A Word for 2020

“Choose one word to live by in the next year.”  This was the challenge introduced to a room full of high-school bible study students at my church a few years ago.  “A word that will define your actions and priorities this coming year.”  This challenge was a welcome depart from New Year’s resolutions which always seem to skillfully elude us after a couple of months.  That year, I chose the word “servant” to live by.  I failed many times to uphold that word, however, it provided an indispensable goal and something to strive towards throughout the entire year.  

After much prayer and consideration, the word I’m choosing to focus on this year is Peace.

  

Peace in the Bible is not the same as we casually use the term today - “If I could just have some peace and quiet I could get a lot more done.”  Or, “If only there was peace in the world.”  The kind of peace Jesus offers is joyful rest and contentment in God’s plan for us.  Peace is knowing that every aspect of our lives is for our good and His pleasure.  Additionally, it is one of the Fruits of the Spirit.  I can think of wonderful Christian influences in my life that live with this mindset of peace. It is truly amazing to see how this mindset affects every aspect of their lives. 

Two Bible verses immediately come to mind when I think of peace: Isaiah 26:3 and John 14:27 (emphasis added).  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” and “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  These are powerful promises from a powerful Savior.  

I always loved writing goals on New Year’s Eve.  It was a fun time of reflection on the closing year, and a time of hopeful prospects for the coming year.  But they rarely stuck, and once they were gone...there was no motivation to resume the resolution anew.  Having a word as inspiration for the New Year transforms and replaces every goal and resolution.  I am so thankful for the many blessings this last decade held, and look forward to what God has in store for 2020.  

Set Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy

A sweet friend loaned me this book after she read it and spoke so highly of it.  After only reading a few chapters, I quickly realized why my friend valued this book so much.  In a culture that praises immodesty and covets worldliness, this book was a refreshing detour from worldly pursuits.  I highly recommend reading this book!  It was an energizing and convicting read.  It offers a great reminder of why saving your heart for Christ is so important. Here's the link to the book on Amazon.

My CLEP Test Experience

I am not sure when I first heard about CLEP tests, but I immediately dismissed the idea and assumed it would not work out for me.  If only I had known at the time that I would have successfully benefitted from two CLEP tests.

Fast forward to my senior year of high school, I read Kathy Cooksey's His B.A. Was Only $8k: Quick, Fun, College For Ages 12-99 Years.  I was very inspired to at least try a CLEP test.  I figured I had nothing to lose except a little time and money.  Worst case, if I failed the test, I would be extra prepared for the classes that I was trying to test out of.  I first set my sights on the Introductory Psychology CLEP test.  I started studying for it in May of my senior year and took it three months later in August.  I was ecstatic!  A few months after successfully passing this first one, I decided I wanted to attempt a second CLEP test.  This time, I wanted to take the Introductory Sociology CLEP test.  I studied for this second test over Christmas break (about four weeks) and passed it successfully as well.  Six college credits with only a few weeks of studying!  The tests were not easy, but they were not impossibly hard either.  With some dedicated study time, they are definitely doable.  I now personally know a family whose son obtained his degree by only taking CLEP and DSST exams.  Pretty amazing!

To prepare for each of the two CLEP tests, I bought the REA CLEP study guides for the respective tests (about $20 each on Amazon) and two months access to Instantcert online flashcards ($20 a month).  These were the only resources I used, which cost roughly $80 in total.  Even with these expenses and the cost of the tests themselves, it was still exponentially cheaper than paying for six college credit hours plus textbooks.  If you are looking to save money on college, CLEP tests are the way to go.  

Looking back, I have nothing but great things to say about the entire experience.  Receiving inexpensive college credit from the convenience of my home was unrivaled.  Another advantage of CLEP tests is you do not need to have already graduated from high school to start earning college credits.  Additionally, the tests are pass/fail.  If you pass the test, you receive credit for that course.  If you don't pass the test, the failed attempt does not show up on your college transcript.  I recommend checking with your college of choice to ensure they accept CLEP credit and that it counts towards your degree requirements.  As a nursing student, obtaining my degree solely through CLEP tests is not possible.  However, I was still able to benefit from taking the two tests that I did.  I highly recommend looking into CLEP tests to see if they will work for you and your program of study.

Words of Wisdom from Corrie Ten Boom

"Jesus did not promise to change the circumstances around us.  He promised great peace and pure joy to those who would learn to believe that God actually controls all things."
- Corrie Ten Boom

Free Hymn Arrangements for Piano

Playing hymns on the piano is one of my favorite past times.  Recently, I heard about this website which has many free hymn arrangements for piano.  I have so enjoyed experimenting with these arrangements.  They sound great!  Some of my favorites from this website include "Jesus Loves Me," "Jesus Paid It All," "To God be the Glory," and "Are You Washed in the Blood?"  Each arrangement is available in multiple skill levels, so everyone can find enjoyment in these timeless favorites.

Link to the hymn arrangements: https://michaelkravchuk.com/free-sheet-music/piano/arrangements/

Happy piano playing!!!

My Summer Reading List...

With school out for the summer, it is time to pick up some books which have been on my reading list for a while.  With a cup of hot tea in hand, I'm looking forward to digging into these books this summer:

#1 Abide in Christ by Andrew Murray
Anything by Andrew Murray is amazing!  We picked up this gem at a library book sale a while back and I have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to begin reading it.  His books overflow with wisdom and humility.
#2 A White Bird Flying by Bess Streeter Aldrich
This is the sequel to my favorite A Lantern in Her Hand.  The original book reminds me of a mix between Little House on the Prarie and a Janette Oke novel.  I'm excited to see which direction the author takes with this sequel.
#3 A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
This series by Francine Rivers, The Mark of the Lion, has come to me highly recommended by several friends. Her books are generally not my favorite...I like the message of the books, but they are INTENSE.  I usually prefer lighter reads, but since the books have already been loaned to me by a friend, I will give them a try.
#4 Emma by Jane Austen
I have only read one Jane Austen novel so far, Pride and Prejudice, so I'm curious to read more of her works.  She is classic!  I have heard Emma is a more comical work of Austen's.
#5 Julie by Catherine Marshall
Christy by Catherine Marshall is one of my all-time favorite books, so I am looking to forward to reading another book by her.  This book is set during the Great Depression in a town prone to flooding from what I've read about it.
#6 Love's Unending Legacy by Janette Oke
This is the 5th book in the Love Comes Softly series.  I have been slowly working my way through these books by Janette Oke. I generally read one of these books over summer break and one over Christmas break.
#7 Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot
Any book by Elisabeth Elliot is a true gem; her wisdom is unmatched.  This book focuses on her husband Jim Elliot's life.
#8 The Hope Chest by Rebekah Wilson
I loved the Grandmother's Hope Chest books and crafts by Rebekah Wilson when I was younger, so I am inspired to read this book which has been on our shelf for a while.  I think the whole idea of a hope chest is so sweet.  I'm thinking this book will share some good pointers as to what should constitute a hope chest.
#9 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Another classic.  I recently heard a friend say this was her favorite book.
#10 Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
I have never read anything by Jerry Bridges, but everyone in my church speaks very highly of him.  I have been told he is one of the most humble people you will ever hear of, and I am looking forward to reading this book about the sovereignty of God.

Did Homeschooling Prepare Me for College?

As a home-school graduate finishing my sophomore year of college, people are often surprised when they hear I was homeschooled.  I am quite frequently asked: "Did homeschooling prepare you for college?" The short answer: Yes!  I wholeheartedly believe the reason I have done well in college is attributable to my years of homeschooling.  I could elaborate for days, but these are the highlights of how homeschooling benefitted me in my first year of college.

Years of homeschooling taught me to take control of my schoolwork, manage my time effectively, and be an independent learner.  My parents were always more than happy to answer questions or provide guidance where needed, but I was encouraged to take on my education as my own.  As a result, I have never struggled with self-motivation or time management in college. Once you start college, no one is there to stand over you to check that you read your assigned chapters, completed your homework, or if you have studied for your upcoming tests. 

From being homeschooled, I was already comfortable interacting with various age groups which has been indispensable since starting college.  I was completely confident from the beginning communicating with professors, staff, and students, yet watched other public-school graduates struggle with this.

Thanks to Lessons Worth Learning Classes for homeschoolers, I had already read many college-level classic books and had strong foundations in writing.  Apologia's science textbooks are incredible and prepared me exceptionally well for my college science classes.  My Apologia chemistry textbook was more difficult than my college-level Intro to Chemistry textbook at a distinctly science-driven university.  Except for one chapter on organic chemistry in my college textbook, I was already familiar with all topics covered in my college chemistry class.  

Needless to say, I highly recommend homeschooling for effective college preparation.

Easiest Cookies on the Planet

Nothing is better than pulling a fresh batch of cookies out of the oven.  An added bonus is when the cookies take five minutes to mix together and only require four ingredients.  Sounds too good to be true, right?

The recipe:

4-5 Over-ripe bananas
2 Cups rolled oats
2 Cups quick oats
3/4 - 1 Cup chocolate chips or raisins

Bake on greased cookie sheets at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Makes approximately 30 small cookies. 

In one large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or pastry blender before adding in the oats.  After stirring in the oats, add in the chocolate chips or raisins.  I use a small cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size, and then slightly flatten the mounds of cookie dough before baking.

Kids love these cookies!  The recipe is easy enough that they can help make them, too.  I make this recipe when we have over-ripe bananas that need to be either used quickly or thrown away.

Enjoy!

"Stepping Heavenward" by Elizabeth Prentiss

This sweet book by Elizabeth Prentiss is a true gem.  I read it first in high-school, but have been reading it again over the past months with a precious group of girls from my church.  This book follows a girl's spiritual journey through the highs and lows of her earthly life.  It is a humbling read and many lessons can be learned from it.  I have laughed and cried right alongside the main character of this book.  Seeing the main character's growth as a Christian is beautiful.  The well-known hymn "More Love to Thee, O Christ" is written by the same author of Stepping Heavenward.  If you are looking for a convicting read this Summer, I cannot recommend Stepping Heavenward enough.  It will not leave you the same person it found you.

Is College Literature Sinful?

Is college literature sinful?

It doesn't have to be...

A major concern of mine before college was the required literature classes.  I had heard terrible things about literature classes and the appalling literature that students were required to read at secular public universities.  Having come out alive on the other side of these required classes, here are a few thoughts to consider before enrolling in literature classes at a secular institution.

Research beforehand. Research the different class options and what is required of each class offering.  Not all literature classes are created equally.  Some professors specialize in one area of literature over another.  Some professors are more inclined to select classic literature for their classes, while others are less inclined to do so.  Emailing professors ahead of time to ask what their required book selections are can be a crucial deciding factor when it comes to literature classes.  I've seen some required booklists that were downright appalling, but some are quite great.  If no class can be found with decent literature requirements, there is almost always an alternative. If all else fails, most institutions will let you take a comparable class elsewhere and transfer the credit.  In this case, you could even take a literature class from a Christian university and transfer the credit.

I have taken three college English classes as course requirements: one was a general composition class, and two were literature classes.  My English composition class read some pretty crummy literature to be quite honest.  We read some classic literature too, but one book, in particular, was less than desirable.  This was before I knew I could pick and choose literature classes based on their book selections as long as it still met the requirements for my major.  My first Literature class used the Norton Anthology of Western Literature, Volume Two by Martin Puchner. This was mainly okay with few questionable and only a couple "bad" selections of literature.  My second literature class read mainly classic medieval texts such as The Epic of Gilgamesh, Oedipus Tyrannus, Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Canterbury Tales, Macbeth. and Lazarillo de Tormes and the Swindler.  I was surprised and delighted to find most of these texts had Christian themes to them.  These are classic texts that people have been reading for hundreds of years and were mostly decent in nature.

It is okay to be open to new ideas or interpretations of literature, but screen everything through the lens of a Christian worldview and the Bible.  It's perfectly okay to not agree with everything you read or hear a professor say.  We believe what we believe for a reason.  Be solid in your faith and never let a piece of literature or professor change that.