So other than not remembering what song it is that I recently found out I really like... I've also forgotten every line to a song we sang at Church on Sunday! lol (I really liked that song, too, by the way...)
Other than that, though, life's been pretty good. It was awesome to get a chance to go to Church and 2Twenty2 (my youth group) yesterday! :D
We interrupt this message to announce... I remembered the song!!!!!! It's "Just Be Held" by Casting Crowns.. really nice song
I got to catch up with some people from Church, which was definitely awesome! (Catch up for me pretty much means.. "Oh they're here! Awesome!") But hey, that's what really caring and loving people is right? Just seeing them is awesome? I think so! :D
Sewing update includes.. I think I've figured out sleeves for my costume.... however I will have to sew the other one on before I know, and that just isn't going to happen soon cause my room is torn up. My two sisters just went up to college so some rooms were swapped and now my closet's getting a much needed makeover. No room in my "room"... :/
I'm starting back in writing some stuff.. I realize I am in the middle of like five books right now... but I'm writing a new book (that really is a plot/started from like two years ago) about a Confederate guerrilla band in the Civil War. I'm also supposedly working on a 1910's storyline.. as well as a 1930's mock of Nancy Drew. So we'll see how far that goes.
Music wise, I'm trying to find some songs to learn still. I've got "Jesus Paid it All" by Christ Tomlin, "May It Be" which I found out is a Lord of the Rings song.. Never seen any of the movies. "Lucky" by Jason Mraz, and "Star of the County Down" as a maybe.. it's an Irish traditional song :D I still need ideas! Lemme know! :D
One of my goals for 2015 (I do realize I made a post on resolutions :P) is to get into the habit of spending random time with my Bible and prayer list. Cause right now, we have a scheduled time in the day we have to read, but I want to be doing it even when I don't "have" to, you know? I feel like it'll be a good habit to get into so.. that's that.
I'm also reading "The Eloquent President" can't remember right now who wrote it, but it's pretty good. It's about Lincoln's speeches. Then I'm trying to write an essay entitled, "The American Civil War: Nation Building or Destruction?" Which, in true fashion, I will probably turn into a mini history book....................... I know.. I know...
Well that's that! :D
Love and prayers,
Ruth
Monday, January 12, 2015
Thursday, January 8, 2015
This Week's Question: What Can Faith Do?
This is very late, and I realize that :/ However, "better late than never". Question is inspired by Kutless (LOVE THAT BAND) "What Faith Can Do". Awesome song, by the way, go listen to it :)
Recently I read a book by "Brother Andrew" called "Secret Believers". It's about Christian believers over in Islamic countries. Obviously, he did not give actual names or places... that would be too dangerous, but the stories are real, and they're sad. They're inhumane, they're (in my case) angering, and they're inspiring! Basically it's telling how there are some radical moslems that really mistreat people of other religions, not only Christians, either!
My reactions to the book were... man did I really want to read that? Radical Islam is really EVIL! Those Christians over there are really strong! Could I do that if I were in their shoes? and.. anger toward people that persecute our brothers and sisters. Looking back now on those reactions I'm figuring that, yes I not only wanted to, but needed to read it. Yes, radical Islam is very evil! Yup, those Christians are very strong. Yes, because Jesus would help me be strong. and... I'm still called to be forgiving.
Right now there is a lot of anger and hatred toward Moslems, especially terrorist Moslems. But did Jesus hate the Jews and the Romans when they tortured, persecuted, and killed Him? No. He said, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." and what do we see? His prayer was answered immediately. The centurion was saved directly after Jesus' death. "Truly, this was the son of God!" He acknowledged Jesus as Lord! Jesus' faith in His Father's promises saved that centurion, and us too, really! :)
The Bible says when God looks on us, and listens to us, He is looking on, and listening to Jesus, because Jesus makes intercession for us. Faith can do anything. Faith can bring us from darkness to light, from death to life, from sin to righteousness, from hell to heaven, from hate to love, from anger to peace, from condemnation to forgiveness, from satan to God. Why don't we pray for these miracles? Is our faith too small? Paul writes that "To God, who is able to do far more than you ask". He can do more than delivering our brothers and sisters, He can forgive their persecutors as well! Jesus doesn't hate people, He hates sin. If we turn from our sin to Him, He immediately accepts us! Why don't we pray for terrorists of all types, Moslem or otherwise!
A few months? weeks? ago, I tried to organize a prayer night.. not sure how many people actually took part, and I actually fell asleep for part of it.. (no better than the original apostles I'm afraid!) But you know, persecution wasn't as real to me then as it is now. I mean, that book really gets you into how this goes, and it's scary, horrific, violent, and sad.
So.. the point? Faith can do ANYTHING! Forgiveness is called for! There is forgiveness, no matter what you've done! and last of all, I love everyone! Jesus loves you and you've hurt Him, spurned Him, and sinned against Him more than you ever could against me! I have no right to hold anger and hatred against anyone when I have been forgiven so many things and kept from doing others that I would have regretted!
Love and prayers,
Ruth
P.S. If you're interested in another prayer night, feel free to comment and let me know! :) Oh, and side note, if you're under sixteen, I do not recommend reading "Secret Believers".
Recently I read a book by "Brother Andrew" called "Secret Believers". It's about Christian believers over in Islamic countries. Obviously, he did not give actual names or places... that would be too dangerous, but the stories are real, and they're sad. They're inhumane, they're (in my case) angering, and they're inspiring! Basically it's telling how there are some radical moslems that really mistreat people of other religions, not only Christians, either!
My reactions to the book were... man did I really want to read that? Radical Islam is really EVIL! Those Christians over there are really strong! Could I do that if I were in their shoes? and.. anger toward people that persecute our brothers and sisters. Looking back now on those reactions I'm figuring that, yes I not only wanted to, but needed to read it. Yes, radical Islam is very evil! Yup, those Christians are very strong. Yes, because Jesus would help me be strong. and... I'm still called to be forgiving.
Right now there is a lot of anger and hatred toward Moslems, especially terrorist Moslems. But did Jesus hate the Jews and the Romans when they tortured, persecuted, and killed Him? No. He said, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." and what do we see? His prayer was answered immediately. The centurion was saved directly after Jesus' death. "Truly, this was the son of God!" He acknowledged Jesus as Lord! Jesus' faith in His Father's promises saved that centurion, and us too, really! :)
The Bible says when God looks on us, and listens to us, He is looking on, and listening to Jesus, because Jesus makes intercession for us. Faith can do anything. Faith can bring us from darkness to light, from death to life, from sin to righteousness, from hell to heaven, from hate to love, from anger to peace, from condemnation to forgiveness, from satan to God. Why don't we pray for these miracles? Is our faith too small? Paul writes that "To God, who is able to do far more than you ask". He can do more than delivering our brothers and sisters, He can forgive their persecutors as well! Jesus doesn't hate people, He hates sin. If we turn from our sin to Him, He immediately accepts us! Why don't we pray for terrorists of all types, Moslem or otherwise!
A few months? weeks? ago, I tried to organize a prayer night.. not sure how many people actually took part, and I actually fell asleep for part of it.. (no better than the original apostles I'm afraid!) But you know, persecution wasn't as real to me then as it is now. I mean, that book really gets you into how this goes, and it's scary, horrific, violent, and sad.
So.. the point? Faith can do ANYTHING! Forgiveness is called for! There is forgiveness, no matter what you've done! and last of all, I love everyone! Jesus loves you and you've hurt Him, spurned Him, and sinned against Him more than you ever could against me! I have no right to hold anger and hatred against anyone when I have been forgiven so many things and kept from doing others that I would have regretted!
Love and prayers,
Ruth
P.S. If you're interested in another prayer night, feel free to comment and let me know! :) Oh, and side note, if you're under sixteen, I do not recommend reading "Secret Believers".
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Happy New Year!
Since this morning, I have a few updates!
First.. I got like six inches off my hair.. and layers cut in. My hair was all the way down to my butt... and now its just below my shoulder blades at the very longest point.. I freaked out a little when I got home and saw how much had come off. However, it is now a lot healthier looking and I'm sure it will be easier to bring it back to life with less of it to worry about right? :)
Second.. I don't really have a list of new year's resolutions... however.. I shall attempt to make one right now *Deep Breath*
1. Try to not talk people's ears off
2. Try to think about what I'm about to say. Is there a point? Could it hurt someone's feelings?
3. Try to sort out what on earth I'm doing/want to do with my life
4. Practice singing A LOT
5. (you saw this one coming) Get my hair healthy
6. workout
7. Sense when people need to talk or want help with something they're going through. Yeah, this might be the hardest...
8. Keep up with my "This Week's Question" series I just started.
9. Finish my costume (which really has to be accomplished before April.. I'm throwing this in here so I can be like, "YES! I FINISHED A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION!" haha)
10. Bring my grades up.. I hope
This of course didn't include the very obvious "Be a better Christian!" haha
Alright, thirdly... I am still trying to find songs to learn, people! I think I may start a new series on songs I like.. yes I'm that into music... Suggestions are greatly appreciated :)
Love!
Ruth
Two posts in one day................................................ Does that make up for not posting much or make it worse?????
First.. I got like six inches off my hair.. and layers cut in. My hair was all the way down to my butt... and now its just below my shoulder blades at the very longest point.. I freaked out a little when I got home and saw how much had come off. However, it is now a lot healthier looking and I'm sure it will be easier to bring it back to life with less of it to worry about right? :)
Second.. I don't really have a list of new year's resolutions... however.. I shall attempt to make one right now *Deep Breath*
1. Try to not talk people's ears off
2. Try to think about what I'm about to say. Is there a point? Could it hurt someone's feelings?
3. Try to sort out what on earth I'm doing/want to do with my life
4. Practice singing A LOT
5. (you saw this one coming) Get my hair healthy
6. workout
 |
| HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Have a great 2015! |
8. Keep up with my "This Week's Question" series I just started.
9. Finish my costume (which really has to be accomplished before April.. I'm throwing this in here so I can be like, "YES! I FINISHED A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION!" haha)
10. Bring my grades up.. I hope
This of course didn't include the very obvious "Be a better Christian!" haha
Alright, thirdly... I am still trying to find songs to learn, people! I think I may start a new series on songs I like.. yes I'm that into music... Suggestions are greatly appreciated :)
Love!
Ruth
Two posts in one day................................................ Does that make up for not posting much or make it worse?????
This Week's Question: Does my speech say I'm a Christian?
This started bugging me because.. well... I suddenly realized that a lot of people talk as they shouldn't.
Let's start with the saying I have heard most frequently in Church. "Oh my God." Can I just mention the verse, "Take not the name of the Lord thy God in vain." Okay I think that speaks for itself.
One of the reasons we should be careful about our speech, is to show that we are different from the world. I mean, anybody can lose control of themselves and use a swear word, right? Besides, the Bible says to bless those who hate you and persecute you and spitefully use you right? So we shouldn't be cursing. We shouldn't use vulgarities simply because they are disrespectful, and we are supposed to be respectful. This all came out of a random conversation with someone I met online! lol And the habit of someone I know slightly in real life.
But swearing is not the only issue we need to guard against. Being flippant in our speech is also a problem we don't even notice mostly. I know I have an issue with being flippant. Thankfully, I have never picked up the use of swear words, so I don't really have to worry about that, but being flippant is dangerous. It's easy to accidentally make light of something serious or your own feelings. Believe me, I have personal experience with this, and sad enough, it isn't previous personal experience, I do this just about every day, if not every day. I have accidentally hurt people by being waay too flippant. I've teased them without realizing it wasn't funny to them, and then I've had to try to make up. Not sure how well it worked....
So what my point is today, control your tongue. It's an often repeated exhortation in the Bible. The last few chapters of James deal with it a lot, and so does Proverbs. Paul mentions it.. not sure how often, but I know I've seen it. Let's control our tongues. Let's make our words count. Let's not offend people by not thinking first. I have had trouble with this since I was a little girl. I've always loved talking and communicating (wondered why I have this blog?????)
Hope this encouraged you!
Love,
Ruth
P.S. feel free to contact me at ruthlongworth62@gmail.com Yes, that is a different name! It's the original title for this google+ account because the only blog on here before had been one for sewing. I used my "pretend" name!
Blessings!
Let's start with the saying I have heard most frequently in Church. "Oh my God." Can I just mention the verse, "Take not the name of the Lord thy God in vain." Okay I think that speaks for itself.
One of the reasons we should be careful about our speech, is to show that we are different from the world. I mean, anybody can lose control of themselves and use a swear word, right? Besides, the Bible says to bless those who hate you and persecute you and spitefully use you right? So we shouldn't be cursing. We shouldn't use vulgarities simply because they are disrespectful, and we are supposed to be respectful. This all came out of a random conversation with someone I met online! lol And the habit of someone I know slightly in real life.
But swearing is not the only issue we need to guard against. Being flippant in our speech is also a problem we don't even notice mostly. I know I have an issue with being flippant. Thankfully, I have never picked up the use of swear words, so I don't really have to worry about that, but being flippant is dangerous. It's easy to accidentally make light of something serious or your own feelings. Believe me, I have personal experience with this, and sad enough, it isn't previous personal experience, I do this just about every day, if not every day. I have accidentally hurt people by being waay too flippant. I've teased them without realizing it wasn't funny to them, and then I've had to try to make up. Not sure how well it worked....
So what my point is today, control your tongue. It's an often repeated exhortation in the Bible. The last few chapters of James deal with it a lot, and so does Proverbs. Paul mentions it.. not sure how often, but I know I've seen it. Let's control our tongues. Let's make our words count. Let's not offend people by not thinking first. I have had trouble with this since I was a little girl. I've always loved talking and communicating (wondered why I have this blog?????)
Hope this encouraged you!
Love,
Ruth
P.S. feel free to contact me at ruthlongworth62@gmail.com Yes, that is a different name! It's the original title for this google+ account because the only blog on here before had been one for sewing. I used my "pretend" name!
Blessings!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Umm.. Random?
Okay ... So I was actually grounded over Christmas :/ So I didn't get to post Merry Christmas! lol Thankfully, however, I was able to tell most of my friends Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas for whoever I didn't tell! :D I know it is super late... :P
So a little update.. I was not able to make it to any Nursing Homes over Christmas. Didn't have a ride. However, it gave me a LOT of practice singing.. and I love it. Up next, I'm going to be learning some random songs and still maybe going to Nursing Homes throughout the year :)
Some songs I'm planning on learning.. If you're interested of course ;)
Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat (Friend asked me to)
Danny Boy (Pretty much know this one already)
So.. if you have any favourite songs that can be played on guitar... COMMENT AND TELL ME PLEASE! lol I need some ideas :) I'll probably toss in a few English folk songs :)
Yeah.. I know it's about every person's dream to sing someday. But, this is something I really do want to do. I don't need to make it big, I just want to make people happy or thoughtful :) So my dreams are not ridiculous for those of you thinking they are LOL
Love,
Ruth
P.S. I'd love to hear some ideas for posts.. I am like.. clueless right now :)
So a little update.. I was not able to make it to any Nursing Homes over Christmas. Didn't have a ride. However, it gave me a LOT of practice singing.. and I love it. Up next, I'm going to be learning some random songs and still maybe going to Nursing Homes throughout the year :)
Some songs I'm planning on learning.. If you're interested of course ;)
Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat (Friend asked me to)
Danny Boy (Pretty much know this one already)
So.. if you have any favourite songs that can be played on guitar... COMMENT AND TELL ME PLEASE! lol I need some ideas :) I'll probably toss in a few English folk songs :)
Yeah.. I know it's about every person's dream to sing someday. But, this is something I really do want to do. I don't need to make it big, I just want to make people happy or thoughtful :) So my dreams are not ridiculous for those of you thinking they are LOL
Love,
Ruth
P.S. I'd love to hear some ideas for posts.. I am like.. clueless right now :)
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Reality vs Our Dreams
I forget exactly what it was that made me start thinking about this. I know part of it was a song by Casting Crowns entitled, "Broken Together". Pretty much, the song is about a husband and wife that were arguing, and now he's saying that neither of them can be perfect, so can't they just be "broken together".
Media puts a lot of stuff out about happily ever after. Books... movies.. A lot of people have this idea that after they find their special someone, life is going to be beautiful. Well, no. Sorry to say, it isn't. Instead of having your own issues to deal with, you now have your spouse's too. And, heads up, no human is perfect, not even your dreamboat.
I'm afraid a lot of girls get caught up in daydreams about that awesome someday. They think it will be wonderful, to have somebody that loves them "perfectly." Well, sorry to tell you, nobody loves perfectly except God. It's a shame, but its the way it is. There is sin and nobody is sin free except Jesus, who is God.
Life only gets more complicated. It won't get easier, it's going to get tougher. Don't disillusion yourself. You'll never have life in control, because God controls life. All you can do is to put your trust in God and follow Him as well as you know how.
Now you're probably wondering, "What was the point in this post?" I really don't know. I just thought about it a bit and was like, you know what..... I don't even know if any of my readers have a flawed view of their future life. I just felt as if I aught to do a post. A lot of girls struggle with their daydreams and life not turning out as they had hoped. But just remember this, if God makes it happen, and you're a follower of Jesus, it will be what's best for you, whether you understand why in this life or not. It will ultimately be for your good. That could very well mean your spiritual good, and you may never know until you get to heaven, that is why we have to live by Faith.
So, I hope this encouraged you! It was a really random post, but hey, I thought of it so I posted it right?
Love!!!
Ruth
Media puts a lot of stuff out about happily ever after. Books... movies.. A lot of people have this idea that after they find their special someone, life is going to be beautiful. Well, no. Sorry to say, it isn't. Instead of having your own issues to deal with, you now have your spouse's too. And, heads up, no human is perfect, not even your dreamboat.
I'm afraid a lot of girls get caught up in daydreams about that awesome someday. They think it will be wonderful, to have somebody that loves them "perfectly." Well, sorry to tell you, nobody loves perfectly except God. It's a shame, but its the way it is. There is sin and nobody is sin free except Jesus, who is God.
Life only gets more complicated. It won't get easier, it's going to get tougher. Don't disillusion yourself. You'll never have life in control, because God controls life. All you can do is to put your trust in God and follow Him as well as you know how.
Now you're probably wondering, "What was the point in this post?" I really don't know. I just thought about it a bit and was like, you know what..... I don't even know if any of my readers have a flawed view of their future life. I just felt as if I aught to do a post. A lot of girls struggle with their daydreams and life not turning out as they had hoped. But just remember this, if God makes it happen, and you're a follower of Jesus, it will be what's best for you, whether you understand why in this life or not. It will ultimately be for your good. That could very well mean your spiritual good, and you may never know until you get to heaven, that is why we have to live by Faith.
So, I hope this encouraged you! It was a really random post, but hey, I thought of it so I posted it right?
Love!!!
Ruth
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Judgement vs Loving Concern
I think we've all heard "Don't judge me" before right? They say, "God is love" and quote all the "Judge not that ye be not judged" verses don't they?
But have you ever heard someone in that frame of mind quote Matthew 18:15-17? It's all about confronting your brother with his sins. Look it up if you want.
So people might be like, but we're forgiven, just because I make a mess-up does not mean you should start "judging me". The point is, showing someone their sin is not judging. Your motive in pointing out a sin you've noticed in a friend should be so they can fix it so they show a better image of Christ to the unsaved world. That is not judgement. That is lovingly showing them how they should be doing things.
I try to do it lovingly, but it seems it never comes off right. Maybe we should make more of a point to always love. My point in doing this post, was pretty much just to point out the difference between loving reminders and judgement. Judgement is reserved for God to give.
Also, when we're on the receiving line of reminders, we need to remember to be gracious and to think seriously about what the person is telling us. Even if you don't think you're the way they're saying, if you think deeply enough, there may be something to what they're saying!
So let's not judge. Let's have loving concern for each other as brothers and sisters!
Love,
Ruth
But have you ever heard someone in that frame of mind quote Matthew 18:15-17? It's all about confronting your brother with his sins. Look it up if you want.
So people might be like, but we're forgiven, just because I make a mess-up does not mean you should start "judging me". The point is, showing someone their sin is not judging. Your motive in pointing out a sin you've noticed in a friend should be so they can fix it so they show a better image of Christ to the unsaved world. That is not judgement. That is lovingly showing them how they should be doing things.
I try to do it lovingly, but it seems it never comes off right. Maybe we should make more of a point to always love. My point in doing this post, was pretty much just to point out the difference between loving reminders and judgement. Judgement is reserved for God to give.
Also, when we're on the receiving line of reminders, we need to remember to be gracious and to think seriously about what the person is telling us. Even if you don't think you're the way they're saying, if you think deeply enough, there may be something to what they're saying!
So let's not judge. Let's have loving concern for each other as brothers and sisters!
Love,
Ruth
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