If you have never heard Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb cd I highly recommend you get it. It is the story of the coming of Christ building up from the Old Testament to the New with the coming of Christ. If you have the cd but have never been to the Behold the Lamb concert I highly recommend going to that next year. This year was my third year and it is such a good reminder that the Bible is one story of one Hero, one Prince, one Lover rescuing His treasure and His bride. In the words of the Jesus Storybook Bible (also highly recommended) that "It takes the whole Bible to tell this story. And at the center of the Story there is a baby. Every story in the Bible whispers His name."
http://www.andrew-peterson.com/
"Gather round ye children come and listen to the old, old story of the power of death undone by an infant born of glory…Son of God, Son of Man. And sing out with joy for the brave little boy, who was God but He made Himself nothing. He gave up His pride and He came here to die like a man."
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Favorite Fridays
Favorite Fridays is something I'm going to try out :)
Favorite Brother-In-Law/Older Brother
Today's favorite is my brother-in-law, Alex. Alex graduates tomorrow so, in honor of his graduation he's todays favorite. It's hard to remember a time before Alex. In fact, it's hard to remember a Bethany without Alex. He has been around for almost as long as we've lived in Alabama. Alex and Bethany courted for about 6 years (I think) before they were engaged. They both modeled what a godly relationship looks like for my younger siblings and I. Alex is as much a brother to me as Jameson. Growing up I wanted an older brother and am very grateful that the Lord brought Bethany and Alex together so early so that we could reap the benefits of having him around.
Recently we all went to Rainbow City, where they live and Alex is the Youth Pastor at Rainbow City Pres., and we got to hear Alex preach his first sermon (in big church) and he of course rocked it. Alex has always been someone I have looked up to and respected. So thanks Alex for your godly example and love for my sister. I could not have picked someone better for Bethany or someone that would fit better with our family. Thanks Alex. Happy Graduation Day!
Easter 2008 (I think) at Alex's families house:
Their Wedding:
One of my favorite families:
Favorite Brother-In-Law/Older Brother
Today's favorite is my brother-in-law, Alex. Alex graduates tomorrow so, in honor of his graduation he's todays favorite. It's hard to remember a time before Alex. In fact, it's hard to remember a Bethany without Alex. He has been around for almost as long as we've lived in Alabama. Alex and Bethany courted for about 6 years (I think) before they were engaged. They both modeled what a godly relationship looks like for my younger siblings and I. Alex is as much a brother to me as Jameson. Growing up I wanted an older brother and am very grateful that the Lord brought Bethany and Alex together so early so that we could reap the benefits of having him around.
Recently we all went to Rainbow City, where they live and Alex is the Youth Pastor at Rainbow City Pres., and we got to hear Alex preach his first sermon (in big church) and he of course rocked it. Alex has always been someone I have looked up to and respected. So thanks Alex for your godly example and love for my sister. I could not have picked someone better for Bethany or someone that would fit better with our family. Thanks Alex. Happy Graduation Day!
Easter 2008 (I think) at Alex's families house:
Their Wedding:
One of my favorite families:
Catch Up
I can not believe it is already the 2nd week in December. Time is flying. I am officially done with half of my classes and have an exam and a project due next week. Then I will be done for the semester! What a relief! Several things are up in the air as far as living arrangements next semester so I'm just waiting and praying for the Lord to lead and provide. However, until then I will be moving most of my stuff back home. I am excited about this because it means I finally get the chance to make the spare room into my room! Right now it is being used for storage and had random things from my sisters and my childhood. Also at some point over the break Joy Beth Smith will be returning to Alabama and Meghan, Tori and I are eagerly awaiting her arrival!
This weekend is going to be insanely busy. I am going to be helping out at a retreat for Alberta Baptist and my family is coming to town to see my brother-in-law graduate. Hopefully I will have time to study a little between bouncing back and forth between these two events.
I have never been much of a cook, however I have decided to change that. Last week I went over to my cousin KJ's house and his wife, Lynn, and I made chili and cookies. We had so much fun we decided to do it again this week. Last night we made Chicken Parmesan and might I say, it was delicious. I never really realized I enjoyed cooking but I must admit both nights it was lots of fun.
Well, I'm out. Later!
This weekend is going to be insanely busy. I am going to be helping out at a retreat for Alberta Baptist and my family is coming to town to see my brother-in-law graduate. Hopefully I will have time to study a little between bouncing back and forth between these two events.
I have never been much of a cook, however I have decided to change that. Last week I went over to my cousin KJ's house and his wife, Lynn, and I made chili and cookies. We had so much fun we decided to do it again this week. Last night we made Chicken Parmesan and might I say, it was delicious. I never really realized I enjoyed cooking but I must admit both nights it was lots of fun.
Well, I'm out. Later!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
New Moon Mania
Last Thursday New Moon came out. We, of course, went to the midnight premiere. I have been to many a midnight movie premiere (and even the midnight HP&DH book release) and I have never had to wait outside. This time however we had to wait outside for a few hours until we were called in by theater number. This was weird since it was cold and usually they let you sit inside, right outside the theater. However, we had blankets, scarves and gloves, as well as magazines, ipods, books, a flip and the ABCs to New Moon to keep us entertained. These experiences are always fun because you know everyone there is just as excited about the same thing you are. It's kind of like an Alabama football game but on a more intimate level. One of my favorite moments from one of these premieres was last year at Twilight. It was all people who had read the books because it was the first movie of the series. As the previews started we all got excited then quiet as the new preview for the upcoming Harry Potter movie came on. After that a preview for the movie Coraline came on. You could immediately hear people whispering about how stupid and weird this cartoon was. But wait a minute....we're waiting at midnight to see a movie about vampires, and just got excited about a preview for a wizard movie.
Anyways, the movie was so much better than Twilight. The acting was a huge improvement and I think that has to do with better direction. I loved how they made the months pass, it was so clever. The wolf transformations were done well and "the CGI wolves looked realer than real wolves...in Twilight they were like little 'wolf wolf' doggy wolves but in NM they were like 'GRRR' big wolves!!!" ;)
I am very excited Eclipse and Breaking Dawn because the Cullens are in it the whole time, which is one big reason I hate New Moon. Anyways, here are some pictures of us waiting and a video of the ABCs of NM.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
100 Monkeys and a Panda Bear
Sterfry was such a cute little panda bear for Halloween:
We were the 100 Monkeys for Halloween while we passed out candy to the mad throb of people who come to our neighborhood on Halloween....it's insane.
Me as Jackson Rathbone:
We were the 100 Monkeys for Halloween while we passed out candy to the mad throb of people who come to our neighborhood on Halloween....it's insane.
Me as Jackson Rathbone:
Monday, October 26, 2009
Burn Us Up!
Not too long ago I heard Shane and Shane's "Burn Us Up" for the first time....or rather I actually listened to it for the first time. For those of you who have never heard it here is a video from youtube that has the lyrics:
It tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and this song hit me like a ton of bricks. While listening to this song my thoughts turned from these three guys who would have rather been burned alive then bow to an idol to the persecuted church today. One brother that I recently read about who was killed for his faith is Probius. Probius was a martyr around 250AD. He was tortured and killed by the Roman Empire because he would not worship idols. After being tortured for some time he said, "Employ your whole power upon me, and you shall find that neither you, nor the Emperor, nor the gods you serve, nor even the devil, who is your father, shall compel me to worship your idols." After this he was tortured more and eventually killed by the sword.
Persecution is not just something the church faced in the first few centuries. Christians all over the world are facing death because of their belief in Christ and desire to take the gospel to the nations. Next Sunday, Nov. 8, is prayer for the persecuted church Sunday. Many times when we pray for the persecuted church we pray that the Lord will bring them from persecution. However, this Sunday I urge you to pray instead that those being persecuted will have the strength, courage and faith to stand and say with boldness "you shall not compel me to worship idols." Pray too for Believers here. Pray that our passion for the Lord would drive us to a point where we would rather cry "burn us up!" than worship the idols of our culture. Pray that we may cast our idols aside and give anything He calls us to for the sake of the gospel. After all 'he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.'
It tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and this song hit me like a ton of bricks. While listening to this song my thoughts turned from these three guys who would have rather been burned alive then bow to an idol to the persecuted church today. One brother that I recently read about who was killed for his faith is Probius. Probius was a martyr around 250AD. He was tortured and killed by the Roman Empire because he would not worship idols. After being tortured for some time he said, "Employ your whole power upon me, and you shall find that neither you, nor the Emperor, nor the gods you serve, nor even the devil, who is your father, shall compel me to worship your idols." After this he was tortured more and eventually killed by the sword.
Persecution is not just something the church faced in the first few centuries. Christians all over the world are facing death because of their belief in Christ and desire to take the gospel to the nations. Next Sunday, Nov. 8, is prayer for the persecuted church Sunday. Many times when we pray for the persecuted church we pray that the Lord will bring them from persecution. However, this Sunday I urge you to pray instead that those being persecuted will have the strength, courage and faith to stand and say with boldness "you shall not compel me to worship idols." Pray too for Believers here. Pray that our passion for the Lord would drive us to a point where we would rather cry "burn us up!" than worship the idols of our culture. Pray that we may cast our idols aside and give anything He calls us to for the sake of the gospel. After all 'he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.'
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
YAMS
Over the past few days many people have asked me some form of the question: "What is the Yamboree?" I have decided to address the question and share the epicness.
The East Texas Yamboree is essentially a festival to celebrate the yam. It is in Gilmer, Texas which is where I am from. There is carnival that comes and sets up around the town square. There is a school parade on Friday and the Queen's parade on Saturday. Schools let out for Thursday and Friday. The highlight of it is the Queen's Coronation Pageant. This is when the Yam Queen is crowned. Senior girls run for Queen by selling tickets. Whoever sells the most wins. The rest of the girls make up the Queen's Court. When I say these girls dresses are big, that's pretty much an understatement. This is completely hardcore. They even have a traditional bow that the Queen does. The Coronation is on Wednesday and Thursday. There is a Queens Ball, a Barn Dance and a Street Dance.
There is of course a yam contest as well. Other contests include: Yam Pie Contest, Homecanning Contest, Photography Contest, Essay & Poetry Contest, Fiddler's Contest, etc. And of course there is the buying and showing of Livestock.
To get the full idea of yam queens, their dresses and the bow here is a link to the rehearsal pictures from this year. I'm also putting a link to the Yam website. I brought my Flip video camera this week so there will be footage coming.
http://ruelfelipe.zenfolio.com/p389727622/h2dd0e269#h3a1fcda1
http://www.yamboree.com/joomla/
Peace.
The East Texas Yamboree is essentially a festival to celebrate the yam. It is in Gilmer, Texas which is where I am from. There is carnival that comes and sets up around the town square. There is a school parade on Friday and the Queen's parade on Saturday. Schools let out for Thursday and Friday. The highlight of it is the Queen's Coronation Pageant. This is when the Yam Queen is crowned. Senior girls run for Queen by selling tickets. Whoever sells the most wins. The rest of the girls make up the Queen's Court. When I say these girls dresses are big, that's pretty much an understatement. This is completely hardcore. They even have a traditional bow that the Queen does. The Coronation is on Wednesday and Thursday. There is a Queens Ball, a Barn Dance and a Street Dance.
There is of course a yam contest as well. Other contests include: Yam Pie Contest, Homecanning Contest, Photography Contest, Essay & Poetry Contest, Fiddler's Contest, etc. And of course there is the buying and showing of Livestock.
To get the full idea of yam queens, their dresses and the bow here is a link to the rehearsal pictures from this year. I'm also putting a link to the Yam website. I brought my Flip video camera this week so there will be footage coming.
http://ruelfelipe.zenfolio.com/p389727622/h2dd0e269#h3a1fcda1
http://www.yamboree.com/joomla/
Peace.
Monday, October 12, 2009
I just realized today that it has been a while since my last post. Time is flying. I cant believe it's already October! That means it's time for the Yamboree in Gilmer, Texas. I am very excited about attending it this year. So here's a quick update: While life has been incredibly busy it has also been very good. Two of my cousins each welcomed a new edition to their families at the end of September/beginning of October, so it has been fun with babies around Ttown. My nephew Sterling is crawling and saying, "Mama" and "Dada." School has been crazy, I just had a major test week including midterms so it's been almost nonstop studying for a while. It has begun to get colder here as Fall comes. I love Fall and Winter so I am pretty pumped about the change in the weather even if that has meant a lot of rainy days.
Last night I was reading in Acts and I came across this:
"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." Acts 2:22-24
I was struck by the power of God displayed in the last part of verse 24. "Since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." Wow. It's not that the fact that God has power over death is a new concept but this verse blew my mind. It was impossible for Christ to be held by the power of death! This verse not only shows God and His power, but also shows how small even death's hold is. Right now I am memorizing Psalm 27 and it is so cool to see the "cause-and-effect" in these two passages. Christ came and died on a cross as an atonement for our sins. God raised Him up again, conquering death and taking the 'sting' of death away. Because of this we can join in and say with confidence, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear. Though war arise against me,in spite of this I shall be confident." Who, or what, in the world do we have to fear when we serve a God who has conquered what men fear most? So Believer, praise the Lord that it was not possible for death to hold Him, and that He rose again, and rest in His power. We serve a mighty God indeed.
Last night I was reading in Acts and I came across this:
"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." Acts 2:22-24
I was struck by the power of God displayed in the last part of verse 24. "Since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." Wow. It's not that the fact that God has power over death is a new concept but this verse blew my mind. It was impossible for Christ to be held by the power of death! This verse not only shows God and His power, but also shows how small even death's hold is. Right now I am memorizing Psalm 27 and it is so cool to see the "cause-and-effect" in these two passages. Christ came and died on a cross as an atonement for our sins. God raised Him up again, conquering death and taking the 'sting' of death away. Because of this we can join in and say with confidence, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear. Though war arise against me,in spite of this I shall be confident." Who, or what, in the world do we have to fear when we serve a God who has conquered what men fear most? So Believer, praise the Lord that it was not possible for death to hold Him, and that He rose again, and rest in His power. We serve a mighty God indeed.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Just a quiz thing
What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
Sweet Tea
Where was your profile picture taken?
backyard in the caug
Can you play guitar hero?
I dont just play, I rock guitar hero
Name someone that made you laugh today?
Bethany....she's hilarious and we have lots of fun
How late did you stay up last night and why?
maybe 1ish, just hanging out with mom, Tori, Megs and Bethany....and making "Go Green" signs out of paper towels
If you could move somewhere else, would you?
depends, i do love ttown
Which of your friends lives closest to you?
well Kim lives in the next room and Josh and Lauren Sellers live four buildings away
When was the last time you cried really hard?
I dont remember, probably not too long ago
Where are you right now?
in the spare room/my room/my little brother's best friend's room....i won tonight...dad's home so Riley has to sleep on the couch...we fight over the spare room when we are both home, loser ends up on the couch.
What bed did you sleep in last night?
the floor in Meg's room (Jamis got the spare room cause the Vaughns are in his...how does that make sense?)
What was the last thing someone bought for you?
I dont remember, surely not the piano for my birthday last January
Who took your profile picture?
THE Halie Batson
Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Christy, at her Rehearsal Dinner
Was yesterday better than today?
no, I saw Sterfry today
Are you mad about anything?
not really I guess. I NEVER hold grudges...I never lie either
Night out or night in?
night in...usually
What items could you not go without during the day?
usually I have my phone, but I can go without it
How do you feel about your life right now?
pretty good
Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
ha, oh yeah all the time...what do you expect though, i'm not only a middle child, I'm an '88'
What song is stuck in your head?
June Bride from 7 Brides for 7 Brothers
Someone knocks on your window at 2am, who do you want it to be?
if that happens whoever it is better have a very good reason
Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
sure, though I should probably have kids first
Name something you have to do tomorrow?
watch BAMA beat up on some Tech.
Do you think too much or too little?
too much probably
Who was your last missed call on your Mobile phone?
On my mobile? probably someone whose number I didn't have...usually I dont answer those ("dont call me on my MOBILE if you dont want me on my MOBILE" that's for Megs)
What was the last book you read?
finished? Hunchback of Notre Dame
read in? Fellowship or Let the Nations Be Glad, I dont remember...it's been a long day
Is there something you always wear?
my purity ring
What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
talking my brother-in-law
Did you have an exciting last weekend?
yeah, Open Door Ladies Retreat!
Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes several times this year....at the old townhouse our room had a window that opened to a roof so we read out on the roof a lot...fun huh?
Have you ever dyed your hair?
I've put red highlights in it but nothing too noticeable
Are you wearing a necklace / Chain?
nope
Are you an emotional person?
nah, i'm pretty level, never over-dramatic, excited, passionate or obsessive.
What's something that can always make you feel better?
Sterling if I'm sad, the Word if I'm sick
Will this weekend be a good one?
oh yeah, Sterfry, wedding, BAMA FOOTBALL
What do you want right now?
more than I should
Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing?
yeah, once Meghan, Tori, JB and I dressed up like Jamis, Riley, Dad and Jamis and went to Magnolias (where my mom works) to make her laugh
Have you ever worked in a food place?
no, but I "helped" my mom and Megs cater a rehearsal dinner tonight
Whats on your schedule for tomorrow?
Sterfry Pictures, make Bama cake batter cookie cake, wedding, ALABAMA FOOTBALL! Roll Tide!
Sweet Tea
Where was your profile picture taken?
backyard in the caug
Can you play guitar hero?
I dont just play, I rock guitar hero
Name someone that made you laugh today?
Bethany....she's hilarious and we have lots of fun
How late did you stay up last night and why?
maybe 1ish, just hanging out with mom, Tori, Megs and Bethany....and making "Go Green" signs out of paper towels
If you could move somewhere else, would you?
depends, i do love ttown
Which of your friends lives closest to you?
well Kim lives in the next room and Josh and Lauren Sellers live four buildings away
When was the last time you cried really hard?
I dont remember, probably not too long ago
Where are you right now?
in the spare room/my room/my little brother's best friend's room....i won tonight...dad's home so Riley has to sleep on the couch...we fight over the spare room when we are both home, loser ends up on the couch.
What bed did you sleep in last night?
the floor in Meg's room (Jamis got the spare room cause the Vaughns are in his...how does that make sense?)
What was the last thing someone bought for you?
I dont remember, surely not the piano for my birthday last January
Who took your profile picture?
THE Halie Batson
Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Christy, at her Rehearsal Dinner
Was yesterday better than today?
no, I saw Sterfry today
Are you mad about anything?
not really I guess. I NEVER hold grudges...I never lie either
Night out or night in?
night in...usually
What items could you not go without during the day?
usually I have my phone, but I can go without it
How do you feel about your life right now?
pretty good
Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
ha, oh yeah all the time...what do you expect though, i'm not only a middle child, I'm an '88'
What song is stuck in your head?
June Bride from 7 Brides for 7 Brothers
Someone knocks on your window at 2am, who do you want it to be?
if that happens whoever it is better have a very good reason
Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
sure, though I should probably have kids first
Name something you have to do tomorrow?
watch BAMA beat up on some Tech.
Do you think too much or too little?
too much probably
Who was your last missed call on your Mobile phone?
On my mobile? probably someone whose number I didn't have...usually I dont answer those ("dont call me on my MOBILE if you dont want me on my MOBILE" that's for Megs)
What was the last book you read?
finished? Hunchback of Notre Dame
read in? Fellowship or Let the Nations Be Glad, I dont remember...it's been a long day
Is there something you always wear?
my purity ring
What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
talking my brother-in-law
Did you have an exciting last weekend?
yeah, Open Door Ladies Retreat!
Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes several times this year....at the old townhouse our room had a window that opened to a roof so we read out on the roof a lot...fun huh?
Have you ever dyed your hair?
I've put red highlights in it but nothing too noticeable
Are you wearing a necklace / Chain?
nope
Are you an emotional person?
nah, i'm pretty level, never over-dramatic, excited, passionate or obsessive.
What's something that can always make you feel better?
Sterling if I'm sad, the Word if I'm sick
Will this weekend be a good one?
oh yeah, Sterfry, wedding, BAMA FOOTBALL
What do you want right now?
more than I should
Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing?
yeah, once Meghan, Tori, JB and I dressed up like Jamis, Riley, Dad and Jamis and went to Magnolias (where my mom works) to make her laugh
Have you ever worked in a food place?
no, but I "helped" my mom and Megs cater a rehearsal dinner tonight
Whats on your schedule for tomorrow?
Sterfry Pictures, make Bama cake batter cookie cake, wedding, ALABAMA FOOTBALL! Roll Tide!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Paul Washer: A sermon that has angered many
While I'm on a good video kick, it would be incomplete without one of my favorite Washer videos:
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
No, Mr. President
This is Piper's response to President Obama on Abortion: A good video that I was just reminded of on facebook by KJ Pugh.
Access Denied: IMB Article
Here is an article I just read on imb.org
Lottie Moon shortfall limits Gospel access, leaves missionaries on hold
8/14/2009
By Don Graham
RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--They had said goodbyes to their neighbors, friends and church family. They had sold their home and furniture. They had resigned from their jobs. They had even given away the family dog, a miniature collie named Q-tip.
When Tim and Audrey Shepard* decided to answer God’s call to share Jesus in Asia as Southern Baptist missionaries, they knew there could be obstacles. But the couple never expected that the obstacle would be lack of funds from Southern Baptists.
The Shepards are two of the 69 candidates in the pipeline to serve as long-term missionaries through IMB (International Mission Board) who have been told they can’t be sent to the field at this time. That’s in addition to an estimated 350 short-term candidates who also have been turned away from missionary service this year.
In May IMB announced it would severely limit the number of missionaries sent in 2009 due to reduced giving through the Cooperative Program and a $29 million dollar shortfall in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. More than half of IMB’s annual budget comes from the Lottie Moon offering, 100 percent of which is used to send and sustain the more than 5,600 Southern Baptist missionaries serving overseas. The goal for the 2008 offering (which funds the 2009 budget) was $170 million, but only $141 million was received, $9 million less than received for the 2007 offering.
The Shepards previously served 15 years with IMB but left the field in 2004 and moved to Jacksonville, Fla., so their daughter, Nora,* could attend high school in the United States. They planned to return to the mission field when she entered college and began that process in the fall of 2008. They were on track to arrive in Asia by the end of 2009 to partner with another IMB missionary couple working to spread the Gospel among some of Asia’s minority people groups.
But all that came to a screeching halt July 27 when an IMB representative called the Shepards to explain that their missionary appointment had been put on hold because there wasn’t enough money to send them.
Audrey says the news has left the family discouraged and confused.
“You feel sort of directionless — we really don’t know what to do now,” she says. “It’s tragic that money is holding back God’s work around the world. … There are people dying every day that are not going to have the opportunity to hear about Jesus because so many missionaries are being held up.”
So far the Shepards haven’t been given a firm date when they will head to the mission field. Spring 2010 has been mentioned, but no promises have been made. That means the Shepards will be on hold for at least six months. Right now they don’t know where they’ll live or what they’ll do. They’ve decided to stay temporarily in their church’s mission house. They’re not even sure where to register their 8-year-old son, Eric,* for school this fall because that depends on where they’ll live.
There’s a chance Tim and Audrey will be able to keep their jobs in Jacksonville, but since they didn’t renew their contracts, there’s no guarantee. Tim taught middle school math and science; Audrey was a school psychologist.
“We’re ready to go to the field,” Tim says. “My mind is already on ministry and going back to secular jobs just to pay the bills doesn’t excite us too much.”
The Shepards’ delay also is having serious repercussions in Asia, at least for the team they were set to join.
Sam and Elizabeth Hughes* are Southern Baptist missionaries on the edge of exhaustion. They run a handful of ministries focusing on 24 minority people groups, 18 of which are untouched by the Gospel. Without the Shepards, that’s more than a million lost people divided between one husband-and-wife team with three young children at home.
Sam was counting on the Shepards’ arrival to provide some much-needed relief — helping with ministry logistics, training national partners and following up with new believers or those who’ve expressed an interest in learning more about Jesus. God has blessed the work to the point where it is more than Sam can handle alone. He says news of the Shepards’ delay — and of the Lottie Moon offering shortfall — hurts morale.
“It’s time for a gut check. Are we serious about reaching the world or not?” he says. “I’ve got a list as long as I am tall of things I need them (the Shepards) to be doing.”
Though it’s a serious inconvenience and fraught with logistical nightmares, the Shepards say the delay hasn’t subdued their passion for reaching Asia. In fact, they’re so committed to their calling to be Southern Baptist missionaries they’re considering moving to Asia on their own dime so they can start learning the language and be more prepared when they begin their assignment.
“Communism has destroyed souls of the people — there’s no hope,” Audrey says. “We want to be a part of sharing Christ where there are so many who are dying without Him.”
The Shepards say that if their delay, and the delay of 67 others in going to the mission field, helps Southern Baptists realize the importance of lost souls overseas, “so be it.
“I’m happy if that’s what will come of this,” Audrey says. “That people wake up and realize that they need to give their money to support missions.”
*Names changed
http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?StoryID=7989&LanguageID=1709
Lottie Moon shortfall limits Gospel access, leaves missionaries on hold
8/14/2009
By Don Graham
RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--They had said goodbyes to their neighbors, friends and church family. They had sold their home and furniture. They had resigned from their jobs. They had even given away the family dog, a miniature collie named Q-tip.
When Tim and Audrey Shepard* decided to answer God’s call to share Jesus in Asia as Southern Baptist missionaries, they knew there could be obstacles. But the couple never expected that the obstacle would be lack of funds from Southern Baptists.
The Shepards are two of the 69 candidates in the pipeline to serve as long-term missionaries through IMB (International Mission Board) who have been told they can’t be sent to the field at this time. That’s in addition to an estimated 350 short-term candidates who also have been turned away from missionary service this year.
In May IMB announced it would severely limit the number of missionaries sent in 2009 due to reduced giving through the Cooperative Program and a $29 million dollar shortfall in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. More than half of IMB’s annual budget comes from the Lottie Moon offering, 100 percent of which is used to send and sustain the more than 5,600 Southern Baptist missionaries serving overseas. The goal for the 2008 offering (which funds the 2009 budget) was $170 million, but only $141 million was received, $9 million less than received for the 2007 offering.
The Shepards previously served 15 years with IMB but left the field in 2004 and moved to Jacksonville, Fla., so their daughter, Nora,* could attend high school in the United States. They planned to return to the mission field when she entered college and began that process in the fall of 2008. They were on track to arrive in Asia by the end of 2009 to partner with another IMB missionary couple working to spread the Gospel among some of Asia’s minority people groups.
But all that came to a screeching halt July 27 when an IMB representative called the Shepards to explain that their missionary appointment had been put on hold because there wasn’t enough money to send them.
Audrey says the news has left the family discouraged and confused.
“You feel sort of directionless — we really don’t know what to do now,” she says. “It’s tragic that money is holding back God’s work around the world. … There are people dying every day that are not going to have the opportunity to hear about Jesus because so many missionaries are being held up.”
So far the Shepards haven’t been given a firm date when they will head to the mission field. Spring 2010 has been mentioned, but no promises have been made. That means the Shepards will be on hold for at least six months. Right now they don’t know where they’ll live or what they’ll do. They’ve decided to stay temporarily in their church’s mission house. They’re not even sure where to register their 8-year-old son, Eric,* for school this fall because that depends on where they’ll live.
There’s a chance Tim and Audrey will be able to keep their jobs in Jacksonville, but since they didn’t renew their contracts, there’s no guarantee. Tim taught middle school math and science; Audrey was a school psychologist.
“We’re ready to go to the field,” Tim says. “My mind is already on ministry and going back to secular jobs just to pay the bills doesn’t excite us too much.”
The Shepards’ delay also is having serious repercussions in Asia, at least for the team they were set to join.
Sam and Elizabeth Hughes* are Southern Baptist missionaries on the edge of exhaustion. They run a handful of ministries focusing on 24 minority people groups, 18 of which are untouched by the Gospel. Without the Shepards, that’s more than a million lost people divided between one husband-and-wife team with three young children at home.
Sam was counting on the Shepards’ arrival to provide some much-needed relief — helping with ministry logistics, training national partners and following up with new believers or those who’ve expressed an interest in learning more about Jesus. God has blessed the work to the point where it is more than Sam can handle alone. He says news of the Shepards’ delay — and of the Lottie Moon offering shortfall — hurts morale.
“It’s time for a gut check. Are we serious about reaching the world or not?” he says. “I’ve got a list as long as I am tall of things I need them (the Shepards) to be doing.”
Though it’s a serious inconvenience and fraught with logistical nightmares, the Shepards say the delay hasn’t subdued their passion for reaching Asia. In fact, they’re so committed to their calling to be Southern Baptist missionaries they’re considering moving to Asia on their own dime so they can start learning the language and be more prepared when they begin their assignment.
“Communism has destroyed souls of the people — there’s no hope,” Audrey says. “We want to be a part of sharing Christ where there are so many who are dying without Him.”
The Shepards say that if their delay, and the delay of 67 others in going to the mission field, helps Southern Baptists realize the importance of lost souls overseas, “so be it.
“I’m happy if that’s what will come of this,” Audrey says. “That people wake up and realize that they need to give their money to support missions.”
*Names changed
http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?StoryID=7989&LanguageID=1709
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Prosperity Gospel Part One
This weekend at the Ladies Retreat during the down time a few of us were talking about the "prosperity gospel" that is sweeping America and I decided it was time for a post concerning it. As I have to go to church soon and I have to pack for my first night on the job, I am just posting this video of Piper and his thoughts on the Prosperity Gospel, which in fact echo my own. I will post later concerning this though.
This is not my video, though I wish I could take credit....I am in the middle of making one to this sermon right now though.
This is not my video, though I wish I could take credit....I am in the middle of making one to this sermon right now though.
Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters!
In Honor of Super Sister and Spastic(?) Sister, from Scared Sister
Both of my sisters have birthdays in August so here at the end (actually on Tori's bday) I wanted to take a post to say Happy Birthday to Bethany and Tori! I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me with you as my sisters, friends and confidants! You are both godly examples for me and so many others! I love you both! So happy birthday to two of my favorite people!
Major Update
Since a few people have asked why the change in major I thought I'd address it on here. Here's the story:
While I love filming, taking pictures and making videos I had to ask myself was what I was spending all of this money on worth it? After all, I don't want to be a director or anything. Plus this is something that is learned mostly by experience. Honestly I was only majoring in TCF because I didnt know what else to major in. So a couple of weeks before I had to sign up for classes I decided to change my major to Childcare Development. I hadn't considered this before because back in the day when I decided on TCF I didnt realize how much I loved kids. God has been so gracious to lead me to this decision.
So why Childcare Development? What am I planning on doing with it? Absolutely nothing. I dont want to work, though of course if it is absolutely necessary I would. I have always wanted to be a wife and mother, in fact I feel called to be that. They dont really offer a major in how to be a wife or how to be a mother. So what was something that would help one day in my life and not be a waste of time and money? Childcare development. This is the closest thing they've got. Pretty much anything I learn can be practical for the future. I dont want to work or teach in a daycare with it (at least that's not my goal), however I know that some ministries hire people in that line to work with missionary kids. If ever I was in a place where that was possible, that might be pretty cool.
Because of my change in major I'm taking totally different classes than I was before. My favorites so far are Psychology and Childcare Development Exercises. These classes are so fun! Anyways, there it is. Childcare Development is simply more practical and profitable, and praise the Lord, I am loving it!
While I love filming, taking pictures and making videos I had to ask myself was what I was spending all of this money on worth it? After all, I don't want to be a director or anything. Plus this is something that is learned mostly by experience. Honestly I was only majoring in TCF because I didnt know what else to major in. So a couple of weeks before I had to sign up for classes I decided to change my major to Childcare Development. I hadn't considered this before because back in the day when I decided on TCF I didnt realize how much I loved kids. God has been so gracious to lead me to this decision.
So why Childcare Development? What am I planning on doing with it? Absolutely nothing. I dont want to work, though of course if it is absolutely necessary I would. I have always wanted to be a wife and mother, in fact I feel called to be that. They dont really offer a major in how to be a wife or how to be a mother. So what was something that would help one day in my life and not be a waste of time and money? Childcare development. This is the closest thing they've got. Pretty much anything I learn can be practical for the future. I dont want to work or teach in a daycare with it (at least that's not my goal), however I know that some ministries hire people in that line to work with missionary kids. If ever I was in a place where that was possible, that might be pretty cool.
Because of my change in major I'm taking totally different classes than I was before. My favorites so far are Psychology and Childcare Development Exercises. These classes are so fun! Anyways, there it is. Childcare Development is simply more practical and profitable, and praise the Lord, I am loving it!
Monday, August 17, 2009
If we dont give, they cant go
Last Sunday my family attended church at Trinity Baptist in Keystone Heights, Florida, with my grandparents. They, I'm sure along with several other Southern Baptist Churches, showed a video about the International Mission Board's "Christmas in August." Every year at Christmas time Southern Baptists take up a special offering called the Lottie Moon Offering. The Lottie Moon Offering is named after one of the great SB missionaries to China, and was established in 1881. This great ministry has allowed missionaries to go and share the gospel all over the world without having to worry about raising support. However, last year the offering fell short of the necessary goal by almost $30 million. This has resulted in an indefinite hold on sending missionaries as well as a cut back in the number of full time missionary appointments.
Therefore, the Southern Baptist Convention President, Johnny Hunt, along with other SBC leaders, has called for a special Lottie Moon Christmas in August offering in the hopes of offsetting the shortage from 2008. However, the problem isnt going to be fixed by a one time offering, because the problem isnt just that there was a shortage in giving last year.
To find the problem we must go to the root of it, and we must be honest with ourselves. Why aren't people giving? Is it because we just dont know? Or is it because we have been so captivated by the fleeting things of this world that we dont care for the perishing around us? The time for giving what is required has passed. Brothers and sisters, I urge you to give sacrificially. Whether it be clothes, technological toys, books (this is where I love to spend money), Alabama Season Tickets, or even giving up something you want for your birthday or Christmas, I urge you to give until it hurts. I am not saying you must go without food, but we waste so much money on material things. Sure, times are hard economically, but that doesnt mean we should stop giving. Even when times are tough somehow we manage to continue wasting money. Get creative in your giving. If we just say we aren't going to buy something in order to save money, we will end up wasting it on something else. Instead of just deciding to not spend money on something calculate what you would spend and give that. Instead of buying things you dont need, set that money aside to give and help spread the gospel among the nations. Alabama games last a few hours and are over, books will burn, the souls of men will last forever. I, too, am guilty of wasting money. Let us together support the cause of Christ. What would it look like if for Christmas this year if instead of making a list of things we dont need that will only end up as clutter, we make a list, calculating the price and giving it all away? We dont need more stuff, but the world does need to hear the Gospel. Give to His work and watch the Lord faithfully provide for your needs.
Therefore, the Southern Baptist Convention President, Johnny Hunt, along with other SBC leaders, has called for a special Lottie Moon Christmas in August offering in the hopes of offsetting the shortage from 2008. However, the problem isnt going to be fixed by a one time offering, because the problem isnt just that there was a shortage in giving last year.
To find the problem we must go to the root of it, and we must be honest with ourselves. Why aren't people giving? Is it because we just dont know? Or is it because we have been so captivated by the fleeting things of this world that we dont care for the perishing around us? The time for giving what is required has passed. Brothers and sisters, I urge you to give sacrificially. Whether it be clothes, technological toys, books (this is where I love to spend money), Alabama Season Tickets, or even giving up something you want for your birthday or Christmas, I urge you to give until it hurts. I am not saying you must go without food, but we waste so much money on material things. Sure, times are hard economically, but that doesnt mean we should stop giving. Even when times are tough somehow we manage to continue wasting money. Get creative in your giving. If we just say we aren't going to buy something in order to save money, we will end up wasting it on something else. Instead of just deciding to not spend money on something calculate what you would spend and give that. Instead of buying things you dont need, set that money aside to give and help spread the gospel among the nations. Alabama games last a few hours and are over, books will burn, the souls of men will last forever. I, too, am guilty of wasting money. Let us together support the cause of Christ. What would it look like if for Christmas this year if instead of making a list of things we dont need that will only end up as clutter, we make a list, calculating the price and giving it all away? We dont need more stuff, but the world does need to hear the Gospel. Give to His work and watch the Lord faithfully provide for your needs.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
I have made it back to Tuscaloosa. Praise the Lord!
I am VERY excited about church Sunday. I feel like I havent been to Open Door in forever....really it's only been two weeks.
I'm off to take care of some things but let me leave you with a couple of thoughts from Augustine I stumbled upon while reading this morning....
"You made us for Yourself, and our hears find no peace till they rest in You."
"You are active, yet always at rest. You gather all things to Yourself, though You suffer no need....You grieve for wrong, but suffer no pain. You can be angry and yet serene. Your works are varied, but Your purpose is one and the same....You welcome those who come to You, though You never lost them. You are never in need yet are glad to gain, never covetous yet You exact a return for your gifts....You release us from our debts, but you lost nothing thereby. You are my God, my Life, my holy Delight, but is this enough to say of You? Can any man say enough when he speaks of you? Yet woe betide to those who are silent about You!" (Augustine, Confessions)
I am VERY excited about church Sunday. I feel like I havent been to Open Door in forever....really it's only been two weeks.
I'm off to take care of some things but let me leave you with a couple of thoughts from Augustine I stumbled upon while reading this morning....
"You made us for Yourself, and our hears find no peace till they rest in You."
"You are active, yet always at rest. You gather all things to Yourself, though You suffer no need....You grieve for wrong, but suffer no pain. You can be angry and yet serene. Your works are varied, but Your purpose is one and the same....You welcome those who come to You, though You never lost them. You are never in need yet are glad to gain, never covetous yet You exact a return for your gifts....You release us from our debts, but you lost nothing thereby. You are my God, my Life, my holy Delight, but is this enough to say of You? Can any man say enough when he speaks of you? Yet woe betide to those who are silent about You!" (Augustine, Confessions)
Monday, August 10, 2009
A (not so) quick catch up on the craziness that has been my life recently....
We went to Dallas. My favorite part of that trip was meeting Kiera Cass. We went by the TwiCon Dallas because we heard that the "TwiCurls" were there. They have a video blog on youtube and we have followed their videos for some time. They are absolutely hilarious. So we went and camped out....by "camped out" I just mean waited for them to come back from a break. Anyways, Keira wrote a book and it was published not too long ago. I've really wanted to get it for some time now, but havent. I'm glad I waited cause now I have it signed. It's on sale at B&N.com and amazon. Check it out...The Siren by Keira Cass.
Keira and Liz are both believers and we got to talk to Keira for a while. She was super sweet and super preggers :)
We didnt get to meet Kaleb Nation, but I was actually ok with that. His book comes out in stores (B&N) on Sept. 9.
We then went to the hotel to change and went straight to the concert. We got there 6 HOURS early. For those who know me, you might think, "Hillary really went and waited for the doors to open for a concert?" Yes I did. I'm 100% more of a "sit down, coffee house" concerter than a "fight for the front row, stand up, jump around" concerter. We actually got to wait inside at the Bar & Grill since we were among the first people there. So I sat and read The Siren for about 6 hours. There was some misunderstanding among the staff about the 15 of us who were inside, being in line first but Gina, our awesome waitress, got it worked out. The concert was actually kind of fun. They sang the Monkey Rap and our monkey Mr. Orson Brawl made it up on stage and onto the mic stand. After the concert we went to a VIP after party with about 100 other people. It was bigger than advertised but we got to meet a couple of the band members, Jared Anderson and Jackson Rathbone. This however was enough Monkey concerts for me.
On Sunday there was a signing at B&N. This was also VERY COOL. This was probably my second favorite part. We walked in and this is what we saw.....
enter chorus singing *ahhhhhhhhh*
Two stories...the Barnes and Noble, my FAVORITE store was TWO stories! It was so cool....and soooo organized. This was something that everywhere else we went that weekend lacked. Leave it to B&N to be ahead of the game. The cd signing didnt take too long and their manager told us if we waited we could get a picture with the band since we didnt get to get one at the VIP party the night before. So we all got one...I dont have mine on my computer yet.
We headed back to Bama Monday and after a long 8ish hours we made it back. I headed straight to Rainbow City to go to Six Flags with Bethany and Alex's youth group on Tuesday. That was a lot of fun, but I was absolutely exhausted by the end of the day.
On Wednesday my family went to Florida to our favorite place in the world....Lake Santa Fe.
We went to surprise my grandmother for her 80th birthday. It was a very good and relaxing vacation. Uncle Keith's birthday is on August 6th as well and I mentioned to him that our family thought it would be best to celebrate his birthday at his favorite place.....I dont think he appreciated that as much as we did. He described it as "torture" :) Alex couldnt go with us due to some youth event he had already planned before this trip was planned, but the rest of our family got to go.
My extended family has always been really close. Growing up we always loved going to spend time with the cousins, and were sad that it only happened 2-3 times a year until we moved to Sylacauga. If you asked anyone in our family, everyone would agree that ours is the best. On Thursday when we were eating dinner on Grammy's birthday I looked around and had one of these, 'I really do have the coolest family' moments. I sat there and thought, "How cool is my old school family?!" The whole family was sitting and eating a home cooked meal around the table, in a room which overlooks a beautiful lake while listening to classical music. It really made me appreciate being of Winter decent (I say that to include the Kizziah/Pugh/Gordon branches of the fam). I truly am blessed with such a family.
My family's not perfect to be sure, but my family is pretty much my favorite.
While I was in Florida I managed to sneak over to Jacksonville and visit the church my grandparents got married in and kind of get a feel for Jacksonville. Jville was a very important part of my gparents history so it was neat to be there and see it. I hope it will help me in a project I am hoping to start working on soon.
Anyways I am pretty exhausted and have a pretty busy day tomorrow of packing and such for my return to Ttown...I cant believe I've been gone so long!
Also...Crystal Powell's Bday is tomorrow...HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRYSTAL!
peace.
We went to Dallas. My favorite part of that trip was meeting Kiera Cass. We went by the TwiCon Dallas because we heard that the "TwiCurls" were there. They have a video blog on youtube and we have followed their videos for some time. They are absolutely hilarious. So we went and camped out....by "camped out" I just mean waited for them to come back from a break. Anyways, Keira wrote a book and it was published not too long ago. I've really wanted to get it for some time now, but havent. I'm glad I waited cause now I have it signed. It's on sale at B&N.com and amazon. Check it out...The Siren by Keira Cass.
Keira and Liz are both believers and we got to talk to Keira for a while. She was super sweet and super preggers :)
We didnt get to meet Kaleb Nation, but I was actually ok with that. His book comes out in stores (B&N) on Sept. 9.
We then went to the hotel to change and went straight to the concert. We got there 6 HOURS early. For those who know me, you might think, "Hillary really went and waited for the doors to open for a concert?" Yes I did. I'm 100% more of a "sit down, coffee house" concerter than a "fight for the front row, stand up, jump around" concerter. We actually got to wait inside at the Bar & Grill since we were among the first people there. So I sat and read The Siren for about 6 hours. There was some misunderstanding among the staff about the 15 of us who were inside, being in line first but Gina, our awesome waitress, got it worked out. The concert was actually kind of fun. They sang the Monkey Rap and our monkey Mr. Orson Brawl made it up on stage and onto the mic stand. After the concert we went to a VIP after party with about 100 other people. It was bigger than advertised but we got to meet a couple of the band members, Jared Anderson and Jackson Rathbone. This however was enough Monkey concerts for me.
On Sunday there was a signing at B&N. This was also VERY COOL. This was probably my second favorite part. We walked in and this is what we saw.....
enter chorus singing *ahhhhhhhhh*
Two stories...the Barnes and Noble, my FAVORITE store was TWO stories! It was so cool....and soooo organized. This was something that everywhere else we went that weekend lacked. Leave it to B&N to be ahead of the game. The cd signing didnt take too long and their manager told us if we waited we could get a picture with the band since we didnt get to get one at the VIP party the night before. So we all got one...I dont have mine on my computer yet.
We headed back to Bama Monday and after a long 8ish hours we made it back. I headed straight to Rainbow City to go to Six Flags with Bethany and Alex's youth group on Tuesday. That was a lot of fun, but I was absolutely exhausted by the end of the day.
On Wednesday my family went to Florida to our favorite place in the world....Lake Santa Fe.
We went to surprise my grandmother for her 80th birthday. It was a very good and relaxing vacation. Uncle Keith's birthday is on August 6th as well and I mentioned to him that our family thought it would be best to celebrate his birthday at his favorite place.....I dont think he appreciated that as much as we did. He described it as "torture" :) Alex couldnt go with us due to some youth event he had already planned before this trip was planned, but the rest of our family got to go.
My extended family has always been really close. Growing up we always loved going to spend time with the cousins, and were sad that it only happened 2-3 times a year until we moved to Sylacauga. If you asked anyone in our family, everyone would agree that ours is the best. On Thursday when we were eating dinner on Grammy's birthday I looked around and had one of these, 'I really do have the coolest family' moments. I sat there and thought, "How cool is my old school family?!" The whole family was sitting and eating a home cooked meal around the table, in a room which overlooks a beautiful lake while listening to classical music. It really made me appreciate being of Winter decent (I say that to include the Kizziah/Pugh/Gordon branches of the fam). I truly am blessed with such a family.
My family's not perfect to be sure, but my family is pretty much my favorite.
While I was in Florida I managed to sneak over to Jacksonville and visit the church my grandparents got married in and kind of get a feel for Jacksonville. Jville was a very important part of my gparents history so it was neat to be there and see it. I hope it will help me in a project I am hoping to start working on soon.
Anyways I am pretty exhausted and have a pretty busy day tomorrow of packing and such for my return to Ttown...I cant believe I've been gone so long!
Also...Crystal Powell's Bday is tomorrow...HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRYSTAL!
peace.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
My best friend is getting married!!!!!! (officially)
WHOOOHOOO!!!
I just wanted to take a post to say congrats to Ryan and Gracie!! On Friday Ryan purposed to Gracie when he got home from 11 weeks in Virgina. It was presh and I am so excited for my kindra!! It has been such a blessing to know Grace and to count her among my closest friends. She truly is my kindred spirit (Kindra) and a sister. It has been such a privilege to watch this relationship bloom and watch the two of them fall in love. CONGRATULATIONS GRACIE AND RYAN!!!! (You're officially soon going to be EGG!!)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Dwell in the land, Culitvate faithfulness.
Just a thought before I have to join in the massive cleaning out of the double garage.
Obviously I am a fan of the Harry Potter series. There are several great scenes throughout the series, but one of my favorites is in The Sorcerer's Stone, when Harry finds the Mirror of Erised. For those who aren't Potter Buffs the Mirror of Erised (Erised is Desire backwards)shows the "deepest and most desperate desire of our hearts". Harry saw his dead parents and extended family standing with him. As a boy who was overshadowed by his four older brothers, Ron saw himself as Quidditch Captain and Head Boy, holding the Quidditch Cup. Dumbledore claims to have seen himself holding a pair of socks, but he we now know in reality he probably saw his sister, mother and father alive and well, as well as his brother reconciled to him. In one scene after this mirror is discovered by Harry, little Harry is found by Dumbledore, sitting in front of the mirror just starring at it. Dumbledore tells Harry about the mirror, and then gives him a warning. He says, "It does not do to dwell on dreams, Harry, and forget to live." I think these are very wise words from Dumbly.
The other day I found out I get to go to Honduras in December. I am INCREDIBLY excited about this opportunity. There is also talk of a 4pack trip next summer, maybe Europe or at least around the US. I think that often times we have these big events or trips or whatever it may be in our lives and we focus so much on them that we forget to live right now. One passage that the Lord brings me to over and over it seems like is Psalm 37. "Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;"
This passage is filled with beautiful promises, but the part that He seems to keep bringing me to is: Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Do not dwell in dreams or in what is to come and forget to live now. Sure we can plan ahead and be excited about what the future holds but there is always something to look ahead to. Heed Dumbly's warning and obey the commands of Psalm 37 and be all where He has sovereignly placed you. What is our reward? We begin to cultivate faithfulness and we dont miss what He has for us now.
Off to clean out the garage. Peace
Obviously I am a fan of the Harry Potter series. There are several great scenes throughout the series, but one of my favorites is in The Sorcerer's Stone, when Harry finds the Mirror of Erised. For those who aren't Potter Buffs the Mirror of Erised (Erised is Desire backwards)shows the "deepest and most desperate desire of our hearts". Harry saw his dead parents and extended family standing with him. As a boy who was overshadowed by his four older brothers, Ron saw himself as Quidditch Captain and Head Boy, holding the Quidditch Cup. Dumbledore claims to have seen himself holding a pair of socks, but he we now know in reality he probably saw his sister, mother and father alive and well, as well as his brother reconciled to him. In one scene after this mirror is discovered by Harry, little Harry is found by Dumbledore, sitting in front of the mirror just starring at it. Dumbledore tells Harry about the mirror, and then gives him a warning. He says, "It does not do to dwell on dreams, Harry, and forget to live." I think these are very wise words from Dumbly.
The other day I found out I get to go to Honduras in December. I am INCREDIBLY excited about this opportunity. There is also talk of a 4pack trip next summer, maybe Europe or at least around the US. I think that often times we have these big events or trips or whatever it may be in our lives and we focus so much on them that we forget to live right now. One passage that the Lord brings me to over and over it seems like is Psalm 37. "Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;"
This passage is filled with beautiful promises, but the part that He seems to keep bringing me to is: Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Do not dwell in dreams or in what is to come and forget to live now. Sure we can plan ahead and be excited about what the future holds but there is always something to look ahead to. Heed Dumbly's warning and obey the commands of Psalm 37 and be all where He has sovereignly placed you. What is our reward? We begin to cultivate faithfulness and we dont miss what He has for us now.
Off to clean out the garage. Peace
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
On Wednesday last week one of my favorite people, Melinda Sears, came home from a year in France with Campus Crusade for Christ. We, the 4Pack, got to go with her family to the airport to pick her up. It was so good to see her face in person versus via Skype. We hung out Thursday and went to see Harry Potter for the second time with her. Someone, ok it was me, left the lights on during the movie and when we got out to Tori's car it was dead. It wouldnt have been that big of a deal except there was a car on each side and a drop off in front. We had to call All State Roadside Assistance. Praise the Lord Joy Beth is in good hands. I am so excited she is back!! She is actually staying at my apartment some this week and next while I am in the caug.
I am actually in the caug for a few weeks....why am I in the caug? Well, I worked at a Day Care that is in my church, but a part of Open Door Christian School (which is now North River Christian Academy). Working in a day care has been fun and has taught me a lot about kids. I think this experience will be very beneficial for me one day. However, working with kids 8 hours a day can begin to wear on one. For the past few weeks I have been considering getting a new job...say one at a library...oh the quietness! My mom didnt want me to quit though without the security of another job, which is totally understandable. Anyways long story short all the part-time people got laid off....or are going to be laid off soon...or most are, I dont know how its going to work. My boss offered me a position in the afternoons but it just wasnt enough hours, and with me already considering leaving I decided to go ahead and not take it. I'll miss the kids. I love them all, but I am SO excited about getting a new job.
Until then, or until school starts I'm going to be hanging out with the 4pack and my mom in the caug. We are all so excited because it was so sad Sunday when I had to go back to Tuscaloosa to work for a few days. In fact I left from bham after the Platt brought the word Sunday morning. Sunday night I was hanging out at a friend's house and got a call. The 4pack surprised me and decided to come a day early. It seems we dont last a few hours apart....wonder what will happen when school starts. Anyways we have a lot of stuff planned for the next few weeks and I'm very glad for this opportunity to be home and do things with them before school starts back in the fall.
Last night after Harry Potter we got the keys from my aunt and uncle (who is the pastor of the church my daycare is in) so we could get all my movies. We made a video that will be coming soon. Look for it. Also we have a New Moon Monday that got put off until today. It should be up later tonight as well.
Tonight we, or I, (the 4pack contributed thoughts through me) had a small debate of sorts on some theological thoughts with a friend....maybe I'll put some thoughts up here later. But for now....
Peace.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Dobby will Shank you, sir!! (Half-Blood Prince spoiler alert)_
Tuesday I left straight from work with my car packed for a week away. I was so excited about the upcoming week. Finally after all the wait...after two days dragging by, I was finally free from work. I left Open Door with a renewed excitement. I decided to cut up Hargrove, for old times sake. I pulled up to the red light up at the corner of Loop Road and Hargrove and had decided to call and tell my mom I was leaving. Before I could there was suddenly a loud noise and my car jerked forward into the car in front of me. It was purely the Grace of God that none of the cars were scratched. We waited a good 30-45 minutes for the police to come. Finally I was on my way once again. I had originally planned to go all the way to Sylacauga then ride back up with the 4Pack and fam. However, because I was now almost an hour late I decided to meet up with my dad in Bham so that I could make our tshirts. We went on base and after a failed attempt finally printed out what I wanted on our shirts. It ended up not working so finally I settled on paint pens. I met the 4Pack, Jamis, mom, Riley, Cary and some other people from Sylacauga. At 8 we were the first ones in line for our theater. One guy somehow got stuck in between two groups of us.....poor man. Although, I will say when my mom and JB are involved, people dont just endure us without benefit. We helped him save seats for his family. JB threatened to shank anyone who tried to get it....good thing she didnt have to.
Before the movie was a lot of fun hanging out. They did show the New Moon trailer which is better on the big screen....especially the part when Jasper is running at Bella. A lot of people appreciated our shirts, especially a group of boys two rows back. They apparently are fans of Dobby. So during the New Moon preview (the first time) they were being loud still and Meghan turned around and said, in her Dobby voice, "Dobby will shank you, sirs!" and they laughed but were quiet. They showed the New Moon trailer once more during the real previews and there was silence.
Before the movie they showed all of the HBP trailers along with the New Moon one. It was kind of cool.
Thoughts on the movie after the first time of viewing:
1. The beginning was lame...that is with Harry and the waitress. I could have done without that.
2. Death Eaters do not fly.
3. I wish there had been more Dumbly and Harry...maybe a little more explanation....how is Harry even supposed to know what he's looking for. They didnt mention anything about how Voldy would have chosen things that were significant and things that related to each of the four founders of Hogwarts. They also dont know how to destroy a horcrux.
4. I wish there had been more Harry and Ginny...even though I wish they had not done the burrow "fight" thing and just done one at Hogwarts at the end, I did like how Ginny ran after Harry. I also liked when he stood at the table during the Slug Club dinner. All the little things I really like except the shoe and the cake thing...that was just awkward. I didnt really get the impression that they had dated at all during this movie.
5. The Hermione/Ron thing was well done I thought.
6. "High Harry" was HILARIOUS....he actually wasnt high for those who havent seen or read it. My favorite "high harry" line....those plants give me the creeps....em.
7. In love Ron...also hilarious
It was really funny when Dumbly and Harry were in the cave and Harry was going for the theater...as we were at the midnight premiere there were maybe 3 people who hadnt read the books in the whole theater. Everyone knew what was coming and as he bent done you could literally hear and feel everyone prepare themselves for the hand. However, everyone screamed.
I will admit that both times I saw it I cried/teared up twice, and in the same places. The first time was after the Quidditch match when Hermione is upset and talking to Harry. She asked what it felt like when he saw Ginny and Dean together, and after she attacks Ron with the birds he says, "Like this." That was presh.
The second time was after Dumbly died and they are standing around and McGonagall sends up the light and all the teachers and students follow. It was very respectful and powerful. Even in the midst of their great and beloved leader's death, they would not loose hope and they would not let his death be dishonored by the Dark Mark overhead. It was so good.
And finally props to Tom Felton, who plays Malfoy, did an amazing job being serious through the whole movie, especially the light-hearted parts.
Before the movie started when we were chilling in the theater with all the other hardcore fans, two guys came out with wands and got everyone's attention down in front. We rolled our eyes as they started explaining they were going to dual. Turns out, it was pretty entertaining...they had it rehearsed and they were doing flips and the like. We tried to follow them and "flip it" but we couldnt find them. Oh well.
Well, I'm out...gotta get ready for the making of a couple of new 4pack ideas! Hooray!
peace!
PICS:
Spicing up life for Mom at the Mag....last time JB was home we dressed up like people in our family...this time Twilight characters....with just stuff in our fams wardrobe. From left to right JB as Jacob, me as Bella, Megs as Edward, and Tori as Alice....here we are in character.....
and out of character....
The back of our Potter premiere shirts....a 4 for "4pack" my mom had an "a" for Alpha
Those are actually drumsticks, not wands...they are very entertaining and we take them pretty much all over the place...only once was one used as a wand...a little boy came and asked Meghan to dual, she couldnt think of anything to do so she just told him to kill her....
DOBBY WILL SHANK YOU, SIR!!
Before the movie was a lot of fun hanging out. They did show the New Moon trailer which is better on the big screen....especially the part when Jasper is running at Bella. A lot of people appreciated our shirts, especially a group of boys two rows back. They apparently are fans of Dobby. So during the New Moon preview (the first time) they were being loud still and Meghan turned around and said, in her Dobby voice, "Dobby will shank you, sirs!" and they laughed but were quiet. They showed the New Moon trailer once more during the real previews and there was silence.
Before the movie they showed all of the HBP trailers along with the New Moon one. It was kind of cool.
Thoughts on the movie after the first time of viewing:
1. The beginning was lame...that is with Harry and the waitress. I could have done without that.
2. Death Eaters do not fly.
3. I wish there had been more Dumbly and Harry...maybe a little more explanation....how is Harry even supposed to know what he's looking for. They didnt mention anything about how Voldy would have chosen things that were significant and things that related to each of the four founders of Hogwarts. They also dont know how to destroy a horcrux.
4. I wish there had been more Harry and Ginny...even though I wish they had not done the burrow "fight" thing and just done one at Hogwarts at the end, I did like how Ginny ran after Harry. I also liked when he stood at the table during the Slug Club dinner. All the little things I really like except the shoe and the cake thing...that was just awkward. I didnt really get the impression that they had dated at all during this movie.
5. The Hermione/Ron thing was well done I thought.
6. "High Harry" was HILARIOUS....he actually wasnt high for those who havent seen or read it. My favorite "high harry" line....those plants give me the creeps....em.
7. In love Ron...also hilarious
It was really funny when Dumbly and Harry were in the cave and Harry was going for the theater...as we were at the midnight premiere there were maybe 3 people who hadnt read the books in the whole theater. Everyone knew what was coming and as he bent done you could literally hear and feel everyone prepare themselves for the hand. However, everyone screamed.
I will admit that both times I saw it I cried/teared up twice, and in the same places. The first time was after the Quidditch match when Hermione is upset and talking to Harry. She asked what it felt like when he saw Ginny and Dean together, and after she attacks Ron with the birds he says, "Like this." That was presh.
The second time was after Dumbly died and they are standing around and McGonagall sends up the light and all the teachers and students follow. It was very respectful and powerful. Even in the midst of their great and beloved leader's death, they would not loose hope and they would not let his death be dishonored by the Dark Mark overhead. It was so good.
And finally props to Tom Felton, who plays Malfoy, did an amazing job being serious through the whole movie, especially the light-hearted parts.
Before the movie started when we were chilling in the theater with all the other hardcore fans, two guys came out with wands and got everyone's attention down in front. We rolled our eyes as they started explaining they were going to dual. Turns out, it was pretty entertaining...they had it rehearsed and they were doing flips and the like. We tried to follow them and "flip it" but we couldnt find them. Oh well.
Well, I'm out...gotta get ready for the making of a couple of new 4pack ideas! Hooray!
peace!
PICS:
Spicing up life for Mom at the Mag....last time JB was home we dressed up like people in our family...this time Twilight characters....with just stuff in our fams wardrobe. From left to right JB as Jacob, me as Bella, Megs as Edward, and Tori as Alice....here we are in character.....
and out of character....
The back of our Potter premiere shirts....a 4 for "4pack" my mom had an "a" for Alpha
Those are actually drumsticks, not wands...they are very entertaining and we take them pretty much all over the place...only once was one used as a wand...a little boy came and asked Meghan to dual, she couldnt think of anything to do so she just told him to kill her....
DOBBY WILL SHANK YOU, SIR!!
Monday, July 13, 2009
New Moon Mondays
I hope by next week this will be part of our vlog. But until we can get that up and put our videos up...here it is....
Every Monday I will be taking something, out of the news, a random actor, or by suggestion and connecting it to New Moon. In light of the fact that Michael Jackson is still everywhere I decided to connect him first to New Moon. I put it in a little video with some music because pictures make it more fun and you can only put a few per post. Here it is....
Tomorrow is Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince!
peace, hillary
Every Monday I will be taking something, out of the news, a random actor, or by suggestion and connecting it to New Moon. In light of the fact that Michael Jackson is still everywhere I decided to connect him first to New Moon. I put it in a little video with some music because pictures make it more fun and you can only put a few per post. Here it is....
Tomorrow is Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince!
peace, hillary
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Atlanta
The past few days have been a whirlwind. I am in Atlanta right now, and yes, I will admit....I'm at TwiCon. For those who dont know TwiCon is short for Twilight Convention. It's much like the ComicCon kind of thing. Why in the world am I here??? Meghan's birthday was July 2 and they got tickets for the weekend for her birthday. I wasnt going to be able to come, but then we discovered you can get day passes so I came up late on Friday. I got a day pass yesterday and went to the Q and A for Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene (Emmett and Alice in Twilight). I'm not going to lie it was kind of cool. It was also neat how much like their character they are. But I would like to clarify for all those people out there who are worried by the mere thought that I attended a TwiCon or who think I am wasting time. I am here because it's for Meghan's birthday and so the 4Pack (Meghan, Tori, Joy Beth, and I) would be complete. The fellowship has been so good, and it is rare that we are all together. The twilight stuff is cool sure, but one day is enough. I think Tori and Meghan kind of feel that way too.
JB LOVES Kellan and so got her picture made during the photo ops thing....we all opted out of paying 40 dollars for a picture of someone...he is in fact just a human. But we did sneak some video footage of JB actually getting her picture made. For the fans of Kellan out there, we also got a little dancing action in, which is kind of funny.
Things I discovered at TwiCon:
1. The Hillywood Show:
I had heard about The Hillywood Show before TwiCon, but had never seen it. I am a HUGE fan now. The show was created by two sisters, Hillary (Hilly) and Hannah Hindi. It was originally just Hilly and thats why its The Hillywood Show. They are on youtube and now have a website http://thehillywoodshow.com/ They do parodies of movies and their Twilight parody was their big break. It is so good. These girls write, star in, choreograph, edit, and produce their own stuff. Their grandmother even makes all of their costumes. When they started making the Twilight Parody they had actually never read the books. They are INCREDIBLY talented...and INCREDIBLY nice and open about who they are and what they do. Literally after watching the Twilight parody and then The Dark Knight parody I am in awe at the mad skills of these two girls. They aren't sponsored by anyone and both of the girls work as dance instructors. All the money they make goes into the films. Hannah is the oldest and is 23 and Hilly is 19. They are touring with TwiCon and hosting the events. You guys should really check them out.
2. TwiMoms:
I am very disturbed by the "Twilight Moms" who are here. We sit in front of them. These women straight up shocked me. Meghan, Tori and JB warned me about them but I guess I just thought they were exaggerating....they were not. These women, who had drinks in their hand before even noon, were completely inappropriate, most of the time, in language and in dress. It was pretty sad. During Ashley Green's Q and A someone commended her for being a good role model for girls and for not getting caught up in questionable scenes like most "20 somethings" stars. The moms behind us applauded loudly in aggreeance. I was also shocked at this. Moms...be the role model you want your children to have. Dont pass that off on some celebrity. If you dont want your child "partying" or "hanging out with the wrong people" dont be blind and dont let them. I am so thankful that my mom was not only a great role model but she was also not the blind kind and we knew that. I'm all about Moms reading Twilight. My mom has. I am 100% for moms being involved in what their children read. I remember my mom reading Harry Potter at the same time as Jameson, and I'm all for that. I am also all about moms bringing their kids to these things. Meeting actors/actresses is a big deal to kids. The kids here are also just eating up being in TwiWorld for a few days and that's great. However, moms if you do this…stay clean and stay appropriate. Because of this and other things, we saw the 4Pack is going to try and get a video of "Things that are appropriate and things that are inappropriate at TwiCon." Look for it as well as other videos by the 4Pack at thepa4ck on youtube. (We havent made it yet so it wont be up for a while....there wont be anything up until that video goes up...then it should be fairly regular)
3. Character Development: (a happy random finding)
I have gotten back into writing and recently come up with a great way for character development. I am very excited about this as it was something I really struggled with. I can’t wait to get back and get started on some projects. Sidenote: JB and I both like to write and we discussed our latest stories with each other at dinner last night. So fun!
This weekend has in fact been very fun hanging out with the 4Pack. I am very excited about the upcoming week as well. I only have to work Monday and Tuesday. Then starts a week of very fun events… Tuesday night I meet the 4Pack, my mom, Jamis, and several friends for the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. The 4Pack will be bringing that to you as well. Interviews, Costume Contests, even the telling of JB's first date that happened to be at the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban midnight premiere. That is an excellent and slightly painful story. I hope to get it up next week and once I do, I encourage everyone to watch it. She is a great story teller and the fact that this was in fact her first date...you'll just have to watch it. On Wednesday, we, the 4Pack are hoping to have a photo shoot for our Vlog, our opening video and our website, which is coming soon. Then MELINDA SEARS gets back from her year in France with Campus Crusade!!!!! I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am about that!! I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE HER!! She hasn’t seen Twilight and so we'll all watch it again, which will probably be a little weird after seeing the actors in it. We are also going to watch HBP with her again. I am so excited about this next week!!
Pics are up on facebook, they'll be up here soon hopefully.
Peace~hillary
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
A little something annoying....
Things have been a little crazy the past few days. Meghan, Tori, JB and I are working on a little project. I will try to keep posting over the next week, but I am going to be busy building websites, youtube accounts, making vlog videos etc.
So I was going through packages of construction paper the other day at work. I noticed something, in all of the packages of paper, the orange and the blue paper were beside each other. Why in the world would anyone want to put those two colors together is beyond me. All I have to say is I separated them in all the packages of paper....Roll Tide! I would post more, but I am at home currently with Mom, Bethany, Meghan, Tori, and Taylor watching Knowing and its kinda suspenseful.
So I was going through packages of construction paper the other day at work. I noticed something, in all of the packages of paper, the orange and the blue paper were beside each other. Why in the world would anyone want to put those two colors together is beyond me. All I have to say is I separated them in all the packages of paper....Roll Tide! I would post more, but I am at home currently with Mom, Bethany, Meghan, Tori, and Taylor watching Knowing and its kinda suspenseful.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Crazy Days
I work at a daycare. I dont know if you have ever had to keep more than say 5 kids at a time...that are the same age, and not yours. If you're alone, it isnt any fun. That was my life this week. After a week off from the beach, I returned to a week with a class alone. The other woman I work with was on vacation this week. It amazes me that just one child can make such a difference in the day being a generally good one, or a bad. Wednesday went pretty nicely. We even made American flags for a craft. I had rallied a little help by Wednesday and convinced my boss to let someone come in, but he had to leave by three to go up the hill to the 3/4s class. That wasnt a big deal until people started leaving at 3. At 3 I inherited the four 1s, and by 4:00 I had my six kids, the four ones and the 2 babies. Ten kids is not always a big deal but when 2 are in diapers, four are potty training, and six you still have to stay on to go to the potty, it gets a bit overwhelming. We made it through the day though. After working in a daycare for a year these are 25 general things Meghan, and the two women we work with have observed.
1. What’s acceptable when dressing your child in a Onesie
a. potty training and does not attend a daycare…acceptable
b. potty training and does attend a daycare…not acceptable
c. pre potty training, goes to a daycare and wears a onsie…acceptable.
d. pre potty training, goes to a daycare and wears two or more onesies…not acceptable
e. pre potty training, does not attend daycare and wears two or more onesies…perfectly acceptable
*also the onsie/overall combination is not exactly appreciated but is often cute and is in fact acceptable
2. When you drop your child off, if he/she is crying they will be fine within a few minutes, if they aren’t crying do not stay until they do.
3. “Shirley style” is the only form of effective discipline
4. Kids never want the food you give them, they always prefer your food or the food on the floor to their own
5. All kids understand “No” don’t be fooled
6. If a child can tell you he has pottied in his/her diaper it’s time to start potty training, if your child can walk up to you and tell you that they have peed or pooped in their diaper, it is past time to start potty training
7. Dora the Explorer and the Backyardigans gang become your best friends
8. Too much “Elmo’s world” is enough to drive anyone crazy
9. Sesame street has step dancing- which is a big hit
10. The teacher/child ratio was established for a reason and should always be met…..sometimes its still not enough
11. Whiners are wieners
12. It becomes easy to tell the leaders from the followers
13. You cant just let things slide, ever
14. Nap time is a gift from God
15. Bad company really does corrupt good morals
16. Some kids really do just like to disobey
17. Books are destroyed fast
18. Crayons must taste good
19. Cupcakes with loads of icing and one/two years olds….really?
20. Sometimes Mountain Dew has an opposite effect from an already crazy child
21. Your child’s initials should be on everything you care about being returned to you.
22. Kids feed off of each other
23. Boxes and buckets are more fun than toys
24. Parents who give the worker the benefit of the doubt are appreciated
25. Kids are hilarious and awesome
1. What’s acceptable when dressing your child in a Onesie
a. potty training and does not attend a daycare…acceptable
b. potty training and does attend a daycare…not acceptable
c. pre potty training, goes to a daycare and wears a onsie…acceptable.
d. pre potty training, goes to a daycare and wears two or more onesies…not acceptable
e. pre potty training, does not attend daycare and wears two or more onesies…perfectly acceptable
*also the onsie/overall combination is not exactly appreciated but is often cute and is in fact acceptable
2. When you drop your child off, if he/she is crying they will be fine within a few minutes, if they aren’t crying do not stay until they do.
3. “Shirley style” is the only form of effective discipline
4. Kids never want the food you give them, they always prefer your food or the food on the floor to their own
5. All kids understand “No” don’t be fooled
6. If a child can tell you he has pottied in his/her diaper it’s time to start potty training, if your child can walk up to you and tell you that they have peed or pooped in their diaper, it is past time to start potty training
7. Dora the Explorer and the Backyardigans gang become your best friends
8. Too much “Elmo’s world” is enough to drive anyone crazy
9. Sesame street has step dancing- which is a big hit
10. The teacher/child ratio was established for a reason and should always be met…..sometimes its still not enough
11. Whiners are wieners
12. It becomes easy to tell the leaders from the followers
13. You cant just let things slide, ever
14. Nap time is a gift from God
15. Bad company really does corrupt good morals
16. Some kids really do just like to disobey
17. Books are destroyed fast
18. Crayons must taste good
19. Cupcakes with loads of icing and one/two years olds….really?
20. Sometimes Mountain Dew has an opposite effect from an already crazy child
21. Your child’s initials should be on everything you care about being returned to you.
22. Kids feed off of each other
23. Boxes and buckets are more fun than toys
24. Parents who give the worker the benefit of the doubt are appreciated
25. Kids are hilarious and awesome
The last book I finished was Hunchback of Notre Dame. It took a while to get into but once I did I began to fall in love with the book. Notre Dame is now among my top 5 places to see one day....possibly my top 3.
This is the quote that got me hooked. I plan on doing that one day. Perhaps my "elevated point" will be Sacre Coeur.
And if you would receive from the ancient city an impression that the modern cannot provide, go up (on the morning of some high holiday, at sunrise on Easter or Pentecost) to some elevated point from which you may overlook the whole capital, and listen to the awakening of the bells. Behold at a sign from heaven, because it comes from the Sun itself, those thousand churches trembling all at once. At first a faint tinkling passes from church to church, as when musicians give notice that they are going to begin. Then see, for at certain times the ear too seems to be endowed with sight- see how, all of a sudden, at the same moment, there rises from each steeple as it were a column of sound, a cloud of harmony. At first the vibration of each bell rises straight, pure and in a manner separate from that of the others, into the splendid morning sky; then, swelling by degrees, they blend, melt, intermingle, and amalgamate into a magnificent concert.
I was actually pretty disappointed it was over. And for the record....there can not be a Hunchback of Notre Dame 2. Read the book...it's better.
This is the quote that got me hooked. I plan on doing that one day. Perhaps my "elevated point" will be Sacre Coeur.
And if you would receive from the ancient city an impression that the modern cannot provide, go up (on the morning of some high holiday, at sunrise on Easter or Pentecost) to some elevated point from which you may overlook the whole capital, and listen to the awakening of the bells. Behold at a sign from heaven, because it comes from the Sun itself, those thousand churches trembling all at once. At first a faint tinkling passes from church to church, as when musicians give notice that they are going to begin. Then see, for at certain times the ear too seems to be endowed with sight- see how, all of a sudden, at the same moment, there rises from each steeple as it were a column of sound, a cloud of harmony. At first the vibration of each bell rises straight, pure and in a manner separate from that of the others, into the splendid morning sky; then, swelling by degrees, they blend, melt, intermingle, and amalgamate into a magnificent concert.
I was actually pretty disappointed it was over. And for the record....there can not be a Hunchback of Notre Dame 2. Read the book...it's better.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Here are the rules:
1) Go to your photo files… Select the 6th photo folder or album.
2) Select the 6th photo in that folder/album.
3) Post that photo along with the story behind it.
4) Then challenge some blog friends to do the same!
I dont know how many bloggers will read this, so I'm not going to tag it but I thought it was fun....plus I dont know that I know how to tag people yet
I was actually pleased that my Lake Santa Fe album was the 6th one. This picture is a typical morning at Lake Santa Fe. On the Winter (Pugh)(Gordon) side of my family there are 10 cousins, 6 girls and 4 boys. When we all went to my grandparents house all the girls slept on the floor. If it was at the Lake House we slept in the main room. Every day we "fought" over who got to sleep by Katie (Kizziah) and Bethany. It looks like Mackenzie and I got to sleep by Katie and Tori and Dabney by Bethany. I also love that Katie is up (Dabney too) and we are all still sleeping. The Winters are not ones to naturally wake up early. I also have Rajah....of course. The last thing I notice about this picture is that I am sleeping under the fish. Above me is where the room we are in divides with the living room and on the wall in the doorway is a mounted fish. I'm not sure I know the story behind it but I was always scared it would fall on me.
1) Go to your photo files… Select the 6th photo folder or album.
2) Select the 6th photo in that folder/album.
3) Post that photo along with the story behind it.
4) Then challenge some blog friends to do the same!
I dont know how many bloggers will read this, so I'm not going to tag it but I thought it was fun....plus I dont know that I know how to tag people yet
I was actually pleased that my Lake Santa Fe album was the 6th one. This picture is a typical morning at Lake Santa Fe. On the Winter (Pugh)(Gordon) side of my family there are 10 cousins, 6 girls and 4 boys. When we all went to my grandparents house all the girls slept on the floor. If it was at the Lake House we slept in the main room. Every day we "fought" over who got to sleep by Katie (Kizziah) and Bethany. It looks like Mackenzie and I got to sleep by Katie and Tori and Dabney by Bethany. I also love that Katie is up (Dabney too) and we are all still sleeping. The Winters are not ones to naturally wake up early. I also have Rajah....of course. The last thing I notice about this picture is that I am sleeping under the fish. Above me is where the room we are in divides with the living room and on the wall in the doorway is a mounted fish. I'm not sure I know the story behind it but I was always scared it would fall on me.
Monday, June 29, 2009
25 Random Things
I couldnt decide how to start this blog so I decided to cheat and start with one of those 25 random facts from facebook.
1. I love books….I love collecting them, I love reading them….books are great and ALWAYS better than the movie
2. As of this year I have lived in Alabama longer than I did in Texas, and even though Alabama is home for me…I was raised (or brainwashed) with Texas Pride and when asked what I think the best state is the natural answer is Texas
3. I love to travel. I have been out of the country 7 times, to Honduras (5 times) and Italy and Canada. I love flying.
4. I am a typical middle child: misunderstood, ignored etc. We are the best, no question.
5. I’m an old school Disney fan. There is no Little Mermaid 2 or Cinderella 3. They all lived happily ever after, end of story. I have yet to play a person I cant beat in Disney Scene It. When I was younger, I watched Aladdin and Mary Martin’s Peter Pan every day. I also loved Ducktales, Darkwing Duck, Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers, Looney Toons and Tiny Toons...
6. I never thought I would read the Harry Potter books but I read the first 5 in about 3 days when I was sick once, and have now read them more than once. After I got Meghan addicted
7. I’m part of a gang…it’s called Big Delores. We like to hang out at Deacon’s Crib.
8. I hate cheesy Christian quotes, billboards, signs, bumper stickers, shirts
9. I love coloring but am a little OCD about it…For example, Belle is a brunette and Ariel’s hair is never purple. Rajah’s strips are black, not multicolored. I also have a small collection of crayons…a few hundred or so, all organized by colors.
10. My name means hilarious
11. My favorite games include Signs, Catch Phrase, Cosmic Catch, Scattogories and Apples to Apples.
12. I love driving and listening to my music loud enough I cant hear myself sing
13. I love Alabama Football and Julio Jones. I just don’t understand Auburn football or why anyone would be a fan…it doesn’t make sense to me.
14. I'm a hardcore LOST and 24 fan. Tony disappointed me and I want to see more Jacob.
15. I started working with kids about a year ago and despite how crazy they are I discovered I love kids
16. I could watch the Kiera Knightly Pride and Prejudice at any point of any day and more than once a day.
17. I have been hit by a train and mugged at gunpoint...
18. I tend to get overly obsessive about things…I like to say I’m just passionate….others say obsessive
19. I dont like country music, orange juice that hasn’t come from Lake Santa Fe or the phone
20. Every year for Easter my family color coordinates. We pick two colors, then all the girls dresses have to be at least one of the two. The guys also match with their tie and shirt. It’s a pretty big deal and it’s pretty awesome.
21. Tulips are my favorite flowers.
22. My family is very big and very close. Immediate and extended, they are by far the best.
23. I have loved to read fiction by Christian authors for years, and have recently begun to love and appreciate other great fiction works. Most recently I read The Hunchback of Notre Dame…its among my favorites.
24. I believe there are certain doctrines that hold the Christian faith together and without which our faith crumbles. i.e. the Trinity, the divinity and humanity of Christ, the work of the cross, etc.
25. My favorite place in the world is Lake Santa Fe in Florida, my favorite person in the world is my nephew Sterling....I dont just think he's the most precious and beautiful baby in the world because he's my nephew....he just is. It's a fact.
wouldn't he be yours?
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