Probably Not Until Eternity

In your life, there is probably contained within a "special someone." They aren't family, but in many ways, you view them as family. They are usually seasonal relationships which serve to bless you richly and abundantly for the time they are intended. And while eventually life goes on, and you go in different directions, nothing has been wasted; you are better for having known them. One of these such people for me is my piano teacher, Mrs. Joan Wierenga.

For three years, she was my teacher--and the best one I have ever had in my musical journey. She was an amazing example in many ways. She is a twenty three year survivor of something blastoma (which is malignant brain cancer, in case you were curious) so her faith and trust in the Lord is a definite testimony. She was the one who helped me get rid of some, but not all, of the perfectionism that is in me. Mrs. Wierenga taught me what it means to love to play.

We parted ways in September, but I continued to e-mail her. Yet her latest e-mail caused me to stop by her house.....to say good-bye. She is moving away from my hometown; the chances that I will ever see her again are slim (but I won't say they are none.)

Getting to see her brought so many memories and with those memories, there came a thankfulness from my heart to God. I truly am better for having known Mrs. Wierenga, for however short a time.

If you have someone like that in your life, enjoy every moment--and you will be better for it as well.

June in My Hometown

I am not in the habit of cramming so many different photos into one post. However, June has proved lovely in some respects. Slightly cooler and wetter than usual, the days that have been clear have been gorgeous. Like today--it is 70 degrees outside! And it's the end of June!!

All, pay attention, all of the photos were taken downtown. Even the doe and her fawns were captured (by Garrett) in one of our parks. I truly love our city. I would say I am countrish big city girl =)

Cleaning Up Accidents

Below is an article that I wrote several months ago. I was surprised, looking on my blog, that I hadn't posted it before. I haven't changed anything, so it isn't current--but EVERYTHING still applies. Hope you enjoy it!


Our family has a new addition. No, not a baby—though we are praying about that. This past December, we decided to add to our brood a little beagle puppy named Ginger. She is the sweetest thing ever. I love to hold her close to me, rub behind her ears, and have her little pink tongue give my hand kisses. I have missed the days of having a puppy around the house, so I am treasuring these moments. But I am discovering that I had forgotten some of the bad times, like having to keep one eye on her and one eye on what you are doing. However, that is nothing in comparison to potty and obedience training.

Ginger has a stubborn side in her like we all do. No matter how many times you gently smack her muzzle and harshly say, “NO,” you can guarantee she will go right back and do it. This routine goes on forty, fifty, sixty times. As to potty training, while we have a few times where she lets us know she has to go out, Ginger more often than not doesn’t make her needs aware. “Piddle” accidents are more than a daily occurrence in our house and you can bet every morning, there will be one in her crate.

One particular day, Ginger was really ornery, stubborn, and bad. She kept going back again—and again—and again to the couch and chewing on it. There were three piddle accidents in the span of fifteen minutes. We were nearly out of paper towels and cleaner. Mom and I cried in exasperation, “It’s a good thing you are cute. That’s the thing that is saving you.” Once I made that statement, my mind began to whirl and I remembered the good grace of my Savior and Master.

What if the Lord took the same attitude that I did? Every single day, and multiple times a day, I have “piddle” (or better called sin) accidents. I keep up the same wrong behavior, no matter times my Master has rebuked me with a tap on the conscience, pointing me to His Word. Just as Ginger’s perpetual disobedience annoys us, my perpetual acting up annoys my Father. And I don’t have “cuteness” that saves me.

I love the quote in the film Amazing Grace that goes “I am aware of two things—that I am a great sinner and Christ is a Great Savior.” Since the beginning of time, the God of Heaven and earth knew that I would barely pass obedience school. (I can do okay at some “commands” and stink at others.) Yet even from Calvary, Christ made it possible that only my successes are remembered hereafter. In His sight I have passed obedience class with flying colors.

The past few weeks, I have begun to imagine this scene: There is a huge black stain left on the carpet; it’s the sign that I have had an accident. My Master is standing right beside it with a towel in one hand and cleaning spray in the other. He stoops down on his knees and sprays the stain…only the spray resembles blood. The towel is no ordinary towel either; it is wool from a spotless Lamb. As He cleans up my mess, the Master says, “It is alright, my child. What you have done is no longer important. See, look at the towel and your stain; there is no trace of your sin. No go and sin no more.”

The concept of grace overwhelms me. It doesn’t make much sense at times. But if the God of the universe can easily wash away my sin, I think I could show Ginger some slack, don’t you? After all, my sins are a bit more of significance than her piddles.

Different Friends, Wonderful Friends

Each and every morning, as I take my shower and prepare for my day, I spend time praying to the Lord. Okay, praying in the shower might seem weird--but it works for me. There are things I pray for each and every day: my family, my health, my future husband, my country--and my friends. Today, however, I found myself thanking Him that I have such different friendships with each of them.

If everyone had the exact same personality, life would be very boring. The same logic applies to friendships. If each of my friends had the same characteristics, the same interests, there would be nothing to set them apart. Just look at how God has made my friends:

Anna, Miriam, and Jen are my "Sisters of the Heart" For over a year (officially) we have been prayer warriors. They are some of the few who know the inner workings of my life. I can share my heart with them.....yet in this relationship, my individual friendships with each of them are vastly different.
*Anna is my "heart to heart" buddy. Though the others and I are like this as well, it is this characteristic that dominates Anna's and my relationship.
*Miriam is my "music" buddy. She and I both play the piano, so we are constantly talking about our favorite genres of music, what piece we are currently playing, which composer gives us a headache
*Jen is my "political" buddy....I don't know where I would have been during the election season if I didn't have someone to commiserate with =) Every conversation finds politics being brought up and a goal this year (or most definitely next year) is to go on a campaign trip with one another.

Alice is a friendship much like Anna. The Lord brought Alice into my life when I needed it the most; she has been one that I have shared a lot of my struggles with, and she has done the same with me. Now I am getting to watch her get married (well, not exactly, as I can't go to NY)

Erin is an example of what God does when he mends something that was broken--He restores it to something even better. Y'all might remember that Erin and I did ModesTeen together. Well, things happened, and our friendship hit a rough patch--but God worked mightily--and it is wonderful. If I had to define it by one word, Erin is my "life" buddy. We talk about daily life (and how we both can struggle finding clothes that are our size =)

Meghan is my movie buddy--and the one who I talk to one the phone. When she and I get on, we spend over an hour talking, with old classic movies being the main topic. I can mention a movie like, say, West Point Story, and she knows what I am talking about.

Then there are the friendships that God is beginning and aren't as strong yet--ones like Sara, Neesie, and Jasmine. These ones, and yet so are the others, are dictated by His control. They will come and go as He sees fit and only then.

I have been in a place of having no friends....and I hope I will never be there again. But that experience reminds me of how thankful I should be to Him for His wonderful gifts. My wonderfully different friendships are just one of those things that He has given me all because of His Grace. I do not deserve it in the least.

Remembering His Gifts

When God blesses us with a gift or a talent, we're supposed to use it right? We're not supposed to hide it under a bushel, or cast it aside, or neglect it because we have other things to do. Well, I have to be honest--for a period of time, I did not use something that He gave me--my love for the piano.

At the beginning of the fall, I knew I had to stop lessons. Though finances were the deciding factor, several other things played into my decision as well. It was a painful and agonizing one; lessons weren't a hardship for me, they were loved and looked forward to. Yet with the decision to stop, I made another decision, albeit unknowingly--I stopped playing period.

When you don't have someone urging you along, or a deadline to have something memorized by, or someone picking new pieces for you, a person is not inclined to practice. I mean, let's face it--practice is boring when you have to come up with things by yourself..... So, I used that as an excuse to let the cover of the piano collect dust.

But as time went on, I realized just how much I missed the piano. I LOVE to play. Gershwin, Beethoven, movie soundtracks--I can get transported into whole new worlds. I began the task of playing again, getting my wrists stronger again. It has been wonderful to do these things.

All I want to say to you in the post (which isn't as well written as I wanted it to be) is that don't forget to use the talents God has given you. They are there for a purpose. They make you into who God wants you to be, they can be instruments for His glory....and all the difficulties are worth the end result. I discovered that anew....maybe you will too.

The Reading List for April....and May

I recognize that May isn't quite over yet, but since I haven't updated here in a while, I thought I would do my reading lists for the previous two months today. Besides, I am in no danger of completing a book in two days anyway.

Byt the end of this list, you are going to think I have done something amazing with all these titles. Keep in mind that I didn't do this last month =)


Cranford, by Elizabeth Gaskell--I watched the movie first, as you all know, and then I decided to read the book. Since the movie combined three of Ms. Gaskell's novels into one, Cranford (the book) didn't cover everything in the movie...but it was still very good. What was nice was that it was a pleasant read--and not some morose novel.

Winning the Future, by Newt Gingrich--So it is no surprise to you all that I read political books. I make it a habit to check out the new book section at the library--and I tend to pick up any one that is from a Republican/Conservative point of view. I enjoy them....but not everybody does.

Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brone--Charlotte Bronte penned one of my most favorite novels, Jane Eyre. So I decided to give her sister a try. Let's just say that I like Charlotte better. Though maybe it was the storyline of Wuthing Heights that I didn't like. It was very confusing at first; it was morose as well. (It is about a love "affair" that was never to be..and how the young people, then, wanted to make the other one's life miserable) I didn't hate it by any means though. However, I did hate the 1939 version of the film I watched of it =)...afterwards

Reason and Romance, by Debra White Smith--I saw this book as I was walking around the Chrisitan book story. It is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. But believe it or not, everything was decent (so it wasn't made raunchy in any way) Of course, Jane Austen's work is far better, but it was a very pleasant read after Wuthering Heights.

In Praise of Stay-At Home Moms, by Dr. Laura Schlessinger--Fabulous! That is really all I need to say. Any girl who wants to be a stay at home mom, or knows of a mom who needs encouragement about what she is doing, needs to read this book. I plan on owning it. It is that good.

And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie--I first watched an old movie of this with the family and then I had to read the book. I came away with liking the movie better (because I preferred the Hollywood ending =) but the book is really good. It is the story of ten people who are invited to a deserted island.......and one by one are murdered. The murderer is in their midst....but who? Don't let the murder plot deter you. Nothing is graphic.

Mr. Darcy's Daughter, by Rebecca Ann Collins--Yes, I just read number 5 in the series I am growing to love. This time, we follow Darcy and Elizabeth's daughter, Cassandra, as her family goes through some changes. Once again, so many of your favorite Jane Austen characters are still around, so you don't need to fret about anyone major dying yet. Honestly, you need to find this series, y'all.

Like Dandelion Dust, by Karen Kingsbury--I read this book several years ago, but considering where our family is in live, I wanted to read it again. It is the story about a family who have adopted, and yet, circumstances result where the birth family wants him back. It is a beautiful story about a mother's sacrifical love. It really made me thankful to the mother of our hoped for child for doing the right thing and giving her baby up.

A Slobbering Love Affair, by Bernard Goldberg--Okay. You want to know the byline to this one....it is called The torrid (and pathetic) romance between Barack Obama and the Mainstream Media =) Because of that, I knew I had to get it. After all, that was what I was saying; the media got President Obama elected, there is no question about that! There is a teeny bit of language, but I do think it is an eye opener.

Okay, so there is my list? What have you read lately?

In Fond Remembrance

Arlington--sung by Trace Adkins

I never thought that this is where I'd settle down,
I thought I'd die an old man back in my hometown,
They gave me this plot of land, me and some other men,
for a job well done.

There's a big white house sits on a hill just up the road,
The man inside he cried the day they brought me home,
They folded up a flag, and told my mom and dad, 'We're proud of your son'.

And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company,
I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done,
I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones,
I made it to Arlington.

I remember daddy brought me here when I was eight,
We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay,
And when we finally found that cross,
He said, 'Son this is what it cost, to keep us free'.
Now here I am a thousand stones away from him,
He recognized me on the first day I came in,
And it gave me a chill, when he clicked his heels, and saluted me.

And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company,
And I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done,
I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones,
I made it to Arlington.

And every time I hear, twenty-one guns,
I know they brought another hero home, to us.

We're thankful for those thankful for the things we've done,
We can rest in peace, 'cause we were the chosen ones,
We made it to Arlington, yea, dust to dust
Don't cry for us, we made it to Arlington.

To the brave men and women who served--and paid the ultimate price--to ensure our freedom, we say "thank you." We owe a lot to their sacrifice.

Listed below are some old classic movies that would get you in a "Memorial Day" mood. They really put things in different perspectives.

* The Purple Heart

* The Fighting Sullivans

* Thirty Seconds Over Toyko

May you all have a blessed weekend with family and friends.

Something Silly

While in the midst of major writer's block, and yet wanting to post something on here, I came across a "tag" that a friend of mine had given me long ago. I didn't do it then, but it seems to be the perfect time right now.

So, here is what the deal is. It is a questionnaire....but you have to use song titles from a playlist (in my case, my MP3 player) for your answers. Sadly, most of my songs aren't on here yet.....

However, I want to state something for the start. Everyone has different standards when it comes to music. I will confess that I listen to many various genres (yet I always make sure the lyrics are not offensive or sinful) That said, there might be some of you who don't do anything but classical or anything but Christian. That is totally fine--the Lord leads people in different ways when it comes to things not made obvious in scripture (a dear friend did a wonderful post on that)

With that out of the way, here we go!


If someone says, "Is this okay? "Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin (doesn't work...but this question doesn't make sense =)

How would you describe yourself? "All-American Girl" by Carrie Underwood

What do you like in a guy/girl? "Forever By My Side" by Eric and Leslie Ludy (a beautiful love song about purity)

How do you feel today? "Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me

What is your life's purpose? "Your Grace is Enough" by Chris Tomlin (because no matter what, I want to send the message that God's grace is ALL you need to make it)

What is your motto? "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins (If we don't pay attention, we are bound to miss moments that are so vitally important--because life inevitably changes) OR "Whatever Will Be, Will Be" by Doris Day

What do your friends think of you? I don't have anything for this one........

What do you think of your parents? "When Mama Prayed" by Randy Travis

What do you think about very often? "When You Say You Love Me" by Josh Groban (okay, so I dream and pray about my love story =)

What do you think of your best friend? "Thankful" by Josh Groban (I am so thankful for my friends!)

What do you think of the person you like? "Brothers" by Dean Brody (an amazing song about the love of siblings)

What is your life story? "How Great is Our God" by Chris Tomlin

What do you want to be when you grow up? "Then" by Brad Paisley (You have to know the song =)


What will you dance to at your wedding? "When God Made You" by Newsong (I love this song)

What will they play at your funeral? "Just a Dream" by Carrie Underwood (No, that's the song they would play at my husband's funeral)

What is your hobby/interest? "Dreams" by Eric and Leslie Ludy (it is an instrumental piece...and I love to play the piano)

What is your biggest fear? "Forgiveness" by Jim Witter (I am always afraid that I would have a fight with someone near and dear...and not have the time to ask for forgiveness)


Alright, so that was A LOT harder than it thought. The majority of my music isn't on my MP3 (which accounts for there being no Steven Curtis Chapman on this list)

Anyway, if any of you find this even remotely interesting, which I doubt, you do it yourself.

A Mother's Love

Thank you, Lord for a Mother's love

Love that was born with a child

Her eyes can see with wisdom

There's hope behind her smile

God has created a mother's heart

With strength to guide our way

And teach us of our God above

Thank you, Lord, for a mother's love

Even as Jesus walked the earth

He was placed in a mother's care

To hold Him close to clam His fears

His deepest thoughts to share

And as Mary's heart knew the greatest joy

And felt the deepest pain

God gave His strength from above

Thank you, Lord, for a mother's love

Thank you, Lord, for a Mother's love

Her children call her blessed

Grace and glory will be the crown

Of a heart that You possess

The greatest gift of a mother's love

Is found upon her knees

Trusting in our God above

Thank you, Lord, for a mother's love

A very happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there; say hello to them for me. To mine, I love you, Mom, so very much. I appreciate all that you do for me. Lord willing, someday, I will have a child say these things to me.

And no--I didn't write those lyrics =) But I mean them!

I Saw God Today

Some days, it takes a conscious effort to find God. Circumstances around us point more to the Enemy of our souls than to the One who loves us more than life. Or there are the times when you are just bored--you want some positive excitement and adventure--and all you get is the same routine day....after day.....after day.

I am not by nature a negative person. I always try to find something positive in a situation. But it doesn't always happen. When I can't find something positive in life itself, I look to nature--and in the spring, I am always sure to find it.

Spring often comes quick as a flash. I have been waiting for my lilacs to really be in bloom for quite some time now. And today, I felt they were beginning to reach their prime. There is a spiritual lesson in there somewhere.....God's timing is always the best. Waiting is essential in order for true beauty to be revealed.

As you scroll those these photos, read the words to one of my favorite country songs by George Strait.

I've been to church

I've read the book

I know He's here but I don't look

Near as often as I should

His fingerprints are everywhere

Just slowed down to look

Opened my eyes

And man I swear

I saw God today

I encourage you to seek the Lord where He can be found. He is ALWAYS somewhere--even in the places we least expect. We are never abandoned. See Him today.

And the Winner Is.......

I want to thank all of you for entering my latest giveaway. It was a lot different this go around....but that is probably due to the fact that most people have Sense and Sensibility.

Sadly, I am not able to give everybody a copy of this delightful film. Only one of you is taking this DVD home. It is one of my favorites ever (though I will admit, if you skip the first two minutes of the new S&S, it is just as good as the one I am giving away)

So, who is taking it home?..........................................

Drumroll please....................................................


Jenna!!!

Your comment won't be published my dear, but I need an e-mail address where I can reach you.

Thanks to all who entered and congratulations Jenna!

Trip to the Falls

Last weekend, our family took a car ride to the Falls about two hours away. They are the West's equivalent to Niagara Falls and indeed, they are slightly "larger" in some way.....but I can't remember what =) The run off has been fabulous this year as there was quite a bit of precipitation. Unlike Niagara, our falls cease to run in the summertime.....so we decided we should go and see them while we could.

I hope you are blown away by the Creator's majesty from these pictures. Only He could create something of this magnitude. Who could believe a big bang made all this?!

Another Giveaway!!!

Listen up!! I have another copy of Sense and Sensibility on my hands. You know the one--Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant....Well, I found the DVD on a great price and thought, "I will do another giveaway."

This time, though, there are a few stipulations:

**Open for US residents only (I hate to do this--but rising postage costs force me to)

**You have to have commented on my blog at least three times (It doesn't matter if you are a newer reader or have been here since the beginning, but you have to have commented. No silent lurkers)**

**And Miriam, you won last time. So you can't enter =)**

So, if you don't have this DVD and want it....or you want it for a friend....or shock me and have never seen it and want to....enter! The drawing will be on May 1, 2009!

Life Keeps Rolling On

You all know how it goes. Life keeps rolling on and evidently, something gets put on the back burner. For me, blogging has taken a back seat, more or less, this month. I thought I would give you a brief update....through pictures.....of what has been going on.

The past two weeks have been "spring break" for me. So what if I am not in school anymore. Mom and Garrett have been taking it off so I am as well. I needed it; it has given me the opportunity to get caught up on some things.









ON what nice days we have had, I have been trying to get outside. Flowers and trees are slowly budding and flowering, which is such a blessing. It is still on the cold side occasionally, but I fear summer will come as quick as a flash. I think it is supposed to be 80 degrees on Tuesday....This always happens.

A big chunk of my break has been spent keeping an eye on Ginger. Our little puppy is six months old now, which means......she can be spayed! We don't want to deal with the puppy thing, so she went to the vet. She was SO lethargic the first day (as is evidenced by the picture.) She is still wearing the "cone" around her head, but her energy levels are back to where they are supposed to be.....only she is supposed to remain still and quiet as well. It has been a challenge.

Having time off has enabled me to do some crafty projects. A dear friend is getting married in August, so wedding presents are being prepared. Alas, I cannot post pictures, as she occasionally reads this blog and it is supposed to be a secret! So I keep my hands busy as I watch movies. I am currently on part 2 of Wives and Daughters. I love that movie, but at this point, Roger Hamley is definitely being idiotic =)

And last but not least, I have been getting used to my glasses. I still don't have it all figured out yet. I hate having something on my nose....but I can see better with them on. I decided, perhaps against my better judgment, to post a picture of me wearing my glasses. This is should be interesting.......

So there you have it....an update from me. I hope you all are having a wonderful April and that the Lord is revealing things to you, awesome things you couldn't have even imagine!

On My Cross

Every Good Friday, my "song" comes to mind. I once heard it at a concert and I have loved it ever since. It sums up all of my thoughts, my feelings, my thanksgiving in ways that wouldn't sound nearly as good.


On My Cross--sung by FFH

How wide is Your love
That You would stretch Your arms
And go around the world
And why for me would a Savior's cry be heard
I don't know
Why you went where I was meant to go
I don't know
Why You love me so
Those were my nails
That was my crown
That pierced Your hands and Your brow
Those were my thorns
Those were my scorns
Those were my tears that fell down
And just as You said it would be
You did it all for me
After You counted the cost
You took my shame, my blame
On my cross
How deep is Your grace
That You could see my need
And choose to take my place
And then for me, these words I'd hear You say
Father no
Forgive them for they know not what they do
I will go
Because I love them so
(Repeat chorus)

May you be encouraged by the words of this song. It is so true! Because of His grace, His unfailing love, His compassion, His mercy---Christ took everything off of my shoulders, your shoulders, and put it on His---for the rest of eternity.

My God! My God! How thankful am I that you have never, and never will, forsaken me!

The Home Stretch

Many of you will remember the post I did several weeks ago about my "Lenten" fast. Since the end of February, I have not tasted a dessert. I can't get rid of sugar entirely as it is in everything. But eating sugar in things like ketchup, yogurt, and salad dressing isn't the same as having pies, cookies, cakes....all those yummy things that make your mouth water.

It has been extremely hard for me to remain true to the "vow" I made before God. Dad and Garrett have continued to eat little pies from WalMart and Dryer's ice cream. I have wanted to bake in the kitchen, but the temptation would be just too much for me. If I made things like peanut butter cookies, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip cookies.....I would totally set myself up for failure. So, I didn't make them.

I didn't realize how tempting even the little things are. I mean, I go to get baking powder out for a recipe and just behind that, chocolate chips are calling my name. The one time I made cookies (oatmeal raisin--which Dad loves and I don't like) I really really wanted to eat some of the dough (before the raisins of course). I had to "wage war" with Satan; he kept telling me no one would ever know.....but I resisted. After all, God would know.

Four people have been immensely helpful in keeping me on the right path. Mom has not been eating desserts also, so it is great having someone else in the house, besides yourself, on the same fast. And then, there have been my "Sisters of the Heart." Each of them, Anna, Miriam, and Jen made the same decision--they haven't been eating dessert either. We are accountable to each other. I must say, that was a big thing that kept me going. I didn't want to have to admit to them that I had caved in before the ending date. Prayer....that is the only thing that has gotten us through.

I have learned a lot about myself these past few weeks. Christ has given me just the right amount of grace to say no to the temptations. Apart from Him, we can do nothing--even avoid sugar. After Easter and after enjoying my long awaited for dirt pudding, I have decided that I will do a far less strict version of this fast. I will eat sugar sometimes, but not nearly as often as I used to. I know I CAN do it--with His help.

So, I have seven days left to go. Like the little engine that could said, "I think I can. I think I can. I know I can." Lord, keep giving me the strength.

March's Reading List

I read quite a few books this past month--I thought I would share them with you. Knowing my readers as I do, I know which ones will please/intrigue you the most.


The Beside, Bathtub, and Armchair Companion to Jane Austen--This is a compilation effort by three authors. It is more on the "humerous" side of studying all things Jane; there are interviews with other Janeite fans and such. However, I think I prefered Jane Austen for Dummies. Indeed, if I had to chose between owning one or the other, I would pick the latter. But don't let my opinion deter to. It isn't bad, just not my favorite.


Painting the Map Red, by Hugh Hewitt--March found me reading a new genre of books: current events and political ones! If you didn't know already, that (government "stuff") is a major passion of mine. So, this book is dated; it was written for the 2006 election cycle. It was interesting to know what races Mr. Hewitt thought we would win and the arguments that would help us (Republicans) do so......we lost everything and talking about certain topics was anything but helpful. But there were numerous insightful things. I enjoyed reading who he though were going to be President and Veeps going into 2008.


Upstream, by Alfred Regnery--I discovered what publishing house prints Conservative books =) The subtitle to this one is: The Acendence of American Conservatism. I had to get it when I saw Ronald Reagan on the cover =) I really enjoyed this one. I discovered what the Conservtive movement has had to go through (since all of it was before my time) It also made me hope that we are in 1976 again. Jimmy Carter flopped, the nation was ready for a Conservative....I want that to happen in 2012.


The Princess Adelina, by Julie Sutter--I was given this book for Christmas by Mom and Dad and I finally read it. It is the story of a young Christian maiden who is made the wife of a pagan ruler. It is a lot like the book of Esther. I will confess, I enjoyed it....and yet I didn't always agree with the ideolgy. The maiden knew full well that the man she was marrying wasn't a Christian, but she did it because she felt she would be saving her people. That seems to fly in the face of Scripture. The book also has a lot of false gods in it, as it takes place in the 4th-5th Centuries. S0, read it at your discretion. I do think you will enjoy it.


Oolong Dead, by Laura Childs--Another episode in the tea shop mystery books I like so well. The characters are the same and the plot is the same. You have to solve a murder. The only thing is that there is speculation if someone is having an affair....and you know, they never really tie it up. (That happened a lot in this one) The recipes in the back make my mouth water, but I had to restrain from trying any this time, since I am not eating desserts right now.


The Ladies of Longbourn, by Rebecca Ann Collins--Yes, I just read book 4 in the Pemberley Chronicles Series, the one that none of you can seem to find. Once again, I loved being exposed to my favorite characters both old and new. This time, the story primarily focuses on Jane Bingley's granddaughter, Anne-Marie. You could say there are some "feminist undertones" but for me, they by no means distract from reading the story. In fact, you learn about England in the......let's see....1860's. A lot of people were struggling with things like the slave trade, average people not getting to vote, things like that. As always, I can count on a wonderful story....and now I have to bug the guy at the library to locate book 5 =)

Hope you all have been transported into the world of reading as much as I have! What have you been reading?

I'm Not What I Used to Be

At nineteen, I feel my body is wearing down. After talking with one of my "sisters," we have bemoaned the fact that we have issues like back pains, weird feet, strange abdominal cramps, headaches, low energy, etc. I mean, aren't we supposed to be young, with springs in our step, not worrying about these problems until in our sixties and seventies? It is all a result of living in a sin filled, fallen world.

For me, that has taken on a whole new element.

If you would have observed me these past few months, you would have discovered that I squint. I have problems seeing far away; for the life of me, I cannot read signs until I am very close to them. This tiring of my eye muscles has lead to an increase in headaches which leads to one of sin issues: that of being a hypochondriac (but that is another post.) Finally, it got to the point where I had enough.....so today found me at the eye doctor.

Now this was a big deal for me. I am positively petrified of doctors; I can't stand them. I always think they are going to tell me I have some rare disease that has a mortality rate of 100%. But I knew I had to go. Shrouding myself in prayer, and knowing that family and friends were doing the same, I took a deep breath and experienced new things.

When all was said and done, I discovered that I do need glasses. I am 20/80 in one eye and 20/100 in another eye. Both of them have slight astigmatisms (which I can't remember the definition of right at the moment. It has something to do with the shape of the retina.) With dilated pupils, I walked out of the office with two things: 1.) the prescription in my hand and 2.) the knowledge that I handled myself better than I anticipated......that was something that God alone did.

It's hard to admit that I need glasses. It shows that I am not a perfect person with a perfect body, one that looks and functions correctly in every area. It's going to be weird getting glasses; it will totally change the way I look. Now, the Lord has to work on the vanity issue in me.

So, if in a few weeks and months you see pictures of me with glasses, that's why! I now have the task of finding some frames I like. (I need to try them on, but I love Sarah Palin's. Whatever you thought of her personally, you have to admit she had great glasses!)

Do any of you wear glasses? What was your experiences at the eye doctor like? Do you have any tips on what kinds to look for, etc? And for those of you who don't.....how do you feel about people who wear them?

Step into the World of Cranford

I absolutele love BBC movies. Honestly, I don't think there is one that I have disliked. Wives and Daughters is a very, very close second favorite to my all time favorite girly movie, which is the A&E Pride and Prejudice. My whole family has watched North and South and while Garrett can take it or leave it, Mom and I heartily enjoyed it.

So, when I heard about Cranford, I knew I had to check it out from the library!

From the same pen of the authoress who brought you Wivees and Daughters and North and South comes the story of an English village who loves the way the live....and yet, the winds of change are sweeping through it. The town of Cranford is mostly populated by women, but that doesn't mean the story is devoid of romance, intrigue, and secrets. For like all Elizabeth Gaskell novels, there is more to Cranford than meets the eye.

For those who are well versed.....or uh....watched in the girly genre realm, you will find SO MANY familiar faces. That only adds to the enjoyment of watching this movie. There is nothing objectionable in it (though there might be one or two feminist undertones...but very faint) Find your own copy and watch it. Step into the world of Cranford.

I don't think you will be bored. =)

Change....Everything Does but HE Doesn't.

Change. It is a word that is very commonplace in today's society. It was the mantra of the election; everyone was dying for change. They were ready to cast off the old of President Bush and revel in the new of Barack Obama. Now, it seems as if everyone uses the word "change" in a slogan, or on an advertisement, or it precedes the phrases "yes we can" and "yes we did."

I, however, have a different view of change. As I pondered what I wanted my next post to be about, I discovered that I classify change in many forms.

* There is the welcome change--like the blue sky and warming temperatures that come with springtime. Seeing flowers like crocuses and daffodils begin to bloom are very welcoming things. I am slowly beginning to see these changes take place....and you can be sure I am passionately cheering them on.

* There are the exciting changes--It is a new experience to be in the midst of adopting a child. I don't know if you would call home studies and politically correct classes exciting, but the end result is.

* Life is full of unwanted changes--These are probably the most prevalent in my life and in everyone else's. They consist of, but aren't limited to, friendships being broken up, experiencing new health issues, paycuts and moves. They are the changes that yes, shape us into who Christ wants us to be (they are the fire in which we are being refined) , but they are painful in the process.

* Changes that make you sad--It is the loss of familiar faces on your local evening news cast. You didn't know them; they didn't know you. But they came into your home...you would recognize them if they sat across from you at Applebee's. You end up forgetting about them, but that doesn't mean for a moment you feel a twinge of remorse at losing them.

* And of course, changes can bring about angry emotions in you--Trust me, I have this emotion very heavily right now. The American people got their "change" and golly, it is a change for the detriment of this nation. I still pray for President Obama, but not a day goes by without my cringing at what he does and looking forward to 2010 and 2012. (Did any of you read about his latest thing?)


All these thoughts coursing through my mind have made me so thankful of one small, yet so important truth. Though my country may go down a path of destruction, my family discover what it is like to be "under a microscope," familiar faces and names come and go through my life, one thing never changes. It is my Lord Jesus Christ.

He was on the Throne yesterday, He is today, and will be tomorrow. He doesn't change his mind about my being His child. I can always count on Him to remain true to His promises and plans for me. This world is corruptible, but He is incorruptible. His grace will always be all-sufficient. His faithfulness will always be great. His love will always be enduring and unfailing.

How I praise Him for that today!