The End of An Era

Hey everyone!

I wanted to take this time to let you know that today I have decided that it is the end of my postings on this blog. It has been good for me to start this journey with you here, but it is time for me to move on and put my full efforts toward www.thequietplaceblog.org. I encourage you to follow me and the other faithful women who so generously share their hearts over at the quiet place. It is a ministry that I started with my best friend Britney a little over a year ago and I am very excited to share with you that God is taking us places with The Quiet Place. As for now, I will continue to leave this blog up for you to peruse.

Thank you for being such great readers!

All my love,

Hillary.

It's Our Birthday Linkup: After One Year...

After One Year of ministry with The Quiet Place there are so many stories to tell. Being apart of what God has done through this blog he put into my heart to create has been amazing. Writing here has allowed me to express my love for my sisters in Christ and all women. It has been a blessing to be able to share my heart and my life with you here. An honor that you have been able to learn with me and grow. It has been an unexpected journey in friendship and business, one from which Britney and I have both grown. Above all I can't even begin to tell you of the numerous things that God has done in my heart as both a writer here and a reader. I am thankful for all of those who have contributed time, effort, money, words, and skill to The Quiet Place. Who were willing to write a guest post when they received an unexpected note from me. We honestly couldn't have done it without you. I have learned a lot this year from our guest posters and I am very thankful for that. God has touched my heart through all of you and I know that he is doing glorious things with the words you have bravely shared with us.  I pray that all of you, contributors and readers alike, no matter where you find yourself, know that God is with you there. That he always love you, and is always waiting for you with open arms. His love is vast beyond measure, his grace abounds, his mercy is unending, and his forgiveness never empty.  This is the great God we serve. And HE loves YOU!   Here's to One Year Best Friend!

Click Here

If you have read The Quiet Place blog, or have contributed, make sure to stop by and link up with us! Just Click the picture for details! So now, may the God of peace make you His own completely and set you apart from the rest. May your spirit, soul, and body be preserved, kept intact and wholly free from any sort of blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus the Anointed. For the God who calls you is faithful, and He can be trusted to make it so. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Stop On By

Make sure you stop by www.thequietplaceblog.org today to check out my post on forgiveness. God has been teaching me a lot lately.

Teachable Moments: A Forgiving Heart

November

There is something special about November, the way the fall trees turn bear and wake up clothed in white snow. That first morning when the seem to be dying foliage is dressed in splendorous white covering everything as far as your eye can see.  That is a special joyous moment for me. This year that moment is even more special because of where I am this morning. Here in Michigan with my best friend. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to come up here and spend time with her face to face. That is a rare opportunity these days and I am cherishing every moment of it. These are the times made of memories. The times that will always be remembered as special.

I am at a great time in my life. Once things change, they will change for good, and I don't want to ever forget what it was like to be at this stage in life. It's a precious time that adults always refer back to, "when I was young...". I want to have something good to say, and I know now that I do. 

When I was young I didn't take my friendships for granted. 

When I was young I took hold of the unique opportunities, and I never regretted it.

What special time are you in right now? I encourage you to make the most of it. 

Proverbs 4

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

pay attention and gain understanding. 

I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.

Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you.

She will give you a garland to grace your head

and present you with a glorious crown.”

Listen, my son, accept what I say,

and the years of your life will be many.

I instruct you in the way of wisdom

and lead you along straight paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;

when you run, you will not stumble.

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;

guard it well, for it is your life.

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked

or walk in the way of evildoers.

Avoid it, do not travel on it;

turn from it and go on your way.

For they cannot rest until they do evil;

they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

They eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know what makes them stumble.

My son, pay attention to what I say;

turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

and health to one’s whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it.

Keep your mouth free of perversity;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Let your eyes look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet

and be steadfast in all your ways.

Do not turn to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.

The Circle Linkup: Favorite Recipes

I just saw this linkup and I knew that I HAD to write a post. :) After all, I do love to bake. My favorite recipe is "Moist and Chewy Brownies" from "Baking Unplugged" by Nicole Reese. They are seriously the BEST brownies ever! I make them quite often and everyone loves to eat them. I must provide a special thank you to my best friend for buying me the dessert book for my birthday. I LOVE this baking book and I recommend it to anyone looking to do some basic baking. You can buy it on Amazon at the link below.

Baking Unplugged

"Moist & Chewy Brownies"

Ingredients

1 C. plus 1 tsp. unsalted butter

2 C. sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 C. unsweetened natural cocoa powder

2/3 C. all-purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 350'F. Butter and flour a 9'-square baking pan. Melt

the butter in a medium saucepan. Remove the pan from the heat. Beat in the

sugar until well combined, about 1 minute. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and salt

until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in the cocoa powder and then the flour

until smooth and uniform, about 30 seconds.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes,

until a wooden skewer inserted 2/3, toward the center comes out with only

moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the brownies cool in the pan to just warm before

serving plain; otherwise cool completely before frosting with ganache.

Cut in 2 1/4" squares.

Summer Recap Linkup

The summer is sadly coming to a close and while I am resistant to the end of sunshiny days and summer nights it has come the time to recap my summer bucket list. So without further ado, here it is...

1) Go to the Beach - I haven't been to the beach in probably at least five years. So I think its about time to get myself there. 

I finally made it to the beach! :D Beach Day

2) Make a new friend - I have recently relocated to a new town near Grad school and have had to leave my friends behind. So this summer I would like to make a new friend here.

This summer I welcomed two new roommates and I am glad to say that I have made two new friends :) 

3) Send Letters - I miss my distant friends and I love to write them letters. This summer I hope to send them each at least one awesome letter.

I have written One letter which is good but I don't think I can check this one off just yet. 

4) Lend my time - I would have said volunteer, but I'm not sure i'll do that. So I'll keep it real and say lend my time. This summer I want to lend my time to someone or something of good cause. 

This summer I have been taking a couple of classes and I lent my time to one of my classmates to help her with homework.

5) Seize the Day - Sometimes being here in my school housing, it is easy to waste the day away doing meaningless things like watching television. This summer I want to get away from the television and my computer and spend my time doing other things that involve enjoying the outdoors. 

Success! Seizing the day. 

When my BFF was here we seized the day! We spent some time at the mall cooked dinner and went to the movies! It may not sound all that different from normal but for me it really was. 

I am glad to report that I have been seizing the summer days as of recent and it has been an awesome experience. 

I Am Grateful Linkup

Linkup with us! - http://www.agirlsmitten.com/

A Grateful heart. Tonight I am definitely feeling grateful. 

I am grateful for a God who sees me. 

I am grateful for a mother who loves and cares about me, who wants the best for me. 

I am grateful for an amazing father who has always seen the best in me, who has believed that I can do anything I work hard towards. 

I am grateful for a sister who is also my friend, who encourages me, and has demonstrated what a woman of God looks like. 

I am grateful for a brother with a thoughtful heart, who is generous, and who cares about others. 

I am grateful for an extended family who is kind and caring. 

I am grateful for friends who encourage and support me, and are always willing to pray for me. 

Picture Credit Katrina

I am grateful for the opportunity of education and to someday work in a profession that is in the business of helping people. 

Thank you Lord for all the blessings in my life

Though I don't always show it, I am grateful.

A Virtual Book Tour

Bloggers Note: Today we have a guest post! I would like to introduce you to Livy Jarmusch, an accomplished 19 year old who has made it her mission to inspire young Christian women. You can check out her new e-book When Life Feels Like a Taylor Swift Song: A Girl's Guide To Boys, available as a free download HERE. 

Boys, Beauty and Disney Princesses

“Sometimes I think God sprayed me with a huge bottle of boy repellent, just for the fun of it.” Ally's quirky comment reminded me of her single status. 

My reply was just as single, yet not quite so humorous. “God must think really highly of my future husband, because He hasn't let any boy come near me with a ten-foot pole!” I sighed wistfully, 
“I hope he appreciates it.” 

Conversations like this happen every few weeks when I ask Alyssa if she has any secret admirers hiding love notes in her cubby at work, or hunky guys on the block writing her love songs. 

Her response is always the same, then it's her turn to ask me about my lack of love life. We joke about becoming old, senile cat ladies who will wear polyester pants and date imaginary boyfriends who don't exist. 

Choosing not to date was exciting at first. It was rebellious and gutsy. Proudly sporting our Barlow Girl T-shirts in middle school was almost the cool thing to do. In high school, we joined forces in support of our No Dating Campaign.
But now, as many of our friends are inviting us to watch them slow dance with Prince Charming at their weddings, we can't help but glance at one another, and wonder if there's something wrong with us.

Hidden Treasure 
Do you ever feel invisible to the guys in your life? Maybe you feel like you're the only girl without a prom date. Sometimes I feel like a weary Rapunzel, locked up in an intimidating tower of stone, which keeps my Flynn Rider far, far away. 

Sneaky lies pounce on every opportunity of doubt to whisper things like, “You're unattractive. You're a major dork. All your friends have someone special to hold hands with on the Fourth of July. You dream of fireworks, sparks and romance, but you've never even been asked on a date before! You don't get special attention from guys, because you're not worthy of it.” 

Do these words sound familiar? Lies attempt to disguise themselves in sneaky shades of truth. If we're not careful, we can easily slip into a place of discouragement. Magazines, music, Hollywood, and movie screens tell me that without a guy on my arm, I'm painfully pathetic. What good am I if I don't have what it takes to capture his heart? Isn't that what it's all about...beauty? 

Sweet sister, don't believe these shadowy words to be true. If we strike a match on the stone of Jesus, and light the candle of God's Word, these darkened lies will suddenly be illuminated with a dazzling truth. 

In Job Chapter 28, Job talks about a deep, dark place. He speaks of hidden treasure buried underground. A mine of glorious, priceless jewels are hidden, but the sparkling diamonds resting there are not for the eyes of man. Only God sees “the place where gold is refined.” (vs 1). 

Verse 10 says, 

“He tunnels through the rock; His eyes see all its treasures, He searches sources of the rivers, and brings hidden things to light.” (vs 10)

My favorite verse in this passage is verse 6, 
“Sapphires come from its rocks, and its dust contains nuggets of gold.” 

One might look at these verses and say, “What kind of injustice is this? Why are those lovely pieces of gold, silver, and sapphires forced to live in the dirt where no one can see them? They should be honored and adored, noticed and cherished! Why would God hide them away like that?” 

These treasures would only be found by those who would seek them out. God didn't make these treasures obvious and place them on a display table. He knew that lazy men would never dive into the depths of the earth. He knew that only those men who truly desired and valued the treasure would seek it. The men who would humble themselves and be willing to get a little dirty...those are the guys who are forever rewarded with the prize. 

The same is true with you. You are beautiful. You're a dazzling diamond. The Bible says that you were woven together in the depths of the earth. Because you are so valuable and lovely, the Lord has hidden you in the shade of His right hand. You're under his covering, and you may feel as though you're locked in a tower. You are tucked away, but not to rot. You've been hidden so that your beautification process can continue, without being tainted by the fingerprints of man. You shine like stars in the universe. You have an expensive price tag on your soul, that could only be matched by Someone so priceless as the King of Kings, the Majesty of Heaven, God's only son, Jesus. Be encouraged sister. God does have a man for you! He won't be a selfish, shallow jerk who only takes what is free and easy. If you stay hidden in God's presence, this man will set out on the greatest adventure of his life, as he humbles himself and travels through the deepest places of life...just to find you, his eternal treasure. 

Cinderella was hidden for a purpose. A parade of guys didn't pound on her door. Gentlemen callers didn't fill up the parlor. We all know that Cinderella wasn't ugly, socially awkward, or unattractive in any way...she was glorious! She was a Princess, hidden until the perfect time for love to awaken. 

Do you remember that magical scene when Cinderella entered the ball room for the first time? Every jaw dropped and Prince Charming stared at this mysterious girl. Who was she? Where had she come from? Charming was suddenly hit with an astonishing realization... he didn't know anything about this girl, but he wanted to know everything. She was like nothing he had ever seen. 
Some say Charming fell head over heels because of her sparkly blue dress or luxurious blonde hair, but I believe Charming saw something beyond sparkles and glitter....

He saw the defining element, the one thing that set her apart from every other pretty face in the room.

He saw a beautiful heart. Patience and kindness were glowing from her eyes.
She didn't flaunt and strut into the room...instead she gracefully walked in thankfulness. Her humble heart posture enabled her to be exalted to the high place of Princess. Charming knew that this was his future Queen. 

In order to walk in the heavenly splendor of a Princess like Cinderella, we must first allow ourselves to be humbled and changed in the hidden, secret place. Dirt is the place where diamonds are discovered. 

Let God use your season of hidden singleness to create something breathtakingly beautiful. 

Livy Jarmusch is a nineteen-year-old author, singer, songwriter, and creator of  an online magazine for girls, Crown of Beauty Magazine. She loves golden retriever puppies, ice-cream cones, and changing the world. Check out her new e-book When Life Feels Like a Taylor Swift Song: A Girl's Guide To Boys, available as a free download for girls of all ages! :) 

http://www.crownofbeautymagazine.com/WhenLifeFeelsLikeaTaylorSwiftSong.html
Livy's Website: http://www.crownofbeautymagazine.com/

Liebster Award!

I have awesome news friends! I have been nominated for a Liebster Award!!! :D Thank you Ellie for the nomination! For those of you who don't know, Ellie is a blogger at Choosing Peace. She is also our facebook page helper for The Quiet Place and I have appreciated her assistance SO much. She is wonderful.

The Rules of the Liebster Award

1. Link back to the person who nominated you.

2. List 11 facts about yourself.

3. Answer the 11 questions posted by the person who nominated you.

4. Nominate up to 11 other blogs with 200 followers or less.

5. Ask 11 new questions for the nominees to respond to.

11 Facts

I LOVE Country Music
I am an MSW student
I want to be a school social worker
I love my friends
Italy is one of my favorite places
I can flare my nostrils
I laugh at my own jokes (even when no one else thinks they are funny)
I live in a small town and LOVE it!
I sing all the time
I have a Godson who is the cutest :)
People are my passion

11 Answers

1. How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging since Sunday, January 31, 2010

2. What inspired you to begin blogging?

Jesus inspired me to begin blogging :)

3. What TV show from your childhood would you love to see come back on the air?

Boy Meets World, Hands Down, THE best show of my childhood.

4. Name 3 things you can’t live without.

Jesus, Oxygen, People

5. What was the last vacation you went on?

My last vacation was many years ago. It was a family trip to Florida to visit my Grandparents.

6. What’s your favorite beauty product?

I don't really have one.

7. What are your top 3 favorite websites?

Pinterest :)

Bloglovin'

Facebook

8. What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas because that is when my whole family is able to be together.

9. What’s something cool you did last weekend?

Went to an excellent Italian restaurant on the river.

10. Would you rather be stuck on a broken elevator or a broken ski-lift?

Ski-lift, Much more to look at. Plus you can always jump right? lol

11. What’s one thing you would tell your younger self?

Get out of the house and try new things, even if you fail or dislike them.

Nominations

Brooke from Living as a Single Gal

Katrina from More Than Just An Art Teacher & Musings of a Chocolate Lover

Blogs By Christian Women

Kiki from In It's Time

11 New Questions

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

2. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?

3. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

4. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?

5. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?

6. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BLOGGING?

7. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN BLOGGING?

8. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

9. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF

11. WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Burning the Midnight Light

Tonight the Lord has spoken into my heart and here is what He shared with me...

Psalm 119:130

New International Version (NIV)

130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it gives understanding to the simple.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Verse 130

Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God’s testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God’s word gives light. If we begin at the beginning, and take it before us, we shall find that the very first verses of the Bible give us surprising and yet satisfying discoveries of the origin of the universe, about which, without that, the world is utterly in the dark. As soon as the word of God enters into us, and has a place in us, it enlightens us; we find we begin to see when we begin to study the word of God. The very first principles of the oracles of God, the plainest truths, the milk appointed for the babes, bring a great light into the soul, much more will the soul be illuminated by the sublime mysteries that are found there. “The exposition or explication of thy word gives light;” then it is most profitable when ministers do their part in giving the sense, Neh. 8:8. Some understand it of the New Testament, which is the opening or unfolding of the Old, which would give light concerning life and immortality. (2.) It would give understanding even to the simple, to the weakest capacities; for it shows us a way to heaven so plain that the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

Matthew 6:32-34

New International Version (NIV)

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Philippians 4:18-20

New International Version (NIV)

18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 8:27-29

New International Version (NIV)

27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Read This Too :) - Make You Feel His Love - Sweetness Itself