Thanksgiving

Hello! I would like to wish all my readers a happy and thankful Thanksgiving :).


P.S. I just looked out my window... and its snowing!! Just a little though... it probably won't stick. Well, its a beginning... and I'm thankful for that!



In Christ Alone,

Washington D.C.

So, the final big chunk of my summer was spent in Washington D.C. The Wednesday after coming home from teen camp, we all piled in the car and headed to Washington for the first time!


It was great! We went up the Washington Monument... did you know that there are stones from each of the states that were built into the Monument? They are sooo neat... but we didn't get to see all of them - I think the tour guide person said there were over 100 or something like that.


We also went to the Library of Congress, although we didn't get to see the actual library, which only certain people are aloud in, but we saw lots of really neat things. Something about really old documents and books really excites me.


We went to the Supreme Court... but we didn't get to see the court in sesion as the annual cleaning or something or other was going on in the court room. But there was a film about the building, and I think there was one about how the Court works.


In the Capital Building, we went into the dome, which was realy neat. We saw the statues that each state gave. One was Hellen Keller as a child which was really awesome.

It was also really neat to see Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. We went expecting to only be there for five hours or so... but ended up being there the whole day! We took a tour of the house, a National Treasure tour - which got us into the cellar =D - and even took a ride on the Potomac.

On Saturday, we went to the "Restoring Honor" Rally. It was awesome! There were awards given out for faith, hope, and charity... though I can't remember the people who received them. Sorry :). Glen Beck, Sarah Palin, and Alvada King (Martin Luther King's niece, I think) spoke. The rally was all about turning Americans back to a conciousness of a God to whom we are all accountable, and restoring the U.S. back to its former glory and values.



In Christ Alone,

Teen Camp

The next major part of my summer was teen camp. We got home from horse camp late Friday night - or should I say very early Saturday morning? Anyways, after coming home we slept, then unpacked, washed things, and then Jess and I packed again. Sunday we went to church, then when we got home, we double checked everything we packed to make sure we didn't forget anything. Yeah, it was really hectic :)

On Monday, we left. Now, this campsite was different than the one we'd went to last year. When we arrived, to our great delight, we found that the girl's cabins were about a mile walk from the tabernacle, mess hale, and game/sports areas. (I'm just kidding though - it wasn't a mile walk, though it definitely felt like it!).

The theme for teen camp was "That all the earth may know," which was taken from 1 Samuel 17:46. The whole week, we heard preaching from 1 Samuel 17. I think my Bible ended up being creased to that chapter :).

Camp opened up with a challenge, and then the teens went off for a few moments of prayer, which was an awesome way to start camp.

The main speaker this year was Evang. Dwight Smith. He was a phenomenal speaker! He spoke about... well... many things :). On Thursday night (Thursday night is family night... the teens' families come out if they can) he preached on "A Tiny Lunch that Fed a Great Big Bunch." It was about giving all you have, although it may be very small, to God. It was an awesome message.

So, (I know, I'm making this short :)) all in all, teen camp was great! When we left, Bro. Smith handed out sheets to help memorize verses... I've been using it a lot.



In Christ Alone,

Horse Camp

So, the first big event in my summer this year was "horse camp" at Salisbury Baptist Temple. My mom, sisters, and I went down. We had a great time! The one downfall, though, was that another family had come with us, and on the third day, I think, they got deer ticks all over :(. Thankfully, they caught it in time, were able to treat it, and so far, they've not shown any signs of limes!!!

Anyways, Bro. C.K. White was the preacher for that week, and although the preaching was geared for younger kids, it was still great :). He preached about Jesus walking on water, changing the water into wine, healing the man that was lowered in through the roof, and other miracles.

Other than preaching, there were, of course, horses. Jess and I got to ride on them... faster than a walk... for the first time!!! It was great! At first, when we started to trot, I felt like I was going to fall off. After a while, my abdomen started hurting, and I almost was going to just slow down and stop. Thankfully, at that moment they let us go in to a cantar, then a run. It was soooooooo fun!

And, also, Jess and I did bb guns, which was pretty neat to. There was a little competition for the kids that did bb's - the more things you shot, basically, the more points you got. Whoever had the most points at the end of the week won. Jess took 1st and I took 2nd. I was soo surprised!

Karissa and Emma did archery. They did pretty well until the last day... on that day, Mom came to watch them, and so, of course, they wanted to do extra well, and got nervous, so.. yeah. Anyways, they did really good!

Meggie started out doing hiking, but then the things with the ticks happened... and the little girl who they found the most ticks on was doing the same thing... so Mom decided that, in order to avoid ticks, Megan do crafts. She ended up making a duck napkin holder and a decorated board with her name on it.

On the last night, there was a rodio with pig dressing and goat chasing :). I did pig dressing, which was helping to catch a pig, and then dress it in a T-shirt, bandana, and laundry clips for earrings. Jess did both pig dressing and goat chasing... in goat chasing you, well, chased and caught a goat. It was pretty fun(ny).

So, that was horse camp.


In Christ Alone,

Okay. I know I've been gone a llooonngg time... my summer's been sooooo busy! Between camps, D.C., and a pool party or two thrown in... whew!

By the way, my post about it is upcoming... loading... loading... loading :)

Extreme Homemaker

The Exterme Homemaker: Home Edition is right by us! I'm soooooo excited! We drove over to the sight today... we thought we might make it to see the demolision, but, unfortunately, we missed it :(. And they already had all the volunteers they needed. Oh, well. At least we got to wave hi to Ty and some of the designer team! And we might go back on reveal day, too!



In Christ Alone,

The 4th of July - American Independence

America began with God. Without God guiding the founders of the United States of America, there would be no U.S.A. And if we leave Him out of our hearts and lives, then this nation - as it is - will be no more. That is a scary thought.

Now, my family owns a book called "For You They Signed." (It is put out by www.thelearningparent.com) This book has different sketches on the signers of the Constitution. It's a really good book.... Anyway, in the back of the is a speech of Patrick Henry, before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and I decided to share it. So, here it is:

Our Heritage of Freedom

These words will go forth to the world when our bones are dust. To the slave in bondage they will speak hope; to the mechanic in his workshop, freedom.

That parchment will speak to kings in language sad and terrible as the trumpet of the archangel. You have trampled on the rights of mankind long enough. At last, the voice of human woe has pierced the ear of God, and call His judgment down.

Such is the message of the Declaration to the Kings of the world. And shall we falter now? And shall we start back appalled when our free people press teh very threshold of freedom?

Sign! If the next moment the gibbet's rope is around your neck.

Sign! If the next moment this hall rings with the echo of the falling axe.

Sign! By all your hopes in life, or death, as husbands, fathers... as men with our names to the parchment, or be accursed forever!

Sign! Not only for yourselves, but for all ages, for that parchment will be the textbook of freedom, the Bible of the rights of man forever.

Sign! For the declaration will go forth to American hearts like the voice of God. And its work will not be done until throughout this wide continent not a single inch of ground owns the sway of privilege or power. It is not given to our poor human intellect to climb the skies, to pierce the councils of the Almighty One. But methinks I stand among the awful clouds wchich veil the brightness of Jehovah's throne. Methinks I see the recording angel - pale as an angel is pale - weeping as an angel can weep, come trembling up to the throne and speaking his dreadful message.

Father! The old world is baptized in blood.

Father! It is drenched with the blood of millions who have been executed, in slow and grinding oppression.

Father! Look! With one glance of thine eternal eye, look over Europe, Asia, Africa, and behold everywhere a terrible sight... man trodden down beneath the oppressor's feet, nations lost in blood, murder and superstition walking hand in hand over the graves of their victims, and not a single voice to whisper hope for man.

He stand there (the angel) his hand trembling with the human guilt. But hark! The voice of Jehovah speaks out from the awful cloud. "Let there be light again. Let there be a new world. Tell my people, the poor, the downtrodden millions, to go out from the old world; tell them to go out from wrong, oppression and blood. Tell them to build up my altar in the new.:

As God lives, my friends, I believe that to be His voice. Yes, were my soul trembling on the wing of eternity, were this hand freezing to death, were my voice choking with the last struggle, I would still, with the last gasp of that voice, implore you to remember the truth God has given America to be free. Yes, as I sank down into the gloomy shadows of the grave, with my last gasp I would beg you to sign that parchment. In the name of the One who made you, the Savior who redeemed you, in the name of the Millions whose very breath is now hushed as, in intense expectation, they look up to you for the awful words "YOU ARE FREE."

We, as Americans, as Christians, ought to heed these words and, placing our trust in Christ. do our best to mantain the freedoms we enjoy today!!!!!!

In CHRIST ALONE,

(Sorry if it looks kinda funny... for some reason I couldn't get blogger to make spaces between paragraphs...)

Vacation

My family went on vacation in May to Florida. First, we stopped to be at a cousin's wedding, then went on to Disney World. So, without further ado, here are some pics:

On our way from the wedding to Disney, we stopped at my Great-Grandad's. From left to right are: my Great Aunt Betty, Megan, me, Dad, Karissa, Jess, Grandpop, & Emma

And here are my sisters and I in their yard.

Here's Karissa holding a Gecco she'd caught.

We were at Disney for 5 days. The first day, we went to Magic Kingdom.

Megan - the Birthday girl - getting a B-day call from... Goofy, I think it was. Happy 7 B-day,

Meggie!

Some cute elephants towards the front of the park.

Emma and Meg, up on decorative rocks.

The steamship Liberty Belle, (at least I think that's its name) circling Tom Sawyer Island.

All of us (except for Mom) on Big Thunder Mountain. This was Emma's & Megan's

1st time on a rollercoaster, and my 2nd.

I think this is an Egret. These birds were all over in all 5 Disney parks, sneaking

food (and napkins :) when they could.

Karissa in front of Cinderella's Castle.



Mom, Jess, me, Karissa, Emma, and Megan in front of the Crystal Palace, Pooh Bear's

favorite restuarant.



The second day, we went to Epcot.

Us girls

AHH!!! My little sisters are being eaten by the shark, Bruce!

Whew! They escaped his clutches, and we are now standing in front of the Mexican Temple =)

I believe this was at China. It's amazing how you could hop from country to country at Epcot...

Hm... This might've been France. Emma is holding out an umbrella we got from China

Our third day, we arrived at Animal Kingdom.

My sisters and I with Goofy and Pluto at Dinoland, Animal Kingdom

(exluding Karissa, as she DOES NOT in the least enjoy dressed-up characters)

Us girls in front of a mural on our walk through the jungle. (Jess was somewhere else.)

Here's a real good pic of a yawning lion, taken from the jeep on the Kilamanjaro Saffari.

Us having fun with a tiger :)

This was our 4th day, bag at Magic Kingdom. These guys entertained those waiting in line

for the Snow White ride.

We are in the 2-4th cars. Emma is terrified, while Dad and Karissa hold their arms way

up in the sky :D

Us in Minnie's house.

All of us in a carriage passing the time before the parade, and then fireworks.

Here's Mom, on our last day at Disney (at Hollywood Studios) Trying to act like her FAVORITE (hehehehe... actually LEAST FAVORITE) actor Jonny Depp, who plays her FAVORITE (Again, LEAST FAVORITE character), the Mad Hatter. heheheheheheheheheheheheheh

D-Day

This is a poem, written by a WWII vet (who was there on D-Day), about D-Day. My grandmother found it in last Sunday's paper.


The invasion had finally started.
We were off on a cruise of doom,
A mask of a smile on lips parted,
But a heart beneath full of gloom.

We knew it a big undertaking -
We all understood our job.
A beachhead was in the making,
A showdown on Hitler's mob.

Sam was thinking of England.
Johnnie, his wife at home.
A joker put on a swing band;
My thoughts began to roam.

Our boat cut thru the gray mist
And sped us on our way.
Many who looked at the watch on their wrist
Knelt down and began to pray.

Out of the mist loomed a murky wall -
It was Hitler's western defense.
Here was our goal and it had to fall
Was the flash to our inner sense.

The cry, "Saddle up," was the go sign.
The deck suddenly filled with men.
We were headed straight for the coastline;
God! Don't let this happen again.

Thru smoke we saw many sunken ships,
Proud in their ghost-like hue.
For they had scored their winning hits -
What more could you ask them to do?

The air reeked of death all over,
The water a blood-dyed red.
For a minute our heads seemed to lower,
A silent prayer for the dead.

Our craft didn't make it the first go.
She maneuvered to try it again.
The minutes seemed like ages, though,
Ere the prow of the boat hit the sand.

So into the icy water we jumped
As the shells whizzed overhead.
Many a pack and rifle dumped;
It was either that or be dead.

The beach was a literal graveyard.
The Jerries had taken their toll.
For the lads before us the road had been hard,
But they had continued to roll.

A deadly barrage from his 88s,
And the Boche had us eating sand.
It was there that some of our boys kept dates
With the Boss of the Promised Land.

John took the count - God save his soul!
War is terrible, I know,
But maybe it's best, he's reached his goal -
he's gone where the brave men go.

Sam, he got it below the knee.
A million-dollar wound, I guess.
And thus my partner was taken from me,
At least for a while he'll rest.

Joe and Robbie were caught there too,
And Sergeant Doe in the legs.
So onward, boys, it's for me and you
To grind these Nazis to dregs.

Yes, the beach was won at a terrible cost,
But they didn't die in vain.
If it wasn't for them, the day'd been lost
And we'd had to start once again.

So raise the Stars and Striped on high,
Ring praises thru our land -
For the valiant fightin' men who die
On a Flanders field of sand.

We're marching forward, the Fightin' First.
We're out for some Nazi blood.
And we won't stop till we stop this curse,
This nation ruled by a dud.

Yes, we're driving onward, this mighty team,
To meet a beaten foe.
And the valorous boys we left on the beach
Are with us wherever we go.

This story, though not completed,
Leaves a message in its wake;
We have never been defeated,
And w can give more than we take.

~ E. Duncan Cameron of Company C, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.



In Christ Alone,

Memorial Day

Today I'd like to take a pause to thank all our men and women in service for fighting, and giving their lives, for the freedoms America has today.

The verse & quote of the Week

Sorry about not having a new verse & quote up last week... I meant to, but kind of forgot about it, or was busy. So, to make up for last week, I'll put up two this week.


In Christ Alone,

My TV Appearance

Soon, Dad and I will be headed to New York to be in Glenn Beck's studio audience. His show will be on Sam Adams. It's really exciting! I'm trying to not be excited... and get rid of all the "butterflies".... but this has proved to be unsuccesful. Thankfully, it's not as bad as some of the "cases" I've had!

Anyway, if anyone's interested, the show airs on Friday, 5pm, on the Fox news channel. Knowing I'm going to be on television makes me all the more nervous....



In Christ Alone,

God Is...

For our Bible study on Thursday night, Pastor wasn't able to be there - as he's preaching revival services in Indiana, I think - so Dad did the study. What he did was, he had done a search online in the Bible for verses on "God is." Daddy found over 100 verses on that... wow!!! Anyway, at the study, we went through those verses, and looked at what "God is." It was really amazing to see some of the things that the Bible says God is. So, anyway, here are the things that we found that God is:





God is not a man. (Numbers 23:19)


God is a consuming fire. (Deuteronomy 4:24)


God is merciful. (Deuteronomy 4:31)


God is jealous. (Deuteronomy 6:15)


God is mighty. (Deuteronomy 7:21)


God is terrible. (Deuteronomy 7:21)


God is God of gods. (Deuteronomy 10:17)


God is Lord of lords. (Deuteronomy 10:17)


God is great. (Deuteronomy 10:17, Job 36:26)


God is with us. (Deuteronomy 20:1, 4, Joshua 3:10)


God is our refuge. (Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 62:8)


God is a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)


God is my strenght and my power. (2 Samuel 22:3)


God is gracious. (2 Chronicles 30:9)


God is the strength of my heart. (Psalm 73:26)


God is my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)


God is on them for good that seek Him. (Ezra 8:22)


God is against them that forsake Him. (Ezra 8:22)


God is angry with the wicked every day. (Psalm 7:11)


God is the King of all the earth. (Psalm 47:7)


God is our God forever. (Psalm 48:14)


God is our guide. (Psalm 48:14)


God is judge. (Psalm 50:6)


God is my helper. (Psalm 54:4)


God is my defense. (Psalm 59:9)


God is my salvation, and my glory. (Psalm 62:7)


God is a sun and our shield. (Psalm 84:11)


God is greatly to be feared. (Psalm 89:7)


God is holy. (Psalm 99:9)


God is the LORD. (Psalm 118:27)


God is righteous. (Daniel 9:14)


God is one Lord. (Mark 12:29)


God is true. (John 3:33)


God is a Spirit. (John 4:24)


God is glorified in Christ. (John 13:31)


God is faithful.


God is the author of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33)


God is able. (Acts 20:32)


God is NOT ASHAMED to be called MY God! (Hebrews 11:16)


God is light; in Him is no darkness. (1 John 1:5)


God is LOVE. (1 John 4:8)





Whew! God is a lot of things, and we will never, on this side of heaven, know Him completely!







In Christ Alone,

In Christ Alone

Since I came across this song awhile ago, it has been very encouraging to me - especially the last verse. It is especially encouraging since America is turning her back on God. It may be not be very far off that Christians will be persecuted in the U.S. Now, of course, ultimately, I go to the Bible for strength, courage, and comfort. This song just, pretty much, I guess, sums up those things that I find very comforting in the Bible. Anyway, I figured I'd post the lyrics here... and by the way, I do have this song on my playlist - it's the last song.

In Christ alone my hope is found.
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace!
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease.
My Comforter, my All-in-All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh,
fullness of God a helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
scorned by the ones he came to save.
Till on that cross, as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid!
Here in the depth of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay –
Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
sins curse has lost its grip on me.
For I am His, and He is mine,
bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death.
This is the power of Christ in me.

From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
can ever pluck me from His hand.
Till He returns, or calls me home,
here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.




In Chrst Alone,

New "Features"

I've decided that I will start to put up verses of the week... They'll be posted on my sidebar thingy. I also decided that, hopefully, I will put up with each verse a quote, that has something to do with what that verse talks about.... Hope I didn't sound to confusing!

Oh, and all the verses are from the KJV.

In Christ Alone,

A Tag

My big sis tagged me on this one.


What's Your Favorite~

Color? Hmm... It used to be red, but I'm not sure anymore.

Main dish? Probably grilled chicken... I really like it when it's really tender, grilled, and with lots of yummy spices... Including GARLIC!!! YUM

Dessert? Maybe ice cream cake....

Drink? I really don't know... Maybe sweet rasberry iced tea.

Veggie? Potatoes. Mashed, with plenty of garlic!!!!!!!


~Do You~

Go to Starbucks Coffee Shop? YUCK!!!! Why would I want coffee??????

Go to the mall a lot? Another big YUCK!!! I pretty much hate shopping... we mostly only go to the mall during Christmas.

Talk on the phone everyday to someone who is not family? Nope. Even if I had my own phone, I probably wouldn't. I might text, though.

Read you Bible everyday? I definately try. Right know, I'm doing a "challenge" to read it every day for a whole month... that month is almost halfway done, and I've only missed one day. I'm determined NOT to miss another.

Do lots of reading? Definately!

See your grandparents everyday? No... It would be nice if I could, though.

Bake a lot? Not really.

Clean your room everyday? I probably do.. but only because my I'm made to :)

Have to say your sorry to someone everyday? Well, not EVERY day.


~A Certain Thing You Dislike of Each Category~

Veggie? Okra... or brussel sprouts. BLAH

Color? Black. UGH. I hate it!!!! And the worst thing is... It's one of my older sister's fav colors!!!!

Drink? Tomato juice. I don't understand how people can drink that stuff! Oh, and coffee

Animal? Snakes


~Do You Have A~

Pet? Yes, a cat (Torri). And we also have a frog.

Gift card at the moment? Nope

Sewing machine? Well... It's not excatly mine, but yes, my family owns one.

Big mess under your bed? hmmm... I'm not sure. Probably not.

Pack of gum in your bag or purse? Again, I'm not sure. Most likely not, but I might.

Computer in your room? No


~Have You Ever~

Been on a plane? Yupe.

Been out of state? Yeah.

Been out of the country? Yes, but only to Canada.

Been in an eight-teen wheeler? I don't think so....

Been in a car accident? Um... I'm pretty sure I haven't

Read about a hundred and fifty page book in about an hour? No... I can't read that fast. I might conquer it in two, though.


~Your Favorite Place to ~

Go shopping? Book stores, grocery stores, and small clothing stores (if we only stay there for an hour or so.)

Eat out? Well... maybe Caraba's. Or Bravo. But I almost always get so nervous that I get nauseous... or worse.

Go visit? My grandma's. She lives up on a hill in the country, and it makes it feel like your the only one there. I love that feeling!!!

Read a good book at? Pretty much any place outside, if I can get comfortable. And especially if it feels like I'm the only person there.


~Random~

What color is your room? The walls and ceiling? blank white. The carpet? a gray-blue color.

Do you share a room with anyone? Yes. My older sister. She usually talks, and talks, and talks, and talks, and talks, until she's kept me up half the night. :)

Have you ever went swimming in a pond? Um... I think maybe. Unless all the places I'm thinking of are rivers and creeks.

How old are you? 13 1/4

What year were you born? 1996

Are you related to anyone important or famous? Not that I know of.

Have you ever met a vice president? No

Are you getting bored yet? Kind of

What are you thinking? I'm thinking, "Is there still enough light, and should I go outside and read my book, finish this tag and blog somemore, or sit down and watch the TV with Dad, and three of my sisters?"

~Who You Will Tag~

Anyone who wants the tag.


In Christ alone,

Our Christmas Present!

Last night, we went to see our Christmas present! - the Celtic Women. It was pretty neat! I especially like the one song they sang, "You Raise me Up." (By the way, I added the song to my playlist).





Before we went to the concert, we went to Pizza Hut. I definately would have eaten more, but when we are going to do something - like go to a concert, movie, or play - I get lots of butterflies, which is really annoying!!!! Thankfully, this time the only time that my stomach was dancing around was before the concert started, and during the 20 minute break. Yay!!!





The sound things... acoustics, is that what its called? Well, they were really good. So good, that a few times my ears hurt, and I could feel my seat and the ground kind of rumbling :D.

A Giveaway

Katie from In the Hands of God has a giveaway for the book "More than a carpenter" by Josh McDowell. The deadline to enter is today. Sorry I didn't post this sooner.

My Blog Makeover

I decided that, since it's not the new year anymore, I'd give my blog a makeover. :) This is how it turned out. I hope you like it! I know my Mom does.

P.S. - I might just give my blog another makeover soon....