Even When It's Cloudy....

....the sun is always shining.

Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoy!

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.)

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?

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)-

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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?

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!)

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.

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!

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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.

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!