Chapter 6

After what seemed like hours of arguing, finding evidence, and piecing it all together, Matthew Verge was put under arrest. His two children were free to do what they wanted. Grace mounted Freedom and pulled Jacob up behind her. She turned her towards the town. Trotting slowly, the mare seemed tired after her long morning. As they approached the town, Grace noticed Alex coming towards them on his mount, Moonlight.
“What was that for? Why didn’t you stop? Why is everything so secretive?” He asked frustrated.
“My father was put under arrest. He wasn’t up to any good. We were running from him. I’m sorry Alex.” Grace softly replied.
“Really? Oh, I’m sorry. Where will you guys be staying?”
“Probably in the hotel and then we will find somewhere probably away from Smalltown to live.” Grace said looking back at her brother. He nodded in agreement. Jacob seemed to trust his sister in whatever she thought was right. After all, he didn’t know much about the outside world after being stuck at the house all the time.
Alex looked at Jacob, “Why were you always rude to us? All we wanted was to be friends like old times.”
“I’m sorry! I couldn’t stay and talk. I really didn’t want to be rude. You don’t know how much I wanted to be friends. I needed friends. I still do, but my father wouldn’t let me be nice or take long. If I did, he would treat me harshly. I’m sorry you thought I was just being rude and didn’t want to be friends. It wasn’t true, still isn’t true.” Jacob sadly looked at him. He felt bad. He didn’t want Alex to think he didn’t want to be friends and was just trying to be rude. He really wanted to be friends. He really needed friends. Jacob was very glad his sister had come along.
“I’m sorry too old chap. Well, we can be friends. I guess I just didn’t get that you couldn’t before.”
“Alrighty boys, Jacob and I need to get going. Thanks, Alex. We’ll hopefully see you again before we leave.” With this, Grace turned Freedom towards the hotel.

??????

Anything ya want me to write about??

Chapter 5

Grace rushed into the living room, a room that used to be such a big part of her life. There stood her father towering over Jacob as Jacob shook in fear. Her father was raising his hand as if to strike her brother. “Stop!” Grace yelled with conviction. Matthew, her father raised his head and lowered his hand till it came to rest at his side. Catching sight of his daughter whom he hadn’t seen in five years, he evilly grinned.
“Who do we have here?” He knowingly asked.
“You know who I am,” Grace retorted. She glanced at her father’s hand which had grabbed Jacob’s shirt tightly.
“Go to your room,” his father commanded him. “I will have a talk with this little visitor.”  Jacob turned to obey but was stopped by his sister’s words. “No, he shall stay here. Come here, Jacob. Don’t listen to him.” Grace held out her hand to him, and he quickly ran over to grab it. Grasping it tightly, he turned and looked at the man he feared so much. Their father laughed, “Is this the kind of respect I get? I searched for you for months after you ran off. I cried myself to sleep for weeks worried that you were lost and afraid or that someone had found you and was doing horrible things to you. And this is what I get. Even Jacob can tell you this is true. He knows that I was really upset and heartbroken when you left.” With this, Jacob nodded.
“You told everyone I had run off?! You liar! You lied to them! And then you faked it. How could you? You hired me off. You hated me! How could you?!?” And with this, Grace almost burst into tears, but she composed herself and continued, “What have you done to my brother? What have you done to your son?” With this her father darted across the room towards her waving his fist at her telling her she was wrong, and her brother was wrong. That he was a good person and that he only had their best intentions in mind.  Grace looked down on the brother she so dearly loved. “Jace, we must get out of here. My horse is in the barn. Run!” she whispered. Jacob looked at her and then took off towards the barn. Grace looked at her father, turned towards the door, and ran with all that was in her.
Reaching the barn, she saw Jacob with Freedom. He had started to saddle her up. Working quickly, they finished saddling the horse. Jacob jumped on and reached down to give his sister a hand up. As she reached for it, they heard their father as he ran into the barn with a horsewhip. Grace flew onto the horse almost too late. As she turned her horse to leave, her father raised his fist in anger and shouted, “I’ll find you! You can’t get away from me! I’ll get you, and you won’t want to be alive when I do!!”
Freedom galloped out of the barn. She seemed to know that speed was necessary. Grace noticed Alex on the side of the fence looking at them. He held up his hand, but Grace made Freedom sail past him. She hoped he would soon understand why. Galloping up a hill and then down, Grace urged Freedom on as Jacob held tightly onto Grace’s waist. They soon reached Smalltown. Smalltown was indeed a small town. It consisted of a small, brown church, which also served as the meeting hall and school, a mercantile, a restaurant and hotel, and a blacksmith and horse boarding place where what helped make up with small town. There was also a sheriff/doctor/dentist office on the far side of town. To this Grace directed Freedom towards. She jumped off as soon as she got to the front of this small building and raced inside. The sheriff happened to be out, so Grace jumped back on Freedom and urged her on out of town.
After a while, looking back and seeing no one, Grace pulled her mare into the shade of some trees. This way they were hidden at least some. She sighed. What an adventure... and now we will have to be running for the rest of our lives... “How are you doing, Jacob?” Grace quietly asked.
“Okay,” he replied although he didn’t seem too sure if he was alright or not.
“That was quite something. But listen, do you hear something?” With this Grace turned her head and saw the sheriff riding his horse along. He was whistling and could have been on holiday. He seemed to really be enjoying himself. “Sheriff!! Sir, can you wait a minute??” Grace yelled as she ran towards him. The Sheriff turned and looked. Seeing the young woman running towards him, he stopped and turned his horse towards her.
“What may I do for you, young lady?” he asked.
Nearly out of breath, Grace breathed heavily and replied, “He’s after us! Please help!”
“What? Who?”
“Matthew Verge. My father.”
“Grace Verge? Is that you?  I have been suspicious of your father for years. Here he comes right now. Hold on Miss Verge.” Turning his horse towards the angry man, the sheriff put up his hand for Matthew to stop.
“What do we have here? Why are you chasing these children, your own flesh and blood too?" You could tell the sheriff wasn’t too happy.  

Chapter 4

Very short chapter....

A young boy about fourteen years of age sat in the corner of that dark room. He appeared to be shaking. Maybe it was from fright or maybe from coldness. He wore tattered clothes and was very skinny, too skinny for a fourteen year old of his height. The young man was very dirty. He looked as if he had been crying. He sighed as he stared at the young woman before him. She just stared back. “Who are you? What do you want? Why are you here? How did you get in the house?” the boy asked.
“Who are you?” Grace replied with compassion.
“Jacob. As if it mattered to you...” Jacob replied rudely.
“Jacob! It’s Grace! Don’t you recognize me?” And she had barely finished when she rushed forward and grabbed his hand.
“Grace? Oh, Grace! You came back? Oh, Grace!” Jacob let out a sob as he jumped up and hugged his older sister tightly. As they stood there hugging each other, they teared up, finally crying on each other’s shoulders. After a while, Jacob jerked his head up. “Grace,” he whispered, “you better get out of here before Father gets back. He will be awfully mad!”
“But I can’t leave you! I came to get you. I won’t leave without you!” Grace nearly shouted.
“Grace, Father would hunt us down. He doesn’t want me to tell others what I know about him. He would find me even if it was the last thing he did.” Jacob then threw himself into his sister’s arms and starting sobbing. A few moments later he composed himself, pushed her away, and pointed towards the door. But it was too late, they heard the whine of the front door opening and knew. Just then a gruff, mean voice shouted, “Get out here!”
“Hide!” Jacob yelled in a whisper. He then ran out of the room. Grace watched him leave with tears in her eyes. She had to get him out of there even if it meant meeting her father.

Chapter 3

Here is Chapter 3. If you have any thoughts or comments on how to make my writing better, etc. Please let me know. This is pretty much a just for fun project that I have throw on the page. I am obviously not much good at it, but I hope you enjoy it at least a little bit. Thanks!

Heading to the stable, Grace sighed. She hoped her brother was okay and that Alex was wrong about him. “No one seems to be home, Freedom. Maybe they all went to church. I’ll put you in the stable and go have a look around. Come this way.” And with that Grace led her beautiful mare to a stall. After she had given her the proper care, she walked towards the house.

Quietly walking up the stairs that led to the house and walking to a window, Grace peered into the house. It seemed the same as it did from afar. No one was home. The windows and doors were locked. Hmmm, I wonder if that key is still somewhere around here... Grace reached for the dark spot where they used to hide the key. There, she felt something. Yep, it appeared to still be there. Phew. She walked around the side of the house to the door. She put the key in and turned it; the door creaked and then opened.

The house was rustic looking. Her father loved to hunt, thus there were guns, animal skins, and a deer head on the wall. The room she entered into was the mudroom. There was a cold tile floor which had many muddy paw prints on it. Taking a deep breath, she advanced into the next room. But wait, there was some kind of sound. It was coming from the side room, which happened to be the spare room. This was the cold, dark, and unfurnished room of the house that Grace’s father had always said was haunted. Was it a cat? A family member? A ghost? Although Grace had never believed in ghosts, the thought of there being a ghost in there snuck in her mind. She quickly brushed that thought aside and walked over to the door. Nervous, she swung the door open. It was all dark. She flipped the light on. “Who’s there?” she asked.

“What do you want?” responded a voice that Grace knew. A voice she used to know well.

My Grandma

I Had to describe a person as an assignment. My grandma just passed away(12/10/12). I decided to do it on her. Enjoy.

My Grandma

My Grandma, who was a wonderful lady, wasn't just my Grandma; she was my friend.  Grandma was always worried about looking her best.  It was something that was really important to her.  She loved it when people told her she was beautiful and that she looked nice.  She had whole, matching outfits which included matching jewelry and everything.  Although older, people always thought my grandmother was beautiful.  I believe as a younger woman she must have been tall and slender, a very beautiful woman. She loved hymns, and she used to sit with my little sister on her lap, sing nursery rhymes to her, and play with her.  I used to enjoy playing the card game War with her.  She made it fun because she got so into it.  My family along with my grandpa and Aunt would play “keep the balloon in the air,” trying to keep the balloon in the air. This game seemed to be great fun for Grandma, and it would cheer her up when she was down.  My grandma liked many things, but one thing she absolutely hated was bell peppers especially the greens ones.  Grandma would cringe when I mentioned them, which I liked to do just because her reaction was so funny.  My grandma was a great Grandma and made the Grandma experience a good one.  I love you, Grandma!

12-12-12

Today is 12-12-12! You won't have another of these kind of days while your alive!!

Chapter 2

I have finally worked on this.... I didn't work on it very much.... but here it is. I hope you enjoy it at least a little. Thanks.

Chapter 2

As they rounded the last corner, Grace saw the place her eyes had longed to see for those long five years. She sighed quietly to herself. How good it felt to see this place she had once called home. The place where she had grown up. The place she knew all too well. Movement in the field caused Grace’s eyes to dart toward it. A corn stalk had moved in the cornfield but there was no breeze. Grace peered into the field. Phew, that was close! She thought to herself.  It was just a rabbit who had been frightened by the horse and its rider. It was still early and no one appeared to be up and about yet. Grace gracefully dismounted. Freedom nickered softly as Grace reached over and scratched her behind the ears.
Suddenly, Grace heard a someone singing. A voice she didn’t recognize. As she scanned the field in front of her, Grace saw the owner of the voice, a young man. He was tall and skinny. Grace stared quietly at the boy. There was something familiar about him. Maybe he’s an old friend of mine.. Maybe a boy my father hired to help around the farm that used to go to school with me.. As she was thinking these things, the boy suddenly looked up and noticed Grace standing there next to her beautiful horse. He looked intently at her and briskly walked up to her.
“May I help you?” he asked.
“Umm, no, I was just looking at the beautiful farmland. I’ll be on my way,” she hurriedly replied.
“Grace?” the young man asked, “Is that you?”
Grace who had always been known for her honesty hesitantly stammered, “Yes. But who are you?”
“Alex,” the young man replied.
“Alex?! Is that really you?” Grace nearly shouted as she ran into his open arms.
“What brings you here? I thought you ran away. We searched for you. We were worried sick! Ms. Jane lost her best student. Oh, Grace, where have you been?”
“My father hired me out; did he never tell you guys?” Grace gave a worried expression. “Where is my brother? How is my brother? Is he okay? Is he alive?”
Alex gave her a face mixed with sadness and anger. “Your father has changed him. Your brother isn’t nice and caring like he used to be. We never see him unless he is at the store. He has changed a lot.” With that, Alex let out a deep sigh.
“Oh no..” Grace quietly whispered.
“Well, I’m glad your back! But I must run, or I will be late for church! Everyone will be so happy to hear you are back!”
“Wait,” Grace hurriedly reached and grabbed his shirt. “Tell no one that you saw me. Please? I’ll explain one day.”
Giving her a questioning look, Alex nodded and hurried off toward the church. Now to find my brother. Oh! I hope he is okay! Grace thought as she turned towards the stable.

Again I Say It

Chapter 2 hopefully coming soon. Don't get thou hopes up though. (Like anyone would.. ;)

2013

For a new year, people like to set goals for that coming year. I like this idea, although, you can set goals anytime. It just gives you a good reason, and next year you can look back and see how you have progressed. This coming New Years Eve, I hope to have some goals set for 2013. I think that with some goals it is nice to have an accountability partner keeping you on top of these things. (Yeah accountability partners!!)

A new year also is a start to the year. (No duh!) But this is a time people might want to get a nice, fresh start on their lives again. Just like every new day brings a fresh start to things. 

This New Year, remember to keep God at the center of your life. He will never disappoint you.

Happy New Year!!! May God bless you as you seek Him! 

Christmas!!!!

Christmas is on its way with all its joy, cheer, family get-togethers, presents, fun, and everything else that comes with the fun and exciting holiday. Santa Claus, shopping, Christmas treats, Christmas lights, etc.
But is this the real meaning of Christmas?? Like is it just to take time off work/school, celebrate, give gifts, etc? Didn't Christmas have to start with something? But what?? I'll give ya a hint. His name is in Christmas. Got it?
Around 2,000 years ago, on the first Christmas, Christ was born in a humble stable. Christ left His throne in heaven for you. All for you. Why? Because we are a sinner. We have done bad things. We have sinned. We were headed for hell. But Jesus Christ didn't want to see us go to hell. He wanted to save us, so, He came to earth as a babe. He lived a perfect life for you, and then He died for you. He died for each and everyone of us.
Christmas is a day to remember that Christ came down to earth to save us from our sins. He loves you! He wants you to come to Him. He wants to be your Savior. He is waiting for you. Don't keep Him waiting any longer. Your life is precious.
Merry Christmas to my dear friends and family! I love you guys!! Don't forget to "keep Christ in Christmas"!!

What the world sees/ What really matters

Dressing to impress. Showing off to gain attention and popularity. Not being your real self because who you really are just isn't "good enough". Wait. Wait. Wait! Something seems kind of wrong here...
 Beauty. Our world pressures girls to dress a certain way, act a certain way, and to just be a certain way. What the world can see is way too important to way too many people. Outward beauty is way too important to the world.
When girls fail to meet our world's high standards of how we are supposed to look, act, etc. we feel like we have failed and degrade ourselves because of it. It can even get to the point where we hate ourselves because of it.
Boys can feel pressured to look good in front of others. And when they don't meet the world's standards, which they never truly can, they feel like they failed. They feel like failures...
But is that what is truly important? Does it really matter what the world sees? Does it really matter how they judge us? What standard they hold us to? Does it?

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV)

Don't worry about what the world sees you as. Don't worry about what they tell you to be. Worry about being truly beautiful on the inside. Worry about how the Lord sees you. This is what is truly important.

"As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. (1 Chronicles 28:9)

Thanksgiving

So, Thanksgiving is fast approaching! Thanksgiving week is always nice because a lot of us have the week off of school and such. Thanksgiving is a time to get together with loved ones and eat way too much good food. ;)
But is that what Thanksgiving is really all about? Like is really about having a "feast" and seeing relatives and other loved ones?
I know you guys are all familiar with the first Thanksgiving, but let's take a fast review.
The Pilgrims came to America is hopes of finding freedom to worship the Lord how they felt was right. They endured a very hard winter in which many of them died of disease and starvation. But then after that, God sent some Indians to help them plant food, learn how to hunt and fish, etc. By harvest time, they had been so blessed by such a plentiful harvest that they decided to have a feast and thank the Lord for everything He had done/blessed them with in this new country. Ever since then, people have celebrated Thanksgiving.
So, isn't Thanksgiving really a day to meditate/thank God for all He has provided us with, done for us, etc??
This Thanksgiving why don't we meditate on all the things God has done for us and blessed us with. Count your blessings. Be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!!

My Prayer Window

So, the other day I had this idea of starting a "collection" of sticky notes with people's names on them. I then began to stick them up on the window by my bed. This can help remind me to pray for those people and I can even put their prayer requests/things I want to pray for them on the back. I call this area "my prayer window". I am not the prayer warrior type so maybe this will help me pray for people more. I also want to put at least one new sticky note up there per day for a year. Hopefully I can do that. If you have any prayer requests shoot me an email or a comment and I will put yours up there too. ;) Thanks! God Bless!!

Temples of the Holy Spirit

The Bible says our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:19-20). What does this mean? What does this mean for our bodies? What does this mean we need to do?
I believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. He lives in us. We are His temple. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Wow. Isn't that amazing?!? The Lord wants us to take care of our bodies. We need to take good care of ourselves then because of this. Take care a yourself. Eat healthy. Exercise. This doesn't mean we need to stress about it. But do keep in mind that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit. Got it? Lol. ;)

Lay Your Burdens at the Feet of Christ/the Cross

Stress. Sin. Hurt. Unforgiveness. Unkind people's comments. The cares of this earth. They can all rush in on our lives. They can burden and weigh us down. They can take up all our time and energy. Us as Christians have the advantage of having Christ in our lives. With us through our pain. With us through our struggles. With us even during the good times. Lay your burdens down at the feet of Christ. Lay your burdens at the cross. Lay them down. Talk to the Lord. Give them to Him. He is waiting for you to give them to Him. Please, if you have anything that is burdening you, lay it at the cross. Go talk it out with your Savior. He loves and cares about you. He wants to hear all about your problems no matter how small or big they are.

Please Comment

Now that the young man and I have delivered the boxes, we have to pick a name for ourselves and what we are going to be doing in the future. Please comment on which of the following you like, what you think they mean, and what they seem to describe us doing.
1. Grace Youth Action Team
2. Mission Possible
3. For the Least of These
We will look forward to your comments!! Thanks!!

Handsome!

Okay, so my sister told me I should do a post about Handsome.

Handsome is my cat. He has a strong, independent personality. Handsome has brought many smiles into my days with his personality, his cuteness, etc. He is know for his mustache. It's super funny cause it looks like he really has one!
I'm glad my mom let me get him since he was the one that we weren't going to get. :( He has brought me a lot of happiness.
Thank you, Mom and Dad! Thank you, Handsome Socks!! I love you guys!!!


Here are a few pics of when he was younger:

AIM San Diego West

Have you ever seen a mime???? You know, the person dressed up in a stripped black and white shirt and a face paint mask on??? I am part of a mime team called AIM. "We are a family who trains young people to follow Jesus." This team has been an amazing thing that God has brought into my life. Some of the things I believe God has used it to show/shape me are the following:
Giving Bible studies
Working on my leading skills
Knowing more of my weak areas
Not being too confident about/in myself
Doing mime in front of a lot of people isn't really that hard when there are others doing it with you
Other people struggle with the same things that I do
Etc.
Mime has also had some "negative things" for me, but I do not regret doing AIM. I don't know where I'd be, what friends I'd have, and what my relationship with the Lord would be like.
Our theme verse is 1 Timothy 4:12. It is a challenge to youth.
AIM San Diego West. Check us out!

The Leader Who Knows How to Follow

My personalty is more of that of a leader. I like to be in charge. I like to step in there and get things done. I lead. I am not naturally a follower. The thing is that it is good at times to be a follower. At times, being the leader could be the better thing. You don't want to follow someone when they aren't doing the right thing. You want to follow those who are leading godly lives. Those that are living to bring glory to their Maker.  Sometimes I want to follow someone. Let them lead. But most of the time I want to be in the one in charge. This is something I feel I need to work on. I want to be the leader who knows how to follow.

Drama!!

So, lately, another thing other than OCC that has been keeping me busy is drama. Heritage is putting on a play called Further Up and Further In. It is based on 3 of the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. So, anyways, drama has been taking up a lot of time. This week is the week we are going to present this play to people and try to share Christ with them at the same time.
I hope I will look back on drama as something that stretched me and made me draw closer to the Lord.
Drama club has many wonderful people in it who love acting and stuff, but there are also that bunch that aren't the nicest and who you can tell don't care to be there and to do drama. Sadly, these people have been a bother to me. Just the other night, I had to apologize to a couple of them for my behavior towards them. Maybe that is another area God will help me grow in from doing drama. I guess I haven't had to be around many teenage girls with "attitude". Well, I guess it had to come one day.. ;) Anyways, please pray that the production goes well, everyone remembers their parts, everyone has a positive and happy attitude, everyone has a good time, everything runs smoothly, and most of all that God is glorified through it all.
Lol. If you took the time to read this, then congrats! ;)

Operation Christmas Child

The last few months, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with a young man in my church to organize the packing of 60 boxes. We planned and planned and planned some more. We did 4 fundraisers. We went shopping. We accepted donations of items to fill the boxes and money to help send them and buy items to fill the boxes. We even received a donation from Wal-Mart.
Today, we got together with our many boxes and items (pretty much all of these have been all over my room for the last couple of weeks :P) and wrapped and packed 60 boxes with the help of our parents, my siblings, and some friends who are the "OCC (Operation Christmas Child) experts". Within about 3 hours, we had them all finished. We now have to have pictures printed, notes written, and info sheets about ourselves printed. :P It has been a lot of work and a lot of fun. Next year, our goal according to Mr. David (the young man's dad) is 100 boxes. Anyone want to help?!?!?!
In this project, the Lord has shown me Himself by providing in many different ways! All praise and glory should go to Him and Him alone!
For those of you who don't know what OCC is, it is a project an organization called Samaritan's Purse, which is run by Billy Graham's son, does every year. In the middle of November, they take in boxes that have been packed by individuals, churches, families, etc. They then send these boxes to children around the world that wouldn't normally get a Christmas gift. These boxes have touched the hearts of many including the parents of the children receiving them. These boxes could contain items they needed in order to go to school, these boxes could have everyday items in there that the children needed badly, and most importantly, these boxes are a tool to sharing the Lord with these precious children.
Items that can be packed in a box include: hygiene items, school supplies, candy, toys, a personal letter/picture from the person/family/group that packed that box, etc.
Please pray for the children who will be receiving these boxes this year. Pray that they will be touched and come to know the Father. Pray for their families and their community.  Pray for the people distributing these boxes and sharing the love of Jesus with these children and their families.
Operation Christmas Child. Get involved. http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

I am finding/learning/etc.

I am finding that sometimes the person you felt closest to just isn't meant to be your closest friend... I am finding that sometimes it might be smart to listen to those who know.... I am learning that sometimes the best thing to do with the hard friendships is give them to the Lord... I am learning that sometimes girls are hard to get along.... I am learning that not all homeschoolers are as nice as I thought they all were.... I am learning that the Lord is real and that He wants to help us do His will.....
Okay, maybe I am not exactly "learning" all those things, but those are things that I have probably either noticed or have been learning. ;)

Untitled

Halloween

So, Halloween is just around the corner (Like tomorrow) ;). Lots of people will go out tomorrow night dressed up as witches, animals, clowns, and who knows what else. Trick-or-treating is a very popular thing to do because it's well, FREE candy (and people like to rot their teeth out too). ;) But why is Halloween so dark and evil? Why do we as Christians celebrate this day as a favorite holiday and such? I don't think it is wrong to have fun and such, but there is something about celebrating a day that to me seems like the "devil's" day. It's filled with his kind of stuff. He would love for people to dwell on "his kind of stuff", but why don't we as Christians make something good out of such a day? Why don't we shine Christ's love to others as we are trick-or-treating, going to a festival, or even staying at home passing out candy to the trick-or-treaters?

So, this Halloween, make it a day for the Lord and not for the evil one. Go shine Christ's light wherever you go! (And make sure you eat lots of candy ;)!)

All the Pretty Things

You Are More

A few nights ago, I got to spend the night with a few of my friends at a Tenth Avenue North concert. I think that it was the best concert I have been to. There was something at the concert that touched me. I still have to figure out why exactly, but when they started playing You Are More, I couldn't stop the tears. It might be because sometimes I think something like -I am not "good enough" and that I am not worth anything. But this song tells us we "are more than the choices that" we make.
Great night, great band, great songs, and not so great of a blog post, but who cares?! ;)

It's My Right lyrics

It’s My Right by Chris Jackman
(Clinic Worker) Welcome to the clinic. Please come, take a seat.
I’ve just reviewed your test results – you’re pregnant – ‘bout 9 weeks. 

(Women) What am I going to do? I can’t be pregnant again!
How can I face my family – my church, my boss, my friends?!
(Clinic Worker) In your situation, it might be wise to choose
to terminate the pregnancy. I would if in your shoes.
(Chorus)
(Women) It’s my choice. (Clinic Worker) Such a simple solution.
(Women) It’s my life. (ClinicWorker) That’s my conclusion.
(Women) It’s my body. (Clinic Worker) Such an intrusion.
(Women) It’s my right... Isn’t it?(Clinic Worker) We can take you right now.  

(Women) But I should think this through.
(Clinic Worker) Do you really think it wise to wait? You know what you should do.
(Women) But how formed is the baby?
(Clinic Worker) Mmm, just clumps of cells, at best.
Merely two teaspoons of tissue. Will this be cash or check?
Chorus
*DIALOGUE BRIDGE: (True description of 9 week pre-born child)
“A pre-born child between the ages of 8-9 weeks has everything present that will be found in a fully developed adult. Her heart has been beating for more than a month, the stomach now produces digestive juices, the kidneys have started functioning, and fingerprints are
already evident. The baby responds to touch and will curl her fingers around an object placed in the palm of her hand. Recent studies indicate that even at this early stage, a pre-born child experiences pain.”
Chorus (X2)
It’s my right...It’s my right... It’s my right... Isn’t it?

Chapter 2 coming soon ;)

I will be working on Chapter 2 soon....

Pranks

Many people(including me) think it is fun to play pranks on others, but is a prank really something you should be playing on other people? I think a prank is consider a lie (a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood-dictionary.com). After all, aren't you trying to make them believe something that isn't true?? Although pranks may be really fun for the person doing them, is it really worth it? Is it really worth telling someone a lie, losing some of their trust, and possibly damaging your friendship with them? That's just what I think about pranks.... 

The Women's Retreat

This past weekend, I went on a women's retreat with some of the lady's in my church. I feel like God has shown me some stuff, even if it wasn't related to the topic.
1. I need to listen and learn from the elderly more. I need to realize that they are really wise and that I can learn so many valuable things from them.
2. I am looking down on my sister, and the stuff I think about her isn't even true most of the time.
3. I am making a difference in the world even if I can't see where or how. God is using many in many different ways.
4. Adults struggle with the same things I do. Forgiveness. Insecurity. (and lots of other things)

I hope that I can use these things that I learned to make me grow closer to the Lord, my sisters, and those around me.

A Little about Me (Dislikes/Likes/Etc.)

Here is a little about me:

What I want to be when I grow up: A family doctor, missionary to Peru, rescue those enslaved physically/spiritually, help abused children (Lord willing)

My passion: Fighting modern day slavery and child abuse (If you didn't already know, plus it is similar to what I want to be when I grow up.)

Food Dislikes: Avocado(Love guacamole though), crab, raw meat, non-fair trade chocolate.

Food I really like: Fair trade Chocolate Cake, Ice cream, Dried fruit, pretzels, beans(plus lots of other things!!).

Favorite Animals: #1: Dogs #2: Horses #3: Cats 

Favorite Colors: #1: Purple #2: Pink #3: Blue

A dumb Fear I have: Dressed up people (Freak me out)

Another fear I have: Wild Animals(It depends on the animal) -and lots of other worse things-

Something I still remember from my childhood: My dad throwing a shoe at our naughty cat.

Favorite Book(excluding the Bible): Do Hard Things (by Alex and Brett Harris)

Favorite Book Series: Left Behind (by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins)

Favorite Season: Winter (I like them all though, so I don't really know..)

Do I have a boyfriend??? NOOOOOOOOOOO

When am I allowed to date according to my dad??? When I am like 40... ;)

Okay, so this is kind of a dumb post. :P But I am going to post it anyways. 

The Importance of Being Close Friends with Your Sisters

The Importance of Being Close to Your Sisters

Why is it important to make good friends with your sisters? Well, for one

they are going to be someone who you will most likely see and stay in

touch with for the rest of your life. Your sisters should be your best friends.

They should know you the best and feel like they can talk to you about their

problems. Don’t just live in the same house with them. Get to know them!

Be their friend. You won’t be disappointed. So, go make friends with your

sisters and treasure and love them forever.

Purity towards Christ

Is  it  important  to  stay  pure  towards  Christ?  If  so,  why  is  it  important?  The  Bible  refers  to  the  church  as  Christ's  bride.  Just  as  it  is  important  to  stay  pure  towards  your  husband  it  is  even  more  important  to  stay  pure  towards  Christ  because  He  is  our  spiritual  husband.   Staying  pure  towards  Christ  means  to  not  go  after  the things  of  this  world,  follow  false  teachings, and   worship  other   gods,  but   to  stay  in  His  word  and  do  what  it  says.  Philippians  1:27  says,  "Whatever  happens,  conduct  yourselves  in  a  manner  worthy  of  the  gospel  of  Christ."  So,  let's  conduct  ourselves  in  that  manner  while  staying  pure  for  our  Lord  and Savior,  Jesus  Christ.

A Reflection of Myself

A  lot  of  people  can  see  themselves  in  many  different  things.  I  can  see myself  through  the  life  of  a  wild  mustang  horse.  We  all  fight  for  our  own  will.  In  the  wild,  a  mustang  is  free,  but  always  watching  for  danger.  I  have  always  fought  for  my  own  will,  to  do  my  own  thing,  and  to  never  be  captured.  Once  captured,  a  wild  mustang  will  never  trust;  not  unless  shown  how  or  given  a  reason  to.  When  I  was  captured  I  never  trusted  anybody;  I didn’t  want  a  reason  to  trust.  My  captor  was  very  patient,  willing,  and  forgiving.  My  captor  was  Jesus  Christ.  Once  I  started  trusting  Him,  I  learned  to  love  Him  more  and  more.  I  am  the  mustang’s  captor.  Learning  to  trust  God  more  and  more  gives  me  the  patience  and  understanding  of  how  hard  it  might  be  for  the  mustang  to  trust  me.  The  reflection  of  myself  can  be  seen  through  the  life  of  a  mustang.
By My Sister, Victoria

Treasures of God

We  are  treasured  by  God!!  Sometimes,  it   is  hard  to  remember  that,  but  it  is so  true.  If  God  didn't  treasure  us,  then  why  would  He  send  His  Son  to  die  for  our  sins?  Jesus  came  because  He  treasured  you!  Never  forget  that  your  life  is precious  to  Him.  He  will  always  be  there  for  you  when  you need  Him.  He  treausures  and  cares  for  you  more  than  anyone  else  in the  world.  He  will  never  let  you down  when  the  people  around  you  do.  You  are  treasured  by  the  Maker  of  this  universe.  Dwell  on  it.

Abortion

Abortion  is  a  horrible  matter.  People  do  not realize  that  after  only  nine  weeks  the  baby’s  heart  is indistinctly beating,  her stomach juices  are  already  flowing,  and  her  kidneys  are  functioning;  the  baby’s  fingertips  are apparent,  “the baby responds  to  touch  and  will  curl  her  fingers  around  an  object  placed  in  the  palm  of  her  hand.  Recent  studies  indicate  that  even  at  this  early  stage  a  pre-born  child  experiences  pain.”  All  things  here  is  what  you  will  find  in  a  fully  developed  adult.  People  are  deceived  to  think  that  the  baby  can’t  be  fully  developed  at  this  time.  Webster’s  dictionary  definition  of  abortion  is  explained  as   “ a  premature  expulsion  of  a  fetus  so  that  it  does  not  live  especially  if  induced  on  purpose.”  How  can  people  kill  an  innocent  little  person!!!  Abortion  needs  to  be  stopped!  We  that  know  these  things  should  move  to  stop  it.  Abortion  is  a  terrible  act. 

By Victoria.

My Therapist Lives in a Barn

My  horse  is  the  best  therapist  in  the  world.  The  smell  of  horse  breath  and  hay  are  so  comforting  in  times  of  trial.  If  I  am  having  a  rough  day  or  something  tragic  has  happened;  I  can  run  to  him.  I'm  free  to  tell  him  everything,  and  he  won't  tell  anybody.  Prince  will  not  rebuke  or  correct  me,  he  simply  listens.  I'm  so  grateful  to  God  that  I  have  a  horse.  So  having  a  therapist  in  my  backyard  is  very  convenient.

Author: my sister, Victoria

The Importance of Obedience

Why  is  obedience  so  important?  When  you  were  little,  did  your  parents  ever  tell  you  not  to  go  in  the  street?  What  if  one  time  you  decided  to  not  listen to  them  and  do  it  anyways?  What  if there  was a  car  coming,  and  it  didn't  see  you?  Well,  obviously  obedience  is  important.  God  gives  us  laws  to  go  by,  but  they  are  for  our  own good,  maybe  for  our  safety  or  maybe  just  so  you  can  learn  to  do  what  is  right.  Always  be  obedient  to  what  God  is  telling   you  to  do.  You  will  never  regret  it  if   you  obey  Him.   Deuteronomy  13:4  says,  "Serve  only  the  LORD  your  God  and  fear  him  alone. Obey  his  commands,  listen  to  his  voice,  and  cling  to  him."

The Music We Listen To Affects Us

Did you know that the music you listen to affects you in different ways? That is why it is so important for us as Christians to listen to music that encourages us in the Lord and music that is pleasing to Him. Let's look at how different kinds of music can affect you. For one, depressing music can make you feel depressed, and happy, upbeat music can make you happy. Plus bad thoughts can be placed in your mind from music that uses foul language. So, what kind of music should we listen to? Is it not okay to listen to certain music that we like? Well, is it something that the Lord would be pleased to you listening to? For me, I like listening to sad music, but I wouldn't want to listen to it all the time.  So, make sure you listen to music that would bring honor to the Lord.

Chapter 1

This is something I have been working on.... it still needs a lot of work, but here is the first chapter, if you can even call it a chapter...

Chapter 1

It was nearly dawn as the horse and rider came into view. The rider, a young girl, sat bareback as her horse galloped wearily, mane waving in the wind matching the girl’s long, flowing blond hair.  They galloped on as one until they reach a stream hidden in the trees.  “We can stop here girl; nobody will see us,” the girl said as she glanced wearily around them. She pulled out a sack and sat down letting her horse get a drink out of the stream and eat some of the rich grass growing along the stream.

            They had been doing this for a week now, traveling during the night and sleeping during the day not wanting to be seen. The girl, who name was Grace, was on her way back home. Her father, who wanted to separate her from her little brother, had hired her away from the farm where she had grown up.  That was five years ago. She finally decided she just had to go home, find her brother, and help him escape from their father who cared nothing of their well-being.

So, here she was, just a mile from her father’s home. Should she wait till nightfall? Grace thought quietly as she pushed her hair behind her ears. I just have to see if he is alright! I just have to. “Okay, girl, let’s go now. I know it is just getting light, but I have to see my brother!”

Quickly mounting Freedom, her horse, Grace guided her horse towards the farm.  Trotting then lopping, they soon reached the place they had traveled so long and far to reach.

Surrender

"And I surrender all to You all to You."

Just listen to the words....
 Do you have something you need to surrender to the Lord?

Being a good friend

Since I wrote something about how to chose good friends, I decided to do one on how to be a good friend.

Being a good friend is very important if you want to keep friends and make new ones. I think you should practice the same character traits you look for in your friends. Let's look at some of those again. Self-control is very important in a friendship. As a girl, it is easy to let our emotions take control of situations and make a bigger deal out of them then needed. If you have self-control, then you can help prevent things that don't need to happen. Loving others even if they mess up big time is also really important. It shows them what kind of friends they really have when they make mistakes and then look at who is left. Forgiveness. Wow, forgiveness is a hard one. But the bitterness and anger that sometimes come with unforgiveness causes a horrible mess. Being able to forgive someone right away when they do something to you is the best way to do it. It will save your friendship many problems. Trust. Trust as well as forgiveness are very hard for me. If a friend hasn't given you a reason not to trust them, then trust them till they give you a reason not to! Gossip. Don't gossip behind their back. Watch your tongue! Watch what you say about people!  Your tongue can cause so many problems it is crazy. If what you are going to say isn't nice, encouraging, or something the Lord would want you to say, then don't say it! Sticking with your friend even through the hard/rough spots. This will also show how much you really care about them and how real your friendship is. Stick with your friends. Be there when they need you. And let the Lord shine through you. Let the Lord show in your relationship. Let Him be number one in your relationships. Let Him lead you in making decisions in your friendships. Pray for and encourage your friends in the Lord! Don't tear them down. Build them up. 
There are many things I didn't write about, but I hope this might have helped you even a little bit. 

Go share the Lord with people!!

"Lord, though I walk through the valley of the

 shadow of death I'm not scared cause You're

 holding my breath. I only fear that I won't have enough 

time left to tell the world that there is no time left."

It is so important to use every opportunity God gives us to share Him with others! This life will end soon...... it is our job to go share the Lord to our generation! Go on! What are you waiting for?!? Let the Lord lead you. He will help you. 

Choosing Friends

Choosing good friends is very important. If you choose a friend that loves the Lord, it is much better than choosing someone to be your friend if they don't care about God and building you up. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good morals." It is so important to choose your friends wisely so that your good morals are built up instead of torn down. Some qualities you should look for in a friend include someone who love the Lord with all their heart and someone who wants to encourage you in the Lord. Also, look for friends that will love you for who you are, forgive at all times, are self-controlled, considerate of you and others, a prayer warrior, trustworthy, and someone who will hang on even during the hard times. So, choose your friends wisely!!! "Wise men walk with wise men, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." ~Proverbs 13:20

Sea of Faces

"If only my one heart was all You'd gain from all it cost, 

Well, I know You would still have been a man 

With a reason to willingly offer Your life."

    A while back, I was going through this time where I thought, "Jesus came and died, but a whole bunch of people were saved through it. It wasn't as big a price since He saved us all."
    I know that it was a huge deal. And I know that was wrong to think that, but that is how I felt.
   At that time, I really liked to listen to this song and the section I put at the top stuck out to me. He would have still done all He did if I was the only one He saved. Wow, imagine that! His love is so deep that He did come and save all who accept Him, but if you were the only who did, He still would have come. He did it for you. He did for me. He did it for everyone that will accept Him. Even if it was just me, it would have still been worth it to Him. What amazing love! <3

Daily Bible Reading

Daily Bible reading. Why is this so hard for us?? I know many youth who struggle in the area. I also do. But why?? Why do we all struggle with this? I know we are human, but we are, as Christian youth, supposed to set the example! Look at 1 Timothy 4:12 for example: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." I want to encourage everyone to work on reading your Bible daily.

Friendship is Like a Flower Garden

Friendship is Like a Flower Garden

Friendship is like a flower garden tended by the Lord.
He is the faithful Gardener who carefully tends the garden. 
The Gardener will water the relationships and fertilize them for growth. 
If you allow the Lord to take care of your relationships, they will bloom As a carefully tended garden,
But if you fail to allow Him to tend it, the beauty of it will wither away and die.
Beware of the beautiful rose relationships!
Though the flower is a delight to the eyes as well as the nose,
The thorns of bitterness will prick and tear.
The weeds in the garden are like Satan who tries to choke and destroy the beautiful flowers.
Beware of him dear friends!
Don’t allow weeds to grow in your relationships.
Allow the Gardener to tend and care for them.
Friendships can be compared to a flower garden.
Whose is your tended by?

Sylvang

I am up in Sylvang!! It is like a little Danish town tucked away in the hills. :) It is amazing up here! Anyways, here are some pictures I took last night. I think the pictures aren't near as good as they show though.

Mud fight!! :)

So, have any of you ever seen a mud fight played out?? Well, I did. Plus I was a big target too!! :) My sisters and I found some water puddles, and we all started throwing mud at each other, sliding around in it, and getting altogether filthy! Here is an after pic!

May 10, 2012

I feel weird posting this but here it goes anyway....

BOO BOO BEAR ;) 

This was my amazing dog who we put to sleep on
May 10. I miss her, but I am glad she is out of her misery..
It kind of makes you wonder if there are animals in heaven and if so, if our pets are up there too.






I love you, Bear!  You were an awesome dog!!

Friendships

Friendships. The Lord has blessed me greatly with many friends, but I am afraid maybe I don't quite understand what real friendship is. I want my friendships to be a three strand type because they aren't easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). To me, in this friendship, the Lord should be first and the most important. I want to give something to my friends. I want them to be able to know that I will always be there for them. I want to be able to have them be there for me too. Even with all my faults, I want them to love me and never leave me to stand there alone. I want this and more with my friendship with the Lord because I know He will never fail me. Humans are definitely capable of letting others down even their closest friends (I know I have), but I hope that if you need me as a friend that I will be there for you no matter what.

True Friends

What are true friends like?
True, strong Christian friends are truly a blessing from the Lord. But what exactly is a true friend? Faithful? Honest? I am not sure because even with all the friends I have been blessed with, I don't really have a true strong Christian friend. Friendships are really important to me, but for some reason God hasn't allowed me to have any close relationships yet. I want a true friend so bad! Not just a true friend but a strong Christian friend too. I guess I have really high expectations for a friend maybe that is part of it.

Big Bear Lake

Up in Big Bear!!!

Animals in Heaven

My dog died today, and it makes me wonder if there will be animals in Heaven. I think Heaven will be a lot like the Garden of Eden, but what do you think? Do you think there will be animals in Heaven? Do you think Heaven will be like the Garden of Eden?

The reason for this new blog

I started this blog also, because the title of my other blog doesn't really have anything to do with what
I have been posting on there. I hope that the title of this one will better serve this blog's purpose.