Thursday, 24 December 2015

Blessings 142-150

It's Christmas Eve, and I have so many blessings. I'll name a few... :)

Blessing 142-Being able to play a cello and piano duet with my sister tonight at our Christmas service. My sister played the cello (so, yeah, I played the piano). We did "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" for our piece, and it was really nice.

Blessing 143-Waltzing with my dad in the kitchen. Fun!

Blessing 144-Our Christmas program going well.

Blessing 145-Having a sleepover with my friends last night! It was great!

Blessing 146-Being pretty much ready for tomorrow.

Blessing 147-Having such a great family to spend Christmas with (and then add great friends to )

Blessing 148-Life.

Blessing 149-My dad getting engaged this past week! It was wonderful. :) The ring is wonderful!

Blessing 150-Christmas! Of course, the reasons behind Christmas are what truly make it special.

God bless you all! I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas!
Love,
Indi Raine
John 3:16 (the Reason for the season!)

Saturday, 12 December 2015

Blessings 132-141

Sorry for being so long to get back here! I've got lots of blessings, so I need to name some.

Blessing 132-Gingerbread cookies! Yummy!

Blessing 133-Glitter glue, colour purple.

Blessing 134-Fushia pink paint. Yes, this and the glitter glue are connected. Spend two hours working on re-doing a storage thingy for craft supplies as a Christmas gift for one of my siblings (take a random guess at gender!).

Blessing 135-Christmas tree lights! They're so pretty!

Blessing 136-Peppermint conditioner.

Blessing 137-Lemon shampoo.

Blessing 138-Jewelry.

Blessing 139-My blanket. I sewed it up today. It has hearts on it! I love blankets!!!! :)

Blessing 140-Milk. Its to go with the gingerbread cookie. :)

God bless!
Indi
Jer. 29:11

P.S.
Blessing 141-Talking to one of my BFFs on the phone tonight.

Saturday, 28 November 2015

Blessing 121-131

Happy Saturday, everyone! How are you all today?

   What have I done this week? Work on one of my stories (Shire Summer), do some Christmas shopping, clean my fish bowls, read, do school, alphabetize my packing list for next summer (if I work at camp again), and edit some videos. I also have been working on another website, "Umbilical Cord". I'm thankful for the chance to do all of those, and more.

Blessing 121-Telephones. I love being able to call my friends and chat! I love talking, so I usually do not do short calls!

Blessing 122-Christmas shopping. So much fun to plan ahead!

Blessing 123-The title of this blessing! It is so fun!

Blessing 124-It is less than a month until Christmas! How wonderful! I can't wait to give my gifts!

Blessing 125-Egg sandwiches. I had one the other day, and want another one tonight! Yummy!

Blessing 126-Pickles. To go with the egg sandwiches.

Blessing 127-Getting another two chapters or so written for Shire Summer. I enjoy writing about my characters.  :D

Blessing 128-Flurries. We had flurries for nearly a day (if I remember correctly) earlier this week. The snow stayed on the ground for a bit.

Blessing 129-Written language. I'm so glad that English is a written language. It generally isn't something that I think about, but I'm sure glad that English is not strictly oral.

Blessing 130-History. I started a history book on Pearl Harbour the other day. It will be very interesting, I'm sure. Plus, where would we be without history?

Blessing 131-A missionary speaker. A missionary that is one deputation to go to Africa came to our church earlier this week. It was enjoyable to have him at our service and to hear his message and watch the video about their ministry. :)

   What are your blessings today? Share them in the comments below!
    God bless!
    Counting my blessings,
           Indi Raine

Saturday, 21 November 2015

Blessing 120 (and its story)

Another Saturday, another spree of blessings!
But today I'm just going to focus on one blessing-and the story that makes it special. So settle down and enjoy yourselves!

Blessing 120-James 3. I love the book of James. It is so full of wonderful truths from God. James 3 is especially great. It is on the power of the tongue. If you are anything like me, controlling that useful organ can sometimes be difficult! :) But there is a bit more about James 3 than that. I can remember when that chapter first became important to me. You see, it was my first time at my favourite camp (I've been to another one, but it closed). Yes, the camp that I'm always gabbing about! ;) Anyways, I was there for a family camp. For the sessions there, they break the kids up into various age groups. At the time I was probably ten or eleven. Probably eleven. I think that I was by myself in that class (no siblings; there were lots of other kids!). I can still remember our favourite game to play after our own mini session (it was "Thumbs Up, Seven Up"). But what I remember with the most happiness is the sessions. My teacher was named Judd (I think it was two t's; I could be wrong). And he was a guy blest with the gift of being able to preach to kids. Not teach a Bible story or share a missionary story with pre-teen kids from the ages of (I think) nine to twelve. I found it to be wonderful. It was the first time that I had really heard someone like that. I had been in kids programs and classes, but not so much where people preached to young people. It was great! (I regret that I never attended a youth camp until I was thirteen. I think that attending a jr. camp, as scared and shy as I would have been, would have been very beneficial to my life as a young Christian struggling with assurance of salvation and other facts. That's why I'm so glad that my youngest sibling got to do that! And it even led her to a decision for Christ! Awesome!) Back to Judd's messages-one of his messages was on James 3. I can still remember some of his illustrations. Plus, I was horse crazy. And probably most horse crazy girls who hear James 3:3 are instantly enamored with it. It immediately became my favourite Bible verse! But since then, after many times of reading through both James 3 and the entire book of James, it has come to mean more to me. It is not just about how a tongue is like a bit/rudder/fire, but actually how to regard my tongue. There are so many verses. It is like walking into a mine where gems are covering the sides and floor and one need only pick them up.  (My pastor is actually preaching through it right now; when he began the series, I read ahead and read the book of James myself in my devotions; also, my family just started it in our evening family devotions! Yes, lots of James!) I'll never understand all of the book of James, but it will likely remain one of my favourite books of the Bible! If you haven't read James recently, I suggest that you read it again (or read it, if you can't do it again because you never have in the first place). You might find more in those five chapters that you'd remembered or expected!

God bless, folks!
Indi

Saturday, 14 November 2015

Blessings 107-119

Incoming....
Whew! I'm back!
Sorry that I've not written for so long! I just realized exactly how long its been. Life's been crazy busy. But I'm thankful that I've got so many new blessings to share! I've found a page in my journal where I'd been recording some of my blessings that I needed to share. Now I'll share them!

Blessing 107-My music teacher is MOVING! I'm not sure if I've explained this, but I've been taking piano lessons by FaceTime (Apple version of Skype) for about three or more years. It could be four. I love my teacher-she used to come to my church. She's a wonderful lady (like a Proverbs 31 woman exemplified). But she's been living across the country for SO looooonng! Anyway, she was back in my neck of the woods for a wedding (read blessing 108!) and she was teaching me in person. Imagine my excitement when she tells me at the end of my lesson that she is moving back! I'm so looking forward to her moving back! Piano lessons will be more beneficial then! If you think of it, pray for her! It'll be a hard time for her, trying to move with the holidays coming up. I know she'll be tired and a bit stressed (at the least!).

Blessing 108-A.R. and K.P. (friends) got married! They got married the day before Halloween! It was such a beautiful wedding. A. has been a wonderful friend, and I was so happy for her and K.. It was a gorgeous autumn wedding-I've never seen our church look so beautiful! A. was gorgeous, too! She was a happy princess. I wish K. and A. P. the best in their life together!

Blessing 109-The command "Z" key. I use it a lot-I had to use it when writing blessing 107. It keeps me sane most of the time! :)

Blessing 110-Happy weekends! If you didn't figure it out, the wedding was two Saturdays ago. Wondering why I didn't write last week? Read on!

Blessing 111-Bible Conference! Our church held our annual Bible Conference. Biggest yet! It was amazing. I love being in nursery, but I was sad to miss the preaching in the final session! I can't wait to get cds of all the messages. Oh, and the fellowship and....

Blessing 112-...Getting to see so many of my friends was amazing! To build up friendships is such a blessing! I know more people than ever from camp, and it was great to see them all again. Oh, and I loved having...

Blessing 113-....My dear friend E.C. come stay with me! E.C. and I worked together at camp. We're both short (:D), so we have something in common! Well, we've got more in common than that. It was fun to stay up until 3:00 A.M. talking until we finally fell asleep to get slightly rested for the sessions the next day!

Blessing 114-I got to sing a duet with my sister at conference! She was singing alto for her first time in a duet. It was a little hard at some points (especially for T.), but we got through and people enjoyed it. It was great to take the time to learn a song with her. We enjoy singing together and have done it lots! We need to do it some more, too!

Blessing 115-Decorating my room. I finally got some photos of my friends up on the walls. ;) That's after about three months of waiting to do so! Wow...I'm so speedy! I also put up a little Christian horse plaque with a Bible verse, and a sticky-phrase-thing that says, "For with God all things are possible". I also got all my cds up in room! :) I've got a lot!

Blessing 116-Making and wrapping and giving Christmas gifts. Last year I wrote a play called, "More Blest to Give". I love giving! It is so fun to make a gift (or buy one) while thinking of what a surprise it will be to the recipient!

Blessing 117-Getting to be part of a Bible Verse Exchange e-mail chain! I loved being honoured with getting the e-mail from a dear friend. I sent it on. Now I've had the chance to share and receive Bible verses!

Blessing 118-The Song of Hiawatha and Other Poems. This may not mean anything to you. But when I was in a second hand store and saw this book for sale, I was very happy! I've gotten this book from the library before-big, beautiful, and chock full of the amazing works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I've memorized part of the Hiawatha poem-if you haven't read at least some of it, try it! You'll love it (hopefully!). The talent of that guy is tremendous! It's the version by Reader's Digest. It was awesome to get it (it might have been around $5, but worth it!).

Blessing 119-Getting a chance at life. I've been trying to figure out how I can make a difference in the por-life/pro-choice battle. God has shown me several things (yesterday He gave me a poem from the perspective of a post-abortive mother), and I'm so happy that I know what I believe about life. I've very blest to have been born to a mom who adored me and wanted me. The fact that I have life is a blessing-so many children have it torn from them before they are even born. ~"Thank You, God, for the chance to live life! Let me live it for You!"

That's my post for today. I'll be back soon!
God bless!
Indi

Monday, 19 October 2015

Blessings 81-106 (Thanksgiving Version)

Hello, again!
 Yeah, yeah, I've been away. Firstly, I was sick and then just tired and busy on Thanksgiving weekend. Then I was working ahead in school so that I wouldn't fall behind in school. You have been on my mind, but I've had to have some other priorities. So now I will have to just do my Thanksgiving blessings a week late. But that will work out fine, right? I'm now going to try to get quite a list of my blessings for Thanksgiving. Hold your hats because I'm off!

Blessing 81-Thanksgiving. Isn't it great to have a holiday based on thankfulness? :D

Blessing 82-Pumpkin pie. Always a wonderful thanksgiving treat.

Blessings 83 and 84-Ice cream and whipped cream (for the pie!).

Blessing 85-Allergy pills. I've probably mentioned that before, but those little pills keep me sane.

Blessing 86-Jack. A dog at my grandparent's house. I never liked him before this last visit-he was so jumpy and I have been scared of dogs all my life (probably since my mom was bit when I was a little kid; I don't remember it, but it was at a friend's house).

Blessing 87-A visit to my Granny and Papa! I love seeing my grandparents!

Blessing 88-Seeing both sets of my grandparents in one day (travel and a visit at home).

Blessing 89-Seeing my cousin today.

Blessing 90-Being able to help my Papa just now with tv problems over the phone.

Blessing 91-Sweaters and warm clothes.

Blessing 92-Being able to see one of my best friends (E.C.) while I was travelling last Friday.

Blessing 93-Gmail. I love my e-mails. I love it when I get an e-mail from my friends-it brightens my day.

Blessing 94-Being able to find a website online to learn Oromo (the most spoken language in Ethiopia-I'll explain that in a future post). I'm learning a few words. "Tokko" is one, and "naqaa" is for  hello.

Blessing 95-Snow! There was quite a bit of it when I had the chance to swoop down to the states for a quick shopping trip.

Blessing 96-My camcorder. I was using it on Saturday to video tape the snow.

Blessing 97-Miniature chocolate bars. I just bought a large bag of mini chocolate bars (Halloween treats in fact; but they don't look like Halloween treats, just normal candy). I've been nibbling. Hopefully there will still be some left to use in Christmas gifts (the intention for getting a large bag of candy). Seriously, they should sell boxes and bags of large chocolate bars like that! Yummy!

Blessing 98-Chocolate. While we're at it, chocolate is awesome! It is a gift from God! Delicious! Hot chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, chocolate pie, chocolate chocolates...dream material.

Blessing 99-My yellow bedroom. It is cheery and sunny! I love it!

Blessing 100-That I have now reached Blessing 100 on this blog! Thanks to all of you who have commented, read posts, or passed on the simple fact that this blog exists! Thank you very much, and praise God!

Blessing 101-That, whatever happens with the current election wrapping up tonight in Canada, God is in control of this country, no matter what party ultimately triumphs. Currently, the Liberals are having a landslide victory. Please pray for Canada. The Liberals are pro-  everything that I as a Christian am against.  The homosexual issue and especially the abortion issue are all big things with the Liberals in that they are completely for those issues. I am not. As a true Christian and a very loyal and patriotic Canadian, I have to have hope that the votes being tallied across the country will turn the tide for righteousness. Please pray as well. It is all appreciated. Always remember-God is in control.

Blessing 102-Slippers. Slippers are very handy when you have cold feet or don't want dirt (or dog hair) on your socks.

Blessing 103-Sparkling soda. I got some watermelon lemon sparkling soda last week-wonderful stuff! You should definitely try it.

Blessing 104-Getting Christmas gifts together. I've recently picked up some new pieces for gifts and am looking forward to seeing surprise and delight in people's faces when I hand them a gift tailored specifically for them. It is more blessed to give than to receive, right, friends? Of course!

Blessing 105-Great books. I've been reading some new books lately and am hoping to do a review or two on my other blog soon. Maybe I'll mention them more over here as well. But for now I'll leave it at "books".

   Once I get going I get all these ideas of things that I count as blessings. One more, and I'm done for the night! I'm sleepy!!

Blessing 106-Toothbrushes. Very important items in my life for hygiene and comfort!

   God bless! I hope that you all had as many blessings in your life this Thanksgiving as I did!
   Come back soon for more blessings in my life. How soon 'til we reach 200??? 1,000? A million????????? Let's just count the blessings "one by one"!
    Love,
       Indi Raine
       John 3:16

Saturday, 3 October 2015

A Fun Game

Hello, Everyone! (Reading today or in the future. I don't think that anyone in the past read this. :P)

I have had a fun idea for a game for all of you who read this blog. Canadian Thanksgiving Day is approaching (October 12). One tradition often practiced is for everyone to share some blessings. Sharing just one can be hard! Often I have a ton that I'd love to share! Sometimes my family and I will go in a circle and each share some blessings. And I want to do that here.

Starting today, I'm gathering blessings for my Thanksgiving Day post (I hope that it'll be fun and surprising for everyone!). Share your blessings by e-mailing me (if you have my e-mail address; I prefer not to put that up here, and I can't find a contact form to put up; if someone knows how to do that, please tell me!), contacting me through Google Plus, or in the comments. I'll count your blessings toward the final goal for this blog-1 million or more blessings! So please share! Share this blog, this post, this game with your friends and family (I hope that those are some of your blessings!) and let's see how many blessings will be discovered! They can be big or small, silly or serious. Just leave the name that you'd like your blessings to be put under, and I'll post them in the finale on October 12th! Until then, enjoy thinking of and sharing your blessings!

Cheerio!

Indi

Saturday, 26 September 2015

Blessings 70

I'll be trying to post each Saturday once again. So I'll give some more of my blessings.

Blessing 70-Getting more scrapbook paper. I got to go to the amazing craft store "Michael's" this week and found some wonderful paper for a scrapbook project that I have started about the wonderful people I met this summer while working at camp. Some papers just fit the pictures and personalities perfectly! What a blessing!

Blessing 71-https://youtu.be/dfpOvM5OcuY  This is some great Christian music for relaxing, studying, enjoying! I hope that you like it as well!

Blessing 72-Caramels. Random, but certainly a blessing! I have one on my nearby desk, which I will probably consume sometime soon! :)

Blessing 73-Calendars. How would I keep organized? (I'm taking one to hang up at camp next year-I got so confused on dates at one point! For someone who keeps a journal, that can be rare and very annoying!)

Blessing 74-Lysol wipes. I was helping clean at a church today and was using some in the bathroom. Back to camp. Yes, we used a lot of those! They are handy!

Blessing 75-I don't react to bleach. That is a major blessing when working with Lysol (bleach wipes) or when working at rinsing dishes in the kitchen using bleach as the chemical sanitation. Even when I didn't wear gloves, it didn't bother my skin too much. The scent sometimes did, but for someone with quite a few allergies it was nice not to have bad ones to bleach! In fact, my hands were in wonderful condition while I was away-better than they often are at home! Praise the Lord!

Blessing 76-Birthday parties. I was at one this morning for a little girl that I know. Birthdays aren't so much fun without parties!

Blessing 77-The person who thought of birthday parties. Query: was that God, when He sent Eve to Adam? Was Eve the world's first birthday gift? Weigh in in the comment section! ;D

Blessing 78-Babysitting. I enjoy babysitting sometimes. Right now, I get to do so about every other week, I guess. I enjoy the time with kids, even though it can be exhausting and wearing.

Blessing 79-Lots of Blankets. The air is getting colder, so more and more I am finding myself wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket while reading, doing school, or hanging out in my room. Actually, I plan to add more to my bed so that I won't have to wear a housecoat in bed to keep my warm. Maybe I could also close the window a bit more?

Blessing 80-A Kleenex box with an oriole on it. With an orange-pattern bedspread and constant allergies, this is a double bonus-I have a cute Kleenex box and get to keep a theme in my room!

   Well, fellow blessing-hunters, I'll take my leave of you for today. I need to go do some work on the afore-mentioned bedroom. (Literally blows nose-allergies, not tears. Sorry!) Also, two of my little "Z fighters" need to have some water run to be fixed up for their fish bowls!

      God bless ya'll!
       
     Indi Raine

        John 5:24

Thursday, 17 September 2015

Blessing 69

Welcome back, y'all! (I've picked that up from working with Southern people this summer. I don't hear it much now that I'm back home, but I like using it on the occasional...occasion!)

Today's blessing is kind of special, and I want to tell the reason why it is so special. It was touched on in our last post (at the very end), but I'll explain it now.

Blessing 69-Jeremiah 29:11. That is my blessing. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Why is this verse special to me? Glad you asked! I've had some hard times, especially in the past half year. God knew all about it, and He put some special people into my life. Where did I meet them? At camp. (common answer) One night after I got home I was really struggling with some issues. Well, maybe "struggling" is not quite descriptive enough. I suppose that I was scared, uncertain, and probably a bit untrusting. I was upset about something. So I had e-mailed one of my special camp friends-one that I knew that I could share my heart with without her judging or ridiculing me. And she didn't. Instead she sent back an e-mail assuring me of her prayers and containing this verse that she had often mentioned at camp as being one of her favourites-Jeremiah 29:11. I know that I'd heard it before-we'd had conversations where she had told me about it being her favourite verse and why. But that night when I received her e-mail I pounced on that verse and clutched to it like a life saver floating on a stormy sea. I held onto that verse as I paced back and forth in my dark room, quoting it over and over again. It gave me comfort as I was once again reminded that God is caring for me. He's in control-He'll give me my "'expected end". He thinks "thoughts of peace, and not of evil" toward me. And He says, "I know that thoughts that I think toward you". Does that sound like a God who will forsake me in my distress or leave me to bear my burdens or fight my struggles alone? No! I'll say this my own way (there's a Bible verse, but I'll rephrase it with an Indi-touch), but God is never going to leave me or forsake me or cast me off. He'll be with me all the way and carry me when I can't walk. There is nothing that I need to be afraid of. That night this verse brought me hope. It is currently written on a mini chalkboard in my room to continue to remind me of this promise from my wonderful God! And I hope that God will use this verse to help you-maybe it will give you hope, reassure you of His love, or maybe it will come to mind in the future! Just let all praise be to this wonderful God who promises that He has a great plan for lives! Remember to live it all for Him!

God bless you!
  Your blest friend,
   Indi

Wednesday, 16 September 2015

Blessings 64-68

If you are reading this in the morning, this will be perfect for you! These are some of my morning blessings that great me nearly every day.

Blessing 64-Feeling Rested. Well, this doesn't always great me-I'm a night owl, not a morning lark. But I generally feel somewhat better than when I fell asleep.

Blessing 65-Kleenexes. If you are wondering at this strange blessing, you must REALLY be blest! I have allergies. Allergies to dust. Dust hides in sheets, blankets, and stuffed animals no matter how much I run them through the dryer to kill dust mites. And there is dust in my room. And then there are other allergies (like pollen) that bother me. Catching on? Kleenexes are VERY, VERY important to my sanity and well-being! They get used a lot, and I'm thankful for them!

Blessing 66-My Bible reading! I try to read a Bible chapter pretty soon after rising, often before I even get dressed or do anything else. At camp the activity coordinator suggested reading a Proverb a day. That was at the beginning of July (or very end of June, actually). I did that for July and August. Now, for a break, I'm reading a Psalm a day. I rarely remember it all day (my brain doesn't get working very well at that time anyway), but its a good way to start off the day.

Blessing 67-Prayer. I like to start my day by praying (I sometimes forget. Yes, I'm guilty.). It is a nice way to begin the day by thanking God for His new mercies and the blessings that He gives to me.  I'd recommend that to anyone reading this blog (even to people who aren't reading this blog, although that may be hard to do. :D ).

Blessing 68-Sunshine. That blessing is conditional. I haven't had it much lately, but I love a sunny morning! It makes my yellow room so cheery!

Those are my morning blessings! Do you share any of them with me? Comment below with your favourites!

God bless you beyond measure, sisters in Him!

Indi Raine

P.S. Isn't this orange type so cheery? That's what I hope it is to you! It is to me!

Jer. 29:11

Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Blessings 60-63

Well, my blessings tonight will be blessings 60-63, but will be put down as one. Interested?

Blessings 60, 61, 62, and 63-the four kids I babysat this evening! I don't get to babysit a lot, so this is so much fun to spend time with J., C., M., and P.!

I apologize for the long time between posts here. I will try to get back to systematic posting; at least posting on Saturdays as a consistent thing. I think I can do better than that, though. I just need to get over to this site more. Once I get started, blessings are hard to stop from coming to mind! Maybe I just need to schedule more...

See ya later! I have some more blogging to do!

God bless ya'll!

Indi Raine

Tuesday, 25 August 2015

Blessing 59

My blessing today is...
Blessing 59-Giving Fish Room to Swim.
   Ever seen bettas at a pet store? They are in little cups. Yes, they can breathe and live and survive (if the water is changed enough and they are fed and not stressed), but it is wonderful to see them put into an area that they can explore and swim in without bumping into their own tail. I just put my two new fish-Zion and Zally-into new containers (for Zion, a fish bowl; for Zally, a plastic kitchen container that will hold her comfortably until I can find an even larger dish-at least she can swim now!). It is fun to watch fish explore as they are put into a new environment. Zion's no longer dashing at his own reflection or rushing in a tiny space-he can swim! So that's my blessing-happy fish! I also changed Zen's water and gave him his new plant. I'm now looking forward to learning about Zally and Zion's personalities!

If you don't have the blessing of a betta, I'd suggest that you get one (if you are able and allowed to become a fish owner). My three are beautiful and will give me lots of company in my room!

God bless!
Indi
Jer. 29:11

Monday, 24 August 2015

Blessings 54-58

I'm back with some more blessings to share! Right now I'm excited to start school in a week from today. So today I'll be sharing some blessings about school!

Blessing 54-Being Home Schooled.
   Being home schooled is a giant blessing! I have been home schooled all of my life. It gives me a Christian perspective on life. Since one of my home schooled friends had to enter a public high school I have become even more thankful for being home schooled. Her stories are awful. Thank God for being home schooled!

Blessing 55-A Beka Book DVD curriculum.
   I do a Christian program for school-A Beka Book. I've been enrolled in the DVD program for several years (this may be the fourth or fifth year). I have classes with teachers and lessons that I watch on DVD. Its a unique way to learn.

Blessing 56-New Notebooks.
   I love notebooks! With all my journaling, notes, and writing, notebooks will never go to waste with me!

Blessing 57-New Pencils and Pens.
   I almost always have some kind of paper or notebook with me along with a pen or pencil. I actually can get upset or concerned if I forget it-what if I learn something new or want to write if I feel bored? What would I do if I don't have a working pencil or pen?! Pencils and pens are necessities!

Blessing 58-Bible Class.
   I'm glad that I have the blessing of having Bible class nearly every day. It gives me yet another way to learn about my God!

   What blessings do you have going into the school year of 2015/2016? Share them in the comments below!

God bless!
Indi

Saturday, 22 August 2015

A Devotional on Contentment and Thankfulness

So I've decided to try writing up some devotionals-maybe be able to share some of what God shows to me in my Bible reading and conversations with godly friends with each of you. Today I wanted to share some thoughts on contentment and thankfulness.

Two of my key verses were in Philippians 4 when I thought of this subject, which has been on my heart lately in a certain way. So, I decided to read the whole chapter of Philippians 4, and found some more verses and the ever-important context! I invite you to read on and join me and God reveals some blessings in His word!

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11 (KJV-just to note, not to spark contention, I only use the KJV for personal beliefs that it is the best translation from the original languages for me to use in personal and public worship). I cannot honestly say that I live this verse. Paul clearly states in this verse that he was in want (for more context, read the chapter or just verse 12). However, doesn't this verse give a powerful challenge to be content despite circumstances? For me it does! Some of you may know this, but I have some specific things in my life that I REALLY wish were different. But then I look back and see that God has used these circumstances to mold and make me into the girl that He wants me to be. I've become stronger and more compassionate-but it has been painful and continues to be painful. I don't live in a dream family (probably none of you would say that either-but in mine an important person is missing in my life, so it does have some challenges, you could say), and some things hurt me. But lately God has been showing me that I need to be thankful for these "thorns" and that I need to count even what seems like cursings as blessings. That's hard, but two other verses in this chapter leap out (and these are both special verses to me!)-"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," (Phil. 4:13) and "Rejoice in the LORD always: and again I say, Rejoice," (Phil. 4:4). If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of being content and thankful in your circumstances, trust me, I understand! It seems too big of a job, too hard, too lengthy, too emotional, too (dare I say) unselfish. How do you even DO something like that? God gives a great clue to me in Philippians 4:6-"Be careful for nothing; but in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Yes-PRAYER!!! You know, "whisper a prayer in the morning, whisper a prayer at noon, whisper a prayer in the evening to keep your heart in tune". Perhaps when we feel ourselves struggling with contentment and thankfulness, we simply need to whisper a prayer. I've had someone give me that advice the other day in an e-mail, and I'm trying it (for other reasons, but prayer is like a cure-all for all spiritual ills and ails!). Yep, I believe that we could all use a bit more prayer and a little less self-pity. (I'm talking to myself most of all.) It'll be hard, but I have one closing verse-"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus," found in Phil. 4:19. God will supply us with contentment and thankfulness when we run low. Praise God!

I hope that that devotional was a blessing to you, one Christian to another.
See you soon for more blessings!
Indi Raine
Phil. 4:13

Friday, 21 August 2015

Blessings 35-53 (We'll Make It!)

This will be a list of the "guess why I've not blogged in a bit" blessings I've had lately! I hope you've gotten to enjoy at least several of them this week or at some point this summer! Autumn is coming soon, and with it a whole new level of blessings, but enjoy the summertime while it lasts!


Blessing 35-Beautiful Weather!
Need I explain? Even today when it rained I still had lots of fun and it didn't hinder me from jumping into...

Blessing 36-The Ocean!
...for...

Blessing 37-Swimming!
Warm water, spinning, swimming, floating, wetness, cold spots, warm spots, seaweed, sand, shells, rocks, bubbles, swimsuit, fun!

Blessing 38-Raindrops on the Waves
Today when I was swimming it was raining for the first bit-true beauty! It was astoundingly gorgeous! If you haven't seen it, than you'll need to go to the beach sometime to see it. That reminds me...

Blessing 39-The Beach!
And a nice one nearby! Two scores in one blessing! So I'll add...

Blessing 40-A Nice Beach Nearby!

Blessing 41-My Paddle Board!
My paddle board is red, is a sports utility version, has been used a lot lately, and is named "Sweet Destiny". Great times have been had on that board!

Blessing 42-The Sport of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding!
If you were wondering, that's what I do on my paddle board!

Blessing 43-The Parade I got to See Today!
One of my siblings was involved, so that was exciting!

Blessing 44-My New Female Betta!
She's big and blue (blue stripes, I believe). She needs a "Z" name-I'm considering Zally. Suggestions are welcome! I just got her today, and I'm hoping to breed her!

Blessing 45-My New Male Betta!
He's big and blue (no stipes-gorgeous fins instead, all darted and spiky with a veil tail). He seems feisty. I also got him today. He also needs a "Z" name. I'm thinking "Zion". Suggestions, once again, are welcome! Oh, and if you were wondering, yes, he will be Zally's prospective mate!

Blessing 46-Zen
I may have mentioned him before, but Zen is my other male betta. He is lovely-all gorgeous colour and jazz! He flares beautifully (and frequently, to my chargin as I worry over his health!) and is so relaxing to watch (when he is simply swimming, not charging his own reflection like heading into WW3, which is stressful for me!). His nickname is "Zenbow", as he is my rainbow.

Blessing 47-Zipper
My first betta that got me entranced in the breed. RIP, little Zip Zip.

Blessing 48-Zipporah
My third betta that I got (Zipper, Zen, and then Zipporah). She died this month, sadly. RIP, little Zah.

Blessing 49-Bettas
Yes, I'm just flat-out thankful that God created bettas! They make my life better! God sure is good to me!

Blessing 50-This Blog
I'm realizing as I type that there are so many other blessings that I have! Its good to do that sometimes-just be thankful for what we have, because being honest we all have SOOOOOOOOOOO much, especially in North America. Even a poor person has many blessings. Often we forget to give God the praise that He so richly deserves, and this is a great public place for me to acknowledge that all of God's blessings are wonderful in my life! Maybe I'll never count up to a million blessings on this blog, but I know that I have more blessings than that, thanks to my wonderful Lord!

Blessing 51-Jesus!
This is one blessing that I can never post too often, you know?

Blessing 52-Teddy Bears
Random, but isn't it nice to hug something soft without poky, little bones (or big, sharp bones, or etc.) sometimes? I enjoy having one on my bed, despite allergies to dust. As you can tell, I can't exactly hug my pets!

Blessing 53-All My Other Blessings.
We'll expound more on that some other time! Good night!

God bless you with more blessings than you could count in eternity,
Indi

Saturday, 8 August 2015

Blessing 34

Blessing 34

Well, here I am again by the grace of God! I'm leaning against my bed, laptop in my lap, fingers busily tapping away. And it seems like forever since I wrote on my blogs, almost a lifetime. My life has changed since the last time I was working on my blog. I believe that God used this past month (well, 38 days) to change my heart to one that will better serve Him, but let me start somewhere nearer the beginning. And I'll do it in story format...

.......................................................................................................................................

   Indi Raine sat next to her bed, flustered and tired. She glanced at her alarm clock-11:30 P.M.. Hopefully nobody would wake up. She HAD to finish her blog posts for the month of July-without new content, readers would disappear. Even if it was only songs, she needed to schedule something. And maybe the blog scheduling buttons would work this time. As she copied and pasted the codes for YouTube videos Indi was surrounded in mess-bags, clothes, notebooks, chargers, nearly everything she would need for the next month-the month she had given to God. The month of volunteer work at a Christian camp. And that time away was going to begin tomorrow-the tomorrow that was approaching rapidly as the red numbers on the alarm clock changed in unceasing regularity. Finally, the last post was scheduled and Indi wearily made her way to bed. After praying for friends, self, and family, she drifted off to sleep.

   "Bye! I love you!" Indi told her siblings, busily rushing out the door while stuffing her tooth brush and tooth paste into her purse, wondering when she would find a time and place to buy breakfast along the way. Two duffle bags (one quite small), one carry-on bag, one purse, one camera case-all was ready for the bus ride, except possibly Indi herself. It would be a new experience, but she loved to travel and did not mind trying new things. Within half an hour she had decided that she liked bus travel even better than travelling in the family mini van, although the latter certainly did not rattle and shake as much. Her constant writing in her journal was messy and shaken by bumps, but the content would be saved for future reminiscence. Eventually the bus approached her stop-Indi gathered her things together, wondering where the camp director would be for the pick up. After claiming her luggage, she recognized a lady who she knew worked as camp secretary. The camp director had sent the two office ladies to collect her and her belongings. Indi soon met the other office worker-a sweet lady-and they made several stops in town before driving to the camp. Now, those stops were the two most critical stops for workers during that summer-Tim Hortons and Wal-Mart.  Indi picked up several necessities that she had wanted to buy at home but had not found a chance to purchase before departure, including sunscreen and bug spray.

   By the time staff training began, Indi had begun to learn her way around the camp. By the time staff training ended, she felt like she knew the other staff members and the facilities quite well. She had made friends. Well, friends/enemies, depending on whether Indi had just driven them crazy with the many pranks she executed within the time at camp. As the summer went on it became a swirl of prayers for strength and guidance, evening sessions, hours spent mixing and serving drinks, time spent with friends while cleaning cabins, 1:00  night talks filled with laughter and tears, well-worn flip flops, sunshine and rain, being crazy, living life whole heartedly while coming out of her shell. The thought of leaving became sadder each day as each week of July skimmed past. Each day further instilled Indi's love for the camp and the people there-even the teasing and annoying of the other workers was enjoyable. It was like finding a family that she had never known existed.  Indeed, family dynamics would be the best term to describe the relationships between the majority of the staff. Even sibling rivalry showed itself. But God had set all them together, and as they often laughed, occasionally argued together the bond between them held a lot of Christian love.

   July 21, 2015 was a special day for Indi, for that night she learned the joy that comes with the salvation of a loved one-one of her younger siblings, a camper that week, had accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Many tears were shed, many explanations given, many exclamations of joy and delight heard. Indi and one of her friends ran in a field on campus. When alone, all Indi could pray was, "God, You are amazing! Thank You! Thank You! You are amazing, God!" It seemed so inadequate, but it was all. However, her desire to become a missionary and to serve God with all her life and lead others to His unfailing love was cemented that joyous night. Nearly every staff member would hear that night and the next morning of the miracle God had done that night. It made all the camp work worth it-all the blisters and back aches, exhaustion and breaking points-to know that more souls would be heaven bound because of that summer. It was a wondrous thing.

   Finally the day came for Indi Raine to go back home. But as she left, she left the camp with the desire to return the next year, to stay even longer. As the camp director said, "Jehovah-shammah". Indi looked it up-it meant "the Lord is there". With a smile, she shared it with her blog readers. "Jehovah-shammah" was the perfect description of the camp. She would pray for God's leading back to that ministry for the next summer.

............................................................................................................................................................
So, friends, what did you think of that blessing? Have you ever gotten to volunteer with a ministry you believed was doing God's work? This past "summer" (aka end of June to first bit of August) has been the perfect blessing and best summer ever-one that I truly needed at this point in my life.

Sorry that this entry has taken so long to get up! I hope that it was worth all those other posts scheduled near midnight-thanks for not complaining about them and continuing to follow this blog!

More posts coming soon...!

God bless you with amazing blessings!

Love from your camp staff friend,
Indi Raine

Saturday, 1 August 2015

Last Song before Normal Post

If you knew the circumstances I was scheduling these last posts under, maybe you would understand my whole lack of...well, everything. I appreciate your longsuffering (the Bible encourages that, if you are about to give up on me!), and trust me, normal posts will be back soon! Just give me a day or two!
Now, here's a great song to enjoy until I get back here! Great song about salvation, and (aptly) "The Value of One"! :D Yep, I'm so original there in my description!
God bless, and I'll be back soon (like, writing and then posting, not just scheduling!)!!!!!
Indi Raine
John 3:16

Saturday, 25 July 2015

Second Last Blessing Song before a Different Post

Okay, sorry for that insane title (look above post and see what I mean!). After August 1st, I hope to get back to normal posts! I thank you for your patience and dedication during this month of July. And I hope that you are taking the time to really enjoy these songs (my method of doing that? Repeating several dozen times until I would know any portion in my deepest dreams-just joking about that last part!). Today is a modern and classical mix-a mix of "Frozen" and Vivaldi. I was amazed at this movie, and wish that I could play piano like that, besides the whole fact that this man is mixing two different styles and genres with confidence and style! Listen, watch, and be completely be amazed (plus, I like the whole white piano in a frozen winterland idea...if only I could do that!)!!!!

This is an odd blessing (I haven't even seen the movie), but I love this selection. It is inspiring, to say the least!
God bless!
Indi

Saturday, 18 July 2015

Another "Song" Blessing!

A dear friend of mine told me of this song, and I love it! It is fun, classical, and new all at the same time-do the Japanese have that type of music as an art form? They do it well! This song is a blessing when typing or relaxing and listening to great music! So, enjoy Joe Hisaishi's song, "Summer". I hope you will enjoy the song while enjoying the season!
https://youtu.be/qEb4TG10jW8?list=PLuPqd8sa7KxnFT5KYb0RPCFwUhuxBhQ9D
God bless, amigas y amigos!
Indi

Saturday, 11 July 2015

July 11th Song of this Saturday

I believe that I can be blessed by other music than hymns or scriptural songs. So today I'm sharing a favourite dance song (calm down-this is Irish, not hip hop or something strange!)!!!! I love Irish dancing, and this song is fun to dance to! How about trying it out yourself-just have fun with this music!
https://youtu.be/OYsOpAi3ry0
God bless you, friends!
Indi
John 3:30

Saturday, 4 July 2015

Song for this Saturday-Time Well Spent

https://youtu.be/y6KDCPMezdM
Here is the song for this week! I hope that you enjoy it! I recommended it on my other blog, and I greatly enjoy the power and message in this song. I must say that I am thankful for the "time well spent" in my life. I won't hide it-I have had a death in my immediate family. It was hard, and still is (I just hide it sometimes). But I know this person is now in heaven, in God's own presence! And I am exited to see them again someday!
May God bless you with more blessings than you can count! (By the way, I'm sure He already has!)
Indi Raine

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

One of My Biggest Blessings

Oh, CANADA!!!! My home and native land!

Yes, the colour of the words are a little different. I generally do pink or purple to match the blog colour. But today is different. Because, if you are American and don't know, this is CANADA DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I won't explain, but this Canada Day will be a little different than normal to me. However, I'm sure it'll be great! I know I will be singing all verses of "Oh, Canada". I memorized them one year, and most of the time get through all of them correctly. I especially love the last verse-a cry out to God to hold our land. Most of the time, only verse one is sung (often half in English, half in French; I don't understand much French! Sigh.), but the entire song is beautiful and patriotic. America reaches from "Sea to Sea", but did you know that Canada reaches from "Sea to Sea to Sea"? It does! Canada is also the world's second-largest country, second only to Russia. However, our population is not up there. But Canadians are wild, unusual, unique, wonderful people. I love my country, and pray for it's faults to be reversed. I love my country, and it is a part of my heart,

"Oh, Canada, I stand on guard for thee!" I do.

God bless Canada!
Indi Raine




Tuesday, 30 June 2015

Blessings 30-33

Blessing 30-How about pizza? Pizza is definitely a blessing. I love it! It is one of my favourite foods (anybody else agreeing with me?!)!!!! :D I especially love meat pizza and Hawaiian pizza. Of course, homemade pizza is pretty great, and that can have any mix of toppings. Just as a note, hamburger and canned corn are really great together on a topping. Thanks to a family friend for that combo!

Blessing 31-You Readers! You are a blessing to me!

Blessing 32-Pellet Fish Food. That is really odd, but it is useful with my fish. Those pellets are cleaner than fish food flakes, so save me time in cleaning water.

Blessing 33-Water. I need the ocean or some body of water nearby. I love water. Mud puddles to waterfalls, I love them all! :D

That's all for this time!!!! Hopefully these posts are loading correctly at their scheduled time. :)

God bless!
Indi

Sunday, 28 June 2015

All I Ever Want To Be/Lord, Be Glorified (Blessing 29)





I wanted to share this song that I heard the last time I was at camp. I love it, and hope to memorize it to sing at church or some performance sometime. I hope that you enjoy it, and that it inspires you as much as it did me! This song is certainly a blessing!

God bless!

Indi

Friday, 26 June 2015

An update

Because of some things going on in my life, I will have a special song each Saturday, but not a whole lot of posts besides those. Sorry, but I'll explain in August (this is just for July, folks!).
God bless!
Indi

Blessings 27-28

Blessing 27-Werther's Originals. They are just such great candies! Soft or hard, original or coffee, they are wonderful treats! (I'm mentioning this, because I'm writing with a bag across the room with me).

Blessing 28-Blankets. I love blankets. They are almost a "necessity" for me! They are warm and cuddly, and love to snuggle up all warm and cozy. I love to read or sleep with lots of blankets, or just to keep warm if I don't want to put on a sweater.

Sorry that these posts are short. I need to schedule a lot (and check that the scheduling button is working correctly!).

Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Blessing 26

Blessing 26-Pretty Dresses! I love pretty dresses, especially those that are swirly! Full skirts are some of my favourites, or ones that can be worn for very fancy occasions. I also love everyday dresses with a pretty pattern. I love dresses!

Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Blessings 21-25

This will sound odd, but my blessing 21 is next to me-in two parts.

Blessing 21-a doll. Not just a doll, but currently a doll missing her head. But at least, that was on purpose. I really love reborn dolls (research them-some people think that they are creepy, but I think they are beautiful!), and hope to make one from a kit sometime. But I want to experiment with some techniques for reborning on another doll. So this little African American vinyl and/or plastic doll is going to be my "experimental" doll. She is cute! And I'm excited to try some techniques on her!

Blessing 22-my new fish! I just got a beautiful new female betta fish! Her name is Zipporah (to keep with my 'Z' theme!). She is tiny, young, and has a red colouration.

Blessing 23-successful shopping. I really needed some swimwear, tops, and etc., and found the majority of it. I am quite happy with all my shopping! Although, I do like to keep a close watch on my money....

Blessing 24-Gmail. How difficult it would be to keep in touch without e-mails! They are easier than letters (although I love sending and receiving letters as well), and often more convenient than calling on a telephone.

Blessing 25-my bedroom. My bedroom is my resting place and my oasis of everything. Currently, it is very messy, but that is probably because it is my operation central. Books, shells, cds, fish, candy, ribbons, blankets, dolls, backpack, clothes, hats, Rubbermaid containers, pillows, pictures, and laundry baskets-all of these are in my room, cluttering it up a bit! However, it is cheery with a beautiful yellow paint, a colourful bulletin board with photos of friends and family (etc.), and a horse photo. Its a unique room, I must say!

Well, I'll be going for now! God bless!
Indi

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

Count Your Many Blessings

Count your many blessings...are you familiar with that wonderful song? It is a lot of fun to sing, and I love to put a twist on the familiar words (even when I am singing with the congregation at church). I sing my granny's version, despite my siblings whispering "Stop it!" My granny and I just sing it at another level. We just go "count them ton by ton" instead of "one by one". See-there's just so much to be thankful for!
God bless! Keep counting your tons of blessings!
Love,
Indi

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Back to my Blessings (Blessings 12-20)

Well, I'm finally here. I wasn't sure if I'd make it today as I am feeling the effects of a cold.
  :(  Anyway, I'm feeling better after having a bath and eating some supper. :)

So, I have a lot of blessings to name, so here are several that I have thought of.

Blessing #12
   Cupcakes. This is random, but I've wanted to put it up for a long time. I love good cupcakes! Especially with lots of yummy frosting. :D

Blessing #13
   Notebooks. These are an integral part of my life. I almost always have one nearby. But never mind how many I have-I always like new ones!

Blessing #14
   Journals. These are often notebooks, but the notebooks I mentioned above are more like my storage areas for what I often also put on random pieces of paper. Journals have been a part of my life since I learned to write. My first oes had drawings in the top half, writing in the bottom half. Most of them have gone missing (from my earliest years), but I have a fairly steady record since I was thirteen. That was when a family tragedy kind of led me to journaling. I even have a written record of the bedspreads of the room where I stayed the night before an important surgery in my family. Journaling has helped me release stress, sort through my emotional problems, chronicle my favourite moments (and often lists of books and books of the Bible I have read), and to plan and study. Journals are so important to me-if you don't keep one, try it! Write a little bit, no matter how boring or short, for about a month, and then it'll become much easier! I miss some days (like yesterday, when my cold was starting full force, in what I thought was an allergic reaction to a lotion my sibling was wearing-maybe it was partly that on top of my cold), but most of the time I write something.

Blessing #15
   Zen. No, not the religion (or division of religion). Zen is my fighting fish. He is a gorgeous, easily-angered male fighting fish. I love to watch him-I'm so glad I got into fighting fish after my pet Guinea pig died. My first fighting fish-a large, grey female named Zipper for patterns on her sides-died earlier this month. :(  Anyway, I've decided to try betta (another name for fighting fish) breeding in September or so. I can't wait to give that difficult process a chance!

Blessing #16
    Summer. I just love summer. Yesterday, I loved biking and then relaxing in the sun and reading a new book.

Blessing #17
   My bike. It actually came for my dad's mom-she used it when he was a kid. Now, that was quite a long time ago! However, despite its habit of rattling and clanking when I go over bumps or into holes, plus some rust on the fenders (is that what actually goes over the wheels? I'm no expert!), I enjoy using it.

Blessing #18
   Second-hand clothing stores. That is where I biked yesterday, and found a great costume police hat for one of my siblings, plus a much-needed hot pink blouse to match two skirts I'm taking to camp this summer. I was so happy to get one the right colour and size!

Blessing #19
   Second-hand book store. Especially when they carry a large pile of books of  Lucy Maud Montgomery books! Plus when those books are $3 each! I got two yesterday and read them in the sun! What fun!

Blessing #20
   Smoothies. I love smoothies. I generally have a frozen fruit smoothie with orange juice, milk, and a cube or two of frozen Greek yogurt. I sometimes add cinnamon, nutmeg, and raspberry jam. Delicious and healthy!

Well, I'll leave off for today! I've had a fun time recounting these blessings!
God bless you!
Indi

Tuesday, 9 June 2015

FINISHED!!!!

After a stupidly late night yesterday (or this morning-whatever) taking algebra and biology exams, and waking at 5:30 to start a gruelling study period before taking a dreaded (gulp) Spanish exam and then take a very difficult history exam (hey, I love history, but I can't really remember Bible references or dates unless they are extremely simple or I have studied them to a point that is absurd). Oh, one of the exams was worked on while applying for a police background check (for some volunteer work I plan to do this summer-nothing bad! Trust me-there's nothing to hide!) and having a doctor's appointment about some chapped skin problems. Both went well, and I hope and pray that the exam did as well! I think it was okay. :D

Anyway, I actually had time to WRITE today! And sit and watch some online episodes of a TV program. And just relax. And get outside to ride my bike (and acquire a very painful earache-cold breezes do not mix well with my large ears. No kidding!). And clean my room. And re-type that chapter (this was my writing) of a book I'm working on (the chapter had previously gone missing after my laptop did not save one time!). And I now have time to blog!
Tomorrow I hope to rest and get a schedule planned out for my summer. I have a lot to fit in, so I'll be busy. But I will be back with my blessings, and I hope that you readers will be as well!

So you can guess my blessing of the day...can't you? If not, reread the previous paragraphs!

God bless, folks and friends!

Indi C. Raine

Psalm 30

Saturday, 30 May 2015

Camp

I know...I've gotten off-already!
My life has been one word-HECTIC, in capital letters. Highlights it is red, write it in orange, circle it in neon pink and type it in bold print.
I was just at a camp, and until then I was working all day on school. I want to finish by next Saturday, if mortally possible. Please pray!
And camp...that a GIANT blessing! The speaker was Evangelist Mark Herbster. Wonderful preacher and meaningful messages!
I was able to receive five golds in creative writing, and several other ribbons (five others, actually) and be involved in lots (this is a "competitive" camp based around the use of talents for God-and glorifying God with those same talents). I got three bronzes, an honourable mention, and then mentioned five golds.
I will try to post again more frequently once I finish school. I just wanted to update you on all that. Maybe I'll share some of my poetry entries at the camp sometime soon!
Also, to those of you who don't know, I also have another blog-rainesreads.weebly.com. That is the website, and there is a blog page. Now, it has been ignored lately as well, and will be picked up once again when school is over and I can live again! But if you want to read some stuff (one of the plays I entered at the camp-"Cut and Polished"-is on the blog in the "Plays" category), check out my stuff over there!
I have to go finish getting ready for the night, and unpack some more and change my sheets.
Have a great weekend! I'll see you after I finish school!!!!
God bless!
Indi

Wednesday, 20 May 2015

A Special Bible Verse (aka Blessing #11)

I discovered this verse (once more) in family devotions the other day. It seemed very applicable, so I wanted to share it here. Here it is-blessing number 11!

Blessing #11-Psalm 72:18
   "Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things." Next to that verse I had scribbled in the note "no simple things!" Now, I personally do not really like biology (especially the dissection parts, especially those of recognizable creatures), but if there is one thing that has really stood out this year it would be this-nothing is simple! God created everything with an amazing complexity, even the creations so small that they are invisible to the unaided eye (and those that you can't see with the aided eye are REALLY complex as well!!!!).

I hope that you enjoy that verse as much as I did! It is underlined in my Bible (along with many other favourite verses!).

God bless!

Counting my blessings,
Indi Raine

Monday, 18 May 2015

A Warning on Singing (???) and Blessings #7 and 8 (also 9 and unexpected 10)

I suppose that the title seems a bit crazy, but I wanted to give you a fair warning-singing from the bottom of your heart at the top of your lungs can be RISKY!!!! Like, say if I were singing from the bottom of my heart at the top of my lungs and suddenly forget the correct words of the song but continue to sing thinking I have the right words...! It CAN happen (and has! Embarrassed giggle.). My tip is to just check the words and keep singing-and act like that mistake was made by someone else (if that is possible when you are a very strong singer).

Now, blessing #7. Well, how about Midol? 

Blessing #8-Ginger ale. Maybe you can guess how my day went! However, I am grateful for Philippians 4:4 (did I spell that right? I'm always confusing it), which tells me "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." You could add lots of exclamation points. Thus, I will rejoice today!

An extra blessing...
#9-A Sunny day! I was able to open my window, and (praise God!) my allergies didn't start up! I love warm, sunny days!

I really enjoyed reading all your Sunday blessings, and I can agree with them! (Well, my dad's not a pastor...but he does preach!

This title just keeps getting longer. I am finally grateful for the feature of the Ctrl key and Z (I think). I had just erased part of this post, but that key brought it back! It has helped save my sanity. May those geniuses who invented that invention be heartily blessed!

And God bless you, friends! I'll be, Lord willing, back tomorrow with another batch of blessings!

Indi

Phil. 4:4



Sunday, 17 May 2015

Blessings #4, #5, and #6

Good morning on the Lord's day! Let me name three blessings this morning!

Blessing #1-Church
   My church is a blessing to me! Sometimes I wish were in another church (with more young people), but really I have a lot of friends! They range from age two to age ?, but there are wonderful people who attend our church. And God is working! There are several people seeking baptism and church membership, and there's going to be a wedding this fall. I love the blessings of working in the nursery with the children's ministry. I love the pot-luck Sunday. I love the chances to sing duets and in groups. I love that I have my very own ministry-writing plays for our Christmas program! I love the laughter. We are a small group, and those who show up on Wednesday night are the faithful core of the church. We know common prayer requests, we gladly welcome the elderly (one man has a special van for transporting elderly folk, and that is an amazing ministry that he and his wife do), and it is always exciting when we see God answering our prayers!

Blessing #2-Singing
   I love singing at church. Now our church is not that musically incline-I'm probably one of the most trained musicians, but I'm classical (I don't play hymns). Also, most folks sing quietly. But I'm a little different. Some people (from a very talented, musical church) who visit our church occasionally, said that they always feel like they are singing very loud-we are very quiet. Now, there are two reasons for that. 1.) We ARE a quiet church! and 2.) They are great singers, and every one wants to listen to them! Also, and evangelist came through, and told us to "sing from the bottom of your heart at the top of your lungs". So I just about do that-just not quite the top of my lungs! I love to sing out, and I hope it encourages others to sing with a full heart as well. Seriously, does "Joy bells ringing in my heart" sound good when sung by people who are mumbling out the words and not thinking about the words? NO!!! Also, I enjoy singing with the choir (laugh-we practice several times a year, usually before Bible Conference, Christmas, or Easter-so I like singing in it when we have it), in small groups (like last Sunday), and duets with my sister (which I'd like to be doing once a month). My sister and I singing together a fair bit-I think we sound good together. She used to overpower me all the time (she would sing so loudly that the choir director would be telling her that she needed to sing more quietly), but now its me telling her that she needs to sing louder! After that long paragraph, maybe you can tell why I am thankful for the blessing of singing (and why I hate when I'm sick-I can't hit the high notes [or any notes, a good bit of the time!])!!!!!!

Blessing #3-A Christian Radio Station
   I'm listening to it right now. I actually met this speaker, so I enjoy listening to him-he loves preaching about revival. Now, I do not like CCM, which is a big component on this station, but Sunday morning usually has some good preachers on the waves. It is encouraging to hear the last part of a message when waking up on Sunday (or Monday). Currently, the message is on following Jesus no matter the cost. Anyway, it is a blessing to be encouraged to have revival in my life just about every Sunday morning (if I have time to sit down and listen before rushing off to church!).

What are your three Sunday blessings?
God bless!
Indi

Saturday, 16 May 2015

Blessings #1 and #2 (and #3)

Today's blessings would be...

#1-Salvation
   Without God, I would be nothing. He has saved me from my (many) sins, and I will always live in gratefulness! He has done so much for me, and I will love Him forever (and praise Him on earth as I will in heaven). Jesus died on the cross as the perfect substitute for me, and when I believed and called on His name, Jesus washed away my sins with His precious blood. I now live in fellowship with GOD, the creator of the universe! Is that amazing?  It is INCREDIBLE!!!!!! And true! Praise God! Hallelujah!

#2-Christian Fellowship.
  I was at a revival meeting this afternoon, and the Christian fellowship was amazing! I love seeing friends from fellowshipping churches. Some folks even came from out-of-province! What a blessing! (And the pot-luck [pot-blessing] was good too! Even the dessert I managed to make-a s'more in a pan, a twist on the famous dessert with added caramel. It was my own recipe!)

   I'd best go to bed now. I need my final blessing so that I can be ready for worship in the morning!

#3-Sleep!
   I don't think that I need to explain my thankfulness for this blessing. Isn't the feeling just mutual? :)

God bless, all!
Indi R.

Friday, 15 May 2015

   Welcome to A Million Little Blessings! My name is Indi Raine, and I'm very glad that you decided to take the time to stop by my brand new blog. I'm just starting out this blog (my third blog), and I'm very excited about its purpose. What is it's purpose? Well, I has decided that this blog is remind all of us about the millions of little blessings that God gives to us each day! The whole idea of having a blog dedicated to seeing the little blessings and joys of life appealed to me, and I hope to really meet a million posts, a blessing in each one! I hope to name a blessing, and why it is a blessing in each post.
   Each morning when I wake up, I like to thank God for His blessings to me (some days this is easier than others, and sometimes I do forget. Sunshiny days are best, when I am feeling like I really do love life!). Those blessings may be sunshine, a good night's sleep, His goodness and mercy, or maybe friends and family. There are millions of blessings, and we need to thank God for them, no matter how insignificant or tiny they may be.
   "Thank You, God, for Your million little blessings, and please bless me and my readers as we discover them. In Jesus' name, amen!"
   So, get ready! Tomorrow is blessing number one!
   God bless!
   Love,
      Indi Raine