in your life.

                Yet in all that time I realized I had never done a post on why I decided to call this blog Homemade Ministry.

                As you have noticed I focus on hands on ministries. I love finding out about things that you can do from home, yet still bless others.

                The title is what I try to do every day. I try to make ministry from home (thus the name).

                What about you? What do think of the name?

Ministry Month Challenge: Last Day

Last day of the Ministry Month Challenge. Wow. It's been an amazing month. I'm so thrilled at everything that I was able to do and everything that I got accomplished. '
Now I'll go back to regular posting. I pray that this was a blessing to you and that you were inspired.
God bless and keep you all, Rose

Ministry Month Challenge Day 29

Today I taught at co-op today. Now I'm tired, but I feel good. I love my students. Even though we drive each other nuts sometimes, but we have so fun anyway.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 28

Today I'm going to make a few cards and prepare for co-op tomorrow. Only two days left!

Ministry Month Challenge Day 27

Today I'm going to help edit my sisters book and make a drawstring purse to give away.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 26

Today I'm going to make a preemie baby gown.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 25

Today I'm going to cross stitch on some crocheted canvas and make a small gift. Wow, it's hard to believe that this challenge is almost over.

The finished product!

Ministry Month Challenge Day 24

As usual I take Sundays off so I've scheduled this post. Have a wonderful day of rest!

Ministry Month Challenge Day 23

Today I went with my family and sacked groceries. Hopefully this afternoon I can help my family clean the house and maybe to some writing.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 22

Today I taught at co-op and I'm hoping to get a little bit of writing done.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 21

Today I'm going to crochet another drawstring purse to give as a gift.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 20

Today I'm finishing a chemo cap that I started yesterday (after I finished writing) and maybe I can make a small gift or something. 

Ministry Month Challenge Day 19

Today I'm going to be writing a ton of blog posts and helping my mom in the kitchen. It will be a busy day, but fun.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 18

Today I'm going to be making a small drawstring purse as a gift.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 17

Today I'm taking the day off to rest, spend time with my family, and enjoy some time with God. I don't know what all I'll get done, but I always try to take Sundays off. So see you tomorrow.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 16

Today we went and volunteered at a local food pantry. I'm also making a set of coasters for my gift drawer. FUN!

Ministry Month Challenge Day 15

Today I taught at co-op and I plan to finish a preemie baby shirt. It's been a full fun day.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 14

I was sort of lazy today. I've done some cleaning, cooking, preparing for another day of co-op, answering e-mails, (listening to some fun music) and blog reading. Nothing that I could count for the ministry month challenge. Maybe I'll do something this evening. Anyway I thought that I would write and let you guys know what is going on.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 13

Today I'm making another preemie baby gown. So fun and soft. I was working on it at a friends house and their six year old son comes up and asks me what I'm building. LOL! Kids are the best!

Ministry Month Challenge Day 12

I couldn't do anything big. I spent the day helping Bastrop fire victims. I got to give some people who lost everything in the fire a hug.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 11

Today I finished a preemie baby blanket. I love making these. They are so pretty and soft.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 10

I took the Sunday to remember the attacks of 9/11 and the resilience of our nation.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 9

Today I didn't have time to make anything. My family went to help out some of the fire victims in Bastrop. It was a long full day, but it was so neat to see how many people were stepping up to lend a hand. It was amazing.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 8

Today I did co-op again. It's become an all day thing. But I love it. There are so many people I get to touch with God's love. It's neat.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 7

Today I made some bookmarks to give away. These make great gifts.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 6

Today I went over to an elderly neighbors house and cleaned it for her. It's so neat to hear her stories about the past.
And I'm also hoping to do some writing. I'm hoping to get a short film idea into the computer in the next few hours. I had better get to work. See you tomorrow.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 5

Today I made a crocheted cap for someone with cancer. It's pink and green. Love that combination.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 4

Today I pulled some pre-printed cross stitch canvas and did a little cross stitching on it.
I'm going to take that and make a card out of it to send to someone for Christmas.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 3

Today I made a little baby hat.
I try to ease up for Sundays and take some time off.
But it was fun to make a little something.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 2

Today I'm making a preemie baby gown. It's blue and very easy to make. I love these.

Ministry Month Challenge Day 1

So for day 1 I was pretty busy. I taught at co-op. I'm teaching two classes and assisting in two. It was a little crazy, but I enjoy the people that I get to hang out with and the things that I learn.
Sometimes I wonder why I do it. There's a lot of preparation and things that go into this one day. But then I remember the kids that I get to teach, the families I get to know, and the people that I get to encourage. It makes it all worthwhile.

Ministry Month Challenge!

During the month of September I will be putting another challenge on myself. This time I will be challenging myself to do one thing every day related to ministry. Whether it involves crafting, or working, or giving thing away, I'm going to do one thing every day for someone else.
Each day I will post what I did for you to see (and to keep me accountable to my own challenge).
This should be a busy month, but I'm looking forward to it.
Feel free if you decide to do something similar to send me pictures or a short note about what you are up to. It might end up on the blog.
So here we go!

20 Things For My Birthday

            I used this idea from Rachelle's blog for my birthday. Today I turn 20! Thank you, Rachelle! So here we go …

            

            20 things that I have done ... 

1.        Accepted Christ into my life and let Him take me on an incredible journey of faith and love.

2.       Graduated from homeschool at the top of the class for that year (Actually I was the only one in my graduating class that year).

3.       Taught at a homeschool co-op from 6 months, and a once a month sewing and Bible class with my sister for five years.

4.       Went to Sea World San Antonio, D. C. , the Rookies, Lancaster County, Valley Forge, and traveled a lot in Texas.

5.       Was the in a play! (I love this. I got to act (a big dream of mine) and wear one of those flowing medieval dresses. *sigh* Loved it!)

6.       Had articles published on Meditations of His Love, Virtuous Girlhood, Priceless Jewels, and in countless magazines.

7.       Written four plays and screenplays.

8.       Sang in front of church, in small groups, in a play, and at a small Christian festival.

9.       Made a cross stitched calendar, six cross stitched nativity sets for my mom, hundreds of gifts and small things.

10.   Given away over a hundred crocheted items to charity and friends.

11.   Learned how to make cards and scrapbook.

12.   Volunteered at a local thrift store.

13.   I got to see Natalie Grant and Matthew West in concert.

14.   Learned to sew. It’s still not one of my favorite things, but I know how to do it.

15.   Read through the encyclopedia set, and listen to or read over 300 books.

16.   Became a baker (it was the best hobby I took up).

17.   Learned ASL.

18.   Worked as a cleaning lady for some dear elderly Christian couples. It’s been such a wonderful way to get to know them and serve them.

19.   Started this blog to help girls find ministries and encouragement.

20.   Survived 20 years through my own antics and through my families teasing me about them.

Wow. That sounds like a lot. Now what do I want to accomplish in the next 20 years?

1.       I want to take a trip to the Grand Canyon, Hallstat Austria, and trips to meet my blogging friends.

2.       Hopefully God will bring along Mr. Right, and … you know!

3.       Make one nativity every year for my mom for Christmas. As well as continue to make things for charity.

4.       Continue to write for the blogs that I currently write for and see about getting published in some magazines.

5.       Continue to teach. It’s something that I like doing and I hope and pray that I can continue to teach other girl some of what God has taught me.

6.       Write down the plays and screenplays that I have in my head.

7.       Make a quilt for my bed.

8.       Go on a mission trip with my family.

9.       Mentor other girls and grow lasting friendships with the wonderful friends that God has given to me.

10.   Learn to sing better.

11.   Keep a journal.

12.   Learn to sew better.

13.   Minister to the elderly.

14.   Make a crocheted blanket that has cross stitching on it.

15.   Learn more about gardening, baking, history, and nature.

16.   Form closer friendships with my family.

17.   Read another 200 books.

18.   Be content wherever I am.

19.   See what else God has in store for me.

20.   Become closer to my Savior.  

A Month of Poems : Widen My Vision

God, open my eyes to I may see

And feel your presence close to me.

Give me strength for my stumbling feet

As I battle the crowd on life’s busy street,

And widen the vision of my unseeing eyes

So in passing faces I’ll recognize

Not just a stranger, unloved and unknown,

But a friend with a heart that is much like my own.

Give me perception to make me aware

That scattered profusely on life’s thoroughfare

Are the best gifts of God that we daily pass by

As we look at the world with an unseeing eye.

Helen Seiner Rice

A Book Of Courage

1996

Revell Publishing Company

A Month of Poems : A Better World

A Better World

God, look down on our cold hearts

And warm them with your love

And grant us forgiveness,

Which we’re so unworthy of.

Help us to do better

In this day that we’re beginning

And give us strength to overcome

Our selfishness and sinning.

Give us strength and courage

To be honorable and true

And to place our trust implicitly

In unseen things and You.

And keep us kind and humble

And fill our hearts with love,

Which in this selfish, greedy world

Man has so little of.

Helen Seiner Rice

A Book Of Courage

1996

Revell Publishing Company

Back to School Time!

Many of you I’m sure heard about the devastating tornados that swept through Joplin Missouri. In its wake it left a path of destruction and hurt. People lost homes.

But the community rebuilt. With help from the government and helpful neighbors Joplin is coming back to life.

One of the signs of this new growth is that on Monday kids went back to school with a little help from a seamstress. Over the summer a local quilter Susan Stewart wanted to help the rebuilding effort. Unable to do heavy manual labor she got to thinking about helping the kids of Joplin. Then she remembered that ever year she had a new dress for the first day of school. It struck her that many of the kids of Joplin had lost everything. Giving them new clothes for the school year would be a perfect way to help.

So Stewart launched Project First Day. She invited her sewing friends from all over the country to help her make clothes for the kids of Joplin. People latched onto the idea. By distribution day they had 1,440 garments to give away.

For the kids of Joplin it was nice to have something not only to where, it also made them feel like they had a fresh start.

Wow. What a story. Because one woman gave and encouraged others to give, some kids who had lost everything got blessed with new clothes. People like that inspire me. They inspire me to give, to work, and to love. I may not end up on the national news for it, but if I make a difference in someone else’s life. It’s enough.    

A Month of Poems : Stepping Stones To God

Steppingstones to God

An aching heart is but a steppingstone

To greater joy than you have ever known,

For things that cause the heart to ache

Until you think that it must break

Become strength by which we climb

To higher heights that are sublime

And feel the radiance of God’s smiles

When we have soared above life’s trials.

So when you’re overwhelmed with fears

And all your hopes are drenched in tears,

Think not that life has been unfair

And given you too much to bear,

For God has chosen you because,

With all your weakness and flaws,

He feels that you are worthy of

The greatness of His wondrous love.

Helen Seiner Rice

A Book Of Courage

1996

Revell Publishing Company

A Month of Poems : Each Day

Each day as it comes

Brings a chance to each one

To love to the fullest,

Leaving nothing undone

That would brighten the life

Or lighten the load

Of some weary traveler

Lost on life’s road.

So what does it matter

How long we live

If as long as we live

We unselfishly give.

Helen Seiner Rice

A Book Of Courage

1996

Revell Publishing company

A Poem : Community

When residents of a community

Welcome new neighbors to that community,

Volunteer for projects – school, hospital, and church,

Offer positive suggestions for the local government,

Take pride in the neighborhood,

Visit and assist the elderly residents in the area,

Practice goodwill and courtesy in daily situations,

Suppress rumors and negative talk,

Run for an elected position in local government,

Apologize if wrong and forgive when wronged,

Include individuals usually omitted from events,

Rejoice at the successes and triumphs of neighbors,

Work to improve educational and cultural facilities,

Thank those who serve in any capacity,

Are charitable in thought, word, and action,

Bring joy where there is sadness,

Act as benefactors, as enablers, as encouragers,

Elevate religion and trust in God,

Are the kind of neighbors that Jesus Christ would be,

Those residents emulate courage in a community. 

By VJR

A Book Of Courage

1996

Revell Publishing company

What I Have Been Doing

      Busy. It's the best word I can think of to describe my life right now. I feel like I've been running around like crazy trying to get ahead of things.
      As far as ministry goes, I haven't been making much of anything. However I have been doing some ministry things.

      I've been volunteering at a local thrift store that helps the poor.
      I've been helping sack and hand out groceries at a local food pantry.
      I've been trying to serve and love my family and those in my neighborhood.
      I've been writing a lot of blog posts.
      All this keeps me pretty busy, but I love it. God has been good. He always gives me strength for all that I'm called to do.
      In Him,
                 Rose

Quote

My Friend Rachelle found this quote and I thought that I would share it with all of you.

Found a great quote that I thought would apply to us today. From the MOHL ladies to you: "John said, 'Here is the Lamb of God!' Immediately, those disciples left John to follow Jesus (John 1:29-37). Ministry is when the people who hear you don't want more of YOU; they want more of HIM because of what you've said. When you point them to God's fire instead of trying to get attention for yourself--that's ministry." ~ Priscilla Shirer (emphasis/caps mine)

Birthday Parties

                Birthdays are such a happy time. We celebrate getting a year older. It’s a time to celebrate life.

                But sometimes people need a little help celebrating. Sometimes people don’t have family close by or they are elderly and don’t have many people in the world left who care or people with large families forget sometimes. In any case you can have the ministry of the birthday party.

                Invite a few of their friends over, bake a cake, and make up a card. This can be a fun experience for everyone and it will make the person whose birthday it is feel special. It’s a great way to let someone know you care.  

Friends

     Friend. I love that word. The girls I call my friends have to be the most amazing people in the world. They put up with me and all my strange and crazy moods and still like me! 

     I enjoy being a friend. It's a great two-way street. We both mutually encourage one another and spur one another on in love and good works.

     I've been crazily busy lately and tired. But I have such great friends. They love me and encourage me to keep going even when I'm not feeling well. Sometimes they don't even have to say it, just because they took the time to talk to me was enough to encourage me to go on. Or they just took time to write me a note that brightened my day.

     I know that normally I don't do a lot of personal posts, but I wanted to remind you that being a true friend is a great blessing. Both to you and to your friend. It takes time, love, and an unselfish heart. Many times it takes more than ministry, but it's reward is wonderful. 

     My mom likes to say that there are only two things that we get to take to heaven, friendships and the heavenly treasure that's being laid up for us. I don't know about you, but that makes me want to invest in these kind friends. To invest my time in friends that will be around for eternity. It makes me want to be a Christ-like friend, like they are to me.

     I love you, dear friends. 

Ministering to the Grieving

Someone loses a loved one. You want to help, but aren’t sure how. I know the feeling. You want to show your sympathy in a way that would be most loving.

One thing that you need to know is that when people are grieving they need love. They need comfort and help. The best help that you can be is to let them grieve in their own way. Be there for them, but also let them be on their own if they want. Often what people want more than anything when they are grieving is someone to just be there. Someone who can let them know they aren’t alone.

Cards are another sweet thing. Make sure to include prayers and thoughts for them. Make them as personal and from your heart as possible.

Food is always a wonderful thing to send to someone. When you are grieving it zaps you energy. Having food already made is blessing. Go for things that are very calm and that aren’t really spicy. Soups and sandwiches are perfect. Also think about doing a breakfast food. When you aren’t feeling well, breakfast can be a pain. Having something already made is wonderful.

Flowers are good to. They add a little cheer and let the grieving know that you thought of them.

The next time you see someone grieving; make sure to express your sympathy. Reach out and help someone who is grieving. You won’t regret it.    

An Overdue Update on Co-op

Co-op is over.  Teaching was such a wonderful opportunity and I’m glad that God gave me the chance to grow this way.

                Teaching actually ended up being easier than I thought. Before I started teaching at co-op I thought solo teaching was the last thing that I would do. I was scared that I would mess up. But once I had done my first lesson, I found out that it was easier than I thought and that I enjoyed sharing with my students what I had learned.

                Teaching also allowed me to get to know some wonderful girls who I probably would have never gotten to know otherwise. I didn’t just get to teach, I got to know my students. That was a great blessing.

                One of the most touching things was on the last day of co-op. My students surprised me by giving me presents and cards. I could tell that they came from their hearts. It made all the work, planning, running around, hard moments, and teaching worth it. To know that I had made a difference in their lives was wonderful.

                So where is God going to take this gift? I don’t know all the answers. But wherever He takes me I know that it will be good. 

A Journey In Acting Part 4

Note: I have often written on how God can use many various talents. This is the story of how God used some of my dreams, talents, and desires for His glory. Originally Published On Virtuous Girlhood. www.virtuousgirlhood.com  

At the first practice we went over acting basics and the first few scenes of the play. I was so excited. I was in a play!  Not only that I had written the play! And if that wasn’t enough I was also getting to be the lead in the play! I was overwhelmed.

The next few months were a whirl of activity. I was amazed at how much God brought together. They devoted a whole class at co-op to making sets. One of the moms volunteered to do make-up. They even added in music. I was thrilled.

The more that I sat back and allowed God to work the more things came together. I loved acting. It was fun and I love the people I got to hang out with and get to be friends with.

I was also surprised at how much God taught me through the play. Things like let God lead. Surrender you dreams to Him and He will either fulfill them or give you something far better. Let life unfold. Don’t try to take what God is not giving you. And God will do much more than you can ever imagine.

As performance day got closer I became more excited. I could hardly believe how much God had done. He had fulfilled a dream that I had given up on. He had changed my heart and made me into a new person. I was excited.

On the day of the play I woke up at four in the morning. I was so excited I hardly got any sleep after that. But I was too excited to be tired.

Standing off stage listening to our director introduce the play, I was thrilled and nervous. I was mentally thinking of everything that I needed to do, but I was also excited to be there.

I thought I would get stage fright, but surprisingly I acted better than I had ever done in practice. It was like I was able to give the play more than I had ever done before. It was a wonderful feeling.

At the end of the play all the cast went up to dance on the stage. I danced all over the stage. I had written, stared, and sung in a play. I was happy.

Later that night when I was talking with God, He repeated to me some familiar words, “Your dream will be fulfilled this year. And I have fulfilled my promise.”

I spun around, sang, and danced out of joy. He had given me an acting dream and then He fulfilled it. He had done more than I could have ever imagined just to give me a special gift.

As I look back on this whole journey that God took me on from writer to lead in the play. The more that I surrendered to Him, the more He was able to do. 

When I gave up on my dream, He went to work. How much more can He do in the future if I will only allow Him to work?

The End ... For Now

A Journey In Acting Part 3

Note: I have often written on how God can use many various talents. This is the story of how God used some of my dreams, talents, and desires for His glory. I hope you are blesses and encouraged by reading my story. Originally Published On Virtuous Girlhood. www.virtuousgirlhood.com  

All of 2010 I sensed that God was preparing me for something. I thought that that would be acting, but by late summer I had decide that acting was going to be one of those dreams that wasn’t going to be fulfilled.

Then one day a homeschooling mom from a local homeschool co-op calls and asks me if I want to teach a homemaking class at co-op. I prayed and asked God. The idea was a little scary. I had never done solo teaching. Yet after much prayer and a few talks with my family, I decided to teach the class.

I had hoped that maybe the co-op would have some kind of drama class, but they had none. Giving up on ever being able to act, I settled for teaching homemaking and crocheting. To fill up the rest of my day I took Bible study and dance classes.

To my surprise, teaching was easier than I thought. My students were wonderful and I enjoyed teaching and being taught.

I developed friendships with my teachers, especially my dance teacher. After class was over we would sit and talk for a few minutes about life and our common interests.

One day my dance teacher asked to see the script. We had talked about my play a few weeks earlier we had talked about my play briefly. She said that they were thinking about doing a play and wanted to see mine. I was glad, but not excited. I had had so many disappointments that year in regard to plays that I thought that she wouldn’t like my play and that it would all come to nothing.

I was completely floored when she returned saying that she not only loved the play, she had asked my Bible study teacher to direct it. By this point we were talking about auditions, a spring production of my play, and other details.

I was getting excited, but I kept myself in check. I kept preparing myself for everything to fall through. Could this really happen? Could my dream for a play really be coming true? Could God really be bringing all the pieces together? I had to breathe.

Barely had I taken a breath when they told me that I was going to be the lead in the play. I could hardly believe it. By this time I was getting really excited. Try as I might to pace myself, I was getting more and more thrilled.

I began learning my lines, but I could hardly believe that I was really in a play.

It really didn’t sink in until the first practice.

To Be Continued …

A Journey In Acting Part 2

Note: I have often written on how God can use many various talents. This is the story of how God used some of my dreams, talents, and desires for His glory. My prayer is that you will be encouraged through this story. Originally Published On Virtuous Girlhood. www.virtuousgirlhood.com  

I sat in front of my computer, praying.

I had come home from the play excited. I had begun to write a script. Could it be that God was providing a way for me to learn to write plays?

I wrote an e-mail asking this director if he would help me learn how to write plays. Hitting the send button with a shaky finger I prayed that God would help me to accept whatever answer he gave.

If I remember correctly the next day he sent me a reply saying that he would love to teach me how to write plays. I was floored. I began to write furiously.

The next seven months were a writing lesson. I would send him a rough draft of the play; he would send it back to me with suggestions and thoughts on how to make it better. I would edit and make it better and send it to him. And the process would begin over again. It was like having a private writing tutor. It was hard and exciting all at same time.

Finally the play was worked over as much as it could be. I had learned how to write plays! Yet my heart wanted something more. I still had a great desire to act, but I nothing seemed to be open.

After writing that first play I went on to write a screenplay. It wasn’t very good, but it furthered my writing skills and helped me become a better playwright.

At the beginning of 2010 I decided that I wanted to be involved in a drama group. I prayed, asked, and researched. Nothing. I kept looking for a drama group in my area. Every lead led to a dead end. I became discouraged. I gave up on the idea for a while.

Then in April I attended another play. This was a musical adaption of Pilgrims Progress. For a girl who loves singing and acting it doesn’t get much better than that. I went home inspired.

                The next day, I went out for a long talk with God. “Lord, I really want to act. I feel like you given me the desire for acting, but I can’t seem to find a way to do it.” And I heard God tell me. “Your dream will be fulfilled this year.” I told God that if this was His word that He would fulfill it.

                I began to write another play. This one was an adaption of Hinds Feet On High Places. I was happy to be writing it, yet I was disheartened by the fact that no acting group was coming along. Over the summer I finished the script, but I didn’t know what God was going to do with it.

                I had prayed and done all I could. Nothing was happening. I must have heard God wrong. My acting dream was fading. I would never be able to act.

                Or would I?

                To Be Continued …

A Journey In Acting Part 1

Note: I have often written on how God can use many various talents. This is the story of how God used some of my dreams, talents, and desires for His glory. Originally Published On Virtuous Girlhood. www.virtuousgirlhood.com 

 

I ran up the center aisle and danced all over the stage. A dozen kids danced with me to Shackles (Praise You). It had happened my dream had come true. Could this really be?

                It had taken an incredible journey to get here. One that had taken me down several bends and turns. There had been tears and laughter. There had been talking and silence. There had been waiting and going forward.

                But I digress; I had better go back to the beginning. Back to the start of this journey of writing, acting, faith, surrender, and trust.

                Ever since I was little I had loved acting. After watching a movie with my family, I would go and act out my favorite scenes playing all the different parts. From time to time our family would act out a play together or our church would put on a Christmas play. It gave me a taste for acting and I loved it.

                As I got older my interest in acting, plays, and movies increased. I began to want to act more. I also began to come up with ideas for screenplays and plays. For years I dreamed up these plays, but I wasn’t a good scriptwriter. My best attempts at writing plays were horrible. I stopped trying.

                One day frustrated at my own inability to write and my desire to act, I told God that if He wanted me to write plays, He would have to give me someone to help me learn the art of scriptwriting. After that I promptly forgot all about acting, and writing, for a while.

                A few months later I went to a play that some of my friends were in. I was impressed. It was a Christian play, but not preachy. It was well done and acted. And the director had written the play. As I sat watching this play, I thought that this might be the person God was sending into my life to teach me how to write plays.

                I would have to talk to this guy afterwards.

                To Be Continued …

                

My Favorite Book

Whenever I want a new crochet pattern or a project idea, I look through my favorite crochet book. 

Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Crochet

It’s an amazing book and very helpful.

Or if you’re a knitter, there’s also Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Knitting.

Enjoy.

A Christian Playwright: Welcome to a Christian Playwright!

A Christian Playwright: Welcome to a Christian Playwright!: "Here is where I post Christian plays and screenplays that I have written. Feel free to poke around. Although I only have one play up here cu..."

Waiting and Praying

You’ve prayed. You asked God to use your talents in a specific area. Yet opportunities seem closed to you. You want to minter to elderly people, but there isn’t a ministry for them in your area. You want to go out on the mission field, but the money isn’t coming in. Or you want to help single mothers, but feel inadequate.

We’ve all had times when things don’t go the way we wanted them to. Times of great longing and waiting.

If you are in one of these times, dear sister, let me encourage you with this word. Don’t worry. God knows your heart. He is in you to will and to work. He is working out His greater plan. It may be hard to know what He is doing, but He is working.

Rest, let God write the story. Relax, knowing that God will do the very best thing. And while you are doing this, do what you know to do for the day. Even if it’s just taking care of kids or doing housework, do what you have been called to do for that day. Then let God take care of the rest. 

The Destiny Of One

My sister Sarah H. book the Destiny of One is now available! Get on www.thedestinyofone.com and buy your copy today!

What I Have Been Doing

        Between co-op and play (more on that later) I haven’t had much time to work on charity stuff. But here are two things that I made.

                This is of a blanket I made for my friends at Project Linus.

This picture is of a baby blanket I made for a friend who’s having a baby.

Sorry the pictures are sideways. Blogger isn't letting me edit pictures. I'll try to do better in the future. 

The Destiny Of One Blog Tour!

When my sister Sarah first told me about the Destiny series, I thought it sounded a little strange. She explained it well, but something about the thought of si-fi without strange creatures or mystical forces sounded strange.

                But ever since she read me the first draft I’ve been hooked. She always seemed to stop reading it to be at the most exciting point at which I would beg her to write more.

                She did a great job of developing her characters and bringing us into a world where flying on space ships is easy and people live on different planets.

                As good of writer as she is she is an even better sister and I have enjoyed her friendship and her books.

                Destiny – it's a word that plagues Maria Morris. What does God want her to do with her life? Should she go to college or does God have other plans for her? When her parents go missing during a business trip, Maria embarks on a quest that will change her life forever. Trying to fight against an overbearing Milky Way Government, Maria travels to earth in search of a lost prince and some crown jewels. Her faith is tested, however, when a new law is passed. Will Maria be able to find her parents and the crown jewels before it's too late? Is she strong enough to stand up for her faith even if it means never seeing her family again? Most of all, will Maria discover her true Destiny?

                Sarah’s book comes out May 14^th! Check the website for more info.  

http://www.thedestinyofone.com/

Writing and Blogging

I’m really busy.

But one of the things that keeps me busy is all my blogging. Just in case you want to know I write for Virtuous Girlhood and for Meditations Of His Love. 

http://virtuousgirlhood.com/

http://meditationsofhislove.blogspot.com/

The Silent Comforter

You don’t have to know all the right words

You don’t have to memorize all the right verses

You don’t even need to read a book

All you need to be a good comforter is to listen

A good comforter has a touch that says, “You’re not alone”

A good comforter hugs that assures you the storm will not be forever.

A good comforter loves always.