Movies--Week 2

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Today, I am thankful for my brother. It is Garrett's 17th birthday!! Since I have done so much already about him, I thought I would turn my movie post into something that "honors" him. (But don't worry, musicals will be back in January--Christmas movies are on the docket next)

His favorite sport is baseball. He is barely getting by right now; he is counting down the days until spring training. So, I am posting some classic movies about baseball. Maybe you all will like them, maybe you won't. All I know is that Garrett does =) If you have a sports loving brother, you can get him to watch these with you:


Pride of the Yankees--starring Gary Cooper and Teresa Wright--Being a MAJOR Red Sox fan, Garrett does not like the Yankees. But he does like Lou Gerhig. Gary Cooper was nominated (but did now win) the Best Actor award for his portrayal of this ball player. He has an amazing story (Gerhig does) and as you know, he has an "illness" that bears his name now. I do get teary-eyed in the scene where he gives the famous speech.


The Sratton Story--starring James Stewart and June Allyson--Okay, Lou Gerhig is a common name in baseball. Monty Stratton is not. But he also has a tremendous story. Stewart plays Stratton, who is a a very good baseball player, but then...he has to cope with losing a leg to amputation. It is very inspiring. And in both of these movies, you see what a role a wife can play when she supports her husband.


The Winning Team--starring Doris Day and Ronald Reagan--I love this movie for the cast. Doris Day is my favorite and Reagan is my favorite president. Reagan plays Grover Cleveland Alexander (who was also a real athlete, but I didn't know of him either) His story revolves around a mysterious injury he has to cope with, the fallout that happens, and the wife who sticks with him.


Angels in the Outfield--starring Paul Douglas and Janet Leigh--Up until recently, we had only watched the 90's remake. But I like this old version a whole lot better. You might know the story: a baseball team stinks, "angels" help them out, and families are created. The emotional element is very sweet in this movie. And it is funny too!!

Okay, so I didn't say much about these flicks. But that doesn't mean I don't think they are bad. I like them. If you have seen any of them, let me know! And nothing is wrong in any of them!

Happy Birthday, Garrett!

There's So Much To Be Thankful For

Courtesy of Julia, I have been tagged. However, I felt this one was worth doing, as I was going to post about what I am most thankful for anyway. There is truly so much that I have been blessed with this year, it overwhelms me. I thought I would share them with you.

1.) I am thankful that I am the Lord's child; that His grace and mercy extends to each new day. He continues to show me Himself when I am in my lowest moments...and He gives me a shoulder to cry on in the midst of them. I think every year I discover this truth more and more. But with all that has gone on this year.....I believe it more so.

2.) I am thankful for my loving family and all that they mean to me. Each is so very different and yet, we are all so very close. Dad is my protector and guider; Mom is my confidante, Garrett is the one who keeps me light =) I am even blessed to have my dog, Nikki.

3.) I am thankful for my dear friends. Those who read this blog and those who know me on a more personal level. You all have been there for me in so many ways at so many times. The Lord has blessed me richly with some like-minded fellowship after so many years of being alone. (Granted, it is all on the Internet, but....)

4.) I am thankful that I live in the United States of America. Okay, so we have problems. We've strayed from God. But we are still the most free nation on the face of the earth. I cannot even begin to grasp what it would be like to have that freedom removed....I don't want to know.

5.) I am thankful for the daily needs I can easily take for granted--food, clothes, shelter. With the economic fallout that is talked about in the news, I recognize that many are not as fortunate. So my family doesn't have big bucks; things are tight. But we are still better off than some.

6.) I am thankful that the Lord has given me talents to use for His glory. Because of Him, I am able to play the piano and write. I can express who I am in these two things (writing more so, but piano by how I play) If I didn't have that....

7.) I am thankful that I have a desire to remain under my father's authority until marriage. I am blessed that he is there protecting me and I can bounce things off of him--always getting his input before I do anything. I am learning that I can have ideas, desires, and goals, but I can have them in an honoring way.

8.) I am thankful that I am keeping myself pure--even to my first kiss--until my wedding day. Oh, there are definitely days when I doubt it will ever come to pass. But then, there are the days when I know there is just a beautiful love story out there waiting for me.

9.) I am thankful that I was able to be homeschooled most years of my education. Don't think I am isolated and delusional....because I am not. But it was parents who exposed and taught me about things. I am thankful that my parents found freedom to pick and choose what we best for my course of study so I could best enjoy it. (That said, I am SO thankful that I have only 200 pages of Dickens left =)

10.) I am thankful that I have the opportunity to post on this blog and that I can show you a little glimpse into my daily life and thoughts. It is a joy for me to do!

I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving! God bless.

Thanksgiving Plans and Traditions

I'll be posting on Thanksgiving about all that I have to be thankful for.....which is a lot. But today, my mind is thinking of all that will go into the day. Garrett and I are convincing Mom that it is better to go grocery shooping today, since the stores will be CRAZY tomorrow afternoon! My mouth is watering from all of the foods we'll be eating. I thought I would take a few minutes and give y'all a glimpse into my home on Thanksgiving Day.

Up until we moved here in 2000, we spent every Thanksgiving with Nana and PopPop (my dad's parents.) I have many fond memories of setting the table; that was MY job. Bot now, it is too far to go to Florida--and Nana has a little difficulty flying. We miss them more than ever this year, but we are still maintaining some of the traditions we do every year.

We eat the same breakfast every year: Dutch Boy pancake. Maybe I should post the recipe some time; it's really good. We eat as we discuss what we have been most thankful for. Then, we go downstairs and watch the Macy's parade.

I don't think there has been one year that I have missed it. I do turn off some of the dances--the Radio City Rockettes in particular =) Then, we watch the dog show....and root for the beagle every time.

Now, we don't really watch football on Thanksgiving. Perhaps we used to, but I can't quite remember. Dad is usually thumbing through the paper and Mom and I are busy cooking. Besides, this year, the teams who play stink =)

Food....who can't love it?! If given the choice, I would eat the sides and THEN the turkey. I am the mashed potatoes queen!! And I just love green bean casserole. Mom makes a corn pudding that is SO good and she makes the best pumpkin pie. I could get hungry just thinking about it. For me, Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the trimmings. This year, we're going to have a family we know over to share our meal with us.

Black Friday. I have only participated once--in 2001 at the mall around 10:00. I will never do that again!! But believe it or not, Garrett and Dad go every year. Not necessarily to the mall. They go to Best Buy, Office Max, Wal-Mart, places like that. They get up at a ridiculous hour and battle the crowds. THEY get the pleasure of getting my MP3 player =)

So, what about you all? What are Thanksgiving traditions you have? What are your plans? What is your favorite thing to eat? And do any of you go shopping on Black Friday. I would enjoy hearing!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly That Happened This Weekend

Thought you all might like to know how my weekend was. It certainly held a variety of emotions. A lot of weekends are like that =)

The Good: Our pastor did a very good sermon on the Sixth Commandment yesterday. He actually took a stance on something, which means a big deal to my family. It's been a problem we've been having: no one takes a stance on anything. But yesterday he did....can you think on what?

GAS PRICES ARE BELOW THE $2 MARK EVERYWHERE IN THE VALLEY!!!!! FINALLY!!!!

We watched quite a number of good suspense movies. I think some have gone into the favorites category, at least for Mom and myself.



The Bad: None of you really follow college football like I do, so I won't go into details. I have just come to the conclusion that the people who pick the bowl games are snobby, elitest, and they don't like Cinderella stories.....That doesn't make sense. Boise State was a Cinderella once, their record is certainly deserving....but no. Sure we have one game to go......but we'll get hosed.

So you can imagine the tirades I have launched into =) Just ask the family. It's only a game, but I do enjoy it.


The Ugly: The pea soup fog we had all day yesterday. It looked like something you would have in the middle of January. I sure wish I had gotten a picture, so you could have seen how bad it was. Today, we've got frost. I probably should expect that in late November, but I don't really want it.

How was y'alls weekend? What was the good? Was there a bad? And how about an ugly? I would enjoy hearing about it!

Musicals--Week 1

And now the moment you all have been waiting for...........

Okay, so that was a bit overdramatic =)

After reading your comments to do musicals first in my "Movie Review Fridays," I came to the conclusion that that was the majority opinion. So, consequently, that's what I will be doing. However, there will be some "exceptions" in the coming weeks, but you will find out what they are later.

Everything I recommend will be available from one of three places: your local library (or if you have a great interlibrary loan system, they'll get it from another state); Netflix (which our family uses); and Turner Classic Movies. We don't have the channel, but our PopPop does, so we ask him to record things.

Today, I decided to do some of my favorites. I bet most of you have seen at least one of them....but I have no ability to know what you have or have not seen. I'll be doing five movies a week, so here we go:



Seven Brides for Seven Brothers--Mom and I didn't understand why you all wanted me to mention this one, as you all have seen it! Anyway, this classic, starring Howard Keel and Jane Powell is my all-time favorite. The song and dance numbers can very easily get in my head and stay there for hours! That can be a good thing and an annoying thing all rolled into one sometimes. It's a sweet story about Millie marrying a back woodsman, only to discover that he lives with his six brothers. They all fall in love with Millie (even more so than her husband at first) and she helps them all find girls. If there is anyone out there who has NOT seen this movie.....RENT IT ON DVD! It's a very well-known movie.


Shall We Dance--starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers--Originally, I got this movie for the music in it. I was studying George Gershwin in my piano lessons and with that thought in my mind, I browsed the library. I picked this flick off of the shelf, but I wasn't exposed to the dancing duo of Rogers and Astaire then. Boy, did I love the movie! Garrett has seen parts of it and would watch it again. It is SO funny! Astaire and Rogers are rumored to be married and expecting a child. Of course, it isn't true. But they do a quick marriage and plan a divorce so all rumors could be put to rest. What do you think happens.......The music and lyrics (penned by George's brother, Ira) are simply great.
**There is nothing bad in this one at all. The only thing could be an issue for you is that someone plants a dummy in Astaire's bed to make it look like Rogers and he are married. Just make sure you do NOT get another movie by this same title, starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. I haven't seen it; it's probably not the same thing. But don't make that mistake!**

Singin in the Rain--starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Conner--another one of those classics that I bet you have seen. If not, I will be very surprised. This is a movie that the whole family can watch together...even your brother. Garrett says it is his favorite musical. It really is funny. The movie is about the transition from silent films to "talkies." Kelly's leading lady has a terrible voice, so Reynolds's voice is used. Kelly and Reynolds fall in love with buddy Donald O'Conner keeping everything light. The songs are fantastic. I often will go out and sing "Singing in the Rain" when it drizzles here....and that isn't very often. O'Conner is definitely the funniest in the whole movie.
**I do want to make you aware of two things. In one scene, Debbie Reynolds comes out of a cake in a short skirt. It's part of a song and really is humorous. The other thing....there is one dance number I always fast forward. It seems like in every Gene Kelly picture, there is a bizarre dance sequence. It is that one that I skip. I can tell you where it is--he is telling his producer about a more "Broadway like" number he wants to add to the movie. The dance is sensual and just plain weird. You won't miss anything by skipping.**


It Happened in Brooklyn--starring Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante, Peter Lawford, and Kathryn Grayson--This is just one of many Sinatra musical's I plan on enlightening you with. We watched this one as a whole family one evening. Sinatra is a soldier who returns to Brooklyn. He hopes to get settled back in and have a family. He thinks he has met the girl of his dreams....until his buddy Lawford comes to town and falls for the same girl. Ol' Blue Eyes sings, so I melt =) Grayson is a very high soprano, so that might grate on your ears for a minute. I think you will like it.


Good News--starring Peter Lawford and June Allyson--This is fast becoming one of my top favorites. I think I heard about it from Netflix and it sounded interesting. I grew to love it, though I only watched it one time. It is the story of a college girl (Allyson) who has a crush on Lawford, a star on the football team. The only thing is that Lawford likes the new girl who won't pay attention to him. So, he asks Allyson to teach him French, in the hopes of impressing the girl. That scene is just hilarious. I was semi-rolling on the floor. It really is a sweet, cute movie. I don't think there is anything you would find objectionable, but I haven't seen it in a few months. (Should add it back into our queue again =)


High Society--starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra--This is the musical remake to the 1940's The Philadelphia Story. It is very hard to say which I think is better, but this one has Frank....and the classiest actress of all time in Grace Kelly....so those are two points well in this one's favor. Kelly is about to be remarried, but her first husband (Crosby) is still in love with her. Sinatra is a reporter who comes to cover the wedding....and falls in love with Kelly. You figure out who she winds up with. I guarantee Sinatra's voice will make you melt.....maybe =)
**The only thing I can think of this that Sinatra and Kelly get VERY drunk and go for a swim. Whether it is in clothes or not (and I don't think it is) you don't really know, as you don't see it. But there is nothing you need to skip. Plus, it is the cause of everything coming to a head.**

So, have you seen any? I hope you enjoy these.....and this whole new feature!

Antonio Vivaldi's "Four Seasons...." and My Backyard

In order to achieve the full effect, click on this link. Hopefully, y'all have Windows Media Player on your computers, so you can minimize the song and listen to it as you read what I have to say.

Currently in my musical appreciation study, I am on the life of Antonio Vivaldi. Not much is known about the early Baroque composers, yet Vivaldi's legacy has been preserved in his well known concerto "The Four Seasons." It's familiar to all of us--albeit certain movements more so than others.Right now, the weather here is like Vivaldi's Largo Movement from "Autumn." For those of you not familiar with music terminology, largo means "slow." Even slower than andante....which is usually the slowest I play.As I listened to the recording upstairs, I thought of my backyard. I could just picture leaves falling down, the world slowly down, everything getting situated for a transition period. Photosynthesis is no longer being produced; winter is about to settle on the land.Life for me has been one of transition this year. I am thankful it doesn't happen nearly as often as it does in Creation. Some days, I can feel just like the "Largo Movement:" slowly getting ready for the changes ahead. Graduation was only one of them. They are all good, though.Yet, Vivaldi's compostion is more than just "Autumn." "Spring"is probably the most well known of the entire piece. My back yard is more than brown leaves and barren trees. My life is more than transition and waiting. But they all have their place. There is something to be loved and found in each of them.

Hopefully, you enjoy listening to the movement. Why don't you listen to the whole concerto when you get a chance?! =)

A New Weekly Feature

My mom does something on her blog that I am going to implement. Every Friday or Saturday, she posts reviews of some old classic movies. In today's society, it is so hard to find decent things that the whole family can watch.....or so I thought. If you go back fifty, sixty, even seventy years it's a piece of cake! Our family has grown to love many new genres and many of the iconic screen legends.

However, I want input from all of you. Is there something specific you would like me to start with? Like a particular genre that you want me to highlight: Musicals, War, Gangster, Dramas, Comedies, Suspense and Mysteries....... Or is that one actor or actress that you want me to focus on: Humphrey Bogart, James Stewart, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Ginger Rogers, Doris Day, and so many more I could go one forever. =)

I know many of you love musicals, but is that what you want first? Give me suggestions and I will get a schedule all ramped up. I'll start Friday! Looking forward to hearing from y'all!

What's Your Favorite......and Your Least Favorite?

Books have been on my mind today. It has been about a week since I started my after high school studies up, so I have been reading my books on herbal medicine and music appreciation. While herbal medicine contains a lot of words I have to look up for their pronunciations, music is simple and something that I am making more in depth. Both are doing their part in increasing my knowledge.

But then, there's Dickens. I won't deny that there are times when I think about putting "Our Mutual Friend" down. After all, I am only on page 210 out of 819. And it's due in like three weeks after having been renewed the maximum amount. (But lest you think I am a slow reader.....I had other things come up.) Right now, I am planning in doing the hard thing and sticking with it. The movie adaptation is just as good though for anyone who wants to be exposed to this novel....and it's less wordy.

All that to say is I've been wondering about y'all. What has been a book that you could NOT put down? Of late, the books that did that for me were "The Zion Covenant Series" by Brock and Bodie Thoene and the "The Pemberley Chronicle Series" by Rebecca Ann Collins. They aren't necessarily in my favorites category, but they brought hours of enjoyment. Sure, they weren't meaty, but sometimes, you need some "fluff."

Yet, what has been the worst book you have ever read? Either one you did put down or one that you wanted to SO much. Dickens is not quite there yet. Bu I have read two of the worst books ever. The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane I had to read for school....and hated it the whole time. It's depressing and morose and why is it considered a must read is beyond me. I also disliked All Quiet on the Western Front immensely. It also was depressing and morose, but as it was something I had to read........

What about you? I would like to know about the books that have had positive...and negative...reactions in your life!

The Real Blogger Award

Courtesy of my loving mother, I have received the Marie Antoinette Real Blogger Award. Now, why in the world it is called that, I have ZERO idea.....nor does she. This award means a great deal more than you realize. Mom knows how I long to be real in what I say and write here. I never want to hide what is going through my head, mind, and heart. Anyway, she passed it on to me, and now, I am passing it on to three of you.

**Disclaimer**This does not mean I don't think all of your blogs are lovely and "real." Certain lovely thoughts come to my mind when I ready certain lovely blogs. All of you are different; that's a good thing! =) Anyway, I also thought I should limit. But hey, I could always make an award up.

First, I give this award to Kaysie. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her through her blog and occasional e-mails. It doesn't take much to see her heart in the posts that she writes. She doesn't hide her struggles and doubts; she makes it a point for you to know that she sheds tears. But then, she is just as real in how she magnifies the Lord. I love reading Kaysie's stuff. Oftentimes, we have the same thoughts and emotions.

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Second, I award Jessica. To know why I award Jessica, you have to have a glimpse into my past. (Creepy, isn't it?! =)

For a time, the Lord had us a part of a Church that was very legalistic in nature. You were constantly made to feel you were sinning if you listened to things other than hymns, or if you watched certain movies, or if you did things that weren't necessarily feminine. When we were led to leave, there was pain (because leaving is never easy) But with that pain also came a new sense of freedom. God showed where I had given in to subtle legalism by hiding who I really was. So, now....I feel able to listen to Josh Groban. I can watch movies (provided they line up with my standards) I can enjoy rooting for sports teams. I cannot begin to tell you how liberating it is!!

So, how does this apply to Jessica? Well, she and her family are very strong Christians....and yet they aren't sticks in the mud. They like to dance. They listen to music other than hymns and watch movies (Jessica loves musicals like I do.) She doesn't hide who she is. That means a lot to me, especially after all I have been through.

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Lastly, I give Jasmine this award. Everything I said about Jessica applies to Jasmine and her family. I love it. But Jasmine also writes about the hard things and what her beliefs and convictions are. All throughout the election, she didn't back down from her stance/belief in Chuck Baldwin. And boy, she could care less if you agree with her or not!

This three fellow sisters in Christ have meant a lot to me. Y'all have. But for those of you who I didn't award (except in my heart) I would encourage you to check these blogs out. Meet and be encouraged by some "real" people.

15 Things I'm Not Afraid to Admit

Believe it or not, my dear mother tagged me! Yes, she has a blog, but I am not going to link to her right at the moment. Yet that's beside the point. SHE TAGGED ME!!!! Doesn't she know that I find these things difficult. Oh well.

I am to list 15 things I am not afraid to admit and then, I will tag the rest of you! Especially those of you who thrive on these things =) You probably won't discover anything new.....but that is they way things are. I don't find myself that interesting of a person; others are much more so.

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1.) I'm not afraid to admit that I don't have it all together. I never for the world want to send the message that I am a perfect model of how Christian womanhood should be. I really hate reading blogs, articles, or books that appear to have perfection. I want to let people know, it's all about grace day after day.

2.)I'm not afraid to admit that I have stuck a bead up my nose. Yes, you read that right. When I was six, I stuck a bead up my nose. And an obstetrician had to get it out with tweezers. Sometimes, I wish I had kept the blasted thing. For conversation's sake.

3.) I'm not afraid to admit that I once bit someone. Yes, you read that right as well. I will always remember the day. A "friend" of mine kept on singing the K-I-S-S-I-N-G song about me and a friend of mine. Well, after asking her to stop several times and her not heeding me, I bit her. Right on the arm. I think I drew blood. We weren't great friends to begin with (we didn't even like each other....but it's a long story) Only this made it worse.

4.) I'm not afraid to admit that I dance with imaginary partners in my bedroom. I don't really know how to dance. I only try to imitate what I watch on movies. So I think I am pretty good at the waltz. I expect that bubble to be broken one day =)

5.) I'm not afraid to admit that I listen to sports talk radio as I do exercising. I could rattle of the people I listen to, but since you don't know them....I won't.

6.) I'm not afraid to admit that I have been reading ESPN and BCS polls a lot these days. Got to see where my Broncos are fitting into the Bowl season.

7.) I'm not afraid to admit that I have over 100 books in my personal library. That figure isn't counting the books on our book shelf downstairs. It's MY books. I've read almost all of them. But yes, most of them are fiction.

8.) I'm not afraid to admit that I don't care for Dickens too much. I am reading "Our Mutual Friend" right now (and that's going well.) I have also read "A Christmas Carol" (but since I know that story, that read was fine.) Yet I tried "A Tale of Two Cities" once.....I only got to page 3.

9.) I'm not afraid to admit that I haven't tackled Shakespeare. That's right--a homeschooler who doesn't think highly of the guy. He's a little too wordy. Though I will "do hard things" and try him this year sometime.

10.) I'm not afraid to admit that I have a fear of stairs with holes in them. I think I will fall through.

11.) I'm not afraid to admit that I listen to other music BESIDES Christian music. Frank Sinatra is always on in our home. My CD player has the soundtrack from "Enchanted" and Celtic Woman on. I can't wait until I pull out Josh Groban's Christmas CD.

12.) I'm not afraid to admit that my best friends have been met in the confines of the internet. And my parents approve of each of them

13.) I'm not afraid to admit that I hate flying in airplanes. Should events happen in the next year that I need to go to, I would much rather live closer so I could drive....or even take a train. I hate takeoffs and landings especially.

14.) I'm not afraid to admit that I give a running commentary during movies. If ever y'all watch a movie with me, expect me to say something. I can't shut up, no matter how much Garrett would wish me too. I always make a retort about something whether I tell Anne Shirley for the upteenth millionth time that she is so stupid to reject Gilbert Blythe or something else. I even give a running commentary to the news. Just ask my family how many times I got angry with NBC for stereotyping me this year. =)

15.) I'm not afraid to admit that I love cooking. I go into baking spree mode a lot! It hasn't popped up this week, but it will, I am sure.

Alright, how much of that did you NOT know? Hopefully, I will discover more about y'all.

Jasmine
Julia
Miriam
Neesie
Kaysie
Jessica
Alice
Madison........you're all it!!

Saving a Saul

Despondency and depression is everywhere these days. Almost the minute Barack Obama was elected, many people took the attitude "Oh, great. We're living in the End Times. Life is going to be tough and terrible!!" For a few moments, and during John McCain's concession speech, I had the same thoughts spinning through my head. But get the phrase "a few moments." I am better now. Why? Because the Lord brought one of the greatest conversion stories to my mind.

Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath. He was eager to destory the Lord's followers, so he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them--both men and women--back to Jerusalem in chains.

As he was nearing Damascus on this mission, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly beamed down upon him! He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?"...........

Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues saying, "He is indeed the Son of God!"

All who heard him were amazed. "Isn't this the same man who persecuted Jesus' followers with such devastation in Jerusalem?" they asked. "And we understand that he came here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests."

Saul's preaching became more and more powerful and the Jews in Damascus couldn't refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.~Acts 9:1-4, 19-22

To the early Christians, Saul of Tarsus certainly looked like the greatest villian of all time. Just as Barack Obama appears to us today. But to the Lord, Saul was a soul worth saving; his reputation didn't stand in God's way. Consequently, Saul became Paul, one of our Christian patriarchs who endured much for the sake of the Father he once condemned.

Who are we to say that the Lord cannot do the same to President-Elect Obama? Sure it looks impossible to our fleshly nature that Obama can change. His reputation precedes him. But I am not going to put the Lord in a box. For all I know, the Lord's plan before the beginning of time could have been to RADICALLY change Obama's heart and have him at the helm of this nation. That Obama would end up doing what he could to reverse Roe vs. Wade, defining marriage, etc. I don't know, but I am praying towards those ends.

I would encourage you to be praying for Barack Obama as he enters 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The Lord has given the United States him for a reason, so we had better stop griping and moaning about it. With God, ALL THINGS, even changing a seemingly unchangeable man, IS possible.

I Regret Nothing

A new day has dawned but yesterday remains the same. I didn't wake up to hear that states had been called way too prematurely or that there were chads hanging around. Barack Obama is still the presumptive 44th President of the United States. My state still went for McCain by a 62% to 36% margin. My Senate seat will remain in Republican hands. (Both of our Senators are Republican--only one seat was up for election.) And unfortunately, I just discovered that my U.S. House seat was taken by a Democrat and not our Conservative incumbent.

Geepers!! I live in a Democratic district now!!

But one thing remains the same as well. I do not regret anything I did yesterday.

I do not regret casting a ballot for McCain and Palin.

I do not regret voting for Jim Risch over Larry Larocco in the Senate Race.

I do not regret voting for Bill Sali over Walt Minnick--even though Sali lost.

My conscience is clear before God.

I was in the minority a great deal this election. I defied the pollsters and voting blocs as a first time voting young woman. Two of my candidates are not returning to Washington. (Well, that's not quite true: McCain is still a Senator from Arizona.) I have a different reason for why Obama was elected and it has nothing to do with what everyone is saying. It wasn't about race; it was Bush, Bush, Bush and Republican, Republican, Republican.

A new morning hasn't given me any new answers as to "Why." The answers are the same as they were at 9:00 MST. God is sovereign, He is in control, and He has a reason as to why Barack Obama will be this Nation's next leader. I do not regret that if it leads to the Lord being raised up, Christians getting more involved, the United States humbling themselves before God. I believe that God will protect his own--even though it does look freaky. But I am doing better.

Getting to do my part by voting, even for the losers and underdogs, has only whet my appetite to do it again. 2012 will find me not only voting, but getting more involved in campaigning for the candidates I believe in.

If that means I am helping the underdog.....I won't regret it.

If that means losing anyway.....I won't regret it.

If that means doing all I can to get Obama out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.....then I am all for it.

Living in the United States of America is certainly not dull. History can change with each election. And I can play a part. So can you.

Absolutely, Positively, Without a Doubt FED UP!!!

Update: None of you have commented yet, but this should be updated. So, it's official. Yes, God is sovereign, but I am depressed. The tears have come. Life certainly looks bleak for these next four years. My voting for the woman didn't do anything. Those of you who were against her, you won't have to deal with her.

We've got our first black president. Yes, that is momentous. I wish people realized what this means in addition to history being made.

My U.S. House Seat isn't looking that great, either. Boy, how I wish I had gotten involved.

The clock is ticking. Four years....and I get to vote Obama out of office. I am definitely doing my part in 2012.

But you can read my thoughts from earlier in the evening:

Live blogging right now as I watch all of this election stuff unfold. I wish I could say I was pleased and interested with what I am seeing--but I am not! Things aren't looking good. God is sovereign, so I know He knows what He is doing--but there is my flesh which says "How is this good? Why?"

I could be wrong. I'd like to think so. But look at the map.

But am I only fed up with how things are looking? No, I am not. I live in a very conservative family, but since we don't have cable, we aren't in that camp that watches Fox News. I have grown up watching NBC. The people are familiar faces. But if things are supposed to be unbiased, they sure aren't!!! All I am hearing about is the African-American vote and how it will change the face of things.

Now, lest you think I am anti-black, white supremest, I want you to read this post by my dear friend, Jasmine. She's black and it sums up my thoughts and feelings totally. I would love a black president. Just not this one with his policies and stances.

Palin isn't getting coverage. I know she's a touchy subject, but I do like her. Why am I not hearing more the potential of a female vice president? When Hillary was campaigning, that was all we heard about.

And I am sick of being stereotyped. This young voter did not vote for Obama. Getting health care given to me by the government wasn't my top issue. This girl voted for McCain. The Supreme Court was my top issue. And I am proud of it.

Okay, I think I am angry enough. Sadly, all Obama needs to take the presidency is California and something else. Think he's going to do it....at this point any way. May God have mercy on us.

If My People....

"What if the armies of the Lord

Picked up and dusted off their swords

Vowed to set the captives free

And not let Satan have one more.

What if the church, for Heaven's sake,

Finally stepped up to the plate

Took a stand upon God's promise

And stormed Hell's rusty gates

What if His people prayed

And those who bare his name

Would only seek His face

And turn from their own way.

And what would happen if we prayed

For those raised up to lead the way

Then maybe kids in school could pray

And unborn children see light of day

What if the light that we pursue

Came from a hunger for the truth

What if the family turned to Jesus

Stopped asking Oprah what to do."

Father God, this song by Casting Crowns reminds me of 2 Chronicles 7:14: "The if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." Oh, how desperately we are in need of healing! We, as a Nation, have turned so far from you. In all honesty, we deserve your judgment.

You are absolutely sovereign; since the world began, you knew what the outcome of November 4th, 2008 would be. The candidate who will be elected will not take you by surprise--and he will fulfill your purposes and plans....whether we like him or not.

Yet, Father, I come before you on behalf of our nation. And I ask that you would extend mercy to us. WE know what we deserve. But at the cross, you didn't give us what we did deserve (which was your judgment and eternal damnation.) Rather, you gave us grace and mercy

.

So much is at stake, Lord. You know that. There are our basic freedoms....and that isn't mentioning things like abortion, marriage, and not becoming a Socialist nation. While I know I have no reason to fear, for you are in control, I will admit that I can be afraid of what appears to be.

All I can do tomorrow is get out and vote as you have guided me. The rest is in your hands and I KNOW, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you will keep and preserve that which you want. Mortals can only do so much. You alone are God.

The rest of you----PRAY!! And if you can, VOTE!!!