Song of the Month: Just as I Am

On May 17th, we had the opportunity to be blessed by one of the most prestigious Southern Gospel groups in the world: the Booth Brothers!

These gentlemen have won Favorite Artist of the Year for two years in a row, Favorite Trio for multiple years, and the individual members have won numerous awards as well. With this reputation, you would think the ticket prices would be rather high (well, not as high as many contemporary artists today, but still, for a family of nine, $15 can be a stretch). But, the concert was free, thanks to the church who held it. Big blessing for our family!


Our family, plus two friends, were blessed by the Booth Brothers-Ronnie Booth, Michael Booth, and Jim Brady-and their message. What Ben said to Ronnie later was true: "You guys are one of the most ministry minded groups that I have seen." Their message was clear-"God's Word is truth, there is a Heaven and a hell, there is a Savior, there is sin, there is nothing you can do without the Lord. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Their love for the Lord was evident and it was refreshing to visit with them afterwards. Sometimes, when we have attended other concerts, the artists performing do not even give you the time of day, and they call it ministry! It wasn't this way with the Booth Brothers, thankfully. The Booth Brothers were SO nice to Sam, Jayme, and Caleb, and the Lil' Adventurers loved it!


Anyways, enough said. Now it's time to get to the song of the month: "Just As I Am" by Jim Brady.


At the concert, I purchased Jim Brady's solo CD and have been blessed by it ever since. Jim wrote/co-wrote all the songs, and the lyrics of his songs are amazing. But my favorite really speaks to me and our family.

Some people have told us, "Live as you want. When you are a Christian, it doesn't matter how you live. God has saved you and that's all that matters. The Bible isn't relevant for today. God doesn't care how you live; He only cares about your heart" and so on and so forth.

In reading God's Word, we have not found a Biblical base for these opinions, or excuses, shall I say. Read Colossians 3, Galatians 5:16-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-11, 2 Timothy 2:22, the book of James, etc., etc. God DOES care about the heart, but He is most certainly concerned about the outward actions, words, and appearances as well. Salvation does not rely on works or how good you live, but as fruit shows that a tree is alive (Matthew 7:15-20), works also display the existence of faith.

In Jim Brady's song, "Just As I Am," the words clearly demonstrate this point. I love this line especially: "Oh, the way He's changing my heart proves He loves too much to leave me just as I am." Wow. That's the truth. The Bible says we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We come as we are, but we don't stay as we are.

Whew, it seems I have typed a lot, but when I examine my writing, I've barely scratched the surface of my thoughts and what God's Word says on this subject.

I had better be going. There are lawns to mow, dishes to wash, songs to practice, and a day to live, striving to be more like Christ and surrendering my all. Have a great, God-blessed day!

In His Love,

Taylor

The Garms and friends Uli and Katie with Jim Brady

-*~*~*-

JUST AS I AM

by Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, and Tony Wood

Oh becoming more like Jesus feels like dying deep inside,
And I guess sometimes that’s truly what it is,
Cause He’s calling me to lay aside my selfishness and pride
So He can mold my heart and make it more like His.

[channel]
And lately I’ve been seeing more each day
The wisdom and new wonders of His grace.

[chorus]
Just as I am, I ran to Him and mercy took me in;
Just as I am and He forgave my sin.
Oh the way He’s changing my heart proves
He loves me too much
To leave me just as I am.

O my heart is simply clay within the potter’s skillful hands
And even though the changes sometimes frighten me,
I want the truth of His words to keep shaping who I am
Cause I know He does all things perfectly.

[channel]
So all my thoughts and all my attitudes,
They’re all His to change as He wants to.

[chorus]

[bridge]
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bids me come to Thee
Oh Lamb of God, I come.

[chorus]

Psalm 73: Being Content with God

A Beautiful Braham Sunset-April 23rd, 2009

Two days ago, my little sister Jayme had the opportunity to pick a psalm for the day and she randomly chose Psalm 73, one of my favorite psalms. I had forgotten what a wonderful psalm it was, and I couldn't help but remember a journel entry I wrote about it two years ago:

"December 6th, 2007-Letters from the Heart

'But as for me, it is good to be near God' Psalm 73:28 NIV

Psalm 73 is a psalm of confession. The psalmist contritely admits how he has often envied the people of this world and wished he could have the 'joys' they possess. 'They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.' (verse 4)

I can relate to this man's heart. How frequently I find myself wishing I was like young ladies of this world. They do not have struggles with which I have to battle; they don't fight unpure thoughts. What problems do they possess?

But then, do they have a caring Father in Heaven to whom they may bring their problems? Does a normal young lady have the counsel and guidance of God's Word? Do they have the strength (God) I have?

In verses six through ten, the psalmist reveals the true nature of people who do not care for God. (Read)

I can say with the psalmist as he closes his prayer:

'Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of your deeds." (Psalm 73:27-28)

I just wanted to share this with you; be encouraged!

BTW: My mom is out of the hospital and feeling better on account of the prednisone she is on. Things are still unclear on what she has. I'll keep you posted; thanks for the prayers!

Trials Produce Patience

Will too much patience drive me crazy?

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and prayers for my Mom. That was so nice of you! Happy Birthday to Alyssa and Kathryn as well!

Some of my favorite verses to turn to during trials are James 1:2-4.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces patience, but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4 NKJV

I have found this verse is so true, especially now. Mom is back in the hospital; she was having worse problems yesterday, so our Pastor brought her into the emergency room for us (as none of us kids drive officially yet and Dad was at work). Today she is scheduled to have a "colonoscopy" (I think that's how you spell it) to see what's wrong with her. We hope and pray it's nothing serious!

With Mom gone, a lot of responsibility falls on me as I am the oldest girl of the house now (I am NOT having self-pity). It is PERFECT training for motherhood. Last night I made lasagna for dinner and, with Mom at the hospital, my younger siblings came to me with their hurts and thoughts. Helping them and listening to them really requires patience, especially when supper is late, I've splattered spaghetti sauce over my favorite shirt and jeans, and I am worried about Mom. Later in the evening we all kind of lost our patience, but earlier, I found it fufilling to assist them and to know my younger siblings trusted me.

Through this whole trial, I am learning patience is an essential quality for motherhood, and sacrificing is a large part of being a good sister and mother-in-training.

Patience is a virtue, and very important. My brother Caleb was just here asking about me doing some reading with him. I told him, "We'll see; wait until I'm done." He sighed, "I guess I have to wait." I smiled at Caleb and said, "Yep, that's patience." "What's patience?" he asked. "It's a virtue." "Oh."

Waiting and patience and perseverence all depend on each other. If we wait with patience, we will perseverence. Right now, we have to wait on the Lord to show us His perfect plan for our lives during this trial. Ben, Leesha, and I have made to commitment to "wait" for our future spouses. Caleb has to wait for me to read with him.

Once again I reminded of James: knowing the testing of your faith produces patience. Patience, what a "timely" lesson.

"Teach me, Lord, to wait."

What A Weird Week!

What a weird week!

On Friday of last week, Mom felt very sick. Her stomach area hurt and she couldn't figure out why. She was down and out for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with horrible abdomenal pains. Dad finally took her to the doctor on Sunday afternoon and I fully expected her to be out that night. I was wrong. Mom remained in the hospital for about four days and she was dubbed the "mystery patient". It seemed she had a sac of fluid by her colon, or was it in the muscle? There were no definate answers.

The days without Mom were very odd indeed, but things seemed to run smoothly. Dad took two days off of work to be with Mom and us. It was SO comforting to know many people from church, relatives, and friends were praying for Mom and our family. The out-pouring of love was amazing. Pastor and Joanne were wonderful and SO supportive of our family.

My oldest sister stayed the night on Tuesday evening and was able to be home for most of my birthday. She was also able to pick up Mom on Wednesday. Thanks Whit!

Oh yes, it was my birthday-17! Here is a photo:

Well, I'd better be going. Just wanted to let you know I am still alive, and surviving, even through this weird week.

Happy Easter! He is risen, He is risen indeed, alleluia!

Just a Note

Just a note: I put some new pictures on the right sidebar of my blog. Check them out! On our family's website, some new pictures were added to the Photo Album page. View those today and get to know us more (if you dare!). Also, visit Great Adventure's blog, Joy in the Journey, to read my brother Ben's new article.

All the Days Planned for Me...Part One

I wanted to share a story with you that has affected my life, our family, our church, and community. This happened in January, but it is still relevent for all today.

"All the days planned for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

Saturday morning, January 10th, 2009:


"Taylor, Leesha! Time to get up!"


I rolled over in my bed and groaned. It was a Saturday morning and I was very reluctant to get up from my sleep when Dad's voice woke us. I covered my head with the blankets.

My youngest sister Jayme came in to our room and proceeded to make her bed and give us the morning report. She started to chatter about the morning's activities and then began to talk about something intriguing.

"The prayer chain left a message this morning," she said. "Allen K. was in a car accident last night."

I knew this was going to affect my day.

First, the prayer chain never calls before 9:00 AM. Second, Jayme said something about him being air-lifted to a hospital in the Twin Cities.

I got up and washed my hair, for the "womenfolk" of the family were going to help serve at a funeral that afternoon at our church. A member of our church had had cancer for a long time and he had passed away earlier in the week. My heart was saddened already for his family, but now, my heart was burdened for the K's.

The K. family are members of our church. Allen was the oldest of the four kids and had graduated last spring. Though we did not know him well, I felt very concerned for him and his family.

We prayed for Allen and his family during our family devotion and then prepared to go to church.

Saturday Afternoon, January 10th, 2009:

When Mom, Leesha, Jayme, and I arrived at St. Stephens, the lady who had called with the prayer request came over and asked us if we got her message. We told her we did and Mom asked if she knew any details. She told us she didn't know. She then added she learned if Allen didn't show any signs of recovery, they were going to take him off life support.

We were shocked.

Though we knew "air-lifted" is a indication of serious injuries, we had no idea it was that serious. I immediately felt a rush of tears flood my eyes and my heart went out to the K's. Thoughts of "Why? He's only 19 years old! Why this pain for their family? Why?"

As everyone helped prepare for the dinner, the subject kept turning back to the tragic incident that had occured. We also learned the story...

Friday evening, January 9th, 2009:

Allen and a friend were driving home from a party on a road near our house, southbound to home. An eighteen-year old girl was driving on the road my dad travels on every work day, westbound. It was around 10:30 PM. As the girl's car approached the intersection, she missed the stop sign and Allen's car was broadsided. The friend and the girl walked away. Allen was severely injuried, with serious damage to his head. He was air-lifted to a Twin Cities' hospital and on the 10th, was taken off life support.



This story will be continued, including my feelings and questions, what God has shown me and our family, how we were able to serve through this trying time, and more in "All the Days Planned for Me...Part Two."

The Great Adventure Story is Up!

In 2002, our family embarked on the most amazing journey ever-a time period we endearingly entitled, "The Great Adventure." We learned so much during this adventure. From its story, we have derived the name "Great Adventure Gospel Band" for our music group. To read this incredible journey, please click here and learn more about our family.

The Rose of Sharon

This Valentine's Day, my sister and I sent out cards to some young ladies we know, encouraging them to focus on the Lord. I want to extend that Valentine's Day greetings to you:

I am the Rose of Sharon. (Song of Songs 2:1)

Yet is was the Lord's will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer. (Isaiah 53:10)

This is love: not that we loved God, but He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1st John 4:10)

"In this season of roses and gifts from the ones we love, remember the most precious Rose of all-Jesus Christ, the Gift of Love given to us by the Father. May you be drawn closer to your Prince, your True Love, as you grow to love Him more each moment during this Valentine's Day."

Happy Valentine's Day!

In His Love,

The Garms Girls

Tidbits of Encouragement

When the trials and difficulties of life bog us down, isn't it hard to realize the enjoyable treasures of each day? I have been struggling lately with many feelings of sadness and frustration, choking out the joys of a typical day (I do plan to write about a tragic incident that made our family and many others think about how short and precious life is). We often need a uplifting boost during a difficult time.

Here's one of my roses among the thorns: siblings. Happiness is found in the form of a child. My little brother Caleb will make me smile whether I want to or not. This is one quote from him that made me laugh...

"I don't know what God knows, but God knows everything I know."

Be encouraged and seek out the hidden gems of this day!

I Need YOUR Help!

My friend, Alyssa, keeps asking me when I'm am going to update my website, and I keep telling her, "Whenever I can find time!"

I have enjoyed transferring my old website to my new URL, but it has been a tedious process. I am pleased with the overall turnout, though several pages are uncompleted.

But here's you what you can do to help me out: contribute!

On the Poetry page, I hope to add more poetry which I have written, but I would love to have submissions from poets! If you don't write poetry, you can write a review about Godly Girlhood.org and it will be added to the About Godly Girlhood page. Recipes to Thyme in the Kitchen can also be contributed if you have a favorite recipe to share. I will also consider guest articles for the Article page.

If I chose your submission(s), I will put a link to your website or blog (that is, if you have a website). Also you may include a short biography of yourself as I will then create a contributors page for all of the contributors.

Send your submissions to godlygirlhood@localnet.com. Thank you for your help!

By the way, Alyssa, you've been tagged for your trouble!

In His Love,
Miss Taylor