Grow up!

This morning I went to a meeting at our church's biblical counseling center to begin to pursue becoming a certified IABC biblical counselor. This is something I really didn't expect to find myself doing a year or two ago... I was sure that when high school was done I would marry Prince Charming right away so I could raise my 20 children ASAP, or maybe head to a Bible college and then head off to be a bush-whacking single missionary to uncharted jungles and tribes.

But God had other plans.

For one thing, He showed me that Prince Charming is not just waiting at my door to sweep me off my feet. He (if he does indeed exist for me) is off fighting the Lord's battles and becoming the Lord's man, while the Lord grows me up and teaches me to be a selfless woman who loves and serves the Lord and doesn't expect Prince Charming to be the answer to my problems in life. The Lord is showing me that a relationship isn't his plan yet - He has work for me here and now.

He also showed me that, as a woman, I should be embracing the protection and ministry of the home. I don't need to run off across the country to learn from people I've never met, and then venture alone into the darkness of the world, when I have a godly mother to learn from right here, and a local church that's full of ministry potential and teaching to edify my soul. Single women can fully recognize their role as women, just as much as married ones - the role of helping and serving, under protection and headship. My goal is to honor the authority and wisdom of my parents and serve my family, while I continue to grow spiritually and in every other way. (That's not to say college is wrong - it can be an excellent tool of the Lord! But it shouldn't just be what we default to because it's what everyone does.)

So here I am. When I went to the meeting this morning and learned the requirements of becoming a certified biblical counselor, it was a bit scary. It will demand maturity and commitment. I may have to sacrifice some care-free excursions with friends and some weekend lounging. I will have to work diligently to start something so big while still finishing my primary schooling. But I'm willing. I accept the challenge. It's time to grow up! In America, childhood is excused and continued into the 20's and 30's many times, under the excuse of adolescence. 

But here's what the Bible says: "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways." (1 Cor. 13:11)

So friends, let's rise up. Let's reject the poison of our culture that tells us we have time to waste. No matter how scary it may seem, let's grow up. And lets' follow God's plans for our lives - not our own - as we grow up.

God is good, and so is life!

Wow. So many thoughts. I went to the IABC Heart Seminar on Friday and Saturday, and, as usual, learned a LOT. I was reminded of how deceitful and desperately wicked the heart is, and how God is our only hope and His word has all of the answers we need. I also gained lots of specific information about specific things - idols of the heart, lies I often believe, and how to overcome sin. And of course, how to counsel others about the same things. I also met lots of new friends, which is always great.

Okay, so, I got a camera for Christmas and I've kind of been going nuts taking pictures this month. I love it! So I thought I'd share some. They aren't that spectacular because my camera isn't the best, and I'm certainly no photographer. But oh well. :)

My puppy dog! She's so cute :)

Very red outfit...  ironic cuz I've never really liked the color red.

I was felling very colorful this day!

My fluffy kitty <3

I'm still skeptical of this copycat who lurks in my bedroom, above the bathroom sink, and various other places...

Ah, the expression of so many emotions! I love piano :)

Just another week...

Another week has gone by. It has been a rocky one, but I've met a few meadows on the way, too. Some of the rockiness has been school; there seems to be so much of it! Thankfully it is Friday again. Although, on Wednesday night I was able to go to a Bible study with a bunch of young adults. That was phenomenal. Most of the people who came were either in college or married, so I was the youngest person there. I didn't feel out of place, though, and I was very blessed by being able to be with other Christians who love God. I really hope I'll be able to go back next week, because I really need more fellowship with other believers to help keep me afloat in the raging river of life right now.

Tonight and tomorrow I'm going to an IABC counseling seminar. It used to be a NANC seminar, but they switched to a different organization. I've been to them at least 4 times before. I am super excited to go again because every time I come away so encouraged. I'm going to go to the advanced tracks, which are about addictions. I'm looking forward to gaining biblical help for myself and friends of mine. it's going to be great!

Okay, so, I know last time I posted several cute animal pictures, and I don't want to go overboard on the whole cute animal thing, but I have to post just this one cuz it's so stinking cute. Hehe :)

Okay, that's all! Have a great weekend my friends!