When I accepted Christ into my life

I think this will be my favorite post so far on my blog so share with my readers. This specific moment in my life, I will never forget. Because that was the one day that changed my life forever. That day I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior. Some of my friends who follow my blog hasn't yet heard my testimony of when I accepted Jesus into my heart. I think it is important to tell each others testimonies as Christians. To be a born again Christian, you have to have a testimony. Not everyones testimony is the same. Each one is different, each one unique. But there has to be that one time in your life where you gave it all to God. Repenting your sins and asking God for forgiveness. To come and give us a clean heart and to give everything we have to God. . . . So today I decided to share mine with y'all. 

~ ~ ~ 

It's not like I was once an alcoholic, abuser, or drug dealer. . . It wasn't like I didn't know about the Lord. What's worse is that, I knew that there was a God who was worthy enough to accept the unacceptable... I knew that He was the only way to heaven. But that's my point! Others who haven't really heard of The Lord and His ways don't think anything is wrong with what they're doing. Or they do, but they don't think much about the consequences of their actions. I am growing up in a Christian home. My parents are devoted Christians..Living to please God and take care of their children. I always attended church with my parents, prayed at night and before meals, and tried to obey my parents. . But what I was really doing was faking myself out. Yes, I would go to church, or go into public and act like a Christian but then come home and not act as a Christian should act. I wouldn't want to devote my time to the Lord. I thought that I was doing good though, I had even prayed a prayer asking God into my heart, but that wasn't true repentance. I was only playing a role in a Christian home, telling myself that I was a good person and I'd make it to heaven. But here Matthew 21-23 says “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’  I was only faking myself into Christianity. This next part I'm about to say is my favorite part of this story. :)

One evening in January, 2011,  my Dad called us in for a family devotion. We would all sit around in our living room and listen to daddy read a verse or two in the Bible and then teach on that. I can't remember the exact verse we were reading but it was in John. It was so convicting and the whole time my parents were talking, I was thinking to myself how much of a sinner I was. I remember feeling how heavy my heart was because I knew I was only "playing" Christian before. My mom must have noticed the look on my face when He was reading because she asked if I were alright and understanding everything. I told her that I was understanding what he was saying but that I didn't think I was saved. I think it might have surprised her because I had an "experience" a couple years before that. I had prayed to God to come into my heart but it wasn't genuine . . . I told them that I knew that if I were to die right there, I would go to hell because I didn't truly repent of my sins and ask for forgiveness. So I asked if I could pray with my dad to accept Christ into my heart. So Daddy brought me to his room so we could have quiet time. He showed me these verses. . . Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.". I definitely felt that one hit me. I knew I had been sinning my whole life. Lying, Playing a fake Christian, quick to anger and attitude. I definitely knew I fell short of the glory of God. Dad also showed me these verses - Romans 3:10-18. When he read me those, I had knew without God's grace on me, I would be sent straight to hell without a doubt when I come to die. But after he showed me those verses about sin, he read me this. Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." . . I thought, Christ, who was blameless and perfect, gave His own life for me, a sinner.. Me, worthy of nothing but to be sent to hell. Then went on to read Romans 10:9 "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.". Daddy said that it was a life long choice to make but it would be the best decision of my life. So I asked Daddy to pray with me. As tears flowed down my face, I asked the Lord to forgive me of my sins. Thanking Him For dying on that cross for me. So that I could live with Him one day in Heaven. I then went on and asked the Lord to come and live inside me. To be my one and only personal Savior. To live in and through me and let His grace show through me. I asked Him to use me in every way I could to tell people about His great love He has for His children and how He changed my life in the best way. And after thanking Him over and over again for giving me a new life, I said "Amen". After I prayed that prayer, my heavy heart was so light and happy. I felt this warm feeling inside me. It was like I was a new person. And I was. I was born again!! I was so happy with tears of joy still dripping off my cheeks and chin. I thanked Daddy for praying with me and showing me those verses and then went to see my mom and sisters to tell them what just happened. They were so happy for me. That I now was a true believer in Jesus Christ! - Romans 5:1 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  &  Romans 8:38-39 "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."  . . . I had such a peace in my heart after I gave my life over to Christ. Now my goal is to grow closer and closer with my Lord.

So that is my Testimony of when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.
The best day of my my life. When everything changed. . .


Love to all my friends and family! 

Mountain of God

It is amazing how God reveals so much to Christians, through their walk with Christ. When I was first saved, It was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to me. I had this peace in my heart.. To know that I now have this personal relationship with Christ. To have full understanding about His love for me and the Ultimate gift He gave to us. His Son, Jesus, who gave His life for those who believe in Him. So that we don't have to be sent to hell but have an everlasting life in heaven. - Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

As I am maturing more and more in my spiritual walk with God, I am realizing that satan will use any person, object, or well, anything to distract us from growing closer with God. Satan feels intimidated by us and feels he needs to try harder on Christians to turn away from our faith. That is when we need to be grounded most in God's word. Studying scripture daily, praying, and spending time just thanking God for what we have and not complain about what we don't. 

So growing a deep and deeper relationship with God wont be easy. There are going to be times when you may question where is God. Why isn't he helping you through something tough or hard. You could be thinking to yourself, "He said He was going to take care of His children..why is He letting me go throughout something like this?". . . Think of it like this... You can't expect to win first place in a race without trying hard to run for that goal. There will be bumps in the road, challenges to face, and problems along the way. That doesn't mean you wont win it. It only means you need to try hard to pass those up and keep your mind focused on what's ahead. . . Just like your walk with Christ. No one ever said it was going to be easy. No one ever told you that it was going to be a perfect walk down the road and then instantly you would have the perfect relationship with God and with out any problems along the way. Actually, God allows things to happen in your life.. If that may be trials, tribulations, temptations, or hardships. He may let things happen to you so that you may come out of it stronger in your faith. Trust me, throughout my life, God has allowed many things to happen to me, but especially after I was saved. I see now that I am grateful for the most part the He has allowed those things to happen to me. Because It showed me that I didn't have the kind of relationship that I should have with my Savior. My mind wasn't focused on God entirely like it should have been. By letting me go through what He did, I have a truer, closer relationship with Him. And I wouldn't ask for it any other way. If you are a TRUE believer in Jesus Christ, He will NOT let you down. Even though life may get hard, He will carry you through anything. So yes, God will allows obstacles in your life but He is only doing it for your good. I can't keep from thanking God from what He might have saved me from. To look back at how God worked in my life is amazing. Allowing me to go through those things and coming out so much stronger and knowledgeable through Him. I can't keep from praising and thanking His name.

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This song has to be one of my favorite songs because it demonstrates exactly what I am trying to say here. Every time this plays, I just close my eyes as I let the words sink in and as I sing along, praising God..Thanking Him for what He has allowed me to go through that made our relationship much closer. I couldn't ask for anything better.   

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" - John 16:33

Hanging with my girls

Yesterday we had the whole day to spend in Metairie with my cousins. We had lots of fun! There is never a dull moment when we have Katey, Kayla, and me together. :D

<3 Lunch at Whole Foods Market. <3

Let us head to the mall, shall we?

@Cali. . . Spikes do not go very well on shoes. These were dangerous.  :/

We thought it would be fun to try on dresses. . it was :D 

We had some issues with a dress :/

I absolutely loved the style of this dress.. if only it was a couple inches longer and the price, way lower. I wasn't spending $175 on that beauty. ;)

<3

We must plan another day together soon! 

*Hugs*

Just a few pictures. .

Olah to all my followers! :D I hope y'all are all having a great summer so far! The heats been taking a toll on a lot of us here, but we have also been getting storms every day ( including lightning and thunder ( which means no swimming. )   :(  . . . No swimming means I get a lot of stuff done in the house if we are not busy doing other stuff. Like schooling more, trying to keep things tidy, growing closer with my Lord in His word, and other things. :) So I'm just going to post some pictures of stuff going on lately ( that's if you haven't seen them on my instagram already ) . . . 

 Love to all my friends and family!!

I've been getting so see "my" little cousin a lot lately. Love her to bits!!

It's sushi time!

Gluten free diets makes you do weird things late at night. ;P

Started reading a new book. It's very good so far!

<3

Silly us

I love our old typewriter!

My bed room almost finished decorating 

And more of this girl! 

<3 My love for coffee <3

Posted this on Instagram. For those who didn't already know. . .  ;) 

~ This quote is so very true! When things happen in life that may not be what we planned, instead of questioning God why this is happening, we need to be thinking that God has bigger and better plans for us. We need only put our all of our trust in God. He's got everything under under control ~ 

And some photos I took of God's wonderful creation! 

Until next time. . . God bless!  And have a wonderful Week!

Day 26: A Childhood Memory

When I think of my childhood, I don''t just think of one memory. When I think of just one little childhood memory, it spreads to so many others. So many others that I would love to relive. I would love to go back in time and watch my family and me. Relive those memories that are so dear to me.


 Relive the day that my dear baby sister,  Emily was born. Getting to hold those little pink hands and then mom and dad called me a big sister for the first time. Feeling like the proudest sister, that I had this little pink baby to help daddy and mommy raise. . .


 The times when Katey and I would go pick up pine cones in our front and back yard for a penny each. ( we were pretty young so we thought we were going to make a fortune. ha! ). And boy were we workers! 


  Those special weekday nights where daddy would let Katey and me stay up late to watch the animated Story of Moses or Joseph. He would sit on our recliner, me on one side of him, Katey on the other. snuggled up with his arms around each of us. I'm sure we he was suffocated between us girls but he didn't mind a bit. All that mattered to me was that I had my place by daddy. :) 


When my mom would hold me in her arms and persist on saying that I would "always" be her baby girl. Of coarse I would say "No mommy, I'm a big girl.." we would go back and forth until she let me win. :)


I'll never forget when daddy would tuck Katey and me in bed, praying with us, singing a song and then tell us a bible story. We had all sorts of questions and he would know how to answer them in the perfect way for out little minds. Making everything so clear for us to imagine. And as he walked out our bedroom he would say "I love you girls" and we would say we loved him more and then there was a endless battle of who loved who more.


Oh, the times where my big brother, Jonathan would babysit us girls. He was sure to make our lives miserable and non stop fun at the same time. He would go around scaring the life out of us children, as he acted as a cereal killer. I know it sounds horrible, I thought I was actually going to die ( keeping in mind that we were all so young). We would go around the house running for our lives as he had a (butter) knife to scare us with. The times where he would scream as if he were hurt, and while Katey and I would run to see if he was ok, he'd just smash whipped cream all over our faces. Good times. ;) 


And then there was those memories when everyone would go run errands and it was just Daddy and me at home. We would play jacks, go fish, and talk heart to heart talks ( me begin only about six ). Then he would put our ( all of his daughters ) song on, Butterfly kisses. As it played, he would sing it to me and we would do "butterfly kisses". I remember this as if it were yesterday. And whenever I recollect theses times, I get all teary eyed because I know I will never be that young again. But then at the same time, I am so happy that I have these memories. 


Thinking back on these memories only makes me realize how fast time flies and that we need to live as if each day is our last. Always loving, caring, and living our life for Christ. Living our life to the fullest. Each day is a day gone bye. One that we wont get back, so lets cherish every moment we have with our family and friends. Try not to have regrets. Lord only knows how many I have and I wish I hadn't. But there is time to fix that. 


I just had to post this song. Lord willing, I will dance with my Daddy at my wedding to this song. It has too many memories attached. I tear up every time I hear this song. 

~If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.~

More than a friend

Jesus, You're more than a friend,

 and Jesus You're more than my heart could ever express. 

You're love and Your grace never fail me. 

Your merciful touch always heals me.

 you bring joy to my soul. 

~ ~ ~ 

This song I'm sharing with ya'll has to be one the most comforting songs I've heard. I just keep replaying this song over and over when I here it. How comforting to know that Jesus's love and grace will never fail us. Though this world may discourage and disappoint us, the Lord will only give comfort and joy to those who seek Him and His will! This song takes the words right out of my mouth.. I am lost for words how much joy you bring to my soul. How comforting You are Jesus! Something that than nothing and no one can bring to me.  Only You. You are the only one that can give me the future only worth living. Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and  a future


The Lord calls us to be with Him. We need only to listen. What earthy friend or person can say that if you be with them, they can give you rest, and rest in your soul. No one except the Lord Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 - 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 


And through difficulties and trials, who can say that they will love you unconditionally and unfailing? Only the Lord. - Isaiah 54:10 - Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. 


I hope you enjoy this song as much as I did!




Jeremy Riddle - More than a Friend

A Picture or Two

I love when Katey lets me take her camera and play with it a bit ;) .. getting to learn how to use it manually and take pictures. I also love when she critiques my work. It helps show me what I'm doing wrong and right. Therefore, my pictures will look better as time goes on! I love having my older sister teach me photography! 

A few weeks ago Katey let me do a mini photo shoot of her. If you follow her photography blog Here, you already saw them. ( isn't she so pretty?) . . I'm hoping she'll let me use her camera more often to snap some shots as I learn more. .  Here I took a photo or two... Not nearly as good as Katey's work but hope I'll get better as time goes on! 

~ Philippians 4:23 ~

^~  I can do all this through Him who gives me strength ~

A Psalm. . .

Hi y'all! Scary to say, I can't believe it's already July! So I thought I would start  up a new blog post series called "A Psalm". Right now I'm reading through Psalm along with my daily Bible reading. I would love to share more scripture that I'll be reading. It won't be every chapter and it's not going to be in order. :)

Today I will share with y'all chapter 5. I let these words sink in as I read them slowly. Reading how we pray and cry out to God. He heres our prayers and knows what's best for us. The Lord will bless those who rejoice in Him and destroy those who speak falsehood. . .

Psalm 5

 (KJV)

5 Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.

² Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

³ My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

⁴ For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

⁵ The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

⁶ Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

⁷ But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

⁸ Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

⁹ For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

¹⁰ Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

¹¹ But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

¹² For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

<3 I pray y'all all have a great week and 4th of July holiday! . . .God bless! <3