A Young Maiden's Daybook--Entry #4

Today...

March 30, 2009

Outside my window...

It's very dark and windy AND our neighbors are burning a huge fire in their pasture! Eek! :)

I am thinking about...

How yummy this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream is!

I am thankful for...

God's AMAZING providence and PERFECT timing!

I am wearing...

My red and black skirt with a dark green t-shirt. (I know it doesn't match, but I'm only at home!)

I am reading...

The Bible, Love Comes Softly, and Nothing to Fear

I am creating...

Nothing specific I can think of at the moment.

One of my favorite things...

My purse my friend Lindsay made me! :)

For education this week...

Same as always: Bible, Science, History, Math, Spanish, ASL, Writing project

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning...

Cooking and baking

A spiritual lesson I'm learning...

To trust in God's timing and placement of things (His providence, really), etc. Seeing and taking time to recognize His faithfulness in all areas of life.

A godly character trait I plan to work on...

Patience.

Scripture I am memorizing...
Still Psalm 46

I am praying for...

For the Lord to continually sustain me with the fruits of the Spirit.

The rest of this week...

Schoolwork, church

A picture I'd like to share...

This is the purse Lindsay made me! I've been carrying it for awhile now, and it's definitely my favorite out of all the purses I've had before. I just love the colors! :)

To find out more about participating in a Young Maiden's Daybook, click on the link below: http://hskubesgal.blogspot.com/2009/01/young-maidens-daybook-beginnings.html

My 7 Hours and 13 Minutes Survey!

I've been tagged by Lindsay at Content in Christ! Thanks Lindsay! This should be fun...

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The longest survey you'll ever fill out! Do the world a favor: fill it out and post it for all your friends. Do this because the person who sent it to you didn't sit here for ages for nothing. Answer all the questions honestly, no lying to avoid stuff.

Starting Time: 3:34 p.m.
Name: Taylor
Sisters: 3
Brothers: 0
What are you wearing? A long black skirt with some sort of strange leaves on it and my black blazer.
Favorite Number: 7
Favorite Drink: Hot tea, Dr. Pepper, and lime punch!
Favorite Month: December
Favorite Breakfast: Waffles.
Love someone so much who made you cry? Yes, a friend.
Broken a bone: No.
Been in a police car: No.
Been on a boat: Yes.
Came close to dying: I don't know! But when I was 2 I stopped breathing and was taken to the hospital.
Been in a hot tub: Yes.
Swam in the ocean: Yes.
Fallen asleep in school: Yes.
Cried when someone died: Too many times!
Fallen off your chair: Yes.

**************What is******************

Your room like? There are two tall twin beds (mine has to have a little stool because I otherwise have to jump to get up there!), a chest of drawers, vanity, large mirror on wall, one window, carpeted floor, and the colors are dark red, brown, and a dark creme.
What's right beside you? A bowl on the table, and two empty cups

What is the last thing you ate? Peanut butter and syrup (I rarely get to eat that but I love it. Weird, I know!)

-----------------Ever had------------------

Chicken pox: No.

Sore throat: Yes.
Stitches: No.

----------------Do you----------------------

Like picnics? Yes, but not when it's windy!
Like school? Yes, usually.

---------------Questions-------------------

Who was the last person you danced with? My dad I guess.
Who makes you smile? Family and friends!

---------------Who-------------------------

Did you last yell at? I don't know.
Do you like filling these out? Yes.
Do you like yourself? Most of the time.

---------------Final Questions---------------

What are you listening to right now? The rain and thunder!
Do you hate someone in your family? Never!
What car do you wish to have? The one sitting under the carport that needs a new fuel pump! :)
Good singer? I guess so.
Indoors or outdoors? Definitely indoors! Unless its cool and sunny outside.

---------------Today you did------------------

Talk to someone you like? Yes.
Get sick? No.
Sing? Yes, always do!
Miss someone? Yes.

---------------Last person who-----------------


You talked to on the phone with? My Me-ma
Made you cry? I don't know!
Went to the mall with? My sister, Mrs. Karen, Morgan, & Caitie (We went ice skating for their birthdays last year!)
Been to Europe? No.
Been to Asia? No.
Been to Russia? No.
Been to the Bahamas? No.
Been to Mexico? No.
Been to Canada? No.
Been to Africa? And no.

------------------Random----------------------

What books are you reading right now? The Bible, Evidence for Jesus, and Nothing to Fear

Best feeling in the world? Knowing God is pleased with you!

Future kids names? Sharon, MaKayla, Mallory, Laynee, Alyson, Elizabeth, Jaden, Elias, James, John, Camden, Joshua. . . I have no idea!

Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? No.

What's under your bed? Box of past journals, pictures, scrapbooking stuff and scrapbooks, letters, books, and extra blankets. There's still more, but I'm not sure what! :)

Favorite location? My home town

Who do you really hate? Nobody ever.

Do you have a job? No, but I sometimes babysit.

Are you lonely right now? Nope!

Time finished: 10:20 p.m.

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Wow, that was definitely the longest survey I've ever taken! :) I started earlier this afternoon, but had to get off in the middle of it because lightning struck the router in our schoolroom. LOL! Anyway, now the storms are gone and I'm home from church, and about to go to bed! Goodnight and God bless!

Our God is in the Business of Completing What He Starts!

You might have guessed it; my Dad preached last night. This is my interpretation of the sermon just from memory and checking my notes. Yes, I always take notes during sermons! Don't you? :)


"You were bought at a price." 1 Corinthians 6:20

Alright, you know how when you buy something really expensive like, say, a Wii (for lack of a better example), just to realize the game console doesn't come with a second remote? So, then not only do you have to go buy another remote, but you have to buy a whole other game in order to get the remote to come with it. ...Or we can use another example. Think about buying a digital camera. You can't just buy the camera and... vwwala! You have a camera! No, you have to buy the memory card, the battery, and so on. Anyway, my point is not to bash Wii games and digital cameras! My point is that the world is full of these different examples, yet it's all very contrary to the character of God.


Scripture is full of examples where God did something and carried it out to completion. Let's think about it. There's the Israelites. The Lord didn't just choose to use a few of them when He called them out of Egypt. He had Moses lead ALL of them out of Egypt. Then think about when God parted the Red Sea. He let them walk across on DRY ground. Not just damp or muddy, but dry! Here's another example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When they were thrown into the fiery furnace they didn't come out with even a minor burn. They weren't harmed at all, even when the guards who came anywhere near the furnace fell over dead just from the heat! Another: Daniel in the lions' den. God didn't just dull the lions' teeth, or only keep them from pouncing on Daniel! :) He shut their mouths. There are still many, many more examples that I'm sure you know, and then there's the biggest example of all: Christ hanging on the cross. His last words? "It is finished!"


God finishes what He starts! The Bible mentions Him as the Author and Finisher of our faith. When we were bought at a price, God didn't just buy one little part of us and leave the other for our own sinful pleasure. He bought the whole package! Let's look at Hebrews 7:25a: "Therefore, He is able to save completely those who come to God through him..." God's desire is to have you--completely! The problem that we so often find ourselves with today, is the fact that we may not be giving God our complete "package". We may not have completely submitted our all to Him. Which, at times, we may not even realize we're doing! I am very guilty of this myself. The thing is, we have to be careful to examine ourselves. What is it we are witholding from God and how do we bring whatever it is under the submission of Christ? I believe it is by simply giving it to God through prayer, and then allowing Him to take control of that thing. Just think about what God can do with a Church that is completely submissive to the will of the Lord and has given every aspect of their lives over to Him! With man it is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible!


"Let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4)


I want to encourage you to sing this song to the Lord right now! It's a familiar hymn, I'm sure. If you don't know how it goes, then you can simply say it as a prayer unto God. I suggest singing all the verses first, and the chorus at the end.

All to Jesus I surrender

All to Him I freely give

I will ever love and trust Him

In His presence daily live

All to Jesus I surrender

Humbly at His feet I bow

Worldly pleasures all forsaken

Take me, Jesus, take me now

All to Jesus I surrender

Make me, Savior, wholly Thine

Let me feel the Holy Spirit

Truly know Thy pow'r divine

All to Jesus I surrender

Lord I give myself to Thee

Fill me with Thy love and power

Let Thy blessing fall on me

I surrender all!

I surrender all!

All to Thee, my blessed Savior!

I surrender all!

(Repeat as necessary! :))

Now, we are left with this promise: "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

A Young Maiden's Daybook--Entry #3

Today...

March 23, 2009

Outside my window...

It's very cloudy and extremely windy! Looks like it might rain!

OKAY, before I finished the rest of this post it started raining. :)

I am thinking about...

What's for dinner tonight???

I am thankful for...

My family and my home.

I am wearing...

A denim skirt with a blue and white shirt.

I am reading...

The Bible, Evidence for Jesus, Nothing to Fear

I am creating...
A new daily schedule for myself!


One of my favorite things...

Watching family movies

For education this week...
The forces in nature in my physical science, "The Reconstruction of America" in my in-depth US history, research project, Spanish, ASL, etc.


A keeper at home skill I'm using/learning...

Cooking and baking

A spiritual lesson I'm learning...

To submit every area of my life to the Lord.

A godly character trait I plan to work on...

Putting others' needs before my own.

Scripture I am memorizing...
Psalm 46


I am praying for...

God to supernaturally bless my family!

The rest of this week...

Schoolwork, church, the women's conference this weekend

A picture I'd like to share...

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
Psalm 19:1

To find out more about participating in a Young Maiden's Daybook click on the link below: http://hskubesgal.blogspot.com/2009/01/young-maidens-daybook-beginnings.html

I Have Acquired a New Skill! :)

Yes, it's true! Last night I saw a video on YouTube of how to do a french braid, and it inspired me! Ha! Ha! I've never done one before, and you'd think in a house full of 5 women somebody around here would know how, but that would be a nope! :) Anyway, the pictures below are my VERY FIRST attempts ever at french braids, and I was so proud of myself that I just had to share it! I want to thank my two youngest sisters for being so brave as to allow me to try it out on them first. Yes, I still need much perfecting, but for a first try I thought it turned out pretty well: Sister #3
Sister #2

Sister #1 is busy right now, but I plan to try it out on her gorgeous, long blonde hair as well!

"But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."

1 Corinthians 11:15

Declaration of God's Rights

God has the right to:

• Govern the world


• Judge


• Cause sickness


• Heal


• Give grace


• Have mercy


• Give


• Take away


• Forgive


• Destroy


• Create


• Bless


• Curse


• Separate


• Unite


• Begin a new life


• End any life


• Display his wonders


• Make His name great


• Reveal His glory


• And control all things!

In class at church last night, we were specifically discussing God's providence in regards to His rights to govern the world. We were all in agreement that God has the right to do as He pleases with all that He pleases. For, the earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it. God has all rights over all His creation. No matter how we think things should be, we do not have the right to question God in what He does. Our teacher challenged us to come up with a declaration of God's rights with at least 10 items listed. She also shared with us how when she was a little girl she would find herself saying, "That's not fair!" Her mother would then reply, "God's not fair. He's just." She would then respond, "Just what???" That's a very true statement! God is just. You could even stop a word sooner and say that God is. You might then ask, "Is what???" But there's no need to finish the sentence! The sentence is already complete!

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

Modest Swimwear Solutions!

I know it's getting to be that time of year again. . . swimming in 100 degree weather, getting sweaty outdoors, and a bunch of other fun stuff you get to do during the summer! Well, we just got a nice above-ground pool towards the end of last summer and our family really enjoys swimming. It's something we can do together and it's something we love. And, honestly, living in Texas makes it pretty enticing when you have a nice cold, blue pool of water sitting right outside your dining room windows! We've just struggled with one problem: finding modest and appropriate swimwear! And, I'm sure you might have come across that same issue. It can be disappointing because it makes it pretty difficult to enjoy the sport of swimming. So, my Mom and I were searching online earlier for a place to either purchase or sew your own modest swimsuits, and we found a wonderful website! I was so excited about it that I just had to share!! :) This site has feminine and covering swimwear with patterns you'll just love! You can either purchase the material and patterns for yourself, or you can buy them ready-made and even custom-made. Just log on to: http://www.modest-swimwear.net/. Anyway, we're really looking into that now, with summer just right around the corner! I hope you are blessed by this as much as I was!

A Young Maiden's Daybook--Entry #2

Sorry for the delay! I should have posted this Monday, but I have an old friend who came to visit last Saturday and she just left today. Now, I have some catching up to do!



















Today...
March 18, 2009

Outside my window...
It's nice and sunny--temperatures in the 60's!

I am thinking about...
All the things I need to get accomplished, after a wonderful week spent with a friend! :)

I am thankful for...
God's many promises!

I am wearing...
A black skirt with the same gray t-shirt as last week! Haha!

I am reading...
The Bible, Evidence for Jesus, Nothing to Fear

I am creating...
Nothing in particular right now.

One of my favorite things...
Drinking hot tea with milk and sugar, yum!

For education this week...
We have taken off school for spring break.

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning...
Cooking and baking

A spiritual lesson I am learning...
To stop and consider God's wonders! Oftentimes, I rush through life focusing on responsibilities and different things like that, without taking the time to be still and stop to consider the works of the Lord! So, this kind of fits with last week's answer.

A godly character trait I plan to work on...
Spending more quality time with my siblings, which takes a lot of patience.

Scripture I am memorizing...
Still Psalm 46!

I am praying for...
The same as last week, and that God would use me as an instrument for His glory.

The rest of this week...
Going with my Pa-pa for his chemo infusion tomorrow, having our neighbors over Friday afternoon, and other daily tasks.

A picture I'd like to share...

This is our donkey, Lil' Jack. I just thought it was neat to capture the fog and rising sun behind the trees on this particular morning!

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised." Psalm 113:3

To find out more about participating in a Young Maiden's Daybook, click on the link below: http://hskubesgal.blogspot.com/2009/01/young-maidens-daybook-beginnings.html

Sayings from the Wise?!?

In honor of my Dad, I thought it would be fun to post different little "sayings" we've heard him say through the years. There are so many, I probably won't list them all!

What did George Washington say before he crossed the Deleware? He says this many times as we are getting into the truck, and we girls respond: Get in the boat men!

A.B.B.A. (Already Been Breathed Air) He is sure to let us no when we're too close to his "breathing space"! He just cries out with this abbreviation! :)

Shadrach, Meshach, and to-bed-you-go! This wasn't one we enjoyed hearing quite so much!

Jeet' yet? Naw. Yo'nt to? Ite.

I feel like I do now more than I did then.

Boats were made to float, not sink. -You see some of his wisdom coming out here! LOL

Punch it Margaret! (My parents say it's from an old commercial.)

I'm starvin' Marvin, full like a bull, thick as a tick, and stuck like Chuck. ...He likes to rhyme! :)

I've got three words for ya: ty - pi - cal.

Even fish stay out of trouble if they keep their mouths shut. (Fishing analogy. Ty-pi-cal. He likes to fish!)

I'm exhauscapated!

NOW... for some wisdom:

"Let no unwholesome talk proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 4:29 He really does like to quote this often! How funny that it somewhat applies to our subject!

Thank you, Daddy, for all that you are and all that you do! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, wise father. I love you, Taylor

A Young Maiden's Daybook--Entry #1

Today…

March 9, 2009

Outside my window…

It's very dark right now.

I am thinking…

About my next post!

I am thankful for…

All the blessings God has given me.

I am wearing…

A new blue skirt I just bought today with very small pretty white roses on it, and a gray t-shirt.

I am reading…

The Bible, After the Dancing Days, UnCommon, and White Christmas Pie.

I am creating…

Material to place inside the long slits in many of our skirts. Well, I'm not really creating the material, just putting it all together! (We're sewing snaps along the edges of the inside of the slits, and then putting them on the material pieces as well. That way, they are interchangeable! -All Mom's idea!)

One of my favorite things…

Buying lots of nice skirts/dresses for very low prices! It's so much fun.

For education this week…

Newton's laws in physical science,"The reconstruction of America" in my in-depth U.S. history, SAT practice, and poetry by Edgar Allen Poe

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning…

Cooking, baking, sewing snaps!

A spiritual lesson I’m learning…

To be still and know God. (That's just one of the many!)

A godly character trait I plan to work on…

Not making any negative comments to my younger sisters. :( . . .Pray for me!

Scripture I am memorizing…

Psalm 46

I am praying for…

The Lord to instill within me a spirit of wisdom and discernment, and to let my conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that I would know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6)

The rest of the week…

Deep cleaning the house for a visit from old friends this weekend, school, and church stuff.

A picture I’d like to share…

I just think this is a beautiful and innocent picture of one of my younger sisters. It reminds me of the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit! It was taken a few years ago in our old frontyard.
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." 1 Peter 3:3-5
To find out more about participating in a Young Maiden's Daybook, click on the link below: http://hskubesgal.blogspot.com/2009/01/young-maidens-daybook-beginnings.html

Our God is in the Business of Breathing Life Into Dead Things!

"The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" Ezekiel 37:1-3a

As we all know, so many times it can be easy for our spiritual lives to "dry up". A couple of weeks ago my Dad preached a sermon about this type of thing, as an encouragement not to become a lifeless, dry, dead bone! :) (He actually brought a bone he found out in the pasture that he trips over each time he feeds the chickens to use as an example! He felt like that was confirmation that the Lord wanted him to speak on this topic!) Anyway, he mentioned how many times we find ourselves becoming discouraged and downhearted by our daily "duties", tasks, or things we know we need to get accomplished but we just don't feel the desire to do it, which then has a major effect on our spiritual lives and relationships with the Lord. We may begin feeling like "we just have to" as opposed to "I want to" in a lot of situations. He quoted the verse in Psalm 51:12b which says, "Sustain me with a willing spirit." What a wonderful prayer we can pray! That the Lord would sustain us with willing spirits to accomplish His purposes through us. So many times in the Bible examples are given where God breathes life back into something lifeless. There are at least 10 examples of resurrections in Scripture, some including Lazarus, Jairus' daughter, and Jesus, of course! Though, there are many more. It's amazing that God chooses to use us to help accomplish His will. It's not in our own strength or capabilities that we can boast, because it is God's strength in us that helps to fulfill His mighty plan. The children's lesson at church tonight was on "Be Still and Know That I am Your Strength--a Way to Accomplish God's Will". That's really an awesome realization! When we're feeling upset, discouraged, or just plain lifeless, we can call on the Lord to comfort and protect us. He will strengthen us in ways we never thought possible. And it's all for His glorification! So... when you're feeling alone, depressed, or "burnt out" in life or a certain area in your life, be sure to seek the Lord and pray for His strength to be made perfect in you. He is a faithful God! And secondly, you may ask yourself this question: Can these bones live? I pray you will find this answer:

"The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.” 4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.”’” 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. 9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. 11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’” Ezekiel 37:3b-14

(I can't help but notice that God chose to use the man to prophesy to these bones, in a situation where He was fully able of handling it all on His own. Just remember, He takes pleasure in using His servants! May we be filled with willing spirits!)

God's Sovereignty

My God is sovereign in all things. It took me awhile to be able to fully grasp what that means, and even now I know that I will never be capable of comprehending that message to its fullest extent. It's one of those things that you can't just hear and completely accept without actually experiencing it. It feels like I have been on a roller coaster ride of emotions, feelings, and situations over the past couple of years. Sometimes I feel very spiritually uplifted and joyful, and next I'm the lowest of the low. But one thing I do know is that my faith in Christ and my relationship with him has grown tremendously through it all. I've found that when I'm in deepest sorrow or I feel this sense of desperation, that's when I feel the closest to God. It's not something that can be explained, you just have to live it. Come near to God, and he will come near to you! (James 4:8)

Urim and Thummim... Huh?

A few nights ago I decided to check out this book I got from church by an author named Robert J. Morgan. Now, I don't know anything about this man, so I can't recommend his work. I just saw the book and thought I'd give it a try! ;) It's called "From This Verse". It's a small 365-day reading plan with daily Scripture readings and testimonies of encouragement. So, I started on day 17 in January where it discussed the topic of the Urim and Thummim of the high priest in the Old Testament. He told about a man who explained that he wasn't completely sure what the two objects were. He only knew it was put on the breastplate of the high priest and that through it the high priest was able to discern the mind of God. He said that he found he could get the mind of the Lord nowadays by changing only two letters in the words. Here's his direct quote:

"I take the blessed Book, and just by "usin' and thummin'" I get the mind of theLord!"

Ha! Ha! I know, it's a little corny, but I thought it was worth sharing! :P

God's Providence

Do we really understand what all that includes? In our class at church on Wednesday evenings we've been studying the entirety (or trying to!) of God's everlasting providence. It's an amazing thing to study up on and if you haven't I encourage you to do so. We've discussed his providence over things such as our salvation, nature, animals, man's heart, timing, leadership, nations, people, places, things, and evil. Yes, God's providence over evil. That's been a tough one to understand... but it's true! He is sovereign and he is in control of all things including evil. And as strange as it sounds, it's comforting to know that he is the one who creates and causes all of it! "Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?" -Lamentations 3:38 "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things." -Isaiah 45:7 You see! But the thing I have to say gets me the most is his perfect timing. It truly is perfect! Just looking back on any day, you can see where one delay or one moment sooner and everything would have been a disaster! It's mind boggling to me! He is so intricate and cares so deeply about each detail of our lives. I do believe that everything that happens in my life has a purpose and all works towards his glory. I'm so thankful to have a God so caring and so close as a friend. I cannot describe to you the love I have for my Savior when thinking about such things! My love continues to grow!

And We for the Sake of Christ All Things Bear

This is an amazing testimony that really touched my heart when I read it. It just really brings to light how desperately our prayers are needed for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering. I hope it blesses and encourages you as much as it did me.

In August 2008, Fatima Al-Mutairi, the 26-year-old daughter of a Muslim cleric, was brutally killed by her brother in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, after she proclaimed her faith to her family. The Voice of the Martyrs contacts report Fatima’s fellowship with other believers was mainly limited to Internet forums and phone correspondence. "As part of her testimony to the family, she proclaimed that the way of Christ is the most pure and most holy way of all. After sharing with her family, she found her brother in her room with her laptop open before him," VOM contacts said. "Her laptop contained notes about her spiritual journey, which he was searching in order to find more evidence against her. Her brother locked her in the room for four hours, during which time she wrote a final letter on the Internet. Fatima was killed soon thereafter," VOM contacts added.Prior to her martyrdom Fatima wrote a poem that shows her love for Christ and her desire to share His love with her family. Here it is:

And We For the Sake of Christ All Things Bear--A poem written by Fatima Al-Mutairi before her martyrdom

May the Lord Jesus guide you, Oh MuslimsAnd enlighten your hearts that you might love othersThe forum does not revile the Master of the prophets It is for the display of truth, and for you it was revealedThis is the truth which you do not knowWhat we profess are the words of the Master of the prophetsWe do not worship the cross, and we are not possessedWe worship the Lord Jesus, the Light of the worldsWe left Mohammed, and we do not follow in his pathWe followed Jesus Christ, the Clear Truth Truly, we love our homeland, and we are not traitorsWe take pride that we are Saudi citizensHow could we betray our homeland, our dear people?How could we, when for death - for Saudi Arabia - we stand ready?The homeland of my grandfathers, their glories, and odes - for it I am writingAnd we say, "We are proud, proud, proud to be Saudis"We chose our way, the way of the rightly guidedAnd every man is free to choose any religionBe content to leave us to ourselves to be believers in JesusLet us live in grace before our time comesThere are tears on my cheek, and Oh! the heart is sadTo those who become Christians, how you are so cruel!And the Messiah says, "Blessed are the Persecuted"And we for the sake of Christ all things bearWhat is it to you that we are infidels?You do not enter our graves, as if with us buriedEnough - your swords do not concern me, not evil nor disgraceYour threats do not trouble me, and we are not afraid And by God, I am unto death a Christian - VerilyI cry for what passed by, of a sad lifeI was far from the Lord Jesus for many yearsOh History record! and bear witness, Oh Witnesses!We are Christians - in the path of Christ we treadTake from me this word, and note it wellYou see, Jesus is my Lord, and He is the Best of protectorsI advise you to pity yourself, to clap your hands in mourningSee your look of ugly hatredMan is brother to man, Oh learned onesWhere is the humanity, the love, and where are you?As to my last words, I pray to the Lord of the worlds Jesus the Messiah, the Light of Clear GuidanceThat He change notions, and set the scales of justice arightAnd that He spread Love among you, Oh Muslims

My Statement of Faith

I believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. I believe that Jesus Christ, born of the virgin Mary, was crucified, dead, buried, and rose again on the third day. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin and took the punishment that we deserve. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24) Redemption comes wholly by the blood of Christ, and salvation is by grace. We are not deserving of eternal life and we are incapable of attaining it on our own. There is no way we could ever be good enough to earn forgiveness of sins, or achieve eternal life by our own works. I believe that it does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. (Romans 9:16) I believe that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) I believe in the Bible as God’s holy word. That all Scripture is God-breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) I believe in the Word of God as the final authority over our lives. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:1-3) I believe that there will be a resurrection of both the saved and the lost to either eternal life or eternal judgment. I believe that a true child of God, who is justified by the blood of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit, has the promise of eternal life. And last but not least, I believe in the glorious return of our Savior and the rapture of his church, that he will subsequently return to reign over the earth!

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End”… He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.(Revelation 22:12, 20-21)