"I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma." ~Eartha Kitt

at 03/17/10 7:16PM

I’m loving the fact that I was able to read my bible in the sunshine today. :) I didn’t have to sit inside and battle the abundance of noises that come from a small seven year old child and everything else in between. I sat in the sun and it was WARM. Probably one of the best things is to sit in the sun and have it warm your skin while reading your bible. :) Just some wonderful blessings.

This Sunday, the children’s class covered David and Goliath. A very well known event in the course of bible history that rank up there with Noah, Jonah, Daniel in the lion’s den, and Moses and the parting of the Red sea. Almost anyone you mention that to will know what you’re talking about, even if they are outside of the church. I think sometimes the “popularity” of some biblical events almost create themselves to be a dull repetition in many of our minds. This is something I know I have been super guilty of. When I was little and in the pre-school class at church it always seemed to be creation, Abraham, Noah, Moses, a little taste of some of the kings, Jonah, prophets, captivity, Jesus’ life, repeat. Not many of the gaps were filled in between for me. This made me cringe to hear someone say, “Tonight we’re going to look at Noah building the arc.” This is not their fault at all though. I had allowed some of God’s treasures grow dull to me. But recent study has given me a better and more productive perspective on some things.

So, while I was preparing for the class on Sunday I was reading through 1Samuel 17 and things I had never noticed before reached out and grabbed my attention. I had always just learned the facts about this event, and no one had really showed me how cool this really was! Goliath (I calculated his height from 18 inch cubits to 9’9”) who was huge, DEFIED the nation, armies, and even the only true and living GOD. Man, Goliath had a MAJOR pride issue. All in all, he was telling the Israelites, HAHA! You can’t take me! You’re too weak! No one can defeat me! I’m awesome! (Maybe an attitude many of us can have today, but that’s another tangent ;) David on the other hand was still a youth, probably not super string considering that he couldn’t bear the armor Saul tried to give him, yet he stood before Goliath and proclaimed not his own strength, but the Lord’s. David could have tried to run away or tried to be cocky in the way he approached Goliath, but he declared that GOD would deliver the victory, and killed Goliath with a smooth stone by the river.

One of the little boys in the class raised his hand and asked, “How could such a little stone kill such a big giant?” That is a very good question. Well, how did the Israelites survive in the wilderness and their clothes not wear out? How did they not go hungry in the wilderness? How did Jonathan and his armor bearer kill many Philistines, just the two of them? This is such a simple, yet complex thought; God that is how. With God all things are possible. The VERY SAME God that saved Daniel, Jonah, Moses, and Noah, is the same God that saved David. The very God that made the earth saved David. Goliath (yes with all his physical advantages) did NOT WIN! Trusting in your flesh gets you NO WHERE! It’s so incredibly important to look to God for our needs. Our future lies in the hands of the very same God who watched over all the faithful men and women throughout the bible. A comforting and very humbling thought. Even someone as big as Goliath, as powerful as he might have been, did not survive without God.

SO,
1. Look to God! We can’t trust in our own abilities

AND

2. Look back to those old stories that seem to have lost their awesomeness. They are just amazing to me, even though I have heard them my entire life. All of God’s word is a treasure. Don’t let it become dull to you.

God bless! Keep on keepin on! We aren’t home yet!

In Him,
Kaitlin ♥

We started a Wednesday eveing study some time back starting at Gen 1:1 and going through....we then had a break for a while because the man leading that particular class had to work but we're not getting back into it. We often go verse by verse or a couple verses at a time. Some verses don't have as much to discuss and are pretty much to the point but as a study, different people may bring out different things or clarification on customs back then are mentioned etc. and it can be interesting the details that we sometimes overlook. There are some important lessons found in the OT as well as great examples of faith and God's power.

by butterfly at 03/17/10 9:59PM
Love David and Goliath! And as far as the old stories, I have always marveled at the fact that Noah and his family could be on the ark with all that water, and all those animals for all those days and not go crazy! It's a little thing but Noah's wife must have been a strong woman!

by tommyswife at 03/19/10 9:26AM
by fullofgrace at 03/20/10 2:36PM

"How Can You Be SO Happy?"

at 03/06/10 8:33PM *

(That's a question I get asked a lot... I'll cover that later ;)

Today I think is the warmest day we have experienced in a LONG time! The snow is rapidly diminishing and the ground is reappearing from under the thick blanket of snow. I am rather excited. :) I love snow, but now I have that feeling squirming around in me that can't wait for flip-flops, cloud watching, bike riding, and watching God unfold the beautiful flowers. I love gardening!

I'm truckin along, but I'm still struggling with things that may take my whole life to figure out, but they seem to constantly pull on my heart strings.

Situations within the church that haven't been dealt with in the best way possible (from anyone's perspective) still leave me hurt and make me wonder how God's people can tare each other down. I have allowed satan to use that against me in my relationships with my brethren. I haven't been as open I want and need to be. In all I have let it get me down, and I'm learning more each day that I CAN'T BACK DOWN! I am a soldier of Christ! Yes, this world is rough. Life isn't fair, it's short, and then you die. Summed up that way it sounds really depressing, right? WRONG! I used to think so too, but then a nice healthy dose of Ecclesiastes helped me learn otherwise.

1. Life isn't Fair:
No it's not. It really is awful how satan can infiltrate the chruch and rip it to shreds, but in not having a perfect world, it gives a longing for home. A longing that can only be fulfilled by being once again with God, safe in His care. Praise God that He would consider letting me in.

2. Life is Short:
This is very true. Life is but a vapor, as quickly as it appears it's gone. This is a comfort to me, because the shorter life is the shorter the amount of time I have to spend away from my Savior and Creator.

3. You will Die
Death is the separation of body and spirit. When I die, if I have held true to the Lord I believe He will take me home. Death is not a sad thing for the Christian going home, but it's sad for the ones left behind.

So how can I be so happy? Yes, I am still saddened by the evil things that happen, but God is so glorious, wonderful, and forgiving. He will execute His judgment on people who don't obey him but for those who submit to Him, how wonderful is his love?! I am so thankful God has been so good to me. God is so patient with me and how I have been growing, and despite all the evil in the chruch he has blessed me with brothers and sisters that have helped me along. I want to leave you with some of their words that have helped me along.

"Hang in there kid. Things will all work out."

"There will always be people who try to keep you quite because you show their darkness. Light always shows darkness, and you shine until you make them blind!"

"God may be preparing you for a future you can't see."

"I can tell that you're serious about serving God. And since you want to, you will."

"Who would have thought this would happen? God did! That's Who!"

(Not quite verbatim, but the best I could do.)

Love you all! Hang in there, but keep looking up! Don't let things get you down! We have a reason to always be joyful!

Keep on keepin' on! God bless! We aren't home yet!

In Him,
Kaitlin ♥

Amen

by moe at 03/06/10 8:45PM
Yes, I believe I am staying in the air-conditioned. I like getting so close to everyone. :-)
And yes, that probably is the movie... I adore it.

by shbeck at 03/06/10 9:55PM
Even though I have quit blogging I still like to read others blogs. Most others have been a waste of time as they deal with some philosophical issue believing that they have found something new and in many vain attempts try to sound wise. However Kaitlin, I only get on pleonast because I look forward to your blogs, nobody else's, and that is no lie. Your at the bottom of my friends list but I always check yours first to see if you've blogged about anything. I also love to read what your sister has said and I actually bought the book she recommended with being a help meet. I want to know what to look for in a wife. With regards this topic, you really hit it on the head with me as I have also been discouraged by brethren in the church not handling things in the right manner. So many times I want to give up and I'm referring to my preaching/teaching. However, I believe I will have to push myself even more now with such encouraging words. I want you to know that you have been a great blessing in my life with your example and how you utilize this blog site when compared to other Christians focusing it on themselves or others who have wronged them. You have been a wonderful encouragement to me and you did not even know it. Who knows how ever many else you've encouraged and haven't even known it. Love you sister.

by steroid_steve at 03/07/10 6:23PM
I am learning lately that if I look at my brethern expecting to see the worst in him (or her), I will certainly find it. We must always approach everything with love in our heart. I have seen brethern push disagreements on one another and one person be 100% right, but his lack of love and his motives is 100% wrong. It is sad to see issues with our brethern pop up and fester and then have to fight our own internal battles about that person. Good post.

by tommyswife at 03/09/10 12:55PM
I'm sorry I missed seeing you, too! Justin said y'all might come on Thursday--but my other grad class is Thursday nights. =P Glad that you guys, came, tho!! =)

by arual at 03/09/10 5:05PM
Yeah. :-) She was soooo happy. She's thinking about coming to DOV camp with me. I think she'd love it if she came, but I don't know if she'll get to. :-/

by shbeck at 03/14/10 10:41PM
Awe, Steve's post just made me cry =( Kaitlin, I love you. Good thoughts. I love "laboring with you" =)

by kaylah2010 at 03/16/10 12:09AM
Yeah, I think I heard that from my brother. Haha. But I believe he only knew that because he went to the web-site. Have you looked at the site yet? It looks good. :-)

by shbeck at 03/16/10 1:43AM

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

at 02/25/10 6:14PM *

(Exciting news! I have been waiting to hear and now I have indeed heard! I made Chamber Choir!!! It's really exciting for me, and I wanted to let you all know!!!) :)

The kind of heart you have means a world of difference to who you let yourself be. I know to some that might seem obvious, but even if you appear to have a good heart, you might not. Eventually your true colors are shown anyway, but the Lord knows all along.

My darling little students are learning about the United Kingdom. I am so encouraged to see them growing so much. :) We are doing stuff from scratch, so they are my guinea pigs. So, far things seem to be going well. I am glad to know that my talking does indeed sink down into more than just their immediate memory as they can reiterate evens back to me about king Saul. (We are going to get into 1 Samuel 16 this Sunday) I am very excited about this lesson!

This lesson has kinda been the focal point of the entire unit, "Having a Heart for God!” Their memory verse for the entire series is 1 Samuel 16:7, "But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

This is quite possibly on the list of my favorite passages. Teaching has also made me learn and focus on things I hadn't pondered for a long time, or at least in this light. In my life, which isn't my own to start with, am I cultivating a heart that will turn to God and say, 'LORD I need YOUR guidance. Not my own. I Need YOU'? OR (as the kids like it put this way) am I serving "Mr. MY-OWN-WAY man"? Pride. Yes, it seems to come in as ugly of a thing as it maybe, but it's usually tied closely to sin. When I was younger I used to wonder why (after Saul didn't utterly destroy the Amalekites by sparing king Agag) Samuel wouldn't help reconcile him to God. I think I understand now. Saul realized after Samuel told him the kingdom would be taken away, he would not be hailed. He wouldn't be upheld like so many kings are. I think he tried to be reconciled to try to regain the kingdom. He tried to serve God, although it seems from study that he had rather selfish motives behind his actions. Now, my application. Why do I serve God? Is it so that people will say 'Kaitlin is soo sweet! She is such a good Christian...etc.' or do I do it because God, the Almighty creator died for me and wants me to, and I love Him more than anything else? I choose the latter. :) Let’s serve God with the right hearts!

I'll leave you all with the words to the song we sing in class with the kids. Our theme song.

"The Lord doesn't see what man sees,
For man only sees the outward parts,
The Lord isn't looking at height or strength,
For the Lord only looks at the heart."

(Many thanks to Matt and Katie Harber.)

In Him,
Kaitlin♥

Thanks!

by katiegirl_911 at 02/25/10 10:13PM
sweet nice post

by moe at 02/26/10 11:09AM
cograts on making chamber choir that's great!! have fun with your lesson (:

by iddybd94 at 02/26/10 5:54PM
your welcome and yeah congrats on makeing that choir

by moe at 02/26/10 8:08PM
Nice job teaching is a great expriece it's so interesting when a much younger student brings up a point that you have to think about and question yourself on. God is made perfect in weakness and weakness is often found in youth.

by ethang at 02/27/10 1:13PM
That's cool!!

by iddybd94 at 02/28/10 6:12PM
What a great post! Congrats on make the choir!

by tommyswife at 03/02/10 7:57AM
I'm not sure what her parent's names are... all I know about really, is that she was a twin to Carla. =P

by lil_miss_kela at 03/05/10 9:47AM
My little siblings have the same memory verse, I think! :-) Are you staying in the air-conditioned rooms this year?

by shbeck at 03/05/10 10:57AM

“The world is burning in the fire of desire, in greed, arrogance and excessive ego.”

at 02/16/10 8:17PM

I was having to scroll halfway down my page to read comments, so a new post!!! :)

I am enjoying the snow. We have somewhere around 14-16 inches as far as I can tell, and STILL falling. We were snowed in for a week, and I got a little bit of cabin fever. We finally were able to get out and we are enjoying it. :) In the week I had I learned how to cross stitch! Momma took time to sit down with me to do it and I absolutely love it. I would have never thought I would be doing stuff like this when I was younger...such a tom boy... haha

(as for the title of my post I am getting there)

After we were finally able to get out on Sunday, I kinda wish we were still snowed in... On our way home from church, we had to go to the store and pick up some items before more snow came in, and it was really the first time in a whole week I had to "face the world". I forgot how disgusted I could get with worldly people. We were driving away out of the parking lot and I looked out the window to see people getting out of their cars. One in particular group just really made me mad. There were two teenage girls, both perfectly healthy looking and had crossed arms and REAKED with attitude. That in and of its self bothers me. Then, I look to see why they stood there instead of sulking their way into the store. It looked as if it could have been their grandmother trying to lower herself into a wheel chair from the seat of the car she was in, which was rather high, yet the girls just stood there and crossed their arms and glared out into the snowy darkness.

I REALLY wanted to jump out of the car and give them the loving discipline of the rod, which they obviously didn’t get as children. I cannot understand the selfishness of some people. It really just makes me completely furious to see such attitude of self righteousness and pride, a lesson to me. Sometimes, I may not be as observant to others needs and to being a servant to all. I pray I never reek with this attitude. God calls us to be servants and to humble ourselves for one another, Even if it means humiliation. Sometimes it means being with someone others may look at as "beneath them", sometimes it means just putting your comforts aside to help someone else. Sometimes it means sacrificing your time and resources to help someone. Maybe instead of using your time off of work or school to indulge yourself, maybe use it to help someone with a project they are doing. Whatever you can do for someone spiritually, physically, young, or old. Be a servant! Let's serve one another and help each other reach the goal!!!

"Make Him the Source, the Center, and the One who encompasses every delight of your soul. Refuse to be satisfied any longer with your meager accomplishments. Aspire to a higher, a nobler, and a fuller life. Upward to heaven! Nearer to God!!!" ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon

God bless! Keep on keepin' on! We aren't home yet!

In Him,
Kaitlin ♥

yes it is lol

by moe at 02/16/10 8:20PM
I guess I'm shy... I'm just uncomfortable with new people. :-) But, at DOV, everybody was so nice and I didn't feel uncomfortable. I always feel less shy when I have at least one friend with me. :-)

by shbeck at 02/16/10 10:14PM
Oh my, 14-16 inches!?! Haha. Last night we had 6 people "snowed in" because of icy roads. There MIGHT have been an inch, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was less. Oh, and we also almost died while going over a bridge... That's why most of them stayed I think.

by shbeck at 02/16/10 10:20PM
Be the light that people need to see! I know you are! Put your energy to that....cause you will exhaust your little self if you look into the world for disgusting material and behavior! :) Hope to see you again soon!

by tommyswife at 02/17/10 11:04AM
That is what I saw a lot when I worked at the portrait studio. And the sad thing was, they were just acting like their parents. :( Hope you're staying warm and cozy on yet another day you have off from school. :) lol I love you, dear. ^_^

by Jareds_Wife at 02/17/10 11:29AM
Thanks! Most of the reason I messed up was because of stress, I mean I was playing with my concert master and he's really good and he's a senior. lol

by iddybd94 at 02/17/10 5:57PM
Yeah, I'm sure it would be nice just to get to stay at home for a while.

by shbeck at 02/17/10 10:38PM
Haha yeah, i did do good. (:

by iddybd94 at 02/18/10 6:06PM
Haha. I'm glad I live in Alabama. It was pretty warm today. No wind and no clouds to block the sun... :-)

by shbeck at 02/19/10 5:49PM
lol, that sounds nice. :) The sun has been shining here for the past two days...too bad I've been in Wal-Mart the majority of those days. :( But I hope the weather stays like this so I can do you know what next weekend, Lord willing. :)

by Jareds_Wife at 02/20/10 4:49PM
Ah, me either!! I can't wait to wear flip-flops all the time again.

by shbeck at 02/20/10 8:31PM
I need you to help me change my pleo page so it's colorful again! :( It's sad that I am a technotard in this area. lol ^_^

by Jareds_Wife at 02/23/10 4:18PM
For a few days down here it was warm, but then it got cold again. :-p It's hard for me to go back to wearing stuff to keep me warm. :-/

by shbeck at 02/25/10 4:45PM

"A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others."

at 02/02/10 4:25PM *

I am learning more every day. I know that I say that a lot, but I really do. I learn more about my weaknesses, my need for more devotion to God, the need to tell others the awesome news, the need to lean on my Lord in prayer and in all my troubles, and honestly, the list goes on. I know most people posted their resolutions at the beginning of the year, but I don't want to put myself in the frame of mind that it will only be "renewed" at the first of the year. I want to put myself to the test daily, so this is more for my sake. I am not putting anyone else down for posting theirs earlier.

1. I want to strive toward God in school.
I often find that I let so many opportunities to teach others just slip by me! How foolish of me! Spreading the good news is so important! I need not to neglect it.

2. I want to strive towards God at home.
At home, now, it's me and my little brother. My sister is married and living in another state. I feel as though I have an obligation to my mom, dad, sister, and brother to help them grow towards God and what is right. They help me often and keep me on track the best they can. I know that they are Christians (with the exception of my little brother. He's 6) but I know that they, like me struggle. I know daddy really isn't superman, and that he isn't invincible. I know mom really CAN get tired and get discouraged. I know that, although he plays dumb, my brother really knows a lot and has developed an understanding of so many spiritual concepts that many adults will not grasp. I know, especially with my lil brother, that he is learning so much now. He needs to realize early on to turn to God. No matter what.

3. I want to develop the Proverbs 31 characteristics.
This is one of my favorite passages. I love the example that I have in the scriptures to be like a godly woman. Just like the godly man, sometimes I fear that the godly woman is going instinct, and that terrifies me. I want to be a woman like Ruth, Abigail, Hannah, and Deborah! I want to be a woman that will reflect God's will and His way. I want to be a woman that serves god all the days of my life. With my present and future family. I know that I am not there yet, but I am working.

4. I want to force myself to NOT be SHY!
This is something I have struggled with, and still do. I can be terribly shy. I really hate it. I want to have a meek and quite spirit, but not one that hinders me from meeting my brethren. I have found that I really want to evangelize, but I sometimes chicken out and when I go to address them, they can barely hear me. In bible studies, people often have to ask me to repeat what I have said because they couldn't hear me. That just makes me hot with embarrassment and I find it hard to even utter the words again. This just hinders me from doing a lot of what I want to do. Meeting people would be so much easier if I weren't shy. So, if you can, hold me accountable to that.

I know that I have not completed my list of things I would like to do, not at all. Over all in summary, I want to grow to say none of self and all of Thee! I want to truly reflect God's will. So, hold me to my words. Quote me if you'd like! Don't EVER let me slack. If I need called out, please do so. I would much rather be notified and be able to improve than not be told, and continue in ignorance.

OK, for my title. Something I would specifically like to ask prayers for. I am teaching the children's bible class at church this "term" (we really don't have a set time.) I am doing the United Kingdom with my class. The age range is pretty big. Its ages 6-15. I am still trying to maintain the balance of keeping it challenging without making it too "over their heads". This is my first time teaching and I am praying that the kids will learn and grow in the word. I pray I will be prepared. I pray that I will help them more than just in the class. I want them to carry these lessons with them though out their lives. So, please pray for me about. I would really appreciate it.

God bless! Keep on keepin' on. We aren't home yet.

In Him,
Kaitlin ♥

12-31 of 31 comments « prev 1 2 next »

I think the problem was I have siblings in the class I was thinking about teaching. She was probably right that my little brother wouldn't listen to me. :-/

by shbeck at 02/05/10 6:20PM
It was a lot of fun!! the next one is the 13th, I would be going but, I have a concert that day so I can't. :( I really wanted to though, the last study was really good.

by iddybd94 at 02/05/10 7:12PM
Yupp. That was the one. The next study is going to be over the last few chapters, I wish I could make it.

by iddybd94 at 02/06/10 7:09PM
I don't know about you, Kaitlin, but whenever I'm with you, you're not that shy. :) lol And, by the way, I finally commented on your post...are you proud of me? lol ^_^ Love you lots!

by Jareds_Wife at 02/06/10 7:49PM
yes it dose :(

by moe at 02/07/10 8:58AM
LOL (: I don't know if they recorded them or not, I hope so too.

by iddybd94 at 02/07/10 1:07PM
And who is the girl in your class that I know?

by shbeck at 02/07/10 9:45PM
That's what I thought. :-) Would you mind telling her I said "hey" next time you see her?

by shbeck at 02/09/10 5:47PM
I finished my scrapbook of DOV last night! Yay.

by shbeck at 02/09/10 5:47PM
Thank you! I'm sure I will! =]

by lil_miss_kela at 02/10/10 1:33PM
Yeah, I'll definitely have to bring it to camp. :-) It was rather funny- we went to an all girls Bible camp and I came back with pictures of us arm-wrestling and you with your sleves rolled up pretending to flex. Haha.

by shbeck at 02/10/10 2:18PM
Yes, Andrew is one of the seven-year-old twins. :-)
Haha. I miss you too! I CANNOT wait until DOV.

by shbeck at 02/10/10 10:50PM
Hm, so our siblings are pretty close in age. :-) How old is your sister?
What other camps are you going to?

by shbeck at 02/12/10 11:16AM
Haha, my older sister is 19 and turns 20 in April.
I don't think I'm going to get to GEMS either... I think my brother was a counselor at Jersey FC camp last summer. I've never been to an FC camp...

by shbeck at 02/12/10 5:25PM
Yeah, I remember that LOL I took one that night too LOL

by iddybd94 at 02/12/10 8:36PM
It is around 10:00 am on Saturday morning and our road is clear, as is Rt. 2 through New Martinsville. Kevin and I are proceeding with plans to have TBS this evening. Our good neighbor even plowed for us, so that we would have parking, We do not know, however, the conditions of the roads on which your travel to get here. So, please make the wisest decision. We certainly understand if you do make it this month.

by tbs_hosts at 02/13/10 10:07AM
Haha, no! What happens in AC2 STAYS in AC2!! lol

by iddybd94 at 02/13/10 3:44PM
yeah almost time to it hasnt blown up on me yet so

by moe at 02/14/10 9:10AM
That's cool. There's always a first time for everything I guess. :-) I'm sure they'd be really good.

by shbeck at 02/14/10 3:05PM
Great to see you Saturday evening...turnout was really good considering the winter weather. Can you write the title of the ladies' book by Mrs. Ludy that you showed me on our page?
Thanks!

by tbs_hosts at 02/15/10 9:11PM

75-79 of 79 entries « prev 1 2 … 12 13 14 15 16 next »

"I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma." ~Eartha Kitt

"How Can You Be SO Happy?"

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

“The world is burning in the fire of desire, in greed, arrogance and excessive ego.”

"A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others."

smiley_face

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