Good morning, Ladies. I'm a grandmother! Baby Maeryn Julienne was born Friday afternoon, weighing in at (wait for it!) 8 pounds, 4 1/2 ounces, which means ANNABELLE is our winner. Free copy of RL 4 for you when it arrives, my friend.
I can't even begin to tell you how amazing it was to be part of Maeryn's entry into the world. Birth is truly a miracle, and I could feel the world change the minute she gave her first cry. Right now, as you can imagine, all I can think about is her and her mommy and her daddy and her grandpa. We were all there through the labor and delivery and have been loving her and caring for her non-stop ever since. She needs to be surrounded by the best we can give her, love-wise, don't you agree?
Which means between that and, oh, yeah, trying to write a BOOK that's due soon (for adults) I think it may be next week before we here on the blog get back to our discussion of growing into the full stature of Christ, at least from my end. But what I would LOVE for you to do is think about what you would say to Baby Maeryn about beginning her life. I have already whispered to her that God loves her, and I think she gets it -- if that sweet expression on her face is any indication. That will not only bless my family, but I think it will help YOU in your journey -- because every day in your life is a rebirth. As the sun comes up today, you can take your own advice and begin anew. I can't wait to see what comes from this conversation. You are incredible young women. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers.
Blessings
Nancy Rue
CONGRATULATIONS!! I saw your facebook post!! That's great!! I've gotta run to breakfast, but I'll post more later(:
Posted by: Paige | 01/24/2011 at 10:06 AM
Congratulations I am soooooooo happy for you.
Posted by: Alyson | 01/24/2011 at 11:15 AM
SHE'S SUPER CUTE!!!!!! Congrats! God bless!
Posted by: Katie | 01/24/2011 at 04:05 PM
Praise the Lord!! I'm so happy for you and your family, Mrs. Rue. Congratulations!!
Posted by: Tori Tj | 01/24/2011 at 04:21 PM
Congrats Mrs.Rue! I am so super happy for you and the whole family! (:
Prayers are going up from me that Maeryn continues to grow healthy. She is a very blessed little girl to have you as a grandmother.
<3
Annabelle
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/24/2011 at 05:50 PM
Awww! She is such a pretty baby!
Posted by: ashley:) | 01/24/2011 at 06:08 PM
Dear Maeryn, Jesus loves you. And he's got all the time in the world for you. She is so beautiful, Nancy. And so blessed to be a part of the family she was born into. I mean, what a cool grandma! Writing on t-shirts at Christmas just sounds like FUN to me! And congratulations on guessing right, Annabelle! I can't wait to read #4 Number 3 was awesome!
Posted by: Emii | 01/24/2011 at 06:21 PM
Congratulations!!!! Baby Maeryn is one very blessed little girl
I've already thought about writing a letter for Maeryn, so, here it is.
Dear Maeryn,
Welcome to the world, sweet baby. I have tears in my eyes as I am trying to find the words to tell you how much you have touched my life. I have never met you, Maeryn, but you have showed me things in myself that I wouldn't have seen other wise. Thank you, baby Maeryn. You are one very special, miracle girl. You are loved very very much. Never forget that. You are a beautiful little girl. I wish I could be there to hold you and kiss your tiny fingers and share with you how much you have impacted and inspired me. so thank you, Maeryn. As you grow and change and live life, know that you are loved. Know that you are already touching many lives. Know that you will always have a place to call home. and know that you belong to Jesus, and no matter what happened, He is holding you in His hands.
thank you Maeryn
I will continue to pray for you as you go through life
Love and hugs
Alisha
I hope that wasn't too wierd.... but that's exactly what Maeryn's birth has meant to me. She is one very special baby girl. I can't wait to see where God will take this little princess
Posted by: Alisha | 01/24/2011 at 06:22 PM
hey, i put a new post for baby Maeryn on my blog, just welcoming her to the world and a letter, kind of explaining all she has taught me. check it out
and Nancy, I would really love if you would read it. I know baby Maeryn can't, yet, but it would mean a lot to me if you did, and maybe shared it with Marijean, if that's not wierd
You should just be able to click on my name to get to the blog
Posted by: Alisha | 01/24/2011 at 06:51 PM
Hallelujah for a healthy little girl!!! Thank You, God! New life always continues to amaze me. I can't imagine how joyful I'll be if I birth a child. :)
Alisha, your letter wasn't too weird! I loved it. :)
I would type a letter to precious Maeryn, but I have to go. I will be thinking about and praying for her and you, Mrs. Rue, and everyone else!
Posted by: Nicole | 01/24/2011 at 09:09 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!! Its so awesome when new little lives enter this world isn't it!?!? =) She's so fortunate to have you as a gramma!! I'm sure ur very happy! I'm glad its all good!!!! =D
Posted by: gothgirl | 01/24/2011 at 09:47 PM
Congratulation!!! Mrs. Rue!!! Maeryn is such a beautiful little girl!! I am so happy for you and your family! I will continue to pray! She is so lucky to have you as a grandmother! I will write my letter to Maeryn tomorrow, right now I need to get to sleep! :D
Posted by: Therese | 01/24/2011 at 10:31 PM
Congratulations!!! I am soooooo excited for you! I know how it feels to hold my little baby couisin, so it must feel amazing to hold your GRANDCHILD!!!! Praying for your whole family!
Posted by: Megan | 01/24/2011 at 11:19 PM
Congratulations, Mrs. Rue! That's great news. :) Maeryn is so adorable and I'm glad she is healthy! What I would say to her would be the lyrics to the chorus of the song "The Words I would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets. "Be strong in the Lord, never give up hope. You're going to do great things, I already know. God's got His hand on you, so don't live life in fear. Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here. Take your time and pray..." :)
Posted by: Kenzie | 01/25/2011 at 12:08 PM
I LOVE that song, Kenzie!! :)
Girls... we're staying in a friend's backyard in our RV (for any of the new girls, check my blog - click on my name, below - to see what I'm talking about), and there is a big storm coming where we are. The news report says it usually produces hail, very high winds, etc. While our friend invited us in (thank God we're not at a campground!!!!), our RV is still outside, and there is a tornado watch in our area. Please pray for our family, the family who we're staying at, for protection for all the people driving on the highways during this storm, the people living where the three tornadoes are (there are three tornadoes already), etc. Thanks.
Posted by: Nicole | 01/25/2011 at 05:54 PM
I'll be praying for you Nicole! That's scary...but I'll pray for everyones safety. BTW, I looked at your blog and saw that you are homeschooled. I am too. :)
Posted by: Kenzie | 01/25/2011 at 07:01 PM
Alisha- Your letter to Maeryn and your blog post nearly made me cry. You have a very sweet heart and you're not afraid to share what you truly believe. Love you, girl!
Mrs. Rue- I can't even imagine the level of joy you and your family must be experiencing right now! Maeryn is so beautiful and precious. I'm praying for you, Marijean, Maeryn, and the rest of your family!
Maeryn- I wrote this poem especially for you:
Taking breaths and learning things
Who knows what tomorrow'll bring?
Eyes open wide to look around
Who are these people looking proud?
All of them, their focus on you
Watching, waiting for what you'll do
Time'll go on and you'll grow up fast
Try, we will to make this day last
I stare into your little face
Here in my heart you have a place
You're young, you're sweet, and special too
Lots of people really love you
A child of God is what you are
Wherever you go, near or far
Please don't forget this simple truth
So learn it now while in your youth
Oh, we don't want this time to end
So we'll sit and tell you again
A child a God is what you are
Wherever you go, near or far
Posted by: Sarah Elizabeth | 01/25/2011 at 07:02 PM
BTW, I meant that our friends invited us into their house...I was a little unclear.
Here is my letter to precious Maeryn:
Dear Maeryn,
Wow - you're not even a week old yet, and you have already touched people's lives - you're famous! You are such a cute little baby, y'know. God's hand is on you, Maeryn, and as you already know, He loves you so much, much more than you could ever imagine in a million years (seriously – He loves you that much – that’s a lot of pure love).
Maeryn, I don’t really know what to say to you. I mean, you are a new life! You are a baby, living and moving and breathing and crying! It’s kind of overwhelming. I just want to let you know that I am praying for you. I can’t wait to see who you grow to be as God’s precious daughter. Love life, Maeryn. Live life for God, and love the living daylights out of everyone. I can’t say that I always love like that, but it sounded good, right? Love, love, love – and through the Holy Spirit, you can love like the Holy Spirit. Love is so patient, so gracious, so giving, so kind, so lightning-fast forgiving, so clean, cleaner than anything – so beautiful.
Become God’s follower, Maeryn. “Then he [Jesus] said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
Trust God with e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10) “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me [Jesus].” (John 14:1) “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Pray. Pray all the time, every minute. “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” (James 5:13) “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 1:20)
Focus on God throughout the day. Study God’s Word every single day, memorize it even when it seems pointless, and apply it in your life as you read it – He will guide you through it. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8) “He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28)
Well, I didn’t intend for this letter to be this long, but, hey – here it is.
Maeryn, I just want you to always remember that you are SPECIAL and LOVED and GOD’S DAUGHTER. I love you, already, as a sister in Christ. You are beautiful, inside and out!!
To God be the glory,
Nicole
Posted by: Nicole | 01/25/2011 at 07:32 PM
Wow - *amazing* poem, Sarah Elizabeth!! That is so awesome.
The bad part of the storm has pretty much passed - Hallelujah! Thanks for praying, even in this short time.
Posted by: Nicole | 01/25/2011 at 07:34 PM
Hey girls!
First, Nicole, I will email you back SOON. I am SUPER busy, and would love to continue emailing you,...but I first need to get my school stuff handled. Thanks, I will try to ASAP :D
Okay, so, if you all could pray, that would be great. I feel a little lost at the moment...I wont get into details, mainly because I am super confused, but it has to do with school.
Thanks girls :D
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/25/2011 at 09:39 PM
Thanks, Nicole. Your letter was really sweet! It made me tear up.
Annabelle- Praying for you! Are you still being home-schooled?
Oh! I didn't mention this earlier but I had a job interview today! I was majorly nervous- it being my first interview ever. The guy said he'd call me by Friday. Could you girls please pray for me and that I get this job (or get interviews at the other places where I applied)? Thanks! Love y'all!
~Sarah Elizabeth
Posted by: Sarah Elizabeth | 01/25/2011 at 10:10 PM
Dear Maeryn,
I am so glad you are here! you are so beautiful and precious, a true work of art, God's art, on both inside and out. Know that you are loved now and always by God, more then you can even imagine. I am excited to hear about how you grow and change in your life. You are very special, pure and innocent, don't ever change that! You are a wonderful blessing to your family and to me even if I haven't met you! You have helped me to see how I can act like a child as Christ asked, to put my faith in him like you trust your parents and grandparents to take care of you, I am going to trust God to do the same for me. So know that you are so so important! God loves you Maeryn! Never forget that!
Annabelle, I will be praying! You should check out some of Tenth Avenue North's songs, I just came from their concert and I know how much their music has helped me when I am confused or upset.
Nicole, I will continue to pray for you. That same storm is coming my way now I think it will hit us late tonight or early tomorrow morning, so prays for me too would be great! Me and my family are all safe inside but actually, we should pray for the people that aren't.
Kenzie, I am homeschooled too!
Sarah Elizabeth, I LOVE your poem!! It's wonderful! :D
Alisha, I really, really love your post! It is amazing and very touching, I could feel all the emotion and love you put into it! It is great!
Posted by: Therese | 01/25/2011 at 10:23 PM
Dear Maeryn,
Maeryn, You have absolutely no idea of how much all of us girls on the In Real Life Blog have been so excited and happy that you have arrived. Your grandmother was obviously the most excited! I am so thankful that you are with all of us now! You have big stuff ahead of you, Maeryn! Keep living the life God has intended you to live because, Oh man, its so worth it! God is so worth it! I love you, God loves you, and all us girls love you! We will be praying for you, that God will become your best friend, saviour and life. You are specially made by God. He crafted you in the way that you are now! As you continue to grow, God will just keep blessing you and blessing you. You've already reacived some incredible blessings! An awesome Grandma, Mum and family and an incredible fan base- Us!! I love you heaps even though I haven't met you! God Bless Forever And Ever!
Posted by: Jessica | 01/25/2011 at 11:10 PM
Could you all please pray for my family? My mom was called in to work today and my sister and I have to go with her because there is no one to stay at our house with us, but the roads are really icy due to the snow we got this morning. It is supposed to start snowing again around the time my mom will get off work, so please pray for safety on the roads.
Nicole and Therese, I'll be praying for both of you.
Annabelle, I'm praying!
Sarah Elizabeth, I hope you get the job! :)
Posted by: Kenzie | 01/26/2011 at 11:08 AM
Congratulations! She's beautiful! =D
Posted by: Aly | 01/26/2011 at 01:50 PM
Hey I'm home-schooled too!!!
Posted by: ashley:) | 01/26/2011 at 03:32 PM
Sarah-Elizabeth: Hope you get the job!
Kenzie: Just prayed.
I'm not sure what I would say to Maeryn yet, I need to think about it a little more. :)
Posted by: Tori Tj | 01/26/2011 at 04:37 PM
Sorry! I've been house-sitting so I haven't been on lately. I can't go on for much longer, but I just wanted to say that I've been praying for you girls everyday :)
So fantastic to hear Baby Maeryn's arrived!!!
I guess I would say something small and sweet.
God's given you a gift. Make the most of it, and live your best life with Jesus. :D
Okay, see you Hopefully will be back on more soon and will have time to read everybody's posts! :)
Posted by: Bethany | 01/26/2011 at 05:04 PM
Sarah Elizabeth, I hope it goes well with the whole job thing, good luck!
I might still be homeschooled IDK :) Right now I am.
Thank you all for the prayers. I wish I could post longer but I'm so super busy catching up with schoolwork.
Soon, things will be better. I know God will work it all out :D
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/26/2011 at 10:23 PM
Girls, thanks for the prayers about my job. I think I'm getting more anxious as time goes on! Only 2 more days before I hear back from them...
I just realized I had a typo in my poem. The second to last line should say: "A child of God is what you are." Sorry about that!
Posted by: Sarah Elizabeth | 01/27/2011 at 12:00 AM
Dear Precious Maeryn,
Welcome to the world! Though we've never met you, many people have been waiting for you a long time - inlcuding us girls on the blog. Waiting for you, hoping for you, and praying for you - you couldn't imagine how excited we all are that you're here! And I know we'll all continue to take delight as we find out your first word, when you begin to wriggle and crawl and walk, and as you grow up and find out more about LIFE and the ONE who created life.
You couldn't be surrounded by a more amazing group of people than Mrs Rue and your parents, and throughout your life I know they'll always love you and be there for you, helping you with anything and everything you're going through. Also, JESUS will be there. Who is this Jesus, you ask? He's the greatest, bestest, most amazing Friend you could possibly every ask for. He loves us more than ANYONE ever could - and as you get older and older you can learn to love Him more and more too as you find out more about Him. But the friendship begins when you're born - and, you know, God loves children.
Lots of love, Bethan xxx
Girls- these letters are so awesome, every new-born baby should get a welcome into the world like this! :)
xx
Posted by: Bethan | 01/27/2011 at 06:02 AM
Congratulations! Welcome to the world little Maeryn!
Girls could you please pray for my family and my dog? He's really sick and we've gotten several different opinions on what is wrong with him. He's on a bunch of meds, but nothing seems to be working. He's even started not eating very much, and he's a lab. If you know anything about dogs, you know labs always eat. If he keeps going like this much longer we'll probably have to put him down. Anything that could help him more is to expensive. Please pray for him and for my family.
Posted by: Melody | 01/27/2011 at 09:28 AM
Melody, I will be praying for your family and your dog. I know what it's like to be in a dilemma with a dog who's sick, you've already spent a good deal of money on him, but you love him and just don't know what to do! And... didn't someone else have a dog who was sick?
I was just thinking about what Bethan said, that 'every new-born baby should get a welcome into the world like this'. What if someone started a website where people from all over the world could post if they or someone they knew was having a baby, and other people could respond to that with an encouraging note to the baby, a Bible verse, a poem, etc. Hmmmmm...
Another thing that would be nice is to carry around little notes with maybe different Bible verses or just a blank piece of paper, and whenever you meet someone who is pregnant, just take it out, put a little personal note for this child, and hand it to the soon-to-be-mother. That'd be cool. I know that if I were pregnant, that would be special to me.
Y'know, I just realized, with some of the girls acknowledging that they are homeschooled (I am!), we don't know much about each other. :) And while I kinda wonder, it's also kinda nice. I know some of you go to public school or are homeschooled. I know some live in Australia. I know some like dance. I know some like to write (me!). And I know that we are all young Christian women, seeking God in this "crazy roller coaster called life".
I will be praying for you, Sarah-Elizabeth, for your job interview!! If you could pray for my aunt's job interview, too, that'd be great. And for wisdom and clarity for her, from God.
I'll be praying for you, Annabelle!!! I know, we all have hard times. Just live life. And don't worry, please. TRY not to worry. I know with such a major decision, it's almost impossible not to worry, but it IS possible with Jesus Christ. Here's a verse that I read recently that I think God just brought to my mind: "Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” ." -Exodus 14:13-14
Posted by: Nicole | 01/27/2011 at 02:43 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Maeryn is such a beautiful baby! I know that with all of these amazing people to support her, she is going to be an amazing girl. Here is my letter to her:
Dear Maeryn,
Happy birthday and welcome to this beautiful earth! God made it especially for you, you know. He loves you more than you will ever know, Maeryn, and he has already done so many amazing things for you! I personally know your grandmother, and I have to say, she's pretty awesome. Never be afraid to go to her or your mom or dad or grandpa whenever you need help. They have already been through it all, and I know that every one of them would be delighted to help you. Your grandma is going to be your absolute best bud during your tween years, I can promise you that. :) She helped me out with mine, too.
Maeryn, you are loved so much by so many people. At some points in your life, people are going to try to convince you otherwise. Never, ever let them do it. You are an absolute treasure, and I know God will back me up there. He has a HUGE plan in mind for you, and even when it seems like no one else does, he will always, always love and understand you.
I want to encourage you to do whatever you want for your life. Never let anyone discourage you from trying something new, going against the crowd, or chasing a dream. You have the ability to create a beautiful, fun, God-filled life for yourself, so go for it! Enjoy every single minute given to you, right your wrongs, and live without fears or regrets, because that's the best way to do it. Don't let anyone make your choices for you, because when it comes down to it, you and God are the only ones that can choose the right path for you (but still listen to your parents, of course!).
Pray as much as you can. Prayer is one of the best ways to connect with God, your ultimate Bestie in life. He is always willing to talk, and from my experience, knows exactly what to say. You just have to listen hard with your eyes, ears, and soul, and he'll always give you an answer. Your Bible is another great escape place. When I was younger and wanted to run away, I would open my Bible and escape to Rachel and Jacob's wedding, or to Esther's palace where she made her toughest decisions. You will always find comfort in your Bible, and God likes to speak to people through it.
Finally, Maeryn, I want to tell you the most beautiful and valuable thing you will find on this earth: love. 1 Corinthians 13 is all about how amazing it is, and concludes with: "These three things will be all that remain: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love." You have been given so much love, Maeryn. Never be afraid to give love to others. To your friends, your family, the weird kids at school, a stranger who needs a comforting smile -- love is the one free gift we can all give, and the best thing anyone could ever receive. Spread it around, and share with everyone the love given to you and them by God.
Maeryn, I am so glad that you were brought into this earth. Live your life to it's bursting point, and enjoy it! God and I are rooting for you. Give me a shout if you ever need to talk. Happy birthday!!
With much love and blessings,
Rachel
Posted by: *Rachel* | 01/27/2011 at 03:52 PM
Congratulations!!! She's beautiful!! :)
I just found your blog...I totally fell in love with your book Boyfriends, Burritos and an Ocean of Trouble! I'm waiting anxiously for the next book to get to our library! Thanks for writing such amazing books!
~Rachel~
Posted by: Rachel | 01/27/2011 at 06:13 PM
Hey Rachel! Welcome to the blog I hope you love it here! I know I do!! :D Have fun!
Posted by: Therese | 01/27/2011 at 06:45 PM
Welcome Rachel
I just thought of something really cool for Maeryn. you know the first part of that song by Taylor Swift, never grow up? The part where she's talking to the little kid? well that's sort of what i would say to Maeryn.
Posted by: Alisha | 01/27/2011 at 06:48 PM
Welcome Rachel!
So glad your here with us on the blog, hope you enjoy it :D
I would (I think someone already said this) tell Maeryn the exact words in the song "The Words I would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets.
Hey girls. I have a question. Do any of you have ideas on stopping jealousy? Lately I've honestly had a little trouble jealousy.
I get jealous because I don't have a sister or younger sibling.
Sometimes I find myself wishing I had a sister, you know? Someone I could tell EVERYTHING to. I have a brother, and he's awesomely awesome. But sometimes I wish for an extra sibling too..a girl who would understand my girl problems haha.
But then again, if I had a sister and no brother, I'd probably want a brother instead of a sister. I guess that saying is true sometimes, "it's always brighter on the other side". Like if you have curly hair you want strait, and if you have strait you want curly. Blue eyes you want brown, brown eyes you want blue.
I need to learn not to COVET. It's a ten commandment! I had really been struggling with the jealousy thing...wanting a sister so bad.
I had best friends I could talk to about some stuff, but not everything like I could tell my sister if I had one. But...this past week I finally have a friend who could HONESTLY be my sister...that's how much she knows about me. We constantly are saying I love you sissy, etc. She wishes I was her sister, and I wish she was mine. But then I tell her, 'ya know, in the end, we'll all be together, and...we ARE related through Adam and Eve...so we're sisters in Christ'
We love joking around about being sisters, but I have never felt closer to a friend before. I should be content with where I am, because look what God has done for me! Given me a friend (well 2 or 3 actually) who are like sisters to me.
Sorry this was so long, but just wanted say that. :D
LYALS :D
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/27/2011 at 10:35 PM
Oh. My. Gosh. I had no clue that was so long sorry!
Oh by the way Mrs.Rue, I got your email...I LOVED IT, and I will reply SUPER SOON! :D
xoxoxo
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/27/2011 at 10:36 PM
I LOVE THAT SONG ALISHA!!!
It's my favourite on the whole album, I play it over and over. So I just got excited :)
"your little hands wrapped around my finger, and it's so quiet in the world tonight. your little eyelids flutter cuz your dreamy, i tuck you in turn your nighlight on..." it's the most beautiful song everyone :) ♥
Posted by: Emii | 01/28/2011 at 03:36 AM
Melody, I'll be praying for your family and your dog. That's so sad.
Welcome to the blog Rachel! :)
Annabelle, I'll pray. What helps me when I get jealous is to just try to do something that gets my mind off of whatever I'm jealous of. (Like listening to music by your favorite artist.) I've been struggling with jealousy too, and I've been trying that. Just a suggestion. Hope it helps. :)
Posted by: Kenzie | 01/28/2011 at 09:25 AM
Annabelle,
I'm on the other side of your problem, in a way. I'm jealous OF my sister. I haven't found any ways for beating jealousy yet, but usually I try to distract myself. Maybe thinking about all the blessings you DO have will help.
Can you girls pray for me?
I'm heading out on a youth trip in a few hours and the roads here really suck. Just pray we get there, and back, safely and that I would be open to learning what God wants to teach me
LYALS
Posted by: Alisha | 01/28/2011 at 10:51 AM
Annabelle: Well, this won't help any with the jealousy issue, but honestly, you're wishing for something that is extremely rare. I don't know any sisters who are best friends and tell eachother everything. My sister and I fight all the time. Now, we are a little different because she's seven years younger than I am, but seriously, be thankful for the family God has placed you with. If you spend all your time wishing for a different family makeup, then you won't have time to build relationships with the family you already have.
I never realized it before, but fairly recently I re-read the letters three ladies had sent me when I turned 13. They wrote me sorta like we're all writing to Maeryn, things they want me to know that they wish someone had told them when they were 13. And one lady said that I should be so thankful that I have such good parents. Good parents? Are you kidding me? But then I thought about it, and I realized, I seriously have some of the best parents ever- they are strong Christians, committed to Jesus and their marriage, and they love us. They dicipline us(instead of giving in and turning us into selfish spolied brats!), and, man, I don't know who I'd be without them. So I'd just encourage you, when you start wishing for a sister, to say a prayer of thanks for the friends who are like perfect sisters to you (there's a reason Proverbs says a *friend* will stick closer than a *brother*[sister]), and ask God to show you just how great your family is. It's definitely a lesson I'm still learning.
Anyway... Prayin' for all you girls and for Marijean, Maeryn, and Mrs. Rue!
Posted by: Tori Tj | 01/28/2011 at 05:28 PM
Tori,
AWW thank you so much! I needed to realize this.
I read in the Bible yesterday, as I feel God led me to...the Proverbs verse about a friend sticking closer than a brother or sister.
I am.....so thankful for the family I have! I wouldn't change THEM for anything. When I find myself longing for just a little more, the added sibling...I realize that some people don't even have siblings, or even know their own parents.
Thanks for that eye opening post Tori :)
And thank you so much Alisha and Kenzie.
:D :D
I have one question for you all. I don't know if this counts as discussing the media...but I simply wanted to know from a group of down-to-earth God centered teen girls if you think Twilight is okay for me to watch. I don't know much about the second. I've seen the first...and I really need to know if its appropriate. Some of my Christian friends watch it, yet some of them are against it. We don't have to get into a huge Twilight convo,...I simply need a Yes, its fine. Or No, I don't recommend it. Thank ya
Annabelle
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/28/2011 at 07:13 PM
Hey Annabelle, I don't know if we are allowed to do this but I want to help you so I will just say, that I would not recommend it. In a Bible study that I go to we had a discussion about this and my leader didn't think it was a very good idea, I won't go into details here, but that's my opinion. :D :D
Posted by: Therese | 01/28/2011 at 07:33 PM
Annabelle- Hey! Here's something that my parents have taught my siblings and me about movies, magazines, TV shows, etc. You have to go back to the Bible and see if what you're putting into your mind lines up with the Bible and also things that God has told you personally. I know you can't open the Bible and find "Thou shalt not watch Twilight" or anything like that but you there are principles that can help you. Like, Philippians 4:8 says to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy so before you watch Twilight, really stop to think and pray about whether or not it's what you want to be putting into your mind.
I didn't mean to come off as "preachy" and I'm really sorry if I did! I was just sharing what I do before I watch something. Yes, I've watched things and afterward been like, "Oh my...I can't believe I watched that!!" and I've had to pray and ask God to help me think about better things. And asking yourself why you're watching it can help too. Hope this helped at least a little!
Posted by: Sarah Elizabeth | 01/28/2011 at 08:07 PM
You guys are so right. I had a 'best' friend who was SO against it, she was always on my side in everything.
She then faded into, what I believe was the, "I'll do ANYTHING so they'll let me into their clique" mindset. She became obsessed with Twilight...and I think it's because she wanted to fit in.
The weird thing is, even my dance teacher who is totally totally into scripture and God, watches it too. Maybe it just depends on what you get out of it.
Sarah, no! You were NOT preachy. That SOOO helped me. Thank you girl.
Therese, aw, thanks. I totally agree.
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/28/2011 at 08:35 PM
CONGRATS! I had to run and show my mom and she says congrats too! She is so cute!!!
Posted by: Kate | 01/29/2011 at 11:16 AM
Maeryn Julienne,
If I could tell you something,
Right now over your sweet face,
I'd tell you everything,
That I could think of,
About life in a beautiful world.
Of friends and a God better than anything,
Who adores you and loves your sweet face.
I'd tell you that you'll love butterflies,
And soft bunnies,
And that you'll love knitting with your mommy,
And laughing with your daddy,
And riding Harley's with your Granddaddy (that won't happen for a while yet though),
And writing and reading with your Grandmommy,
And learnin' with your sisters in Christ.
Welcome to this wonderful world, Maeryn Julienne!
Posted by: Kate | 01/29/2011 at 11:21 AM
That's a pretty poem, Kate. It gave me a sense of peace. :)
Annabelle, I agree with Sarah Elizabeth. I don't want to sound preachy or stuck-up, either, (and you didn't, Sarah Elizabeth!) but I do want to say that I personally don't recommend Twilight. That passage in Phillipians came to) my mind too, along with the verse (in Galations? Ahhh...not sure) that says, 'so whether you eat or drink or **whatever you do** do it *all* for the **glory of God**.'
Good thing to think about. Not everything I do is for the GLORY of GOD...
I will be praying for everyone. I just found a blog that I highly recommend: www.jollynotes.com
Posted by: Nicole | 01/29/2011 at 09:12 PM
Oh girls...ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
So today for the first time a boy asked me for my number, told me I was beautiful, held me hand, and asked me to sit next to him. And I jsut met the guy tonight. Like about 4 hours ago. I went to a youth group bible study and this guy (lets call him Dylan) was there with a friend. Immediately I could tell he liked me. He started talking to me a bit later, and asked me for my number. I was a bit to shocked to do anything but give it to him. I have like zero experience with guys. He asked me what my fav kind of music and stuff was and then started texting me. A little later he texted me and said that I was beautiful and he wanted to get to know me more. Again I was like in shock and was like um thanks I'd like to get to know you also, facebook me. He said he didn't get on fb much but could he call me. I said I didn't like talking on the phone but he could text me. I'm home now and he's texting me. I don't know what to do! He gave me a hug before I left and it was like the first ever legit hug I've gotten from a boy, a boy who likes me. Guys don't usually like me. So Dylan is texting me now and is like 'so do you like me? as a friend i mean.' I told him a didn't really know him but would be ok getting to know him better. He told me he didn't have many friends. So now I feel kinda bad for him, but I don't know him, I know he likes me, but I don't know what I think about him since I met him a few hours ago, he was really sweet to me, but he's not really very attractive (yes I know very shallow, but hey!).
So yeah, I'm clueless and don't know what to do. Any advice and prayers would be GREATLY appreciated!
Posted by: Melody | 01/29/2011 at 09:51 PM
Mmmmm....
I haven't had an experience like that before - still a little young :) 13 year old - so I'll totally be praying for you!! Not much advice... just keep praying and keep 'in touch' with Jesus throughout the whole situation. :) Love ya, girlies!!
Posted by: Nicole | 01/29/2011 at 10:35 PM
Melody- Even though I'm sixteen, I don't date and never had a boyfriend so it's not like I've had any "romantic experiences" or anything (well, unless you count my watching Pride and Prejudice a million times *wink*) but here's my opinion.
First, I think you should talk to your parents (maybe even another adult whom you trust) about it. They can probably help you more than I can! But I would say for you to just take it slow and get to know him as a friend, find out what he's really like. Once you know more about him, you can decide if you'd like to get to know him better. I'll be praying for you!
Posted by: Sarah Elizabeth | 01/29/2011 at 11:22 PM
Hey girlies! Sorry i haven't been on here alot-my mom went on a missions trip this past week and since i am the only girl in the house, I have been really busy! (meals, laundry, ect.) Thankfully she is safe and sound back home now!!
Maeryn (sorry if that is spelled wrong!) is such a cute baby!!! I will be thinking about what to write to Maeryn.
Melody-I don't have any great advice for you because I am only 14 and never had a boyfriend. But I do agree with Sarah Elizabeth and taking it slowly...somtimes a friend is better than a boyfriend...atleast at the beginning!
talk to ya'll later!
Posted by: Megan | 01/29/2011 at 11:55 PM
Hey Megan, great to have you back!
Melody, I am also 14 and haven't had a boyfriend before but I definitely think that you should get to know him as a friend first. Sorry, don't have very good advice for you, I not really good at thins kind of thing.
Posted by: Therese | 01/30/2011 at 09:55 AM
Hey Melody,
Hmm. This is a tough one. Is he a Christian? I mean, he seemed to like you a lot after only knowing you for four hours... Pray... ask God what he thinks. I know it seems that He'll never listen. But He reallyyy wants us to learn. It's tough to just sit down sometimes.
But other than that... what do you think about it? Like you said, just talk to him and stuff -- hang out. :)
Posted by: Emii | 01/30/2011 at 06:09 PM
Melody, I'm sort of in that position right now. I know how hard it can be. I find it really hard, because I REALLY like this guy. I'll be praying
well, I just wanted to let you all know I got home safe and had an amazing, God filled weekend. thanks for your prayers.
Posted by: Alisha | 01/31/2011 at 12:43 AM
Rachel - Welcome to the blog!!! :D
Melody- Hmm! I'm not really sure if I have any advice. Like you said, I have zero (and I mean ZERO) experience with guys. No brothers, hardly any guy friends, never had a boyfriend, done anything romantic with a guy. I haven't even liked that many guys, and I don't think anyone's ever liked me. So i'd be like "the blind leading the blind" really! I wouldn't suggest meeting up with him alone, even if it isn't a "date" until you've really gotten to know him in a group. It's just sensible and safe :) And try not to let him on... but that's as far as my advice goes! Talking to an adult you trust would also be a good idea, like some of ya'll have said... :]
God Bless ya'll,~ Bethan x
Posted by: Bethan | 01/31/2011 at 07:37 AM
She is so cute!!! Congrats!!!:)
Posted by: Hannah | 04/10/2012 at 04:57 PM