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Living 4 Jesus 4 Life <3 January 29, 2011
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In this issue... meet Autumn and Sarah!
... try a brand-new recipe!
... read about an answered prayer!
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My True Friend - by Autumn Posey
Albert Einstein wisely stated, “In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.” One difficulty I have experienced in my life has been making friends. This is probably something many people have experienced and can relate to, and yet to others it seems unfathomable.
I have never been a very outgoing person. When I’m with people I know, I am content to stay with them, and meet no one else; when I’m alone somewhere, I tend to stand off in the corner or take the back seat. These are my natural inclinations. If someone is willing to talk to me first, I will readily converse with them, but I will not introduce myself to them first.
When I was about fourteen, I began to question the friendships I had. Yes, I had fun with my friends when I was with them, but did they really care about me? I knew they all went to church and basically that they were “good” kids. But, what I couldn’t tell was this: did they have the same ultimate goals in their lives as I did, to glorify God here on earth and one day be with Him for eternity in heaven, or were they just living for the fun of the moment? I started praying for a friend, a true friend. I wanted God to choose a friend for me that would really care about me, and about my life, and I would be able to see this clearly in them.
After a few months of praying that prayer, the prayer for a friend, I was getting ready to go to the ATI regional conference in Big Sandy, TX. I planned to be a team leader assistant at the Children’s Institute there for the first time. I prayed even more fervently then that I would find the friend God had for me there, that she would be a lasting friend, and we would not just have fun together, but encourage each other in our walks with God. I knew my prayer would be answered, because the Lord promised, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22).
At the conference, I was put on a team with two other leaders. All three of us got along really well and worked great as a team. But I knew one of them was the friend God had chosen just for me. Although McKayla and I did not keep up very well after the conference, I always knew she was there for me if I needed her. In a very short time I considered her one of my best friends, because I knew she cared about me and was open to any prayer request I would have. We did not talk all that often, but when we did I was extremely encouraged. When we see each other, we have a great time, and we still don’t keep up with each other very much, but I always know she is the friend God chose specifically for me.
Since that time, I have prayed for friends everywhere I go. That difficulty strengthened my faith. I always pray when I go anywhere that I will find the friends God has for me. Just as could be imagined, I have made much better friends since I began praying that prayer. I have made friends that I do know are headed in the same direction as me, and when I am with them we make good memories, but I also leave encouraged. I am reminded each time I spend time with new acquaintances or old friends, of God’s answer to my prayers.
Also, even though I did not start out with this in mind, I have become a lot more outgoing since I began to pray for the friends God has for me. It is easy to talk to people I have never met, because I know with God as my very best friend, I can do anything. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). When I leave a new group of people, I do not always have a new best friend, but I am able to confidently go up and introduce myself to the people I am with and have a good time while I am there.
Throughout my life, one of my biggest struggles has been to make friends. But through this difficulty, I have had the opportunity to experience God’s love in a very real way. He has answered my prayers by bringing people into my life that I know possess His love for me. My faith has been strengthened. He has become my true friend.
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My name is Sarah Elisabeth Stephens. I am 14 years old and I was born on March 31st, 1996. I have 7 brothers and sisters. 3 brothers and 4 sisters. I have a mom and a dad that love me very much. I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was 6 years old. My favorite verse is Romans 8:28- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose.
Lately God has been teaching me that even though I may go through a hard time that He's always going to be right there with me. And no matter what there is always someone, somewhere in the world that has it much worse than i do. He also has just put a fire into my heart about people that are lost without God. I just pray that this Newsletter will encourage you and help you to continue to grow in Jesus Christ. God Bless!
Sarah Elisabeth
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Hey, my name is Autumn Posey. I am seventeen years old. I am home schooled and I am a junior in high school this year. I enjoy swimming, running, hanging out with my friends and family, definitely 4-H, and almost all kinds of art! I have a pretty big family with five siblings: Heather, 21; Levi, 20; Caleb 15; Sarah, 13; and Joshua, 6.
I live with my family here in Rotan, TX, and as long as I can remember I have lived in the middle of a cotton field. I love my small town life. If there is something I am most afraid of, it is growing up and leaving!
I have always loved drawing and just doodling but I actually got to start taking oil painting lessons in February of 2009. I also took graphic designing as my elective for the second year this past year. I hope to be able to use my design skills in a career someday!
I became a Christian when I was nine years old and I have seen God do great things in my life and in the lives of those around me. I am confident that if I strive to do His will in all things, He will direct my paths.
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Blanch 2-3 lbs. or so fresh beans
Wrap bundle of 10 beans in half piece of bacon. Seam side down
Place bundles in a 9x13 pan.
Mix 1/4 -1/2 c melted butter w 1 t garlic salt, 1 t soy sauce, and 1 c brown sugar. Spread mixture over bean bundles. Marinate overnight.
Bake on 350• for 30 minutes or until bacon is crisp. ( will require more time in oven if not brought to room temp before placing in oven)
Makes about 15 bundles. I have noticed people eat a lot more beans when using this recipe. I try to allow 2 bundles per person.
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