Testimony Thursday

Sarah Saegart....

I really appreciate Leah offering her readers a chance to share their testimonies.  It has been such an encouragement for me to see evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in the hearts of other young people!
Anyway, I just graduated from homeschooling—my sister and I have done all our schooling that way and it has been such a blessing—I was raised in a wonderful Christian family (like I’m sure most of you readers were), in a very wholesome and sheltered (yet lively!) environment; I was constantly surrounded by other people who also loved the Lord—the ideal way to be brought up!  I was taught to memorize scripture and pray to the Lord as soon as I could talk.  I was a very joyful little girl, known for constantly singing and dancing around the house (something you will still catch me doing today!) and I was never ashamed to tell people that the reason for my happiness was because “I had Jesus in my heart”.  I didn’t have a care in the world!
 However, like anyone else, I was human, and my heart was ‘prone to wander’ (Romans 3:23).  When I was around fourteen, I started focusing less on the goodness of God and more on what people thought about me.  I became very driven to lose weight… my goal was to be thin enough to fit into this ‘cool’ pair of size-zero jeans I had hidden under my bed (I can’t even remember where I got those horrible things).  I started making lots of poor choices, often flat-out disobeying my parents, who told me again and again to stop my crash dieting and vicious exercising.  I fell into deep depression when I saw that my goal to be super-thin was destroying my relationships with my family and friends, and even more serious, it had destroyed my relationship with Jesus; I had fallen away from fellowship with Him completely (Romans 11:22).  I think back now on the thoughts I was harboring at the time; they were from the Devil.  I was allowing him to control me.  Thus, my normal health, as well as my joy, had been robbed from me because of my selfishness (my extreme desire to be thin was self-centered).   Everyone who knew me could see the horrible change in me and some people even made comments about how I looked like I was sick… The truth was that I had what is generally known as Anorexia*.  Some people call Anorexia a ‘disease’ or a ‘disorder’; but I know now that it is a heart issue… a sin problem; I was infatuated with my outward appearances.  (See 1 Samuel 16:7)
I will try to shorten the long and painful story of how I came out of it.  It was really slow at first… like breaking a bad habit-- or having freedom from an addiction.  I felt so weak, and many times I cried myself to sleep with hopelessness (my little sister, Heather, was a huge help to me during that time, I remember her singing to me and reading the Psalms to me to get me to fall asleep.  She is such a dear)!  Still though, it would have been very hard, maybe even impossible, to break free of my problem if I had not realized that I needed Christ’s help more than anything.  
As I began to seek Him, He showed me that in order to experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment I’d had before, I needed to get my focus off of myself, and let loose of my ideas, and entrust it all to the Lord.  So I surrendered myself—my appearances, my choices, my past, my future, my plans and dreams, over to God.  (Oh, and I threw those jeans away, too!)  I prayed and asked Jesus to forgive me, to cast out the sin and infatuations that bound me like a prison, and to restore to me the “joy of my salvation”.   (Psalms 51:10-13, 139:23,24—my life verses!!!) It was like starting all over again. Jesus welcomed me back into His arms and taught me over time to live for Him and for others… instead of for myself.  The Lord showed me at that point that the only thing that mattered was what He thought about me!  What people thought about me mattered very little.  When I finally grasped that, it was like a major relief.  It was very freeing… I could love and live for Jesus again, unfettered by my past. 
Since then, my story has been one of a salvation process (sanctification and growth).  It’s a journey...  My, it’s been incredible.  And I don’t believe it’s over.  I think that process lasts until you leave this earth.  “And do this [love your neighbor], knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first began.”  (Romans 13:11).  What a beautiful picture.  Each second is closer and closer to the moment when we will be in Heaven-- ultimately set free from the wickedness and the temptations here on the earth where Satan has been allowed to rule.
 God has been working with me right from the beginning, and He's not done with me yet!  (See Ecclesiastes 3:11).  I still have far to go.  The lessons I've learned over the course of time I will need to be reminded of again sometime down the road; and things I have yet to discover about life in Christ lay before me like an unopened letter, waiting for me to read... and not just once, but over and over again, as if it were from a cherished friend.
The life that I live now is Christ living in me (Galatians 2:20), and since my heart has been cleansed, re-made and empowered by His grace and by His Spirit, I am called to walk worthy (Ephesians 4:1), to overcome temptation and sin (Romans 12:21), to be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10) to endure to the end (Matthew 10:22), and to not be afraid (Revelation 2:10)… because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13.
*Note: I have done a good deal of research on what is commonly known as Anorexia Nervosa.  It is an intense obsession that a person gets over losing weight, which in serious cases leads to collapse of the body’s normal functions, including heart failure.   Anorexia is becoming a bigger problem with girls in America today-- probably because today’s culture puts an oppressive amount of pressure on them to have that particular ‘look’ or figure.  The season of my life where I was Anorexic lasted a little over a year.  I just want to say that my parents played a huge role in helping me see my need for the Lord, and my need to turn back to Him and get back on the right path to the life I was intended to live.  They caught on to my problem just in time—they noticed how I had become very emaciated.  I was already beginning to have health issues, due to my lack of nutrition, when they found out (I had been keeping my eating habits a secret for a long time).  Despite my initial stubbornness to take their advice, they were very patient and persistent with me until I began to yield and I’m so grateful to them—who knows where I’d be now if they hadn’t been there to help me. 
To those of you younger folks who are still living under your parents’ authority, I advise you to always talk with them about your troubles and respect their wisdom and their advice—they are God-given guidance to you while you are young and it’s always best to heed them.  The rewards for obedience to your parents will last your whole lifetime.  (Exodus 20:12) 











Sarah has a wonderful blog that you all might be interested in. It is jesusmakesbeautiful.blogspot.com

SORRY!!

I don't know what happened to Hannah's Testimony Thursday post and her pictures. We will try to get her Testimony and some more pictures. =) -Leah

"Testimony Thursday"

Miriam has been one of my best Friend since I was three years old and I consider it a great honor for her to share with you all through my blog.Miriam has a blog called girlsoffaith123.blogspot.com  if any of you all are interested  in looking at it and getting to know her better.     Enjoy-Leah

A note from Miriam...

I am a child of God’s saved by the grace of God, washed in Jesus’ blood that He shed on the cross. When I was seven or so, I realized that I was a sinner that needed Christ’s forgiveness of sins. The Holy Spirit began to knock on my heart’s door one night in church. I was sitting with a few older friends in church on a Wednesday evening. After the sermon, it was invitation and prayer time. Everyone in the church was silently praying except me. I began to think, am I saved? My parents are Christians, but have I made the decision to receive Christ’s free gift of salvation and have a personal relationship with Him? I knew in my heart that the answer to all these questions was “No”. I tried and tried, thought and thought, but I could not remember a time in my life when I repented of my sins and turned to Jesus. I then began to quietly sob. I knew I would never be let into heaven with all my sins. One of my older friends next to me quietly whispered,” What is the matter, Miriam?” I replied, “I don’t think I am saved.” “When you get home, why don’t you ask your parents about becoming a Christian?” she asked. “I will do that, thanks!" I replied. After that, I was reassured that maybe I could get it settled and become a child of the King. That night after church, I asked by parents and older sister about salvation. After our talk, I keeled in the hallway and told Jesus that I knew that I could not get into heaven without salvation. I asked Him to forgive me of my sins and to come and live inside me.  You see, you cannot have always been a Christian. There has to be a point in everyone's life when they turn from their wicked, sinful ways, and turn to the Lord.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”(Romans 3:23) From then on, I have never felt the same! It was not until a few years ago that I truly wanted to be more like Him though. I knew I was far from perfect, made mistakes, and knew I needed more of Him. I was still a sinner, but saved by Jesus' grace, and I knew He would help me! Now, I want to be involved in ministries that will help others learn about Jesus and what He did for them on the cross, also encourage others in their walk with Christ. I can see Him slowly molding me into a vessel that He can always use.  I pray that I will grow to be more and more like Him everyday, and He shows me things that I need to change! God is so good, and so faithful to me!!!
                   


I hope you enjoyed reading a bit about me, and what the Lord has done for me!
In Christ,
Miriam

Merry Christmas!!

No I didn't get my days mixed up but I won't be here for the most part tomorrow so I want to go                ahead and wish you a 
             VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 

A Savior who when he was born was just the beginning and whose death was not the end

                                                       MUGS OF HOT TEA

   PRETTY GIFTS FROM WONDERFUL FRIENDS

                                                                    WREATHS

                                                           DECORATIONS

                       FAMILY TO SPEND TIME WITH 

                                         SNOWY WHITE WINTER 

                                                  CHRISTMAS CARDS





Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year -Leah

What is God's Plan?

Am I following what God wants me to do or am I doing what I want to do?

Am I seeking His will or am I following my own plans?

Do I seek His face everyday or do I go with my own desires?

These are questions that I have had to deal with in my own Life.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Christmas Pictures

Hello Everyone...
These are our Family Christmas Pictures I thought I would share with you all.

                                              "The Whole Family"

              "There first Christmas Picture together"

Does your family do anything special for this Special Season? If so what are your favorite Christmas Traditions?
                    In His Love -Leah

"Testimony Thursday" (a day late)

 A note from Leah.... I have had the privilege of knowing Heather Saegart and her family for about 5 years {maybe Longer} and I have watched Heather grow into a beautiful young lady who is striving after godliness. I am honored to have her share her testimony of salvation with you all through my blog. If any of you are interested in posting your testimony Let me know. =) -Leah 

Heather....

When I first learned how to write, I scribbled "I love God" or "Jesus loves me" over everything. When I first was able to answer questions, I'd answer "What's your favorite book?" with "The Bible". And if I was asked "Who is your best friend?", I'd answer promptly, "God." And as a little girl, God, the Bible, and praise songs were all I knew. And I loved it. But as I got older (10-14 yrs. old), I started straying from that childhood love of God, and moved into my own little world- a little apart from Christ! Nothing major or serious, in fact, I played the Christian part pretty well on the outside. But when I hit 13, I began developing an attitude towards my immediate family. Somehow I thought I knew more than everyone else. But dad and mom would not permit a bad attitude, so after a long discussion, I'd say that I was sorry and say that I would try and do better. And I usually did try, but it only lasted about a month and a half before I lapsed back into being a sourpuss. Then another discussion, another repentance  another month and half (give or take) of being good, then the cycle repeated. This went on for two years. 

Before I turned 15, I was pretty bad. Although being an perfect little angel in public, I withdrew from my family, and soon, I just wanted to be left alone. Now it happened on August 31, 2012, the beginning of the school year  that I was having difficulty with Algebra 2, and dad, the mathmetician of the family, was doing his best to help me. And of course, I was not cooperating. So the day was spent with dad and mom, trying to figure out what was wrong with me, because they knew my poor attitude was only a subset of the real problem. The "real problem" was underneath our noses the whole time, but everyone was afraid to even think the words: Heather simply must not be a Christian. We had talked all that day, and the discussion got tense at times. When night came, we all were really tired. Wore out, dad, mom and Sarah (who is always there next to me in my deepest problems) went in the back bedroom and closed the door to further talk about my problem while I went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. Well, I was really upset and unsettled, and I was just kind of muttering to myself about how unfair everyone was getting towards me. Then I just stopped. 

I slapped my hand down on the bathroom sink and said to myself half aloud, "OK, something's got to change." I just stood there for several minutes, just staring hard at my reflection in the mirror. Slowly I sank to my knees and sat down on the floor. After that, it was all tears and inward turmoil. I struggled for maybe fifteen minutes, and then slowly it began to be tears of sorrow for the things I had been doing wrong. Soon, I began pleading with God over and over to change me, and give me a new start, a new outlook, and a new attitude. Well, I don't what went on in the spiritual realm, but after a half and hour, I was recreated. Shaking, I got up, stepped into the shower and, call me strange or not, but I gave myself a mini baptism! I was so happy, I couldn't stop smiling. Nothing like this had even happened to me! I walked out of the bathroom at 9:30 p.m. a new person. I actually felt God standing right next to me. I went into the hallway and stood next to dad and mom's closed bedroom door where they all were inside, talking in low, sad, hushed voices about me and my problem. All I could do was smile all the more and whisper to myself, "They're talking about the old Heather." I knocked on the door and asked if I could come in. The answer was, "Not just yet."

 So I went into my bedroom, sat down on the floor and pulled out my bible to read. During this time, I felt heavily attacked by the devil with thoughts saying, "They won't believe you" or "You're conversion wasn't that great; they won't be impressed. You're not going to change." But I prayed each time and sure enough I felt better. Then the door opened and they called me in the bedroom. I walked in to see three sad faces, and dad, mom and Sarah were all a little puzzled at my smiling, glowing face. So I said, "Before you guys say anything, I've got to tell you what just happened." And I did. You would not believe the reaction I got from them! They all were as happy and as pleased as they could be. It was amazing. I like to describe the whole scenario as, "My past suddenly being cut off, and starting all over." I literally was glowing, and everyone even said that I looked different. I remember saying, "My life won't be perfect, but it's going to get a lot better." 
That's how powerful a conversion is. And you know, before all that, I never was able to say that there was a time in my life where I really "got saved", but now I can say that I was born again on August 31, 2012.

Well, there it is...It was probably a little surprising for you, but that's how it happened! :) Thank the Lord! I'm still growing!  -Heather

"Friends for Life"

 
    Let me say first of all that this is a very abbreviated version of mine and Zach's courtship story, as you will probably see!!

  
   Back in February my Daddy approached me about a certain young man, who had come to him and asked for permission to court me with the intention of marriage. Needless to say I was very excited as well as very nervous and overwhelmed. All my life I had dreamed of the "someday" when... Now it was actually happening,to me!? 
   Anyway, after a lengthy conversation with Daddy, I told him that I was also desirous of pursuing a relationship with Zach Price and the rest, as they say, is history!! 
    Zach and I had never really even talked to each other, although we went to the same church and our families were good friends, so it was a bit awkward for me to talk to him at first. I was so nervous and flustered every time that Zach was around and I didn't have a clue what to talk about. That wore off very quickly for both of us and over the months we became good friends.
  We started our courtship by spending time together with our families and exchanging old-fashioned handwritten letters. At first nothing was based on emotions or feelings and we just learned about each other and talked as friends.  We were together in so many different scenarios~ camp-outs, church, at his home and mine, hiking, playing volleyball, softball, and octopus, =) and so much more!  
   Neither Zach, nor I had ever had a girlfriend/boyfriend relationship, so there has been so many precious things we have been able to do together for the first time!
   Zach slowly, but surely won my heart. I learned to respect and appreciate him for all the amazing character qualities that I had always wanted in a husband.

   Well, I must go into more detail about this part!! =)
    October 11th, (Also Zach's birthday)  Zach and his family, as well as several others from our church, came to help us move into our new home. Zach and I were able to talk for only 6 minutes before he had to go with the other men to get another load from our house. 
  On their way back, our van broke down and left them stranded for a while. Zach tried to call and talk to me on his cell-phone 4 different times, but lost service every single time! =(  Not funny!
   It was 3:00 that night (morning) when they got back, but I didn't get to see Zach because I had accidentally fallen asleep. What a day!! 

   The next morning was a "surprise" birthday party that I had planned for Zach. 
    We went to Green Hill Park and ate lunch,talked for a while and had Birthday cake. After that Zach and I went on a walk. We stopped on a cute little bridge and began talking. After a few minutes Zach took the lead of the conversation and I just chatted away totally clueless. I didn't even suspect anything when he took his hat and sunglasses off! (Okay, I'll admit that I am very unobservant!=))
  A few minutes later Zach dropped to one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him!!! Incredible moment! I replied that I would be honored to, and he slipped the world's most GORGEOUS Diamond ring on my finger!!! (That he picked out all by himself!!)
  After that we prayed together and yes, I did cry...
  We walked back to the picnic shelter where our families waited with many cheers, hugs, tears and congrats.
   It was the BEST day of my life!!!*Happy Sighs* =) 

   Realization that I am now engaged to my best friend and a man far beyond my dreams continues to thrill and overwhelm me every single day!!
   (I later learned from a reliable source that the "surprise" b-day party was actually more of a surprise to me than it was to anyone else.It had been planned months before for the purpose of distracting me and keeping me preoccupied ! Well, it worked!! =))

  The Lord has been SO good and continues to amaze me how He delights in overflowing my cup!!
   Zach and I have set our wedding date for June 8, 2013 and although it seems a Loooong time away, I know that it will come so quickly. Time flies and I want to enjoy these wonderful, special days to the fullest!
   Although everything involves making  choices, our story is founded on God's will for our lives and we give all the Glory to Him, for great things He has done!!!!

   

                                                        Written By Lauren (and Zach)
                                                               

Coming up soon...

NEW CHANGES

 "Testimony Thursday"

Every Thursday I am going to try to have a guest blogger that is going to share something the Lord has done in their Life or their Salvation Testimony. If any of my readers would like to participate please let me know via email.

 ( leahtaconet@gmail.com)

I have requested Lauren (My sister) to share her's and Zach's (my future brother-in-law) 

courtship and engagement story next Thursday.

A pure and Christ like Relationship of two everyday people just like us that have surrendered their lives to God to be used how ever He wants.

I hope you all are having a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

In His Love~ Leah

Happy Thanksgiving

 I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday! I know I did...Although it was probably the busiest one that I have ever had! This is my favorite song near Thanksgiving time.
                                ENJOY!

proverbs 4 :23

" Keep thy Heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of Life."                                 
                        Proverbs 4:23

Hello Blog Readers~ 
I wanted to let you all know that Vision Forum is having a 20.00 off tomorrow!!
I don't know if ant of you shop there but my family has found it to be a wonderful source of good reading materials for all ages and amazing prices to go with amazing products. I hope many of you all will take advantage of this opportunity. I pasted the link below....Enjoy!!

                                     
                        ( Below was taken from the Vision Forum website all rights reserved)

                           http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/

Question: What’s more fun than shopping our brand-new 2013 Vision Forum Family catalog for the latest and best in family-building books, toys, movies, radio dramas, and more?

Answer: Shopping for all those things and then saving an extra $20 on your order!

Save Extra $20 on Any $75+ Order

Through November 3, save an extra $20 on any order of $75 or more at visionforum.com. Simply enter coupon code 20SAVER while viewing your shopping cart. This coupon is valid only online, may only be used once per customer, may not be combined with other coupons, may not be applied to past orders, and expires at midnight (CDT) on November 3, 2012.

Happy Fall Everyone!! 

"I have loved thee with an everlasting Love." 

Isn't that WONDERFUL!!!

My God...My Savior...My King 

Loves me...

a failing sinning young lady...

with a Love that is 

Eternal...Forever...Everlasting...

...

But as much as a Groom can love his Bride

or one friend to another friend

or sisterly affection it can't last Forever!

...

But God's is an EVERLASTING Love!!

I can go though the rest of my day knowing that My God loves me in every situation and every circumstance!

" For God so loved the world that he gave his only begottten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting Life."

"For the wages of sin is death , but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our lord."

These verse speak of a Love that is Greater than any other and the wonderful part is that it is unfailing.I think it would be difficult for me to give my son (or daughter, father mother friend)for someone who would reject me who would spit in my face and yet knowing this He still loved us!

Do you have Favorite verse regarding Love?

Have a wonderful day!!

Basking in his Love~Leah