The Garden of Friendship: Great Blog Post

We used to water those gardens oh-so-frequently, but we haven't talked about our friendships in a while.

This link is from Growing in Grace Online, and the post is entitled: What Happened to the Friendship?

Enjoy!

Ask the Philippians 4:8 Question

My current devotional book is Simplify Your Spiritual Life by Donald S. Whitney. There is a short chapter on Philippians 4:8, and I thought I'd share it with you all:

"When Meditating On A Verse of Scripture, it's usually much easier to answer specific questions about it than to think about the text without any guidance or direction at all.

Recently, I was meditating on Philippians 4:8. It occurred to me that the directions given here for the kinds of things we should meditate on could serve as a list of things to look for in any verse I consider. As a result ... I developed a series of questions based upon these things.

But while much of our meditation begins with Scripture and then applies to life, it is also valid to begin by meditating on something in your life and then taking that to Scripture. You might reflect, for example, on the possible reasons God allowed something to happen to you, but then ultimately submit your thoughts to the sound foundation of Scripture, such as a text like Psalm 31:14-15.

In either case, that is, whether meditating on something in your life -- an event, an experience, an encounter with someone, even a part of creation -- or whether meditating on a verse or story in the Bible, the Philippians 4:8 questions can be a helpful guide. In fact, when thinking about anything, try asking:

• What is true about this, or what truth does it exemplify?
• What is honorable about this?
• What is right about this?
• What is pure about this, or how does it exemplify purity?
• What is lovely about this?
• What is admirable, commendable, or reputation strengthening about this?
• What is excellent about this (in other words, excels others of this kind)?
• What is praiseworthy about this?"

Mothers Day

Mother's Day is Sunday, and I wanted to post some quick ideas for showing your mom know how much you love her!

Here is a recipe for blueberry streusel muffins that I love to make ahead. I usually put them in foil wrap in the oven and set the timer so that they will be nice and warm when we wake up in the morning.

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, chilled

Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2.In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, stir together 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.
3.Stir the flour mixture into egg mixture alternately with milk. Fold in blueberries. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over unbaked muffins.
4.Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2009 Allrecipes.com
Printed from Allrecipes.com 5/7/2009

You may want to prepare a tray table with a cloth napkin and a sparkling glass of juice. Her muffin will of course have been sliced and smeared with butter or her favorite spread. While she is eating, you can prepare her a steaming mug of coffee or tea. Put her Bible or her devotional book on the tray too, and then shut the door and let her enjoy.

Being Set Apart

We have no choice about being in the world. We have to shop and eat, and even if you work or school at home, you still have to make contact with the world! For Christians, we have to find the balance of being in the world without being of it. We do know this:

We are commanded to be holy.
Holiness means being set apart.
Being set apart means that we do live in this world, we need to be respectful of others, but we must be different.

When I was a college student and in the work world, I used to ask myself if my colleagues would know that I was different without me telling them. There were times when I had to speak up and speak out (not in my nature I assure you!) There were other times when nothing needed to be said. I just needed to remember this verse:

"For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen." Romans 11:36

How can we go wrong if we hold this verse before us - ALWAYS!

But not of it is such an important phrase. This is the qualifier to the inevitability of living in our world today and being exposed to all the influences of it. How can we be IN the world, rub noses with people that live in it, but still be holy and reflect holiness? This is something we need to continuously strive for in every aspect of our lives.

Laura asked about being unequally yoked with unbelievers, both male and female. I think we'd all agree that this isn't always easy.

Personality -wise, I am very outgoing, and I like to have friends. Sometimes at college, I had to be okay with being alone. I found myself a nice group of friends that I felt comfortable with, and that respected my beliefs. They knew that there were certain things I wouldn't do. They were ok with that. I was a commuter student, so I wasn't exposed to some of the temptations that dorm life brought.

There were a couple of times that I was asked "out" by a young man, and other times that I could tell that a guy was pointedly flirting with me. Girls, I hate to hurt others feelings! My parents had to help me learn how to hold myself separate from these interactions. There were a couple of times that I really needed their help with how to deal with a situation.

Once you start opening yourself to intimate interactions (by intimate I mean close and binding) with people that are too different from you, it becomes easier and easier to continue to do so. Little by little you may be opening yourself more without even realizing it.

I had a wonderful college experience. Late afternoon study sessions, squinting over immunology and organic chemistry flash cards until we could barely see. Fun lunches at the Community Commons. Oceanography and Conservation Biology field trips. Sweating over our Senior Seminar speeches. So you see, I wasn't slinking around or hiding in a corner!

I know that some do not agree with going to college outside of the home, and I'm not here to discuss that, although I truly do understand!! I both went to college and worked outside of the home before I met my husband and got married. There were many times that I was so thankful that I had a hedge of protection.

We don't all come from the same backgrounds. I can't pretend to know what your family make up is. My parents are strong Christians and we have an excellent and open relationship. If you have this -- please, by all means, take advantage of it.

Listen to the wise counsel of your parents, for they are sent by God. This is a hedge of protection.

Fellowship with the believers that you attend church with, and other likeminded believers, for this is a hedge of protection.

Be accountable to your parents, pastors, trusted friends, or any other godly influences in your life.

Stay constantly familiar with God's Word. Let His Word be always in your heart, mind, on your tongue. This is a defense against falling into temptation and a hedge of protection.

This post is getting really long! I will close now, with the possibility that we may talk more about this issue. We'll see what Sara has to add as well. If you have any more questions you would like the Girl Inside to cover on this topic, or if you have written a post on this subject, please email me!

Just stopping in quickly to share ...

... a beautiful post that I just read! I love this blog that I discovered via the Ultimate Blog Party. It's called At the Well ... In Pursuit of Titus 2. I hope this post is a blessing to you.

Sara and I are working on some posts that will cover some of the topics you brought up in your Spring Giveaway Surveys. Look for those soon!

Blog Feature: Bethany

I first met Bethany through her older sister Elise, who is one of my dear bloggy friends. Bethany is a very busy young lady who has a heart for the Lord. She takes incredible pictures and loves her family very much.


Bethany has three blogs:

1. For His Glory, which is her main blog.


2. The World Through a Camera Lense, which features some of her lovely photography.


3. Simple Tidbits of Truth, which has quotes and excerpts of books that she is reading.

By all means, go visit Bethany and peruse some of her posts. Here is one of my favorites for starters:

Created To Be Their Helpmeet

Spring Getting to Know You Giveaway - Part Two

This is Part Two of our Spring Giveaway Introduction. If you haven't read Part One, please do so now!

Okay, now that you know what to do, here is the survey that you need to fill out! I also wanted to add that you are invited to participate no matter what age you are. You may know a younger sister in Christ that you want to give the book to if you win it.

I'll list the questions here, and then below I will put my answers ....

1. Give us your name and age (age is optional) please don't put your last name!
2. Who is in your family?
3. What is your favorite Bible verse?
4. Why is it your favorite?
5. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
6. What is your biggest struggle as a woman?
7. What would you like us to talk about in the GI blog in the future?
8. Who is your favorite author?
9. What is your favorite Christian song or poem?
10. Do you have any advice for a fellow sister in Christ?

Now my answers:


1. Give us your name and age (age is optional) please don't put your last name!
My name is Beverly, and yes, most people call me Bev. I am 28 years old.

2. Who is in your family?
My husband, my daughter Selena (2), and my daughter Shana (5 months).

3. What is your favorite Bible verse?
Romans 8:38-39

4. Why is it your favorite?
I love this passage because I can cling to it at anytime in my life and know that no matter what is going on, that NOTHING can separate me from Christ's love. What a wonderful promise!!

5. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Probably it is a cross between reading, and blogging! I usually have a mug of some sort of hot drink while doing one of the two.

6. What is your biggest struggle as a woman?
Without question it is quieting my sinful worrying nature. I need to cast ALL of my cares on Him.

7. What would you like us to talk about in the GI blog in the future?
Ummm ... this question wasn't really meant for me - but for the rest of you!!

8. Who is your favorite author?
Can I give three? I enjoy Elizabeth George, Bodie and Brock Thoene, and Louisa May Alcott.

9. What is your favorite Christian song or poem?
My favorite songs are More Love to Thee and Take My Life.

10. Do you have any advice for a fellow sister in Christ?
This is a hard one. As a mom, a big sister, and former Sunday School teacher, my advice would be to be mindful of our example to those younger then us at all times. So many younger eyes are watching us, and we definitely always want to point younger ones to Christ.

The next post will contain Sara's answers - so be looking for that!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I recently read an article by a young lady who has just started coauthoring an excellent blog titled "Imperishable Beauty". I was so encouraged by the post's message on Valentine's Day, and I thought you would be too, so please read it whenever you get a chance! Here's the link: http://imperishablebeautyblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/redeeming-valentines-day.html.

Happy Valentine's Day from Beverly and Sara!

Quotable Quotes ...

"Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is." - -- Amy Carmichael

How often I forget to REFUSE to be hurried and pressed.

How often I NEED to be still.

Merry Christmas from The Girl Inside!

May you all rejoice in the birth of our Lord.

Happy Birthday Neesie!!

My beautiful sister is turning 16 today!! Please join me in wishing her a happy birthday. Neesie is 12 years younger then me, but we have always been very close. We never had to worry about the whole "sibling rivalry" thing because she was the answer to a prayer I had for years. I always wanted a sister, and God blessed me with a wonderful one!

Neesie is always willing to help - with a smile! She tolerates the constant demands of her two nieces, and the incessant teasing of her brother-in-law. ;-) All because they love you, right Neesie?

We (E, Lena, Shana and myself) are so thankful for you, and we love you very much. Happy 16th birthday. Mwah!