Celebrating a Year With AJFC

Hello guys! I am SUUUUUUPPPEEEERRR excited about today! This week, Monday August, 19th marked a year since my sister and I became official authors on this blog. It has changed my life. The last year has brought many things - both good and bad. Through it I've learned a lot. I've learned what it's like to be a blogger. Yes, I only post once a week, but I'm glad that I do. I wouldn't be here without you guys! Really!

I want to thank you, as the reader, for being with me the last year. You've seen me grow in my writing. My first posts, were pretty cringey, I must say. You stayed with me anyway. So, today I want to take you back to memory lane, highlighting some of my posts, over the last year.

I want to thank you Gracie, for allowing me to work at my passion - writing. You've taught me tremendously on how to not only write, but how to blog in general. You've taught me the ins and outs. That deserves a big "thank you."

 Now, we shall get started. My first "official" post was entitled: Top 10 Best Hats Currently Out 
I say official because you may remember, I was a fill-in-author since May 24, 2018. 

This was a post that I went to Jam Mart Clothing and I tried on a few hats, that I felt were the best. It's kind of a cheesy first official post. In my post, I said that this...

was my favorite hat, that has since changed. I mean this is absolutely adorable, but I think I like the French Braid a lot better, or even a Fedora! Yeah, why I chose this as my favorite, I REALLY don't know. However, I must admit, I still think it would be in my top 10 though.


My most popular post is my Why So Dark? post with 136 views as I write this. It also had the most comments with 16 comments. I really enjoyed doing the research for this post, and the pictures that I took. :)

At this time, I was also a nonmember as you can see. I remember those days. LOL


Anybody remember the "There's Power In The Word" series? Yeah, I do that allowed me to get a start in making devotional type Christian posts. It was based on Psalms 119, but I didn't finish the series. I felt like I was saying the same thing over and over, I've thought about coming back to it, and I just may.

I feel like I've become better at writing these types of posts. So, maybe I should do that. It may be beneficial for all of us. XD


My "Guess the Worth" post was my least viewed post, with only 11. This was written a month ago, but I was really proud of this post and still am. You see, to me it's not about the views or the comments (though I do love the comments). It's about what I love to post.

My personal favorite post over the last year was either "Different Food Outfit Ideas," (AJ Post) or "What Is Your Desire," (Christian post).

Intro to "What Is Your Desire" post.

If there was one big thing I would like to improve on over the next year it would hands down be my intros. I have changed my style of intros so many times over the year. I can't really say, I like any of them. I just don't know. I don't like them, so that's one thing I want to improve on.


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Over the last year, I have written 48 posts...now it's 49. I've enjoyed writing  95% of them, (the 5% were probably the last 3 There's Power In The Word series I did). Thank you all, for making my blogging journey possible! Thank you! Please comment down below, what you've seen me improve on most over the year, or even what I still need to improve on.

Today's Encouraging Quote:

God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies. – Hudson Taylor

Today's Bible Verse:

38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

Remember, the best friend you have is, Jesus Christ.

Bible Verses About Fear

Helloooo everyone! I hope you're having a great weekend so far!

Today I'm going to be super busy, so I decided instead of one of my devotional-style posts, that I would just post some Bible verses.

I wanted to post Bible verses about fear. Housemom322 did an excellent post about this very thing, fear. (You can click here to read it!) I almost didn't write this post, because I was having a lot of anxiety, and wasn't sure if I wanted to focus on blogging or not. Fear is such a crippling thing, and so many times it feels impossible to get rid of. Most of the time I'm nervous about a particular thing, but other times it's just for no reason at all.

Fear can have so many negative "side-effects". It sometimes will give me a headache, makes me feel nauseous, or tired. I can get so worked up about something that isn't even a reality.

During those times, it can be hard to remember to just simply look up. To look up, and focus on God. The only One who is bigger than every fear. Normally when I feel overwhelmed, I can forget to look to God. I always want to dwell on the fear, instead of dwelling on God.

I don't know where you turn when you have fear. Maybe you go on blogs, and if you do, I encourage you to just take a few minutes to read these verses. There's power in God's Word. Remember to look to Him above all else.

(All Bible verses are from the NIV translation)

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1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Joshua 1:9

 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Luke 12:22

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.

Matthew 6:25-34

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendorwas dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Psalm 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 23:1-6

1 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 

    He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 

    he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake.

4 

Even though I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

    for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me.

5 

You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

6 

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever.

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I hope these Bible verses are encouraging! Sorry that the font went all wacky, if I copy and paste text from another site, it changes the font... Hm.

If you want to read more Bible verses about fear, click here!

I hope you have a great week! :)

No More "There's Power In The Word..."

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Okay, so the last past few weeks I've been debating with myself if I should continue with my "There's Power in the Word" series. The last 2-3 posts I haven't enjoyed writing. I feel like I am saying the same thing over and over again. Don't get me wrong there is so much in that passage, but I took too much upon my self. It got boring for the readers and  for me as the writer. (I talked to a friend who said she stopped reading it). It was good for the time being, but now it's a new season in life. It's time to move on. I may come back to TPITW in the future, I don't know, but for now I am stopping the series. I hope you all understand. 😉


With that being said, I am still doing my Christian posts every other week, but it will be on different topics, not limited to one set of scripture. Today, I am going to be talking about something I've been thinking about the last few days...

 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?

I am currently reading a book called In His Steps by Charles Monroe Sheldon. Well, technically listening to it, since it's an audio book, but whatever. In this book it proposes the question "What would Jesus Do?" Now, it seems simple, but it's easy to understand. What would Jesus do?

We are a testimony to a lost a dying world. Are we really showing them what it means to be a Christian? We are to be showing this world what it means to be a Christian. I am guilty of calling myself a Christian, but not acting like one. I want to do better at being a Christian. 

Recently, I've seen a quote that said...

To be a Christian it means to have Christ in the fore front of your mind. To have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's not about going to church. It's about being real and authentic. Having Christ is the most important thing in this life. If we can give that to others, that's a wonderful gift. 


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That is all. Let's ponder on the question "What would Jesus do?" As we make decisions each day.

Today's Encouraging Quote: 

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." - Corrie Ten Boom

Today's Bible Verse: 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) 

Remember, the best friend you have is Jesus Christ.

  

There's Power In The Word (Part 9) + Plans For the New Year!

(A special thanks to my sister for allowing me to try something new with my intros...)

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So, I figured I would start this post of by saying, "HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!" I am really excited about this year. I mean, I don't know what it's going to bring, but last year was a struggle, so I am kind of glad that it's over.

This year I want to focus on planning my post, instead of waiting until the day of, which tends to make them seem a bit rushed, or at least I feel that it does. With that being said, I have some really fun things coming up in the future! I hope y'all enjoy that as much as I do! Anyway, that's the plans for this year, so let's get into today's post!



Today's passage is Psalms 119:65-72!

65) Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

66) Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

67)Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

68) Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

69) The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

70) Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

71) It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

72) The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

Our power verse this week is going to be verse number...







CAN YOU GUESS!?







ARE WE THERE YET?







NOT QUITE YET, PEOPLE!







ALMOST...







ONE MORE TIME...







VERSE NUMBER...







71!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XDDD I have no idea why I did so many, it just felt right, okay? 


Which says, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

Now, I know what you're thinking...

Yeah, you're right, but I want to look at a few other verses, that talk about affliction. It all begins in Genesis chapter 15, where God gives a prophecy to Abram (who later becomes Abraham). Verse 13 says. "And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;"   

If you are not familiar with the Bible, at the end of Genesis we see Jacob and his family, including Joseph are all in Egypt. In the beginning of Exodus we see that a Pharaoh rises up, who is very harsh with the the people, who are decedents from Abraham. They were slaves in the land of Egypt. Now you are probably saying...

Well, I am glad that you asked! You see the Israelites, suffered much in the land of Egypt. However, they were able to experience God's power in ways they wouldn't have been able to otherwise. They got to see the parting of the Red Sea, the manna coming down from heaven, and all the plagues that broke out in Egypt before leaving.

I say all that to say this: When we go through trouble, trails, and affliction, we are learning and seeing things about God we would learn and see otherwise! It's truly amazing the relationship you can have with God, when you're going through something that you just quite don't understand. 


Enough talking about that verse, let's go onto a few more. 

2 Corinthians 1:6 states, "And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." 


We endure hard times so that we may help other people, who are also going through the same problem as you. We learn how to be comforted by Jesus Christ, while going through things, but sometimes it's just good to be able to talk to some else who knows your pain. That's one reason for suffering. 

However, while we are going through these times we must remember that it's only for a moment. Soon this life will be over and so will the problems. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, 

¹⁶  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.


¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

There will be a day when you're rewarded for your suffering, until then just keep going, because it's far better. He will deliver you one day. 

2 Timothy 3:11 - "Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me."

Another thing that affliction does for us is: It helps us with being patient. James 5:10, says.

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." 

Implying that it's important to have patience, which when you think about it is. 


Now for the last verse, "And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended."

 This is Mark 4:17, which is in the midst of the parable of the sower. There are many lessons in this chapter, but the lesson her is that if we're not careful we too, can become offended when they come. It's important to talk to somebody, if you feel overwhelmed. Go to Jesus, ask Him to increase your faith and strength. I would hate to see you get out of trusting God because you're offended when a problem arises. 


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That 's it for today! I really hope you find this encouraging as I did. If you are going through something and would like some prayer, please let me know. I would be more than happy to pray for you. You don't have to tell me what it is. God knows what it is, so let Him know. 

Today's Encouraging Quote: 

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrows, but only empties today of it's strength. - Charles H. Spurgeon.   

Today's Bible Verse: 

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. - Matthew 21:9 (KJV) 

Remember, the friend you have is Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

  

There's Power In The Word (Part 8)

:Stands up tall: Good morning, everyone.

"Good morning houze! You're in a good mood today!"

Yes! Life is so good!

"Oh Houze! You're always so positive"

It's good to be positive. 

"You're right."

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I am really sorry about last week! I had Finals all last week, so that put me a little behind. Then, Wednesday came...I woke up feeling perfectly fine. By 12:00 PM I had a sore throat and fever of 101.8! I was miserable. So that's what I've been up to over the last week, or two. XDD

We should probably get into today's post, but first I want to focus your attention on why we celebrate Christmas. It's in 6 days and I'm so excited! Yes it's a time of family and gifts. I think even us Christians can get carried away with getting and giving to others, that we forget about giving to Jesus Christ. You may be asking yourself "What can I give to Jesus Christ?" The greatest thing you could give is your thoughts, your time, your obedience. So take some time to think about that. I know I definitely will be. Gracie, made a great post on the true meaning of Christmas. It can be found here.

Okay, so for today's TPITW post, we are going to be going over verses 57 through 64, which say...

57) Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.

58) I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

59) I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

60) I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

61) The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

62) At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

63) I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

64) The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

Okay, so we are going to be focusing on verse 64. 



This is an incredible verse, when I really looked at it I was taken back. We look around and see wickedness all around us. We know that God doesn't like wickedness. So why do we see it? 

As humans, we are sinful. We all know that, but God extends His mercy anyway. I looked up what mercy meant as a way to get a deeper understanding. It means, 

compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. 

God is merciful.  He shows mercy even when we don't deserve it. As Jesus was upon the cross He could have said "Father, wipe them out for they've forsaken me." Instead He said something completely different! He said, "...Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..." - Luke 23:34 

What an amazing thing for Jesus to say! He showed mercy on His Creation, even though they killed Him. He had the power the punish us, but He didn't, instead He showed forgiveness. 

The only reason why we can get the gift of salvation is because of His mercy. The mercy He showed and continues to show on a hourly basis. 

For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. - Psalms 86:13  

God's mercy is great and great to show mercy to others. I think it's something we forget. The people around us are people just like we are people. They mess up, just like we mess up! 

A person may do us wrong, but we can show mercy towards them. We should be forgiving our sister and brothers in Christ. It's something we're commanded to do. Ephesians 4:31 and 32 says,

31) Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

If you don't show mercy to a person, it puts unnecessary guilt on you. All you have to do is forgive, because God forgave you of ALL! 

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I wanted to say this, if I ever offended any of you. I am sorry. If you've offended me, I forgive you. I truly forgive you. It's not something I think about anymore. It's behind me. To those I've offended, I pray that you could show me mercy. I am human. I mess up. Please forgive me. 

Challenge: 

Search your heart. Ask God to show you someone that you can show mercy to. If you have a problem with another person, get it right. Ask them to forgive you, because it's obedience to God. Remember, how I said that could be a great gift to give Jesus this Christmas? It is! 

Today's Encouraging Quote:

When God has selected you, it doesn't matter who else rejected or neglected you. God's favor outweighs ALL opposition. You are a winner! - Unknown. 

Today's Bible Verse:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. - Proverbs 9:10 (KJV) 

Remember, the best friend you have is Jesus Christ.

 

 

There's Power In The Word (Part 7)

:Grabs guitar: 

Hey, guys! :Sings: 

"Houze..."

Yeeeessss?

"You gone off the deep end." 

Well, I thought I would try to entertain you, since my intros don't do the trick.

"Houze, your intros are fine..."

:Continues to sing: You may think that, but I love my guitar. 

"Oh Houze, you're bazaar."

Why, thank you! That is the nicest thing I've heard all day.

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Okay, so this is going to be semi-short. I am not really trying to skimp on my posts, but it's been busy lately. So let's get right into the meat of the post, or should I say turkey? LOLOkay, enough jokes. 

49) Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

50) This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

51) The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. 

52) I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.

53) Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

54) Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

55) I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.

56) This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

Today's Power Verse is going to be...

























































50!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Our comfort comes from Jesus Christ. He is our comforter. Where do we learn and see what He has to say, at? The Bible! The Bible is our comfort, yes, it can convict us and make us uncomfortable, but that's only because God loves us. 

Proverbs 3:11-12 -  

11) My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

12) For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
 
Or

Hebrews 12:11-
  
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Some verses on God or His word being your comfort:

Psalms 86:17- 

Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Isaiah 12:1- 

And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

Matthew 5:4-
 
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

John 14:26-

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

Romans 15:4- 

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 

1 Thessalonians 4:18-

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.


It's important to go to God when you're feeling down. He is the ultimate comforter. 

Sorry it's so short! I have to go...

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 Today's Encouraging Quote: 

  

“We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts” - A.W. Tozer

Today's Bible Verse:

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.- Luke 9:20 (KJV)

  

 

Remember, the best friend you have is Jesus Christ.