PentaChicks

"O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation."

~Psalm 95:1

(Malitta, Me (Rebekah), Jessica, Courtney, and Michaela)

A few months ago a few of my close friends decided we would come together and sing a mash-up together. We were joking around on a name for ourselves and since we love Pentatonix, one of our Mom's, those loyal supporters (They're best!), suggested PentaChicks. It is most definitely not our actual name, but we do still call ourselves that...secretly, or at least I do. :D 

Anyways, we had an annual Winter Concert Performance coming up at the studio we dance and act at  and decided that if all went well we would try to audition our song for the performance. 

Guess what! Our song along with multiple dances, other songs, and a theater skit was performed. It was terrific! We also decided to put our cover up on YouTube so everyone else can see it too! 

You can check out our cover Here: K-Love Mash-Up

We would love for you to watch our video, like it, comment, and share! Let us know what you think? Also check out CeeCee&Sister's (Michaela and Courtney's) videos and covers they are super amazing! <3

 (During the performance)

(Rejoice Dance Ministry)

(Theater during the performance)

(Some of the theater group after)

I love singing with these girls and hopefully we will be able to get some more covers up for you guys, and also a new name.  So if you have any name ideas for us comment below and help us out! :D

Pancakes And Pajamas (100% Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe Included!)

"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

~Ecclesiastes 4:12 

(Jessica, Malitta, and I)

Last night some of my best friends, Malitta and Jessica, spent the night at my house. We, being the old people we are, can no longer seem to stay up as late as we used to, those young sprites. Long story short we were asleep twenty-two minutes into Tangled. Yes.. 

Morning dawned and though we may not seem much like night people, I do believe it took us an hour to finally show our faces upstairs. Waking up was hard too. But most of that time was spent talking, and talks with friends I would not trade for the world. 

At this point the next step is breakfast. I am one of those people who is often reminded that, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." While that may be true, I usually do not eat breakfast. I just tend to never be hungry, never have time, or just never remember. But as a good hostess breakfast is step 2 after good conversation. What goes better with a sleepover then pancakes right? Well, most of the time.  

Dilemma: What pancake recipe?  

Pancakes are like chocolate chip cookies, you can spend your entire life trying to find the perfect recipe. This would be why your grandmother bakes the best chocolate chip cookies, or the older lady across the street. Despite my previous old profession above, I must confess I really am not that old (shocker), but I have found a pancake keeper! Below is my go to recipe for pancakes. They are my absolute favorite! And they are pretty healthy too! 

Malitta and Jessica are always quick to jump in and help, which makes breakfast ten times more fun! So a great idea if you have sleepover is to invite your friends to join in with making breakfast. It can be a lot of fun! :D 

100% Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe~

Ingredients:

3 c. whole wheat flour

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

3 Tbsp. honey

3 eggs

2 c. whole milk, or unsweetened almond milk

1/2 c. coconut oil melted

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together dry ingredients Add eggs; mix slightly and continue adding remaining wet ingredients. Stir until well combined. Using 1/3 c. measuring scoop, ladle batter on to heated griddle or pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cook 1-2 minutes until bubbles appear. Flip and cook additional 2-3 minutes until fluffy and golden brown. Enjoy! 

  

Notes:

When I make this recipe we grind our own wheat berries to make the whole wheat flour. From this flour we can make multiple items from scratch besides pancakes, we make our own bread, rolls, pizza crust, tortillas etc. If you do not have the available of grinding your own wheat though I would encourage using store bought whole wheat rather than all-purpose flour. I also use almond milk instead of whole milk. And I use coconut oil with a taste, it is the best part! Also these will make a lot of pancakes! The original recipe said 16, but when my friends and I made it today we had probably nearly 25. 

You can find the original recipe here: http://triedandtasty.com/100-whole-wheat-pancakes-2/

Nothing like pancakes in pajamas with these cuties! Beyond blessed by their friendship! <3

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." 

~Proverbs 27:17

The Bride of Christ

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish." ~Ephesians 5:25-27

Last year I remember watching this video for the first time. I had never before heard anything like it. I do not recall ever hearing the parallels that were being compared, and it was so amazing to think about. After watching it though, as the year went by, I remember hearing this message repeated again, and again, and again. Maybe I had heard it before, maybe I had just been naive or wasn't paying very good attention. Whatever the case it was a lesson that God planted in my heart deeply this past year, and I would like to share some of what I have learned with you.

I love watching this video. There are many things that stick out to me, but I only want to share a few today. The first is, "One bought with a price." Luke 22:20 says, "In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'" When I read this verse, I noticed a key word here. Do you see it? As I think about the parallels I noticed, "new covenant." 

Ancient Jewish Tradition: The bridegroom paid the bride price set by the father of the bride.

Our Relationship with Christ: Christ paid the price for His bride with His own blood.

Jesus made the new covenant in His blood.

So how does one determine the price? 

Proverbs 31:10 says, "An Excellent wife who can find for her worth is far above jewels." 

"The bride described in Proverbs had a price that was far above rubies she was an honored and loved daughter....she would be a valuable asset to her husband, so her father would require a very high price of the groom in order to attain her." ("Restore My Heart" Denise Glenn) Our heavenly Bridegroom choose us as His bride. The one who would bring Him honor, who would be the completion of His love. However, we are a sinful, unfaithful bride, and He paid more than rubies for us. He saw us worth that much. He was worth every drop. "Christ paid with something far more precious than jewels. Our Father in heaven set the highest imaginable bride price, complete payment for our debts every sin to be blotted out." (Mary & Elisa Abele) We have been redeemed, renewed through His great love.

"Or do you not know that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit that is in you, whom you have from God. You are not your own. For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Ancient Jewish Tradition: The father often chose the bride for the bride his son.
Our Relationship with Christ: Our heavenly Father chose us to be the Bride for His Son.

Ephesians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." 
Who initiated this relationship, our relationship with God? When did God choose you for His Son? God chose you - not by accident, and He chose you before the foundation of the world! 
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit." 
~John 15:16

He chose you, He accepts you, and He renews you.

"Your holiness does not demand your perfect performance. It does not require a super talent. It does not insist on a flawless past. What it does ask is that you lay your life at the foot of the cross of Jesus, to die to your own agenda and to live only to please Him." (Mary & Elisa Abele) So go out and bear good fruit. Live everyday preparing as if your Bridegroom were returning tomorrow. Because He could. Keep your lamps full and waiting. Spend everyday digging deep into God's word. And spend everyday making a difference for God's kingdom.

"Let no your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." 

~John 14:1-3

Quiet Times

"When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven's Armies."

-Jeremiah 15:16

Over the years I have had many times when I have spiritually felt overflowing. However there have also been times in my life when I have closed my Bible in prayer feeling dry. As if everything I had just read had just been me fumbling through the pages. I couldn't hear the Lord leading me. I knew He was there, always, but I couldn't feel Him. 

Through these spiritual peaks and valley's I have learned many things. One of the most important it to be persistent. Despite a peak or valley it is important for me to stay in the word. "But he answered, 'It is written, "'Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."' (Matthew 4:4) Our hearts long for continual communion with God.
 

It can get difficult to stay consistent in life's busy schedule. Every morning after my quiet time with the Lord I share a verse or a couple of verses with a friend. Sometimes through text, or email, or letters. Not only have I found that this a great way to encourage my friend, but it is also a way for me to keep myself accountable, having a responsibility to uphold. This friend can be a sibling, parents, classmate, kindred spirit, etc.

I have found the best way to study is to go through a book of the Bible, rather then reading a daily devotional book. I do read those as well sometimes. I especially love a devotional I have by Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost For His Highest". What I love about reading through whole books is that I get the whole picture. When choosing a book(s) I will pray, and let the Lord direct. His direction is not always obvious, sometimes He speaks through elders, or friends, or it is just a worldly "accident", or a leap of faith. But what we sees as detours, God see as design. :)

As I am writing I am reading through the book of Romans. I am digging deep into this study, and spending time reading commentaries on Romans, as well as listening to sermons as I do my chores, or clean, etc.. John Piper does an excellent job speaking through this book, I listen to him often. But of course God it the best leader through His word. 
Starting the day off in the word helps to guide me through the day making straight my paths. In those times of busy mornings, and forgetful flesh, however I have had many awe awakening times with the Lord before my eyes close at night as well. The most important thing is to be in the word constantly. 
His word will, and does, change your life. And His word will, and does, change other's lives as well.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 

- 2 Corinthians 5:17 

  

A Surprise Filled Tech Week

"And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." -Luke 6:31

"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement." -John 7:24

I have recently found myself at the end of two very difficult tech weeks. One for dance and ballet, the other for theater. If I had to pick a favorite I couldn't, but one definitely shocked me more then the other.

The first tech week I entered was dance and ballet. A tough one to start out with for sure, because it is very physically demanding. It was great though. Everything came together beautifully! It is amazing how compassionate a bunch of over-tired, worn out, hungry, ballerina's can be. You would think it would be the opposite, more like war, with peoples heads being bitten off every minute, but it wasn't. It was like the epitome of a great big happy family! Everyone helping another, from highlighting the schedule for someone else, to bringing girly pink cupcakes, and of course helping everyone you see with make-up, hair, and costumes. It was so sweet.

 We ended that tech week renewed and refreshed in kindness, and praising the Lord for His goodness. After a nice break of about 19 hours we began tech week two! This is the surprising one. Theater. The chosen theater production this year was a play called Joe Bob. It was a comedy.... based on the book of Job.....that takes place in Texas.....Yep. Let me just say when we (the class) found out what we were doing, honestly I do not think a single one of us were excited. We didn't tell our teachers that. No way. But inside, I think we all thought this was going to be super tacky. I mean a comedy based on Job. Oxymoron much. And reading through the script did not encourage us. I make this sound like it was horrible, but it wasn't the worst thing ever. Even though it was not the play I would have picked, I knew that God had a plan. Obviously there was someone out there who needed to hear this message. And let me tell you this story definitely had the message.

The surprise was how much it ended up being able to impact us, me in particular. It was definitely a great lesson on not judging a book on it's cover, or maybe not underestimating what Dale Johnson (One of Directors) can do! It was one of the simpler plays we've done, but it was also one of the best. Though I didn't think it possible it really did challenge us as actors and actresses. I know particularly for those girls who fell victim to the sudden shortage of guys in our class. It was a fantastic experience. It has now become a favorite production ever done. How could this be? God. It's His story. I cannot wait to see what He has in store!












I am going to put a plug in for the Theater class this coming fall. We need some more people who want to learn, and have fun. Weather you think your talented or not come anyways! You could be a complete natural, and you could find that it something you absolutely love! So come try it out for a semester! And be sure to tell any guys you know too. Our class could use some merry men.

Guys

"My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways"

~Proverbs 23:26

Guys. I am not going to gush about the cutest boy at school, (Which since I am home-schooled would be my brother, Dad, or dog. Yes, definitely going with the dog.) He's adorable. 
See: 

Anyways not gushing about our dog, or about any guy from the latest TV show, band, movie, etc. Personally the whole thing causes way too much drama. However with guys are out their, it can be very hard staying God-centered. It can be extremely challenging for me to keep God at my center when I look at some of my friends with their boyfriends/girlfriends. It is hard to keep myself from falling into the pit of self pity. I must focus on the will God has for me, not my own. 

Sometimes I wish men could just fall off the face of the earth and make it easier. But that is not the solution. Realistically the male race is not going to die out tomorrow. So what do I do? How do I become God-Centered now. Waiting.
First, this may sound a bit backwards, but forget about yourself, and start thinking about a guy. The guy, a guy in the future, and of course think about God. 
When I was in middle-school, I really liked this guy, foolish little puppy I know, but I did. I began to realize I spent way to much time dwelling on foolish stuff. I started praying for this kid each night. I would pray God would strengthen his own personal walk, and then I would pray God would prepare the right godly girl for him, completely taking me out of the picture. I did not dwell on him long though, after him I moved on to praying for my future husband. Asking God to prepare his heart and mine, even at this early age. And then I would move on to other prayers and subjects. 
God can use such things in amazing ways. This young man may have been struggling and God knew he needed a prayer warrior. Even though I have stopped liking this young man, I continue to pray for him when the Lord leads. Him as well as many others. If God lays someone on your heart, pray. Go and continually lay them down before the throne of God. 
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

I encourage you to join me. Whether you are praying for you future husband, current spouse, a brother, or your Dad. Sometimes I pray very specifically and sometimes my prayer is more of a heartfelt babble. That is when I am very thankful I have an intercessor and translator of my heart! When I pray specifically some of the things I pray for is this:

His Head–That he will look to God as Lord of his life. (1 Corinthians 11:13)
His Mind – That he will have the mind of Christ and think as the Holy Spirit would lead him and not the flesh. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
His Eyes –That God will keep his eyes from temptation and that He will turn his eyes from sin. (Matthew 6:13, Mark 9:47)
His Ears – That he will hear God's still small voice instructing him. (1 Kings 19:12, Psalm 32:8)
His Mouth – That his words will be pleasing to God. (Proverbs 19:14)
His Neck –That he will humble himself before God and be strong, courageous, and careful to do everything written in God's Word so that he will be prosperous and successful. (James 4:10, Joshua 1:8-9)
His Heart-That he will love and trust God with his whole heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5;  Proverbs 3:5)
His Arms-That God will be his strength. (Psalm 73:26)
His Hands-That he will enjoy the work of his hands and see it as a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 3:13, 5:19)
His Ring Finger – That he will be true to our marriage vows and that our love will never wane. (Proverb 3:3; Malachi 2:16)
His Legs – That he will stand firm in his faith and not waver. (Psalm 62:6)
His feet – That God will order his steps and that he will walk in God's truth. (Proverbs 4:25, Psalm 26:3)

God has a plan for my life, even if I do not know the chapters ahead.

"Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

~Matthew 7:7