songs and such

So for my birthday, my dear aunt and cousins gave me an American Express giftcard. I put it to good use, and bought some songs on iTunes!!!! Here they are:

Letters

and

Me and Jesus

by Stellar Kart

The Best Day

and

I'm Only Me When I'm With You

by Taylor Swift

Hold On

by TobyMac

Forgiven

by Skillet

Something Beautiful

by Needtobreathe

Journal entries: October 2008

October 17, 2008 1:03 PM Friday
YES! I am finally thirteen!!!! I am soooooo happy! I got some clothes, a check for my laptop fund, and jewelry. Mom-mom gave me a necklace/earring set that has real rubies and diamonds in them! Grandma gave me a pair of opal earrings shaped like turtles, and Grandpa gave me a necklace/earring set that has real opals! They are so pretty.

October 20, 008 10:49 AM Monday
Wow. My party was awesome! We all had a great time First we took a ton of funny pictures while we waited for everyone to come. The only ones who didn't come were Marissa and Steph. Then, once everyone got there, we watched a slideshow of the pictures. We all laughed sooooo hard! Then we opened presents. I'll tell more later....

October 23, 2008 12:23 PM Thursday
To finish up about my party: We opened paresents, and I got pajamas, a book, seven bookstore gift cards, two Target gift cards, two calendars, a journal, some candy, and two fuzzy blankets and a squishy pillow! Then we had the cake, which was yummy and pretty. Then we played a game and laughed eve harder. It was a great party.

These events lead up to something important

December 4, 2009 9:35 AM Friday
Apparently, there's a chance it might snow tomorrow! That would be very nice. Today we are going to help Mom-mom decorate for Christmas. Aunt Becky and the kids are coming too. It would be awesome if it could snow before Christmas! I haven't given many updates on classes. Biology is still fun, but getting tougher. Composition is awesome and Public Speaking is getting better. In Biology and Comp, Emily and I sit with Lance, Robert, and Josh. We have so much fun together! It's funny: before this school year, I never really had any 'boy friends.' Now I have three good ones!

December 7, 2009 9:40 AM Monday
Over the weekend, it did snow! Oh, Messiah men and women won the Nation Championship! That is  the second year in a row that both have won in the same year! I got to see snippets of the games on the NCAA website.

December 8, 2009 9:54 AM Tuesday
I got an email from Ryan! I had emailed him last week and he finally got back to me! It's really nice to know he's okay. We're lucky he's not in the main battlefields. Last night, as I walked Sammy, I wished upon a star. I wished for everything I wanted to come true. When I wish on a star, it's more like a prayer to God than just asking a ball of fire to grant my wish.

December 11, 2009 9:40 AM Friday
Very cold today! The wind makes it feel even colder. Today is Aiden's birthday! He is 12. Owen will be 9 on the 19th. Christmas is only 2 weeks away! I'm hoping to get the Nano, but......we'll have to wait and see! I babysit my neighbors tonight. They are such good little boys. (:

December 14, 2009 12:17 PM Monday
I can't wait until the Olympics start! This year I'll have my laptop, so I'll be able to record my Olympic journal while sitting and watching the events live! During the summer Olympics, I have to keep dashing in to the office to write, and I missed a few things. Not so this time!

December 17, 2009 9:49 AM Thursday
Wow, it is cold! Yesterday classes were awesome. In Bio, we had a cookie exchange during class. I got so many funny pictures! Comp was great too, and Public Speaking was awesome. I think I could add quite a few new people to my 'best friends' list. Emily and I have so much fun with everyone.

December 18, 2009 11:09 AM Friday
We're supposed to get a huge snowfall this weekend. I hope we get lots and lots of snow. Christmas is only a week away! Yippee!!!

And now, here is the reason I have posted all of these entries:

January 11, 2010 10:03 AM Monday

Yes, we did have a huge snowstorm that weekend. A record breaker, apparently.

My grandmother died. New Year's Day. Mom-mom had been very sick, so now she is much better off in Heaven. It's just been really hard to adjust to the situation. My friends have been awesome, though. Sam J. sent me flowers, and Emily V. and Jen came to the funeral. When Emily saw me afterwards, she started to cry and gave me a big hug. You don't realize how many people love and care about you until something like this happens. In a past journal, I once wrote about I had hardly any friends. Now I know how foolish that entry was. God has truly blessed me with wonderful people who love me.

So, those were some of the entries leading up to Mom-mom's death. I have lots more in my *private* journal, but they are in that journal for a reason. :)

I hope you all don't mind that I pretty much poured out my heart to you in this post. It just feels good to share it.

Yours truly and forever,

Starting to wrap it up....

Day 26 - What friendship means to me.

Friendship is one of God's greatest gifts to people. He knew we would get lonely sometimes, or that we would need someone to laugh, play, and cry with. God created a partner (Eve) for Adam, that he would not be lonely. I'm sure he and Eve got along great! (until the apple and the snake, at least)

Friendship is something no one should ever take for granted. Always keep your friends close, for you never know when you're going to need them.

Day 27 - A post about why I'm doing this 30 Day Challenge.

I had seen this on other blogs, but when I saw Hope doing it, I knew I had to jump in too! I'm glad I did, for I've learned many things about myself this past month. Such fun!!!

Day 28 - A picture of moi from last year, and how I've changed since then.

Unfortunately, I don't have any good pictures from last year......so I'll just say how I'm different from then. (=

One year ago today, I was 14. My room wasn't really working for me, and neither was my style of clothing. I wasn't as mature back then, and I still thought boys were pretty icky (lol). I didn't have very many Christian friends, and I was a little depressed about that. I really wanted an iPod, Converse All Stars, and a Facebook account. I had just gotten my first *real* crush, and I was much more shy and reserved.

Today, I am 15. My room is totally awesome, and I'm starting to slowly build up my own 'style' of clothing. I think I've gotten more mature, and while some boys are still icky, most are just nice. I have more Christian friends from my co-op and camp, and I'm much happier because of it! I have my Converse and iPod.....still working on the Facebook account! I've grown out of that *crush* and am starting to like someone else. (: I think I've become more outgoing, too.

Some things have not changed: I still love to read, Emily is my best friend, my family is crazy but fun, green and orange are my fav colors, and I love my Sammy Gamgee. But a lot can happen in a year.....can't it?

Moving right along.......

I can't believe October is almost over! Soon, Thanksgiving will be here and then BAM Christmas will be here! *smiles* But I'm rushing things, aren't I? Sorry 'bout that. :)

Enjoy your weekend, ya'll!

I love you, a bushel and a peck

Five Things I'm Lovin' Right Now

1. Jesus (:

2. French Fries

3. Molecules and Atoms  (kinda random, I know)

4. The fact that I'm a girl

5. And this picture:

Messiah soccer game


What are *you* lovin' right now?

Sheep and doves among wolves and snakes

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
                Matthew 10:16

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But however diowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
                                                                                                                                     Matthew 10:32-33

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
                                                                                                                                    Matthew 10:39


These are just some verses that jumped out to me this morning. I'm not sure why the Holy Spirt caused me to be touched by them.........maybe I'll find out today. (:

ttyl,

Pages from my journal

October 20, 2009 11:15 AM Tuesday
The weather has turned pretty chilly. Dad said that for sure now we will be in Divisoin 1 next year!!! We are way ahead of everyone else so far. We are also undefeated for the first time in a while.

October 22, 2009 9:59 AM Thursday
The weather was rather warm yesterday. Weird. I've been 14 for over a week now. I odn't feel that different. I wonder when I'll feel different. or if I'll even feel different!! I'm sure, as time goes on, I'll start changing. I've made quite a few friends at my classes. Josh, Lance, and Robert are all in biology and Composition II with me and Emily. We all laugh a lot. Then Jonny and Sarah are in Composition and Public Speaking with us. Sarah is so sweet. She's a senior, so she won't be back next year. )= I'll have to get her email so we can stay in touch.

Otober 29, 2009 9:11 AM Thursday
Oh, I hope it doesn't rain again! Even though I love rainy days, it's getting in the way of soccer. The Phillies won Game 1 of the World Series! They play the Yankees. *evil grin* Not too much to write about oday, other than I found the perfect pair of casual boots for me! Only one problem: They're $149!!!! Since they're from L.L. Bean, they will last forever, but it's way too much money right now. I'd rather have an iPod.

November 2, 2009 12:00 PM Monday
Such a beautiful day! Finally all the rain and clouds are gone. Last night, I poppd a bracket of my braces! I was eating M&M's, and it popped off! Thankfully, Dr. Joe was able to fix it. Thanksgiving will be here soon! And this weekend is the Raleigh tournament! I'm a little nervous, sinc ewe'll be playing teams from all over the East Coast. But we are a good team, and I have faith in my teammates. Big news: Gretchen is coming back! She left the team 2 years ago, and now is rejoining us! I'm so glad. :)

November 3, 2009 9:50 AM Tuesday
I've noticed, as I'm becoming a teenager, that my wants come in ewaves. Like, just a few months agao, I was dying to get a Facebook account. Just a few weeks ago I really wanted some Converse All Stars. And now I'm craving a Nano. I still want a Facebook acount, but not as badly. I still like All Stars, but I don't crave them. And (obviously) I still want a Nano. I just think it's funny how wants  and desires come and go.


That certainly was not a usual post, but I found one of my old journals and thought I'd put these entries in. Nothing too personal, but it's always fun to look back and see what I wanted, what I was talking about, and what was going on!!

Yours always,



P.S. What did you think of this kind of post? I was thinking of doing more like it........please tell me what you think!

Could it get any better than this?

Day 22 - A post describing why I am me.

God made me. He formed me in my mother's womb. He knew me even before I was born.

He made me with brown hair and green eyes. He gave me this family of two parents, two brothers, and one dog. He opened my eyes to what being a big sister is all about.

God is the one who gave me a love for reading and writing. He showed me that I don't have to be afraid to share His Word. He gave me wonderful friends who share laughs and tears with me.

He knew that I would mess up sometimes, and that I would also be successful at things. He gave me a hunger for travel and faraway places.

He gave me my laugh and crinkly eyes. He chose the color of my hair and where every freckle should go. He knew I would have hard times through my life, and gave me Bible passages and songs to get through them.
God made me, me. And I wouldn't change a thing.

Day 23 - I'll write about some of my intense cravings.

I crave......
Cheese
Apples
Juice
Soda
Milk
Chocolate
A good book....
.....and soccer. :)

Day 24 - A letter to my parental unit (aka, my parents).
This could get slightly awkward......bear with me!!!

Dear Parents,
I love you sooooo much!!! You guys put up with my antics and moods every day, and I thank you for that! I know it can be hard to live with me (I do it too!), and I appreciate how patient you are with me. I'm so glad that God gave me a mom and a dad who love and understand me. I pray that we stay this close throughout the rest of my life!!
Love,
Your Daughter

Day 25 - My purse, and in general what I always have with me.

I haven't used my purse in a while, so I'll just list what I always have with moi.

iPod
Book (for fun)
Book (for school)
Sunglasses (if it's sunny)
Chapstick
Camera (usually)
Wallet (sometimes)

Sorry I'm a little late on all these posts....................my great-grandmother died over the weekend, and we've been a bit concerened with family stuff. Please pray for my family!!

Such thought provoking questions...

Yay! Margaret Rowena at Hello, World tagged me!!

*cue party ballons*

1. If you could be rich or famous, what would you be?

Rich. Famous people......they're annoying. ;)

3. How do you feel about The Lion King?

I love it! It's a bit sad, but altogether a great Disney classic

4. When did you begin blogging?

Back in April, though it seems like I've always had a blog!! I love having my own little place to vent and share fun stuff (like this tag!)

5. Do you like bonfires?

OGG (oh good gracious) yes!!! The smell of a bonfire sets my heart aflame.....

6. If someone gave you a pet monkey, what would you name it?

Cuddles. Yeah, that's a pretty mamby-pamby name, but my monkey would be nice and cuddly!

7. Which continent would you most love to have a nice, long, wonderful tour of?

*faints* You're giving me a nice, long, wonderful tour of Europe? *swoons* I'm in.

8. Pens or pencils?

Definitely a sharpened pencil. Although, pens arenice every now and then. usually just for writing thank you cards, though.

Hooray! I was also tagged by Ellyn from Life's Better at a Gallop!!!

*cue dancing music*

1. What's your favorite article of clothing you own and why?

This is hard.......my dark washed jeans are super comfy! And my green sweater goes with everything. I also love my black skirt.....it has pleats!!!!!

2. Have you ever ridden a horse and what was your reaction?

Well, sorta. I was on it for about ten minutes, in a ring. We mostly just walked, but I did get to trot a wee bit! And I totally loved it. :)

3. Do you ever imagine what kind of people animals would be? If so, what kind of person would your favorite pet be? :D (I love doing this, it's so much fun)

lol, clever question!!!! Sammy Gamgee would probably be a teenager with blond hair, blue eyes, and freckles. He would be loving, but sometimes he can be a bit moody and stingy. When you really get to know him, though, he's a great guy.

4. What's something that would win me your heart? (Mine is sour candy :))

Chocolate. Any kind. Though preferably Lindt Truffles *swoons*

5. If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be?

*swoons again* Could it be a celeb boarding house? Then I would have Tenth Avenue North, Georgie Henley, Anna Popplewell, Cat Whitehill and Britt Nicole.

6. What are five must-haves in your dream house?

1. Window seat

2. Big, spacious porch

3. A library with tons of shelves for all my books

4. A nice, airy kitchen

5. Lots of land for my horse sanctuary.

7. What's your favorite part of your room?

I just changed the layout of my room, so I would have to say my bed. I read on it, write on it, and do my blogging from there! (I'll share some pictures soon :)

8. If you got lost at night, would you rather be in a huge, loud, riff-raff city, or on a lonely country road in the middle of bear country?
Ugh, that's not fair........maybe bear country? no, the loud city. Nah, I'd rather deal with bears than pickpockets. But there are phones in the city.....OH I HAVE NO IDEA!!!!!!!!!!

And now, for my eight!!!

1. If you could marry any male book character, who would it be?

2.  What book character is the closest to your personality?

3. What is your favorite Disney movie?

4. Are you a spender or a saver?

5. If you had a $10,000 shopping spree to any store, which would you choose?

6. Who is your favorite Disney princess?

7. Describe your favorite piece of jewelry (or show a picture!)

8. If you were a color, which would you be?

And the eight lucky people are.....

 

1. Sarah Kinsey

2. Hope

3. Anna :)

4. Maggie S.

5. Samarah

6. Maykay

7. Ellyn ;)

8. ...and Margaret Rowena! lol, right back at ya!

 

I do so love a good tag.......YOU'RE IT!!!

 

 

have fun,

 



A new favorite song...

TobyMac never ceases to amaze me...........his songs are so different, yet so good!
Here's my new fav by him: Hold On.

This is joy

Day 21 - A picture of something or someone that makes me joyful.

Like it says in the picture: Walt Disney World is the happiest place on earth!!

This is my favorite picture of Cinderella's castle. We were there during Christmastime, and all of Walt Disney World was decorated. We had just gotten off of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the castle looked so beautiful at night, with the icicles draped all over it.

I really adore this photo. Just above Cinderella's head, you can see the crown that almost seems to rest upon her head. Love it!!!

I love all of these pictures........they were taken way back in December of 2007. I edited them a bit on Picnik, and voila! Beautiful pictures made even more beautiful.

These pictures portray joy to me: Whenever I see them, I feel happy. 

Love,

Could there really be a 'dream' guy?

In her late night dreams and deepest fantasies, every girl has her 'dream' man. The one who will come in and sweep her of her feet. The man who will make her feel like a princess. The one who will make all her dreams come true.

When I think of my dream guy, I think of Nat Eaton, the sailor. I think of Aragorn, King of Gondor. I think of Gilbert Blythe, the doctor. And, especially, I think of my dad.

Sarcastic, yet kind-hearted. Courageous, yet loving. Smart, yet fun. A man of God. Someone who loves to laugh. Someone who loves books, animals, and chocolate. Someone who is very goofy, but also knows when to be serious. Someone who is happy, no matter what his financial situation is. Someone who is a child at heart, but also mature.

A while back, I made this list of things the 'perfect' man would have.

1. He would be Christian
2. He would love all sports
3. He would play soccer
4. He would love watching old movies
5. He would be tall, dark, and handsome
6. He would love all my favorite bands
7. He would want to have at least five kids
8. I would have known him for quite a while
9. He would love to write
10. He would have a dog
11. He  would have been home schooled
12. He would love to travel
13. He would be great at keeping secrets
14. He would be a great listener
15. He would (eventually!) be my best fiend
16. He would go to college with me
17. He would be the kind of guy about which all the other girls say, "Wow. You are so lucky to have him!" And I would be.

Of course, that's just a dream list. I know there is no guy in the world who is perfect...............not even my future husband. But that's okay. I already have someone perfect in my life: Jesus. He's the only perfect thing I need in my life. In fact, he's the only thing I truly need at all!!!

So, in case anyone was wondering what the three rings on my sidebar mean: True Love Waits.
It means I will wait and remain pure until God presents me with my husband. And isn't he something worth waiting for?

I think so.


Yours truly,

Lives, Goals, and Names

Day 17 - Someone I would want to switch lives with for a day, and why.

Switching lives with someone is a tricky business. I am happy with the life God has given me, but it would be interesting to see the world from someone else's view.

So, if I had to, I would choose to switch with one of the guys in my life. Whoever it is, from my brother to my friend to my cousin, I am really curious to see what is going on inside their heads!!!

What do they think of us girls? Why do they laugh at stupid things? How and why can they be kind and thoughtful one moment, then annoying and thoughtless the next? How an they be so different from us girls? And what are they really thinking when they tease or make fun of us?

I do wish we could peek inside a guy's head..............just once. :) I think it would help us girls to understand them better, and maybe realize that not all guys are rude, thoughtless, and plain stupid.

Day 18 - My plans/dreams/goals for my future.

Instead of telling you just flat out what my dreams are, I decided to make a bucket list!!! Here goes........

25 Things to do Before I'm 25

1.  Go on a missions trip
2. Go to an NFL game
3. Get a really nice camera
4. Go to a World Cup game
5. Visit the British Isles
6. Go to a Manchester United home game
7. Have tea and a crepe in a French Cafe
8. Go to a Broadway show
9. Meet one of my favorite singers/bands
10. Have a real Philly cheesteak
11. Visit the White House
12. Be in a wedding
13. Go on a shopping spree
14. Visit Prince Edward Island
15. Go to a midnight movie premier
16. Go swimming with dolphins
17. Learn to quilt and knit
18. Score a goal in a real soccer game
19. Be in the newspaper
20. Eat a cake from Ace of Cakes
21. Go toa  real dance with a real date
22. Gallop on a horse
23. Go to (and graduate from!) college
24. Visit 48 states
25. Get married

Mind you, these are in no certain order. I just wrote them down as I thought them up. What do you think? Which ones could I definitely get done, and which ones do you think are just ridiculous???

Day 19 - What nicknames I have and why I have them.

I have one nickname and one nickname only: Doc.

For those who don't know me in real life, this is kind of hard to imagine. No, I'm not a doctor. But this is my nickname! So there. :)

Sidenote: My mom used to call me Sister Sue. No clue why, since my name is certainly not Sue! I guess she just liked it. :)

I am super excited about tomorrow's post-----I've got some great thoughts for that one!!!!

So, till then.....................HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO!!!

Peace out,

30 Days of Me: Day 15

Day 15 - Ten of my favorite songs.

1. By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North
2. Something Beautiful by Newsboys
3. Lifeguard by Stellar Kart
4. Be My Escape by Relient K
5. This is Your Life by Switchfoot
6. Safe by Britt Nicole
7. Sea of Faces by Kutless
8. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
9. Catapult by R.E.M.
10. Rivendell by Rush

Now, those are only ten of my favorite songs. I have many, many more where those came from!!!!! But I figured I would obey the rules of this 'challenge' and just list 10. :)

 

BTW, being 15 feels GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Au revoir,

 

Friday && Tags

My Weekly Recap

It's stuck in my head: Everything is Different Now by Stellar Kart

Highlight of my week: Watching Beauty and the Beast. Definitely my favorite Disney movie EVAH.

Oh yeah......and turning 15. =)

Gotta frame it:

Took this picture a couple of days ago......love it!!

My lesson for the week: Moving your bed by yourself is pretty hard.....but definitely possible!

This makes me happy:



Yeah, I know.....I've already posted about these! But I'm still in love....



I'll remember it forever: Turning the big 15!!!!!!!!!!

Psalm of the week:

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;

O Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive

to my cry for mercy.

Psalm 130:1-2

*_* *_* *_* *_*

 I was tagged by the lovely Anna!!

 

1) If you were stranded on an island and you could only order take out once, what restaurant would you order from?

Dominoes Pizza!!!! Yummo.

2) If you had a backstage pass to meet any band/singer in the world, who it be?

Gahh.......Britt Nicole or Tenth Avenue North

3) What was your favorite TV show when you were three?

Sesame Street, without a doubt. And Clifford.

4) Pick a song that describes you or the situation you're in as of right now.

Glow by Britt Nicole

5) Post a picture of your favorite shoes:)

Sorry, not the best pic! But my Converse are so comfy and go with everything!

6) If you could create a new word to put in the dictionary, what would it be?

Bubbatylicious: aka, my Sammy Gamgee :)

7) Are you a rush, rush, rush kinda person, or do you stop and smell the roses?

I would love to say I smell the roses, but sometimes I just rush, rush, RUSH! So perhaps I'm right in between.

8) When you meet Jesus, what's the first thing you want to do?

Hug Him!!! Like my small group leader Emily Rae said, hugging Jesus is like hugging your big cousin, brother, or dad, except ten times better. You just feel safe, secure, and loved. So yeah, hugging Jesus is something I really look forward too.

Now, I'm supposed to  make up my own eight questions.....

1. When you get to Heaven, what is the first thing you will ask God?
2. What does your name (blogger or real) mean?
3. What is your most favorite thing about your bedroom?
4. Post a picture of your favorite accessory (hat, scarf, jewelry, etc.)
5. What is your favorite type of writing utensil?
6. Who is your favorite book character, and why?
7. If you were stuck on a deserted island and you're only allowed to have three people with you, who would you take?
8. What is your favorite precious gem? (i.e., amethyst, emerald, diamond)

And I tag:

1. Hope
2. Angela
3. Sarah Kinsey
4. Margaret Rowena
5. Charity Anne
6. Eldarwen
7. Bleah Briann
8. Kendra

(btw, you only answer the questions I made up. Then, you make up your own and tag eight other people!)

Ah, it feels so good to be doing my Weekly Recap again!!



Enjoy your Friday, ya'll!!!!!

Love,

I'm 15 for a moment, caught in between 10 and 20.......and I'm just dreaming

Wow. I'm 15 years old. Wow.


It still has not really sunk in yet. I've passed childhood, and now I'm right in between ten and twenty. What a crazy thought! I'll be driving in a little less than a year, and in less than four years I'll be in college. Wow.

When you are five, you want to be ten. When you're ten, you want to be fifteen. And now that I'm fifteen...........................I just want to be eighteen!!!

When you're in elementary school, middle school sounds like fun. Once you get there, all you want is to be in highschool. Now that I'm here, I really want to be in college!!

Humans are so fickle. We always want to go either forward or backward. We either want to be ten again or jump to twenty. We can't just be living right now, in the time God has given us.
So my goal for fifteen is to be thankful for where God has placed me, and the age I am right now. Sure, I'll still dream about the future and think fondly of the past, but I pray that God will give me the heart to be thankful for now.


Well, now that the somber part of my birthday is out of the way, time for some FUUUUUN!

It's quite popular in the blogging world to post random statements about you on your birthday! Except you're regulated to the number you are turning. So you all won't have to be put through torture for too long. ;)

Random things about ME!

1. I love having people brush my hair. Weird, yes, but I love it! Brittany does it the best. =D
2. The smell of old books sends shivers up my spine. Good shivers. If I pick up an old book with yellow pages and smell it, I'm instantly transported back years and years. I love imagining who read the book, where they read it, and why.
3. Old, black-and-white movies are awesome. Especially Alfred Hitchcock thrillers!
4. I wish I could play the drums. Maybe someday I'll take lessons.....
5. When I come up with a story, I can only picture the beginning and the ending. Never the middle. So annoying!!!!!
6. I dream of someday owning either a Ford Mustang or a VW Bug. The Mustang would be dark blue, or hunter green. The Bug would be spring green.
7. I cannot do a cartwheel. Isn't that sad? I think I could do one when I was a kid, but now.......not so much.
8. I love jewelry. And shoes. And purses. I'M CURSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9. If a song comes in to my head, I have to sing it out loud. No matter the song, nor where I am. lol, I was singing Christmas hymns at my soccer camp in August!!!
10. I would choose an antique store over the mall any day. My mom and I could spend hours in antique stores. In fact, we have!!! :D
11. I love to laugh.Though when I do, my eyes crinkle up. Slightly annoying..........but I LOVE TO LAUGH!! You will instantly be my friend if you can make me laugh. =D
12. Wind makes me feel alive. On a windy fall day, I like to stand outside and close my eyes and feel the wind rushing through my hair and hear it whistling in my ears.  
13. I love outdoor concerts. So long as it isn't raining. =D
14.  My favorite meal is ham, applesauce, corn, and wide noodles. My second favorite would be roast beef, smashed spuds, and noodles. Third is grilled chicken, grilled veggies, and noodles (in case you haven't noticed, I like noodles!).
15. My favorite time to talk to God is while I'm walking Sammy, or as I'm falling asleep. When I'm outside, looking at His Creation, I feel so close to my Heavenly Father. And then, in bed......it just seems right. :)


Oh yeah.......................did I mention I'm 15? :)

ttyl,

Are Christians allowed to have fun?

Should Christians have fun? Are Christians allowed to have fun? Does God want Christians to have fun?

This is a question that many Christians ask themselves every day. Does God want me to go see that movie, listen to that song, or go to that dance? Does He actually care?

2 Samuel 6:14-15 says, "David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets."

Well, if David was allowed to dance, are modern day Christians allowed too? What about laughing? Shouldn’t Christians be solemn and stern, all the time?

The book of Ecclesiastes says, ‘There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.'


Okay, so God gives us times to laugh and dance, as well as weep and mourn. That sounds pretty fair!

But are Christians allowed to sing? Surely the sound of our high-pitched caterwauling doesn’t glorify God!

Isaiah 35:10 says, “And the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Job 38:7 “while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”

Okay, so maybe singing isn’t all that bad. But what kind of songs should we sing?


Psalm 126 “When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were lime men who dreamed. Our moths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

God glorifies in songs of joy and praise. He wants us, his children, to be glad and joyful.

Then, there is the matter of instruments. Is it sinful to play instruments?

1 Samuel 18:6 When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes.”

If the women of Israel were allowed to serenade David with tambourines and lutes, surely we can accompany our hymns with pianos, flutes, violins, and the like (also, the beautiful music could mask our otherwise not so lovely singing).

And then there is the matter of drinking. Is it lawful for obedient Christians to enjoy a glass of alcohol?

Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now what God favors you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-----all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.”


Right here, in the Bible, it tells Christians to drink their wine with a joyful heart! Keep in mind, also, that Jesus Himself drank wine on numerous occasions. His first miracle, in fact, was turning water in to wine!!!!
Our Communion, in fact, includes the drinking of wine. Surely Jesus would not have said of wine, ‘This is my blood, drink it’ if he thought wine was sinful!

Now, of course, everything is good in moderation. Excessive drinking can lead to drunkenness, which leads to many other insightful sins.

Proverbs 23:20-21: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Ephesians 5:18 says, Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

God does not want the enjoyment of wine, food, and sleep to cloud our minds. He wants us to focus on Him, while still enjoying the bounty He has given us. He wants us to glorify Him in everything we do, see, hear, or say.

To finish, here is a verse which I think about sums up this entire presentation on ‘Christian fun’:

Ephesians 5:19-20: Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

AMEN!!!!!!

30 Days of Me: Day 12 & 13

Day 12 - I'll describe my favorite foods and why they are my favs.

Okay, I have a lot of favorite foods.....it will be difficult to narrow it down!

Main Courses

1. Pizza
2. Spaghetti
3. Roast beef
4. Grilled chicken
5. Fajitas

Sides
1. Grilled veggies
2. Noodles
3. Buttered corn
4. Buttered peas
5. Corn-on-the-cob

Dessert
1. Apple pie (homemade, of course)
2. Chocolate cake
3. Mint chocolate chip ice cream
4. Mom's ginger cookies
5. Dad's rootbeer floats

Drinks
1. Hot chocolate!!!!!
2. Sprite
3. Apple juice
4. Peppermint tea
5. Pretty much any kind of smoothie

 

Day 13 - This post will be about some more of my friends, just so no one feels left out. ;)

I've decided that, instead of doing a letter to someone, I will skip ahead to more friends. Also, I'm not doing a 30 Days of Me post tomorrow...................special birthday post planned!!

For this, I'm going to write about some of the friends I've made through blogging.

1. Hope
Hope was one of my very first followers! I immediately followed her blog, and she is one of my absolute favorites! Hope is one of my top commenters, and she has been very supportive as I tried to make this blog a welcoming place for readers. Oh yeah, and someday, we're going to co-host the Next Food Network Star together. ;) Be sure to watch out for that!!!!

2. Anna
I haven't been following Anna's blog very long, but I already love it! Anna is very real, which makes me feel super at home at her blog! She also comments quite often on my blog, which makes me happy. :) Her posts are thoughtful, yet fun and full of stuff about Jesus!!! We have the same taste in music, which is awesome. =)

3. Sarah Kinsey
Hope's younger sister, Sarah Kinsey has a really cool blog. Her sense of humor comes out in every post, as does her love for her family and Jesus. I love seeing all the pictures that she shares! Neither of us are very patient, and she likes most of the same bands I do, too. All in all, she's awesome!

4. Angela
I was introduced to Angela by my irl friend, Lydia. I was the one who helped he rmake the decision to start a blog *pats back* She writes witty, interesting posts about her everyday life. I can't wait to see what she writes about in the future!!

5. Marie
I abosolutely love Marie's blog! She has great fashion advice, taste in clothes, and posts! She was sweet enough to host the Modest Autumn Fashion Challenge. All her outfits are modest, yet cute and up-to-date. Can't wait to see what else she posts in the future!!!


Well, there are some of my blogging friends. Be sure to visit their blogs and see what great, fabulous young ladies they are!

Ta ta,

I've missed so many days.....

Day 08 - Someone from history who still inspires me today.
This is quite hard, since I have lots of people who inspire me. I would have to say that Martin Luther King Jr. still inspires me the most, though. The way he fought for his cause with peaceful protesting and patience is a testimony to the kind of man he was.

Day 09 - What my dream job would be.
I have two jobs I wish I could have: Photojournalist and owner of a doughnut shop.
I love taking photos, and having that as a job (plus writing!) would be awesome!
Doughnuts are one of my favorite foods, so being able to make them day in and day out would be totally wicked!

Day 10 - Something I've been proud of recently.
Hmm......can't think of anything right now! Sorry. :)

Day 11 - Songs I listen to when I'm happy, sad, bored, need to be pumped up, and mad.

Happy: Headphones by Britt Nicole or High of 75 by Relient K

Bored: My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion or Wishing(If I Had a Photograph of You) by A Flock of Seagulls

Sad: 100 Years by Five for Fighting, She Walked Away by Barlow Girl, or If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot

Pumped up: Unbreakable by Fireflight or Sleeping In by Nevertheless

Mad: Mess of Me by Switchfoot or (There's Gotta Be) More to Life by Stacie Orrico

Sorry I didn't post these earlier---this weekend has been crazy!

ttyl,



30 Days of Me: Day 6 & 7

I missed yesterday, so I'm doubling up today!!!

Day 06 - A picture of someplace I've been and a story behind that picture.

I took this picture in Williamsburg, back in 2009. It is from the gardens behind the Governor's Palace. We chose Historic Williamsburg that day over the beach (the boys weren't too excited about that!).
The walkway in the background is made of crushed seashells, which I thought was really cool. Anyway, there's the little story behind this picture!!

Day 07 - What my favorite book, movie, tv show, and artist are, along with why I like them.

Okay, this is really hard. I have so many favorites from the above categories! So I'm just randomly picking some of my favorites. :)

Favorite book: Witch of Blackbird Pond
I like this book because of how spunky and courageous Kit is, and how everyone ends up happily ever after in the end (oh  yeah, and because Nat is awesome!!!).

Favorite movie: Rear Window and That Thing You Do
I like Rear Window because of the plot/suspense, and because of Grace Kelly's outfits (breathtaking). That Thing You Do is great because of the song (so bouncy) and the character are hilarious.

Favorite TV show: White Collar
I like this show because the plot is really good and the characters are really witty. And no, Mozzie is not dead!

Favorite Music Artist/Band: My favorite artist would be Britt Nicole, and band......Tenth Avenue North, Stellar Kart, and Newsboys.
Britt Nicole has fun, bouncy lyrics and a great sense of style. I cannot really choose a favorite band: Each of the above performs my favorite songs! So, they will just have to stay a tie. :)

Feel free to answer these questions yourselves!

Love,