We discovered this cute video at The Rebelution website, however there is much more in the way of substantive content to be found there. Twin teenage brothers Alex and Brett Harris are the co-authors of this outstanding blog for young people. The Rebelution is, as they describe it, a “teenage rebellion against rebellion,” and they truly live up to their name. Themes such as godly character, purity, biblical manhood and womanhood, coalesce with insightful cultural analysis, profiles of courageous teenagers, and a pretty sleek looking new web-design.
In addition to Alex and Brett’s obvious gift for writing, they have a resource section chock-full of wonderful articles from other authors. So whether or not you have a teenager, check out The Rebelution. But first watch this little video for a smile this Friday.
Catch you all on Monday!
Nicole for my favorite girltakers Carolyn, Kristin, and Janelle
So did you accept our challenge and answer last week’s question: “What is one area of your life you need to submit to God’s will, praying as Mary did, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ (Luke 1:38 NKJV)? We hope that God used this question to remind you that His plans for your life are good and perfect—designed to make you more like Christ.
This week’s chapter profiles a truly special woman named Anna. I wish I could have known her. However, I can think of several women who remind me of Anna—“a woman uniquely devoted to declaring the Word of God”—first and foremost my mom. So for next week’s question, we want to hear about an “Anna” in your life. Tell us about a time when this woman’s faithfulness to share God’s Word with you strengthened your faith in Christ. As an added bonus, you and your “Anna” will receive a signed copy of Twelve Extraordinary Women.
Twenty-five years ago a single woman named Kathy Houghton came into our home for a church hospitality. After just a few hours, my sister and I were so attached to her that shortly thereafter my parents asked if she would babysit us on a regular basis. From then on Aunt Kathy—as we began to call her—became a part of our family. I remember her not just as a babysitter: she was our “fun coordinator,” constantly planning creative outings. An evening with Aunt Kathy was always a memorable event. Fast-forward a few years. Aunt Kathy married a godly man named John. Together they adopted three beautiful children: Gabe, Joe, and Amanda. Then it was Nicole’s and my turn to fill the babysitter position, although I’m not sure we were ever quite as fun as Aunt Kathy! For the past eighteen years we have had the privilege of watching these young children become godly teenagers. Today, the babysitting role has changed hands once again, and now Amanda sits for my boys. My kids always have a blast when she comes over. They affectionately call her “De-da.” Though my mom, being the wonderful grandma that she is, watches the boys for our date night, Amanda makes it possible for me to serve alongside Brian in various ministry responsibilities. Kathy’s willingness to serve our family all those years ago built lasting ties between her family and ours. As a single woman, she opted to give up precious free time in order to care for three little girls. The ultimate outcome was a special friendship between Kathy, my mom and us girls. And now that friendship extends to her daughter Amanda and my children. So who can you serve today? You never know—it might just be the start of a life-long friendship.
I want to tack on one more fun fall idea to yesterday’s Autumn Festival recap. Because I dislike cold weather, you’ll not find me (of my own volition at least) romping through the woods on a crisp (translate: freezing cold) fall day. No, once the temperature dips below 65 degrees, my only reason for going outside is to get to another warm place—fast. I’m partial to indoor, preferably by the fireplace, autumn activities. Books (thick ones), movies, games, family time, chats with friends, and indoor shopping malls are all delightful options.
Therefore, my fun fall idea—which will make a wonderful girl’s night in for moms and daughters, sisters, or a whole bunch of friends—is a new BBC miniseries entitled Bleak House. Don’t worry. It’s not as dreary as it sounds! Based on the novel by Charles Dickens (one of my favorite authors) it has fascinating characters and surprising plot twists. Although we rarely recommend movies here at girltalk as there is so little to commend, our family has thoroughly enjoyed this film. We think you will too.
So why not whip up some of that yummy caramel popcorn and hot apple cider, light a fire in the fire place, get the girls together on a nice cozy couch with loads of blankets and pillows, laugh at the howling wind outside, and enjoy a movie night together? And if it’s not too late (or early morning) when you finish, you can discuss how the main character, Esther Summerson embodies the qualities of biblical femininity.
How fun is that?! You don’t even have to go outside.
There is a definite chill in the Gaithersburg air today—a reminder that autumn is fast approaching. Last year at this time, we had a week long “Autumn Festival” here on the blog, which included a variety of recipes, poems and traditions. Check it out if you are looking for some ideas to liven up your fall.
One missing element from last year’s festival was autumn décor. Actually, when it comes to holiday décor, we girltalkers can tell you what not to try. I remember one year, my mom placed a small bale of hay, some pumpkins, and a few ears of dried corn on the front porch. Really cute. The chipmunks thought so too. Yep, those little guys got their Thanksgiving feast early that year and the corn was no more.
Then there was the December when my mom placed a lovely wreath on the front door. Well, Christmas came and went and the wreath still hung on the door. (Kinda like those people who leave their Christmas lights up year round—why take them down when you will have to put them up again next year?)
With the arrival of spring a sweet little bird decided to call our Christmas wreath “home.” That wreath was gonna have to stay. The nest was perfectly constructed within the wreath and mommy bird proceeded to lay her eggs. Three of them. Every time someone opened the door, she would fly away in a huff! The eggs eventually hatched and we watched as the little babies grew and finally left the nest. They left behind one huge mess. Bird poop and feathers were everywhere. That was the end of that Christmas wreath!
As you can see, we have not had much success with outdoor seasonal décor. But we hopped on the web and found a couple sites (here and here) which have some pretty cool ideas for making your house look “fallish” on the inside. Happy autumn!
Where were you on the morning of September 11, 2001?
No doubt each of us remembers with perfect clarity. CJ and I were eating breakfast at a restaurant in Chatham, Massachusetts, when we noticed that people were gathering round the television in the lobby area. My husband went to check out what was capturing everyone’s interest. His face was grim when he came back to our table. “You’re not going to believe what has just happened,” he told me. “A plane has crashed into one of the buildings of the World Trade Center.” Of course we now know that was only the beginning of the horrific events that unfolded that day—a day that has forever changed our country.
Evil and suffering of this magnitude raises another, far more weighty question:
Where was God on the morning of September 11, 2001?
How do we understand 9/11, or any tragedy for that matter, in light of the sovereignty and goodness of God?
I want to be like Hannah. My prayers are often filled with my own ideas of what is best for me and this chapter provoked me to pray as Hannah did. Dr. MacArthur tells us that “Hannah truly laid her troubles in the lap of the Lord, totally confident that He would answer her in accord for what was best for her.”
This story of faith-filled prayer from Amy is a wonderful reminder of God’s sovereign power seen through the prayers of His saints.
When I married my husband, he was not a believer. I knew this was wrong, but decided to follow my own desires instead of trusting God. After awhile, my broken relationship with Christ began to take a toll on me. I wasn’t happy even though I had everything I thought I wanted. My unsaved husband knew that I needed to get right with God in order to have contentment in my life. He encouraged me to find a church.
As my heart turned back to God, I had a great desire to see my husband come to Christ, but nothing I was doing seemed to work. He was neck deep in sin, and I was becoming more and more hopeless. One night, through my tears, I finally committed to stop trying and start praying.
I would rise early to pray for specific areas of my husband’s life. I prayed throughout each day. Before I spoke or acted, I prayed. God began to work. On Sunday mornings, instead of asking him to go to church, I would PRAY. Many times, I would unexpectedly hear the shower start, and my husband would say, “I wasn’t planning on going, but if you have time to wait I’ll go with you to church today.” He began joking about me “working my mojo” on him. Even he knew I was praying!
My husband began listening to the Bible on his way to work. After listening to the entire Bible a couple of times, God penetrated his heart. He gave up on his pride and humbled himself before his savior.
Like Hannah, I was praying for new life. It wasn’t the new life of a baby, but rather the “new life” of a husband who now loves and serves God. A miracle of the most amazing kind!
Thanks, Amy! We rejoice with you in the good news of your husband’s conversion.
This week we will be reading about the most “blessed among women,” Mary. John MacArthur writes that when the angel told Mary she was to become the mother of Christ, “She instantly, humbly, and joyfully submitted to God’s will without further doubt or question.” (Page 114)
What is one area of your life you need to submit to God’s will praying as Mary did, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 NKJV)?
We are gonna do things a little different this week. Instead of sending us your answers, please consider this question prayerfully and share your answer with your spouse, your mom or a good friend. May God give you “great joy” over the Lord’s plan” for your life.
Three weeks ago, in my eighth week of pregnancy, I began spotting. I had an ultra sound the same day and the baby was fine. The doctor said not to worry if the spotting continued for another week or so. It tapered off and I thought everything was fine.
Then, over a week later, while my husband was away leading a youth retreat (and out of cell-phone range!) the bleeding got unexpectedly worse. I had to spend the weekend in bed waiting for a Tuesday ultra-sound. At first, I thought I might be losing the baby. Fear, anxiety and pre-mature grief rushed in to take control. I knew I had to fight back. I read my Bible, listened to a wonderful sermon by Mark Dever on the kindness of God, and, when Steve got home he read Spurgeon’s Beside Still Waters to me: “Some have only learned to trust the smile of His face, but they must also learn to trust the blows of His fist” (pg. 15).
The unshakeable truth of God’s goodness was the solid ground for me to stand on in the midst of the unknown. I didn’t know if my baby was going to live or not. But I knew that God was the upholder of my baby’s life (Psalm 54:4) and what ever happened—even if it hurt—was because His love allowed it. Here I found peace, and even joy.
As you probably guessed, the Tuesday ultrasound revealed a little heart still beating. I’m at eleven weeks now and the bleeding has stopped. This weekend of uncertainty could hardly be called a trial. The two women we’ve heard from this week are enduring suffering I can’t even imagine, and yet with true grace and faith. I want to be like them someday.
Right now, I’m grateful for another lesson in trusting God—both the smiles of His face and the blows of His fist. Both are for my good.
Today we want you to hear—and learn—from Debbie Demi, a member of our sister church, Covenant Fellowship in Philadelphia. “Afer regeneration, one of the greatest miracles of grace, is the Christian who rejoices in the midst of suffering” my dad has said. This family is truly a miracle of grace. Here is Debbie’s answer to our question, “tell us about a circumstance in your life where you now see God was working ‘behind the scenes’ for your good?”
Recently my family has been going through the toughest trial of our lives. Twenty-two weeks into my pregnancy with our eighth child, an ultrasound revealed that our unborn baby girl had a condition called holoprosencephly. At 6–7 weeks, her brain did not divide and therefore, it was determined that she was missing the front part of her brain. The doctor gave us the grave news that her condition was fatal (lethal as she called it). She expressed her condolences and said that they would not stop labor if it began early and that they would not do a c-section to save her life.
To most onlookers, it appeared that there could not possibly be any good to come from such a diagnosis. In a doctor’s report, he called it “an unfortunate pregnancy.” However, with eyes of faith and an eternal perspective, God by His grace has allowed us to see that, “He works all things together for our good.”
Three weeks ago, Destiny was born alive. The joy we experienced at her birth was unlike any other. Death was looming in our minds and every indicator prior to birth seemed to confirm that Destiny would not survive the birth. Therefore, to us, her birth was miraculous. She was born with the condition that she was diagnosed with. She has a cleft lip, a cleft palate, suffers from seizures and multiple other conditions that we have yet to experience. However, we are so grateful for the opportunity to have Destiny in our family and to care for her – even if her time on earth is short.
Even though the trial is not over, we can by faith believe that God is working for our good and look for ways God is working even in the midst of the most trying times knowing that nothing happens by chance. We don’t know the extent of how God is going to use Destiny for our good and His glory, but here are just a couple ways that we’ve seen him work so far.
1) We believe that He’s teaching our children compassion as they care for a handicapped child; growing their faith by allowing them to see us glorifying God in a trial and seeing God answer our prayers; teaching them to care for others as they see the body of Christ caring for us. By faith, knowing the character of God, we know that He is doing an eternal work in their hearts through this trial.
2) As my husband and I have walked through this together, I’ve grown in love and admiration for my him. I’ve seen strengths in him that I would never have seen otherwise as I’ve experienced his care and marveled at the way he has shepherded our family.
3) We’ve experienced the care from the body of Christ in a way that we never imagined, teaching us how to serve others and bearing testimony of the Gospel to our unsaved family members and neighbors. They will know we are Christians by our love.
4) It’s been an opportunity for us not to waste our suffering, but to use every opportunity to glorify God in what He, by His loving hand, has allowed into our lives. God has allowed us to experience Him in a deeper way, to experience His faithfulness in a difficult situation, to ponder what He has done for us on the cross, to draw closer to Him. How much greater good could we receive than to know Christ our Savior more?
“Let this text produce patience, ‘All things work together for good to them that love God’ (Rom. 8:28). Shall we be discontented at that which works for our good? If one friend should throw a bag of money at another, and in throwing it, should graze his head, he would not be troubled much, seeing by this means he had got a bag of money. So the Lord may bruise us by afflictions, but it is to enrich us. These afflictions work for us a weight of glory, and shall we be discontented?” All Things for Good by Thomas Watson pp. 61 – 62
