For Fun...

I decided to join the blog party being hosted by Shannon at Below the Plateau!  It includes several Etsy-sponsored giveaways, and also involves creating your own party post and answering some fun tag questions.  So...  Let's get started!

•  Ring! Ring! You receive a phone call from a national sweepstakes organization saying that you have won a life-time supply of your favorite beverage!! What would that drink be?

A caramel one to be exact.

Okay, so maybe this isn't technically considered a "drink"

...but it would be my pick anyway! ;)
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• If you could live in a Jane Austen novel, which book would you pick?  What character would you be?

From Pride & Prejudice

Honestly, this is the only Jane Austen book I've ever read!
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• What is your theme song, that favorite song that absolutely matches you?

• You are trapped on a deserted island. Your only supplies are the clothes you have on, and a box with five things in it. What are those five things?

#1  My Bible

#2 Matches

#3 Knife

#4 Pillow

#5 Blanket

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• Chocolate or Caramel?

Chocolate for sure. =)
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• Vacation! If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I think that would be Israel... or Rome... or Hawaii.  Yeah.  Definitely Africa. :D  I'm so indecisive!  I really would like to visit Israel though. 
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• If forced to do one of the two, which would you do: sky diving or scuba diving? Why?

I think I would rather sky dive because I've always been kinda leery about ocean water.  I'd rather jump out of the sky at 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 feet. lol!
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• Favorite TV show, and why?

Duggars: 19 Kids and Counting

It's encouraging to me because the Duggars share a lot of our same beliefs... and it's fun to see how their large family interacts and functions on a day-to-day basis! 
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• Are you a coffee and donuts sorta lady, or a tea and scones type of gal?

In the past I think I would have leaned more towards tea and scones... but I sure LOVE doughnuts and I've recently started drinking coffee (after being dead-set against it for so long!)  I have to say, I'm starting to really like love it. :)   So... does "all of the above" count?
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• The time machine has finally been created, and you are the first to be able to use it! What era would you travel too?

Sometime during the 1800's - early 1900's.  Don't ask me why.  For some reason I'm really fascinated by the thought that it really wasn't toooo long ago, yet things were so different!  I like to think about the fact that those were the times my grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents lived as well. :)
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• What is the last movie you watched?

A few minutes of Pearl Harbor on television.
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• Ding-dong!!! Your favorite actor/singer/celebrity is at your front door! Who would it be?

This is the best I could come up with.  For some reason my mind is drawing a blank!

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• What was your absolute favorite toy as a baby?

His name was Puppy.  (So original, right?)  Naturally, he was a puppy... but with a puppet mouth.
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• What types of blogs do you like best? (examples: DIY, cooking, journal, ect.)

I love blogs written by people who are 100% sold out to and in love with Jesus Christ.  They can be of any type and as long as it's obvious that Jesus is the center of their life, I love them! :)

• What is your favorite Bible verse, your "life verse?"

"Come near to God and he will come near to you."  James 4:8 

Alright, that was a lot of fun!  I'm glad I was finally able to get this posted.  (I've been working on it a little "here and there" for the last few days.)  I pray you have a very blessed week, everyone! :)

::Update on Dad::

A week ago Dad started having some symptoms that told us another lesion was growing.  We first noticed he was having trouble staying upright when walking.  For some reason he would naturally lean to the right and fall over if we didn't steady him.  It gradually grew worse and by last Thursday (a week ago) he was flat on his back in bed, unable to walk on his own.  Of course, Mom called his MS doctor that morning.  The doctor never ordered an MRI but he did order 5-day steroid infusions to be administered by a home health company as soon as possible.  That night Dad started vomiting each time he sat up or walked to the bathroom.  We also discovered that his double-vision had come back too. When Mom talked to an on-call physician they said it sounded like the lesion was growing at the bottom of the brain stem because a lesion in that location would cause all three of his current symptoms.  Needless to say, it wasn't until last Saturday that Dad got his first dose of steroids, making today his fifth and final day of treatment.   And thankfully, he is doing way better; he's able to walk on his own with only slight trouble, and the nausea and double vision are gone!  Thank you, Lord!! 

Each time that Dad has had a new lesion grow it's only progressed in severity.  This is the first time a lesion did not cause worse or more severe symptoms than the one before it!  In all actuality, this go-around wasn't anywhere near as hard as it has been in the past.  We're most definitely praising God for that victory. 

As far as overall treatment goes, Dad is supposed to start an MS drug sometime in the near future.  Right now we're in the process of getting things approved, etc.  We've prayed and prayed about it, and we continue to trust all things to the Lord.  He's the one responsible for opening doors that need to be opened and shutting those that need to be shut... So we're confident that if it's His will for Dad to take this drug then He'll make sure it happens!  If not, we know He'll prevent it.  Either way, God knows what's best and it's all in His hands.

Anyway, I thought I would type this update so everyone would know what's been going on.  Thank you to all of you who are praying.  As always, your prayers are greatly appreciated by our family. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

PRAISE THE LORD ALL THE EARTH. :)

New Blog Look... & Giveaways!

Yes, I finally did it.  After going so long with the same blog design I decided it was time for some change around here!  I'm still in the midst of tweaking a few things, but I think I've got the basic overall look.  Feel free to let me know what you think! ;)

(I think I'm going to miss her! lol)

As for the giveaways . . .

Lindsay is hosting a very special giveaway including some great fall lovelies! 

Eden is also having her own giveaway in celebration of her 1-year blogging anniversary!

Be sure to head on over and check both of these out!  You won't want to miss all the fun. ;)  Have a blessed evening!!

Wanna Learn More About Me?

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Well, this post is going to be filled with plenty of fun facts (i.e., I'm getting pretty good at going at least a week without posting--sorry about that!), my favorite things, and even a glimpse at what my handwriting looks like!  I hope you ENJOY . . . ♥

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First off, Abigail tagged me with this quick little questionnaire!  Thanks Abby! ;)

Country or city? Country for sure. :)

What is your favorite color?  P u r p l e 

How many states have you been to? Five

What is your favorite Bible verse? James 4:8 "Come near to God and he will come near to you."

What is your favorite song? That's a tough question! There's just too many to choose from. :)

Would you rather be inside or outside your house? Hahahahahaha...... everyone that knows me knows my answer..... That would be: inside my house.  Final answer. =)

Do you like pens or pencils? Pencils

What is your favorite memory? I have so many, but one that randomly comes to mind is playing with my sisters in our old backyard before any of us were teenagers. We lived in the city then, and had the PERFECT climbing tree and a wooden (log cabin) playhouse. We would oftentimes pretend the tree was a spaceship and we all had our special "spots" where we climbed up on to sit at our individual stations. We would also set up the playhouse to be a number of things such as a doctors office, McDonalds (lol), and even a mechanics auto shop with our own bays and an indoor "office" to boot! (Our Dad has always been an automotive mechanic and we loved visiting him at work and seeing what the environment was like at his job. :) Oh, and did I mention we used our bicycles as the "cars" that needed to be worked on?? That reminds me how every now and then we would even pretend the bikes were our horses. We would set up race tracks around the yard and even a few small ramps for our horses to "jump". ;)

Okay, that was one big memory. :D Now I'll pass this tag along to anyone who sees it and wants to give it a try!

Next, I've decided to do this "Handwriting" tag I saw going around for awhile. Here are the rules:

Write down the following, snap a picture (or scan the document), post it, and tag others.

#1 Name/Blog Name
#2 Right handed, left handed or both
#3 Favorite letters to write
#4 Least favorite letters to write

#5 Write: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

#6 Write in caps: CRAB HUMOR KALEIDOSCOPE PAJAMAS GAZILLION

#7 Favorite song lyrics

#8 Who you'd like to tag 
#9 Any special note or drawing

And here is the finished product... *drum roll*



*Don't mind the drawing that's slightly showing through
this sheet of paper.  That's just what happens when you
leave it lying on the desk without supervision BEFORE the
photo is taken.  I guess it's also Sister #3's technique of
sneaking her way into a blog post! lol  Tee Hee.... Well, it
worked! ;) (The funny part is that I didn't even notice it
until I was previewing this post. :D)

 Well, that concludes this "fun" post.  I really do hope you enjoyed reading.  :)  "Have a wonderful day!"

Patient Endurance

As I'm nearing the end of my Bible-in-a-year plan, I'm reading a lot of the book of Revelation. This particular book of the Bible is a mind-boggler for sure. It's amazing how much depth this book contains. It definitely requires reading with a discerning spirit! One phrase that has especially stood out to me these last couple of days is the words "patient endurance". Several times John tells us in the book of Revelation, "This calls for patient endurance." It was an eye-opener that got my mind going as I began to think about the many trials and tribulations that are now present, and those that are soon to come. Obviously, having patient endurance is a real key and plays a significant role in these things because the Lord repeatedly reminds us that we must patiently endure. Here is a quick excerpt from 2 Corinthians that gives an example of that which produces this "patient endurance":

"For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer." 2 Corinthians 1:5-7

However great or small, sufferings in this life will come.  Anyone who claims Christ Jesus as their Savior will in some way suffer for His name.  But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (1 Corinthians 15:57)

"This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus." Revelation 14:12
 

It's my prayer that the Lord will provide me with the ability to endure patiently through all the things he has planned for my life. Without His help I know it is impossible... but with God ALL things are possible! ;)

PRAISE THE LORD ALL THE EARTH!

Happy Sweet Sixteen ~ to My Little Sis . . .

Happy 16th birthday,

Sister #1

Sixteen Wonderful Things About You:

#1 Your smile

#2 Your funny sense of humor :D

#3 Your thoughtfulness

#4 Your creativeness

#5 Your ability to take care of and play

with children and babies so well

#6 Your resourcefulness when it comes to

working outdoors-where I'm not so resourceful!

#7 Your Christlike spirit

#8 Your love for reading

#9 Your ability to accomplish whatever you

set your mind to do

#10 Your confidence

#11 Your baking... it's always yum-o!

#12 Your pretty blonde hair and blue eyes

#13 Your amazing talent to mow large areas of

grass in no time at all. ;D

#14 Your beautiful singing voice

#15 Your hugs

#16 And last but not least...

the fact that you are always there for me when I need you.

We are definitely total opposites, and I know we

don't always get along, but whenever it comes to

doing something important it's been a tremendous blessing

to have you right there with me.  There are so many examples I

can think of when you and I had to work together to take care

of something.  And--by God's grace--we've always been able to get it done.  We really have been through so much together, and it's at times like this when I realize just how thankful I am to have YOU as my sister.  You are so special to me.  Thanks for everything.  I hope you have a wonderful, blessed birthday!!!

I love you SO much!

*Cough* *Sniffle* *Cough*

All last week I was sick with a terrible sore throat, fever, and congestion.  Yuck!  My mom and Sister #1 both had it a couple of weeks before, so I guess I was next in line. :)  I was able to visit the doctor's office on Thursday and tested positive for strep throat.  I've been on antibiotics since then and today feel SO much better.  Praise the Lord! 

There's nothing like being sick to help put things in better perspective for you.  It sure makes me realize just how easily I take my good health for granted.  There's always a reason to give thanks to God, and today I'm thanking him for my health. :)

"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  Proverbs 4:20-23

*So happy*

Dear friends, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all is well with you today!  (My paraphrase from 3 John 1:2 :)  Have a blessed week!

These Days ...

• I'm spending lots of time with my Daddy. 

I didn't realize just how much of each day I spend sitting around with my Dad, until he and my mom left for appointments all day Tuesday.  It was then that I realized after finishing my daily "tasks" that I had nothing to do.  I was so bored and couldn't figure out why it seemed like the day was dragging on.  Typically, it's the other way around and I feel like I'm trying to sqeeze in all my responsibilities and ideas for the day before its over.  So thanks for always keeping me occupied, Daddy! --Or maybe it's the other way around. ;)

• When I'm not with Dad, I'm spending time with Mom. :D

I've always enjoyed talking to my mom about everything.  We spend a lot of time together discussing our struggles, things that need to get done and how to do them, things that God has been showing us lately, or even what we're going to make for dinner that night, etc.  We really do talk about everything!  I'm so thankful for the closeness of our relationship.  It's so nice to really have a best friend you can tell everything to.  And that's exactly what she is to me! 

• I'm getting ready to start my homeschool Senior year.

                                                         ...And I can't wait to say this ↓  :D

I've been planning out my schedule and workload for the next school year, and I'm getting really excited about the prospect of graduating from "highschool".  I plan to start this year's curriculum the first week in September... That's only two weeks away! 

• I'm Driving

^ And here's the proof. :D

I've been doing quite a bit of driving around the area lately.  Whenever we need to make a grocery run or go on a few errands, I take the opportunity to add some hours to my time "behind the wheel".  I still only have my permit so one of my parents has to be sitting in the passenger seat, but I'm working on finally getting my license.  It's just a matter of time...... :)

• I'm about to complete my plan for reading through the Bible in a year...

For the second time!  I first took the challenge of reading my entire Bible through the course of a year in January of 2008.  I learned a lot through that year and was able to stick with the reading plan and finish in January of 2009.  ...A huge accomplishment for me!  For the next few months I enjoyed reading at my own pace.  Not until September did I feel the need to start following the plan again for three reasons: 

1. 
   
   Honestly, there were days when I failed to read my Bible at all because it simply didn't cross my mind.  With following the reading plan I was motivated to dig into Scripture every single day.  
2. 
   
   I remembered reading about a man who was in his 10th year of reading through the entire Bible.  Once he would finish, he would start all over again!  I decided there really wasn't a reason why I shouldn't continue reading through the whole Bible either.  Doing so would only be beneficial! :)
3. 
   
   Like I said in the beginning, I felt led to do it!

I'm excited about finishing, but of course that won't really be the end. ;)  I have so much more to gain in knowledge and depth of insight... I will continue reading until the day I die!  Or until Jesus comes back to get me.  Either one. :)

So there you have it!  That's an overall look at what I've been up to lately.  :)  I hope you enjoyed reading.  Have a blessed day everyone!