Adventures in South Florida

Yesterday morning at 9:53am, Mom and I pulled out of the drive way of our Orlando home an hour later than we had planned. We were somewhat frazzled from the hustle and bustle of getting ready for a trip, but at last, we were on our way. Four hours, and one stop at Starbucks later, we pulled into the driveway of my Aunt Dana's home in South Florida. She called us earlier in the week to ask if could stay with her three kids (my cousins!) for a few days while she and my Uncle John go out of town for business. Not being one to turn down a chance to spend time with my cousins, I was happy about the trip! When we arrived, Aunt Dana gave us a run-down of what everyone was going to be doing and then they took off for the airport. Shortly thereafter, my youngest cousin, Ivan, walked in the door from a day in the 4th grade. I was on the phone with my dear Grandmother when he came home. After talking to him for a while, Andrea (who is now 15--I remember her in diapers and sucking her thumb!) walked in from her day at the largest high school in America. We were happy to find out her band practice was cancelled for the evening. It gave us some extra time together. Andrea and I have been close for as long as I can remember. We're always together at family get-togethers and whatnot, and we always have really good conversations when we're together. I much enjoy her company! After sitting in the living room going back and forth from playing Nintendo with Ivan and talking to Andrea while she did her homework, I went to pick up Sydney, the seventh grade cousin of mine, from her soccer practice (yes--I drove *grin*). We spent the evening around the house, and got to bed somewhat late.

This morning, I took both of the girls to school! It made me feel old (sort of...?). I spent the day relaxing, and doing none other than playing what used to be my favorite video game (back when I was...8 or 9?)--Donkey Kong Country (3). Haha. They pulled out the super nintendo yesterday. So, Ivan and I have just about beat the game today. I know, impressive, huh? Just kidding. I'm really not that much of a nerd, and I don't usually just relax all day. I did go out to lunch with my Mama as well as take Ivan to the store when he got home from school!

Now, Andrea and Sydney are both at the High School football game (it's Homecoming tonight), Ivan is playing Play Station 2 (some guitar game?), and I am writing a very late blog update!

I think I'll start posting more soon. But then, I always say that... :o)

~Mary Jo

I'm Back...

On September 6, I left to go see Ben! I flew into Raleigh/Durham early in the morning, and we headed to my Grandma's house. On Friday evening and Saturday, we went to the Ligonier Ministries Regional Conference in Charlotte, NC. That was a real blessing. R.C. Sproul and Steve Lawson taught extensively about the sovereignty of God! Sunday morning, we left from Grandma's to Ben's church, and then went to his family's house. We spent the week there, and came to my family's house the following Monday. Ben just left day before yesterday (he was here for a week and a day)...I miss him a lot. He is the reason I've not been blogging! But, I should be back into the swing of things. :)

God is so good!

I almost got in a car accident yesterday! It was truly one of the most horrifying experiences of my life. I was quite shaken up for the rest of the day, but so thankful for God's protection!

I was headed to my sewing lesson. I hadn't ever driven there by myself, but the route is fairly easy. Not far into my journey, I ended up behind a rather large and slow semi. Now, I do not speed. I stay right at the speed limit (much to the dismay of most of the drivers on the road!). Nonetheless, I am not a fan of driving below the speed limit. So I got in the left lane, but it ended up being a turn lane. Whoops! So, I set to get back in the right lane. There were two trucks and there seemed to be plenty of distance between the two, so I went to get between them...and just as I did, the one in front stopped, thus forcing me to stop. That wasn't part of the plan! So, the truck behind me had to slam on his breaks. As I watched in the rear view mirror, I braced myself as I prepared to be rear-ended by a HUGE truck...it got closer and closer until it felt like it was about to touch the car...and then it stopped (and honked really loud)! I pulled up as soon as I could, trying to leave the truck more room, and feeling quite shaken up. Then, traffic stopped again. I peered into the side view mirror and much to my horror (as if I hadn't been disturbed enough already!), the truck driver was headed towards my car! That was when I kind of panicked. He banged on my window, yelling and cursing, as I helplessly apologized over and over. Then he went away. I was quite shaken up. Literally, shaking. The rest of my ride was absolutely nerve wracking. When I arrived at my sewing teacher's home, I just had to sit down and take a few deep breaths, while holding back my tears (I was REALLY shaken up). Eventually, I calmed down and went on with my sewing lesson.

When it was time to head home, I wasn't really excited about driving again, so I had the brilliant idea of taking a different route. Anyway, I ended up getting on the wrong highway, unbeknowst to me. About 10 minutes into my drive, my surrounding was very rural. This is unusual, and certainly was not where I intended to be. So, I called my Mom. She didn't know where I was. So I called my Dad. He didn't know where I was either. And, on top of that, he couldn't get his laptop to work. In the mean time, I found out I was running out of gas! Dad told me to get off at the next exit to get gas...it just so happened that the next exit was Disney World..."Dad, I'm headed for Disney. Dad...I'm going to Disney World." Haha. So, after driving around the Disney complex, which is like a whole state in the middle of my state, I was headed the right direction.

After leaving my sewing lesson, I arrived home 1 hour later, all in one piece, though still somewhat rattled. Thank you, Lord, for protecting me!

Venturing into the outside world...

Today I went all by myself to Staples. I have made a few trips out by myself since I got my license, and this wasn't even the longest one, but the excitement of being able to drive alone hasn't quite worn off. I needed to go out to get a couple of things. The first thing on my list was a binder...I won't divulge what this binder is for just yet, but it's an important binder ;) The 2" binders are $8.49! So, I didn't get a 2" binder. Instead, I got two 1" binders for $1 (it was 1 for $.99 or 2 for $1...so I splurged and got two *wink*). Ah, the frugality of it all. I also got 100 page protectors, and stick-on divider tabs. These are for this new mystery binder as well as my home management binder, which I am redoing along with Keeping the Home's HMB University. I really enjoy improving my binder...I really enjoy homemaking. Guess it's a good thing! I also got a planner...a pretty one with a pink, striped cover :D I really like the format of the planners that come out at the beginning of the school year. I had one last year that I really, really liked! So, I got a bigger one like it this year. It has monthly pages and also weekly pages...the monthly page looks like a normal calendar page and on the weekly pages, each day has a long column which is perfect for to-do lists :D So, I was rather pleased with that purchase. Lined paper was on sale for $0.59/pack so I got two packs of paper, and also a package of 3 4-color pens. I have been looking for such a pen for so long to mark my Bible with and haven't found one until today! So, that was exciting. Who would have thought a single pen (much less 3!) could make an individual so...happy! Ha.

So, in case anyone is interested...such was my shopping trip. Maybe I'll post about my HMB when I finish redoing it. That would be a fun "series" (for me at least!). But then again, maybe I won't! We shall see.

In other news, I'm nearly finished with my second Bible College course, the book of Exodus. Then, it's on to Leviticus :)

An Update!

I know it's really bad not to update my blog for almost a month. But, what can I say? I just didn't do it. Hopefully, I'll be back "into it" now. It's hard to get myself back on track after being gone for so long (20 days!). I had a sweet time with my honey...I sure do love him. I thank God for him! He is such a blessing in my life and such an encouragement in my walk with the Lord. If you think of it, please pray for his business...this month isn't looking too great as of right now. Not making budget would complicate things somewhat, so we are praying for 3 orders before August 1, which is Wednesday. Please join us in praying! :)

While I was in Virginia, we were able to do some witnessing. On July 4, we went to Red Hill and did some witnessing there, though not as much as we would've liked. Then, we went to DC with a bunch of other Christians and did a little bit of "political activism", so to speak. We delivered information to each senator about the upcoming hate crimes bill, which, more or less, seeks to illegalize the preaching of God's Word against the wickedness of homosexuality.

The rest of the time was spent with my darling and his family at their home. They had little puppies, so that was lots of fun. They'll all be given away by next time I'm there, I reckon. Unless they keep Sassy, who looks just like her papa Grommit, who died this past Sunday in a car accident. He was a good ol' dog, and will be missed.

In other news, congratulations to Lauren (Ben's sister) and Nathan who are now officially courting! May God bless this wonderful season in your lives!

Once I left Ben's, I went to our family reunion at the beach in South Carolina, which was, as always, so much fun! I so enjoy the company of my family. They are a blessing to me! I didn't spend hardly ANY time AT the beach, but our house was on the beach, so I saw plenty of it. There were lots of late nights up playing games and chatting, and it was a lot of fun.

Since I've been home, I truly haven't gotten that much done. I started back at the abortion mill, which was not particularly fun, but I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him. Yesterday, there was a save, which was so glorious! God is certainly good. Today was less wonderful...not one mommy left, out of about 20-25 who went in to kill their precious babes. May God have mercy on them and grant them repentance.

It should be a nice weekend...tomorrow, I get to go out witnessing with my church, and then I need to go grocery shopping. Sunday is Pastor's last sermon on Matthew and it's also friend day. There is a picnic and baptism after the service. It should be a sweet time of fellowship!

Hope you are doing well!

Hello from Chapel Hill, NC

Hi there!

I am in Chapel Hill, NC. Mom and I flew up yesterday, meeting Dad who was already here on business. My cousin, Marianna, is getting married here today. We're here for the wedding. Most of Mom's family is here, and I never see them, so it should be nice to spend time with them. My Aunt Mida and three of my cousins are staying in the same hotel as we are, and we just saw her for a few minutes this morning. We're going out to breakfast with them at 9:30.

Sorry my posting has been pretty sporatic lately. I've just been pretty busy! With schoolwork, and cleaning, spending time with friends, reading, talking Ben (<3), plus being at the abortion mill regularly, I just haven't had that much time!

The wedding is today, and tomorrow morning we're going to church. First Baptist in Durham, NC is on the 9 Marks website, and they have a service at 8, so we're going there. After church, we're going to my cousin and her (then) husband's house for a fairwell brunch. Ben is picking Mom and I up sometime tomorrow afternoon, as he and his family only live a couple hours from where we are. He's taking us back to covenant farm. Mom is meeting his parents for the first time, so that is exciting! She'll be staying until until Tuesday. I'm staying for another week, after Mom leaves. I'm so happy I get to see Ben. It's been a couple of months since we've seen each other, so I really can't wait...I'm so excited. I love him SO much!! :)

His business continues to pick up, so we're both very thankful to our Lord for that! We're very much looking forward to seeing what he has in store. He truly is so good, and gives us far more than we will ever deserve!

I better get going, but I hope everyone is doing well. I will try to be more regular with my posting again. :)

I'm A College Student Now

Yep. You did, indeed, read that correctly. Mary Jo, the epitamy of NOW's worst night mare (as some have said) is enrolled in college.

Before you think my 'hard-core' anti-feministic world view is leaving, let me explain (no, no...I'm not against women going to college...I just think it's preferrable for women to remain under the authority of their spiritual head, by living under his roof). I haven't moved hundreds of miles away. I still live at home with my parents, and will remain happily fulfilling the role of stay-at-home-daughter until the Lord allows me to be a wife (at which time I will happily fulfill the role of housewife). I enrolled today in The Homestead College of Bible and Graduate School. I am thoroughly thrilled to see what the Lord will do with this course.

The way it works is...each book of the Bible is worth a certain number of credit hours. So, the entire program is based on studying the Bible. With each book, you read through it twice and then listen to lectures, and do assigments, a project, and an essay about the book of the Bible. This continues until you have gone through all 66 books, at which time, a Bachelor's Degree is obtained (assuming you earn passing grades).

The school was founded by Arnold Pent, who some of you may have heard of through a book called 10 P's In a Pod. The book is about the upbringing of his 8 homeschooled children. His son, Dr. David A. Pent, is now President of the school. After some correspondance, my Dad decided to call him (we looked up his number in the white pages...he and his wife live not far from here). Today, Dad and I went over to his home to talk about the program, and I'm officially a student now. I'm much looking forward to the opportunity of growing my knowledge of God's Word.

Besides being able to obtain a college degree by studying my Bible at home, one wonderful thing about the school is its quite affordable tuition. My entire education will be under $5,000. That is considerably less than any educational institution. My Dad said that for me to earn a college degree at most places, the only way to do it without going into debt would have been for Mom to work. So, this is a real blessing, and I'm quite excited about the opportunity.

They have a number of payment plans. Homeschoolers receive a 25% discount on tuition. They can pay as little as $75/month. This isn't going into debt to pay for college. If you don't pay, then you just don't continue on with the school until you do. It's that simple. If a married couple does the course together, they receive a 50% discount on one person's tuition. After meeting Dr. Pent, I am confident that this will be a great, learning experience; I thoroughly enjoyed his fellowship, and I think his ministry is very glorifying to God.

I know the whole post wasn't solely about frugality, but since it's "Frugal Friday" at Crystal's blog, I figured folks might be interested in hearing about it. So, in addition to announcing my enrollment, I'm adding the post to frugal fridays.

Any piano players out there?

As some of you may know, I've been working on playing piano again, after quitting at the age of 11 or 12 (I don't even remember...it was sometime in middle school). The books I have are for kids, and I'm now 17, so it is sort of frustrating playing books written for 6-9 year olds (or something like that). So, I am looking for a teach-yourself piano book that is not for children. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Of Saved Babies, Back Yard BBQs, and Sabbath Rest

My weekend was pretty nice. After an incredibly stressful,saddening Friday at the abortion mill, a relaxing weekend was much invited. It's very easy sometimes to feel "crippled" under burdens you have, but thankfully when we are weak and lean on God, He is made strong. Praise Him that His grace is indeed sufficient for us!

Saturday, we headed back to the death camp at 6 in the morning. Early on, the people there for infant slaughter seemed incredibly hard-hearted. I was definitely trying to prepare myself for another disheartening day. Later in the morning, a Roman Catholic man named Mark who has an ultra-sound machine, showed up on the sidewalk. Having an ultra-sound machine there is such a wonderful tool to encourage the women to have mercy on their babies.

The first mommy came out about an hour after he arrived, to get her ultra-sound. After seeing her tiny baby bouncing around inside of her, she decided she could not go through with it! She and her friend came together to have abortions, and she went in and tried to get her friend to come out. I'm not sure whether her friend did or not.

While "Natalie" was still in the van seeing her baby, "Ashley", a sweet girl Patte had talked to earlier in the morning came out and said she had changed her mind and decided not to kill the baby, and wanted an ultra-sound. Unfortunately, the baby didn't show up because she is so early in pregnancy. Ashley was planning to visit an wonderful local adoption agency today to begin the process of picking a couple to adopt her little boy or girl, as she doesn't think she's ready at this time to care for a child.

While the other babies were still slaughtered on Saturday, the two saves simply make being there "worth it." It thrills my heart so when a woman spares her child from his or her imminent death! Please pray that we will be able to keep in touch with both Mommies, and ultimately lead them to the Savior!

We left the abortion mill shortly after for evangelism with our congregation. My group, consisting of Mary Anne, Leah, and myself, spent most of our time speaking with three separate teams of Jehovah's Witnesses. One of the leaders was a former elder, and was so incredibly hard hearted. His wife, leading her young daughter, was hard hearted as well. The last young man, David, who was out with his father (who spoke only Spanish) seemed to be fairly open to the Word of God. He has my Dad's number...pray that God will soften his heart!

After evangelism, we came home to let the dogs out and then headed back to the east side of town for a BBQ to say good-bye to my good friend, and fellow minister (on the sidewalk), Jesse, who is heading to India for missions, and won't be back for an entire year. It was a very sweet time of fellowship! The food was pretty good too ;o) It's hard to believe it will be a whole year until he's back on the sidewalks with us! His fiancee probably thinks it will be unbearable...but she'll be planning a wedding while he's gone. :o)

Sunday was also wonderful. I love my brothers and sister in Christ. Fellowshipping with them, and sitting under the sound preaching of God's word is truly quite edifying! My Sunday School class is going through the book, The Excellent Wife, by Martha Peace. It is a really good book--I highly recommend it to any lady who wants to be a godly wife :)

Today has been a fairly quiet day. I've been able to read and clean, and exercise...it's been nice. I love being a stay-at-home daughter!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Another strange Saturday

So, it's Saturday yet again. And...I went another week without properly following my schedule. Oh, well. I wish I had gotten more done, but I didn't...and I'm not going to fret. :)

My Daddy is home from the hospital. We picked him up at 9 o'clock this morning. He's feeling relatively well. His stomach hurts, because they had to make a couple of small cuts, and his legs are sore, too (from not moving them at all for so long, and being put to sleep by medicine and stuff), but he's doing fine. He's planning to go to church tomorrow.

Even though I don't have a lot to say...this will be my last entry for a while, because I'm leaving EARLY Monday morning to go see the coolest, most wonderful guy in the whole entire world--Ben! (see profile pic :D Isn't he cute?) I'll be gone til Sept. 21. He lives in Virginia...and I canNOT wait to see him. It's been a couple of months. In my ever so humble opinion...that's way too long.

So, my faithful readers (if you're out there)...I'll post again when I return. Unless my boyfriend decides to take a long nap while I'm there...then I might post. We shall see.

Have a blessed Sabbath tomorrow!

>Mary Jo

When You Can't Keep Your Schedule. . .

Don't! :)

I know, I know...bad advice, usually...but...schedules are made for man, not man for schedules! ;)

Today, I had good intentions of keeping my schedule, as, like I said, I was really planning to this week. But I had a change in plans! I wish I had gotten more done, but it has been a really nice day. My Dad had the day off, so the three of us have all been home all day, so it's been more relaxed. I talked to Ben for longer than I planned to this morning, we had family devotions late, and then I got a surprise call from Ben this afternoon. It wasn't scheduled, but it's been a nice day! Plus, I had some time to do some Bible study.

I've been feeling convicted as of late about not being completely obedient to Christ in my thoughts, so I read some scriptures, as well as made a notecard for myself and put it in my Bible, so I could be reminded quickly when I need to be. It really is amazing, though...the realization that Christ knows EVERYTHING we think...every single thought that goes through our heads. It's daunting, and it's enough to make one feel pretty bad. I'm sure thoughts are more of a struggle for most people than actions are, as far as sin. Anyone know of any good verses about one's thoughts? A couple of good ones I came across to remember, that are related, are 2 Corinthians 10:5 and Psalm 19:13-14 (the added emphasises are mine):

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
~2 Corinthians 10:5

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
~Psalm 19:13-14

I also found a Spurgeon sermon on 2 Corinthians 10:5 that I'm going to read later today. Conviction hurts...but it can be so sweet, too; a renewed, stronger desire to strive for holiness is so sweet...

So, with that--I'm off to do some schooling.

Blessings!
Mary Jo

Of Blogger Beta and Colds

Hmm...I don't know about this Blogger Beta thing. I like the features, but you can't comment on blogs that aren't updated to the beta thing yet. :/ Ah, well. Probably most folks will update soon enough. I hope...

Well, it turns out I've got a bit of a temperature now. So, who knows what's wrong with me. I've been feeling kind of dizzy for a couple of hours, since I woke up from a nap. I even opted to let my Mom make dinner tonight, which is something I rarely do, because I enjoy it. I hope I am well enough to go to church tomorrow...though it doesn't appear that I will be. :( Thankfully, they record Pastor Dave's sermons, and Mom and Dad can just get me a CD. Yay for me! Of course, one can honor the Sabbath Day without being AT a church, when it's just not an option to be there. I just...want to go!

I need to catch up on school (I got behind and haven't done my work for yesterday yet...*whoops*), so I guess I'll be going now. Dizziness+Anatomy=no fun. Oh, well! Only *gets planner and counts days* 75 days left until I'm officially *graduated*!!! So long as I stay on track, which I'm certainly planning to!

Okay! Now I'm really leaving.

Ta-Ta! And if I don't post again before Monday...
Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
~John 20:18-20

-Mary Jo

New Layout, Sick at home, and other sorts of things

So, I'm home sick today instead of doing my usual Saturday ministry activities. I do long to be out in the field of souls...but I don't think people want someone at their door who can't really talk and who will sneeze on them every couple of minutes. They already think the gospel is foolish enough, much less if the messenger is sick! So, I'm home today. After taking some Claritan and some ibprofin, I am feeling quite a bit better, though I still have the sniffles. My extra time explains the new layout and whatnot. In bed, with my laptop, messing with my layout. Haha

I've been doing some thinking this morning. Lately, I've been reading a lot of books on Biblical womanhood, from being a good wife, to cooking, cleaning, and all sorts of things. Each and every one of them has ideas I want to put into place now, in preparation for marriage and in service to my family, but it can be overwhelming! I've tried making a schedule, which I've NOT been good about following, though I plan to start THIS WEEK! I've also been planning our meals at the beginning of the week, and cooking breakfast and dinner most days. I've been trying to maintain my relationship with the Lord, which obviously comes first (at least...I try to keep it first. I'm obviously NOT perfect), my relationship with my family, and Ben, and stay organized with chores, cooking, and school. Sometimes, it just seems like a lot to handle. I have really great intentions, but somewhere between sleeping an extra half an hour, or talking to Ben an extra half hour...or family devotions starting later than planned, my whole schedule goes down the tubes, and I'm back at square one. It is thoroughly frustrating. It truly is my heart's desire to be as prepared as I can be for marriage and to serve my family while I'm still at home. Thankfully, every week ends, and there's always, until the Lord comes back or calls me home, next Monday to start my weekly schedule over again. I love sitting down at the end of the day having done everything I needed to do, and some things I just wanted to do. It really is nice. I don't want to waste another day of my life, which is but a vapor, and SHOULD be all for the glory of my Lord. So, I'm going to try my best not to waste my days anymore. This reminds me of the lyrics to a song we sing at church called "You Are My World." Here's the part I'm thinking of.

All my days are gifts from You
I pray I'd use them as You want me to
Use them for you

Really, though...God is so deserving of every moment of every day in the life of His children being used for His glory. Even if that just means staying focused on the responsibilities He has for me at this point in life, and preparing for the responsibilities I will one day have, if He is willing, I want to do all for His glory...and by His grace, I can try.

And with that...my wonderful boyfriend is on the phone, so I'll be going!

Finally, an update!

So, it has been a while. To you, (if I have any), my faithful readers...I am sorry! Haha...

I'm in the kitchen with some bagels in the oven (my first attempt at making them), so I have a bit of time to post. Things have been pretty good this past week. Just been doing my normal stuff. Let's see...

Saturday, the mill was still closed (glory!!) so we didn't go, but we did go to evangelism with the people from church. I went out with my Dad. Nothing particularly great happened, to speak of. Most of the doors we knocked on were people who only spoke Spanish, and I am NOT a Spanish-speaker (even though both of my parents are). Dad talked to them for a while, with his Spanish (which sounded great, though he insisted his "espanol es horrible!" But, I thought it was good. The people seemed very humble. Dad spoek to a guy from our church who is from Mexico, and he's going to go back to that neighborhood with us tomorrow since his Spanish is better, and we're going to bring a translation of the repentance tract in Spanish. If you haven't read it yet, I encourage you to. :) The link is in English. So, after evangelism Saturday, Dad and I headed back (Mom was still sort of recovering so she didn't go--door to door in 90+ degrees can be tiring). Mom and I went to a babyshower for Brenda Rivera, who's having her baby by C-Section this coming Monday (Sept. 4)-Labor Day, of all days! *grin*

After that, we came back home and I got ready to go out again. Dad and I went downtown in the club district with some of the college group from church, for the first time. It was quite an experience...I was born again when I was 13, so I never got old enough to partake in that wickedness (I was plenty wicked, though). So, it was my first time down there. It really is Satan's play ground. The clubs are so wicked, the people there are just there to enjoy sinning. That's simply what they do. It's so sad--I wonder how going out half naked, getting drunk, and then fornicating with a stranger could possibly be enjoyable, but apparently they think it is. Preston, a 28-year-old guy, from church was the "preacher" in our group. He was preaching on the truth horn, and was stopped by the cops eventually. We were able to pass out a lot of tracts, and had a few good conversations. Needless to say...we're going back tomorrow night (that is, if I feel better...I've got a bit of a cold).

Sunday was wonderful, as always! Went to church and then to college group on Sunday night. I love my pastor SO much. He knows so much about the Bible, and is such a wonderful teacher. The fellowship with the folks from Cornerstone is so sweet, too. *sigh* I love my church. If you live around Orlando, you should visit it! Even if it's a ways away...it's worth the drive.

This week has been pretty good. I've been doing school, reading, etc. I've also been heavily debating headcoverings (from 1 Corinthians 11) on Christian Debate Forum. It was fun, though I took a leaving shot yesterday, because I don't think it's all that fruitful to continue the debate. For the benefit of people reading, and not posting on, the thread, I explained my position verse by verse, and pointed out a few things. I learned a lot doing the research for the debate, and have become even more solid in my position. It was fun! Though, I did get a little behind on school, so I'll be catching up today.

What else is new? Oh! I'm going up to see Ben in 10 DAYS!!!! I leave early in the morning on September 11. Thankfully, the tickets were not that expensive ($40 each way, plus tax...) so that was nice. :) I won't be back until late at night on September 21, and I likely won't be blogging while I'm gone, unless Ben decides to take a three hour nap or something. Haha! I will be doing shcool while I'm there though. Lucky Ben! Gets to help me study for an Anatomy test (don't worry...it's just the nervous system!). It should be a lovely visit though...I love being up there (obviously!) at the farm. It's so beautiful, and I rather like my boyfriend (don't worry--we're not "dating"...he's courting me...in case someone missed that *smile*) (isn't he cute?)! Alright...I do suppose I'll stop gabbing about the most wonderful guy in the world... *wink*

So, that was a highlight of the week. Ordering tickets. Oh! I've also got an e-mail address at his site now, to help out with things. I've been doing some "marketing" of sorts. I made him business cards too! It was fun.

I've also started reading a new devotional book by John MacArthur called "Drawing Near"...it's pretty good. I recommend it. :) I'm also reading the devotional from "TableTalk" every day...it's a magazine put out by R.C. Sproul's, Ligonier Ministries. It's a good magazine. I recommend it, too! They have, in addition to the daily devotionals, articles and such about theology, church history, etc. Interesting!

Since today is the first day of September, I am finished reading 1 John, and am going to be reading Philippians daily.

So, I guess I've updated on just about everything there is to update on.

And all the bagels are baked! :) I got the recipe from the "Bread by Hand" eBook. I highly recommend it, if you want to learn how to make bread. The directions are simply, and the bread is yummy! You can order it here. It's $4.97. Not bad!

well, I guess I'll be going now. Keep Ben in prayer today, please, as he's driving all the way home from Wisconsin by himself. He was dropping Lauren, Sam, and Jesse off at School of Evangelism. They'll be gone for three whole months! I hope he doesn't fall asleep at the wheel!

Friday, Friday, Friday

So, I haven't gotten a whole lot done today. Got up at 5, and talked to Ben until nearly 8. We have family devotions at 6, but my Dad was up late installing my new fan in my bedroom, so he slept in. I don't really know why it is that I'm stopping to blog; I've got a number of things to do today. I'm finding it hard to concentrate on most things, from the thrill of the mills being closed down. I need to do some cleaning, do school, and have my quiet time with the Lord before around 4:30. A 9-year-old girl from my church, named Precious, is spending the weekend with me, while her parents get away for the weekend to celebrate their 18th anniversary. I don't know Precious very well, so it should be a good opporunity. She seems like a very sweet girl. As for tomorrow, we are (the ministry crew) heading to the mill for a time of prayer and worship. We won't be heading out at 6 AM, because, Glory to the LORD, not one baby is being torn from his mother's womb tomorrow. After prayer and worship, we'll be having a breakfast out with everyone. I'll be spending the rest of Saturday with Precious, probably doing some baking, and getting to know her. Sunday is the LORD's Day, so we'll be worshipping and sitting under the preaching of the Word of God yet again. What a huge blessing that always is.

I hope everyone has a splendid weekend. Many blessings!

-Mary Jo

Oh! During my devotions, I've been reading Matthew Henry's commentary, along with the Bible. It is so very excellent..I highly recommend reading it. It can be found, in its entirety for free here.

No AC...96 degrees...

So, the last couple days have been moderately good. :) On Wednesday, I was able to get ALMOST everything on my list done. I didn't get to run or read 1 John...and I only memorized Matthew 5:23-24, but I hope to try and finish the chapter in time for Wednesday. Yesterday, I did school, exercised, and did something pretty fun with Mom (sorry for being inconspicuous!).

Today was pretty good until this afternoon. I got up at 5AM and had my quiet time. I dosed off for a couple minutes, but was still able to read 2 chapters and pray. I talked to Ben for a while, and then I made banana bread. It turned out good, too! :D While the banana bread was in the oven, I ran. I just finished week 2 of the couch-to-5K plan. I might do week 2 for another week, though. We shall see. After I ran, I made some eggs and sausage to go with the banana bread. Over breakfast, Mom and I listened to John MacArthur. His current series called The Disciples' Prayer is REALLY good! I highly recommend it. You can listen to it for free on his website. We're going to purchase the MP3s so we can have it on hand, and give it to a few friends as well, once the radio broadcast is over.

After breakfast, I cleaned up the kitchen and took a shower. I decided to start working on school, so I got out my history book...and then I fell asleep. I ended up sleeping until 1 this afternoon. It was a waste of time, but I guess I needed it. When I woke up, it was really hot in our house. As it turns out, our air conditioner is shot. It's 96 outside and about 88-90 inside the house. So, I'm camped out in my parents room with my laptop, a fan, an icepack, and a glass of ice water (and my cell phone with its dead battery). It feels pretty good! We're supposed to be getting a new AC installed tomorrow. It'll be nice...AND *drumroll* it will cool my room, unlike our current one.

I feel pretty bad for our dogs, and the cat. They're all soo hot; especially Carly, our beagle/husky mix. My parents are thinking about us all staying at a hotel tonight, with our dogs and the cat.

In other news...
My 10 Volume set of Spurgeon sermons came in the mail tonight. I'm thoroughly excited about it! Maybe I'll post pictures or something. Haha. It's got hundreds of his sermons in it. So much good stuff in them..what a great preacher. I so wish there were more like him today!

Well, I need to find out what the deal is, and get ready to go, if we're going. Your prayers are appreciated...tomorrow, we're going to the abortion clinic and out evangelizing with the people at church as always. Please pray for the Lord to step in and save babies, and souls.

Blessings,
Mary Jo

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
~Jude 24-25

It's Just One of Those Days...

Today is one of those "blah" days.

I've been doing something all day, so far, but it feels like I've done nothing. I got up this morning, and had my quiet time. I was able to pray and read without falling asleep! So, that was a blessing. I want to do some more reading later. I'm still in 1 Kings (sorry, Ben!), and Ben and I are reading 1 John each day (the whole thing, every day for a month: How to Study Your Bible), so I'll need to read that at some point today.
After I did my reading, I talked to Ben for a while, but not long enough! He was on Aaron's computer, and Aaron was up early, so he had to go around 6:30. So, once he left, I made some homemade tomato salsa, to go with breakfast...Mom made huevos rancheros (eggs with salsa and cheese, in a tortilla).
After that, I messed on the computer. I've added my blog to a couple of different blog listings and such, and I also linked to some blogs I read regularly. The links are on my sidebar.
So, now I'm posting...about nothing! The thrills. I might post again later, if anything interesting happens. So, I guess I'm off to get things done now...

To Do Today (in case you care...you probably don't, though :D ):

• Exercise (Couch-to-5K Running Plan) and shower
  
• Clean outside of appliances
• Clean counters
• Focus clean the kitchen counter
  
• Dust (TV/Computer screens, mirrors, glass tables, wood furniture, etc)
• Laundry
• Clean the bathrooms
• Focus Clean the sinks
  
• Organize under the bathroom sinks (be afraid, be very afraid...)
• Read Economics Pages 165-175, Do Quiz #12
• Finish Anatomy Module #4, Do Study Guide
• Read American History Pages 161-170
• Read Chapter 11 of The Gospel According to Jesus, by John MacArthur (for Women's Group tonight)
• Finish memorizing Matthew 5:23-26
  
• Read 1 John
• Make White Chili and Cornbread for dinner

Wow! And I need to be ready to leave by 6:15...can I do it?
I sure hope so!

><> Mary Jo

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there by any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
~Psalm 139:23-24