God's Ways {A Sunday Devotional}

Whose ways are you going to trust, yours or God's?

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

~ Isaiah 55:8-9 ~

As humans, we tend to think that our way is best. We tend to ignore the wisdom and advice of others and instead go along with what we think is right. Let me ask you a few questions:

Question 1: Were you ever right 100% of the time, having gone through life without making a single mistake, getting nothing but straight A's on tests, and never jumped to the wrong conclusion about something? I'm not asking this to make you feel bad; however, this is something that I want you to consider for a moment.

Question 2: Do you ever doubt God when it comes to His plans for you, or sometimes believe that God doesn't make sense and that your way is better? The Bible tells us to trust God and lean not unto our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

As humans, we tend to get things wrong. Our ideas can sometimes be second rate at best or deadly at worst. God's ways, however, are perfect. We don't have to worry about Him making a mistake with our lives and His plans for us. All we need is to trust Him. (Proverbs 3:5-7) Don't worry; the creator of the universe knows what He is doing.

Reflection: Do I tend to go by what I think is right, or do I listen to God's word?

Application step: Next time you are tempted to do things contrary to God's way, stop and ask God to help you choose His way, and remember that God knows what's best for your life.

Have a great day! :)

Made to Inspire #12

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Elegant Blogger Award

I'm finally getting around to doing this. :)

Thanks everyone who nominated me... Danielle, Anna... I can't remember if anyone else did.

The Rules:

~ When you receive the award, link back to keepcalmandsparkle1099.blogspot.com and the blog(s) the nominated you ~

~ Answer all of the 12 questions given in this post (do not make your questions) ~

~ Nominate 12 bloggers ~

The Questions:

1. What made you decide to start blogging?

Well, when my best friend Angelique started a blog and loved it, I thought about starting my own and BOOM! Look where I am now. :)

2. What is your fashion style?

I like to be comfortable and colorful! I tend to wear a lot of jeans with some kind of pretty top. I love to put on dresses though too! :)

3. What is something none of your followers know about you?

I am a packrat! I keep everything and store it and pile stuff around my room which makes my mom go crazy! :P

4. What are some of your blogging goals?

To reach 200 followers and to post awesome posts that people love every week! :)

5. Where is your favorite place to shop?

Target! :D And Delia's, Aeropostale, Ross, and Kohl's.

(A side note: They closed the book store at the mall near me! :( And it was a good bookstore! Boo hoo!)

6. What would your ideal amount of blog followers be?

Infinity!

7. What are your talents?

Singing, writing, working with kids and animals, annoying my sisters... :D

8. Are you a leader of a follower?

Um... a follower :D

9. What is one of your favorite quotes?

Oh, boy um... "Let your faith be bigger than your fear." :)

10. Do you have a favorite book or book series?

Yes! I have tons of favorites! Here are just a few: Warriors and Seekers series by Erin Hunter, Harry Potter, Canterwood Crest series by Jessica Burkhart, Tomorrow Girls series by Eva Gray, Dear America series, Main Street series Charlotte's Rose by A. E. Cannon (read it!), and The Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn. And that's just a taste. :)

11. Out of all the synonyms for elegant, which would describe yourself with (smart-stylish-dressy-graceful-dainty-fine)?

Smart

12. What is your favorite flower?

I like a lot of flowers because they are all so pretty and unique! But I'd have to say tulips!

I award... anyone who wants this! (I'm too lazy to list 12 people at the moment.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Prayer request: My dad just left for Italy today for two weeks! Please pray that he will have a great, safe time there as he works with our missionaries and that my mom can deal with all the stuff here at home and that she won't get too stressed.

Thanks and have a great day! :)

Quiz: What's Your Cat Personality?

1. What type of meal sounds the most delicious to you?

a. An extra-large steak, the rarer the better

b. Sharing a family-style supper

c. Chowing down while perched on a high countertop

d. Nibbling on several small snacks throughout the day

2. Which statement best describes your approach to social interactions?

a. I'm a loner and most comfortable by myself.

b. The more the merrier; I like to hang out with big groups.

c. I'm solitary, but I don't mind when others come into my space.

d. I prefer to be around only a couple of my favorite folk.

3. Where is your perfect living spot?

a. No preference. I'll live where it's hot or cold.

b. I like sunny grasslands.

c. I like warm, wooded places such as jungles and forests.

d. I just want to be indoors!

4. What do you like to wear?

a. Stripes

b. Solid colors

c. Spots

d. A variety of patterns

5. What is your approach to physical fitness?

a. I focus on strength and power.

b. I need both power and speed.

c. I concentrate on flexibility and power.

d. I aim to be fast and graceful.

Are you a ferocious feline or a cuddly kitty?

Mostly A's: You're like the mighty TIGER. A solitary yet powerful force, you're comfortable in a variety of environments.

(I know the person who took this photo! He's in my English class! That's pretty cool to have your picture on Google!)

Mostly B's: You're like the majestic LION. At ease in a crowd, you like to use your power and speed to race through sunny savannas.

Mostly C's: You're like the stealthy LEOPARD. You're not strictly territorial, but you're no social butterfly either. You often sport your spots in steamy climates.

Mostly D's: You're like the cunning HOUSE CAT. Ever resourceful, you like to cuddle up with your favorite humans and take advantage of easy meals.

I am... a house cat! :D

Have a great day! :)

P.S. I am starting to get into a nice rhythm with school, so that may mean more posts! Yay! :)

About The Dolls

A collection of favorite photos of the girls from the summer...

~ Portraits of Josefina ~

~ Rosalyn and Josie's Pizza Picnic ~

~ Nellie Goes Skateboarding ~

~ Meeting The New Girl Julia ~

And last but not least, I sold Nicki! I'm happy because I made some money, but I know I'll miss her. I think I'll just stick with collecting the Historicals for the time being. :) Did you know that I used to have Kailey but I sold her on eBay too? Weird.

Happy (2nd) Day of September! :) And Labor Day! (Yay, it's a holiday!) I am excited for fall! :)