.:A Story by Josh Robillard:.

edited and published by Courtney MacLellan, with the influence of Caitlin Younker.

Josh the great was walking through the forest when he came upon a giant castle. Josh continued in to the castle where he saw princess Cookie and Caitlin. They both looked at the handsome Josh the Great very nicely. So he walked on past, then he saw the king coming so he hid. But the guards caught him to his dismay. They locked him up in the bathroom... a very big bathroom. The king then came in and told him he has to slain the dragon to prove he's not an enemy. Josh the Great thought this is a fantastic way to get to stay in the castle so he did it. So they got him suitted up in armor and he headed out... thinking that hanging with those amazing princesses would be pretty cool. So Josh was riding through the woods when a giant dragon comes after him. Suddenly Josh's horse reared up and he fell off. So, to his natural instinct, he started running for his life! But the dragon was really fast so he pulled out his sword, turned around, and sliced his nose. Now the dragon got really mad so he started running again but this time he blew a huge flame of fire after Josh. So Josh the Great ducked and his armor suddenly melted off! Now all Josh had was his sword and long johns. Josh slid under the dragon and run up his tail and knocked him out cold! Then he tamed the dragon and rode him back to the castle in great victory of his defeat. Josh now lives for the rest of his life with the two princesses and the king in the glorious castle with his pet dragon. THE END.

Update

For the past couple months i was... frankly, spiritually dead. But i'm back on my feet now :) I don't know what to say, when i want to talk about how God has changed my heart in the last little while, i just go speechless, i'm just so overwhelmed in an amazing way. I have watched God change my heart and help it grow bigger over the last month or so.

Right now, I am preparing myself (spiritually) for high school next year. I hope to accomplish setting boundaries for myself when it comes to my conversations with nonchristians and what i do, and where i will go, and mostly importantly, my attitude in it all. I wanna live completely different from how i did when i used to be in public school. I would come home bitter towards my parents, and have little interest in biblical issues. I would also long very much to be accepted by my classmates, so i would act and talk like they did.

Homeschooling made me realize that i hated the person I was trying to be. I guess over the three years of homeschooling i was "finding myself." I have been constantly testing my heart and analyzing my mind and my actions. It has allowed me to be desolate from the outside world for a while and help me focus on what is really important to me. I have finally come to the conclusion, with the help of the Holy Spirit, of who i really am, what i want in life, what i need to accomplish, and the wicked ways of my sinful nature and how i can defeat it.

In my heart, now, i feel a compelling voice saying i'm ready for the world, and that the continous testings of public school will test my strength and faith in Christ and i have confidence that with and IN Christ i will absolutely be able to withstand those testings.

Now i'm totally up for the challenge, and i can't wait! My attitude towards going back to public school literally changed overnight. I spent one entire night wide awake thinking about this and talking to God about it. In that moment He really lifted my spirit, and i'm so thankful. He has widened my love for the unsaved and i feel a deep burning to reach out. .....

...so yeah, that's how i'm doing spiritually. haha anyways, God bless!

Cookie <3

.

"Jesus appreciated the fragile nature of the human heart, and with great discernment and above all, love, He made it His aim to connect with it."

It's Right There

Many people do not know what they want, when really, what they want, is right there, standing so obvious in their actions and lifestyle. We all want something that will continually satisfy our needs & happiness. Some people turn to drugs or alcohol to give them an amazing high.. and they continue to take it so the satifaction is lasting, but ultimately, it is damaging- and its the same with most things people hang onto in life. But they don't realize that all that they are looking for is right in front of them, its only the obvious- they'll find all their answers in Christ. In Christ, you will find all the satisfaction you will ever need :)

Proof

Is not He who gives The Giver?
And does not He who is the giver deserve gratitude from the receiver?
So, is not He who is the Giver of Life deserving of the receiver's life?
Is not he who is unworthy the sinner?
And is not He who is righteous, worthy of all what the sinner has?
And is not all that the sinner has, is his life?
Therefore, is not the Righteous worthy of the sinner's life?
Something to think about......

This is For You.

To all my friends who might think I'd hate you if you hurt me.

To all my friends who might think what you do changes the way i think about you.

To all my friends who think my love isn't unconditional.

To all my friends who may think I would never do a huge favor for you.

To all my friends who may think i won't be there all the time for you.

To all my friends who may think that our friendship is only temporary.

To all my friends who may think you're not important to me.

To all my friends who may think i don't have time for you.

To all my friends who may think i won't comfort you when you're down.

To all my friends who may think i'll be ashamed to cry with you.

To all my friends who may think i won't love you if you've turned against me.

To all my friends who may think its all about me...

Nothing you confess could make me love you less. I'll stand by you. I won't let nobody hurt you. I always be there for you. Come to me with your problems, come to me with your anxieties, I'll listen no matter what. I want to help you, I'll love you forever in any circumstance. Though the world may stand against you, and even if you're wrong, I'll be right there holding your hand. I want to protect you from anything harmful. I wanna make it obvious that my love for you is lasting, it will never grow old, and never lessen- it will always grow higher and deeper. I wanna redefine the definition of friendship for the world by saying that i solemnly swear to be your FRIEND for as long as you or i live. What is a friend you ask?

Forever and always
Right there beside you
In case of a need
Enduring love and promises
Never angry or hurtful
Does all that they can to make you happy

My Love is true. It is bountiful and there is always room for more to share. And i will always give you a second chance. I love you.

In Christ,
Courtney<3

Runnin' Straight for You

I'm comin back to You, God.

I'm comin back to You.

Everything is far behind me.

I'm runnin straight for You.

I'm comin back to You.

Feelin good in these new shoes.

Comin back to You, God.

I'm comin back to You.

My past is far behind me.

So far, so far away.

I'm keepin all You told me.

I'm runnin straight to You.

My past is far behind me.

At Your feet i am made new.

My past is far behind me.

So far, so far away.

I'll live for You forever.

Never turnin back.

I'm headin for the finish line.

I'm runnin straight to You.

I'll live for You forever.

Ent'r the gates of gold.

I'll live for You forever.

Never turnin back.

Do Everything in Love

"Speak when you are angry and you will
make the best speech you will ever regret."

The Problem:

I found this quote today and it says all that i've been trying to put into words for so long. I speak from experience when i say NEVER say or do ANYTHING when you're upset or angry. Anger is such a powerful thing, and once it controls you, its like you don't even know what you're doing. I know that when i was angry, and i said something, i knew afterwards that i would have never said that if i wasn't angry. I SO regret saying everything i have said in the past that i've said in anger- when you're angry it builds your thoughts into terrible, hateful words.

The Solution:

Some people have this naturally, but some don't so... always try to keep as calm as you can in every single stressful situation- always look on things with love, care, and compassion. Don't judge or be hateful of things you pitty- rather use your God-given ability, as a christian, to be loving and forgiving, patient and kind. I can't say enough about how good it feels to share the love of Christ in your everyday, every-moment actions. BE the goodie-two-shoes everyone teases- you'll thank yourself & God for it in the end.

When you have friends whom you truly care about, all you can really give them is your love, your abundant, never-ending, never jealous, kind, forgiving love. Speak your kindest words when they are down or hurt, show them you really care about what they're feeling and what is happening in their life. Best of all, do everything in your ability to fulfill their happiness- if it's righteous of course. Put their needs before your own- that will really show that you absolutely love them and care about how they live their life, even more than your own.

So, whether it be your best friend, family member, or enemy- do everything and say everything to them in overflowing love. I definitley know what its like to be in love and totally wrapped around a person- just be like that- with every single person you come into contact with. Be their strong tower in life's storms, be their teddy bear on scary nights, be their mother when they're sick, be their father when they need a hand, be their sister or brother when they just need someone to be there, and most of all, be their closest friend, who will always be there for them, even when distance seperates you, their memory of your love will comfort them in their darkest hour.

Benediction:

I love each and everyone of you so much, i can't even put it into words. More than anything and most of all, i am so in love with my Jesus Christ- He is everything to me. Thank you God for sending your Spirit to be here with us, guiding us, comforting us, and challenging us! Friends, may your hearts be guided by the love of Christ for all of eternity- obeying Him, walking in His precepts, delighting in His law. May your spirits be lifted daily, may you have joy and rejoice in your hardest times and give God all the glory and more.

In Christ,

Courtney <3

Different?

May 2007

November 2006

Trip to Calgary, Alberta.

.The 5th Commandment, The First One With a Promise.

Ok, so i was dealing with a friend yesterday. I was discussing with them how incredibly important it is to maintain your parents' trust. Not many young people care about this because they don't see the value of it in the end.

About a year ago, i read in my christian magazine of several christian music artists speaking of how having your parents' trust is crucial to having an intimate relationship with Christ. It didn't hit me at the time- but now that this "situation" came up- it was so helpful.

I know several times where my parents just couldn't trust me with things, and it terrified me. I'm so happy now that i've regained their trust, and i am a lot more happy in the Lord. Not having your parents' trust builds up a wall between you and them, and if taken too far, it can take a while to break down that wall.

A true believer in Jesus Christ does not participate in habitual sin without feeling somewhat guilty and overwhelmed by the fact that they are outrightly disobeying not only their parents, but God himself. That sin will be no help at all in your relationship with Him. As long as you sin, you will continue to draw away from Christ.

Your parents' reasons and rules may seem completely unreasonable. But no matter what, even if you think its the most stupidest thing in the world, you as a christian will have a desire to obey, even if you don't understand at all. You'll know how important their trust is when you're older. And there'll be so much more love and harmony between you and your parents. TRUST me.

If you ARE guilty about disobeying your parents that means precisely that you absolutely care about what they think of you and what GOD thinks of you. Your christian parents' relationship with you and God's relationship with you are totally connected because God has called your parents to bring you up in the way of the Lord.

I don't know what you're thinking or anything but i know that if you truly are a follower of Christ, you should have the desire to completely remove ANYTHING and everything that would cause you to stumble in your relationship with Christ- you will remove anything that is stopping your relationship with Christ from being the absolute best it can be.

Our weaknesses are tests to see if we really have true saving faith in God, we need to be up for the challenge to go through anything life throws at us and remain faithful to God.

So, for my friends, I pray for each and every one of you daily that every step you take will be with the Lord, trusting in His guidance, love and protection alone. I love you all SO much, it is my delight to see you growing in the knowledge of the Lord, and for those who are not saved- my heart aches for you tremendously. I hope everyone who reads this will be blessed and challenged, and i hope you all have an awesome week!

Love in Christ,
Courtney <3

He Is.

He is the King
Name above all Names
He is the King
Worthy of our praise
Holy and Exalted
Lifted high
He is the King

He is the Lamb
We worship at his feet
He is the Lamb
To you we love to meet
Everyone bows down
Calls You now
He is the Lamb

Susie's Views on Dating and Courtship

by Susie Shellenberger

Many of you want to know my views on courtship versus dating . . . so here are my thoughts:

I see advantages and disadvantages in courtship and dating . . . therefore I don't really “endorse” either, but rather encourage teens to establish healthy, godly FRIENDSHIPS.


I’m single (never yet married) and have had several godly dating relationships. My parents allowed me to date a guy in our youth group at church when I was 16. But even though we dated a year, we only kissed once and we did things with a group and with each other’s families. That first relationship set the tone for my future dating relationships. I make it a point only to date godly men who hold my same standards and are in my same church denomination.


The Key
So when I look at it . . . I'm GLAD my parents allowed me to date. The key is: I have no regrets. I think that’s the bottom line. Can teens today “date” with no regrets? Can they be satisfied to do things in groups and with each other's families and never go past a kiss — if kiss at all? Can Jesus Christ be LORD of that relationship? If so . . . and if the parents agree . . . I don’t see a problem with dating.


But many teens are not into this mindset. I receive so many e-mails and letters from teen girls who have gone too far with their boyfriend, etc. And that’s why Brio will continue to address the subject of dating. Not necessarily because we endorse it, but because teens need so much help in this area.


What About Courtship?
We have run excerpts from Josh Harris’ book I Kissed Dating Goodbye and have talked about courtship as well as dating in Brio. I like SOME of the aspects I read about courtship, but I don't fully accept it.


The way most people define courtship sounds as though it’s impossible for teens to establish and maintain godly dating relationships. I just don’t believe that. I see nothing wrong with two godly teens (with parental permission and who both have the same high godly standards) going out for a pizza and coming back to one of the family’s homes for games or videos. To me, that’s a fun “date” with no regrets. And again . . . that's the key — NO REGRETS.


So, does that answer your question? Brio is totally committed to purity and drawing teen girls into an intimate, growing relationship with Jesus Christ, but we really won’t endorse dating OR courtship . . . but WILL talk about both.


Your Friend,
Susie Shellenberger, Brio Editor

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Copyright © 2001 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

LONELINESS

Wikipedia defines loneliness as this: "Loneliness is an emotional state in which a person experiences a powerful feelings of empitness and isolation. Loneliess is more than just the feeling of wanting company or wanting to do something with another person. Loneliness is a feelings of being cut off, disconnected and alienated from other people. The lonely person may find it difficult or even impossible to have any form of meaningful human contact. Lonely people often experience a subjective sense of inner emptiness or hollowness, with feelings of seperation or isolation from the world."

Let's face it, every single human being on this planet is terrified of being alone. Everyone is always looking for something or someone to "complete them." It is not good for people to be alone, but its not bad either. From my experience, being alone builds character and gives you strength, while constantly being with other people causes you to be dependant on them and not have the courage to stand alone. But also, being alone can cause problems. Loneliness can make people depressed and they may turn to alcohol or drugs to drown their pain. Lots of time, our loneliness comes from our own doings. We may be lonely because we're not makin an effort to NOT be lonely. Our own loneliness can be caused by what we THINK people think of us, so we start believing it, which makes a wall come up between you and that person, when really, they never said or did anything to make it clear that they had something against you.

Loneliness revolves around the fact that we are way too caught up in your own emotions and we have taken it so far that it has become an epidemic throughout our whole mind. We spend more time thinking about ourselves, than the needs of other people- and this can cause big problems. Loneliness is a said, yet unnecessary thing in our lives and we must equip ourselves to overcome it with the right things. You can be ALONE but NOT be lonely.

-Courtney <3

He is All

PSALMS 23

The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship!
I shall not want
That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul
That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.
That's Guidance!
For His name sake
That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
That's Testing!
I will fear no evil.
That's Protection!
For Thou art with me
That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me,
That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
That's Hope!
Thou anointest my head with oil,
That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over.
That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.
That's Security!
Forever.
That's Eternity!

Is It Wrong to Question the Word of God?

John 1:1- "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

I believe, that according to the verse above, our faith can rest on that one truth- because everything contained in the Word of God comes from God alone.
_________________________________________

GotQuestions.org says:
At issue is not whether we should question God, but in what manner—and for what reason—we question Him. To question God is not in itself wrong. The prophet Habakkuk had questions for God concerning the timing and agency of the Lord’s plan. Habakkuk, rather than being rebuked for his questions, is patiently answered, and the prophet ends his book with a song of praise to the Lord. Many questions are put to God in the Psalms (Psalms 10, 44, 74, 77). These are the cries of the persecuted, who are desperate for God’s intervention and salvation. Although God does not always answer our questions in the way we want, we conclude from these passages that a sincere question from an earnest heart is welcomed by God.

Insincere questions, or questions from a hypocritical heart, are a different matter. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). After King Saul had disobeyed God, his questions went unanswered (1 Samuel 28:6). It is entirely different to wonder why God allowed a certain event than it is to directly question God's goodness. Having doubts is different from questioning God's sovereignty and attacking His character. In short, an honest question is not a sin, but a bitter, untrusting, or rebellious heart is. God is not intimidated by questions. God invites us to enjoy close fellowship with Him. When we "question God," it should be from a humble spirit and open mind. We can question God, but we should not expect an answer unless we are genuinely interested in His answer. God knows our hearts, and knows whether we are genuinely seeking Him to enlighten us. Our heart attitude is what determines whether it is right or wrong to question God.
______________________________________

If your very best friend came to you, whom you trusted with your life- and they said, "The cat walked across the street," Would there not be any reason to question what they said out of curiosity? Wouldn't it just be a whole lot simpler to trust what they said is true and believe that because they only told you that, it is unnecessary to have any more information about the cat walking across the street?

Wikipedia says:
"In essence, "curiosity" is a term that describes an unknown number of behavioral and psychological mechanisms that have the effect of impelling beings to seek information and interaction with their natural environment and with other beings in their vicinity. Curiosity is any natural inquisitive behaviour, evident by observation in many animal species, and is the emotional aspect of living beings that engenders exploration, investigation, and learning."

I say:
Notice the word natural, in the definition. Curiosity is a part of our sin nature. But does that make curiosity a sin? I don't know, but i think that if we christians went through life trying not to pull apart and questioning every concept of God and just believe who He is and what He says and what He does, things would be a lot less complicated and possibly there would be less conflict.

Anyways- just something to think about. I hope you all have a blessed day in the Lord.

-Courtney <3

"He leads me beside quiet waters"

Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.