Westminster Wednesdays

A good way of finding answers is by looking them up and discovering them for yourself. I have taken that to heart over the past year with my morning readings of the bible and journal time. I started gaining more knowledge by writing 2 questions and answers of the Larger Catechism from "The Westminister Standards" These questions go back to the root of what being a Christian is really all about. This helpful tool does not replace the bible or is anywhere near it's importance, it is more of just a guide to help bible readers understand just a little bit more and get more of a grasp of what they have read. The questions start out simple, and gradually get more in depth as they continue. So from here on out I will put up 2 questions every Wednesday. These Q&As should cause you to think deeper about your walk with Christ and perhaps give you more of an understanding about who Christ is and what our role as Christians is.

The Westminster Confession is a Reformed confession in the tradition of John Calvin.  It was formulated between 1643 and 1647 by the Westminster Divines.  Their meetings at Westminster Abbey also produced the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.         

Here we go....The first of many "Westminster Wednesdays".

Q. 1. What is the chief and highest end of man?
A. Man's Chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.

Q. 2. How doth it appear that there is a God?
A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, Declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.

Updates

So much has happened since graduation. I had another AMAZING bridal shower hosted by some very special woman from Fort Worth Presbyterian. Such a sweet time of prayer and fellowship. Loved every minute of it. The napkins had my name on them in green and blue. That gave my heart a hug when I saw them! So so so cute.

I was able to spend some much needed time with my dearest buddy for a couple of weeks. It was great to hang out with her and her family and just chill and not worry about the time! But as soon as I was back the wedding planning was here to greet me. I then dove in.

Travis and I, along with the gracious helping hands of my folks, moved all our belongings into our little one bedroom apartment, which is adorbs by the way! It is so funny because when we got engaged we literally had like no furniture, but slowly and surely we ended up getting everything we need. Couch, coffee table, an oh so delicious orange queen anne chair (thanks to Syls and her mad skills on Craigslist), armour, dining room table and chairs, a super unique all leather foot stool that I just simply drooled over when I laid eyes on it. Travis still needs a dresser, but we have an idea in mind for that. Overall...this spells...blessed.

We do have some sad news though. We lost Travis' car. The old black Toyota Camry. It ran till it just couldn't give anymore. We shared soooo many funny and not so funny memories in that car. It will be missed. We have to put the power of prayer on this situation though. Travis needs a car now. :( We have faith that the Lord will work this out. We just have to trust in Him and remember that He is teaching us through each and every thing that happens to us. Pray for us!! We would appreciate it!

I am so excited to say that the wedding is a mere 12 days...yes 12 days away. I cannot forget the waiting that has taken place to arrive at this special time in our lives. 4 years....well actually in September it will be 5 years of dating. Waiting and dating.  We knew we wanted to marry soon after becoming an item. But we trusted in the Lord and he has brought us to where we are today.  And today what a wonderful day it was...Today is the day that we purchased our wedding license. How special!!

We have also picked our beautiful wedding bands. So special and meaningful. Looking forward to putting that on Trav's left ring finger. ;)

Wonderful time getting to stay with my parents these last couple of weeks as an unmarried woman. Their generosity and love astounds me every single day. Their faith is strong because they know that their Savior is strong and is faithful to deliver.

We are excited to see our friends very soon at the wedding. Get ready to dance the night away!!

Until then,
-E

Song of Solomon 1:5-17 - Just An Old Fashioned Love Song - NT Presbytery - Rev. Ricky Jones

 I was encouraged by a woman in my church to look this up. I am glad I did!  So amazing, the love Christ has for sinners, who I am the chief.
I encourage you to listen too. 



Song of Solomon 1:5-17 - Just An Old Fashioned Love Song - NT Presbytery - Rev. Ricky Jones

I Finally Graduated!

Well Folks,
You may now call me a college graduate. I did it...with the help of many others. But I did indeed walked up a set of stairs, heard my named read over the speakers, walked across stage, took my "diploma"(real one is coming in the mail I think...I hope!), shook some hands and walked down a set of stairs...and sat down in my respectable assigned seat, watched my fellow classmates go through the same process, and turned my tassel to the victory side. I was number 25...AKA...Emma Colleen Miner. It felt wonderful to know that my whole family was there backing me and cheering me on. It was an amazing experience to look at all my professors sitting on the stage...some that I loved, and some that I didn't love as much. It was kinda like an out of body experience. Strange to say the least. I am done with college. I do not have to write paper upon paper anymore, or study for 20 exams a semester. It's done. I must say that this is a miracle, because I in myself could not have done this on my lonesome. It was by the hand of my creator and sustainer. College was no breeze, there were times where I didn't long to return to the books after a fun weekend, or after a good exam grade. There were times where I would have chosen to wake up early the day of an exam to catch my last couple of facts before filling my name in on the scantron. Yet, there is something to be proud of in all this. I did yearn to continue my education and to face a wall of classes that I had to fight to climb and overcome. Many obstacles were placed in my way, but the glory of it all is...that the Lord doesn't give us trials to hard to overcome. He gives us his mercy to help us get through them. That is just what he did for me. Of course there were times of hurt and sorrow and a want to not continue, but how could I not! He brought me this far! I know He will allow me to finish the race! He did it! Not me or all the studying I did. It was all God. I owe my glories to Him. Because without Him, I wouldn't even have had the brilliant idea to go to college! Now I am now as Emma Colleen Miner...Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology. And who knows...maybe Emma Colleen Heim...Master's of Arts in Psychology.  Only God knows the answer to that question.  My mind is blown.

Up next.......

THE WEDDING OF THE CENTURY!!
FEATURING: NEWCOMERS...EMMA MINER AND TRAVIS HEIM!
THIS ONE IS SURE TO EXCITE YOU AND MAKE YOU SAW AWWWWW!! ;)
YOU WILL WISH YOU HAD RECORDED IT. HA.

No but for real. The wedding is literally in 40 days...insane. I shall soon be the Mrs. Travis C. Heim. Which is just so amazing! We have waited so long for this day to come to us, and it is almost here. God is continually blessing us!

AND..the best buddy is coming in a matter of days....I can't believe it is already time to pick her up from the airport again! I love her!! We have a weekend of fun times! Bachelorette party and a Bridal shower! So many fun times!

Oh, and Little Travis is in Florida with the rest of the Tyler RUF group. So badly wish I could be there with them, but I have things here to attend to. But I must say I am a bit jealous. It is my prayer for them that they will hear something that they had never heard before, and that God will give them some topics that will stir their hearts and draw them closer to God.  Have fun guys!

Until then,
-E

The Rest

check out our wedding website!
 www.theknot.com/ourwedding/emmaminer&travisheim

 Until then,
   -E

Blessings

This weekend was full of so much exciting and enjoyment. Travis and I felt very loved at our first bridal shower. This was our Tyler families doing. It was hosted by 5th Street Presbyterian ( our wonderful church here in Tyler. ) and a lot of our friends from RUF were about to attend too! It was held at the ever so kind Dominique Jordan's home. She did a beautiful job of setting up everything, getting people to help out and of course making us all feel at home. There was so much love that filled that one that night. Travis and I were encouraged to see the love of God shown in such an amazing way. Mike, the associate pastor, said a couple words before we began to open presents, he stated that we couldn't start a home on our own, but that these wonderful people came together to help get the things that we need to start it. That really struck me. This is such truth. I am honored that people would feel lead to purchase us presents which will continue to benefit my family for our whole lives. These are the objects that I will cook with and serve with. I will feed my children on these plates and cook all our family meals with these pots and pans. Such a beautiful realization. God blessed me through even the smallest gift. All were picked out for a special purpose. All so wonderful.  Our families got to come to Tyler for the shower. I know that it encouraged them to see that we truly are cherished by our 5th Street family here. I am glad they were able to make it.

          Saturday I drove home to Fort Worth with my mom, who got to stay Friday night with me in Tyler. We headed home for a slight moment so that I could see my little (not so little) puppy Franklin. He is getting bigger!! But is just as sweet as ever. After making that much needed stop we headed to the tailors for my second dress fitting! That was very exciting! The dress is looking great! Saturday night was an exciting night for the little brother! It was his Junior Senior Banquet. Being a Miner son it was a necessity for him to wear a KILT! Ian followed in our older brother's footsteps who also wore a kilt to his senior banquet. I truly think only a Miner son could pull that off. He looked great and said that he had a fun night. Hard to believe that Ian is graduating high school. Couldn't be more proud of the kid. His high school play is coming up in a couple of weekends. I am looking forward to going home to watch him in his last high school play! 

          Sunday the parents and I went to the Main Street Arts Festival in downtown Fort Worth. It was awesome to see all the different artists from all over the country selling and displaying their heart. I love learning about different kinds of art and the meaning behind why the artists did what they did. So interesting to learn what their brain's were thinking when they were creating. What is really cool is that each artists reason for what they created is so different.  Love it!

Until then,
E

Your Left Bicep Looks Bigger than the Right.

Last week was spring break. This week was filled with much joy and much sadness. I will start with the sadness. A beautiful life was lost on Wednesday, March 9th. Matthew Josue Reyes was taken home to be with our Savior at an early hour in the morning in a terrible car accident. Matthew graduated from Temple Christian School with me and many other amazing people. We spent 7 years together for 8 hours a day, all of us so close. We not only were together through the academic aspect of school, but we were even more importantly,we were all connected through our Spiritual lives. We learned and grew through the teachings that were taught.  This created a bond that could never be broken. This was evident to me at the funeral. The funeral was held at Temple Baptist Church. This sad event brought many of the graduates/classmates together for that short time. We all were there to support the family and each other. God was present at the funeral to comfort, and I could feel Him there. I pray that He continues to comfort the family and friends.

Spring break also brought about happy times. My Maid of Honor flew all the way from LOS ANGELES,CA to help with the planning of my wedding. She was a huge help! We got much accomplished. It was great just getting to hang out with her and talk. Such a sweet, caring, and loving person. I look up to her in many ways.  She also takes great notes, and is pretty. :)

Speaking of wedding planning, I have more of a grasp of how the wedding will really look. Which is super exciting! I am having a very talented person design my invitations. More of that later though. ;) A funny joke that was told to me this week by my boss no less...."Emma, your left bicep looks a lot bigger than your right." Me- "Oh man, does it really? I have really been trying to work on my arms...I didn't think you could tell that much!" Boss-"It must be that rock on your left hand." I must say..as corny as it is...it made my day.....btw..my left bicep is not much different than my right. That kinda made me sound like one arm was huge and the other not. ha.

MARCH MADNESSSSSS! I have a killer bracket. No help from T.Heim either.

8 weeks of my undergrad career left. Insane. I am so excited! I will have a B.A. Wow! 

We got the rest of our engagement photos. I shall share some of my favorites soon. :)

Until then.