A Maiden's Quest

Just this last September, I was priviledged to go to an awesome young ladies retreat called "A Maiden's Quest." Put on by four talented and God honoring young ladies, it truly was delightful. I would to go to another of their retreats in a heartbeat. The website doesn't do it justice though, it is so amazingly good! Some topics included were:

• Cultivating a relationship with Jesus Christ


• Developing Vision


• Delighting in Femininity


• Waiting for Prince Charming


• Living under the Lordship of Christ


• Visit http://www.maidensquestminstries.com for more info.

One of the things I greatly enjoyed at the retreat was when they read Proverbs 31: 10-12: Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil ALL the days of her life.

They began to explain that "all the days of your life" begins on the day you are born, and not the day of your wedding. That was just so interesting to me, because I had never really given it any thought about doing my future husband good and not evil. That means guarding our hearts in due earnest. I mean, why would we willingly want to look on other young men as potential husbands, thereby defrauding our own future husbands of our whole hearts? I can't remember whether it was Katrina Reibsch or Tara Riddell who said this, but one of them said that it is easier to guard your heart when you think that you are pretty much engaged. God has your future all planned, right down to the man you marry, so some day you will be engaged. So instead of 'scouting around,' walk with the attitude of you are already taken. I challenge any girl, (or guy for that matter) reading this, to save their heart for their future spouse! Remember, it is through Christ Alone that we have any strength. Don't try to guard your heart in your own strength, but in the Lord's strength and the power of His might.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Brooke Parsons

Looking Back

Hey Y'all! My blog just left the dark ages! I mean, it actually has pictures now. I have been hearing lately that a blog with pictures is just a better blog. ;o) Following is a collection of photos from our Summer. Consider this a sunshiny rememberence, as we head into the frosty days of Autumn / Winter. ;o) As everyone who lives in Western Washington knows, we have frequent rainstorms 3/4 of the year. A friend just pointed out that Washingtonians truly have an appreciation for the sun. ;o) Goodnight everyone, and God Bless!

~Brooke Parsons~

Sunday Night volleyball after church- July 2007

A portion of our yard / June 2007

The adorable bridge at CYIA

(My cabin is barely visible)

Myself and Hannah on Sunday Night-July

(Right after volleyball)

Beautiful Mount Baker

(taken from the ferry)

That's all folks, hopefully more pictures will be coming soon to a blog near you. ;o)

Thoughts From The Stump

Lonely. Forsaken. That's kind of how I felt yesterday. My Grandma died on September 29, and shortly before that my dad broke his hand; meaning he can't work. So, life has not been an unending source of joy for me lately. But, God has been teaching me that my joy doesn't come from life, but from Him. The Lord is really using this time to stretch me, to teach me to depend on Him, and to draw me closer. In the book of Job, Job talks about being refined, and coming forth as gold. It seems that God is trying that approach on me. :o) Well, I was sitting on a stump in the woods behind our house, vainly trying to memorize scripture and a poem I have been working on. I was kind of low in spirits, because it seemed that no one really cared about me, or wanted to spend time with me. Now, that totally isn't true, but that's the road I let myself wander down. While I was sitting on the stump wallowing in self pity, a thought entered my mind. It was something like "Maybe I could derive some joy if I start thanking God." I mentally noted all the things that I could be thankful for ie; my family, my friends I had seen earlier that day, my books, God's word etc. Amazingly it picked me out of the pit, and God began to speak to me. " For I know my Redeemer lives, and that on the earth again shall stand. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, I will behold Him and not another. O how my heart yearns within me. Job 19:25-27

Oh, that verse was my life line for the rest of the day! God is so amazing. My heart started overflowing with the goodness of God, as verse after verse came to my mind, reminding me of the love of Christ, the goodness of my Heavenly Father.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!