Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Psalm 103:1
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sam's Scrapbooking Snippets
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Psalm 103:1
Austin's Book Review & Story Corner
Go-carts, Grandpa and Me
By Austin
March 2011
Today we went to Grandpa Ron and Grandma Beverly’s. It was 9:30pm on Friday. We ate very late and it was cold outside. Jordan and I slept in the living room, but I could barely sleep because I wanted to ride the go-cart. Grandpa and I had worked on it the last time I was there.
The next morning I woke up and saw grandma. She was fixing breakfast and I was very hungry. Grandpa woke up and I said, “Hi grandpa! Good morning!”
After breakfast we went outside. Dad and grandpa pulled the go-cart out from the garage and brought it out in the field. I put my helmet on and Grandpa showed me where to drive it and it was very fun.
I was driving well so he said I could drive in the driveway. I drove around and around but something happened.
The go-cart died on me. Grandpa had to start it again and the engine kept dying on me. I went not too far and it stopped. We brought it in the garage and he worked on it. While I rode the other go-cart, Grandpa was trying to fix the newer go-cart.
It was starting to rain and thunder, so we went inside. When the rain stopped, we went outside and I rode in the mud. It was muddy but I still rode and got my clothes all dirty. It was fast!!!
I’m a Grizzly Bear
By Austin
September 22, 2011
I live in Alaska and have sharp claws. I am ten feet tall when I stand on two legs. I am a male. My food is deer, fish and other animals. Also, I eat nuts and berries. My color is brown.
My friend and I chase black bears with their cubs for fun! My favorite fish is salmon. I am a mammal and an omnivore. I have long hair that is brown and gray.
With my sharp teeth, I can rip apart the flesh of my prey. My top speed is 35 miles an hour. I get in big fights with a pack of arctic wolves once in awhile, but I would always win.
That’s what I would do if I were this animal?
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Perfect Mountain Life?
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live in clear air all the time? To have the mountains at your back, and a wide prairie awaiting you? Its breathtaking...unexplainable.
The book, Sunshine on Her Face is about a girl that had all that. She lived in a log cabin with her Ma, everything perfect and wonderful. Except...one thing.
Her Pa had left her...and that made her wonder. What is life's true purpose? What's her purpose???
To order a copy of this edition, please comment below.
~Samantha
Friday, March 9, 2012
Maidens were Never meant to be Men
~We read in storybooks or we see them in fairy tales... the dear, soft maidens that are kind and good-hearted. We read about them helping others, their modesty, their gentle and contrite spirit. And yet...was it really all that long ago that these things were an every day reality?
We want to nod our heads, and perhaps pull out a fairy tale book and point to the picture, saying, 'Maybe then, but not now.' When did it all change? When did maidens become.....masculine?
I think we've all seen it. Sometimes, at least to me, it seems like lots of things are backwards. Young men being trained into a feminine mindset, young women, being trained into a masculine mindset. No longer do the young men seem so important to the young women...the 1940's poster with the woman dressed in worker clothes, looking strong and independent. Is that when it all started?
When the war ended, the men came home, and no longer was it necessary for the women to work. But instead of going back to being a soft, gentle housewife, some liked the importance they felt when they worked...and some...slowly dropping the role that they carry as mother's being there at the home to make it home, they found something made seemed even more important. It made them feel...recognized.
The Proverbs 31 woman is this:
'The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household...................strength and honor are her clothing.......but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.'
I'm not saying that all the women of honor and a gentle, good heart has disappeared. That is not my point at all. I know that there are many good, kind, soft, honorable maidens of virtue out there. I know some. But my point is that as soon as we begin to think that are job as a mother, or as a young lady, begins to move more toward independence and high-spirited-we-can-do-it-without-the-guys sort of attitude, we slowly begin to slip into the wrong pair of shoes. Maidens were never meant to be men.
A few book that I very highly recommend on this subject, would be Millie's Faithful Heart (book 4 of the Life of Faith series) and Raising Maidens of Virtue. Both are remarkably beautiful books, that encourage the young lady inside every girl or woman, and press her forward to pursue her godly duties as a wife, mother, friend, sister, etc.
You will find, that as soon as you let the men be men, that the other things seem to fall in place as well.
We can't try to boss the husbands and fathers into success, but we have to lift them up, and let them fulfill their calling!
We want to nod our heads, and perhaps pull out a fairy tale book and point to the picture, saying, 'Maybe then, but not now.' When did it all change? When did maidens become.....masculine?
I think we've all seen it. Sometimes, at least to me, it seems like lots of things are backwards. Young men being trained into a feminine mindset, young women, being trained into a masculine mindset. No longer do the young men seem so important to the young women...the 1940's poster with the woman dressed in worker clothes, looking strong and independent. Is that when it all started?
When the war ended, the men came home, and no longer was it necessary for the women to work. But instead of going back to being a soft, gentle housewife, some liked the importance they felt when they worked...and some...slowly dropping the role that they carry as mother's being there at the home to make it home, they found something made seemed even more important. It made them feel...recognized.
The Proverbs 31 woman is this:
'The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household...................strength and honor are her clothing.......but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.'
I'm not saying that all the women of honor and a gentle, good heart has disappeared. That is not my point at all. I know that there are many good, kind, soft, honorable maidens of virtue out there. I know some. But my point is that as soon as we begin to think that are job as a mother, or as a young lady, begins to move more toward independence and high-spirited-we-can-do-it-without-the-guys sort of attitude, we slowly begin to slip into the wrong pair of shoes. Maidens were never meant to be men.
A few book that I very highly recommend on this subject, would be Millie's Faithful Heart (book 4 of the Life of Faith series) and Raising Maidens of Virtue. Both are remarkably beautiful books, that encourage the young lady inside every girl or woman, and press her forward to pursue her godly duties as a wife, mother, friend, sister, etc.
You will find, that as soon as you let the men be men, that the other things seem to fall in place as well.
We can't try to boss the husbands and fathers into success, but we have to lift them up, and let them fulfill their calling!
Tips and Time savers for Spring Gardens!
www.burpee.com~My mom has a big book that's called, Lasagna Gardening by Patricia Lanza.
It was, and still is, a huge time-saver (plus back saver) to us! Instead of all hoeing, and digging, and breaking your back at getting the soil ready to for a garden, Lasagna Gardening is a in layers. Layers one by one, such as: straw, peat, dirt, you get it. Then, when your ready to plant, all you must do is make a small indention and walla! its planted!
Just yesterday, my siblings and I had fun planting a few things in small black compartments, and later on we'll plant them into the ground. Gardening takes effort, but nevertheless, its always fun, and can prove to be worth it!
(I will add, that if you are wanting to create a larger garden, you may want to at least prepare the bottom layer of your soil first, then layer the hay, peat etc. on top; as opposed to using $80 worth of bags in soil!)
Pick out your favorite veggies you would like to grow, (and make sure its in your ZONE for that area) and go and prepare the area for your certain plant. Some plants need more shade, some (like tomatoes) need lots of sun, in order to become fat and juicy.
If you would like to purchase a tropical tree or plant, make sure you keep it in a pot INSIDE during winter and autumn. In the summer, (if its not too hot) and in the spring (as long as the frosts are over with) you may keep it outside to soak up in the sun. A friend of ours gave us an orange tree just last summer, and already its gotten probably four or five inches taller. Water it when the dirt in the pot is dry, and when its large enough that it can produce, you must buy another orange tree so they can pollinate and bear fruit.
Thanks, hoped this helped, and now its time to begin your garden!
~Now its March 20th, and lots of our little seeds that we planted have grown some. Here's some pictures!
This is a little blue spruce that my dad planted last year...to help out with blocking the north winds!!(lol)
We planted some of our seeds in egg cartons and so far its working out great. To hasten growth, put carton of seedlings beneath a lamp or light so on cloudy days they can get light!
It was, and still is, a huge time-saver (plus back saver) to us! Instead of all hoeing, and digging, and breaking your back at getting the soil ready to for a garden, Lasagna Gardening is a in layers. Layers one by one, such as: straw, peat, dirt, you get it. Then, when your ready to plant, all you must do is make a small indention and walla! its planted!
Just yesterday, my siblings and I had fun planting a few things in small black compartments, and later on we'll plant them into the ground. Gardening takes effort, but nevertheless, its always fun, and can prove to be worth it!
(I will add, that if you are wanting to create a larger garden, you may want to at least prepare the bottom layer of your soil first, then layer the hay, peat etc. on top; as opposed to using $80 worth of bags in soil!)
If you would like to purchase a tropical tree or plant, make sure you keep it in a pot INSIDE during winter and autumn. In the summer, (if its not too hot) and in the spring (as long as the frosts are over with) you may keep it outside to soak up in the sun. A friend of ours gave us an orange tree just last summer, and already its gotten probably four or five inches taller. Water it when the dirt in the pot is dry, and when its large enough that it can produce, you must buy another orange tree so they can pollinate and bear fruit.
Thanks, hoped this helped, and now its time to begin your garden!
~Now its March 20th, and lots of our little seeds that we planted have grown some. Here's some pictures!
This is a little blue spruce that my dad planted last year...to help out with blocking the north winds!!(lol)
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| Start of a baby strawberry!! |
Monday, February 13, 2012
Wonderful Music to Try...
The song, "I'm in the Mood for Love." By Jimmy McHugh
Description: Its a slower, dreamier song, but touching and beautiful. I just played it today on my grandmother's piano, and its one of the most heartfelt pieces of music I've ever played.
The song, "Red Sails in the Sunset."By Jimmy Kennedy and Hugh Williams
Description: A beautiful, glorious song of an uplift in soul and filled with joy. Expressing the love of a to-be-bride to her fiance.
The song: "Moon River." By John Mercer & Henry Mancini
Description: A slow, heartfelt song that seems to sweep you into another world of long ago.
The song: "A Time for Us." By Larry Kusik, Eddie Snyder and Nino Rota (taken from the 1968 movie, "Romeo and Juliet")
Description: Mysterious, strong and lovely all at once. You have to hear it to believe me.
The song: "Moon over Miami" By Edgar Leslie & Joe Burke
Description: Mysterious, pretty and slow moving.
The song, "Victory in Jesus."
Description: Its a upbeat, uprising song that makes you want to stand up and sing your heart out. A wonderful, glorious Christian hymn!!
Description: Its a slower, dreamier song, but touching and beautiful. I just played it today on my grandmother's piano, and its one of the most heartfelt pieces of music I've ever played.
The song, "Red Sails in the Sunset."By Jimmy Kennedy and Hugh Williams
Description: A beautiful, glorious song of an uplift in soul and filled with joy. Expressing the love of a to-be-bride to her fiance.
The song: "Moon River." By John Mercer & Henry Mancini
Description: A slow, heartfelt song that seems to sweep you into another world of long ago.
The song: "A Time for Us." By Larry Kusik, Eddie Snyder and Nino Rota (taken from the 1968 movie, "Romeo and Juliet")
Description: Mysterious, strong and lovely all at once. You have to hear it to believe me.
The song: "Moon over Miami" By Edgar Leslie & Joe Burke
Description: Mysterious, pretty and slow moving.
The song, "Victory in Jesus."
Description: Its a upbeat, uprising song that makes you want to stand up and sing your heart out. A wonderful, glorious Christian hymn!!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Pieces of World War II...from the Vatrana book
.............So now we hang another flag with a blue star beside the one with a gold star. Every time I look at that gold star it reminds of Baylen and his courage…oh how I wish he hadn’t gone to fight! How many lives must be lost before we win back our freedom?
From: the book Vatrana
Based in early '40's.
To buy the entire copy of this book, please comment and I'll contact you as soon as I can.
Thanks,
Samantha (Annie-Maureen)
The Value of Pure Books
When you walk into a library, you don't have to walk far to find a book on vampires or sorcery. You don't have to walk far to find a book on boyfriend & girlfriend stuff, vise versa. But why is it, that its so hard to find a good, wholesome,life-filled, pure book? Sure, there's books out there that don't have evil things in them, but sometimes its seems like if there's a book that doesn't have evil things in it, its the other extreme...completely worthless.
So whats my point? Whats the reason I'm writing about this? Because there's two things in your mind that guide you daily, one, is your subconscious mind, and the other is your conscious mind. Your subconscious is everything that has ever happened to you in your life, everything that you've ever felt, smelt, done, seen, or said. Your conscious mind, on the other and, is what is going on in your mind right now. What your thinking right now. So, in relation to all this, your subconscious is bigger than your conscious. Picture it like an ant riding a HUGE elephant. Your subconscious is the elephant, and the ant is your conscious. You see, you subconscious can sometimes guide your conscious, for example:
there once was a hobo that jumped a train and went into this car for safety. He went inside, only to soon discover that it locked behind him, and he was trapped inside an ice car! In his mind, he reasoned that he would soon freeze to death, so he began to write letters to his family, telling them he loved them and things like, 'I feel my hands getting numb, its getting colder...' and such. Soon, that man died.
Later, when the guys of the train came and found this man in the ice car, they were puzzled.
"How can this be?" They said. You see, the motor to the ice car had been off. It hadn't even been cold in the car!!!
This story is a perfect (true story) of how that man's subconscious elephant had controlled and overtaken his conscious ant, and the result was tragic. His life.
He could've lived. But his elephant kept telling him 'your going to die. your in an ice car.' So what did he do?
He listened to his elephant, and he did die.
That story amazes me still, and yet, its a perfect reminder of everything that you and I are putting into our minds. Is it true? Is it pure? Well, how do we know if its pure? We compare it according to God's Word, the Bible. If it goes against His Word, then we shouldn't even pick it up.
Everything that we read is only feeding our elephant...whatever we feed him, that will be our results.
I hope this has helped you understand the importance of what you read and watch, and now is the time to go out and conquer our elephants, and let the ant lead!!!
So whats my point? Whats the reason I'm writing about this? Because there's two things in your mind that guide you daily, one, is your subconscious mind, and the other is your conscious mind. Your subconscious is everything that has ever happened to you in your life, everything that you've ever felt, smelt, done, seen, or said. Your conscious mind, on the other and, is what is going on in your mind right now. What your thinking right now. So, in relation to all this, your subconscious is bigger than your conscious. Picture it like an ant riding a HUGE elephant. Your subconscious is the elephant, and the ant is your conscious. You see, you subconscious can sometimes guide your conscious, for example:
there once was a hobo that jumped a train and went into this car for safety. He went inside, only to soon discover that it locked behind him, and he was trapped inside an ice car! In his mind, he reasoned that he would soon freeze to death, so he began to write letters to his family, telling them he loved them and things like, 'I feel my hands getting numb, its getting colder...' and such. Soon, that man died.
Later, when the guys of the train came and found this man in the ice car, they were puzzled.
"How can this be?" They said. You see, the motor to the ice car had been off. It hadn't even been cold in the car!!!
This story is a perfect (true story) of how that man's subconscious elephant had controlled and overtaken his conscious ant, and the result was tragic. His life.
He could've lived. But his elephant kept telling him 'your going to die. your in an ice car.' So what did he do?
He listened to his elephant, and he did die.
That story amazes me still, and yet, its a perfect reminder of everything that you and I are putting into our minds. Is it true? Is it pure? Well, how do we know if its pure? We compare it according to God's Word, the Bible. If it goes against His Word, then we shouldn't even pick it up.
Everything that we read is only feeding our elephant...whatever we feed him, that will be our results.
I hope this has helped you understand the importance of what you read and watch, and now is the time to go out and conquer our elephants, and let the ant lead!!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Corinthians of the Week.....
1 Cor.15:3
'For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.'
'For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.'
Recomended Radio Stations...stations that change my day, and CAN change yours, too....
Christian radio stations...
97.3....K-LOVE- for more info about this station, go to K-LOVE.com
88.5
92.3 (Christian discussion station)
97.3....K-LOVE- for more info about this station, go to K-LOVE.com
88.5
92.3 (Christian discussion station)
You Were Made for a Purpose
SM:)LE with others
LIVE a life of excellence
LOVE even when you don't feel like it
LAUGH when it can make someone happy
DREAM because that's what you were made to do
Don't give in to yourself.
Keep living daily for your God-given purpose....
and instead....
give in, to Him.
Things a family can do to spend time together....
1. Read aloud in scripture together
2. Drink hot tea in the morning
3. Play Carcassonne (the strategic game of the medival day)
4. Pop popcorn and do a game night in your living room!!
5. Have each child choose their fav. book and do a reading time
Its great to spend time together!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Drink hot tea in the morning
3. Play Carcassonne (the strategic game of the medival day)
4. Pop popcorn and do a game night in your living room!!
5. Have each child choose their fav. book and do a reading time
Its great to spend time together!!!!!!!!!!!
Snippets from the 'Sunshine on Her Face' book
Step back into pioneer time with a snippet from each chapter of the 'Sunshine on Her Face' book
Leaves
Chapter One
A large golden leaf fell from its beloved branch and drifted to the grass below. Then, as if being beckoned by the first leaf, a multitude of other leaves followed the first, bright golds and reds, creating the most beautiful sight Casri Eloise McKlay had ever seen. She sighed and propped her head in her hands.
This generally perplexed Casri because she wanted to know why each leaf did the same thing as the one before it. Swish, swish, swish, they went. Why didn’t one of them hold on? Why must they all fall? Was this their purpose? Casri wished she knew the answer… just like she wished she knew the answer to many other questions…like how the sky could be a glorious blue then suddenly turn a dull gray.
She wished she knew why the sun gave her a supernatural feeling of tranquility and hope when it beamed down upon her freckled face warmly. She wished she knew why her father had left her family when she was only three. But most of all, she wished she truly knew her purpose in life.........
For the entire bk 1 of Sunshine on Her Face please comment on this post and leave your e-mail and I'll contact you as soon as possible.
Peace
Chapter Two
Casri didn’t realize as the days of early autumn passed and innumerable leaves sailed to the ground, something stirred deep within her heart. Something so precious and wonderful that it spilled from her heart openly, like the flowing of a waterfall. But even though she didn’t recognize it, someone else certainly did. It all started one day…on September 22nd, 1860...........
Sunshine on their Faces
Chapter 3
“Casri!” Mrs. McKlay smiled at her daughter with a mother’s love as they did the wash out in front of the cabin on a Monday morning. Casri could tell that by her smile Ma had forgotten about all the things they still had to do that day.Thanks,
Samantha (Annie-Maureen)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Stories Almost Classic...
- If I could be any Superhero, I’d be……..
WonderMater!! WonderMater has awesome and hilarious ways to get the bad guys.
1. He can get the bad guys by making his tongue really long and licking them. (Then that makes them freak-out and they just run away, screaming “mama”)
2. WonderMater can also get the bad guys by activating his wings, (they pop out whenever he says, “wings activate!”) and flying down and landing on their heads. Usually that freaks them out so much that they just faint or have a heart-attack.
3. WonderMater can also beat-up the bad dudes with his deadly buck-teeth. First, what he does is he (well, his teeth are already sticking out) so he just sticks them out even farther and then drives really fast toward the bad guys, as he sings, “three maters came o’gettin', o’gettin', to get the bad guys. Three maters came o’gettin’ to git the baaad-guys, tooooday!!” And that scares them out of their pants I tell you!
Also, besides his beautiful powers to get the bad guys, WonderMater also has a special vision that he can turn on at night. So when the bad guys are having trouble seeing, he can see really good because his eyes grow to the size of a basketball!!!
Another thing that is really cool, is that WonderMater has a Matey-sense that tells him if something is wrong. He also can blow bubble gum so huge that it lifts him into the air and he can float around as if it were a balloon.
Another thing WonderMater can do is he has this really cool thing where if someone is trying to get him, all he hast to do is clear his throat and spit on them, and they turn to a Mater themselves! Then Mater has another buddy, and they go out conquering the world like Batman and Robin!!
But I must say, that my favorite thing about WonderMater is that he has a kind heart toward baby cars, and especially has an understanding spirit toward other redmotor, (redneck) and hillbilly cars like himself.
SO anyway, WONDERMATER is my best, and as his motto goes,
“IF there’s bad guys on the run, stick out your teeth and have a little fun!”
My Favorite Thing about Spring Break~
Spring break is fun because there's no schoolwork I had to do! I was free to write in one of my books, or to read or play outside. With spring coming, and the white blossoms on the Ornamental Pear tree, and the emerald-coloring grasses and freshness in the air, I love to go outside even more than before now! Also over spring break we started our first garden in our new home! Spring break is really neat, also because I have more time to play with my siblings.
But I must say that my favorite thing about Spring Break is that I am free to do whatever I want!
By Samantha
Musings of a Homeschool Mother (By Holly, my mom)
"A man of integrity expects to be believed...and when he's not, He'll let time prove him right." by someone important. Although I'm not sure who quoted this...I love this quote. This is Holly...the Homeschool Mom of Samantha.
This has been one of my favorites for about 12 years. Why? Well, because, as a person, many times, we are not believed, disrespected, spit upon, or just plain not treated right! Why?! Well usually, it is an insecure person who treats others that way. We must be careful that we do not treat someone else the same way.
Have you heard this one, "Ususally a hurting person hurts others." This should give us great insight in why many people act the way they do. They are hurting and sometimes we get in the way "of their hurt."
But....when words aren't enough...let us walk our walk and talk our talk...as Christians. We do not need to be wimpy or nice, but bold Witnesses for Him. We can be kind and have compassion, but when someone treats you like dirt, you can pray for him or her, and love them from a distance. But let's not waste our precious time that God has given us on people that are ungrateful.
I'm willing to overlook many flaws...but not disrespect to me or my family or God.
"As for me and my house, WE will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
Until next time,
Your Homeschool Mom
This has been one of my favorites for about 12 years. Why? Well, because, as a person, many times, we are not believed, disrespected, spit upon, or just plain not treated right! Why?! Well usually, it is an insecure person who treats others that way. We must be careful that we do not treat someone else the same way.
Have you heard this one, "Ususally a hurting person hurts others." This should give us great insight in why many people act the way they do. They are hurting and sometimes we get in the way "of their hurt."
But....when words aren't enough...let us walk our walk and talk our talk...as Christians. We do not need to be wimpy or nice, but bold Witnesses for Him. We can be kind and have compassion, but when someone treats you like dirt, you can pray for him or her, and love them from a distance. But let's not waste our precious time that God has given us on people that are ungrateful.
I'm willing to overlook many flaws...but not disrespect to me or my family or God.
"As for me and my house, WE will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
Until next time,
Your Homeschool Mom
Weekly Snippet from the Book of Isaiah
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?"
Then I said, "Here I am I! Send me." And He said, "Go and tell this people...."
Isaiah 6:8-9
Then I said, "Here I am I! Send me." And He said, "Go and tell this people...."
Isaiah 6:8-9
Saturday, January 14, 2012
KITTY KORNER (stories in the perspectives of my cats)
(In my cat Batman's perspective)
My Memoir of ‘Fallen Clouds’
I awoke one cold morning, after a long, cold windy night. My new little striped brother, (the one in which my owner Austin calls Alex) stretched out beside me and went outside for his morning stroll in the tall grass. He hadn’t been out for more than three seconds when I heard him say, “Brother! Brother! There’s cold clouds laying out here on the ground! The clouds have fallen to the ground!”
I rolled my eyes way up into my head and then curled up tighter. Alex is known for his overreacting on many things, so I wasn’t about to jump right outside for nothing.
For example, he overreacts a lot every time Sam pours the hard brown dirt clumps into his bowl, (in which Sam calls, ‘Cat food,’) and each time he just purrs his fur off and then comes over to my bowl and eats mine, because he thinks it’s that good. Once in a while Sam or her mom will put out a little dish of fresh tuna juice or some sort of meat, and in my opinion, I call that kind of food, real ‘Cat food.’
Other things that he overreacts on is like this: one time we were playing ‘pounce on each other’s tail’ game, when Austin came out and said, “Alex! Here boy!” And Alex just stopped the whole game all together and ran to him. Later, when I asked him why he did that, he said with his whole face glowing, “I didn’t get any attention at my previous owner’s place. They just had two million of us in a big dirty barn, and fed us hardly enough for a mouse. So that’s why I like to obey Austin. He treats me nice.” I just rolled my eyes.
But today, he sounded nearly convincing. He sounded like he wasn’t overreacting.
“Batman! Bat Bro! Bro Bat! Come here! You have to try this stuff! It tastes like water!”
I turned over and found him peeking his little head through the door, his mouth covered in white stuff. “Come on bro!” He urged again, and then he disappeared outside again.
I must admit that I was beginning to become somewhat curious. After all, he did have white stuff on his whiskers, what was that?
So, as you’ve heard the saying, ‘Curiosity killed the cat’, I lived to write this, and when I went outside I found Alex to be right.
White, cold clouds had fallen everywhere! It was just enough to cover my paws, and I found that when I walked somewhere, it left little marks in the clouds of where my paw had once stepped. It was awesome!
Alex and I ran around in the white, cold clouds, pouncing on each other and rolling in it. It was the most amazing thing that had ever happened!
And after Sam had put our food in our bowls and went back inside, Alex came up to me and smiled.
“I heard them talking, and I found out what this stuff is called.”
I looked at him, pausing at cleaning my paws.
“What? I thought we knew what it was. It’s fallen clouds.”
His grin was even bigger now.
“Nope. It’s called SNOW!” And he threw a little pawful of it on my nose, making me sneeze.
After getting him back, I finally said,
“All right, all right. So you knew something before I did.”
But deep down, I was truly glad to have my new little brother here with me…to share the happy moment.
THE END
(Written by Samantha on 1-12-12)
The Day when a Large House Plopped down from Heaven
There was a certain day, when as I came up to the deck, about to go up to eat, I noticed a new, rather large-looking object next to the stairs. The little pig that has lots of fur and barks at me, heard me coming and came out of it. So this must be the furry pig's new home. My owners call this furry enemy of mine, a 'dog,' and therefore think that the little furry pig needs a 'dog' house. Whatever happened to a cat house? Aren't I special enough to deserve one as well.
I sulked as I went up the stairs and to the little wooden shack that I share with my adopted brother, Alex.
It makes up about a fourth or so of what the furry pig got, and so usually Alex and I are cramped when we sleep inside it. It has cracks around the corners, where my owners hadn't done the best job in lining up the boards as walls. It has no floor, whereas the furry pig has a painted floor, with a big fluffy sleeping bag to lay on! The ceiling on our little house is simply flat, a box-like structure it is, whereas the furry pig has these things that the owners call 'shingles' on his, plus its pointed like my owners', so therefore it must be special if its a duplicate of my owners' home.
The furry pig's house was wonderful and perfect in every way. It was so beautiful and new, that I was sure that it had plopped down straight from Heaven.
(written by Samantha on 3-2-12. In my cat Batman's perspective.)
It makes up about a fourth or so of what the furry pig got, and so usually Alex and I are cramped when we sleep inside it. It has cracks around the corners, where my owners hadn't done the best job in lining up the boards as walls. It has no floor, whereas the furry pig has a painted floor, with a big fluffy sleeping bag to lay on! The ceiling on our little house is simply flat, a box-like structure it is, whereas the furry pig has these things that the owners call 'shingles' on his, plus its pointed like my owners', so therefore it must be special if its a duplicate of my owners' home.
The furry pig's house was wonderful and perfect in every way. It was so beautiful and new, that I was sure that it had plopped down straight from Heaven.
(written by Samantha on 3-2-12. In my cat Batman's perspective.)
 |
| Our 'Mama-Kitty' at the old house |
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| Alex the cool Dude |
Monday, January 9, 2012
My New Times Newspaper
1-9-12
Today the weather was sunny and warm, and the kids and I enjoyed playing outside with our dog Benji. For lunch there was egg rolls, chicken and veggies and I enjoyed taking it easier today. I had three cups of hot tea and it was nice to relax. Hope tomorrow is just as pleasant!!!
1-14-12
The snow melting, now. The kitty Alex stays close by still. Today my Grandpa is visiting from the Saint Louis area, and I'm real excited!!!
1-26-11
It's very beautiful outside now, probably 60 degrees or so. Its so pretty to watch the horses gallop in the pastures...I love it here in the country!!
2-11-12
Sunny but cold!! Every time I look out the window it can be a sure reminder of the Lord's light that He shines into our hearts when we come to Him broken over our sin...and trust in Jesus.
3-9-12
Another gorgeous day today! Probably above 70 degrees, and real sunny! Went outside and played basketball, and hoed on my garden. Earlier, I went with my siblings and mom to a music co-op with some friends.
A wonderful time to have in such a wonderful day! Praise our God!
Today the weather was sunny and warm, and the kids and I enjoyed playing outside with our dog Benji. For lunch there was egg rolls, chicken and veggies and I enjoyed taking it easier today. I had three cups of hot tea and it was nice to relax. Hope tomorrow is just as pleasant!!!
1-14-12
The snow melting, now. The kitty Alex stays close by still. Today my Grandpa is visiting from the Saint Louis area, and I'm real excited!!!
1-26-11
It's very beautiful outside now, probably 60 degrees or so. Its so pretty to watch the horses gallop in the pastures...I love it here in the country!!
2-11-12
Sunny but cold!! Every time I look out the window it can be a sure reminder of the Lord's light that He shines into our hearts when we come to Him broken over our sin...and trust in Jesus.
3-9-12
Another gorgeous day today! Probably above 70 degrees, and real sunny! Went outside and played basketball, and hoed on my garden. Earlier, I went with my siblings and mom to a music co-op with some friends.
A wonderful time to have in such a wonderful day! Praise our God!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Parables thru Genesis-Revelations...
We were studying in John 11 today, about Lazarus's death. And its amazing how you can read scripture, and look at a story like this one, and see a totally different message connected to it...one that speaks directly to our hearts today.
In John 11:23 Jesus states to Martha concerning her brother Lazarus, "Your brother will rise again."
How did Jesus know? And what does this little verse have to do with you?
Some people believe that we choose Jesus as our Savior, and that we come to Him. But the more you dig into the scripture, I believe (well, who cares what I believe) I know that it is first Jesus Christ that calls us to Him. Doesn't that make the picture of salvation that much sweeter? Were dead in our sins and then Jesus lifts us up and calls us? See, Jesus knew that Lazarus would rise again, He knew it. And it wasn't because Lazarus was going to come back to life on his own, Jesus would breathe life back into his soul.
Later in the story, Jesus also says to Martha. "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
I know that Christ asks each of us this same question, "Do you believe?" There's no lukewarm, or in-between. Your either on His side, or not. Your either with Him, or against Him.
Down in verses 38-44 is an amazing parable relating with salvation. Read this first:
'Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, stone lay against it.
Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."
Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"
And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave-clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them,
"Loose him, and let him go." '
Isn't that powerful? There is so much here that I know I won't be able to understand it all, but hopefully you will get a great view on salvation through this true story.
Notice how verse 38 starts out with saying that Jesus was groaning within Himself. You know what? That is just like Him to all those that are dead in their trespasses and sins. We are all dead in our sins, Romans 3:28 tells us, and helpless against a HOLY God. Holy is a big word. It means perfect, never-sinning, but more than that, it means beautiful and WORTHY. None of us are worthy of Heaven, but that's why John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world..." God loves all of us. Jesus has a love for you like none of us will fully understand. If someone loves you enough, that they'd be willing to die a gruesome death, just so that you might live, and you didn't even deserve it, do you think that person loves you lot? That's Jesus! Not only did He die for you, but He died for you when you didn't deserve it. He knew that you would be born and be an enemy of Him. Now that sounds strong. But its the truth, and look where we've gotten ourselves and our country because too many people fear telling the truth! Jesus groaned on the cross for you, bearing your sins...He groaned for you because He saw you all wrapped up in grave-clothes, shut away and dead. Cold, lifeless, hopeless. He's the giver of hope! He gives life! He cried for you! He loves you!
Now we go down a bit further. Catch the part where he tells Martha if she would only believe, that she would see His glory?
I know that Jesus Christ the Son of God says that to all of us. "Didn't you know that if you only believed...?"
Jesus is calling..."Do you...believe?" It's the only thing that will matter when you die and are standing before God. I believe He will ask you something like this, "Did you believe in Jesus?" Believe...
Now comes my favorite part! This part almost gives me chills just thinking about it! Jesus cries, (loudly, the Bible adds) "Lazarus! Come forth!"
And what happens? Lazarus comes forth! He's alive! The pit of death, confusion, despair, no hope, devastation is overcome! The victory is won! That can be you! Jesus Christ died so that you don't have to live in despair and confusion, always wondering what your greater purpose is in life. But most of all, He died so that you would not perish, John 3:16 tells us, but that you may have eternal life with God in Heaven!! Jesus can lift the hard, cold stone of your heart, and turn it into a heart of flesh...He can give you life.
But only will He do this...if you will repent, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
And finally, the last, and yet most victorious part that sums up the Gospel message...
"Loose him, and let him go!"
No longer is Lazarus bound in the grave-clothes (the death of sins) but he's sent away free! He's not only alive, he's FREE!
Have you ever galloped on a horse against a huge gush of wind beating in your face, and you fly across the pastures, inhaling and exhaling the deepest breaths? That's small to comparison in how it feels when Jesus has loosened your bounds. When He's untied those filthy, oily rags of sin...and placed in you a new heart and future.
All of this is possible...you can have life...a purpose...you can be free from sins...you can life in Heaven with God...if only you....
BELIEVE.
In John 11:23 Jesus states to Martha concerning her brother Lazarus, "Your brother will rise again."
How did Jesus know? And what does this little verse have to do with you?
Some people believe that we choose Jesus as our Savior, and that we come to Him. But the more you dig into the scripture, I believe (well, who cares what I believe) I know that it is first Jesus Christ that calls us to Him. Doesn't that make the picture of salvation that much sweeter? Were dead in our sins and then Jesus lifts us up and calls us? See, Jesus knew that Lazarus would rise again, He knew it. And it wasn't because Lazarus was going to come back to life on his own, Jesus would breathe life back into his soul.
Later in the story, Jesus also says to Martha. "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
I know that Christ asks each of us this same question, "Do you believe?" There's no lukewarm, or in-between. Your either on His side, or not. Your either with Him, or against Him.
Down in verses 38-44 is an amazing parable relating with salvation. Read this first:
'Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, stone lay against it.
Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."
Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"
And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave-clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them,
"Loose him, and let him go." '
Isn't that powerful? There is so much here that I know I won't be able to understand it all, but hopefully you will get a great view on salvation through this true story.
Notice how verse 38 starts out with saying that Jesus was groaning within Himself. You know what? That is just like Him to all those that are dead in their trespasses and sins. We are all dead in our sins, Romans 3:28 tells us, and helpless against a HOLY God. Holy is a big word. It means perfect, never-sinning, but more than that, it means beautiful and WORTHY. None of us are worthy of Heaven, but that's why John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world..." God loves all of us. Jesus has a love for you like none of us will fully understand. If someone loves you enough, that they'd be willing to die a gruesome death, just so that you might live, and you didn't even deserve it, do you think that person loves you lot? That's Jesus! Not only did He die for you, but He died for you when you didn't deserve it. He knew that you would be born and be an enemy of Him. Now that sounds strong. But its the truth, and look where we've gotten ourselves and our country because too many people fear telling the truth! Jesus groaned on the cross for you, bearing your sins...He groaned for you because He saw you all wrapped up in grave-clothes, shut away and dead. Cold, lifeless, hopeless. He's the giver of hope! He gives life! He cried for you! He loves you!
Now we go down a bit further. Catch the part where he tells Martha if she would only believe, that she would see His glory?
I know that Jesus Christ the Son of God says that to all of us. "Didn't you know that if you only believed...?"
Jesus is calling..."Do you...believe?" It's the only thing that will matter when you die and are standing before God. I believe He will ask you something like this, "Did you believe in Jesus?" Believe...
Now comes my favorite part! This part almost gives me chills just thinking about it! Jesus cries, (loudly, the Bible adds) "Lazarus! Come forth!"
And what happens? Lazarus comes forth! He's alive! The pit of death, confusion, despair, no hope, devastation is overcome! The victory is won! That can be you! Jesus Christ died so that you don't have to live in despair and confusion, always wondering what your greater purpose is in life. But most of all, He died so that you would not perish, John 3:16 tells us, but that you may have eternal life with God in Heaven!! Jesus can lift the hard, cold stone of your heart, and turn it into a heart of flesh...He can give you life.
But only will He do this...if you will repent, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
And finally, the last, and yet most victorious part that sums up the Gospel message...
"Loose him, and let him go!"
No longer is Lazarus bound in the grave-clothes (the death of sins) but he's sent away free! He's not only alive, he's FREE!
Have you ever galloped on a horse against a huge gush of wind beating in your face, and you fly across the pastures, inhaling and exhaling the deepest breaths? That's small to comparison in how it feels when Jesus has loosened your bounds. When He's untied those filthy, oily rags of sin...and placed in you a new heart and future.
All of this is possible...you can have life...a purpose...you can be free from sins...you can life in Heaven with God...if only you....
BELIEVE.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Stories by Elena (6 yr. old)
The Ball and the Cat
One day me and mom were going to Wal-mart and i saw a sign that said free Kittens. so i said mom can we go there and mom said yes we can so me and mom went there and then we went home then the next day the cat loves to eat chicken and the color of the cat was black. and also loves to eat turkey also Loves to bite but sometimes if you pick him up he will bite you, and it stings.
One day me and mom were going to Wal-mart and i saw a sign that said free Kittens. so i said mom can we go there and mom said yes we can so me and mom went there and then we went home then the next day the cat loves to eat chicken and the color of the cat was black. and also loves to eat turkey also Loves to bite but sometimes if you pick him up he will bite you, and it stings.
Kitties to Tinsel (Ten ways to save during Christmas or any holiday!)
Christmas Savoring Secrets:
1# My mom likes to save the pretty wrapping paper if its reusable. I think its a great idea. (I save the tissue paper!)
2# A way that I saved money this Christmas, was by getting my brother Austin a free kitty as his present.
3# Thrift shops are the world!:)
4# Find a special nicknack, a porcelain doll, a ceramic bear statue, (something cute but that you don't necessarily need anymore) and give it as a gift for birthday or Christmas!
5# Make something! Sometimes its the cute little notes that say 'I love you' in red glitter on a construction paper card, or the special home-sown doll with button eyes that adds a smile and shows your thoughtfulness. (For more info. on my dolls that are for sale, please e-mail me.)
6# Got a relative or BFF that loves tea? Give a little cute box of homemade teabags! Go to the 'Tea Recipe' under the recipes post and add your own extra flavoring of vanilla or mint to spruce it up to your liking.
7# I know people are always buying gift cards, but what about making your own? Simply get on your Power Point and make a cute card, entitling your friend or family member to $10 to any shop of choice, or a free massage from YOU! Make it unique and special, anything you want to say.:)
8# Got those people that are more acquaintances than friends? Or you love them, just they live faraway and its hard to keep in touch, especially during the holidays? What about instead of a ten buck gift card, making and personalizing a special newsletter of all the latest on your family. Let the kids write their own little section of something that they liked that happened during the year too, it makes it even better that way. (Pictures are cool to throw in with it, too.)
9# Invite your friend over for a cup of coffee at your dining room table and chat, (the kids in the basement or something) or go out to Pal Gardens and take a walk on a sunny day. Its always a treat to relax.
10# Bake! If you don't do baking, then learn! It seems hard maybe to some, but truly once you learn to read a recipe correctly, you can bake. Bake up some cookies and tie them in a cute bag with ribbons for that other friend of yours that you care about.
1# My mom likes to save the pretty wrapping paper if its reusable. I think its a great idea. (I save the tissue paper!)
2# A way that I saved money this Christmas, was by getting my brother Austin a free kitty as his present.
3# Thrift shops are the world!:)
4# Find a special nicknack, a porcelain doll, a ceramic bear statue, (something cute but that you don't necessarily need anymore) and give it as a gift for birthday or Christmas!
5# Make something! Sometimes its the cute little notes that say 'I love you' in red glitter on a construction paper card, or the special home-sown doll with button eyes that adds a smile and shows your thoughtfulness. (For more info. on my dolls that are for sale, please e-mail me.)
6# Got a relative or BFF that loves tea? Give a little cute box of homemade teabags! Go to the 'Tea Recipe' under the recipes post and add your own extra flavoring of vanilla or mint to spruce it up to your liking.
7# I know people are always buying gift cards, but what about making your own? Simply get on your Power Point and make a cute card, entitling your friend or family member to $10 to any shop of choice, or a free massage from YOU! Make it unique and special, anything you want to say.:)
8# Got those people that are more acquaintances than friends? Or you love them, just they live faraway and its hard to keep in touch, especially during the holidays? What about instead of a ten buck gift card, making and personalizing a special newsletter of all the latest on your family. Let the kids write their own little section of something that they liked that happened during the year too, it makes it even better that way. (Pictures are cool to throw in with it, too.)
9# Invite your friend over for a cup of coffee at your dining room table and chat, (the kids in the basement or something) or go out to Pal Gardens and take a walk on a sunny day. Its always a treat to relax.
10# Bake! If you don't do baking, then learn! It seems hard maybe to some, but truly once you learn to read a recipe correctly, you can bake. Bake up some cookies and tie them in a cute bag with ribbons for that other friend of yours that you care about.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Things and Events to Know
EVENTS
The 'Sunshine On Her Face' performance will take place at Cedar Ridge Church in Harrisonville, MO, on May 18th 7:00pm.
THINGS FOR SALE OR FREE
A sweet lady has six kittens (ab. 7 months old) she's trying to find homes for. IF your interested, please e-mail me, (Samantha) or put in a comment that you'd like to know more.
I (Samantha) actually make and sell home-sown dolls. For more info, please e-mail or comment and I will get back with you.
April 15th- the 20th anniversary of the rebuilding of a1829 log cabin! To learn more, and where the celebration will be go to 1829logcabin.com
The 'Sunshine On Her Face' performance will take place at Cedar Ridge Church in Harrisonville, MO, on May 18th 7:00pm.
THINGS FOR SALE OR FREE
A sweet lady has six kittens (ab. 7 months old) she's trying to find homes for. IF your interested, please e-mail me, (Samantha) or put in a comment that you'd like to know more.
I (Samantha) actually make and sell home-sown dolls. For more info, please e-mail or comment and I will get back with you.
April 15th- the 20th anniversary of the rebuilding of a1829 log cabin! To learn more, and where the celebration will be go to 1829logcabin.com
Encouraging Word for the Day
Proverbs 28:14
'Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart
will fall into calamity.'
'Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart
will fall into calamity.'
Stories with Lessons Tied Along
A Ride to Grandma's Cabin
On April 14th, my mom drove our red mini-van to my Grandma's house with the following items:
5 kids
3 chicks
tic tac toe boards
checkerboards
pillow
dolls
clothes
trashbags
clothes
cowboy boots
old hamburger
crushed Quik Trip cup
melon
football
6 blackberry plants
5 hats
baked beans 3 things of potato salad
pioneer outfits
booster seat
3-4 backpacks
mail
planner
purse
cell phone
empty water jugs
bubble gum wrappers
fabric left over from a garage sale
And still that's not everything! Usually our van is not like this, but on this particular time, we were dressing up as pioneers for the 20th anniversary of the rebuilding of an 183-year old cabin! And besides that, we had just finished up at a garage sale at a friend's house, so many crazy things were going on that day!
When we got to my grandma's house, it was very windy outside and my horse Butterscotch was ornery because of the wind. Then it rained for a moment, then stopped. I went inside with my friend Marli, only to discover one of our baby chicks, Gracie, laying still in the box with the other chicks. She was barely breathing. I tried not to freak out, but I was near to it. Knowing that it was normal for a few of the chicks to die, I wasn't too shocked, but I wanted to do all that I could to save her. Marli got a bowl of milk and promptly I wrapped her in a washrag and dipped Gracie's beak into the milk. Grandma came in and we positioned Gracie beneath a light and heat pad. But soon after, she died.
After a tearful chick burial (Elena cried mostly because it was her chick. We buried Gracie in a tea box.) Grandma took us to eat out at Courtside Restaurant, the restaurant that my Grandma had drawn a courthouse and they put it on their menu. After juicy chicken tenders, we headed home.
What a day it had been already, and before we had left to eat out, we found out that our county was under a tornado watch! Tiredly, Marli and I went to our beds in the basement.
The next morning, I awake to my Mother standing over me in pioneer apparel, saying 'Beep, beep, beep!' like an alarm clock, and saying, "Come on girls! Time to get up! We're gonna dress like pioneers to church!" Only half awake, I protested. "Oh, come on." Mom said. "You've only got one life."
"I know." I said back. "That's why I don't want to do it!"
But, of course, Mom won, and my BFF and I had fun finding the perfect dress in my Grandma's basement, did our hair and went to church as if it were the 1860's! In a way, it was!
After church service, we came home and got ready for the party at the cabin. Marli and I walked down to the cabin and got things tidied, then came back to get dressed in our pioneer outfits again.
We came back and found a pretty yellow outfit for Marli, and a white blouse and long black skirt for me. I, being the more tomboyish and uncaring of the two of us, decided to adjust a tricorn hat atop my head to add touch.
On the way back to the cabin, I was talking and walking toward the creek that we pass over to get there, when all of a sudden I screamed and ran back a ways. It was a snake! Later I learned that it was a Blue Chaser, or something!
Once at the cabin, I ate candy, sang gospels with my uncles and aunts, and had beans and cornbread. It was fun, and the sky cleared up and the sun shone the entire time at the cabin!
I had a wonderful adventure, and I guess I never know what'll happen when I go to grandma's house!
The biggest lesson I learned at Grandma's house, hast to be when Gracie the chick died. It made me realize how frail life is and to savor every second!
Hansel and Gretal
Just a few days ago, my brother Austin and I trudged outside and entered our woods, in search of his new kitty Alex. We called the kitty many times, and looked and looked. We finally reached the little log cabin that we built, and then I decided to hike further into the woods to look for Alex. We left the area in where the log cabin was and trudged in a sort-of diagonal deeper into the woods. The woods slowly began to change. Instead of tall, skinny trees, weeds, and thorns, we saw more pine trees, some in which were at least twenty to thirty feet tall. I saw soft buffalo grass that was orange as a copper penny and then Austin pointed to a gap in the trees. He guessed it was a clearing. I was curious, too. So further in we trudged, closer and closer to the orange gap in the trees. Orange grass reached past our knees now, and we hop/ran toward the gap. Yes! It was a clearing, a huge clearing! I ooed and awed the vast pasture of space that lay before my eyes. I turned to look beside me, and there stood a tall pine tree, at least forty-fifty ft. tall, maybe 15 ft. wide. A bubbling little creek curled beneath it, and curled its way through the grass, to who knows how far.
I wanted to go into the clearing and explore, so I hopped over the tall grass and onto the neatly cut grass of the clearing, Austin following behind me.
I walked around in it, and then peeked around a few corners that led to smaller, other clearings. I am now sure that it had to be probably around seven acres at least, adding all the other clearings besides the one we were in.
It was all mostly cut, except for a large patch of buffalo grass that stretched out before us. We looked around, and even noticed a house through the trees. "Must be the lawyer's house." I said something like that. We were still exploring when a loud gunshot startled us. Though I had pink gloves, a yellow scarf, and Austin a bright red hat, we took into a run back toward the treeline. Deer season.
I ran back to the certain spot in the treeline that I was sure we had come out of. At first when we entered back into the woods, where a big tree stood and the creek, it looked familiar so we walked straight on. (But now that I think about it, I can't remember if I saw the creek before I went into the clearing anyway.)
But the place that we went back into was the wrong place. Austin kept leading me in the wrong directions, thinking they were right. We had no flashlight, no compass, and it was growing dark. The wet and cold had soaked through the tips of my leather boots and I began to worry. I was certain that we were in big trouble...we were lost.
I tried leading the way, but that just got us nowhere. I prayed. I was near to tears.
But suddenly, Austin pointed again. "There's a house." He said something like that, and I felt a tiny bit better. The house sat on the top of a tall slope, and looked vaguely familiar like our neighbor's house, but I didn't fully recognize it. I cried out, "Help!" But of course no one heard us. We were deep into the woods. It was dense woods, pine trees blocking the sky in some parts. But though I wasn't sure, Austin insisted that we climb the hill up toward the white house and perhaps we could tell where we were.
I didn't have any better ideas, so I followed. We went past a good sized creek and then trudged up the fairly steep slope toward the top. A fence lined the top of the hill, so we couldn't have reached the house, but God sure knew that climbing that hill would help us. We could see our green house from there! I felt like crying out for joy! We weren't lost anymore! We had found home!!!!
I stayed close to the fence, where I could still see our house. I went quickly, and finally we ran. I stumbled through the kitchen door and fell into a chair. I hugged Mom...my was I thankful to God for hearing my prayer! And now I can relate with Hansel and Gretal with getting lost in the woods...it all makes sense now.
And what I learned? Well, never go deep into the woods without a compass, a sense of direction, and some yarn! If we had tied yarn to mark our places, that would have made it easier.
But I think the main thing that I need to realize through all of that, is that Jesus Christ is my shepherd, and He cares for His sheep...I cannot get lost when I've trusted in the Good Shepherd. 'He won't leave or forsake me.'
He drew His little lamb back home.
On April 14th, my mom drove our red mini-van to my Grandma's house with the following items:
5 kids
3 chicks
tic tac toe boards
checkerboards
pillow
dolls
clothes
trashbags
clothes
cowboy boots
old hamburger
crushed Quik Trip cup
melon
football
6 blackberry plants
5 hats
baked beans 3 things of potato salad
pioneer outfits
booster seat
3-4 backpacks
planner
purse
cell phone
empty water jugs
bubble gum wrappers
fabric left over from a garage sale
And still that's not everything! Usually our van is not like this, but on this particular time, we were dressing up as pioneers for the 20th anniversary of the rebuilding of an 183-year old cabin! And besides that, we had just finished up at a garage sale at a friend's house, so many crazy things were going on that day!
When we got to my grandma's house, it was very windy outside and my horse Butterscotch was ornery because of the wind. Then it rained for a moment, then stopped. I went inside with my friend Marli, only to discover one of our baby chicks, Gracie, laying still in the box with the other chicks. She was barely breathing. I tried not to freak out, but I was near to it. Knowing that it was normal for a few of the chicks to die, I wasn't too shocked, but I wanted to do all that I could to save her. Marli got a bowl of milk and promptly I wrapped her in a washrag and dipped Gracie's beak into the milk. Grandma came in and we positioned Gracie beneath a light and heat pad. But soon after, she died.
After a tearful chick burial (Elena cried mostly because it was her chick. We buried Gracie in a tea box.) Grandma took us to eat out at Courtside Restaurant, the restaurant that my Grandma had drawn a courthouse and they put it on their menu. After juicy chicken tenders, we headed home.
What a day it had been already, and before we had left to eat out, we found out that our county was under a tornado watch! Tiredly, Marli and I went to our beds in the basement.
The next morning, I awake to my Mother standing over me in pioneer apparel, saying 'Beep, beep, beep!' like an alarm clock, and saying, "Come on girls! Time to get up! We're gonna dress like pioneers to church!" Only half awake, I protested. "Oh, come on." Mom said. "You've only got one life."
"I know." I said back. "That's why I don't want to do it!"
But, of course, Mom won, and my BFF and I had fun finding the perfect dress in my Grandma's basement, did our hair and went to church as if it were the 1860's! In a way, it was!
After church service, we came home and got ready for the party at the cabin. Marli and I walked down to the cabin and got things tidied, then came back to get dressed in our pioneer outfits again.
We came back and found a pretty yellow outfit for Marli, and a white blouse and long black skirt for me. I, being the more tomboyish and uncaring of the two of us, decided to adjust a tricorn hat atop my head to add touch.
On the way back to the cabin, I was talking and walking toward the creek that we pass over to get there, when all of a sudden I screamed and ran back a ways. It was a snake! Later I learned that it was a Blue Chaser, or something!
Once at the cabin, I ate candy, sang gospels with my uncles and aunts, and had beans and cornbread. It was fun, and the sky cleared up and the sun shone the entire time at the cabin!
I had a wonderful adventure, and I guess I never know what'll happen when I go to grandma's house!
The biggest lesson I learned at Grandma's house, hast to be when Gracie the chick died. It made me realize how frail life is and to savor every second!
Hansel and Gretal
Just a few days ago, my brother Austin and I trudged outside and entered our woods, in search of his new kitty Alex. We called the kitty many times, and looked and looked. We finally reached the little log cabin that we built, and then I decided to hike further into the woods to look for Alex. We left the area in where the log cabin was and trudged in a sort-of diagonal deeper into the woods. The woods slowly began to change. Instead of tall, skinny trees, weeds, and thorns, we saw more pine trees, some in which were at least twenty to thirty feet tall. I saw soft buffalo grass that was orange as a copper penny and then Austin pointed to a gap in the trees. He guessed it was a clearing. I was curious, too. So further in we trudged, closer and closer to the orange gap in the trees. Orange grass reached past our knees now, and we hop/ran toward the gap. Yes! It was a clearing, a huge clearing! I ooed and awed the vast pasture of space that lay before my eyes. I turned to look beside me, and there stood a tall pine tree, at least forty-fifty ft. tall, maybe 15 ft. wide. A bubbling little creek curled beneath it, and curled its way through the grass, to who knows how far.
I wanted to go into the clearing and explore, so I hopped over the tall grass and onto the neatly cut grass of the clearing, Austin following behind me.
I walked around in it, and then peeked around a few corners that led to smaller, other clearings. I am now sure that it had to be probably around seven acres at least, adding all the other clearings besides the one we were in.
It was all mostly cut, except for a large patch of buffalo grass that stretched out before us. We looked around, and even noticed a house through the trees. "Must be the lawyer's house." I said something like that. We were still exploring when a loud gunshot startled us. Though I had pink gloves, a yellow scarf, and Austin a bright red hat, we took into a run back toward the treeline. Deer season.
I ran back to the certain spot in the treeline that I was sure we had come out of. At first when we entered back into the woods, where a big tree stood and the creek, it looked familiar so we walked straight on. (But now that I think about it, I can't remember if I saw the creek before I went into the clearing anyway.)
But the place that we went back into was the wrong place. Austin kept leading me in the wrong directions, thinking they were right. We had no flashlight, no compass, and it was growing dark. The wet and cold had soaked through the tips of my leather boots and I began to worry. I was certain that we were in big trouble...we were lost.
I tried leading the way, but that just got us nowhere. I prayed. I was near to tears.
But suddenly, Austin pointed again. "There's a house." He said something like that, and I felt a tiny bit better. The house sat on the top of a tall slope, and looked vaguely familiar like our neighbor's house, but I didn't fully recognize it. I cried out, "Help!" But of course no one heard us. We were deep into the woods. It was dense woods, pine trees blocking the sky in some parts. But though I wasn't sure, Austin insisted that we climb the hill up toward the white house and perhaps we could tell where we were.
I didn't have any better ideas, so I followed. We went past a good sized creek and then trudged up the fairly steep slope toward the top. A fence lined the top of the hill, so we couldn't have reached the house, but God sure knew that climbing that hill would help us. We could see our green house from there! I felt like crying out for joy! We weren't lost anymore! We had found home!!!!
I stayed close to the fence, where I could still see our house. I went quickly, and finally we ran. I stumbled through the kitchen door and fell into a chair. I hugged Mom...my was I thankful to God for hearing my prayer! And now I can relate with Hansel and Gretal with getting lost in the woods...it all makes sense now.
And what I learned? Well, never go deep into the woods without a compass, a sense of direction, and some yarn! If we had tied yarn to mark our places, that would have made it easier.
But I think the main thing that I need to realize through all of that, is that Jesus Christ is my shepherd, and He cares for His sheep...I cannot get lost when I've trusted in the Good Shepherd. 'He won't leave or forsake me.'
He drew His little lamb back home.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Remembering the Bravery of our Men
I want to dedicate this post to a friend of mine named George. He passed away last year, but I feel somehow that his bravery still echoes through our lives.
December 7th was Pearl Harbor, (when on Dec. 7th 1941) the Japs bombed Pearl Harbor.
This man I speak of not only served our country during WW2, but he was involved in D-Day, a big part of the War's history.
The thing I found most amazing in this man, though, was that he said something like this during an interview,'When your walking toward the bullet, you have to have faith in God.'
His words still live...when we have faith in Jesus, everything worrying us seems to slip away. And that's what George had.
Let us not forget those who have served, and let us serve them back.
December 7th was Pearl Harbor, (when on Dec. 7th 1941) the Japs bombed Pearl Harbor.
This man I speak of not only served our country during WW2, but he was involved in D-Day, a big part of the War's history.
The thing I found most amazing in this man, though, was that he said something like this during an interview,'When your walking toward the bullet, you have to have faith in God.'
His words still live...when we have faith in Jesus, everything worrying us seems to slip away. And that's what George had.
Let us not forget those who have served, and let us serve them back.
Homeschooler's Top Secrets
How to Do your Christmas Shopping under $20!!!
The ultimate all-time answer to this question rests not in T-Jay Maxx or Target...but in...yes, I know, 2nd hand stores!!!
I've gotten hot deals on really cute purses for cheap, cute clothes that don't even looked used, stuffed animals that are adorable and affordable, and more!!
I'll tell you what, I've done a lot of shopping at thrift shops, and some stuff is ok...while other times its awesome! :) For example, I've gotten jeans for under a buck before....cute insulated boots for 4 bucks!
So if your wanting some cheap deals, yet HOT deals, stuff that will last, I totally lift up 2nd hand.
(These stores are often looked down upon, yet there's hot deals awaiting...you just kinda have to search for it. Like a lost treasure box.!)
12-22-11
My hottest deal was at the Family Store in Lee Summit. Some of their dresses are old and ugly, but I found one that is a deep royal blue, that almost looks purple. It's a very becoming empire waist, that flows down past my toes. (Picture is on home page.) So see! Beautiful things can come out of the most UN-ordinary places!
1-9-12
Want to know another homeschooler secret? (Don't get overwhelmed!) It's easy to, even me being the big sister, there's always much to do! Yes, there may be dirty dishes, piles of paper, books yet to put away, but sometimes its nice just not to worry about it and let it go for the time being. Pick up a Little House on the Prairie book, a cup of hot tea, and enjoy your time!!!
1-26-12
Yes Wal-Mart was having a clearance sale yesterday....and I almost got a pair of really cute jean leggins! But when my mom said that I could either pick one thing there, or something else maybe even cuter and cheaper at a thrift shop, guess what I chose?
Thriftiness of course!! I know that may seem weird, but probably the most coolest secret of a homeschooler is that we get a lot of 'hot' deals at 2nd hands. Of course, there's always the new 'Red Racks' that's coming into Lee Summit soon!!!! (Hee, hee, silly me!)
3-9-12
This time...I must admit that my deals did NOT come from the thrift shop. Wal-Mart was having a sale with things as low as a buck per item, and so my mom got probably 6-7 items for about 7 bucks!
Also, not too long ago, my mom and I went shopping at a thrift shop, and I got three pairs of jeans, 1 blouse, and a pair of shoes for like twelve bucks! (two of the pairs were like 50 cents each!)
The ultimate all-time answer to this question rests not in T-Jay Maxx or Target...but in...yes, I know, 2nd hand stores!!!
I've gotten hot deals on really cute purses for cheap, cute clothes that don't even looked used, stuffed animals that are adorable and affordable, and more!!
I'll tell you what, I've done a lot of shopping at thrift shops, and some stuff is ok...while other times its awesome! :) For example, I've gotten jeans for under a buck before....cute insulated boots for 4 bucks!
So if your wanting some cheap deals, yet HOT deals, stuff that will last, I totally lift up 2nd hand.
(These stores are often looked down upon, yet there's hot deals awaiting...you just kinda have to search for it. Like a lost treasure box.!)
12-22-11
My hottest deal was at the Family Store in Lee Summit. Some of their dresses are old and ugly, but I found one that is a deep royal blue, that almost looks purple. It's a very becoming empire waist, that flows down past my toes. (Picture is on home page.) So see! Beautiful things can come out of the most UN-ordinary places!
1-9-12
Want to know another homeschooler secret? (Don't get overwhelmed!) It's easy to, even me being the big sister, there's always much to do! Yes, there may be dirty dishes, piles of paper, books yet to put away, but sometimes its nice just not to worry about it and let it go for the time being. Pick up a Little House on the Prairie book, a cup of hot tea, and enjoy your time!!!
1-26-12
Yes Wal-Mart was having a clearance sale yesterday....and I almost got a pair of really cute jean leggins! But when my mom said that I could either pick one thing there, or something else maybe even cuter and cheaper at a thrift shop, guess what I chose?
Thriftiness of course!! I know that may seem weird, but probably the most coolest secret of a homeschooler is that we get a lot of 'hot' deals at 2nd hands. Of course, there's always the new 'Red Racks' that's coming into Lee Summit soon!!!! (Hee, hee, silly me!)
3-9-12
This time...I must admit that my deals did NOT come from the thrift shop. Wal-Mart was having a sale with things as low as a buck per item, and so my mom got probably 6-7 items for about 7 bucks!
Also, not too long ago, my mom and I went shopping at a thrift shop, and I got three pairs of jeans, 1 blouse, and a pair of shoes for like twelve bucks! (two of the pairs were like 50 cents each!)
Saturday, December 3, 2011
The True Meaning of CHRISTmas
If I were to go up to you right now, and ask, 'What is Christmas about?' Could you truthfully, and with all your heart answer my question???
Many that I would ask would most likely nod their heads and pat their wallets full of Christmas gift money, and point to the table full of pies and casseroles. They'd turn up the 94.1 Christmas station, and show me the 25 ft. tall tree of lights in the living room. But is this really all there is to it? I'm sure many of you have asked yourself this question before..., and I commend you for that.
So that is WHY I am writing this, so your question may be answered with the REAL answer, and not disdainfully filled with trees and colorful packages.
I'm sure you have probably heard of some story about a Baby named Jesus that was born in a manger. I'm sure you have probably heard at least heard the part when the angels rejoiced, and a star shone above the place where He lay. But are these stories true? And what importance to they hold to me...today?
Two thousand years ago, is when it all started. The Bible relays the story of Jesus' birth in Luke 2:7-9.
But what really IS a manger? I know we've all heard it, but do you really know what a manger is? It's not some clean little wooden cradle, that's for sure. In fact, it was the FEEDING trough for the ANIMALS. Can you imagine being a new mother and having to put your baby in a dirty thing like that?
But Baby Jesus' humble condition was all the more glorious. When God sent His son in the form of a human being, He didn't want to show off, He simply wanted to show others how humble Jesus was.
O.K., now you know the manger part. But what about...why did Jesus have to come?
If your honest with yourself, you'll admit that your not perfect. But here are a few commandments that are part of the TEN COMMANDMENTS, God's holy standard of living for His creation.
You shall not Lie
You shall not steal
You shall not commit adultery
Honor your father and mother
Do not covet
So, have you broken any of the commandments above? If so, (for Romans 3:23 says 'for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.') then you are a sinner. And God, being holy and perfect in righteousness, cannot take sinners into Heaven with Him. It doesn't matter if you gave to a children's project, helped out your local school, or gave away a million dollars, your still a sinner. And our works are like filthy old rags compared to God's holy standard that He has placed for us. So, then, (you may be wondering) what's my point in saying this if there is no hope from eternal judgment in Hell???
Jesus!! That is WHY God sent His Son as a little helpless baby in a dirty, smelly manger. To leave the glories of Heaven to come live His life with a bunch of sinners, and die on a cross for sins that He didn't commit.
But He did it for us. He did it for me. He did it for YOU.
And John 3:16 promises this,
'For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever BELIEVES in Him, shall NOT perish, but have EVERLASTING life.'
That's a glorious promise straight from the Creator of you and me! There is hope this Christmas!
There's the hope that if you only believe in Jesus, that's He's the Son of God and died for YOUR sins on that cross, and if you repent of your sins and trust Him that you shall be saved.
God knows you can't live up to the Ten Commandments, that's why He sent Jesus.
So this Christmas season, are you just going through the motions like the rest of the world???
Or are you celebrating the TRUE reason for the season, a hope...everlasting.
Many that I would ask would most likely nod their heads and pat their wallets full of Christmas gift money, and point to the table full of pies and casseroles. They'd turn up the 94.1 Christmas station, and show me the 25 ft. tall tree of lights in the living room. But is this really all there is to it? I'm sure many of you have asked yourself this question before..., and I commend you for that.
So that is WHY I am writing this, so your question may be answered with the REAL answer, and not disdainfully filled with trees and colorful packages.
I'm sure you have probably heard of some story about a Baby named Jesus that was born in a manger. I'm sure you have probably heard at least heard the part when the angels rejoiced, and a star shone above the place where He lay. But are these stories true? And what importance to they hold to me...today?
Two thousand years ago, is when it all started. The Bible relays the story of Jesus' birth in Luke 2:7-9.
But what really IS a manger? I know we've all heard it, but do you really know what a manger is? It's not some clean little wooden cradle, that's for sure. In fact, it was the FEEDING trough for the ANIMALS. Can you imagine being a new mother and having to put your baby in a dirty thing like that?
But Baby Jesus' humble condition was all the more glorious. When God sent His son in the form of a human being, He didn't want to show off, He simply wanted to show others how humble Jesus was.
O.K., now you know the manger part. But what about...why did Jesus have to come?
If your honest with yourself, you'll admit that your not perfect. But here are a few commandments that are part of the TEN COMMANDMENTS, God's holy standard of living for His creation.
You shall not Lie
You shall not steal
You shall not commit adultery
Honor your father and mother
Do not covet
So, have you broken any of the commandments above? If so, (for Romans 3:23 says 'for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.') then you are a sinner. And God, being holy and perfect in righteousness, cannot take sinners into Heaven with Him. It doesn't matter if you gave to a children's project, helped out your local school, or gave away a million dollars, your still a sinner. And our works are like filthy old rags compared to God's holy standard that He has placed for us. So, then, (you may be wondering) what's my point in saying this if there is no hope from eternal judgment in Hell???
Jesus!! That is WHY God sent His Son as a little helpless baby in a dirty, smelly manger. To leave the glories of Heaven to come live His life with a bunch of sinners, and die on a cross for sins that He didn't commit.
But He did it for us. He did it for me. He did it for YOU.
And John 3:16 promises this,
'For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever BELIEVES in Him, shall NOT perish, but have EVERLASTING life.'
That's a glorious promise straight from the Creator of you and me! There is hope this Christmas!
There's the hope that if you only believe in Jesus, that's He's the Son of God and died for YOUR sins on that cross, and if you repent of your sins and trust Him that you shall be saved.
God knows you can't live up to the Ten Commandments, that's why He sent Jesus.
So this Christmas season, are you just going through the motions like the rest of the world???
Or are you celebrating the TRUE reason for the season, a hope...everlasting.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Civil War Re-enactments & more!!
~Civil War Re-enactments............We had a blast at the Civil War re-enactment in Lexington, Mo. It was in September, and my Grandma came and we camped out on the grounds in a tent and roasted strawberry marshmellows over a campfire. We set up our own little stand and sold checkerboards that my brother made, and books that I wrote. There were many other tents set-up with all sorts of neat things. From ladies fans to jarred pickles there were all kinds of nicknacks in the many set-ups. The soldiers camp out was set over on the other side of Big River Ranch building. The camp out was very authentic, with campfires and canvas tents and dressed-up men from both sides. I met a girl named Leah while I was there, and I helped her with her petting zoo she was doing.
The Re-enactment was on Saturday, and my were the canons loud! BOOM! I wore my grandma's blue satin gown that she wore when she was 18, and a red velvet shawl. It was cold and gloomy, but the acting was still amazing. Horses galloped and combat enacted. I thought it was very well done. The Re-enactment lasted till Sunday, and I wish I could have said that we stayed for the Ball that night. But even though we had to leave, I'm sure it was fun. The last re-enactment I did they had a ball and it was so fun! There was food and drinks, and authentic music playing while we danced the Virginia Reel and other dances with the boys and men dressed up as soldiers! The ladies dress in fancy gowns with wide hoop skirts, and it seems like we stepped back to 1860's.
I highly recommend re-enactments, especially for history lovers.
More Historical Field-trips to take........Want to go into a log cabin that was built before the time of the Civil War? Want to go into a cabin that was originally homesteaded by a man that was born one year after Abraham Lincoln? Want to grind corn, dip candles, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and hide up in a big loft??? Then you should really go to Beverly's log cabin website, and learn more!!
Go to the links at the side of the main page, and then find Bev's log cabin and click on it. Schedule a time to go soon!!!
Thanks.....
Samantha
Upcoming Historical Event-
Beverly is having a 20 year anniversary for 1829 log cabin, on April 15th, 2012.
You will be able to go paddle-boating on the pond, learn how to spin wool, dip candles, refreshments and much more!
For more info. on where it is go to her website below!
1829logcabin.com
The Re-enactment was on Saturday, and my were the canons loud! BOOM! I wore my grandma's blue satin gown that she wore when she was 18, and a red velvet shawl. It was cold and gloomy, but the acting was still amazing. Horses galloped and combat enacted. I thought it was very well done. The Re-enactment lasted till Sunday, and I wish I could have said that we stayed for the Ball that night. But even though we had to leave, I'm sure it was fun. The last re-enactment I did they had a ball and it was so fun! There was food and drinks, and authentic music playing while we danced the Virginia Reel and other dances with the boys and men dressed up as soldiers! The ladies dress in fancy gowns with wide hoop skirts, and it seems like we stepped back to 1860's.
I highly recommend re-enactments, especially for history lovers.
More Historical Field-trips to take........Want to go into a log cabin that was built before the time of the Civil War? Want to go into a cabin that was originally homesteaded by a man that was born one year after Abraham Lincoln? Want to grind corn, dip candles, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and hide up in a big loft??? Then you should really go to Beverly's log cabin website, and learn more!!
Go to the links at the side of the main page, and then find Bev's log cabin and click on it. Schedule a time to go soon!!!
Thanks.....
Samantha
Upcoming Historical Event-
Beverly is having a 20 year anniversary for 1829 log cabin, on April 15th, 2012.
You will be able to go paddle-boating on the pond, learn how to spin wool, dip candles, refreshments and much more!
For more info. on where it is go to her website below!
1829logcabin.com
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"Now, therefore," Says the Lord, "Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping.."
Joel 2:12