A Maiden's Findings - January 2014

Greetings! :) I don't know about you, but I have always liked to observe lists, inspirations, and other people's dearest findings. I discovered many new things this month, and even though it is not yet over, I'd like to share them with you! I hope that these discoveries bless you as much as they blessed me. The Lord is marvellous at showing us new books, music, or even recipes to bless our family and draw us closer to Him. Here are mine!

Favourite music:

He Leadeth me - Parousia

This album is incredibly beautiful! It is soothing and gentle, yet straightforward in helping you to glean upon the mightiness of Jesus. I listen to it when I pray, clean, cook, sew-- anytime! It is a band of 4 sisters (now 3), who desire to be like Jesus and honour Him through their melodious songs. I especially enjoyed their versions of the classics, "Fly Away" and, "Be Thou my Vision"!

Favourite book:

Each New Day - Corrie ten Boom

My dad found this wonderful book at the Salvation Army thrift store for me this Thursday. I was very excited! Besides "The Hiding Place", and "Tramp for the Lord", Corrie's books are very hard to find around here. This one is devotion-style, associated with Billy Graham's crusades, and is so sweet and personal! Each "new" day you can open a page with a quote, a Bible verse, and a prayer from Corrie. 

Favourite recipe:

Cinnamon French Toast

Simple egg-and-milk-soaked bread is often time underestimated... But not this one! This is the BEST French toast recipe, and the most-loved around here! ;) A few days ago, we wanted to surprise our parents with a special breakfast, and Sara, my sister, found this one. We could not believe there was a full cup of flour in it, but it works wonderfully. And the sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on the top is truly a delight!

1 loaf Texas toast thick bread (we used homemade crusty bread)
2 eggs
2 ½ tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups milk
1 cup flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
Orange zest, optional
4 teaspoons cinnamon
¾ cup sugar

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix topping in a smaller bowl.  

2. Dip bread into first mixture and fry in oil and butter on the stove. When golden brown, remove, and pat with paper towel to remove excess oil. 

3. Sprinkle bread with coating.

Serve with fruit salad (strawberries and bananas in tangerine juice- yum!) and maple syrup, and you are on your way to a decadent breakfast!

Favourite video:

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Covered by Sarah Noëlle

I was in such awe when I found this video! I have long loved this hymn, but Sarah's version is the most gorgeous of all! It is amazing that she uses her angelic voice to praise our Father... Oh, please excuse me while I go listen to it on replay! 

Favourite Scripture verse & quote:

1 Corinthians 13:5

"[Charity] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil."

"The question is not whether you ever gave yourself to God, but whether you are His now." - Elizabeth Prentiss

Well, I hope that this "interests" list has been a pleasure to read! What do you think about it, shall I do it more often? Here is a question about your interests, what specific song has helped you to dwell in the love of our Lord Christ lately?

Mmm, is that dinner that I smell? I must go! :D

In all sisterly love,

In The Arms of Emmanuel

Isaiah 40:11 

"He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."

Luke 15:4-7 

"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

Our Saviour is so amazing! Can you imagine the Son of God-- the Almighty God, leaving His perfectly comfortable home in Heaven to come suffer for you, His lost sheep? It is not a fantasy story, neither is it for somebody else, it's for YOU! The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who solemnly revealed Himself through burning bushes and other signs, now came and showed Himself as a lowly human to find you!

John 10:11

"I am the Good Shepherd: 

the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."

I love Thee Lord Jesus!

My Life is A Roller Coaster

...and boy am I glad! :) 

As I was praying to my everlasting Father tonight, signing at the discouragement ahead of me, He whispered to me such a precious saying, that I shall never forget it...

It's true, our lives are like roller coasters sometimes... One moment we are "feeling" the presence of God and want to seek Him wholeheartedly, but then His Word feels tasteless and we fall into the trap the devil has set for us, doubt and despair. But really, when you are riding a very scary roller coaster, are you afraid of falling off of your seat (except in those creepy fairs)? No, you trust that the ride is well made, and that everything has been built for your safety and enjoyment. You know that the wagon will take you safe and sound to your final destination, the unmovable ground, where all the twirling and heart-skipping drops will finally cease. You've made it! The same is with Jesus, our Comforter and Protector (Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 91), who keeps us forever safe in the palm of His hands when we are going through the fastest, most terrifying loops of our emotions and circumstances. And while it is rough along the way, it will lead us into the perfect, truly unshakeable Ground, eternity in Heaven with Christ!

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Joshua 1:9

Rock n' Roller Coaster - I rode this one, and it goes upside down!

I was the kind of young girl that would always wait at the finish line, gladly receiving and congratulating the audacious people who embarked on the scary roller coaster... But two months ago when my family and I went on vacation, God gave me the courage to ride 4 very, very scary roller coasters, and some of them with the drop of 80 feet! To me who used to despise small 3 feet drops, this was a big accomplishment. And Jesus was there, just as He is now when I am facing a new trial in my own little "roller coaster"! We can do all things through Christ (Phil. 4:13), He never forsakes us (Heb. 13:5), and He loves us (1 Jh. 4:19)! No ultra-modern, ultra-safe seat and buckle can compare to His everlasting care and protection! Sister, though the ride is scary, you become dizzy, and your eyes fail to see your Prize (Phil. 3:14), rest and let our strong, Almighty God lead you through this hard season, whether it be physical, spiritual, or emotional.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:6

Come with me on this roller coaster, and let us praise Jesus together!!!

In all sisterly love,

-Noémie