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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Family

Family-all together for the first time in 2 years!

Delighting in God



Psalm 37 says : "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your ways to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass."

I have been pondering and thinking about this. I don't think that this means that God will give us every desire we have-as long as we are delighting in Him. Oh, we have lot's of desires...a new car, computer, better job, more friends... None of these things are wrong, in fact I think God delights in blessing us with these things. I think that part of this is actually as we delight in God, our desires turn into HIS desires.  Delighting in God also produces the willingness to count all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. 
I know for a fact that God does want to give us the deep desires of our hearts. Since He knows the plans that He has for us (Jer. 29:11) I think He gives us some of the yearnings and longings in our hearts-just so we can find our delight and fulfillment in Him, then He blesses us. It's all part of a plan to get to know Him better. What do you think? Just a thought I had...

So, together, let's keep seeking Him and delighting in Him! It is such a privilege and honor to serve the God that we serve. I wouldn't trade in a million.

Emily

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Those who Hope (trust) in the Lord...


Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, 
they will walk and not be faint.
                                                           Is. 40:31

Trusting God...

Trusting God can be a huge work-out. Not in the sense of getting on the treadmill and running, more like bench pressing I think. Brace yourself, take a deep breath and lift that heavy bar up over your head. Lower it-and start over again. That moment when you raise your hands and say "I surrender Lord, I trust you to lead and guide me." Sometimes it can be running though-running the race and finishing well. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim. 4:7) 


Finding that all consuming passion to serve and trust God doesn't happen at once. I find that as soon as I think "I'm strong-I can bench #150" God tells me it's time to move to #175 and #200...and I still have so much to learn. I think in the past year God has taught me so much about Himself. In ways that I could never have imagined. I find myself delighting in Him, and He in me. Isn't it an awesome feeling when you know God is pleased with you? 


Since moving in with my cousin, I have been stretched (and still am) in ways that I could never imagine. There have been times when I have wanted to pack my bags and RUN home to my little family. These feelings have been coupled with the realization that has made this whole experience so amazing. I KNOW God wants me here. It's that test of faith still...why? My life verse for the past 1-1/2 years has been Jeremiah 29:11 "For I KNOW the plans I have for you" saith the Lord "plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." How can you not get excited when you read this PROMISE. It doesn't say "Oh, I think I know what your life will be...yeah maybe this or that...still not sure though". It says He knows. Oh, how I rejoice in this knowledge. 


So, in closing-in the times of life when the clouds of doubt and fear billow around you-remember this. God delights in you, rest in that knowledge and that He does know what He is doing. He has plans, marvelous, wonderful plans. Trust in the Lord. He will not let you down. Rest in Him. He is good. 


"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will bring it to pass." Ps. 37:4-5


I hope that this might have brought some encouragement when/if you read this. Tonight I was feeling simply worn out and exhausted from a very tiring day- not just physically either. I felt like writing-mostly to relax and write what I was thinking...and this is what the Lord brought to mind as I was praying so I penned the words. My prayer and trust is that "my song through endless ages will be-Jesus led me all the way." -Emily

Monday, October 17, 2011

10-17-2011

“Oh, the fullness, pleasure, sheer excitement of knowing God on earth!”-Jim Elliot



Saturday, October 15, 2011

Pumpkin Pie

" 'Tis the season to bake pie.." 
Who doesn't like a good old piece of pumpkin pie? I usually always hunt for the best "new" recipe when I am baking or cooking. This time I decided to stick to basics and use my Grandma's recipe. After all...aren't grandma's supposed to be the best bakers and cooks??? ;) So, yesterday I used Annie's pie crust recipe and Grandma's pie filling recipe.

Here you go:




Foolproof Pie Crust
4 Cups of Flour

1 TBS Sugar
2 tsp Salt
1-3/4 C Butter-softened


Mix until the butter and flour are a nice crumbly texture. Set aside.


In a smaller bowl combine:


1 TBS Vinegar -Apple Cider is best
1 Egg
1/2 C Cold Water


Mix well and stir/knead into the flour butter mix. If the dough is sticky-you can add a little flour. The greatest thing about this recipe is -YOU CAN'T RUIN IT! If it's too wet-add flour, too dry-add a little water. It's the best! You can divide into 6 balls and roll out for the crust. If you don't use it all, you can freeze the left-overs and use another day. =)



Grandma's Pumpkin Pie


1 Large Can of Pumpkin
6 Eggs
2 TBS Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Salt
1-1/4 C Sugar
2 TBS Vanilla
2-1/2 C Evaporated Milk


I dump all of this into one bowl and mix it up! Pour into 2 pie crusts. Bake at 450* for 15 min then reduce the oven temperature to 350* and bake for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. I used two different sized pie pans-one took more than 30 min-one took less. 

Enjoy!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Melody

I took Melody out for a date today. I took my camera along...here are a few of the MANY photos I took of her. Isn't she precious????






Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Photography...

This post is nothing deep...I have taken Alexandra to several games this summer-and I have enjoyed practicing my photography skills for hours during the game. I find it challenging to take quality photos, since I am shooting over people's heads, the weather isn't always perfect, and sometimes things happen so quickly-you aren't ready for them. So, here are a few pics from the game today, and I hope to sometimes add more photos that I take every now and then (not necessarily sporting events...just the fun things I do or photos I take)...







Sunday, August 14, 2011

Before You Meet Prince Charming...

Okay, I am sure the title of this post was an eye catcher! Am I right?

My mom bought this book a couple of weeks ago. I must say I was a bit skeptical when I saw the title, and saw what the book was written about. I have read books written on similar subjects, and really have not been impressed by many of them. She read it and told me that she loved it! I thought "ok, it must be okay...", I took a peek inside. I haven't read the whole book yet-but I would highly recommend it. It is actually geared towards girls in the 12-16 year range, but there is wisdom and insight that any one could glean from it.

I know so many girls and young women that are so anxious to get married, or have boyfriends, but sometimes-while desiring that "next wonderful thing" to happen, we miss out on so much that God has for us in the here and now. Also, in trying to "rush things along", we get into relationships that aren't the best for our hearts.

So, I would recommend this book to anyone...check it out!


This guide to radiant purity combines the thoughts and events in the life of a young princess with solid, clear teaching of Biblical convictions that young ladies today need to grasp. Through a captivating fairy tale, modern day examples, practical instruction and abundant humor, Sarah Mally challenges young ladies to turn to the Lord for fulfillment, to guard their hearts and minds, to identify and avoid the world’s thinking and to shine brightly in this generation.

This book offers biblical answers to everyday questions and deep life struggles. It includes many practical tips for girls such as how to guard your heart when you have a crush, being wise in Internet usage, how to strengthen relationships with parents, and how to use your single years wisely.

By: Sarah Mally
Pages: 272
Suggested for young ladies ages 12 to 90

Table of Contents:
Desire the Very Best Marriage
Dangers with the Dating System
Guard Your Heart
Could He Be the One?
Romantic Dreams
When God Says Wait
How Parents Can Help
Have a Life Purpose Bigger than Marriage
Dreams Must Die
Reserved for One
Delighting in the Lord
Know that God Arranges Marriages

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Phoebe...


...Is spending a couple of days with me. I am enjoying her immensely! As you know, she has very curly hair, so I decided to straighten it for her. It came out looking pretty nice. Don't worry-the curls will be back as soon as she washes it. =)

I read Psalm 8 this morning...I was so blessed. Read it!




Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Life is short...

One year ago today, we received a phone call. It was one of the worst days in my life. My 46 year old aunt unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack in the middle of the night. Our lives have been changed forever. A week later I moved in with my cousin to stay with her. 
On days like these, I am reminded once again that life is so short. We never know which day could be our last.  So, I would like to say... live well, laugh often and love. Make sure that you don't have any strained relationships, especially with your family members.  Most importantly, make sure that you are ready to meet the Lord.   


On a brighter note...we had a blast last night. We went to a park for a picnic and then to the pier in St. Joseph and watched a fireworks with some friends.  Pics are coming later! =)


-Emily

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Writing...

Do you ever feel like writing? Sometimes thoughts flow through my head...and I feel like writing. Many times I feel like writing when my heart feels so restful and at peace. I look up at the stars, smell the aroma of freshly cut grass, see a horse grazing in a bright green pasture,  hear a cow mooing in the distance, or see my favorite wild flowers growing on the side of the road. I feel all full and joyful and bubbly inside. I think that God takes such a delight in the creation He has made, and it transfers over to me (us).

Sometimes I think of writing a book... any ideas??? I have thought of children's fiction, historical fiction...or maybe a book about my family...the immigration of my great-grandparents, the way they survived the depression...all the way up to now, even to the writing of this blog. =) For now, I will continue to brainstorm...and think of the joys of my life, the things God has given me. =)

Have a wonderful night!!!!
-Emily
"For His unfailing love, and his wonderful deeds, give thanks to the Lord."

Monday, June 20, 2011

Happy Father's Day

I think that the words below really describe my Daddy. I love you so much!!!



When you need picked up 'cause you fell down
Need a piggyback ride or a birthday clown 
Need a song to take you to sleepy town
 I'll be there
When you need a coach or you need a fan
Need a castle built out of ocean sand
A rainbow chaser, I'm your man
I'll be there 

I'll be a tear dryer
A paper airplane flyer
A monster runner-offer if you get scared
I'll be a sap I'll be a sucker
A story maker-upper
Anytime, anything, anywhere
 I'll be there

When you break your heart or skin your knee
Need a big ol' hug or a bowl of ice cream
I promise you can count on me. 
I'll be a heart mender, A prayer sender
A hoper and believer when it's all up in the air
A strong and steady shoulder
I'll be a secret holder
Anytime, anything, anywhere
I'll be there

 If you need a frown turned to a grin
Or you need a hand just to hold your hand

Need a daddy or you just need a friend
I'll Be There.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Belated Mother's Day post

I posted on Facebook for Mother's Day, but thought I should put it on here...so no moms feel left out in the event I post for Father's Day...

I love this song, because even though I am not a mom...a big sister feels like a mom sometimes. I have also been close friends with my mom for years, and can know that she relates to the lyrics...


You're up all night with a screaming baby
You run all day at the speed of life
And every day you feel a little bit less
Like the beautiful woman you are

So you fall into bed when you run out of hours
And you wonder if anything worth doing got done
Oh, maybe you just don't know
Or maybe you've forgotten

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

With every "I know you can do it"
Every tear that you kiss away
So many little things that seem to go unnoticed
They're just like the drops of rain over time
They become a river

And you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
How you're changing the world
You're changing the world

            -Steven Curtis Chapman

HAPPY MOTHER's Day

Friday, June 3, 2011

Of joys in life...

I think one of the greatest joys in life is being a big sister. As many of you know-I feel quite experienced in this role-having 10 siblings younger than I. At times, being the eldest girl and one of the oldest kids in the family has not been a pice of cake-but I love it! There are more responsibilities, more chores, little kids to run after and noses to wipe, kissing their bumps and bruises, and singing to them when they are sad and crying. I have baked many loves of bread, and not to mention ALL of those birthday cakes! (Thanks to Annie for taking that department over for the most part now) Needless to say that if you have 15 birthdays every year-you get to be a very experienced cake-baker.
Since I don't live at home now, I think I am seeing more clearly than ever how blessed I am. I love every minute that I spend with my siblings. Even the days I am not with them, I get little texts saying "Emily-you are a treasure" (from an 11 year old) "Hi Emily, do you mind if I call you" (from a 7 year old) or "Hi Emily, I love you. Gold bless you. Love Melody (from a 5 year old). I loved getting a phone call from my little brother last week. He very excitedly told me "'Emily, I lost my front tooth! Thorry if I thound funny." Talking to my 13 year old brother about his baseball game,  Or even a 16 year old brother telling me that my hair looked cute. =) I relish these moments, and have been learning to tuck these moments away, and thank God for them. As I see my young siblings grow up into men and women of God-I give thanks. I hope and pray if I ever had children of my own- that I will be faithful as my parents have been, in teaching us in the ways of God-and how to love each other.
Any way, I have been thinking so much this week of how much I love my family...and love being a big sister...and what a joy it is...I decided to share it with you.

Blessings!



-Emily

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Animals....


I went to the zoo the other day. Surprisingly even though it was pretty cold...we saw quite a few animals. Below are a couple of pics that I took. I am really loving my new camera! It takes some pretty great pictures. 

Enjoy!


Aww...a little baby zebra!




 This was one AWESOME tiger!!!! (He even roared a couple of times)

Monday, May 9, 2011

Graduation...



Well, the biggest news of the week...or month perhaps...Daniel's Graduation!!!!!

Yesterday we drove up to Holland and went to the commencement. It was very nice, very long...I think there were at least 500 graduates-needless to say, we heard a lot of names read! It was a warm, sunny day-and I think everyone attending got sunburned. =) 

Here are a couple of photos from the day:








Monday, March 28, 2011

A drawing...

Enter to win a complete Francine Rivers library!



http://www.tyndale.com/blog/?p=1042

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

In You Alone


There are times in every person's life, when we feel we just can't go on. I have had several of said such times in my own journey of faith (and just life in general), and felt I couldn't go on. This song has been such an inspiration to me. I thought of it tonight while in a difficult situation...."when I reach the end-You are just beginning". I felt like I was at the end of what I as a human being could bear, I am thankful that I can give my burdens and the daily challenges that I face to the Lord, and that I "can soar of borrowed wings".  My mom was also there for me tonight, and it was good to talk to her and she listened to all of my frustrations and...was just terrific! (Love you momma!)
So, I guess I just felt like sharing this, and hope the song can be of encouragement to you.  Please keep me in your prayers, as the mission field I am on is not easy.



When I am weak, You carry every burden
When I'm alone, You're just a breath away
When I am restless, You're the one who stills me
And where I fail, You always stay the same

In You alone, I'm lifted up to heaven
In You alone, I soar on borrowed wings
When I reach the end, You are just beginning
In You alone, I find all that I need

When I am lost, You rescue me from danger
And when I fall, You pick me up again
When I resist, You love past my defenses
And though I stray, You're patient to the end

In You alone, I'm lifted up to heaven
In You alone, I soar on borrowed wings
When I reach the end, You are just beginning
In You alone, I find all that I need

-Emily

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Day 30: A motto or philosophy.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself."

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Day 29: Hopes, dreams and plans I have for the next 365 days.

Well, if you read the verse I posted last night- it has been my "verse of the year". I would say that in the next 365...I would like to be even closer to the Lord than I am now. I feel myself growing in Him...and it is so exciting!!! That is my top priority...everything else comes second. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." I am waiting on Him to show me the next step I am to take. Right now it is being a "momma" to my cousin, and I am so happy to be in the center of God's will. There is NO better place to be. Yes, it can be tough at times, but in the end-the reward and joy will be unending and everlasting!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Day 28. A Scar I have...and it's story

Well, this could go two ways...external or internal scars... I happen to have a lot of scars...mostly external, because my skin scars easily!

I was about 4 years old, making crafts with my little sister Jill. She had the scissors and I needed them. I asked her for them, and being the sweet girl she was she handed them right over to me. The only bad thing was she had them open, as I was taking them from her-she closed the scissors...the blades slicing through my tender young flesh. ;) I still have a nice scar right on my thumb! (You should ask her about the scar I gave her several years later)

I also have a scar from a cat scratching me (I was also 4 at the time), from raspberry bushes, from falling on a metal bed frame, and of course from the surgeries that came after a fall from a horse... my brother has a scar from a frisbee hitting his forehead...

Do you have a scar??? Or a weird story behind one???

God bless!

-Emily


"For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Day 27. A Physical Feature I Love...

First of all... Happy March 1'st! I have to say that I am glad February is over...I know that another whole month of winter is over...and that Spring is approaching!!!! I have been very busy, thus the lack of post appearing. 


Okay-so for a physical feature I love... I'd have to say hair...the first thing I always look at when I meet someone is their hair (so make sure it looks good when you are around me!!! lol)
 BUT... since I have had braces...I'm really into teeth now. I'd say after hair...I notice teeth...
  Then, after that eyes...I am fascinated by eye colors, and I especially love my siblings eyes. We have various shades of blue eyes in the family, and I love looking at their eyes (I have hazel'ish eyes... I was told many times when I was little "you have muddy-green eyes") so...I didn't get the "blue eye gene", but I'm okay with that. 


Okay...that's it for tonight!

Random thought...


Have you ever noticed that sometimes people tend to look like their pets??? Dogs in particular... I have attended several shows, and watched other dog shows on tv...and have noticed time and again this "trait" should I call it???
So...yesterday we were talking about it...and Jill and my cousin looked at some photos... I know it's a funny thing to post about but...here you go...and to make the record clear...I am not making fun of these people at all! (I wonder if my family looks like our collies???) I wouldn't be surprised if some of these are photoshopped...



 I like the one above and below


On a more serious note...please keep my family in your prayers. Once again we have a family member with failing health that won't be with us much longer. Please pray for my great-aunt...and others in my family...

God bless...

-Emily

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Day 26. A Childhood Memory

Well, I am back from my trip...so I'll get going again. We had a wonderful time, I am very tired, but am trying to catch up on a lot of lost sleep!
Okay for a childhood memory...


I think that we as a family like living on top of hills...most of our houses have been perched right on top of a hill! At the particular house this story occurred, our house was on the hill and our barns down at the bottom.
At the foot of the hill, after a heavy rain, a HUGE mud puddle would form. It was like a small pond. In fact, sometimes the water would stick around for some time, and in the winter would freeze-then we would ice skate on it. But, in the summer-it was our swimming pool! We would spend hours swimming in this mud puddle. We had so much fun! Daniel and Timothy got a pice of wood and fashioned a diving board. We were young, I would say Daniel was maybe 7 years old, tops. It was Jill's turn to use the diving board, but being a little toddler, she was taking her time at the end. (It was maybe 6 inches off the ground) I was the impatient 3 or 4 year old and didn't want to wait any longer. With Jill at the foot of the board, I took my run and jump and...knocked Jill head first into the water. I thought it was so funny! Jill didn't think so...
It is funny, because my mom actually had the video camera out, and got it all on tape. We lost the tape several years ago... =( I am still hoping to find it, because it really was so funny to watch. 
The other favorite part of swimming in the puddle was...When we were done, we would walk up to the house, my mom would bring a big blanket, we would all sit on it and she would give us a ride on the "Bath-y Express"...she would pull us into the bathroom and stick us in the tub, with our clothes on. We were so muddy! She would rinse the mud out of our clothes, and then give us our individual baths.
 It may not sound as fun now, but what a way to make a little girl/children happy! I was about 3 or so when we did this, but it is such a vivid memory!
Okay gotta run! "See" you tomorrow! =)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Day 25. A Recipe

Burst o' Lemon Muffins



Ingredients

  • 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) lemon or vanilla yogurt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup flaked coconut

  • TOPPING:
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup flaked coconut, toasted

Directions

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, beat the yogurt, egg, butter, lemon peel and lemon juice until smooth; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the coconut.
  • Fill greased muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400° for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.
  • In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice and sugar; cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Stir in coconut. Using a toothpick, poke 6-8 holes in each muffin. Spoon the coconut mixture over muffins. Serve warm or cool to room temperature. Yield: 1 dozen.
These are my absolute favorite muffins!!! I love to make them...and eat them! You have to try them out!
I will be heading out of town in the next day or so, so if you don't see any new posts...that's why!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

24. A Movie No One Would Expect Me To Love

I don't know if I could really name one movie, but once in a while I like to watch a swashbuckling kind of movie/tv show. I love the old Disney show called Zorro. Maybe a Shakespeare type movie or something like that, or a movie based in the "Bible" times, like Ben Hurr or something like that...

I don't really know... =)

Monday, February 7, 2011

Day 23. A Way I want to be Remembered.

I want to be remembered as a person who loved God and my family. A person who loved the hurting people all around me. A person who loves fun and laughter, and a person who would be willing to give my life for those I love.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Kiddos


I went home last weekend and took some pictures of my youngest siblings. I know many of you have seen these on Facebook...but for those of you that haven't seen them...enjoy!