Set Apart for One

The Great Rescue

2011-10-28T15:34:00.001-05:00

"What does Jesus’ death have to dowith working through past sin? How can agruesome crucifixion that happened two thousand years ago help when your pastcomes knocking today?

The answer is that the Cross is God’splan for freeing you from the guilt and punishment of your past sin. At the Cross we see both the depths of ourdepravity and the heights of God’s amazing love for us. We witness both the terrifying intensity ofGod’s just wrath for sin and His unspeakable mercy and love for sinners.

Why the Cross?

Because sinners have no other hope.

Why the Cross?

Because it is the unassailable proofthat we can be forgiven.

Let’s gaze on it together. As we draw close, don’t assume that youalready know or understand what happened there. Come to the Cross as if for the first time. In the book When God Weeps StevenEstes and Joni Eareckson Tada give the following account of Christ’sdeath. As you read, refuse to let thescene be familiar. Let its reality shockyou and break your heart.

‘The face that Moses had begged to see – was forbidden to see –was slapped bloody…Exodus 33:19-20. The thorns that God had sent to curse the earth’s rebellion now twistedaround his own brow…

“On your back with you!” One raises a mallet to sink in thespike. But the soldier’s heart mustcontinue pumping as he readies the prisoner’s wrist. Someone must sustain the soldier’s lifeminute by minute, for no man has this power on his own. Who supplies breath to his lungs? Who gives energy to his cells? Who holds his molecules together? Only by the Son do “all things holdtogether”…Colossians 1:17. The victim wills that the soldier live on – he grants the warriorscontinued existence. The man swings.

As the man swings, the Sonrecalls how he and the Father first designed the medial nerve of the humanforearm – the sensations it would be capable of. The design proves flawless – the nervesperform exquisitely. “Up you go!” They lift the cross. God is on display in his underwear and canscarcely breathe.

But these pains are a merewarm-up to his other and growing dread. He begins to feel a foreign sensation. Somewhere during this day an unearthly foul odor began to waft, not aroundhis nose, but his heart. He feelsdirty. Human wickedness starts to crawlupon his spotless being – the living excrement from our souls. The apple of his Father’s eye turns brownwith rot.

His Father! He must facehis Father like this!

From heaven the Father now rouses himself like a lion disturbed,shakes his mane, and roars against the shriveling remnant of a man hanging on across. Never has the Son seen the Fatherlook at him so, never felt even the least of his hot breath. But the roar shakes the unseen world anddarkens the visible sky. The Son doesnot recognize those eyes.

“Son of Man! Why have youbehaved so? You have cheated, lusted,stolen, gossiped – murdered, envied, hated, lied. You have cursed, robbed, overspent, overeaten– fornicated, disobeyed, embezzled and blasphemed. Oh, the duties you have shirked, the childrenyou have abandoned! Who has ever soignored the poor, so played the coward, so belittled my name? Have you ever held your razor tongue? What a self-righteous, pitiful drunk – you,who molested young boys, peddle killer drugs, travel in cliques, and mock yourparents. Who gave you the boldness torig elections, foment revolutions, torture animals, and worship demons? Does the list never end!?! Splitting families, raping virgins, actingsmugly, playing the pimp – buying politicians, practicing exhortation, filmingpornography, accepting bribes. You haveburned down buildings, perfected terrorist tactics, founded false religions,traded in slaves – relishing each morsel and bragging about it all. I hate, loathe these things in you! Disgust for everything about you consumesme! Can you not feel my wrath?”

Of course, the Son is innocent. He is blamelessness itself. TheFather knows this. But the divine pairhave an agreement, and the unthinkable must now take place. Jesus will be treated as if personallyresponsible for every sin ever committed.

The Father watches his heart’s treasure, the mirror-image ofHimself, sinks drowning into raw, liquid sin. Jehovah’s stored rage against human kind from every century explodes ina single direction.

“Father! Father! Why have you forsaken me?”

But heaven stops its ears. The Son stares up at the one who cannot, who will not, reach down orreply.
The Trinity had plannedit. The Son endured it. The Spirit enabled him. The Father rejected the Son whom heloved. Jesus, the God-man from Nazareth,perished. The Father accepted his sacrificefor sin and was satisfied. The Rescuewas accomplished.

Don’t move too quickly from thisscene.

Keep gazing. The Rescue accomplished here was foryou.

John Stott writes, “Before we can begin to see the cross assomething done forus (leading us to faith and worship) we have to see it as something done by us, (leading us to repentance)…As we facethe cross then, we can say to ourselves both,

‘I did it; my sins sent Him there’and ‘He did it; His love took Him there.’

Did you see your own offenses on thelist of sins that necessitated the cross? If not, name them yourself. Nameyour darkest sin. Now reflect on thefact that Christ bore the punishment for thatsin. He took the punishment youdeserved. Do you feel His passionate andspecific love for you? He died for you. He was condemned andcursed so that you could go free - He was forsaken by God so that you would never be forsaken (Hebrews 13:5).
That’s what Jesus’ deathon the cross has to do with our past sin rightnow.”

Boy Meets Girl, by Joshua Harris

The Return of the Prodigal

2011-10-21T08:01:00.002-05:00

Last Thursday night, I walked in the house and plopped down onthe couch. My whole family sat down too and all of them had huge smileson their faces....I figured something was up. Anna and Charlie werejumping up and down and saying, "Tell her the story Papa! Tellher!" And my dad began to tell "the story." Fiveminutes later, my heart was filled with joy as I heard him say, "....Andat 9:25 this morning, Shane surrendered His life to Christ!"   Isat there, speechless. Could it finally have happened?! It wasreally for real? That day had really come?!

Wow guys, God is so incredible. For over three years, I have prayed thatmy brother would come to know Jesus Christ as His Savior and Lord. Forthree years, I watched him run to the world, and farther from God. Forthree years I kept hoping that he would see the path that he was headed downand repent. I also asked some close friends to pray with me for mybrother. In those years, where I couldn't see the whole picture, God wasworking in my brother's heart....and all that time He was calling Shane.

Last fall, God gave me a burden to pray that Shane would come to know Christduring our time at Ellerslie...and he gave my mom that same burden! So weprayed...and watched as God softened his heart. It was amazing. However, graduation came, and Shane hadn't turned to God.   Then wethought we were going to move there and I was like, "Great God! We'll justmove there and he can continue hearing about you and then he'll come toknow you!" Well....we didn't move...and the trials were moredifficult - Satan was after Shane, big time.

For some months I was confused, "God, why didn't Shane get saved atEllerslie?! We prayed. Did we not pray hard enough or enough at all? What went wrong?" I asked my mom and she encouraged me to keeppraying for my bother....God had given me a burden for him for a reason. So, by the grace of God, I prayed diligently for my brother.   Whileat Ellerslie, Jesus had placed some verses on my heart to pray for him aswell: Isaiah 55   and Ezekiel 36:22-28.   Time went on,and through the ups and the downs, God was faithful.

Fast forward to the end of September....Shane decided that he wanted to go toEllerslie. (WHOA! Cool beans!!) His girlfriend was/isattending YWAM in Montana, and while she was pursuing her relationship withChrist, he wanted to seek God as well. the door was starting to open.He called Sandi at the office and they had room for him! the nob wasturning. he got a plane ticket for $70. the door was starting toopen. God provided the funds for him to go. And on September 10th,Shane got on plane headed for Windsor, Colorado. God had opened thedoor! and a mere number of days, and we got a call from my dearbrother saying he had given his life to Christ!! Praise the King!

You see, while God was working in Shane's life, drawing him closer to Himself,softening his heart, etc...God was working in my life as well: teachingme to pray, to wait, to listen, to hope even amidst the darkest times, and mostimportant of all, faith. Faith to believe that God answers prayer, andaccomplishes His Word. It was a week ago that I heard of my brother'ssalvation, and I am still in awe of faithfulness of Jesus Christ!!

Before I'm done, and you can read what Shane wrote about his salvation, I wantto say one more thing.
God is alive and real. His Word revives the soul and brings hope. Jesus Christ is a faithful God....and if He can work in my brother's life, andbring him to salvation, than He will be faithful in your life as well, and canwork out any situation for good and for His glory. He is an amazing God,and does abundantly above all that we can ask, think or hope for (Eph 3), allHe asks is that we trust Him.

Trust Jesus. Cling to Him. He alone is worthy of our life!

---------------------

My Testimony

Last Wednesday night, October 12th, I went on a coffee date with Nick Thompson;he's a friend who went through Ellerslie with Papa last fall. Now Nick isthe kind of guy who, if he says he has a word from the Lord, you take it aspretty much as getting it straight from God Himself. Nick is justsuper-filled with the Spirit and constantly prays; he knows his God. Anyways, while we were sipping our coffee I told him about my life and whatI've been up to this last year. I told him about Jessika and how in lovewith her I was and how much we had done together this last summer. I toldNick that she was the one that got me thinking about God again and wanting arelationship with Him. I also explained to him why I am came toEllerslie. So for all of you who don't know, I came here because I knewthere was something blocking me from fully embracing God - I wanted and neededan "experience'' with Him. After I got done sharing all of this hesaid,

''I feel that God is wanting me to say this: I think that eventhough Jess was the one who pointed you back to God, that she is actually theone holding you back from fully committing to Him."

As soon as he said that, I knew in my heart that he wasright. I had given all my time, energy, attention, affection,thought-life, money, and love to her, not God. So, I knew what I needed to do:give up my relationship with Jessika to God. Of course, I didn't want tobecause I knew that if I did, then there would be that possibility ofGod breaking us up. So, Nick and I finished up and went back to thedorms. Then, I talked with a few other guys about it all. When Iwent to bed on Wednesday, I planned to get up early the next morning to reallypursue God. I woke up Thursday morning at 3:00 AM to the sound of myalarm clock going off. I started praying, reading the Bible, andjournaling. Finally at about 6:30, I came to a place where I felt like Ihad done all I could at that point and there wasn't really anything more Icould pray, read, or journal about. So, I got up and began to move on with therest of my day. I went back into my room, took a shower, went tobreakfast, and then headed over to the chapel for Corporate Stillness.

Corporate Stillness is a special quiet time to again read, pray,and/or journal. It's just time to be still before God and be open to whatHe has for you. During that time, I read Matthew 10:37: "He wholoves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of me; and he who loveshis son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." Now Jessisn't my father, mother, son or daughter but I was convicted that I had beenloving her more than God. And according to Him, I wasn't worthy of Himbecause I had been giving all my love to Jessika. Well, Stillness endedand worship began. After the third song,

God came down and just overwhelmed me. I sat down andbegan to cry uncontrollably. I knew that I needed to surrender all toJesus.

So, at 9:25am on Thursday, October 13, 2011, I gave myrelationship with Jess up to God and fully surrendered my life to JesusChrist. I got up and found Nick. We went into a backroom; I toldhim what happened and had him pray for me. When we came out of thebackroom, worship was still going on and the song being sung was one I hadnever heard before. I came out during a verse that said something to theeffect of, "The Devil has been defeated and Christ has won the victory!'' I went up shortly after and shared with the whole school what had justtranspired.

It was an amazing and freeing feeling to be able to fullysurrender to God! I am now so joyfilled and excited for what is going tohappen in the next phase of my life. As of this point, I have greenlights from God to continue in my relationship with Jess; and actually He gaveme two specific verses about us and our being together. I have such apeace and joy from God about everything now.

So, that is my testimony of the first week here atEllerslie. I expect more refining to be going on while I am here for theremainder eight weeks.

Prayer requests:

Pray that God would be my first love.

And pray for Jess too, as she is also spending a set apartseason pursuing her relationship with God through YWAM in Montana.

Also, be praying that God would direct me as of what to do afterEllerslie.

Lastly, pray for finances.

Thank you to everyone that has been praying for me. Yourprayers worked! :) Thanks again to all of you.

From a newborn son of our Lord Jesus,
Shane

answering questions....

2011-10-20T16:10:00.004-05:00

I got tagged by a pal to answer these 48 questions (which I just love doing...) Ready or not....here I go!

1. High heels or boots?

     Boots!! all the way. On occasion, I kinda like heels...but that's rare.
2. What time did you get up this morning?
    7:29 am.
3. What was the last movie you saw at the theater?
    Courageous. AWESOME move, btw.
4. What is your maiden name? How can you have a maiden name if you're not married. :P
5. What is your favorite TV Show? I don't watch TV.
6. What do you usually have for breakfast? Toast, or granola with vanilla almond milk.
7. What is your middle name? Jane
8. What food do you dislike? Sea food.
9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? my favorite songs at the moment are: Blessings, Courageous, and At Your Feet
10. What characteristic do you despise? Pride and cockiness, which is basically the same thing, but different.
11. Favorite clothing? anything comfortable. If it was up to me I'd wear, excersise shorts or sweats and sweatshirts.
12. Anywhere in the world on vacation? Ireland, Italy and all over Europe.
13. Are you an organized person? I try to be. :P
14. Where would you retire to? Colorado - the Rocky Mountains, to be more specific.
15. What was your most recent memorable birthday? My 16th....wow, I felt SO loved - it was crazy guys!
16. What are you going to do when you finish this? Practice piano or mandolin.
17. Furthest place you have ever been to? Georgia.
18. Person you wish you could meet? Mary, the one who sat at Jesus' feet.
19. When is your birthday? June 10, 1995
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? I'm a morning person, however I try to be both....but that doesn't work. :P
21. What is your shoe size? That's classified information.
22. Do you own any animals? Yup: two horses, three cows and four or five cats.
23. Any news you'd like to share? My brother just surrendered his life to Christ!!! :D
24. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? a hairstylist, or a professional ice skater.
25. What is your favorite flower? Daisy.
26. What day on the calendar are you looking forward to? my brother's graduations at Ellerslie, so I can finally got out there again. =)
27. If you were a crayon, what would you be? Aqua blue.
28. How is the weather right now? Beautiful....sunny, with a little bit of wind. in the 50's.
29. Last person you spoke to on the phone? my brother's girlfriends, mom. (lol!)
30. Favorite drink?   Coffee - hands down.
31. Favorite Restaurant?    Chipotle!!
32. Hair color?     Brown with some natural red highlights, and one gray hair.
33. What was your favorite toy as a child?    My American Girl Doll - Kristina. (she went to the doll hospital three times.)
34. Whatever season we're just coming into is the one I love the most. So, right now it's fall.      But, seriously..I LOVE the ambiance of fall...Christmas is coming..the leaves are changing...pumpkin pie...thanksgiving...snow....family.....good times....fires in the fireplace with a good book!!
35. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate.
36. Coffee or Tea?
     It's always coffee, unless I have too much of it. :P
37. Wish you were still young? Yup, eight would be a good age. All I did was play dolls all day long. =)
38. Do you want to get married? Do I really have to answer that?!   However, I don't want to get married till I am fully satisfied in my precious Savior.
39. When was the last time you cried? Last nigh. listening to a song.
40. What is under your bed? My sister.( have a bunk bed!)
41. What did you do last night? had a Bible Study with my parents and a friend.
42. What are you afraid of? heights..new situations.
43. Salty or sweet? sweet..unless I've had too much of it.
44. Best quality you have? idk...my parents say being consistently joyful.
45. How many years at your current job? two.
46. Favorite day of the week? Sunday. that's when we see people. =)
47. Favorite Movie? Tangled, Courageous and I can't remember the other one.....
48. Have you ever had a crush on anyone? have you ever lied? :P

49. Do you like finding all this stuff about your friends? yes.

Ok...that was cool...now I'm done.... I'm not gonna tag anyone..however I would like to read your answers if ya'all do it.

Enjoy this gorgeous day! Press into know Jesus more!! He is so worthy of all of us!!
love and hugs,
bailey =)

Camping Trip!

2011-10-18T22:30:00.003-05:00

This past weekend my fam and I went to Pattison State Park for the weekend. To sum up the weekend in one word - COLD. (jk) But seriously, I was freezing the whole weekend (except for a couple hours in the camper when we turned the stove on and when we went to the movie theaters.) :P Despite the cold and wind, we managed to have a fun time! We arrived on Friday night and set up our camper in the dark....Charlie and Anna played Hide-and-Go-Seek in our tiny campsite, but they got creative with their hiding spots. :P We hung around the campfire, drank tea, played cribbage, froze, talked.....then went to bed.

Now, my most favorite part of camping trips is waking up early in the morning and sitting by the fire with a cup of good ole' campfire coffee, (it just means really strong coffee, for those of you who don't camp) and reading a good book or talking with my family. oh man..one of the best things in the world..... =)

(we hardly saw this girl all weekend - she was lost in a good book....can't really blame her) ;)

lots of this going on - Charlie kicked booty!

(take note of Anna reading her book...again.)

guys...i was really cold. really.

It was my parents 23rd anniversary! Wow, peoples...God has blessed me with some incredible people to love me, protect me, teach me, walk with me, laugh at, learn from and follow their example. They just love Jesus, and desire His Truth to be real in their lives. And I praise the Lord for giving me to them. =)

.~.~.~.~.~.

We went for a two hour hike around the park. Most of the trails were closed, which was a bummer, but we still found one trail and enjoyed the sunny, beautiful day.

LOVE the cuteness of my mother

1...2...3... POSE!
(try it sometime...its fun)

(Anna took this one and I thought it was pretty durn cool)

We were listening to my father explain about the scientific complications of something....or the history of the this or that....or a really good story...I don't really know which one. (Notice each of our faces.) :P

he, he!

the giggly

the goofball

and the gorgeous

Saturday morning, while we were drinking out coffee and enjoying the campfire, Mom decided that we needed more wood....so she started swinging the ax. It was funny! Then Anna and Charlie wanted to join in the competition and each took turns swingin' and choppin. Anna was the only one who was able to chop a log in half! Go girl!

mighty ax man!

look at his giant log that he chopped :P

Later that afternoon, after some more Cribbage and lunch, we went into Duluth and watched "Courageous." It was awesome! It was funny, sobering, serious, sweet, challenging......they did a fantastic job! And its now one of my favorites. When we got back to our windy, cold campsite, played more Cribbage, and took a nap. We decided to pack it up and head home. It was a fun weekend...filled with funny, sweet memories of some really fantastic people. =) (No, that's not a biased opinion.) :P Ahh.....good times. *smiles*

WATCH THIS!

2011-10-12T22:06:00.002-05:00

I know ya'll have busy lives and probably are like, "Oh, it's just another youtube..." But, its not! This movie is INCREDIBLE!!! It's 30+ minutes, however, I highly encourage you to take some time and watch it. Oh Jesus, wake up our nation!!

The Romance of Bailey and Nik

2011-10-07T20:07:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time, in a land not quite so far away, there lived a girl named Bailey. =) Now, Bailey had been dreaming and dreaming for months and years about the day when she would meet someone just like Nik. That wonderful day finally arrived when she received a call from her grandpa. The conversation went something like this:
         "Hey Bailey!"
         "Hi Grandpa!"
         "Hey, I have something that I want to show you that I think you'll really like!" And then he proceeded to tell me who or what that something was...and... I screamed (out of joy). :P

After two horribbly, long, agonizing weeks...I met my Grandpa at Baker Square and he introduced me to Nik. And it was love at first sight. *dreamy sigh* (not kidding!)

Well.....Bailey and Nik fell madly in love...and now they are living happily ever after. =)

(aren't we just the cutest couple you ever laid eyes on?!) :P

So...the real story comes out. Yes, my dear Grandpa GAVE me his Nikon D50!!!! I have been enjoying it immensely! God is so amazing and He really does give us the desires of our hearts! (Psalm 37:4) Wow...so, yeah....the photo shoot that I did with Anna and some other picture-posts that I've been doing lately and will continue doing are all with that wonderful camera!

That's all....I just wanted to let y'all in on that cute lil' story. ;)

photo shoot: anna

2011-10-05T14:23:00.002-05:00

which one's your favorite?

"God has made us for Himself, andour

hearts can never know rest andperfect

satisfaction until they find itin Him."

Hannah Hurnard

sneak peak: Anna

2011-09-30T11:28:00.001-05:00

I took my fun, beautiful, giggly, sister outside yesterday and did a quick photo-shoot of her.....here is my all-time favorite!

(More to come later).

Modesty - is it such a big deal?

2011-09-29T14:42:00.002-05:00

After listening to this video, I think it is! (I would love to hear your thoughts.) This is the best movie that I've seen, so far, on this touchy subject.

Lord, soften and change my heart. I pray that I would look beyond myself and what I want, and instead, look to the needs of others. Jesus, may you be glorified in all that I wear, say and do!

{giggles, coffee, pictures, scripture, campfires, teacups and flowers....}

2011-09-27T12:04:00.000-05:00

This pastweekend I went down to southern Minnesota with eight other girls to have a retreatat a farm in the middle of the beautiful, Amish country-side.....it. was.wonderful.! There is SO much that I could say, (too much) butI am just going to keep it to pictures....just know that words cannot expresshow much I was blessed, challenges, welcomed, inspired.....the list goes on andon.....the faithfulness and goodness of my heavenly Father continues to amazeme!

(LOL!!)

All good things of life are less than nothingwhen
compared to His love,

and with one glimpse of they electing favor.
All the treasures of a million worlds could not make me richer,
happier, more contended for His unsearchable riches are mine,

But O God, I could not long after Thy presence if I did not know thesweetness of it; and such I could not know except by Thy Spirit in myheart, nor love Thee at all unless Thou didst elect me, callme, adopt me, save me.

-TheValley of Vision

exciting times

2011-09-21T15:06:00.003-05:00

Today was an exciting day in the life of this sixteen year old......

she got her permit!!!

(so y'all better stay of the sidewalks.) ;)

The Homemakeing Series: Pickles

2011-09-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

Yes friends, I finally made pickles! And I am quite happy with how they turned out. =)

Step 1: get a bunch of mini cucumbers, dill weed, and garlic

Step 2: fill canning jars with two cloves of garlic and some dill

Step 3: wash pickles

Step 4: stuff as many cucumbers as you can into the jars

Step 5: make the brine

Step 6: Put the jars into hot water, and pour the boiling brine into the jars, then seal with the lid

(sorry I didn't get a pic of all those steps, my mom and I were both kinda busy)

Step 7: put jars into a pan of boiling water and let it sit for 8 minutes

Step nine: take out jars and let them sit until you hear the "Pop!" of the lid sealing

Then....viola! Pickles! =) *yay*

I heard somewhere that they test better if you let them sit on the shelf for ten days, so we just opened a can a few days ago, and yes, they taste much better and crunchier!

love and smiles,

bailey =)

friends are:

2011-09-13T16:46:00.000-05:00

the cherry on the sundae

the salt on the popcorn

the sunshine breaking out of the clouds

the snow on a cold November morning

the cookie dough in the ice cream

the peanut butter in the m & m

the glitter of the sunrise

the sparkle in the smile

the whipcream on the strawberries....

pretty much...friends are the best. =)

(love y'all)

Some Exciting News

2011-08-30T15:34:00.000-05:00

Hello Peoples!
For about a month now, I have had this urge to learn how to run a home - to learn some necessary skills for a woman. For example: I really wanted to learn how to can something....or how to cook (more)....or how to meal plan.....etc...those kind of things. Well, God provided me with a few opportunities that got to "fan that flame," in the last two weeks! And I thought it would be cool to document the "home-making" things that I do on this blog, for my own purpose, and I can use it towards school records as well, (score!). Henceforth, I have decided to start, a blog series! *smiles* It's called....get ready.....

"The Home-Making Series!"

Ta-da! Yes, I now have revealed what I've been conniving for some days. OK. here we go.....

The Home-Making Series: Apple Cider

We have seven apple trees in our back yard, and since we have such an abundance of apples, my dad and our friend John, decided to borrow a friend's apple cider press to make our own apple cider. It was quite a fun and rewarding night.

Step 1: pick the apples and wash them

Step 2: sort through the apples and see if any have cuts on them or bad spots, and if they do...

Step 3: give them to the ladies and they'll cut them off

Step 3 1/2: let Naomi suck on the apples for extra flavor

Jual and Naomi =)

Step 4: put the apples in the press and one person cranks as the others continue to fill the bucket with apples

Step 5: press the apple juice into pail

Step 6: pour apple cider into filter

Step 7: pour filtered cider into a jug or jar (I prefer the jar)

and....viola! Fresh, home-made, apple cider! We made about twenty-one gallons and shared it with family and friends, and have enjoyed sipping on it ourselves! There ya' go peoples - that's how you make apple cider.

Here endeth my very fist Home-Making Series. =)

the o'brien clan

2011-08-14T15:20:00.000-05:00


(my family is really good at matching when we're not trying to.....and we've done it on many occasions....it's kinda funny actually.) :P anyways.....we finally got a good picture of everyone - SCORE!! :D I just love these guys - they're the best!

The Secret Place

2011-07-30T17:20:00.000-05:00

Meet me in the Secret Place
Draw me into You
Empty me of myself
Break me, make me new

Hold me in the Secret Place
Let all else fade away
Hide me underneath Your wings
And teach me there to stay

Feed me in the Secret Place
Oh precious Bread of Life
You are my Portion
And only You can truly satisfy

Consume me in the Secret Place
Oh Lord, rain down Your fire
'Till all I am is only Yours
And You're my one desire

Build me in the Secret Place
Train my hands for war
Send me out to fight and win
The reward You suffered for

(Christy Osborne)

Addictions.....

2011-07-27T14:06:00.000-05:00

WARNING: don't ever try this. It is highly dangerous and highly addicting.
(and also my very favorite!)

Happy Graduation Shane!!!!!!!

2011-07-27T13:59:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad you're my brother!
I love you!

How Deep

2011-07-26T23:56:00.000-05:00

You were broken that I might be healed
You were cast off that I might draw near
You were thirsty that I might come drink
Cried out in anguish that I might sing

How deep is Your love
How high and how wide is Your mercy
How deep is Your grace
Our hearts overflow with praise
To You

You knew darkness that I might know light
Wept great tears that mine might be dried
Stripped of glory that I might be clothed
Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own

Kyle's Coming Home!

2011-07-24T21:40:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is a very exciting day in the life of the O'Brien family! We are going to pick up brother from the airport!! :D :D We haven't seen him in eleven months - he's an English teacher in Taiwan. Anways, we're going with my cousins and aunt and uncle and grandparents to welcome him back to the US!

This is our family when we picked him up last year

(oh yes......and Elmo. Don't ask. It's a mom thing.) :P

It'll be so wonderful to have you home again Kyle!! I'm really looking forward to some awesome times together! *smiles*

Well, I'm off to continue cleaning for his homecoming......:P
'Night,
bailey =)

Beauty Tips by Audrey Hepburn

2011-07-20T17:47:00.000-05:00

(I thought this was SO cool!)

For attractive lips,

speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes,

seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure,

share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair,

let a child run his or her fingers

through it once a day.

For poise,

walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be

restored,

renewed,

revived,

reclaimed,

and redeemed;

never throw out anyone.

~Audrey Hepburn

I Have A Shelter

2011-07-19T17:09:00.000-05:00

I have a shelter in the storm
When troubles pour upon me
Though fears are rising like a flood
My soul can rest securely
O Jesus, I will hide in You
My place of peace and solace
No trial is deeper than Your love
That comforts all my sorrows

I have a shelter in the storm
When all my sins accuse me
Though justice charges me with guilt
Your grace will not refuse me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
Who bore my condemnation
I find my refuge in Your wounds
For there I find salvation

I have a shelter in the storm
When constant winds would break me
For in my weakness, I have learned
Your strength will not forsake me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
The One who bears my burdens
With faithful hands that cannot fail
You’ll bring me home to heaven

~Beautiful~

2011-07-16T13:40:00.001-05:00

I'm entering a photo contest, and the theme is "Beautiful." this is my very first time doing a photo challenge...so we'll see how it goes! I'm excited, regardless if I win or not. It'll still be fun to enter. =)

www.clickandcapturephoto.blogspot.com

Always His,
Bailey =)

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY CHARLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-11T09:14:00.000-05:00

Yes friends, it is my little brother's birthday today! :D I cannot believe it! My lil' buddy is already seven! I can remember when he was about three, I was trying to imagine what he would look like, or be like, when he turned seven. And now I know! :P

Well peoples, I'm gonna tell you a lil' bit about this boy:

- He loves, loves, LOVES to fish! (repeat that 10 times for dramatic effect). If he could fish all day, every day, he would.

- He enjoys building Legos and is really creative and good at coming up with cool little ships and such.

- He is a great hugger.

- He LOVES people - he dislikes playing by himself, he always wants a buddy

- He's a kitten tamer :P

- One of his favorite things to do is play games, of any kind

- He just lost his very first tooth last Sunday!!

- He wants to go to Haiti and Africa because he wants to help people

- He's very smart (and that's not a biased opinion, really.) He's like a sponge when it comes to learning - he loves to learn, about anything!

Yuppers....that's Charlie. =) just a lil' bit about him. but, here's the charliesm of the week:

Yesterday, we were sitting in our living room, and cotton was flying all around the outside of our house. My older brother, Shane said, "The cotton looks like the angels dancing." Charlie caught on to the idea and exclaimed, "Yeah! The angels are dancing for me cause it's my birthday!" =)

Happy Birthday buddy! I love you! =)

Today I Am....Filled with His Joy and Peace

2011-07-10T11:13:00.001-05:00

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul....the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart..."
Psalm 19:7 & 8

My Jesus is SO good and faithful to me! wow......yeah, He's amazing! Last night, I was in...."the depths of despair." No really, I was depressed, down, defeated...whatever you want to call it. I was miserable - I was a slave to sin and that is a horrible place to be in. It was one of those times when I just need Jesus, right then. I couldn't really pray, except to cry out for help. All I could do was read the Bible, and even then, I didn't even know what to read.   I started in John and just read for about 40 minutes. I didn't get an insight, or a rhema, and no verse really popped out at me, but at the end of that time, I was starting to feel God's peace in my soul.

This morning, I woke up excited to read God's Word! I wanted to know what He was going to show me! I wanted to drink more of that living water - to become more satisfied in Him! So, after getting my coffee, I settled down in my bed to soak up some more Truth. "Purposeful Intimacy," an article written by one of my friends, was what I read first. I would strongly encourage you to go and read it, and then make some changes in your life, as God leads! Through reading that, I knew that I need to make some changed in my life. Then, I continued reading in John....then journaling...and some more reading......by the end of my time in the Word, I was a totally different person than that depressed girl last night! Praise the King! His Word transformed me, in just a matter of minutes! I was filled with His peace, "that passes all understanding;" His joy, His rest.....oh man! It was good. It *is* good! Because I am still walking in peace, that joy, that wonder of His love for me and His goodness to me!

I write all this to let you know of God's amazing faithfulness in my life! He is SO worthy of all that I am! If you're ever feeling down, and need a picking up, just read God's Word. It "revives the soul and rejoices the heart!"

May you find joy, peace and freedom in our Savior today!
Always His,

bailey =)

Nothing Between

2011-07-08T13:54:00.001-05:00

Have you ever opened a hymnal, went to the index, looked for a good title and then went to that song and it's like, a great song?! Yeah, well I did that last night with this song, and...I was challeneged by it. So, I'll share it with you. =)

.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Nothing between my soul and the Savior
Naught of this world's delusive dream:
I have renounced all sinful pleasures
Jesus is mine! There's nothing between.

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,

So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor,
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

Nothing between, like worldly pleasures:

Habits of life, tho harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him ever sever -
He is my all! There's nothing between.

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor,
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

Nothing between like pride or station:
Self or friends shall not intervene;
Tho it may cost me much tribulation,
I am resolved! There's nothing between.

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor,
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

Nothing between, even many hard trials,
Tho the whole world against me convene;
Watching with prayer and much self-denial,
Triumph at last, with nothing between!

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor,
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Draw near to Him today! He is so worthy of our lives!
<3 bailey

More About Me =)

2011-07-06T18:27:00.001-05:00

(to read the original post on what this post is all about, click here.)

Step 19) What do I miss?

I miss:
~ the prayer times at Ellerslie
~ the ottersons =)
~ musician's fellowship
~ watching the sunrise every morning as I drank coffee, and read my bible (in CO)
~ hiking in the Rockies
~ old times with friends
~ coffee dates with my brother
~ playing Marco Polo and King of the Raft with the Otterson kids and Teen Challenge guys
~ Loodles :'(
~ being ten minutes away from Target
~ my dear Ellerslie girls
~ improve classes
~ playing with the O.K. Wingnutz

Step 20) Nicknames I have
~ Bailz
~ Bai
~ Bailer
~ Bailz of hay
~ Rosey Tomato
~ Umphy
~ Bosom Buddy

Step 21) Favorite Food
(I don't have one favorite, so I'll just list my favorite(s) )

~ Spanish Rice
~ Coffee
~ Animal Crackers
~ Pepperoni Pizza
~ Frozen, tart Yogurt
~ Turkey and cheese sandwiches
~ frozen mangos

well...that's it for today. Hoping ya'll are having an awesome July.
I sure am!

God is good.

Step 16, 17 & 18

2011-07-01T11:54:00.000-05:00

OK, so it has been a *very* long time since I have done the
"30 Steps of.....Something" post. Please forgive me - I forgot, and other, more important posts got in the way. However, since I am lacking in ideas to write about, will continue for now. =)

Step 16) Share something you're OCD about

idk if I'm OCD about anything....(please correct me if wrong.) :P Any quirks that I have? Well, when I'm talking to people, while my hands are down at my side, I will trace letters with my finger. So, if I was talking to you and your shirt said, "Old Navy" on it, you could look down at my finger and it would be moving in many directions. :P (get it? it sounds confusing, I know).

Step 17) What am I really looking forward too?

Well....a couple of things,really. =)

~My brother who lives in Taiwan is coming home in less than a month, and I haven't seen him in almost a year!!

~My really good friend, who lived in Denmark (the country) for a year, is finally coming home!!

~and we're having a bluegrass jam tomorrow night, so our awesome friends, the Ottersons, are coming up for the weekend! =)

Step 18) Your wedding/future wedding/wedding you have attended.

hmm....well, I haven't spent *too* much time thinking about my wedding...but here's an idea of what I like/want. =)

For the flowers I like, these white daisies, with some color accent...I'm not quite sure which color though, but that's ok. :P

For the bridesmaid dresses I want this style, except with the skirt to the floor. But in the light blue color, (below).

this is the color I want!! :D (I don't like the styles tho.)

For dessert: well I've never really liked wedding cake.....so I thought that having a variety of cookies would be great. or ice cream cake. *yum!*

As for my wedding dress.....that's yet to be decided. :P And since I haven't found the guy, I'm not to worried about it. =) And all of this is subject to change. :P

that's all for today, folks! Happy 4th!
bailey

God is good.

nutty people that i love

2011-06-26T15:25:00.000-05:00

"Families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts."

(how true. :P Wish you were here, Kyle! Love you guys!)

Under Construction

2011-06-25T00:25:00.001-05:00

WARNING: this blog is under construction. Beware that it might change every now and then, due to the mood of its author. She is tired of the old look, and is trying to come up with something creative and cute, but at the present time is too tired to keep thinking.

(please, bear with me.) :P

"For Most...God Was Not Pleased"

2011-06-20T17:02:00.000-05:00

"For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness."
1 Corinthians 10:1-5

I was reading this today, and this thought from God struck me hard: These people, the Israelites, did all the "right" things - they "went to church every Sunday." They "sang all the songs and prayed all the prayers," they even witnessed miracles done by the living God, yet, "With most of them God was not pleased." Why? Because they didn't know Him. They didn't love Him.

That's the scary thing - this is happening a lot in the Church of Jesus Christ today. People are doing all the "right" things according to the world's eyes, thinking they've made it right with God, but as we read in this passage, doing all the right things doesn't cut it. God loves us. He wants a relationship with us! He doesn't want our filthy rags, He wants us to spend time with us in His presence, enjoying Him!

It says in Song of Solomon 2:10 and 14: My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away...let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely."

Jesus wants to spend time with you! He. loves. you. And He's not a harsh, mean, horrible God - He's a faithful, good, merciful Father!

Oh friends, I pray that none of us get to that Day, and He says to us "Depart from Me - I never knew you." May we press in to know Christ in a way that we never have before! May He be our first Love - may our lives be worthy of His sacrifice!

All in All

2011-06-20T14:31:00.000-05:00

You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek;
You are my All in All
Seeking You as a precious jewel - Lord to give up, I'd be a fool
You are my All in All

Jesus, precious Lamb of God, worthy is Your name
Jesus, precious Lamb of God, worthy is Your name

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame, rising again I bless Your name,
You are my All in All
When I fall down You pick me up, when I am dry You fill my cup,
You are my All in All

Jesus, precious Lamb of God, worthy is Your name
Jesus, precious Lamb of God, worthy is Your name

Birthday Happiness

2011-06-11T18:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my 16th birthday, and the only reason why I'm writing about is because I was SO extremely blessed!! Like really, my family and friends made me feel so special and loved - I was overwhelmed at the goodness of God in my life in placing in my life so many incredible people!

I woke up yesterday, to my family walking in my bedroom singing "Happy Birthday," then they donned on my head a "Happy Birthday" tiara and gave me a balloon. :P My mom told me that they were taking me out for coffee! (they know me well) So, a few minutes later, my family and I were sitting in the Espresso Cabin, sipping on our java treats and danish rolls. It was a sweet times of just enjoying each others company. Oh, before we went in, I said, "please, don't sing happy birthday to me, please!" we walked in, and a friend of ours was working....needless to say, my mom told her it was my bday, and so Marylin began singing and then everyone else joined in, (including the old men's group in the other room, :P) Then, I had to go to wok, but it was ok, cause on the way home my boss and I got free ice cream! =)

I was greeted by two gifts on the table, when I walked into the kitchen. One was a bath set: bath cream, body wash, etc, and the other was a journal. So, then I proceeded to take a long, warm bath (with my new bath stuff)....but first, I checked my email, and I received some really nice bday emails, even from some of my brother's friends in Taiwan! =) After my bath, I spent some time in my room, reflecting on God's undeserved goodness in my life! I was overwhelmed by my Jesus' love for me, my family's love for me, and the thoughtfulness of my sweet friends!

In the middles of my reflecting, my mom came in with a package from some of my awesome friends in Pennsylvania! I was giddy with excitement! they filled the box with little crocheted headbands and bracelets, flowers for my hair, glow sticks, button earrings and ANIMAL CRACKERS!!!!!!!!!! (I LOVE animals crackers) "..brown paper packages tied up with string...these are a few of my favorite things!"
I finished packing for camp (can't wait!!), while watching a season of Christy; played my new piano music, Awaken the Dawn, (they are gorgeous songs, btw); read more of Quest for Love, and by the time I was done with that......it was dinner time.

While sitting around our big picnic table, eating Spanish Rice (yum!), my mom had each of my family share a special memory of me, with me. I almost cried. I really think I have the best family in the whole wide world! (and you can't debate me, cause it's my birthday.) :P Finally...it was time for the presents. Now, I was totally fine waiting all day to open my gifts, but Charlie and Anna had been asking my mom all day, "Can she open her presents now?! please?!"
They were more excited about it than me, which just makes things more fun. =) So, we went into our living room, and my mom placed in front of me a big box.


(the big box)

Well, in that big box there were sixteen presents, (actually there was only, thirteen cause the other three had yet to come in the mail) anyway.....that was fun - opening a box full of little boxes!

For a few weeks, I had been hinting, well not hinting, outright telling my family that I wanted the movie, Tangled for my bday, because it is my all-time favorite movie! Yesterday, Anna said a couple times, "I can't wait to give you your gift! You've wanted it for so long!!" and then she'd just smile really big...all the while, I could not think of what I had wanted for a long time......then I opened my present from her and remembered. :D

Shane gave me a little box, with money inside, and a piece of paper that read, "press button for card." what was so funny, is that there was no way a card could have fit in that tiny box, but I pressed it anyways and Shane stood up and read me my bday card from him. It was a poem that he had written about me wanting a new mandolin, (hence the money). It was awesome and so thoughtful! I loved it! :D

Next, I opened this tin box - it was filled with birthday cards!! from friends, and family....whether close or acquaintances, my mom had told people that it was my birthday, and they responded by sending me lots of letters!! (how I love mail!) I really enjoyed reading through all of those.... to all of you who sent me a birthday card (or package):
THANK YOU!! Your thoughtfulness and encouraging words blessed me more than you know!

Then we finished off the lil' party with ice cream cake, and a rousing game of Imaginiff! It truly was a wonderful, amazing, fun, happy, awesome sweet sixteenth birthday!! :D :D :D

but it didn't end there.....=)
this morning my mom came to me, (again) her arms full of mail! I received more packages and more letters! { :') <happy tear }

Wow....I have never felt more special, loved and blessed in my life! Thank you Jesus, for giving me so many wonderful people! I pray that this year would be filled with many sweet times with You and that the rest of my years would (somehow) be worthy of Your suffering.

I love you all!!
XOXO,
bailey (the sixteen year old) =)

Charlieism of the Week

2011-06-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

Our family was sitting in the car, waiting for my mom to come out of the grocery store, when Shane asked if anyone had gum. Charlie pulled out the gum that he had been chomping on and enthusiastically replied, "Leftovers?!"

Just Remembering

2011-06-07T22:02:00.001-05:00

"Precious memories, how they linger,
how they ever flood my soul!
In the stillness, of the midnight,
precious, sacred scenes unfold."

I am back home after my wonderful trip to Colorado. I was gone for five days and only one of the days I was not in the car... :P However, the long hours in the car was worth it, cause I had a marvelous time at Ellerslie plus, some sweet times with my Papa.

Friday night, Amy and Tessa (our house-mates from CO) invited the students over from the school, and I had a nice evening chatting with the girls. I was encouraged and challenged by two particular girls, especially by their faith in Christ and their love and devotion to Him. After talking to the girls something stirred within my soul, something that hadn't been there in months - a desire to spend time with Jesus. Our God is so merciful and loving to me!!

On Saturday morning, I had a wonderful time with my Savior. A time of praising, confessing, waiting, reading and praying.....and at the end of our time together, I was filled with His joy and His peace! Praise the King! He is so worthy! I went for a walk around campus, taking in all the beauty and in awe that God chose me and my family to live there for three months! (Wow)

Then my dad and I went out for breakfast, came back to the house and began packing up the trailer. We were interrupted by, (a welcome interruption, let me tell ya') a friend who had, (obviously), came to see us. It was so fun/good to catch up with him - to hear how God has been working in his life, and how God is using him to bring about revival in his church - and to reminisce and laugh over old times.

After he left my dad and I went over to another friend's house and had dinner with him, his girlfriend and their A-dorable son!! I played dinosaurs and horses, and even got to meet his fish Henry! *sigh* :D Then, we went over to Cool Berry's and ate some frozen yogurt, with some of the gals from the school. And two of my friends from South Africa sang me two birthday songs in Africanse! :D T'was quite fun!

me and gabe =)

Sunday morning, my dad and I went out for coffee (:D) and then went to Church. Again, I loved seeing some dear sisters in the Lord, and talking with them - hearing what Christ had been doing in their life - and getting plenty of hugs! Following that, we had some incredible worship and a very challenging and great message!! (go to the link, and click on "sermons" and listen to, "The Decision Man." It's not up yet, otherwise I would just link it. :P )

It was sad to leave so soon, but I left with a renewed vision, placed by God, that made me excited for the things to come! I know He is in control, and He has a plan for my life! AND......He is the same God no matter where I am - Windsor, Colorado or Frederic, Wisconsin! I am SO thankful that I got to go back....Jesus did have a greater purpose for us there than just getting our stuff.... He is such a faithful and loving Savior! Oh I love Him! =)

Jesus Met Me Here

2011-06-04T10:41:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm back at the place that I love so much: Windsor, Colorado - Ellerslie - to be more specific. It's so weird being back here.....I can't quite put my finger on it, but.....I don't know. Last night some of the students came over and it was nice catching up. Then this morning, in my old room, Jesus met me.

I had been running for a long time, but after being here last night, I couldn't run any longer. I spent time this morning confessing, praising, waiting, praying...and at the end of time with my Savior, He filled my soul with peace and joy! I felt totally different than I did last night....I spent time with Jesus. And whenever anybody is with God Almighty, you can never be the same. Praise the King!

Now I'm off to pack with my dad. and enjoy some more times in this wonderful place!

For the King and His glory,

bailey =)

{the happenings of my weekend}

2011-06-01T20:28:00.001-05:00

Yes, I had an incredible weekend! Truly, it was filled with SO many fun memories - times that I don't ever want to forget - with many old/new friends; and answers to prayer (good weather), great messages, hours of volleyball (awesome memories) and ultimate Frisbee.....wow...it went by way too fast!! :'( But, I head this quote a couple years ago, and it really challenged me, so I shall share it with you. "Do not look back on happiness of dream of it in the future, you are only sure of today, do not let yourself be cheated of it." I think I am the biggest culprit when it comes to looking back on happiness, however I do think that there are times when it is OK. Therefore, I will tell bits and pieces of my incredible weekend.....so, sit back and imagine that you're in small town Wisconsin.....

Friday started out with little random jobs that needed to be done, like filling water balloons (which, may sound fun, but it is quite time-consuming!). So, I went over to the big, carnival tent thing, and filled up water balloons while I hung out with some munchkins and waited for people to arrive.......I'll not bore you with details, so I'll skip to the exciting parts.....(the most you need to know is that one of my really awesome friends came and we had a BLAST catching up and laughing that night.)

Saturday began with Dr. Larrie Guthrie sharing a message about Christ being the Good Shepherd. He is an amazing speaker by the way -so captivating!! Then all the activities began. I had to help in the Old Time Photo Booth, which means I had to help dress people in old fashioned clothes. It was enjoyable. The rest of the day included volleyball, ultimate Frisbee and water balloons and a bluegrass concert!! :D The Dorucher family came and played their bluegrass instruments for us and they are incredible!! They shine with the light and joy of Jesus and constantly have smiles on their faces! Well, at midnight my sister came running up to me screaming, "Bailey! Bailey! the Durochers are coming for pizza cause they haven't had supper yet!!" and then she ran off. Not five minutes later, their huge RV came up the driveway and 10+ people came piling out of the vehicle and into the kitchen. We stayed up late (or early) that night, sharing stories, laughing and eating. And later we came to find out that we go to the same camp! and we'll be going to same week. So, I'll get to be counselors with all of them. I am so excited!!! :D D

Sunday was also an incredible day, but the best thing happened when my brother surprised us by inviting up a friend from Ellerslie that we hadn't seen in over six months! It was the best surprise ever!!! :D :D We had a ball introducing her to all our friends and laughing over good times, and hugging, and staying up late, and laughing some more......(Sarah, we miss you!!!)
Earlier that night, we played vball and it was one of the most hilarious nights of my life......one of those times where you had to be there.

Then Monday finished up with a memorial service, and a challenging message, more vball, :P, taking down the tent and going on a walk with some of my favorite girlies!!

It was so sad when everyone had to leave, but I'm so thankful that God gave us memory so we can re-live those precious moments!! (sorry that this post had little detail. Those of you who weren't there, use your imagination. And those of you who were, our memories live on as I continue to laugh with you!!)

And now....tomorrow my dad and I are road-tripping to Colorado!! :D :D Hopefully more memories to come!

(here are some pics. enjoy!)

rosey tomato and skinny cow
(don't ask - long story = good memories)

yes! we fit us all in....well, most of us.

the durocher family

the family Olympics - "Papa Loon" race

spaghetti noodles in hair - very fun

all the moms had to find their families while everyone was screaming "Mom!" (haha)

she had to suck the pudding through the nylon - go Jessika!

they just had to get a pic with Batman! =)

Sarah and Charlie are the best buds! *so cute*


Anna, MamaO, Sarah and Bailz

my awesome girlies

(haha!) Charlie and Hannah


Skinny Cow and Rosey Tomato again :P

me and this most-darling girl, ever!

we went on a walk and the mud kept kicking up on our pants..
it was rather annoyingg. :P

Cherishing the memories,

bailey =)

{i love.....memorial day, colorado, pics and Jesus! }

2011-05-26T20:43:00.000-05:00

Hola chicas! So.....this is a random post..that includes random things....about random stuff....(get the point?) Antyways.....I wanted to let ya'll in on a few exciting things that are happening in this gal's life:

1) Tomorrow is Friday of Memorial Day weekend, which means.....FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!! :D :D :D Here at the camp that I live at, (the Wilderness Fellowship) we have a huge, family, memorial-day hoopla -thingy! It's a blast!! So, I get to see friends, (that I haven't seen in ages) and we get to listen to awesome speakers, and play volley-ball and ULTIMATE-FRIZBEE!!!! Plus, other cool stuff, like turtle races, (yes, they're amazing) and family olympics, and water balloon tosses, and getting your pic taken in old time clothes.....yuppers, it's a pretty grand weekend!

2) I'M GOING TO COLORADO NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D

Seriously, I'm pumped....I've missed that place SO MUCH! And I can't wait to be back there, see peoples, hear Eric preach, go out to eat with friends, spend 24+ hours in the car with my dad....yeah, It'll be wonderful!!! :D

3) To add to the randomness...here are some pics that I took this week - just because. =)

4) Jesus has been showing me SO MANY awesome passages in His Word! The depth of the Bible is incredible!! And, I've been amazed at how I've been set free from sin just as scripture was spoken to me! (john 8:32) I just love my Jesus SO much! He is SUCH a good, faithful, amazing God!

Hope ya'll have a superbly-fantabulous night!

Love and hugs,
bailey =)

2011-05-19T08:51:00.000-05:00

.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You;
because he trusts in You."
Isaiah 26

.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

"Only what's done for Christ will last...."

(Here's the link to the rest of this great article written by two great men of God. It challenged me, so I wanted you to be able to read it too.)

.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

brothers...=)

2011-05-11T20:51:00.000-05:00

Tonight at dinner we were talking about Mother's Day. My sister asked when Father's Day was, and after discussing that for a moment, Charlie piped up, "Is there a brother's day?!"

(yup...siblings are great! )

:: springyness ::

2011-05-07T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hello Dear People!

I think spring is almost here....maybe....I'm not sure...It's looking like it wants to pop out...honestly, it can't make up its mind. :P Anyways....It was my lovely mother's birthday last week and I just felt like sharing some pics with you! =)

Can you count how old she is?? :P


My brothers in Taiwan sent her a bouquet of flowers for her bday....(my father trained them well.)


Aren't they be-a-utiful?!

I think that God has blessed me with the most beautiful, and best Mom in the whole world!
She is:

fun to be with
a prayer warrior
stands up for those who cannot stand up for themselves
a listener
points you to Christ whenever you're in a tough spot
a woman after God's own heart

I love you, Mom! =)

(here are some more spriny pictures)

xoxo,
bailey =)

{charlieism of the week}

2011-05-06T13:57:00.000-05:00

Charlie: "I know four words in Spanish! Labanna, autobus, si and danke!"

(Danke is German for 'thank you.')

{a prayer for my husband}

2011-04-27T17:40:00.001-05:00

“Father, in the name of Jesus I believe you are providing your very best for me. And the man who will be united with me in marriage has awakened to righteousness. Father as you have rejoiced over Jerusalem, so shall my bridegroom rejoice over me. Thank You, Father, that he will love me as Christ loves the Church. He will nourish, carefully protect and cherish me. Father, I believe because he is Your best, that doubts, fears, wavering and insecurity are not apart of him, but he speaks forth the oracles of God, acknowledging Your full counsel with all wisdom and knowledge. He does not speak or act contrary to Your Word. He walks totally in love, esteeming and preferring others better than himself. Father, I believe that everything not of You shall be removed from my life. And I thank You for the perfecting of Your Word in my life that I may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Father, I praise You for the performance of Your Word on my behalf!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

(Author not remembered)

{the woman I want to be}

2011-04-27T17:16:00.001-05:00

"Let us choose together the ideal woman….
First, she must be pure and noble. A truly ideal woman must not be one who is silly or frivolous, nor shall she be guilty of actions that appear vulgar or unfeminine. She must be sweet-voiced and gentle. How a loud, boisterous woman jars on one’s feelings! She must always have a kind word for all. I cannot think of an ideal woman as one who might unjustly criticize me to my back. Her clothing must be modest and becoming – how could an ideal woman wear anything that would cause those looking on her to be offended or astonished. Her person must not be overly adorned with ornaments, but rather she must be known for the beauty of her character. Her face may be pretty or it may not be, but that is of no real importance at all. She must be a good housewife and a good mother, if God so calls her to marriage and blesses her with children. She must be loving, tender-hearted, and sympathetic. She must be the kind of woman to whom you would not be afraid to whom you would not be afraid to tell your troubles. She must be true-hearted and loyal in friendship, never breaking faith. She must be a Christian, serving God with all her heart. If every girl would set up such a pattern for her ideal, how different many lives would be!"

Beautiful Girlhood, pg74-75

(O Lord, shape me into this kind of woman!)

Hallelujah, Our Lord is Risen!

2011-04-25T14:12:00.000-05:00

"Oh hallelujah, our Lord is risen! He rose up from the grave!
Death is defeated, the stone's been rolled back,
the tomb is empty where He lay!"

Here's a small compilation of my weekend's happenings...
On Saturday, my grandparents came up to celebrate Easter with us. Egg dying is an Easter tradition in my family and something which I enjoy doing. My mom however, forgot that there was three kids and not two, so she didn't boil enough eggs. :( But, I did get to dye a couple of my brother's eggs.... =) 'Twas fun!

oh yes! and these are some Jello eggs that Charlie and my mom made. We had fun snacking on them!

On Resurrection Sunday, we woke up bright and early for our "Easter Sunrise Service." I always look forward to this day - it's such a special time! I love the excitement of getting up before dawn and then putting on warm clothes and hauling blankets up to the hill. Then watching the sun rise as we sing hymns and listen to people share how God has been working in there lives. After that, we all gather together for an early breakfast of egg-bake, weiners, cinnamon rolls and orange juice!
However, by nine o'clock everyone's whooped and needing a nap! :P

After we all had our nap and ate some lunch, we children waiting inside while my parents hid the eggs. I think Easter egg hunting is fun, (some might think me too old, but I don't think you're ever too old to have fun with lil' munchkins!). Watching Anna and Charlie running around and yelling is quite amusing....

remains of a smooshed egg...

The End.
God is good.

The Gospel

2011-04-22T09:33:00.002-05:00

I watched "The Gospel" when I was back at Ellerslie. It is a video about the Gospel - the saving message of Jesus Christ's work on the cross. Now some of you may be thinking, "Oh, I know what the Gospel is and I'll hear it again this Sunday, so I won't listen to it..." No, this Gospel is not like anything you've heard before. Yes, it's about Jesus dying and being resurrected, however, it's so much more!

I would highly encourage you to take ten minutes out of your day and watch this video.
I recommend setting aside a specific time where you whole mind and heart can be focused on what you're listening to. You might want to bring tissues.

I pray that God would use this message in the life of every person who hears it. I pray LORD, that you would break us, so that we might see our sin, and your glory - that we might see our desperate need for You, and catch the vision for the victorious life that You've called us to live.

Thank You God, that You loved us enough to give us Your only Son, as a sacrifice for our sins.

May we live this life worthy of the calling we have received!
For Your glory and Your renown!

"This is LOVE: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
1 John 4:10

a spring stroll

2011-04-20T18:34:00.000-05:00

It was a sunny, Sunday afternoon, and I hadn't been outside, so I decided to go on walk. Henceforth, (did I even use that word correctly? it just sounded elegant) I donned my purple, wool mittens/gloves; fancy, wrinkled, pink scarf; and my green hat. Then, I grabbed my camera and my little, pink Bible, and began my walk....These are some of the photographs. They're nothing spectacular, but I felt like posting them anyways.....

the silly, un-matched photographer and author. =)

Enjoying the weather and my Savior,
bailey =)

Charlieism of the Week

2011-04-08T21:02:00.000-05:00

Charlie pulls a can of whip cream out of the fridge, plops down on the kitchen table and sighs,
"I'm trying to be healthy, but it's just not working!"

Randomness...=)

2011-04-04T20:26:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!
The life of Bailey O'Brien has been a little busy lately, and I realize that you haven't really heard from me in a while. I have posted some articles, and pictures,and videos, however, this post is a little more about me and what's been going on in my life. =)

(just a quick side note: please excuse all improper grammar and punctuation. I'm kinda' on a roll, writing wise, and once I get started I tend to forget grammar and punctuation and all that good stuff. :P)

Where to start? *thinking* Well, for the most part my life has been pretty normal....school....hanging with the family (which I love dearly)....school....seeing friends...enjoying spring....etc. Oh and with spring comes sapping season! At the christian retreat center that I live at we collect sap (from our trees) to turn into syrup. We have about 750 buckets in our woods that we have to collect from about every other day...so that's been taking up some of my time (and you'll see some pics later in the post).

On the spiritual side of things....Jesus has been continuing to draw my heart closer to Him! I love Him so much!! One thing that He has been using in my life to encourage and challenge me in my walk with Him, is "A Place of Quiet Rest," a devotional book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I continued to be awed by the wisdom and insights that God has given to this great woman of faith! I would highly recommend it to anyone in search of a deeper walk with Christ!

And now....PICTURES!!!!! (but not quite yet :P) (I LOVE pictures, for those of you who don't know.)

On Saturday we were planning to collect sap later in the afternoon, and we wanted to call some friends to come and help us with our work, (cause it's always kinda' fun with friends) and we couldn't really think of anybody that lived close enough to call, and the ones we could think of lived two hours away. Well....after some hemming-and-hawing we called those friends that lived two hours away, and much to our great surprise they came!! After saying all our "hi's" and catching up for a minute, we all donned our mud boots and marched out to the woods!


Steps involved in the sapping process: 1) Take the tin bucket off of the tree 2) dump the sap into you five-gallon pail

3) carry your buckets to the bobcat and dump!

Go Mike!


Zach and Charlie are best buds!

Anna and Tabby = Friends Forever!

The whole sappin' bunch!
"Show your braces!" (inside joke)

We had an awesome time with our buddies, the Ottersons! They are a bluegrass family (for those of you not into bluegrass, it means they sing/play bluegrass/gospel music as a family) so after working for a couple hours we jammed for a couple hours! (to jam: to play your instruments with your friends. Bailey's definition )
After cooking six pizzas and scarfing them down our throats, we packed up our instruments and got into our two conversion vans, and drove over to a nearby church where they were having a bluegrass-jam/concert.

It was an amazingly fun night! We watched other bands play.....my brother and I played with our band, Crossed Paths...and then us kids, (Shane, Levi, Hannah and I) played a couple songs (which was really fun!!), and after us, the Otterson family played a few songs (they were a hit! everyone LOVED them!!). Then, us kids played again, and Anna, Tabby and Zach played with us this time too!

Shane, Levi, Hannah and me performing "Blackberry Blossom" and the next one is "Salt Creek."

Anna and Tabby joined us for one of our old favorites: "Whoa Mule,Whoa!"

After playing, eating, listening and playing some more, we got into a circle with our instruments and some friends and did some more jamming!! It was a totally, awesomely, fun night!! My "Otter friends" stayed the night, and we hung out yesterday.....the eventually left, which was sad, but I'm doing my best to survive!

So....that's just a lil' preview about what's been going on. It's been a great 2011 so far, with all the ups and downs but, God has continued to show Himself faithful! "Oh what a Jesus!"

Love and hugs,
Bailey =)

old funnies

2011-03-26T21:36:00.000-05:00

I laughed..... =)

His Treasured Possesion

2011-03-19T20:06:00.000-05:00

"For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations…”

Deuteronomy 7:6-9

Help....please?

2011-03-17T20:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Dear Friends!

I am in a bit of a blogging situation: I want to change my blog name, but I don't know what to change it to! (what a dilemma!)

"Set Apart Girl" was a I'm-really-excited-to-start-blogging-so-I'll-just-chose-this-name kinda thing....I didn't really love it, yet, it was OK.....but now, I think it's kind of....original? yes.

Not that this thing is really a hugs issue, however, if any of you have any neat blog-name ideas, I would happily receive and consider them! =)

Thank you for your time and consideration on this very pressing matter,

Bailey :P

An Amazing Testimony: Gianna Jessen

2011-03-10T08:10:00.000-06:00

I watched this story at my friend's blog yesterday, and was.....um, inspired and grieved at the same time. Encouraged by her story and God's work in her life, but dis-heartened at the state of our world. I hope this blesses you,
Bailey =)

and my new favorite quote ever (!) :

"I can't do everything, but I refuse to do nothing."

Amen!

Set Apart for One

The Great Rescue

The Return of the Prodigal

answering questions....

I got tagged by a pal to answer these 48 questions (which I just love doing...) Ready or not....here I go!

Camping Trip!

WATCH THIS!

The Romance of Bailey and Nik

photo shoot: anna

sneak peak: Anna

Modesty - is it such a big deal?

{giggles, coffee, pictures, scripture, campfires, teacups and flowers....}

exciting times

The Homemakeing Series: Pickles

friends are:

Some Exciting News

the o'brien clan

The Secret Place

Addictions.....

Happy Graduation Shane!!!!!!!

How Deep

Kyle's Coming Home!

Beauty Tips by Audrey Hepburn

I Have A Shelter

~Beautiful~

More Question....with More Answers

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY CHARLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I Am....Filled with His Joy and Peace

Nothing Between

More About Me =)

Step 16, 17 & 18

nutty people that i love

Under Construction

"For Most...God Was Not Pleased"

All in All

Birthday Happiness

Charlieism of the Week

Just Remembering

Jesus Met Me Here

{the happenings of my weekend}

{i love.....memorial day, colorado, pics and Jesus! }

brothers...=)

:: springyness ::

{charlieism of the week}

{a prayer for my husband}

{the woman I want to be}

Hallelujah, Our Lord is Risen!

The Gospel

a spring stroll

Charlieism of the Week

Randomness...=)

old funnies

His Treasured Possesion

Help....please?

An Amazing Testimony: Gianna Jessen