Let us not Forget our Eternal Gift

Hey guys it's Ellie with a special (very special, loving, pretty, cool, funny, and awesome guest) guest. Well I really shouldn't even be in this post, so here she is. ;P

 4 days until Christmas and it's the first day of winter! Gifts are flooding in via the mail, trees are being brought out and dusted off, lights strung, cookies baked, and so on. But, in all the hustle and bustle of this season, what are we really celebrating?

   

   Are we celebrating tangible gifts or, God-our Savior, our Eternal Gift? Our, Wonderful Counselor, our Prince of Peace? (see Isaiah 9:6) For all that Christ has done for us, we shouldn't belittle Him and put gifts front and center. We need to worship the Lord regularly but, we need not forget Him during this season. I know with all the excitement of new items, we can get a little distracted but, we need to remember Him. Thank Him. Worship Him. Praise Him. For all He has done and, all that He will do. 

   So, as each minute passes, let us strive to keep God in mind and, as we open our gifts, remember, "Why do we celebrate this holiday anyway?"

Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." 

                              Merry Christmas, y'all!! 

I love you guys,

Anya

2 Corinthians 5:17

   

God in the Center

Hey guys! I'm Anya and I am going to write about how to keep God in the center of your life. I am the oldest of almost 6 kids and between helping with children, cooking, schoolwork, etc. it can be hard to set aside time for God. As a teen, it is most important for me to grow close to the Lord as I get older so that I will have a strong relationship as an adult. Some ways to keep Adonai in the center of your life are:

Setting a time:

I can focus better when I read and pray in the afternoon.

During school:

I have bible school work and the curriculum we use (CLE) has us read multiple chapters so, adding on more reading wouldn't hurt.

Whenever you are in a quiet place:

Whether you are putting a coat in a closet, outside, folding, etc. grab your bible or phone or whatever you use and read or listen to your bible.

Include friends:

It would be nice to include friends in prayer and bible reading to help you stay accountable.

Social media:

I use my email a lot and I just ask my friends or family if they need prayer requests or I ask them for prayers.

Through Music, Movies, or Books:

When engaging in uplifting media, it helps you think more about Christ and encourages you to really remember who you are living for.

Prayer:

You don't need to pray only at night, pray constantly. I find that when I thank God about something I don't like doing like, cleaning the restrooms, it helps me become more grateful. It usually goes a little something like this, "God, though I don't like cleaning the restroom, thank you so much for a bathroom to clean, and a home that has bathroom in it, etc." Prayer is very important, my parents always say, "If you don't spend time and talk with someone, how do you get to know them?" 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."

These are ways I hope can help you grow in your spiritual walk but, one shouldn't just try to check it off the list. Really sit and enjoy the moment because life is not promised and we need to live every last minute of our lives for Christ. After all, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

So, whether you are a new believer or have been a follower of Christ for a few years or more, how is your relationship with Adonai? Strong? In need of strength?Just think about it.  

Thanks so much for this chance to guest post on your blog Ellie! It was great! I hope to write again! 

In Yahweh, 

                    Anya 

#2Corinthians 5:17

Hooksandcranniescrochet.com

hooksandcranniescrochet@gmail.com

Guest Post: Maddy

Hi everyone! I'm very excited to be blogging over here today! My name is Maddy and I blog over at Digital Diary and Girls Living For God's Glory. Real quickly, I just want to thank Ellie for letting me guest post! I'm very excited about it! Now, for the post. I've found some pictures that I'll be sharing with you today that will hopefully encourage you and bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guys, you were all made beautifully! No matter what anyone tells you, your amazing, your loved, your beautiful, your you! Guys, we need to go out and encourage others! The smallest thing can really brighten up someone's day! Something to try this week, go out there and do something nice for someone. It can be family, friends, or someone you don't even know. Send them a note saying how much you appreciate them, get them a gift, simple share one of these quotes with them. Go out there and share your light!

Guest Post: Ashley:)

Hello everyone!

I want to start by giving Ellie a HUGE thank you for inviting me to do a guest post on her blog. :)

I have a new store called Ashley's Crochet Corner! You can click on the the name and it will take you to it. :) I can make headbands with flowers, pot holders, and baby hats. If enough people are interested, I will make fingerless gloves. ( I don't make them because we don't like to wear them.) But if you know someone that would like fingerless gloves, or you would like some, I would be happy to make them for you. :) Also, in the making are baby booties! If you know anyone that has a baby and needs some shoes for them, please tell them about me. :)

Please follow my crochet store/blog! :) And I would love it if you all would leave a comment. :)

And just in case you didn't know about my blog, it's Precious Moments. I would love it if you all followed my blog and left a comment because I just love getting comments. :D

Thank you again Ellie for allowing me to do this guest post :)

Have a good and godly day!

In the Lord's love mercy,

Ashley

Interview: Ashley!

Today I'm interviewing Ashley! Thanks Ashley! I had a great time asking you the questions!

.What's your favorite pattern?

 I don't have a favorite pattern.

 

Favorite Soda?

Probably root beer or cream soda.

 

.Color that best describes you?

Well, the color that probably best describes me is yellow. :)

 

Have you ever been in an airplane?

 I have been in a small airplane, but never in a big one.

 

.Favorite place to shop?

I love shopping at thrift stores! Those are my favorite places to shop!

 

.Favorite books?

My favorite book is the BIBLE!

 

.Favorite subject?

Other than Bible, I love Biology! That would be my favorite subject.

 

.Favorite chore and worst chore?

We don't really have chores, but I really like vacuuming. My least favorite thing to do is probably wash and dry dishes.

11. I normally water the plants, chase the chickens away from the house, and memorize things

 

.What do you normally do when you go outside?

I normally water the plants, chase the chickens away from the house, and memorize things.

 

. Dream vacation?

I have so many places I want to go for my dream vacations!!! I really want to go to Australia, Alaska, Grand Canyon, and other places. Grand Canyon is probably my number one choice.

 

Thank you Ellie/Bernie for interviewing me today. I hope you all check out my blog and follow it by email. It's creatingpreciousmoments.blogspot.com.

Thanks Ashley again! My story will be coming as soon as possible. Thanks for reading! Please comment below advice or comments!

 

Peace and Love,

                    Bernie;P

Natasha's guest post for Modesty Series #4

Hello there! So, as you might know I've been doing a modesty series. I thought it would be awesome to have a guest poster to have an second opinion. Here is Natasha from A Modest Fashion Blog by Natasha Atkerson!  

Hi there! My name is Natasha and It's awesome to be guest posting today, blogging is an amazing way to connect with different ladies who I never would've been able to connect with otherwise. Ellie asked me to share a bit about my self and talk about skirts vs. pants.

I'm a 20 year old christian pastor's daughter, living in scenic Montana. I definintely don't let society dictate my style! I'd describe my style as a little bit of everything! I enjoy dressing up, formal/classic outfits, but my favorite is probably a cross between hippie/boho and trendy. I blog over at "A Modest Fashion Blog by Natasha Atkerson"

A heated subject for many is the subject of pants vs. skirts-which Ellie asked me to tackle! I firstly want to say-your conviction is your own! If your mom and dad feel skirts are the only way to go, do not let me sway you. I'm a bit in the middle on this issue. I don't personally believe that pants are sinful to wear. "What about that bible verse: 'The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.' Deuteronomy 22:5 (KJV)?" You ask? 

My personal belief is that this verse talks about something completely different than simply wearing jeans or a skirt. I'm not going to get too deep into it, but basically, I believe feminine, modest apparel is somewhat dictated by society. For instance, by today's standards, men in Bible times ran around in dresses! 

Pants can most certainly be modest, feminine and appropriate. The flip side is, they can also be manly, inappropriate and immodest! But the same can be said for skirts as well. The bottom line is: what gives glory to our Heavenly Father and doesn't attract undue attention to myself? For me, this often means wearing skirts. I felt led to start incorporating skirts into my wardrobe a number of years ago. Does that mean I gave pants up? Actually, for a time, yes! Now, however, I wear pants sporadically. I usually wear a long shirt that covers my rear end, which helps ensure comfort and modesty. Skirts are awesome, I love wearing them and I feel very feminine and cute in them. But I also live in Montana where it's cold. I'm not one to wear a skirt in windy -30deg. Weather! 

So, if you take nothing else from my post, take this: figure out your own modesty standards between you, God (and parents if your young). Pants, skirts, it doesn't matter as much as what's inside your heart, your attitude.

I'd love to hear from you on this: do you wear pants only, skirts only, or a mixture of both? What are your personal convictions? How did you arrive at your convictions?