but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.

1 John 2:5

Why do we blog?

It seems like every time I log on to Facebook I see a friend of mine posting a link to some blog post or article. Hey! I even do it, too, sometimes!

These become especially prevalent surround controversies in the media such as the recent Phil Robertson, A&E, Duck Dynasty, homosexual fiasco.

This always amuses me because I get the impression some people think blog posts are credible sources, or reliable professionals that everyone should read and listen to and take their side. Coming from the "blogger" side I can attest that is not true! I am just here posting my thoughts and feelings and hopefully encouragements for you. Many of my blogging friends would probably agree that, no, we are not professionals giving advice.

That being said, the emergence of blog posts on Facebook and Pinterest gets me to thinking, "Why do we blog?"

What compels us to share our thoughts with the Internet world? Why do we promote it on Facebook? I don't have an answer, but this is a good question for me. It helps me to get to the root of my motives for posting. Whether here or on Facebook.

Do I aim to change someone's mind? Am I passive aggressively pointing out a frustration I have with somebody?

I think one HUGE reason is that we simply want to be heard. We desire validation from others who feel the same way. And with every comment and "like" we get that validation. We get a sense of fulfillment that someone is listening to what we have to say.

And nothing is inherently wrong with that at all. But I must make sure that I seek to find my worth in Jesus Christ and talk to Him before voicing my opinions to others.

Unique Mac 'n Cheese Recipe!

Hey everyone! Emmy here.

Do y'all ever make spaghetti for dinner one night and end up with tons of left-over, plain noodles? Do you ever want to eat them but don't know what to eat them with or how to prepare them? Don't want to eat them plain? I've got an idea you might want to try next time!

I recently made spaghetti for dinner, for our family. We ended up with lots of left-over noodles! I found a container of them in our refrigerator. I thought, what could I make out of these, that's a tasty yet filling lunch/meal idea? And then it hit me! I'll just make a quick mac 'n cheese! Want to learn how?

What I used:

• left-over, plain spaghetti noodles from fridge
• Fiesta blend shredded cheese (we use great value, the Wal-Mart brand) 
• 1 slice of provolone cheese
• 2 splashes of half & half cream
• microwave :)

What I did:

1. Microwave cold spaghetti noodles in microwave safe container. (I microwaved them for about 45 seconds-1 minute)
2. Take container of noodles out of microwave and add some shredded cheese, mix/fold in with fork.
3. Reheat warm noodles w/ added cheese, for about 20-25 more seconds.
4. Take out of microwave; tear up provolone slice and mix in. (add more shredded cheese if desired) Throw in a couple splashes of half and half cream. This will help add a creaminess to the noodles, and help the cheese not to stick & thicken up so much.
5. ENJOY!!!
   

We are on Twitter!

Hello everyone! It's Emmy. We are still here!! So sorry about abandoning this blog for a while. We hardly ever get around to posting on here anymore.

Just telling you all we're on Twitter! I made the Twitter for both my sister & me, but I'm usually the only one who checks it/uses it.

Find & follow us! Search the name Em Henderson or the Twitter handle: @Eli_and_Em

See ya!

Quiet Time is a Good Thing

I read a lot of articles on popular Christian websites. They appeal to the trendy, young, twenty-somethings group of Christians. Maybe what you'd call "hipster". ;) Fun stuff a lot of the time! I sometimes find myself reading those articles and wanting to post in response, though. Challenge the thoughts. It worries me where young adult Christians are getting advice from sometimes. But at the same time I don't want to become a cynical critic, ya know?
For instance, tonight I found someone writing about how the popular "quiet time" notion just didn't work in his schedule. The first red flag that went up was that he only used one tiny portion of a verse in Psalms to support his entire article. However he gave some excellent ideas about other ways to serve God, seek God, and grow closer to God throughout our days. For example, he suggested making exercise time a prayer time as well.
But all that got me to thinking of all the places in the Bible it mentions devoting special time for prayer with the Lord. Several of the Psalms talk about rising early to talk with God. Even in the Gospels, we see Jesus Himself rising early and withdrawing to a quiet place for prayer. I think that is such a precious example He set for us.
Granted, I am NOT one whose example you should follow. I am still working on establishing a time for devotion. Usually, like to try to read in the morning before I get going with the day. And I've found that this funny, awesome thing happens when I give God the firstfruits of my day- He multiplies my time.
Don't think that I am saying following a quiet time regimen makes you a good Christian. For we are told in Romans that our lives- the day to day interactions, everything- are to be worship to God. But quiet time is a good practice toward that. It shows God that we seek Him, and that we ask Him to guide our day. It gives you something to have in your mind to think on as you journey through life. I sincerely believe it is a very good thing.

NOT Having an "Ex" is NOT That Shocking: What Should We Think of Dating These Days?

"You're 17 years old and you don't have an ex-boyfriend?! That is shocking."
(this line is from a movie that is about to be released this year, called The Spectacular Now.)

I find that line a little bit offensive and also confusing. Hey folks! Its Emmy.

The teenage boy that said that line in the movie automatically assumed this girl he just met has dated one or more guys previously. Why must that be the mindset and obligation of teens these days? That they NEED to date multiple people throughout their high school career and that every cute person they meet or flirt with has an "ex"?

I am 17 yrs. old and a senior in high school and I have not dated AT ALL throughout my HS career; I have never had a boyfriend during high school or previous to it. This must be "shocking" to most teens out there because today's world is telling them: "You have to date as many people as possible, especially while you are a teen so you can figure out the kind of person you want to spend the rest of your life with." So those teens are usually shocked and surprised when they find out that some people have never dated anyone at all, because they have become so used to doing that-- dating many people throughout their HS careers, and they assume everyone does it these days.
Many teens have fallen into this mindset that they become ensnared in the priority of always being on the look-out for someone to date.

You really don't have to date someone in high school, or while you're very young, just because everyone does it and just because the world is telling you to. Steer away from the trends and patterns of this world. What does God want you to do? Pray to Him, that he will guide you down the path he has already set for your life-- especially down the path of dating/relationships. He is very concerned and interested in our love stories, more than we are. We just have to trust that he will bring the right guy along when the time comes.

What we've been up to! How about you?

Hello on a hot, sunny, humid Oklahoma afternoon!

I'm moved in to my apartment and classes haven't started yet so I have oodles of time on my hands. Last night I ironed and listened to some Nancy Leigh DeMoss programs. This afternoon I am going to share some pictures from the summer.

What a summer it has been! A week after I got home from school, my mother came down to Oklahoma to care for my ailing grandparents. That left Em and I with more housekeeping responsibilities. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but we missed our Mommy!

We had a time of back-and-forth from CO to OK because of my grandmothers failing health during July. On July 18 she received her eternal reward and began the ultimate reality of life in Heaven. But boy, do we miss her. She was our only grandmother, and we couldn't have picked a better one from a garden! Her life of godliness and servanthood inspires me to make her proud in the way I live mine.

Since we had some pretty slow days of just waiting around at the g'parents, Em and I did some exploring. We visited the OKC bombing memorial and the historic town of Guthrie.

Oh and amidst all of that, I got to spend some lovely time with our newest addition, Molly Brown, when I was in Colorado! She is the most docile, sweet, and fun 10-year-old bay roan mare you will ever meet.

Now to the fun part.......PICTURES! There's a lot so get comfy :)

Z groups are z best!

Happy fourth!

This was one of my favorite monuments. It reads "Our deeply rooted faith sustains us." Faith, indeed, is the victory that overcomes the world!

We enjoyed fun time with our little cousin! He's a hoot!

Playing the game "what is this?" while going through Grammy's closet!

Who says playing dress up is just for little girls?

Cute little Heidi!

Monsoon season in Colorado

Miss Molly Brown!

Isn't she a beaut? (both of them are!)