A Young Maiden's Daybook--Entry #8

Today...

April 27, 2009

Outside my window...

It's all wet and rainy

I am thinking...

About my old foster sister... (We just recently got back in touch with her.)

I am thankful for...

God's constant protection over my family!

I am wearing...

A long black skirt with a black shirt

I am reading...

The Bible, Anne Frank, The Story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, The Bible Jesus Read, Christy, Out of the Dust

I am creating...

Nothing in particular right now. Although, I am still working on my notebook.

One of my favorite things...

The curly hair God gave me! :)

For education this week...

Same as always!

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning...

Cooking, baking, doing the budget

A spiritual lesson I'm learning...

About the fourth fruit of the Spirit: Patience

A godly character trait I plan to work on...

My patience!

Scripture I am memorizing...

Galatians

I am praying for...

God to give me patience in all things, but especially in my home. That is definitely one of my weaknesses!

For the rest of this week...

School, church, visiting the library, and hosting the unit study at our house on Thursday (which means we'll definitely be doing a lot of house cleaning!)

A picture I'd like to share...

These are some of our guineas standing on our pool. They like to look at their relfections in the water!

If you would like to find out more about participating in A Young Maiden's Daybook, click HERE.

Another "Sister Day" :)

This afternoon Mom and sis #1 left to get church work accomplished and run to the bank, post office, etc. While they were gone sisters #2 and #3 and I had a tea party and ate leftover chicken salad from Family Ministry last night! (If you don't already know, we really like to drink hot tea!) I also thought it would be nice to read them a chapter from the book "Beautiful Girlhood". We've owned the book for a few months now, but still I had not read it yet. We only read the first chapter today.

Afterwards, they were asking if we could make some kind of dough for them to play with. They had apparently done it before with sis #1, so they just told me what to do. (I honestly wasn't sure how it would work out, but I figured it wouldn't hurt anything to try!) These were all the ingredients they had me use:

Okay, so the cook book and pretty towel were only for show! :)

The whole process of mixing the unmeasured ingredients together took no time at all. They were begging me to add sugar to it, but I kept reminding them that our purpose in making this dough was NOT to eat it but to play with it. Still they persisted in their asking, as if each time they told me it was a brand new idea they'd just thought up. It was quite comical really. Here's a picture of our decent-looking dough: (I must say I was rather impressed!)

Okay, I'm not really sure why it rotated the picture after downloading it onto Blogger. It was turned the right way when I selected it. Oh, well. I guess you get the "picture"!

Anyway... for some reason I ended up leaving the kitchen for a few seconds and came back to find sis #3 sitting over the bowl with dark green ALL over her hands, and this:



Yes, I was shocked. Also a little upset to find that she decided to use most of the food coloring we had stored in our pantry to decorate our play-dough. Let me tell you, it's never ending in our house! :) So, the whole mixing of the food coloring didn't really work out quite right, considering the substance we had created was very thick and wouldn't stir at all. Oh, well. They did get to play with it and they enjoyed every bit of it, which was good. What's funny is if you know sis #2, then you know she always has some logical or reasonable solution. So here it is:

Sis #2: (Sitting at the island with the dough) "Look Tay! I just made a really awesome thing."
Taylor: (Sitting over at the table) "I'm sure you did. What is it?"
Sis #2: "Well, if you want to know, you're gonna have to come over here."
Taylor: "Okay... Hold on." (Finally walks over)
Sis #2: "See. Can you guess what it is?"
Taylor: "Of course. It's Texas." (Acting not too impressed. (Keep in mind, they've shown me a hundred things by now.))
Sis #2: "Yep. And the yellow and green colors make it look like the weather forcast on T.V.!"
OKAY, so I was actually rather impressed after that! You can always count on sis #2 to come up with something like that.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share what was taking place in our kitchen this afternoon. I'm glad I made the decision to take pictures as it all unfolded. It was definitely worth doing because of the story we had to go along with it! There's certainly never a dull moment. For those who know me, I'm sure it was funny to picture me (the serious, boring sister) in the kitchen with those two!
~We had a good time, and I'm glad we did it! God bless and have a beautiful day!

A Young Maiden's Daybook--Entry #7

Good afternoon, everyone!

This will be the first time I have two daybook entries in a row! Sorry about that. Hopefully I will be able to post more this week. I didn't realize I neglected my blog for so long! LOL!

Enjoy the rest of your day! God bless you all.

Today...


April 20, 2009


Outside my window...


It's bright and sunny with no clouds in the sky!


I am thinking...


About what I need to get done for a school project I'm working on.


I am thankful for...


God's greatness!


I am wearing...


A long black skirt with large pink flowers and a pink shirt


I am reading...


The Bible, The Story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, Love's Enduring Promise (still!), The Bible Jesus Read, Out of the Dust, and Christy


I am creating...


A notebook I titled "The Time of the Holocaust--1933-1945" It will have different collections of mini reports, pictures, facts, testimonies, etc. from that time period. I'm also planning to include some different stories and documents from when my Dad's grandfather was captured as a POW. He was even in the "The Shoe Leather Express (the Death March)". Yes, he was a survivor. Anyway, that should be interesting!


One of my favorite things...


Worhsipping the Lord in song!


For education this week...


In-depth US history, physical science, Bible, literature, math, Spanish, ASL, and we're also participating in a 6-week, small unit study on the Holocaust.


A keeper at home skill I am using/learning...


Cooking, baking and the family budget


A spiritual lesson I am learning...


About the third fruit of the Spirit: Peace.


A godly character trait I plan to work on...


Being a servant and a witness.


Scripture I am memorizing...


Galatians


I am praying for...


God to strengthen my family to accomplish His will in our life. We're standing firm. We're standing up. Lord, may we not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. (Gal 6:9) ...Looking forward to seeing that promise fulfilled!


For the rest of this week...


Schoolwork, chores, church, supposed to be going w/ grandparents for chemo. (But I'm guessing his platelets will be low. They usually are every other time, which means we have to wait until next week.)


A picture I'd like to share...

I just saw this picture of our barn and thought it looked pretty neat. The formation of the clouds for some reason reminded me of "the clouds be rolled back as a scroll..." from the song "It is Well". I guess it's because of the way the front looks like it's being "rolled back" maybe... I don't know! That's just what popped into my head when I saw it!

If you would like to find out more about participating in A Young Maiden's Daybook, click HERE.

A Young Maiden's Daybook--Entry #6

Today... April 13, 2009

Outside my window...

It looks like it might rain, although it's not in the forecast!

I am thinking...

About going to see The Widow's Might in theaters today! (To find a theater near you, click here.)

I am thankful for...

The empty tomb!

I am wearing...

My black pleated skirt with a long-sleeve button-up b&w blouse.

I am reading...

The Bible, Love's Enduring Promise, The Bible Jesus Read, Christy, Out of the Dust

I am creating...

Well, my Mom is supposed to be sewing a large curtain for our church's puppet stage. We're hoping that goes well!

One of my favorite things...

Spending time with my grandparents!

For education this week...

In-depth US history, Physical science, Bible, Literature, Math, Spanish, ASL

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning...

Cooking, baking, and working the family budget.

A spiritual lesson I am learning...

About the second fruit of the Spirit: Joy!

A godly character trait I plan to work on...

Being radiant in godliness, holiness, and testimony! (Shining my B.R.I.G.H.T. light!) :)

Scripture I am memorizing...

Galatians

I am praying for...

Myself to be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances!

For the rest of this week...

School, church, going to the movies, and nothing else new that I can think of.

A picture I'd like to share...

This is from our church's Christmas drama on the life of Christ last year. (I was Mary and my Dad was Joseph!)

"This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses." Acts 2:32

If you'd like to find out more about participating in A Young Maiden's Daybook, click here.

. . .It's Sunday!

"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him:

'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'

"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact."

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Acts 2:22-32, 36

He is risen! Let us praise His holy name! I pray you all have a supernaturally blessed week! To God be the glory forever. Amen! :)

Choosing to Remember in a World That Forgets

Last night we had a Good Friday service with our church. It was very nice. Our pastor preached about how man's helplessness, God's sovereign grace, and the cross were all predestined before the creation of the world. It was a really good sermon, but there was one thing that impacted me more than anything else: Remembrance.

Our most important ordinance that Christ gave before His crucifixion was The Lord's Supper, which has been continued since then. Why? Because Christ commands us to do it in remembrance of Him. I don't know why this affected me the way it did. It's something I've known all my life and have been raised in. It's just that the spiritual condition of the world today is continually declining. By partaking in The Lord's Supper we are choosing to remember something the world encourages us to forget. Last night my Dad, sister #2, me, and another couple from church went to Wal-Mart for the purpose of witnessing to people about Christ. I was very shocked by how many people did not know the true reason for celebrating the holiday widely known as Easter. It just goes to prove that Christ is not being remembered the way He should be, as our Savior.

So, I encourage you to do something today that goes against the nature of this world. Remember. Remember the holy birth of Jesus. Remember the perfect, sinless life He lived. Remember the truths that He spoke. Remember the prayers He prayed. Remember the lives He changed. Remember the miracles He performed. Remember the love that He showed. Remember the parables He taught. Remember the bread He broke. Remember the wine he drank. Remember the road He took to Calvary. Remember the cross on which He was hanged. Remember the wrath that He bore. Remember the life that He gave. Remember the grace He so freely gives. Remember the helpless state of man, how lost we would be without the redemptive work of Christ. Remember His glorious resurrection and the empty tomb! And remember, He's coming back!

It's Friday. . .

A great video. An awesome reminder. So turn up the volume and watch! (REMEMBER TO SILENCE MY PLAYLIST FIRST!)






I just have to shout HALLELUJAH! Praise God!
TO BE CONTINUED. . .

I've Been Tagged

Okay, I've been tagged again by Lindsay! (What's funny is some of my answers are similar to hers!) Anyway, here goes...

What do you enjoy most?
Being at our "family table"! I love it. (See Doug Phillips' sermons on "The Family Table")

What are some lessons you have taken?
Swimming, cake decorating (it didn't last long!), and art (but I'm not very talented in that area!).

Your favorite authors?
Janette Oke, Francine Rivers, and God! :) (There are more, I just can't think of them right now.)

What do you like to sing in the shower?
It changes frequently! I always go around with songs "stuck" in my head.

Have you ever broken any bones?
No.

What languages do you want to learn?
Hebrew!!! I already know "Jesus", "Lord", and "the Holy Spirit"! :)

What Jane Austen movie is your favorite?
Pride and Prejudice (the newer version)

What are your favorite books of the Bible?
Esther, Job, Proverbs, John, Galatians, Philippians, Hebrews, James, 1 John, Revelation

Your favorite singers?
Rebecca St. James, Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Barlow Girl

Your favorite types of music?
Worship and Hymns

Your favorite animals?
Dogs (Labs and Golden Retrievers), Lions, and Monkeys!

Your favorite things about nature?
The sky (I love clouds!)

If you were suddenly dropped into a movie, which movie would you like to be in?
Love Comes Softly, Love's Enduring Promise, Loves Long Journey, Loves Abiding Joy, Loves Unending Legacy, Loves Unfolding Dream (Any of the Love Saga movies, but my favorite is definitely the first one.)

If you could go back to any time period, where would you go?
Probably the late 1800's and early 1900's. I love movies set in that time period!

What are you favorite writing projects you have done/are doing?
I'm not sure.

Your favorite fictional characters?
The Ingalls family (Little House on the Prairie) or Clark and Marty Davis (Love Comes Softly)

What phrases do you say/write the most often?
"I know!", "That's funny.", and "Really?"

How tall are you?
5'1" ...oh yeah, and a quarter!

Your favorite piece of jewelry?
My purity ring and the cross necklace my Pa-pa gave me.

Who do you tag next to answer all these questions themselves?
All who would enjoy doing this!

May the Lord bless you and keep you today and always! <3

A Young Maiden's Daybook--Entry #5

Today...

April 6, 2009

Outside my window...

It's very sunny, chilly, and windy.

I am thinking...

About what I am going to eat for lunch. I'm starving!

I am thankful for...

The beautiful spring weather. (It won't last long!)

I am wearing...

A long skirt with blue, black, gray, and tan colors & a tan t-shirt.

I am reading...

The Bible, Love's Enduring Promise, The Bible Jesus Read, Christy, and Out of the Dust... that's a lot of books! (Some are for school.)

I am creating...

A skit for this week's puppet show.

One of my favorite things...

Reading good books!

For education this week...

In-depth US History, Physical Science, Bible, Literature, Math, Spanish, ASL

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning...

Cooking, baking, AND BUDGETING! Eek! :)

A spiritual lesson I'm learning...

About the first fruit of the Spirit: love.

A godly character trait I plan to work on...

~LOVE~ Showing and sharing my love for the Lord and others around me!

Scripture I am memorizing...

My Mom and I are memorizing Galatians. So far I've got: "Paul an apostle--sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead--and all the brothers with me, to the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age..." Yea! I did it! That's verses 1-4a of the first chapter. (We've got quite a ways to go!)

I am praying for...

Many different things. I can never list them all! For myself, though, I am praying that God would teach me to love as Christ loved us and that He would fill me with that love! <3

For the rest of this week...

School and church

A picture I'd like to share...

This is actually a picture taken by a couple from our church when they visited Israel last year. These flowers are just beautiful!

If you would like to find out more about participating in A Young Maiden's Daybook, click HERE.

The Widows Might in Theaters April 13th!

Yes, it's true! The Widow's Might will be showing in select theaters only, and for a limited time. We are actually considering going to the nearest theater to see it on opening day! We already own the "festival" edition on DVD and it is definitely our favorite movie now. We just think it would be great to support everyone behind HeuMoore productions. It is a very good, God-honoring, family film that all are sure to enjoy. To find out more about the film and the people behind it, click here. (Oh, and be sure to silence my playlist before watching the trailer I've posted below. You will find it at the bottom of my blog. ...Enjoy!)
60 Second Trailer Spot, Widow's Might from John Moore on Vimeo.">http://
60 Second Trailer Spot, Widow's Might from John Moore on Vimeo.

Sisters

Today our parents are gone visiting a Messianic Jewish synagogue with another couple from our church. It's a really long story worth telling, but just not right now! :) Needless to say, us four girls are home today by ourselves. Many times when we are left to ourselves on a day like this we enjoy playing with each other's hair, makeup, and having a tea party! So, today was just like any other. We woke up and had cinnamon rolls for breakfast... a nice rare treat! Then we got busy! The funny thing is that each of my sisters have naturally straight hair, while mine is naturally curly. So... what did we do? We curled their hair and straightened mine! LOL! Below is a picture we managed to take with a self-timer! (It was fun playing with that!)
From left to right: Sis #1, Sis #2, Me, and Sis #3. Yes, I really am the oldest. It's just that I stopped growing when I turned 12! Ha!Ha! (We're all looking forward to seeing if Sis #3 passes me up as well). :)
Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying their day! God bless you all.

Life Through the Spirit

Last month was filled with much activity and excitement for our family for sure. There was nothing significant really to make note of, we just had so much going on. Now that a new month has started I am excited to see what God has in store for us each day. I wanted to take the opportunity right quick to share what's been on my heart the last few weeks.

I just started a personal Bible study a couple of weeks ago on the fruit of the Spirit, and it's been very encouraging and spiritually uplifting. The entire study is based around the theme of living life in the Spirit--living beyond yourself. It's amazing to think that God's Spirit has been present since the creation of this world: "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the water." (Gen. 1:2, emphasis mine!) It gives me chills to think about that! :)

I'm so thankful that God has given us His Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 lists many ways that the Spirit meets the needs of the church and individual believers. Many different gifts are given which include: the message of wisdom; message of knowledge; faith; gifts of healing; miraculous powers; prophecy; distinguishing between spirits; speaking in different kinds of tongues; and interpretation of tongues. The Holy Spirit manifests itself in us and develops fruit in the lives of believers! "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22)

One of the things that has been so inspiring and eye-opening to me is the fact that we have so much power living inside of us, as born-again believers in Jesus Christ! The thing is, we can sometimes quench this power. Therefore, we have to be very careful to see and recognize when this is happening, and do something about it! :) The Bible warns us of this in 1 Thessalonians 5:19: "Do not put out the Spirit's fire..." Ephesians 4:30 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." It then goes on to list ways in which we can prevent this: "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ forgave you." (Eph. 4:31, 32)

What greater encouragement could we receive than to know that the Spirit of the living God is inside each of us!? I just want to encourage all readers to continue living each day for the Lord, allowing His Holy Spirit to comfort, lead and guide you in all truth! Life in the Spirit is definitely exciting! May I never hinder the working of the Holy Spirit in my life. At one point, the study had me write my own paraphrase of 1 John 4:4 which says, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." My paraphrase? "With Christ in you there is always hope and sure victory over evil. We are a new creation, able to overcome. The Lord reigns over all and is greater than the most severe evil. He will overcome. Praise God!"