Five Years Later

Five years ago today I published my first blog post on Homemade Ministry.

It's amazing to me to watch and see what God has done not just in the blogging world, but in many other areas of my life.

In recent years I haven't blogged so much. Life and many adventures have prevented me from blogging regularly.

I'm happy to say that God has grown and shaped me so much in the last five years. When I think back to that 18-year-old who had so many big dreams and hopes, I smile. She had no idea how God was preparing to not only fulfill her dreams, but change  her to be more like Himself.

It's been a wonderful and exciting journey. As I enter this next phase of my life, I would like to get back into the habit of blogging. I miss posting thoughts and happenings for us all to share.

Looking back I can see all the amazing and awesome things that God has done for me. Looking forward I know He will continue to be faithful and guide me.

See you again soon, Rose

21st Birthday

I was watching 16 Wishes. A fun-filled Disney comedy surrounding Abby Jenson and her 16 birthday wishes. As her wishes become reality, Abby realizes that sometimes what you want can become a nightmare.

As I turn 21, I tried to think of something that I would want for this birthday. But then I realized that I am becoming the person I always wanted to be. When I was little I had all these things that I wanted to do and be. As I’ve gotten older God has fulfilled my dreams and desires. He’s given me the chance to use what I have for Him. And though some of it has been in very unlikely ways, God’s helping shape me into the person I always dreamed of being.

So instead of wishing for things I don’t need, I’m going to name 21 birthday blessings. 21 things that I am so grateful for.

11.       A God who looked through all of time and space and chose to love me.

22.       An amazing family. They support me, love me, and keep me focused on what’s important. My mom and dad are my best encouragers and counselors. My sister Sarah, my best friend, a great cheerleader, and my best listener. My brother Michael, a neat Godly guy, who always defends me. My sister Grace, a great helper with a great laugh and a kind heart. My sister Rebekkah, sweet and thoughtful. She is always thinking of others. And Mikayla (yes, we had a lot of girls in our family :) ) With a youthful spirit, kind heart, and a great sense of humor. Then there’s Nicole (my oldest sister) and her husband and two girls. They are all so kind and fun. I have a big family and they are one of the biggest blessings in my life. And I love them all so much.

33.       Friends. Rachel and Jessica, you both mean so much to me. Rachelle, Julia, Cynthia, Melinda, RJ, Arianna, my online blogging friends, you light up my life. You encourage me in my faith and challenge me to do better. And Debra and Christina, I love getting together with you ladies. Whether it’s at the mall or at your house, I love hanging out with you ladies and talking.

44.       Crafting! Cross stitching, crocheting, scrapbooking, card making, quilting, sewing, and embroidery have kept my hands busy and productive. I love taking things like canvas, paper, or fabric and making it into something beautiful.

55.       Books and audiobooks. Whether reading or listening, I’m so grateful for everything I’m able learn. I have a whole library in my house. That’s a huge blessing.

66.       Texas. I’m so thankful to call the lone star state my home. It’s so beautiful here. With woods and fields to walk in. *sigh* There’s nowhere else I would rather be.

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77.       Baking! I love baking and cooking. And seeing my family smile when they taste a new batch of cookies, is a bakers dream come true.   

    

88.       Movie characters to inspire and entertain me. The Narnia movies, the Chipmuncks, Belle, Rapunzel, Cinderella High School Musical, the Visual Bible, Overcome, Period Dramas *Swoon*, romances, and Sue Thomas (to name a few).

Pictures via Pinterest

99.       Journals. I enjoy writing out my thoughts, life, hopes, and dreams.

110.   The ability to dream about the future. I don’t know all of what it will hold, but it’s so wonderful to imagine how my life will turn out.

111.   Facebook (to chat on), E-mail (to communicate with my friends), and phones.

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112.   Flowers. Roses are my favorites, but I have so many that I like.

113.   Teddy bears, dolls, and miniature tea sets.

114.   My laptop. I’m so grateful to have something as nice as this to work on. 

115.   Dancing. : D

116.   Music. No matter what mood I’m in, I can find a song that fits it. It also help me to turn my eyes back to God.

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117.   For the ability to write plays. It’s so neat to be able to write down ideas that I’ve had in my head for years. 

118.   Blogs. I love having my own little corner of the cyber world that I can post on.

119.   Acting Adventures! It was so cool to act in 2 short films and in a play and in numerous skits. I also enjoyed getting to know the process of making a film.

220.   Great clothes. It’s so neat having pretty, fun, and pink clothes to wear.

221.   And last, but not least, I’m grateful for the journey of life God has allowed me to travel on so far. It’s been an amazing, scary, adventurous, crazy, and wonderful 21 years. And I trust that no matter where the road takes me from here will be perfect. Maybe not everything in my life will be perfect, and I’ll probably do some kicking and screaming about it, but I know that He will be leading me where I’m supposed to go.

2nd Blog Birthday

Happy Birthday to this little blog of mine!
Can you believe that it has been two years since we started exploring ministry?

God has certainly taken us on some amazing journeys.
And where will He take us from here? I have no idea, but I know that wherever it is will be good.
In Him, Rose

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.  

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.  

Blog Birthday

I had to go look it up in my journal to be sure.

March 19th was my 1st blog birthday. So happy birthday to my little blog.

God has been good and it's only by His grace and love that I've been able to come this far.

Rose

A Personal Note

I try not to write a lot of personal notes on my blog, but I’ve decided to break my rule once.


I wanted to tell you all that today is my 19th birthday. I plan to celebrate my birthday with a scrumptious meal made by my mom and by eating some chocolate. J