Saturday, October 31, 2009

CD Spotlight: Not Without Love


CD Title: Not Without Love
Artist: Jimmy Needham
CD Release Date: August 19, 2008
Genre: Blues/ Christian/ Pop
My Favorite Songs: All of them (especially Hurricane, Firefly, Forgiven and Loved, Unfailing Love, and Rend.)
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 10

Friday, June 19, 2009

Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 5 & 6

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May 12, 2009- Order
Today my virtue was order. This was a hard thing to do throughout the day considering I was away from the house most of it, but I tried to think about the virtue and apply it often.

When I started school this morning, I tried to plan out what I was going to do first, second, third, etc. This plan began very well, but then I had to choose subjects that were shorter in length to finish before I left the house so the list got thrown out the door (not literally).

May 13, 2009- Temperance

I feel as though I practiced temperance very well today. The best way that I knew how to apply this virtue was in my eating habits.

At lunch I ate a moderate portion of food consisting of a sandwich and chips. I usually eat a second helping of chips, but today I opted out because I had already had enough.

Now, I did have a guilty pleasure: a drumstick ice cream bar. I just had to have one! I let temptation in and kicked temperance out.
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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 4

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May 11, 2009- Cleanliness

Today my moral virtue was cleanliness. I'm the type of person that loves for things to be clean: my room, my body, my heart, etc. In my life, this can be a really hard task because I have so little time to designate to this necessary task.
This morning I got up and changed my sheets, then I picked up the clothes that were all over my desk and hung them up. I tried to make my room look like I cared about it. Now, there were many other things I could have done, but time just wasn't on my side.

Tonight I took a shower and put on a fresh pair of PJs. Before I laid down to go to sleep, I prayed that God would purify me from all unrighteousness and give me a pure heart. I believe this is a good way to end the day everyday.
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Monday, June 8, 2009

CD Spotlight: What If We


CD Title: What If We
Artist: Brandon Heath
CD Release Date: August 19, 2008
Genre: Acoustic/Christian/Pop
My Favorite Songs: All of them, but especially Give Me Your Eyes, Wait And See, Sunrise, Sore Eyes, Love Never Fails, Listen Up, and When I'm Alone.
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 9

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 2 and 3

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May 7, 2009- Humility

Today my moral virtue was Humility. I'm not exactly sure how to record how well I did, or didn't do. I do know that I tried to not think too highly of myself, even though thoughts did pop into my head throughout the day. I tried to appreciate my mom and thank her for what she did for me; I failed at doing this for my grandmother. I tried to talk less about myself and more about the person whom I was speaking with.

May 8, 2009- Sincerity

Sincerity was my moral virtue of the day. I tried my best to be honest and open about things throughout the day, not holding much of anything back.

My mom had some medical test this morning. When I asked her about it, I tried to be as genuinely concerned about all that she told me.

(Sincerity- freedom from deceit, hypocrisy, or duplicity; probity in intention of in communicating; earnestness.)
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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 1

At the beginning of May, I was given a history assignment that went along with my study of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin believed that everyone should practice certain virtues in their daily lives to achieve moral perfection. So for nine days I had to pick a moral virtue for each day, try to use that virtue throughout my day, and then journal about how I succeeded or failed.

Here are my journals from this assignment. I thought I would share with you the experience. (I'll try to post a new one everyday so check back with me!)

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May 6, 2009- Industry

My moral virtue of the day was industry. I would not say that I completely succeeded in this area, but I believe I put forth a great deal of effort to achieve it.

I worked really hard in all of my school assignments and tried to remember everything in detail that I read throughout the day. I tried to ask as many questions so as to further my knowledge.

This evening I had to play the guitar with a group of people from church. I gave a hundred percent to my playing, trying to make every chord as clear as I could play. Before I began playing, I checked my tuning twice so I would have the best possible sound.

When I left the church, I was determined to come straight home and finish my history reading. But when I arrived home, I got distracted by the computer.

Overall, I tried to be productive and work hard at everything I did. However, I did have my moments of laziness.
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Monday, May 25, 2009

Poem: "Great Works of Your Hands"

Your presence is in the bushes,
the weeping willows, too.
The only reason You came to earth
is to save the ones so true.
Your hands have the handiwork
of the mountains and the seas.
The fish that swim and the things that crawl
and the great fowls in the trees.
You made the sun, moon, and stars
with one big breath of air.
You made the creatures come to life.
You've counted the strands of our hair.
You've made the creatures great and small.
You've carved the ocean depths.
You carried me when I was weak
with long strides and great big steps.
Lord God I'll serve You all my life,
to people great and small.
Lord, You're the only One who knows
the greatest treasure of them all!
-By Laura Dieterie-

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Even When It's Cloudy....


....the sun is always shining.

Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoy!

Monday, May 11, 2009

CD Spotlight: Speaking Louder Than Before

CD Title: Speaking Louder Than Before
Artist: Jeremy Camp
CD Release Date: November 25, 2008
Genre: Christian/Rock/Worship
My Favorite Songs: I love all of them but especially Capture Me, Speaking Louder Than Before, and There Will Be A Day.
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 10

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Discerning The Will Of God

I'm the type of person that DESIRES to do and be in the perfect will of God. If you are like me you wonder: "How in the world am I supposed do the will of God when I don't know what His will is?". And "How do I know if this decision I'm making is part of God's plan for me?"
I read this article recently in Focus On The Family magazine and thought that this answer by Dr. James Dobson was a great one that needed to be shared. I hope this is as helpful to you as it was to me!

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

Q: If you can't always trust what you feel, how can you know what is right?

A: There are at least five ways you can discern the will of the Lord. First, the apostle Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians, "And this is my prayer. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the all-glorious Father, will give you spiritual wisdom and the insight to know more of him" (Ephesians 1:16-17, Phillips). He wouldn't have said that unless it was possible through prayer to gain spiritual wisdom and insight. Therefore, a search for God's will should begin on your knees. He will meet you there. Remember that Jesus promised, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7)

Second, you should examine the Scriptures for principles that relate to the issue at hand. The Lord will never ask you to do anything that is morally wrong or in contradiction to His Word. If what you are considering violates a concept you find in the Word, you can forget it.

Third, it is helpful to seek advice from those who are spiritually mature and solid in their faith. A godly counselor or pastor can assist you in avoiding the common mistakes that confuse many young people.

Fourth, you should pay close attention to what are known as providential circumstances. The Lord often speaks through doors that open or close. When you begin to be blocked on all sides in a particular pursuit, you might consider the possibility that God has other plans for you. I'm suggesting not that you give up at the first sign of obstacles but that you attempt to "read" the events in your life for evidence of divine influence.

Fifth and finally, do nothing impulsively. Give God an opportunity to speak. Until He does, stall for time and concentrate on the first four approaches.

In addition to these five steps to determine God's specific will, I can tell you now what His general will is for each of us. The Scripture gives all believers the same assignment, and it's called the Great Commission. We find it in the words of Jesus, who said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15, KJV). That responsibility applies to all of us.*

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*This is an excerpt from Dr. James Dobson's book Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Crazy Eights Time! Fun Tag

Eight Things I am looking forward to (no particular order):

1) Summer.
2) Graduating!
3) The Rebolution Conference.
4) My cousin's wedding.
5) Meeting the guy that God has planned for me to spend the rest of my life
with.
6) Playing my first guitar solo in front of an audience.
7) My new cousin to be born.
8) Swimming in my pool.

Eight Things I Did Yesterday:

1) Started reading a new book.
2) Changed the sheets on my bed.
3) Went to a rehearsal dinner.
4) Ate cheesecake.
5) Finished some schoolwork.
6) Talk to my friend who is at a competition in California.
7) Ate zucchini for the first time.
8) Gave my mom a pedicure.

Eight Things I Wish I Could Do:

1) Write in calligraphy.
2) Play the drums.
3) Read a whole book in a day.
4) Put up blog post everyday.
5) Attend the Dove Awards one day.
6) Speak fluent French.
7) Feel completely calm and comfortable sharing the gospel with people I
don't know.
8) Do something for my parents that measures all that they have done for me.

Eight of my favorite TV shows to watch:

1) John & Kate Plus Eight
2) 18 Kids & Counting
3) What Not To Wear
4) Little House On The Prairie
5) Reba
6) I Love Lucy
7) Semi-Homade with Sandra Lee
8) What I Like About You

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Ok reader....now its your turn! You can post your answers in the comment link below or you can post this on your blog. I can't wait to hear from your answers!

Monday, April 27, 2009

My Daybook 7

Outside my window...
One of the hottest days of the month but with a nice breeze occasionally. Blue skies cover my newly mowed lawn.
I am thinking...
About all of the clothes that I still need to put away. (I'm changing out my winter clothes in my closet and replacing them with summer clothes.)
From the kitchen...
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Pizza Hut with my mom, grandmother, and two Aunts.
I am going...
To my bedroom to finish cleaning up my closet.
I am reading...
About to start "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boon.
I am hoping...
That my aunt gets home safely tonight, that God will reveal to me His Will about some things, and that I stay in the center of His Will and not get caught up in just what I want.
I am hearing...
Quite. (And maybe the computer running, but that's it.) It always seems more peaceful in the afternoons at my house.
One of my favorite things...
Getting everything done on a list with time to spare.
My picture thought... (This is what the sky looks like at my house today.)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

National Tea Party Pics

Last Wednesday I attended the National Tea Party, a rally to protest against the current economic stimulus 'quick fixes', at the Alabama State House building in Montgomery, Alabama.
Here are some pictures I took from the event:

So many people came out to support. I believe that there were over 2,500 people at the rally.

(Serious protester....you don't see this everyday!)

Sunday, April 19, 2009

CD Spotlight: Portable Sounds

CD Title: Portable Sounds
Artist: TobyMac
Genre: Hip Hop/Rock/Christian
CD Release Date: February 20, 2007
My Favorite Songs: All of them (but especially Boomin', Ignition, Suddenly, All In, Feeling So Fly and Lose My Soul).
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 10

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Happy Easter!!

This is the coolest thing ever! My mom found it somewhere and I thought I would share it with you (this is not something I wrote). I hope you enjoy!

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"The Folded Napkin"

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.

The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'. But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........the folded napkin meant,

'I'm coming back!'

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God is coming back! Are you ready?

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Feeling Vs. Truth

God's Positive Answers

You say: "It's Impossible."
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me."
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

You say: "I can't go on."
God says: My grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9 & John 3:34)

You say: "I can't figure things out."
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it."
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able."
God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it."
God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself."
God says: I forgive you (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage."
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid."
God says: I have not give you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated."
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough."
God says: I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone."
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

-Author Unknown-

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I found this list on another blog a while back and thought that everyone should read it. As humans, we can get so caught up in the emotional struggles of everyday life that we forget the truth.

Feel free to copy this list and place it somewhere so that you can see it everyday and be reminded of God's promises to you.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Beauty Tips....Audrey Style

Here are some beauty tips from my favorite style icon....Audrey Hepburn.

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others."

(Source Unknown)

Saturday, March 28, 2009

CD Spotlight: Wonder of The World

CD Title: Wonder Of The World
Artist: Rush Of Fools
Genre: Christian/Progressive/Rock
CD Release Date: September 16, 2008
My Favorite Songs: There Is Nothing, Wonder of The World, Holy One, You Are Glory, Lose It All, and Escape.
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 8

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

"What Does God Think About Me" Part Two

Not only does God love us, He thinks we are beautiful. He sees us as His beautiful creations. We are precious and lovely in His sight. This is another trait of God that I have had a hard time understanding. All I used to see were the imperfections, not the beauty of what God had created me to be. But then I realized that I was made in the image of God: the creator of the Universe, the Lord of all, the Author of all things beautiful.

If you're like me, sometimes you question your outer beauty because, according to the world, you just don't measure up to its standards. But God doesn't look at us and think that at all. He sees our beauty inside and out. He made us. We are His own. Who are we to question the workmanship of the Creator of the world?

If you didn't already know...God does not make mistakes. He is perfect. He is holy. He just can not make mistakes. So next time you're feeling down about the way you look, remember that God sees your true beauty...and nothing else matters.

(Please read the words to this song by Addison Road that I have typed out below.)
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"All That Matters" by Addison Road

I may never be the one that gets a second glance
I may never be the one they call the prettiest
But thats alright with me
And maybe I don't follow every crazy passion
Spend all my time trying to get a good reaction
But thats ok with me
This world is like a trampoline
High and low no in between
Jumping at the chance to please
Everyone but thats not me
Cause all that matters is
All that matters is
I know your love has set me free
And that's all that matters to me
Cause all that matters is
All that matters is
I know your love has set me free
And that's all that matters to me
Some people tell me to step out and do my own thing
And others say I got to blend in just to be the same
And stop being me
But this shallow world is no longer what I'm made of
I've been changed by grace
I've been saved by love
What more do I need
All that matters is
All that matters is
I know your love has set me free
And that's all that matters to me
My life comes from the One Who made the stars and brought the sun
He loves me more than these So I don't need another identity
All that matters is
All that matters is
I know your love has set me free
And that's all that matters to me
That's all that matters

Sunday, March 22, 2009

My Daybook 6

Outside my window...
One of the most beautiful days. It's sunny, warm and comfortable. Beautiful cumulus clouds cover the bright blue sky. It's beautiful.

I am thinking...
That I wish I was outside while I'm typing this. It really is beautiful!

From the kitchen...
-Breakfast: Ham and cheese croissant sandwich.
-Lunch: Leftovers (baked chicken smothered in BBQ sauce and a fried red potato).

I am going...
To take a nap and then drive to church.

I am reading...

"The Adventures Of Capt. John Smith" and "Jane Eyre".

I am hoping...
That John gets to California safely and that he has no trouble with all the layovers.

I am hearing...
The sound of a basketball game playing on the TV...my dad snoring (sorry dad)...someone's lawnmower running...and my grandmother doing something in her room.

One of my favorite things...
Flip flops (I like to keep things comfortable).

My picture thought...
Doesn't this look relaxing??

Friday, March 13, 2009

"What Does God Think About Me?" Part One

That is a great question...what does God think about us?

First of all, He loves us more than we can ever imagine! I've always struggled with grasping this concept. God loves ME.....why? Why does He love me? Because I am His own.

Imagine yourself as a parent: Would you hate that boy or girl? No. You would love that child. Why? Because it's your own. It's part of you.
That's how God sees us. He looks past our imperfections and mistakes and sees us: His children.

God's love is an overflowing, never ending, unfailing love. Nothing compares to it.
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-Puppy Love: 2 weeks in high school.

-A mother's love for her newborn: a lifetime.

-God's love: priceless and eternal.
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Like I said, nothing compares to the love that God has for us...His children.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

CD Spotlight: We Need Each Other

CD Title: We Need Each Other
Artist: Sanctus Real
Genre: Rock/Pop/Christian
CD Release Date: February 12, 2008
My Favorite Songs: Turn On The Lights, We Need Each Other, Black Coal, Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly), and Lay Down My Guns.
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 9

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Winter Jam 2009

These pictures were taken at a concert I went to at the beginning of last month. Hope you enjoy!
(Theses pictures are in the order that the artists came out on stage in.)
-Stephanie Smith-

-PureNRG-

-Francesca Battistelli-

-Newsong-

-Family Force 5-

-Brandon Heath-

-TobyMac-

I had so much fun at this concert! Can't wait until next year!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Winter Sunset

"The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth."

-Psalm 50:1-2(NIV)-

Friday, February 20, 2009

CD Spotlight: My Paper Heart

CD Title: My Paper Heart
Artist: Francesca Battistelli
Genre: Christian/Pop/Soul
CD Release Date: July 22, 2008
My Favorite Songs: All of them, but especially Free To Be Me, I'm Letting Go, Unpredictable, My Paper Heart, Beautiful Beautiful, and Someday Soon.
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 10

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Commandment With A Promise

Let me paint a picture...

A mom and daughter are in a clothing store shopping one Saturday afternoon. The daughter begs her mom to let her go in "Hoochy-R-Us" to look for some new clothes. After a few minutes of wining from the daughter, the mother gives in and and she and her daughter head on into the store. The first piece of clothing the daughter picks up is a black shirt that is backless and has a PLUNGING neckline. And the argument begins...

I'm going to be honest...I do not always get along 100% with my parents. I am certainly NOT proud of it. I do argue sometimes when I don't agree with what they say. I mean, I love my parents and I value their opinions, but sometimes I just don't agree with them. God has really convicted me about this sin of arguing in my life recently.

Did you know that in the Bible God never said that children had to agree with their parents? OK, so I don't have to agree with them...but what does God say about my relationship with my parents? Well, it does say in Ephesians 6:1-2 that children are to honor them.
(Honor meaning to love, be reverent towards, obey, and assist in all things.)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with a promise..."

When you honor your parents in everything, you will be blessed. You might not see the rewards for honoring them here on earth, but you will be rewarded when you meet your Savior face to face.

In Deuteronomy 5:16, God says that if you honor your parents, then your life will be long and happy.

"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you; that your days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with you..."

Also, in Colossians 3:20, God says that if you honor your parents, you will make Him happy.

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

Next time that you don't agree or argue with your parents, remember that God placed them in your life for a reason and that He smiles upon children who obey.

(For further reference, read Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16)

Monday, February 2, 2009

My Daybook 5

Outside my window...
The sun is setting at the end of a rainy day. The Arctic wind sends chills down my spine. I don't think that it could get any colder.

I am thinking...
That I love my parents so much and that I am thankful that God blessed me with them.

From the kitchen...
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and a strawberry muffin.
Lunch: Chicken and cheese quesadilla Lean Pocket.
Supper: I don't know yet!

I am going...
To my room to practice my guitar for my lesson.

I am reading...
The Bible (always)
Jane Eyre (seems like always)

I am hoping...
That I can be better tomorrow as a daughter to my parents and a servant to my Savior.

I am hearing...
The sound of strong wind blowing a wind chime....cars driving by....stillness in my house.

One of my favorite things...
Having something revealed to me by God, and I knowing that that revelation could only have been Him that revealed it.

My picture thought...

I'm ready for the summer to come soon! In my life, summer=beach.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

It's Been A Long Time....

I'm sorry that it has been sooo long since my last post. Life has been crazy!
I promise I will have some post ready soon. Please check back!

For now here is a picture for you to enjoy:
(This picture was taken during my last beach trip. This just shows us that the glory of God is ALL around us....even in the storm.)

Sunday, January 18, 2009

CD Spotlight: Beauty In The Broken

CD Title: Beauty In The Broken
Artist: Starfield
Genre: Rock/Pop/Christian
CD Release Date: May 16, 2006
My Favorite Songs: My Generation, The Hand That Holds The World, Everything Is Beautiful, and Unashamed.
My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 8

Friday, January 9, 2009

Poem: A Year Untried Before Me Lies

A year untried before me lies.
What it shall bring of strange surprise,
Of joy, or grief, I cannot tell;
But God my Father knoweth well.

I make no concern of mine,
But leave it all with Love divine.
The sun may shed no light by day,
No stars at night illumine my way.

My soul shall still have no affright
Since God is all my life and light.
Though all the earthly lights grow dim,
He walks in light who walks with Him.

No ill can come but He can cure,
No word doth all of good insure:
He’ll see me through the journey’s length,
For daily need give daily strength!

-Author Unknown-

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Christmas Concerts Part 2

The second Christmas concert I went to this December featured Matthew West and American Idol' Mandisa. Here are some pictures from the event.

Matthew West:
(I'm sorry, this one is a little blurry.)
Mandisa: Matthew West and Mandisa:
I would also like to point out that both of the concerts I attended this Christmas season were free to my family. Yes, we were given tickets to two concerts in the same month! Thank You Lord for that blessing!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Goodbye 2008...Hello 2009

First of all, Happy New Year everyone!

I can't believe that the year is 2009! Where has time gone? It seems like yesterday it was the new millennium. Time sure does fly!

I spent New Year's eve with my friend Lauren, her mom and sister, and my mom. That afternoon we went and ate a delicious lunch at Old Charlie's and afterwards went and saw the movie "Bedtime Stories."

After the movie, Lauren and I went back to her house and watched Pride and Prejudice and ate chocolate brownie ice cream. It was wonderful!Chocolate and a romantic movie. Every girls dream!

We stayed up to watch the ball drop in New York city. As the ball dropped, my cell phone began ringing rapidly with tons of 'Happy New Year' text. I couldn't reply fast enough before a new one would appear. It was hilarious!

After all of the hoop-la (word in honor of my mother), I finally fell asleep sometime around 3:30. I was exhausted.

Lunch, movie, great friends, good times, and chocolate ice-cream. That about sums of my new year's eve.

This past year was a wonderful time for me. Overall, 2008 was good. Life was a little bit rocky at times, but my God was always there to pull me out of Life's little surprises. (Thank You, Lord.)

May God bless you in 2009 as He has blessed me in 2008.