I'll be back soon!

Hey everyone!
I'm sorry it's been a few days since I've blogged. I'm taking about a week's break, because I just got my wisdom teeth removed and I'm very swollen and sore. I should be back to blogging next Wednesday or Thursday though. ;)
So I thought I'd just give you a head's up to let you know. I'm doing a lot better now. I got them removed last Wednesday, and my swelling is going down some now.
:)
I'll be back soon!
Have a great day!

~Katie

Philippians 4 Bible Study

Hey everyone! How is your day going? Today I have the final chapter of Philippians Bible Study! Enjoy!

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your

minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

 

Discussion:

They wrap the book up very nicely in this last chapter, in my opinion. I love the Thanks For Their Gifts section. I love how he says:" I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

This is a really good lesson. We have to learn to be content in any situation. This may sometimes be hard. I know it is for me, but whenever I find myself discontent for any reason, I think back to this passage.

Any questions or comments?

Would you like me to do another Bible Study of a different book? If so, what book would you like to hear?

:)

 

~Katie

 

 

 

 

 

My Celestial Journey

Hi everyone! I have another poem I would like to share with you guys today...I just finished writing it!

My Celestial Journey

The beautiful heavens glitter from above,
Reminding me of the glorious Saviour I love,
Moonshine reflects off the silvery stream,
Like one beautiful starry dream,

Oh how I wish I could be up there,
Soaring oh so high without a care!

The gleaming moon now crosses my way,
Thoughts fly through my head, on the crisp, green grass I lay,
Under my celestial blanket, I start to fall to asleep,
Now I'm shooting through space with my memories I'll always keep.



Did you enjoy it?

~Katie

Announcements! Poll ends in 10 days! Vote now!

Hey everyone! Hope your day is going well!
So I have a few announcements to share with you.
   First off, I have added another poll! The question is: "How many posts would you like to read from me per week?" I would really love it if you would check it out and vote. :) I don't want to overload you with posts, but I don't want you to be bored with no posts. So just take a look at it please. ;)
   Next, I have added a subscription gadget so if you are enjoying reading my blog, but don't want to keep checking to see if I've written more, you can then just subscribe and you'll get an email when I've posted again.
   Lastly, there are only 10 days left to vote on my first poll: "What kind of animal person are you?" ! So if you haven't checked it out, just scroll down to the bottom of the page and it's there.
Thank you guys for stopping by today!
Have a great day!
Questions or comments?
~Katie

The Devil's Snares

   Temptation is probably the biggest thing I struggle with. We all struggle to resist it, and Satan knows that. The devil is constantly trying to catch us in his snares. Every single day. We just have to have the courage to stand up to him. The thing is, we can all do this, we just have to have faith in God.
    The devil is sneaky, and he disguises himself a lot. These things may seem good at first, but then they turn bad. By the time we realize this, it's too late. You've already done it. This is when you need to turn to God, and repent of your sins. And guess what? God will be waiting for you with arms wide open. The devil has set many, many traps for you, just waiting for you to fall in. For example, this could be an alcoholic drink, and before you know it, you're addicted.
    We just have to stay close to God's side, and He'll protect us from all evil. And if you're suffering now from Satan's work, don't worry, God is still by your side and cares about you.
So if you've been caught in one of the devil's snares, Repent now.
Don't wait any longer, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, (Philippians 4:13).
   God is with you always.

~Katie
Thoughts or comments?

Friends

Hey there! I have a poem I would like to share with you guys today! I probably wrote it a few months ago.
Hope you like it!

Friends

Keep your friends close to your heart,
And with them you shall never part,
If they are true you will know,
They bring you back up when you are low,

Everything is better when there are two,
Makes it a better world for me and you,
Friends surely are a gift from above,
Someone you can trust, and cherish, and love.


Did you like this poem? Would you like to hear more sometime?

Philippians 3 Bible Study

Hey everyone! Today I'm bringing you the Philippians chapter 3 Bible study!
Enjoy!
 

No Confidence in the Flesh

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. ² Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

¹⁵ All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. ¹⁶ Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

¹⁷ Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. ¹⁸ For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.


Discussion:
Isn't this a powerful passage? Verses 17-21 talk a lot about keeping our eyes on heaven not on earthly things. The bottom line is: Jesus will take care of us, we just have to believe in Him. Any thoughts or comments?

My Kitties! :)

Hey everyone! I thought today I'd share with you some pics of my cats! The black one's name is Alice and the red and white one is Jasper! Enjoy!

 

 

I like to call this picture "Sombrero Kitty!" :)

Thought he'd look cute with a bowtie.

 

 

Jasper curled up with me on a Sunday night.

 

                                      I just happened to get a picture of Alice right when she was yawning!

Did you like these? Would you like to see more sometime?

Count your blessings

Sometimes we are so caught up in our problems, we forget to remember all the blessings we have. That's what we're going to talk about today.
When I really think about it, I realize that I have way more blessings than I do problems. God asks us to give all our problems to Him and not to worry. He also asks us to be thankful. I have made a list of 10 of my blessings here, if you would like you could even make your own list and share:
1. A loving family
2. Loyal friends
3. 2 adorable cats
4. A roof over my head
5. Food on the table
6. Clean drinking water
7. An education
8. A closet full of clothes
9. Freedom of religion
10. God's forgiveness of my sins

There are so many people in poverty that don't have those things we take for granted sometimes, like clean water. We have to remember this: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Even when you're going through a hard time, for instance, you just lost a family member or you just had a fight with your best friend, life will go on. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Everything happens for a reason. God cares for us and He's never going to put us through a hard time just because He wants to. Remember to count your blessings instead of your problems.
Is anyone going through a hard time they want to share? Any questions? Comment below!

~Katie

Philippians 2 Bible Study

Hi everyone! How is your day going? Today I'm bringing to you the 2nd chapter of Philippians Bible study...Enjoy!

Imitating Christ’s Humility

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Shining As Stars
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,  so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.  So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.  I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.  For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.  Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.  Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,  because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Discussion:
I love the Shining as Stars section...we all struggle with complaining or arguing when we don't really want to do something. Remember, when you are tempted to back talk or complain about something you don't want to do, just to think back to verse 14 and 15," Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe."
Do you have any questions or comments you want to share? Just comment below!
Have a great day! :)

~Katie

 

Book Review: "What herb is that?"

Hi everyone!
Today I have a book review I would like to share with you guys!
The book is called "What herb is that?" by John and Rosemary Hemphill.
It talks about different kinds of herbs and some good uses for them. I really enjoyed this book! I'm into growing herbs...this year was my first year of growing some. Only my basil made it sadly, but the other herbs drowned. I just found this book a week ago and so far it has been really helpful.
I can't wait until next spring so I can grow some more herbs! I'm going to be referring to this book a lot to figure out which herbs I want to grow and what I could use them for.
If you are into herbs for either culinary uses or for their healing properties, I would definitely suggest this book for you!
I hope this helps you! If you have any questions or comment, just let me know! ;)

~Katie

Nature Pictures

Hey everyone! I thought I would share some photos I've taken that I really like! Enjoy!

 Comment and tell me if you like them! :)

A pretty flower growing beside our house

Another flower growing beside our house

A rainbow outside of our hotel room

A picture I took while I was heading to church. It had been raining.

Trees outside our house in winter

The full moon

Another picture of the full moon







 

New Poll out!

Hey guys!
I would love it if you all would vote in my new poll! It's down at the bottom of the page.
I'll be posting the results of the poll on September 1st, so please check it out and vote!!! :) The question is what kind of animal person are you. Thanks!

~Katie

Love: Part One

As a christian, I believe love is the building block to every relationship. Without it the world would have no joy or happiness. The few handfuls of people who truly have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ stand out because of their love and kindness they show to one another, not only to fellow christians, but to the world.
Imagine the world without love. Not such a pretty picture is it? God asks us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to also love others as ourself. To fulfill this, we must have faith in Him, and a wholesome heart. Not afraid to stand up for others in need.
We should also be a good example for others by showing our love to them. Something as simple as sending a homemade card to cheer up someone's day is fulfilling this. Reading the Bible and praying is something that motivates all of us. Just taking the time everyday to sit down, and pray to Him, brings us closer to him.

I hope this encourages you. I will bring you more on love soon...this is just part one. :)
Any thoughts you want to share? Comment below! I love comments. ;)

~Katie

Garden's Prayer

This is a poem I wrote a little while ago and thought I might share it with everyone!
Garden's Prayer:
The golden sun in the west sets,
Across the plains casting silhouettes,
The end of a glorious day we have met,
When night's shadow does fall,
I creep down our narrow hall,
To my garden where I pray,
Down to my knees, I fall and say,
O, Glorious Lord thank you for this day!
Wonderful, almighty one, you are abounding in love,
Always watching each and everyone of us from heaven above,
Even though I have sinned ten times over you see,
You are always there willing to forgive me.
I will always strive to do what is right,
Everything that is honest and pure in your sight,
Thank you Lord for your everlasting love, I will worship you.
All my days, I will always worship you.

Amen.

How do you guys like it? :)

Philippians Bible Study Chapter 1

Hey there!
Today I'm presenting to you the first chapter by chapter Bible study! I decided to start with Philippians because 1. It has a lot of encouragement in it, and 2. It's one of my favourite books of the Bible! Let's start!
The first chapter of Philippians:
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and dpth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God.
Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel: Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put her for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am going to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my abscence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved- and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for hime, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
The first chapter talks a lot about prayer and spreading the gospel. It also talks about his struggle to spread the word. In verse 15 it says:It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. This is very true. Many people do spread the gospel just for rivalry, but there are others, others who spread the gospel from their heart. And they do it to bring glory to God. What are your guys' thoughts on this chapter? Hope you enjoyed this!
~ Katie

Introducing my blog: Lilies of Grace!

Hi There!
So you happened to have stumbled across my blog. Sit down, have a cup of tea. I'll tell you about myself. My name is Katie and I am a 14 year old homeschooler. Through this blog, I am hoping to inspire and encourage other girls. My favourite Bible verse I've ever read is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Sometimes when I'm going through a tough time, I read it and remember that Jesus is always there for me. I'm hoping this will be an encouragement to you. This blog is focused on faith, and trusting God in all you do.
If this doesn't sound of any interest to you, you may go on with your life, but if you like what you see, stay.
In the future, I will write about faith, the Bible, and feminine modesty.
Check back soon for more!
~Katie