New things going on around here........

Hello Blog readers!

Thanks for being patience with me! Lots of new things going on in my life! First of all we are saying goodbye to Hanna and Tricia today!  I really enjoying having you both be a part of this blog! Love to you both!

Second we are welcoming Ashley to our team! We are excited for the blog to start up again! Please check back every week for a new post from the girl of the week! I pray this blog will be an encouragement for many! Here again is our missions statement if you have not read about the purpose of this blog:

Five Perspectives Blog

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Five Perspectives blog

is to encourage each other by sharing about our daily lives through pictures

and sharing Scripture verses that are impacting our lives to the Glory of Jesus Christ!

I Thessalonians 5:11 says,

 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Colossians 2:1-3 says,

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea

and for all who have not seen me face to face,

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love,

to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery,

which is Christ,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Philippians 2:1-2 says,

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love,

any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love,

being in full accord and of one mind.”

Tricia's Top Book

I have several all-time-favorite books (Quo Vadis, Christy, Scottish Chiefs, Mara:Daughter of the Nile, The Viking Quest Series), so to choose "the" best is close to impossible. I treasure them all for their different stories, intrigues,heartbreaks, and lessons. But there is one that stands out as the nearest and dearest to my heart that I don't think any book could touch.....

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. My mom read it aloud to my 2 sisters and me when we were 8, 10, and 12. Ever since that first read I have fallen in love with the story of these four sisters and their adventures and heartbreaks during the civil war and immediately following the civil war.

To peek into their lives as they mature into unique, Godly, driven young women, with families and lives of their own, you get to learn right along with them. Sit in their home and listen to Marmee's (their mother) words of wisdom. This is the only book (besides The Bible) that I can pick up and read at any point of the story, at any time in my life, and feel like I'm "coming home". It is one of the few books that every time you read it, you gather something new out of its richness. It is a must read.

God Bless! P.S. This semester I will be traveling multiple weeks to compete in speech & debate tournaments, go on a mission trip, and staff several TeenPact Leadership camps around the country. So, I won't be able to blog very regularly. So just a heads up to let you know that I haven't dropped of the face of the planet. I'm just away from home. :)

An Anchor ~ Tricia

I read this verse in Quiet Time this morning... "...we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order Melchizedek." ~Hebrews 6:18b-20 How truly beautiful. Christ has become our high priest to cleanse us of all of our sin, and in that we have a strong anchor and solid ground to cling to in the storm of life. What a gift.

Clinging, Tricia :) Picture from google images.

Happy Birthday Jesus! ~ Tricia Week 10

Merry Christmas everyone!! It's JESUS'S BIRTHDAY SEASON!!!!! :D I don't know about your families, but whenever we have a birthday, our mom always tells us our birth story. When she found out she was expecting, how it happened, how the pregnancy went, coming up with a name, the first contraction, the first look at us, the first time she held us in her arms, etc. Well, it's getting closer and closer to Jesus' birthday and I ponder about doing the same with His birth story. It's all there for us in God's word. Every single piece mentioned above is written in The Marvelous Book. God lifts the latch to the window of His Son's story to let us not just see the facts of the story-the where and when-but to see the heart. The emotion. People are emotional creatures, made in the image of God, and wired to love stories. To connect to the common bond of experiences and emotions. And in this beautiful story we get to connect to the best, and most powerful birth story ever. The story that stirs our hearts to the Father. In some ways the majority of the Old Testament is the first part of Jesus' birth story. The stories of love and life that led up to that one very dear couple: Mary and Joseph. The preparation of the Savior of the World's birth. I have been doing the Christmas devotional by blogger and author Anne Voskamp. In it every day is another part of Jesus' "birth story". His family history. His people's history. I have so enjoyed this devotional and this look at the ENTIRE Christmas story. To realize that all of those other events and experiences before Christ's birth are leading up to the final stroke in the grand masterpiece. The music is swelling, violins begin dancing, and then the trumpets of the angels sound and The Lamb of the World takes His first earthly breath. The earth is still while we wait for our first glimpse of The Savior. Then He takes our breath away with His last, and awes us with His resurection. We are saved. Redeemed. Free. It all began with the creation of beauty and climaxes at the most beautiful picture of all~Christ laying down His life for His people. A Gift. The lights, the sweet perfumes of the season, the shimmering garlands, the colors of loving sacrifice and friendship (red and green), and the darling decorations everywhere you turn, is all celebrating His Story. The whole story. The love exemplified from Christ's first breath in the cold stable to His eternal breath He breathes into us. So let us celebrate well. Let us sing joyfully in praise of Christ's whole story. May every shimmering light remind us of the Eternal Light from above. And may we remember the entirety of the story and share it with all. Christ is born. He is risen from the dead. We are one with Him again. Come awake. Come awake! Christ is risen from the grave! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’” John 3:16-17

Enjoying celebrating with Laina, Melika, and Elliot (M's boyfriend)!! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Christmas Music!! ~ Tricia Week 9

December is here and Christmas music is in full swing!! You hear it everywhere you go, malls, gas stations, grocery stores-everywhere! Not all Christmas music is created equal, but some songs are excellent. Those are the ones that stir your heart. Especially the ones that stir your heart to Christ. To His birth, love, death & resurrection, second coming, etc. From old Christmas carols/hymns to new contemporary songs, I love them. Some of my newer favorites are Welcome to Our World, This Baby, Winter Snow, One Wintry Night, Where's the Line to See Jesus, It's About the Cross, Breath of Heaven......this could go on and on. :) But one that I really, really like is called "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill. It starts with the Christmas story, and ends with how Christ has changed everything for her. Absolutely beautiful. I have to share it with you! This video splices scenes from "The Nativity" movie and the song, and I think it's really pretty. Please enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” ~Luke 2:10-11

Thanksgiving Day!! ~ Tricia Week 7

HAPPY DAY OF THANKS EVERYONE!!!! :D

I am thankful for many things. One of my favorite "lines" is what Dave Ramsey says whenever someone asks him how he is doing: "Better than I deserve." I am thankful that God has blessed me and my family so much. We are doing "better than we deserve". I am thankful for good friends, God's  many tender mercies and provisions this semester, my wonderful parents, my dearest darlingest sisters, this great nation born of freedom so many years ago, and most of all God's saving grace and sacrificial gift of His Son-how He loves. <3

So blessed. <3

Before I go, I want to share with you all this 'Thanksgiving Day Proclomation' written by George Washington in 1789. It has touched me greatly and I just had to share. It is such an excellent reminder of the original intentions of Thanksgiving-The Thanksgiving that turns us to our Heavenly Father with grateful hearts and awe-filled eyes. Please read and enjoy. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

George Washington – October 3, 1789 

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

 Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

G. Washington.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." ~Psalm 118:1

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

A Father's Love ~ Tricia Week 6

This is week is show week for the musical I'm in. We're putting on "The King and I", and my thoughts, actions, and voice have been filled with King and I influences all week long. :)

In this show there are many, many children who must follow their father's (the king's) commands to the tee; otherwise they could get killed or something else awful.

As our director is reminding us continually, this is in stark contrast to Our Heavenly Father-The King of Kings. How He tenderly, and mercifully loves His children.

 

 

It is lovely to be reminded of that, and be surrounded by SO many dear little children!! :) I have so enjoyed being apart of this show!! Have any of you seen the King and I?? Movie or play??

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!..." ~1 John 3:1

HAPPY THURSDAY!!! :D

Friend Time!! :D ~ Tricia Week 5

I get to spend this  week with my dear friend Kathryn while my parents are out of town. I met Kathryn only a few short weeks after we moved to Kansas and it has been a blessing to know her ever since. :) So thankful God had us meet!

Thankful and excited for this week together!! :D

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.... Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. " ~1 Thessalonians 5:11, 16-18

Have a JOY-FILLED Thursday!! :D
Love,
Tricia

"All ye little children..." ~ Tricia Week 4

Last night I had the joy of visiting with my 2 little cousins. These 2 little girls are some of the sweetest you will ever meet. How dear they are.

Me and the older of the 2 cousins playing tea party last Christmas. :)



Me and the younger of the 2 cousins this Spring. :)

Love those girlies so much! :) Whenever I play with them, or with any little ones, I am always beautifully awed by the sweet innocence, purity, and joy they possess. No weight on their shoulders, no distraction of comparisons, just complete freedom. Does this remind you of anything? It does me. In Christ, we have those very same gifts. Christ has given us freedom from sin. Christ will share our burdens with us. We can be secure in our identity in Christ. Through Christ's death and resurrection on the cross, he has cleansed us and made us innocent and pure. And because of this freedom, we have complete joy in Him.

"Praise Him
Praise Him
All ye little children.
God is love.
God is love."

Don't you see? We are still the "little children". The little children running into their Father's arms, and experiencing joy. I am thankful for God using little children to remind me of who I am in Christ. Always a good reminder. :)

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" ~Matthew 19:14

Have a joyful Thursday!

Sister Time! ~Tricia Week 3

Guess who's here today?! My sister, Laina, is home from college for her Fall Break!!! How dear she is. There are some things in life that you ponder how on earth God ever saw fit to give you such an incredible blessing. My sisters are one of those. I am blessed beyond belief to call them my sisters. So thankful  for all the times we have shared together.

So glad to haver her with us this weekend!! :D

Laina and I goofing around at an antique store. :)

Love this silly girl! To give you a taste of my hilarious Laina, here's a video from her last birthday, where we told her that in reminiscence of her 1st birthday she had to eat her cake with no hands. :) Enjoy!

Have a joyous day! :D

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.'" ~Psalm 126:2

Tricia....

Have you ever thought about that fact that we were *made* for relationships with people? Made to have friends and companions to grow with, laugh with, cry with, and relate with? It's how we're wired. As a 100% extrovert person, I think that is one of the coolest aspects of being made in God's image (among SO many other things!)!!

"Our lives were meant to be lived with others. As echoes of the Trinity, we remember something. Made in the image of a perfect relationship, we are relational to the core of our beings and filled with a desire for transcendent purpose. We long to be an irreplaceble part of a shared adventure.{God's adventure for us}."
~John and Stasi Eldredge from the book "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul"

Isn't that beautiful? That we're not just going on this adventures alone? By ourselves? We get to share it, and reflect the most perfect relationship ever lived!!

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel." ~Proverbs 27:9

Happy Thursday! :D

Tricia's Summer 2012 Summary :)

Hello there! I am SO excited to be blogging here at Five Perspectives this semester! I am new to the whole blogging thing, but am excited for this new adventure!

This summer was full of sweet, beautiful moments. Moments that I will cherish forever. Moments that God was giving me, to prepare me for the most drastic adjustment in my life ever (thus far): becoming an only child after my two older sisters left for college. Pictures are so great because they give us a chance to capture those precious moments. Here are some snapshots from this summer!

My sister, Laina, graduated from high school!

 So proud of her! :) [L-R: Melika, Laina, Me]

We had some of our dear friends visit.

 We went to the NCFCA (National Christian Forensics and Communication Association) National Championship, in MN. Saw dear, old, friends. Made new ones. And learned much. :)

 On the way home from MN, we drove through WI to visit friends. And of course I soaked up every second of my beautiful, Wisconsin, homeland scenery... Ah, grazing holsteins...

 Rolling hills-drenched in green, under a baby blue sky. On days like this you feel like you're walking in a painting that was beautifully illustrated by The Creator. The warm sun. The gentle breeze. It's like He's whispering "I love you" with every breeze.

 In June we did lots of "artsy" things, like going to museums, and seeing a bunch of theatrical productions. Fun by me! :)

 We wrapped up the summer with relaxing sister time at home.... I am so blessed to have these two wonderful girls as my sisters. We are 3 peas in a pod. 3 musketeers. 3 strands of rope.

4th of July [L-R: Laina, Melika, Me]

We attended a wedding in Virginia in August. It was a beautiful ceremony. It was externally beautiful as well, but the main beauty I speak of is that of their hearts. It was the most Christ-centered, God-glorifying wedding ever, and it was absolutely beautiful. Inspiring.

A photo booth at the wedding. Photo Courtesy of "gabrijphotography".
[L-R: Tricia (me), Melika, Laina]

....and then we said good-bye. Laina went off to college, and Melika back to her college. God has blessed me so much in this new transition, through so many different tender mercies. He teaches me new things daily, as He sustains me with His grace, hope, and love. I am excited to keep on in Him on this new journey! Praise Him.

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." ~Ephesians 5:1-2
Happy Thursday!
~Tricia