Monday, December 29, 2008

Christmas Concerts Part 1

During the holidays, I attended two different Christmas concerts.

The first concert featured Leeland, Jars Of Clay, Sixpence None The Richer, and Sara Groves. Here are some pictures I took from the event.
Leeland:Jars Of Clay:
Sixpence None The Richer:
Sara Groves:
The concert was an amazing experience. I enjoyed every minute of it!
(Check back later for part 2!)

Sunday, December 28, 2008

CD Spotlight: Opposite Way


CD Title: Opposite Way
Artist: Leeland
Genre: Christian/Indie/Rock
CD Release Date: February 26, 2008
My Favorite Songs: All of them (But especially: Opposite Way, Count Me In, Enter This Temple, Let It Out Now)
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 10

Friday, December 19, 2008

The True Meaning Of Christmas

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."


Luke 2:1-14
Just remember....Jesus is the reason for the season.

Monday, December 15, 2008

My Daybook 4

Outside my window...
A warm December night (I know warm and December usually don't go together). Darkness is present. Clouds cover the moon like a blanket.

I am thinking...
I have soo many gifts to wrap and soo much shopping still to do in soo little time (if you haven't counted lately, Christmas is in 10 days).

From the kitchen...
Breakfast: Strawberry Toaster Strudel and maple link sausage.
Lunch: Wendy's with my grandmother.
Supper: Not much because i've been sick, and I didn't feel well tonight, but I would have eaten fried salmon crochets, salad, and yeast rolls.

I am going...
To bed. I had a busy day shopping with my grandmother (aka Memaw).

I am wearing...
My bare feet, lounge pants, and a purple t-shirt with the words 'Go Ceiling' on the front (it was part of my fall festival costume- I was a ceiling fan...get it? Ceiling-fan? I know...I'm weird).

I am reading...
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. (I think I've been reading this book since the summer. I just don't seem to have time to read for fun lately.)
I am hoping...
That I will feel 100% better tomorrow night for the concert. That my guitar lesson goes really well. That my grandmother will get her short-term memory back.

I am hearing...
The sound of my fingers typing. Cars driving by my house. My mom re-arranging the kitchen. My Dad watching a Christmas movie.

One of my favorite things...
Decorating the Christmas tree with my mom.

My picture thought...
The reason we celebrate...

Monday, December 8, 2008

CD Spotlight: Stay

CD Title: Stay
Artist: Jeremy Camp
Genre: Rock, Pop, Inspirational/Worship, Christian
CD Release Date: 2002
My Favorite Songs: Walk By Faith, I Still Believe, Take My Life, In Your Presence, and Right Hear.
My Rate On This CD(on a scale of 1-10): 9

Friday, December 5, 2008

Have You Counted Lately?

"Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings...name them one by one....count your many blessings, see what God has done."

Last week at church we sang this hymn. It fits just perfectly for the time of year because it's the holidays. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Years.

I know I know...we have sung this song many times before and we know the words...but do we ever really think about the meaning of this all to familiar hymn's words? Do we count our blessings? Do we really thank God for ALL that He has done for us?

As I'm writing this, I'm getting this image in my head of a child sitting at the dinner table during Thanksgiving dinner telling their mommy and daddy all that they are thankful for. The child proceeds to tell them that he or she is thankful for their teacher, their pet, their favorite toy, etc. The child's parents believe that this is all the child is going to say and giggle at the child's innocents and proceed to say "That's great, sweetie." Then the child pauses, with a pondering look on his or her face. After a couple of seconds, the child says, "And mommy and daddy....I'm thankful for what Jesus did for us."

"For God so loved the world that He gave is only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Next time you pray, thank God for His salvation and His great, great love for us. Remember what He did. Remember the Ultimate Sacrifice...and thank Him for it.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Good Job Guys!

Well the Crimson Tide just finished their season with a great win over Auburn, 36-0. They finished 12-0. It feels soo good! Good job, John Parker! (And good job to all the seniors. It's been a great year!) Good Job, guys! (Even though Nick did better...no offense, Tommy.)

All that there is left to say is...ROLL TIDE!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy (Early) Thanksgiving

I know this is a day early but I'm not sure if I'll have time to get on the computer so.... Happy (early) Thanksgiving everybody!!
I'm going to list 5 things I'm thankful for in honor of this holiday.

I'm thankful for....
-My Salvation
-A mom that is always there for me when I need her.
-A dad that cares.
-Our (kind of new) home
-Good friends
-Having the chance to have my grandmother live with me (even if we don't always get along).
-The future blessing of waiting on God's timing. (I'm speaking in faith!)
-God's great mercy that He so faithfully shows His child.
-The opportunity to be homeschooled.
-My future and all that God has planned for me to do for Him.
-Good turkey (Hey, I had to throw that one in there. It's Thanksgiving!)

I told you mine, now tell me your. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Nation's Repentance

Tonight I attended a presentation at a local church on God and government that was extremely fascinating. The man that was leading the presentation referred to this prayer and I thought that you might like to read it.
The original prayer was delivered on January 23, 1996 by the Reverend Joe Wright to the Kansas House of Representatives in Topeka, Kansas.

"Heavenly Father, We come before you today to ask your forgiveness and seek your direction and guidance. We know your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good," but that's exactly what we've done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values.
We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of your Word and called it moral pluralism.
We have worshipped other gods and called it multi-culturalism.
We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building esteem. We have abused power and called it political savvy.
We have coveted our neighbors' possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us O God and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas, and who have been ordained by you, to govern this great state.Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of your will. I ask it in the name of your son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Friday, November 14, 2008

My Daybook 3

Outside my window...
The darkness clothes the house like a blanket...the temperature is cooler tonight than the night before...only light jackets are needed tonight.
I am thinking...
That my eyelids are not going to stay open long enough for me to go to Kohl's with my parents so that they can shop for a winter coat for Mother.
From the kitchen...
Mother made the "Family Buffet", consisting of the weeks leftover meats and vegetables. I picked out hamburger steak with gravy, baby Lima beans (I prefer to call them butter beans), and carrots and potatoes in a butter sauce with seasoning salt. Simply delicious! I know... they were just leftovers but when your hungry... anything taste good!
I am going...
After our trip to Kohl's...hopefully bed...I'm sooo tired!
I am wearing...
My favorite pair of dark washed Levi's, a hot pink, knit, long sleeve t-shirt, and cute black ballet flats with a silver buckle on the top.
I am reading...
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. (Good... but soo sad!)
I am hoping...
That my aunt and cousins will be safe traveling...that my cousin will get better.
I am hearing...
The sound of my grandmother and my mom talking...the television...news I think...my father getting seconds on supper...typing keyboard (oh that's me).
One of my favorite things...
A cell phone that holds a charge! YAY!
My picture thought...
A good place to be...ROLL TIDE! (I hope we win tomorrow!)

Friday, November 7, 2008

After The Election...

Well... the election is over. I have to admit, when I first saw the words on the TV screen "Breaking News: Obama Wins The Presidency", I was a little shocked. OK, little is an understatement. I was befuzzeled! (And that isn't even a real word!) I was thinking, 'OK God. What are You up to? I know You're in control and you're going to take care of us, but I don't understand your plan.' Then the thought popped into my head: "Anna, My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways; My ways are higher than your ways."
Please continue to pray for our leaders, even if you don't agree with what they stand for. "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44, ISV) I don't know about you, but when I hear about people who believe in everything that I'm totally against, I view them as my enemy. Well, Jesus said that we are supposed to pray for them, and not only that, but we're supposed to love them too! I have to admit, I haven't done either as often as I should! (Lord, forgive me.)
This is the time for the children of the most high God to stand up and speak out for Christ. He has given us an opportunity and we should be obedient to whatever He asks us to do.
Next time you pray, just remember our leaders and our country after the election.

Monday, November 3, 2008

CD Spotlight- Dying For A Heart


CD Title: Dying For A Heart
Artist: Krystal Myers
Genre: Rock/Christian
(Note: Since this CD was released, the artist has released a CD that is strictly Pop.)
CD Release Date: 2006
My Favorite Songs: ALL of them, but my number one favorite is "Beauty Of Grace"
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 9

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 28-30


Day 28- November 2- Matthew 21:21-22
Ask, believing, for God's leaders to be elected. Trust Him now.

Day 29- November 3- Psalm 25:4-5
Thank God for your salvation and that He has led you in to His truth during these days of prayer.

Day 30- November 4- Amos 7:7
Vote Today! Consider fasting today also. Read the following quote by Matthew Henry:

"God bears long, but he will not bear always with a provoking people. The remembrance of the mercies we formerly received, like the produce of the earth of the former growth, should make us submissive to the will of God, when we meet with disappointments in the latter growth. The Lord has many ways of humbling a sinful nation. Whatever trouble we are under, we should be most earnest with god for the forgiveness of sin. Sin will soon make a great people small. What will become of Israel, if the hand that should raise him be stretched out against him? See the power of prayer. See what a blessing praying people are to a land. See how ready, how swift God is to show mercy; how he waits to be gracious. Israel was a wall, a strong wall, which God himself reared as a defense to His sanctuary. The Lord now seems to stand upon this wall. He measures it; it appears to be a bowing, bulging wall. Thus god would bring the people of Israel to the trial, would discover their wickedness; and the time will come, when those who have been spared often, shall be spared no longer. But the Lord still calls Israel His people. The repeated prayer and success of the prophet should lead us to seek the Saviour."

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Pray For Eli

There is a little boy named Elijah that needs your prayer. He is less than 2 years old and is in the hospital with his liver and kidneys failing. It would take a miracle for him to live.

But my God is BIG enough! He is the one "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine". Nothing is too big for my God and I'm trusting Him with the impossible. But whatever happens is His perfect will as long as we are seeking Him. I'll praise him no matter what and I know that Elijah's parents will too.

Please pray for Elijah and his family. They are going through a very rough time right now and they need your prayers. Thank you and God bless.
(I'll update later and tell you how he is doing.)


-------------------

Day 25- October 30- Colossians 4:2-6
Pray for your personal witness for Christ to be strong at this time.

Day 26- October 31- 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
Praise God for the privilege of serving Jesus at this time in history.

Day 27- November 1- 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Ask the Father to strengthen you and empower you as His minister.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 23 and 24

Please continue praying. Remember: the presidential election is only a week away!

Day 23- October 28- Luke 6:45
Help us to listen well to the candidates' words and then "hear their hearts."

Day 24- October 29- Philippians 4:6-7
Pray for the peace of God as you make your final choice in the election.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 21 and 22

Day 21- October 26- Proverbs 3:5-7
Help me not to try to be "wise in my own eyes." Forgive me for "leaning on my own understanding," Lord.

Day 22- October 27- Proverbs 12:5
Pray for righteousness in our leaders.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

CD Spotlight- Mmhmm


CD Title: Mmhmm (No, that wasn't a typo!)
Artist: Relient K
Genre: Rock/ Pop Punk/ Alternative
CD Release Date: 2004
My Favorite Songs: Who I Am Hates Who I've Been, High Of 75, I So Hate Consequences, This Week The Trend, and My Girl's Ex-Boyfriend
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 7

Friday, October 24, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 19 and 20

Day 19- October 24- 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Pray for the salvation of all leaders and candidates.

Day 20- October 25- Psalm 5:8-12
Ask God to protect and defend those candidates that love His name.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 17 and 18

Day 17- October 22- Psalm 139:14-17
Pray for the Biblical truth concerning life to be a priority for our new administration.

Day 18- October 23- John 1:1-5
Pray for leadership that holds a Christian worldview so we may be known as a Christian nation.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Worship Time

For the past 6 weeks we have been studying the Experiencing God (youth edition) bible study at my church. Each chapter of this bible study is divided up into sections (0r days) and each section is on a different subject that revolves around seven key truths.

One of the themes for week 4 was based on worship. The workbook asked its' readers to spend some time worshiping God. Of course for me this was my favorite part about the whole bible study. I love to worship my Saviour!

So for almost an hour, I just sat in my room, played my guitar, and sang praises to my heavenly Father. I sang:

" I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You. Oh my soul, rejoice. Take joy my King in what You hear. May It be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear."

Also, I sang songs like "How Great Is Our God", "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace-My Chains Are Gone", and "God of Wonders."
The book then asked me to summarize what I thought about that time of worship. This is what I wrote:

"I long to love my God with ALL my heart and I long to show God that love in my worship time. He is worthy of all my praise, and I want Him to know that in my worship time.
Worship for me is the time that I feel like I'm truly in the presence of God. I know that God is always with me, but worship just reminds me of His presence."

I really enjoy these times of worship when I can praise my Savior and Lord, not just for what He has done for me, but also for who He is.

---------------

Day 16- October 21- Matthew 19:4-6
Pray for leadership that will protect God's definition of marriage.



Sunday, October 19, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 14 and 15

Day 14- October 19- James 1:5-6a
Ask God for His wisdom that He promises to you.

Day 15- October 20- Proverbs 21:21
Pray for leadership that follows after righteousness.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 13

Day 13- October 18- John 16:13-14
Thank Him that He promises to show us "things to come."

Friday, October 17, 2008

CD Spotlight: How Can We Be Silent


CD Title: How Can We Be Silent
Artist: Barlow Girl
Genre: Christian rock/pop
CD Release Date: 2007
My Favorite Songs: Million Voices, I Don't Regret, and
Here's My Life
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 8

Thursday, October 16, 2008

VERY Late Pray The Votes

I'm sorry that these are so late! I've been extremely busy studying for an upcoming test. I couldn't find the time to get on the computer and type these out so please forgive me. I'll try to catch you up!

Day 9- October 14- Proverbs 2:3-6
Pray for the knowledge and understanding of God.

Day 10- October 15- Proverbs 14:26, 34
Thank God for His promise of confidence and protection.

Day 11- October 16- Psalms 32:8
Thank Him for showing us what He wants us to do in this election.


I'm going to give you the one for tomorrow as well because I'm not sure if I'll have time to post.

Day 12- October 17- Ephesians 5:14-17
Thank Him for the promise of understanding His will.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 8

Day 8- October 13- Proverbs 1:7
Reverence for God through prayer, fasting and meditating on His Word will bring answers.
Pray for His answers

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 7

Day 7- October 12- Jeremiah 33:3
Call out to the Father; He will answer and show you His will.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 6

Day 6- October 11- Psalm 5:8
Pray for God's guidance because of the enemies of our faith.

Friday, October 10, 2008

My Daybook 2

Outside my window...
The sky is full of grey clouds and the sun is trying to peak around them.
The leaves of the trees appear more green because of the rain two days ago. The temperature is still warm, but signs of fall are everywhere!

I am thinking...
That I would like to accomplish all of my assignments in a timely manner and do them all with a good attitude.

I'm thankful for...
God's protection from the recent storms and His marvelous grace that He has shown His servant this week.

From the kitchen...
I haven't even had breakfast yet! Hopefully some biscuits, sausage, eggs, grits, toast, bacon, etc. Ha! Now I'm dreaming!

I am going...
To a church function with my friend Lauren.

I am wearing...
An off white cotton t-shirt with blue plaid shorts. Wow, what a combination! They are my PJ's ya know!

I am reading...
The Bible with my mother every morning in our Bible study and I'm loving every minute of it!

I am hoping...
That I do well on my test at the end of this month.

I am hearing...
The sound of the TV in my grandmother's room...the sound of cleaner being sprayed, by my mother, in the master bathroom...the sound of typing...etc.

One of my favorite things...
Eating chocolate chip muffins with butter right after they have come out of the oven. YUM!

---------------

Pray The Vote- Day 5

Day 5- October 10- Romans 13:1
To prepare to vote, pray God will check your understanding in the
light of His truth.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Pray The Vote-Day 3 and 4

I'm sorry that days 3 is late! Here it is if you would still like to use it:

Day 3- October 8- Colossians 1:16-17
Leaders and governments are His creation.
Pray that our new leadership will honor our Lord Jesus Christ.

Day 4- October 9- Ephesians 1:17-22
God Is above all power, even the U.S. government.
Pray that "the eyes of your understanding be opened."

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 2

Day 2- October 7- Daniel 4:17

God rules over the kingdom of man.
Pray for our Father to direct your vote to His chosen leader.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Pray The Vote- Day 1


At my home church we have started a thirty-day prayer program for the upcoming presidential election. I would like to share it with you so that you may follow along if you feel led.
Each day I will post a scripture and a prayer concerning that scripture. Please add this to your daily routine. This election is extremely important for the future of our country, so please pray faithfully.
Here is the first day:

Day 1- October 6- Daniel 2:20-22
Pray for Godly wisdom concerning your vote.

(Even if you are not old enough to vote, please pray for our country anyway. The people that are elected in November will affect your future and the future of your children!)

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Funny E-mail

One of the greatest secrets of life is having patience & wisdom...

Made you laugh!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Fall Is Here!


Yesterday was the first day of fall (if you didn't already know). I do not have a favorite time of year, but I really enjoy the fall. The weather is cool, not cold, and all of the trees are beginning to lose their leaves. I love the fall colors of red, orange, and yellow. Great holidays, like Thanksgiving, are to be enjoyed with family and friends. Jeans, long sleeved shirts, and jackets are pulled out of storage to be worn for the rest of the year. Everything just seems...cozy...warm...comfortable. And that includes my favorite hot apple cider. Yum!
Fall means it's time for our annual family trip to the Smokey Mountains. We try to go at the peak of the fall foliage (but we always seem to miss it or come before its time). When I was little this trip meant boring car rides through small winding roads all day long. But now that I'm older I enjoy and appreciate these trips much more. I've learned to love and cherish the time with my parents. And believe it or not, I like the long car ride through those small winding roads!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Poem: Do The Next Thing

From an old English parsonage down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
A
nd all through the doors, the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration, “Do the next thing.”



Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrow, child of the King,
Trust that with Jesus; do the next thing.



Do it immediately, do it with prayer,
Do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all resultings; do the next thing.


Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance, be thy psalm.
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing;
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.

-Author unknown-

Sunday, September 14, 2008

CD Spotlight: Hawk Nelson Is My Friend




CD Title: Hawk Nelson Is My Friend
Artist: Hawk Nelson
Release Date: 2008
My Favortie Songs: Friend Like That, Turn It On, Ancient History, and I Still Miss You
My score on this CD (On a scale of 1-10): 9

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

CD Spotlight-Comatose



CD Title: Comatose
Artist: Skillet
Release Date: 2006
My favorite songs: Whispers In The Dark, Yours To Hold, Comatose, and Say Goodbye
My score on this CD (On a scale of 1-10): 9

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

We All Need The Savior

One of my School assignments this week was to write a comparison paper on the faith of Islam and Christianity. I thought I would share what I learned about the religion of Islam.

Islam is the youngest of the major world religions, but is still the largest. Followers of Islam, or Muslims, are required to believe certain doctrines and to perform certain duties. Islam and Christianity have many similarities and many differences. Here are some facts about both religions that I thought were interesting:
1) Belief in God
• Muslims believe that there no god but Allah.
• Christians believe in the one true God who is revealed in Scripture as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, or the Trinity.
2) Prayer
• Muslims are required to perform the ritual of prayer. They must kneel and bow in the direction of the holy city (Mecca) and pray five times a day.
• Christians pray based on their relationship with God. Prayer is not required to be a Christian, but it is a way to communicate with the Father in Heaven.
3) Sin
• Muslims believe that humans are born without sin. When their born, they believe their hearts are a clean slate and that their free from sin.
• Christians believe that when a human is born they are already corrupted by sin and need God's grace to be free from that sin.
4) Salvation
• Muslims believe that to become a Muslim, a person must publicly repeat the words: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah". This statement of belief is called the Shahadah. Muslims also believe that a person has to earn his or her salvation.
• Christians believe in a loving God who sent His Son to die for their sins, according to the Bible. They believe that Jesus paid the price for their sins and now they are free from the bondage of death.

I believe that the Muslims are a lost people who need to be saved. They are blinded from the truth and need the love of God to be revealed to them as quickly as possible. Though they hate Christians because of our faith in Jesus Christ, God still loves them.

Please pray for the Muslims around the world that need to come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Wardrobe Check!

I was in Walmart the other day with my mom buying groceries. Mom and I had turned the corner of an aisle and I noticed a women and a teenage girl walking together in front of us. I didn't really pay any attention to the women, who I assumed was the teenage girl's mother, but the girl stood out to me.

She was around 14 or 15 years old and was wearing way to much eye-makeup, specifically eyeliner. She was wearing a thin tank top with a low scoop neck and really tight short-shorts. Let's just say that she was trying way to hard to be noticed. I thought ' I would never wear that!' and even if I wanted to, my mom would never let me leave the house looking like that! She turned and looked at me and I noticed how unhappy she looked. When I saw her face it made me really think. I thought to myself that I wish that all teen girls felt precious and loved. I wish that all of them felt they were worth more than the cheap way they present themselves.

All of these thoughts popped into my head faster than a speeding bullet. I was flooded by the Spirit with a longing for the girls of my generation to realize the great value that God places on them.


Next time that you open your closet, think about the way that you present yourself and the way that others will see you. Is your wardrobe God-honoring?

Friday, August 22, 2008

My Daybook

Outside my window...
The sky is filled with grey clouds and the trees are swaying in the wind because of a storm that is drawing near.


I am thinking...
Do I have all the things packed that I need to go spend the night at my friend Lauren's house?


I am thankful for...
The good news that my cousin is OK.


From the kitchen...
Today I ate pizza and a chocolate dessert with my aunt for her birthday.



I am going...
To my good friend Lauren's house to spend the night.


I am wearing...
Golden khaki shorts, a light yellow top and bronze flip-flops. In the summer, all I wear is flip-flops!


I am reading...
What I'm typing. NO! "When God Writes Your Life Story" by Eric and Leslie Ludy.


I am hoping...
That tomorrow I'll be a better servant to my King than I was today.


I am hearing...
My mom doing something in the kitchen and my dad watching Fox News.


One of my favorite things...
Getting a hug from my mom.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

I'm Thankful for...

A few days ago my mother asked me to name five things that I was thankful for. Here are my answers:

1- My Family
I'm thankful to be blessed with God-fearing parents who only want whats best for me.

2- Good Health
I'm thankful that I don't get sick that often and that I wasn't born with some life threatening disease.

3- Salvation
I'm thankful that "I once was lost, but now I'm found. I once was blind but now I see".

4- My new house
I'm thankful for the blessing of our new house that we moved into last year.

5- Safety
I'm thankful for safety because...

Last year, I got the privilege to get to know a foreign exchange student from Georgia (the country) who was living with a couple who attend my church.

We couldn't pronounce her name so we nicknamed her "Taco". When I heard about the war that is going on between Georgia and Russia, my heart about stopped! All I could think about was Taco. Was she OK? Was she scared?

I found out a week later that another friend had talked to her on Myspace. She said that Taco was afraid that her city would be bombed next and that she was worried about the safety of her family.

I can't even begin to imagine the fear that Taco must feel. I personally have never experienced anything that would make me fear for my life and the life of my family.

This girl and her situation has made me really thankful for the safety that God has blessed me with in the past. I can't count the times that he has protected me from car wrecks, sickness, and broken bones.

I'm blessed with many other things that I definitely don't deserve!

What are you thankful for?

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

My First Post!

Hello Everyone! My first post...how exciting!
I've created this blog to record the things that I'll experience and learn in the future. I hope that this blog will encourage all who read it.
(Wow! I had a lot to say, right?!)
God bless!