She Wears Purple

New Blog Address

2011-09-12T18:32:00.002-04:00

Here is the new blog address. I will be leaving this one up for awhile. :)

http://she-wears-purple.blogspot.com/

The Gospel and Singleness by David Platt

2011-08-31T14:30:00.000-04:00

This sermon was suggested to me by a friend. I will be honest I was eager to listen but I was slightly afraid of what I might hear...

Such as "Wait for that husband or wife" "Trust God to bring them when it's time" wait....wait...WAIT! And that's all good yes, we should wait and be patient! But what about in the meantime? For a single person the focus shouldn't be marriage or finding someone it should be Christ.

As for me marriage and children is all I have ever truly and consistently wanted since I was 11-12 years olds. Even as recent as a year ago I could hardly form the word "Single" in my head! I didn't want to hear it. It was the most scary word in existence to me. The thought of being alone was terrifying (which I know I wouldn't be because my father promised that I can live with him till I am 70 so no worries there) but still it's not quite the same as having your very own family, helping build a dynasty, forming the next generation. (so I thought...) I found myself discontent waiting on what seemed to be a future good when CHRIST is my future good! It is time for change of heart, a RIGHT prospective! So, to sit here and say I am "jubilant" about singleness is and act of God and He used this sermon to bring so much peace and purpose in being single that it brings tears to my eyes! Are there a few place in the sermon that make you chaff in you seat? Yes, a little but hang in there! It's not what you think! It's a glorious revelation! SINGLENESS IS NOT A CURSE! Did you know that??? I didn't until this sermon!

"....And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband."
1Cor 7:34

Marriage is not bad nor should we frown on it, but I now see singleness as if God is saying to me "I want you for myself (either forever or until He says you will better serve Me and my Kingdom with this young man than by yourself.) It doesn't change the fact that it IS still a desire but it's not my focus! The Kingdom and how I can better serve my Savior is my focus! I speak with young girls often on this topic and it scary to see that finding a husband is almost (if not more) important than God! Though the was me a few years ago! IT'S WORSHIP BROTHERS AND SISTERS! And we have been wrong, very wrong! We are robbing God of His glory and giving it to a HUMAN an unperfected, unreliable, selfish being who controls nothing. I say this in love! We are the next generation whether we marry or not as it is stated in this sermon if our focus is Christ will have a heritage and a heritage of those who God allowed to be touch by our lives! It's not the end! I promise its the beginning of a glorious end, an end that will result in an eternity of glorious worship to our Heavenly Father! Satisfaction beyond anything we can comprehend!

I don't know about you but I am excited! I pray you will be too and not only in singleness but get out there.

Being single for God's glory and if you marry be married for the glory of God!

Ok so the sermon you have read this novel to get to:
http://pseudo01.hddn.com/vod/brookhills.agroup/audio/51.mp3

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. ~ 1Cor 16:23-24

O SACRED HEAD, NOW WOUNDED

2011-06-17T00:54:00.002-04:00

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,

Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;

O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!

Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;

Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.

Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;

Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee, Thou noble countenance,

Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee and flee before Thy glance.

How art thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!

How doth Thy visage languish that once was bright as morn!

Now from Thy cheeks has vanished their color once so fair;

From Thy red lips is banished the splendor that was there.

Grim death, with cruel rigor, hath robbed Thee of Thy life;

Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigor, Thy strength in this sad strife.

My burden in Thy Passion, Lord, Thou hast borne for me,

For it was my transgression which brought this woe on Thee.

I cast me down before Thee, wrath were my rightful lot;

Have mercy, I implore Thee; Redeemer, spurn me not!

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,

For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?

O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.

My Shepherd, now receive me; my Guardian, own me Thine.

Great blessings Thou didst give me, O source of gifts divine.

Thy lips have often fed me with words of truth and love;

Thy Spirit oft hath led me to heavenly joys above.

Here I will stand beside Thee, from Thee I will not part;

O Savior, do not chide me! When breaks Thy loving heart,

When soul and body languish in death’s cold, cruel grasp,

Then, in Thy deepest anguish, Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.

The joy can never be spoken, above all joys beside,

When in Thy body broken I thus with safety hide.

O Lord of Life, desiring Thy glory now to see,

Beside Thy cross expiring, I’d breathe my soul to Thee.

My Savior, be Thou near me when death is at my door;

Then let Thy presence cheer me, forsake me nevermore!

When soul and body languish, oh, leave me not alone,

But take away mine anguish by virtue of Thine own!

Be Thou my consolation, my shield when I must die;

Remind me of Thy passion when my last hour draws nigh.

Mine eyes shall then behold Thee, upon Thy cross shall dwell,

My heart by faith enfolds Thee. Who dieth thus dies well.

Powerful Words!

2011-01-24T22:36:00.000-05:00

ADORE AND TREMBLE, FOR OUR GOD

by Isaac Watts

Adore and tremble, for our God

Is a consuming fire!

His jealous eyes His wrath inflame,

And raise His vengeance higher.

Almighty vengeance, how it burns!

How bright His fury glows!

Vast magazines of plagues and storms

Lie treasured for his foes.

Those heaps of wrath, by slow degrees,

Are forced into a flame;

But kindled, oh! how fierce they blaze!

And rend all nature’s frame.

At His approach the mountains flee,

And seek a watery grave:

The frighted sea makes haste away,

And shrinks up every wave.

Through the wide air the mighty rocks

Are swift as hailstones hurled;

Who dares engage His fiery rage

That shakes the solid world?

Yet, mighty God, Thy sovereign grace

Sits regent on the throne;

The refuge of Thy chosen race

When wrath comes rushing down.

Thy hand shall on rebellious kings

A fiery tempest pour,

While we beneath Thy sheltering wings

Thy just revenge adore.

Check this out!

2010-11-23T10:34:00.000-05:00

The Importance of Understanding History + Navigating History: Egypt—Giveaway!

Posted on 20 November 2010 by Robin | 99 responses

I love History. It is fascinating to me. But it wasn’t always like that. I remember in school being completely bored with history trying to memorize dates of when people lived and important happenings, reading in the textbooks all the short snippets of facts that seemed to have no connection at all. I only really remember one time that history seemed interesting and that was in elementary school when our class read Johnny Tremain.

That all changed when I started homeschooling my daughters. History came alive—it was exciting, adventurous and so interesting. Why? We used living books to study history; books that were written by people who were truly interested in the subject and brought the stories of the past to life. We read biographies, historical fiction, first hand accounts, etc. It became one of our favorite subjects to learn about. My daughters enjoy history so much they started their own publishing company featuring their paper dolls of Christian women from history, Daughters of His Story.

So what does history have to do with Raising Homemakers? Don’t homemakers just cook and clean and live boring little lives? NO, they don’t.

Homemakers nurture their families in so many different ways. They are the caregiver, teacher, family historian, character trainer, nutritionist, peacemaker, seamstress, etc. Throughout history homemakers have inspired their husbands, children, and future generations to persevere and thrive.

By studying history with our children, we can help them understand who they are, where they have come from, and see how the Lord has been working in the hearts of men and women throughout time. We can teach them how to understand the past and different cultures with a biblical worldview.

Four God-fearing, adventurous young men are going to travel to Egypt . . .

Navigating History: Egypt

At the end of this month, a team of young Christian filmmakers will be traveling to Egypt as part of the Navigating History Project, just announced by Western Conservatory. “Navigating History: Egypt” is a 6-episode adventure travel series designed to teachhistory, geography, current affairs, and worldview analysis from a Biblical perspective. The series will focus on the events and influences that shape nations, illustrating that ideas have consequences and that culture is never neutral.

“What we want to do is show students how to use unchanging theological truth to assess every aspect of culture and history . . . past, present, and future.”
—David Noor

Egypt, the oldest continuous culture in the world, has been influenced at various times in its history by the four dominant ideologies of the globe—ancient paganism, Greco-Roman humanism, the Christian Church, and the rule of Islam—making it an ideal place to show that culture is religion externalized. Along the way, the team will be providing book recommendations and pointers for further study. Unlike television shows where hosts are shot and edited by invisible camera teams, every aspect of production and travel will be visible to those watching from home, as every member of the team serves both on-camera and as production staff.

“Each lesson which students learn about Egypt will help them face the challenges of the questions facing young Americans today — in America.We want students to be sharp analysts of America’s political issues, church issues, and family culture issues. Egyptian culture illustrates the consequences of modern challenges with alarming clarity.” —Isaac Botkin, team leader

Episodes and live Q&A sessions with the team will be aired at 8:00pm CST every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, starting November 29 and continuing through December 17.Subscribers who join the three-week journey will have access to web site resources and updates. The tight deadlines for each of the episodes will add another element of drama for the viewers anticipating the next installment of the adventure. With live timers and GPS tracking,subscribers can monitor the team as they move between destinations and race against deadlines.

Give-away

Western Conservatory has generously offered to give away a free pass for one of you to be a subscriber to Navigating History: Egypt.

To Enter: (Please leave a separate comment for each thing you do.)

- Comment on this post . . . and (optional) answer the question:
“If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you go, and why?”

- Facebook, Comment, Tweet, Email, Post the link to this giveaway.

Giveaway ends on Tuesday, November 23rd at Midnight EST. (Check back on Wednesday to find out who the winner is!)

So guys if you want to enter click on this link!

Yes Please! Let Me Be A Woman.

2010-11-16T14:49:00.000-05:00

I have just started reading Elizabeth Eliot's books "Let Me Be A Woman" and it is becoming a favorite.
I just wanted to share with you a quote one of many in this book that I like!

“It cannot be decided in the basis of the church’s need or an individual’s urge or any of the sociological or humanistic arguments put forth by those who seek to liberate. It has to do with things vastly more fundamental and permanent, and the meaning of womanhood is one of these things. We have something to respond to, something that directs and calls and holds us, and it is in obedience to the command that we will find our full freedom.”
~ Elizabeth Elliot {Let Me Be A Woman}

Just one of my favorite things

2010-10-20T12:42:00.000-04:00

You know, my most favorite thing about editing pictures is that while I do it I get to listen to great preachers like Paul Washer and audio Bible for hours! And sermons such as this one.
I ♥ photography! :)

This is Amazing! A must watch!

2010-09-29T10:28:00.001-04:00

O For A Heart To Praise My God (A New Favorite)

2010-09-20T17:48:00.000-04:00

O for a heart to praise my God,

A heart from sin set free,

A heart that always feels Thy blood

So freely shed for me.

A heart resigned, submissive, meek,

My great Redeemer’s throne,

Where only Christ is heard to speak,

Where Jesus reigns alone.

A humble, lowly, contrite, heart,

Believing, true and clean,

Which neither life nor death can part

From Christ who dwells within.

A heart in every thought renewed

And full of love divine,

Perfect and right and pure and good,

A copy, Lord, of Thine.

Thy tender heart is still the same,

And melts at human woe:

Jesus, for thee distressed I am,

I want Thy love to know.

My heart, Thou know’st, can never rest

Till Thou create my peace;

Till of mine Eden repossest,

From self, and sin, I cease.

Fruit of Thy gracious lips, on me

Bestow that peace unknown,

The hidden manna, and the tree

Of life, and the white stone.

Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart;

Come quickly from above;

Write Thy new name upon my heart,

Thy new, best name of Love.

Click this link to hear how it goes!

Voddie Baucham: Harvard or Heaven? FREE Live Webinar

2010-09-20T13:59:00.002-04:00

Voddie Baucham: Harvard or Heaven? Live Webinar

At homeschool conventions across America thousands flocked to hear Dr. Voddie Baucham’s stirring and life changing session, Harvard or Heaven?

Now, for the first time ever, Voddie will present his dynamic Harvard or Heaven? session on a free live and interactive webinar.

You and your family are cordially invited to join Voddie on this free webinar broadcasting live on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 9:00 PM Eastern/8:00 PM Central/6:00 PM Pacific.

Click here to reserve your spot for Voddie’s Harvard or Heaven? webinar.

It’s easy to access this webinar—you can listen online or on your phone, it’s up to you.

More about Voddie Baucham’s Harvard or Heaven? webinar

Dr. Voddie Baucham is a pastor, author, professor and homeschool dad of six children, two of which are earning their college degree through non-traditional methods.

On this live interactive webinar, Voddie will hold nothing back as he tackles the college and dual credit issue head-on, working through key considerations such as:

Do your children have to earn a college degree to enter today’s workforce or ministry?
Is traditional college a wise time and money investment?
What hidden dangers lurk for dual credit students at the community college?
Are there debt-free and family-integrated options for students to earn dual credit or a college degree?

Voddie will also offer practical solutions and well-conceived ideas for you to explore as you consider your dual credit and college options.

Click here to register now before the remaining spots are filled. Space is limited.

If you have family or friends who may benefit from Voddie’s webinar, you may share this information on your blog or Facebook page.

(information above was taken from this site)

Movie Night with My Girls!

2010-09-17T22:56:00.000-04:00

We are watching an old favorite tonight. (for those who aren't dyslexic) The Sound of Music! :D

It been a while since we have seen it we're excited!

Maddie I think is a little....uh.... too excited... o_O

9/11 It seems like people are not remembering this day....here are a few reminders.

2010-09-11T10:43:00.000-04:00

The Victims of that day.

Flight 93

MAY WE NEVER FORGET!

also check out my sister's post on this day.
Maddie M.

God be thanked, that ye "were" the servants of sin!

2010-08-30T20:00:00.000-04:00

Romans 6 (KJV)

¹What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
²God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
³Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
⁴Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
⁵For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
⁶Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
⁷For he that is dead is freed from sin.
⁸Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
⁹Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
¹⁰For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
¹¹Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
¹²Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
¹³Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
¹⁴For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
¹⁵What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
¹⁶Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
¹⁷But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
¹⁸Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
¹⁹I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
²⁰For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
²¹What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
²²But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
²³For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Best Jelly I've Ever Had!

2010-08-21T10:59:00.002-04:00

Blessitt's Homemade Jams and Jellies August Jelly Giveaway!

by Blessitt's Homemade Jams and Jellies on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 8:42am

It is August and our apples are ripe, so for our August Jelly Giveaway we will be giving away a delicious jar of our award winning Apple Pie Jelly!

To ENTER just leave a COMMENT on this note! On Monday August 23 we will randomly draw a WINNER and ship them a FREE jar of Apple Pie Jelly!

(*If you are new to Blessitt's Jams and Jellies and not yet a fan then you must "like" the page first, or it will not let you comment. You may "like" the page at this link: http://www.facebook.com/blessittsjamsandjellies then it will allow you to comment to enter. Thanks!)

If you would like EXTRA ENTRIES do one or all of the following:

1. Repost this note on your Facebook, and then comment back on this note and let me know you reposted.

2. Tweet this link on your Twitter, then comment back and let me know you tweeted!

3. Post about our giveaway on your blog with a link to this note, and then comment back with your blog link letting me know you blogged about our August giveaway!

Do all three, plus your original comment and you will be entered a total of 4 times!

There you go... entering is as easy as pie, Apple Pie that is!

Let the comments begin!

Leave your comments on Facebook

at this link.

Well.....

2010-08-13T12:12:00.001-04:00

I have much to post about but... Unfortunately I am having some computer trouble (which should be fixed soon). Until then if you would like to see our last few adventures check out my sister's blog:

Call it what you want.

Blessings!

~Alyssa

YAY!!!

2010-07-13T15:05:00.001-04:00

Now Available - The Baby Conference on CD and MP3!

Now Available — The Baby Conference on CD and MP3!

When tragedy strikes in the delivery room, and the doctor says you must choose which life to save, whose life is more important - the mother’s or the baby’s?

When your aged parents are terminally ill and in constant pain, and they want to go home to be with the Lord, which act is more loving — to take away their food and water and let them die “naturally,” or to continue feeding them and thereby prolong their suffering?

There are 500,000 babies living as frozen, unwanted embryos in clinics across the United States. Eventually their cells will break down and they will die. Should Christian couples adopt these embryos and implant them into the wives’ wombs? Or is that a form of “medical adultery?”

What does the Bible say about birth control? Is use of the Pill lawful or unlawful according to Scripture? How can we end legalized abortion in America? And what are Christians’ responsibilities to defend life in view of the looming healthcare crisis?

These questions offer just a taste of the critical life-and-death issues covered at The Baby Conference last week, which featured such speakers as Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, Doug and Beall Phillips, Geoff and Victoria Botkin, Flip Benham, Kevin Swanson and Jennie Chancey. For three exciting, hope-filled days, hearts were encouraged, vision was renewed, and families were equipped to defend the beauty of life in a culture of death.

Now your family can hear these messages at home! Purchase The Baby Conference on CD, and enjoy more than 38 hours of messages addressing the most critical biomedical ethical and life issues of our day, as well as practical insights into home life and family management. Or, purchase The Baby Conference on MP3 and listen to these same messages on your computer or any MP3 player.

When God says Good Morning

2010-06-22T20:07:00.001-04:00

These are un-tweaked images!

Genesis 1:16-18 (KJV)

And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness:

and God saw that it was good.

Psalm 19:1-3 (KJV)

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

I woke up this morning to this.
And all I could say was "Good Morning Father".

We're in........

2010-05-30T19:54:00.002-04:00

Our Beloved GRANDparents

FLORIDA!!!!!

WOOT!

We really miss this store! :(

And it is one of the many

highlights of our trip down here.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

2010-05-17T22:47:00.002-04:00

Great is thy faithfulness,

O God my Father;

there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever will be.

Refrain:

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

sun, moon and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Refrain:

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Refrain:

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

HUZZAH!!!!!

2010-04-15T13:12:00.011-04:00

Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary

When I found this

(just a few minutes ago)

I became very excited!

And just had to share it right away.

We own this dictionary but I am very happy to see the online resource!

I am very excited to report that

I will NEVER have use dictionary.com

EVER again!

Here is a link to there Project page!

Alyssa

Check This Out!

2010-04-13T14:31:00.000-04:00

You see something different...don't you?.....

2010-04-11T00:10:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I am very sure my regular readers are saying "Pick out a blog theme already and STICK WITH IT!" I am a OCTC (Obsessive Compulsive Theme Changer) I apologize.... creative people are just like that...can't stop creating "new." We accept change very well. ;) So I have decided to give my blog a more substantial name and theme. Something that will not change...(too much...) lol

PRESENTING

Drum roll Please

(in your mind.... or else those around you might think you're crazy!)

"She Wears Purple"

TAAA DAAA!

The Header Inspired by Proverbs 31:22,25

Although we strive to be that Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 woman. God has major guidelines for us women.
Everything in nature has it's place exactly the way God intended, but as humans we have SERIOUSLY flopped things around. Now I say these things not as a young woman who has perfected it....Far from it I am afraid, but it's a work in progress as God gently sanctifies us as we grow in Him. Women today wear the "pants" not purple "per se". So, not to ramble on, on a subject that we have all heard and know. I decided that being this is my goal that I would name my blog so.

Now to explain the purple glasses you see above.

Purple is one of my favorite colors so, when I got these about two years ago they became an instant favorite! I have always liked them due to their elegant shade of royal purple, but I recently realized that they could be used as an excellent reminder! Such as my vision (no pun intended...) a.k.a the goal I have for my life. Also, I can now be thankful for the annoying scratch on my right lens. So every time it distracts me (as it often does) it will be a reminder to me of sin. How sin distracts us from what God has for us, His vision for our life, and how I am to despise and hate sin as God does. So, like my glasses I am not without fault. I am also far-sighted physically and spiritually. Physically: when I want to see further down the road I just place my glasses on the tip of my nose. Spiritually: I like looking ahead and being able to see what I am working toward when ever I get discouraged. God knew I would need help seeing what is in front of me. So I wouldn't get carried away the big things He is doing in me, the world and people around me. So God like my glasses helps me focus on what's right in front of me. And the scratch is a reminder that keeps me humble and realizing the constant need I have for Him.

They're also purple which reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman. The woman I long to be.

"She Wears Purple"..... I wear purple!

Bet you never knew you could learn something from a pair of glasses did you?

As silly as this sounds whatever keeps God in our every thought and action.

Since naming my blog "She Wears Purple" I find myself surrounded by purple!

Everywhere! Such as the lamp shade across the room. I noticed multiple purple shirts in our closet as I cleaned it out today, and my purple Bible! My sister's room in that last house we lived in was painted PURPLE! Now purple means so much more to me.

Hope all of you out there have a wonderful weekend and Blessed Sabbath!

In Christ

Alyssa

The Resurrection Accounts

2010-04-04T21:35:00.001-04:00

I think it's really's neat that the Bible give us multiple views of the life of Christ and other events. I believe God did that to confirm to us that it really took place and gave us four men's account of the same events. Each with a different vantage point and, or slightly more detail (in areas) than the others. We wouldn't (by nature, typically) take the words of one man. We are more likely to believe if there are witnesses with the same similar story. Would we not? So, He gave us four (from what I have read other accounts in other books are more "re-callings" than the story) ! How good of Him to take into consideration our skeptical minds! I think it shows us the extent of love God has for us. How He truly wants us to believe His word as it is written in 2Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

God allowed it to given to us in such a way for our benefit! He is good to us in so many ways! More ways than we know or ever will know! We give Him so little of our time. It has been preying on my heart for some time now. I mean how would you feel if you did things on a regular basis for someone and they never noticed? Only seeing the BIG things you do? God must feel this way all the time!

Anyway did mean to get of on a rabbit trail. : /

So I would like to give you all the vantage points of the

Resurrection of our Lord and Savior!

Hope you find it as fascinating as I have!

Matthew 28

¹In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
²And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
³His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
⁴And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
⁵And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
⁶He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
⁷And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
⁸And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
⁹And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
¹⁰Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
¹¹Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
¹²And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
¹³Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
¹⁴And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
¹⁵So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
¹⁷And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
¹⁸And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16

¹And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
²And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
³And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
⁴And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
⁵And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
⁶And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
⁷But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
⁸And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
⁹Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
¹⁰And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
¹¹And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
¹²After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
¹³And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
¹⁴Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
¹⁵And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
¹⁶He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
¹⁷And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
¹⁸They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
¹⁹So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
²⁰And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Luke 24

¹Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
²And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
³And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
⁴And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
⁵And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
⁶He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
⁷Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
⁸And they remembered his words,
⁹And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
¹⁰It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
¹¹And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
¹²Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
¹³And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
¹⁴And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
¹⁵And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
¹⁶But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
¹⁷And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
¹⁸And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
¹⁹And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
²⁰And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
²¹But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
²²Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
²³And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
²⁴And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
²⁵Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
²⁶Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
²⁷And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
²⁸And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
²⁹But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
³⁰And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
³¹And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
³²And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
³³And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
³⁴Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
³⁵And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
³⁶And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
³⁷But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
³⁸And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
³⁹Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
⁴⁰And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
⁴¹And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
⁴²And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
⁴³And he took it, and did eat before them.
⁴⁴And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
⁴⁵Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
⁴⁶And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
⁴⁷And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
⁴⁸And ye are witnesses of these things.
⁴⁹And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
⁵⁰And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
⁵¹And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
⁵²And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
⁵³And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

John 20

¹The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
²Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
³Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
⁴So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
⁵And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
⁶Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
⁷And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
⁸Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
⁹For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
¹⁰Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
¹¹But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
¹²And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
¹³And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my LORD, and I know not where they have laid him.
¹⁴And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
¹⁵Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
¹⁶Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
¹⁷Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
¹⁸Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
¹⁹Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
²⁰And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
²¹Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
²²And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
²³Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
²⁴But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
²⁵The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
²⁶And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
²⁷Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
²⁸And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
²⁹Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
³⁰And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
³¹But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

John 21

¹After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
²There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
³Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
⁴But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
⁵Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
⁶And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
⁷Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
⁸And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
⁹As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
¹⁰Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
¹¹Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
¹²Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
¹³Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
¹⁴This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
¹⁵So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
¹⁶He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
¹⁷He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
¹⁸Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
¹⁹This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
²⁰Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
²¹Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
²²Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
²³Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
²⁴This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
²⁵And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

May we joy in the life that Christ has given us and praise His name!

Hosanna in the highest!

Check out the New post on Scott Clan!

2010-03-28T14:35:00.002-04:00

It's Mean and you fight it with a Machine!

THANK YOUUU! Can I have an AMEN!!?? Love this!

2010-03-15T20:49:00.001-04:00

You've been tagged!! :D SURPRISE!!!!

2010-02-16T21:40:00.002-05:00

Hey guys, You really have to add this link: http://www.teens4orphans.org/ and button to your blog! It's awesome!

I know I've done lots of posts about it in the past. But now I've been tagged again.... soooo...here we go!

Ali

Becca

The Grays

Mia

WOW! AMEN! We are all in need of some repenting!

2010-02-14T17:54:00.002-05:00

WOW! Isn't this the truth!

2010-01-05T22:49:00.001-05:00

HAPPY New Year!

2009-12-31T21:11:00.004-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here is some scripture that speak of "new", "first" and "beginning"

that we may apply to the coming new year. (KJV)

New:

(Ps 96:1) O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

(Lam 3:23-24) It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

(Eph 4:22-24) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

(Rom 6:4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

First:

(Matt 6:33)But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

(Matt 22:36-38) Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.This is the first and great commandment.

(Ephesians 6:2-3) Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

(1 Tim 1:16) Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

(1 John 4:19) We love him, because he first loved us.

Beginning:

(Ps 111:10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

(Proverbs 1:7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Now some things I did NEW in 2009:

~Learned how to make herbal tinctures!

~Made new friends after moving

(which moving isn't new)

~ Got Twitter..... yes, you read correctly....

Saw my sister without braces! She's fabtabulously shmabulously gorgeous!

*those to words are copy righted they are Alyssa-isms!*

(meaning you must PAY!)

Some firsts for me in 2009:

~I went to an IBLP conference which was awesome! :D

~I went on diet ACTUALLY followed it and lost weight! :o

~I went to Ohio for a week to visit a dear friend.

*Never been that far north!*

~I did my first two Senior shoots!

~I fasted for the first time this year!

~Made 74 cinnamon rolls in one day and

3 loaves that totally flopped!

~ Saw at least 10 bear

Went snow sledding like...REAL sledding!

Some Beginnings that started in 2009:

~ Possibly a photography business!

~ Healthier life style (diet)

~ Different out look on life

~ Studying Herbology

~ My passion to teach about God's Providential Hand in History and

in the lives of those around me

~ Missions

Now what have you done this year?

Things I like thinking about every Dec 31st is

What new things will happen? What things will I do for the first time?

What will begin this new year? What is this year the beginning of?

The New Year "Ta-Do" List for 2010

~Form an even closer walk with my loving Savior!

~Learn a new language.

~(the most common of all!) Get into better shape.

~Maybe do some traveling. Maybe China to visit sweet friends! :o

~IPS Photography course! BOO-YAH!

~Commit to at least 3 years of single service.

~Taste ALL flavors of Izzes!

Small as it is I will find more "ta-do" ;)

Happy New Year!

God Bless!!

This is my song for the coming new year!

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Something I thought I would share :) Happy New Year! :D

2009-12-31T18:28:00.001-05:00

Special Note: The following article is updated and reviewed each year as the Lord teaches our family new and important principles for beginning a new year. I hope it will be an encouragement to you as it is to our own family.

Dear Friends:

Life moves fast. If we don’t take the time to chronicle the providences of God, we forget them. If we don’t take the time to say thank you to those who have invested in our lives, we actually cultivate a spirit of ingratitude in our own hearts. If we don’t stop and make sure that we have a spirit of forgiveness toward others, we grow bitter, we lose the capacity to move victoriously into the future, and our prayers are hindered.

Here is a little practice that I was taught and would like to share with you. Each year, during the last week of December, I would encourage you to do the following things.

I. Outline and Chronicle the
Many Providences of God

Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Hab. 33:2)

First, using simple bullet points, outline the key events for every week of every month of the year. Take the time to do the research which will help jog your memory and allow you to make an accurate record. I find that reviewing bills, blogs, journals, newspaper headlines, letters, and even organizing my photographs chronologically are enormously helpful tools. Those individuals who were faithful to journal or keep a diary will have little problem reconstructing key events. Give yourself a good week to reconstruct your own outline of the year. Also, by making this a family project, you will not only build your list with greater speed and precision, but (in the hands of a loving patriarch) the very act of chronicling the providences of God in your life is a blessed tool for family discipleship.

Every family will have a different set of priorities directing what they should record. In addition to recording the key events and providences of the year chronologically, I try to take the time with my family to record some of the following information on separate bullet lists:

Where did I/we travel?
What were the most important sermons I heard this year?
What books/articles did I write?
What significant household projects did we accomplish in 2009?
What were the most important meetings of the year?
What special friendships were made this year?
Which children lost teeth, and how many?
Who grew in physical stature, and how much did they grow?
Who learned to read this year?
What diet and physical exercise regimen did I maintain to honor “my temple”?
What books did I read? Did we read as a family? Did my children read?
What Scriptures did my family memorize?
What loved ones died this year?
What were the great personal/ministry/national tragedies and losses of the year?
What were the great personal/ministry/national blessings of the year?
What were my most significant failures/sins for the year 2009?
What commitments have I made to overcome sin in 2010?
What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience?
In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who have blessed me and invested in my life?
What are the top ten themes of 2009 for my family?

II. Say ‘Thank You’ to
Those Who Have Invested in Your Life

[I] cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. (Eph. 1:16)

Whatever happened to the man who first opened to you the words of life from the Scripture? Where is the comrade, coach, or instructor who believed in you and helped you to accomplish a great goal? What about the Bible teacher whose careful handling of the Word opened up new vistas of understanding? Where is the friend who stood with you through thick and thin? Most importantly, what have you communicated to the mother who carried you in her womb, loved and nurtured you, or the father who labored to provide for and shepherd you?

When was the last time you responded to their investment in your life with gratitude, blessings, and even money? Jesus reminds us of those ungrateful recipients of blessing who simply went their way without demonstrating gratitude (Luke 17).

Before the year ends, make a list of two types of people: The first list are the names of people whose life, ministry, or personal investment in you have deeply touched you and changed your life. (In my case, the list includes parents, pastors, and even some teachers from the early years of my Christian walk that I did not meet until much later in my life, but whose books and tapes were crucial to my personal discipleship as a young Christian.) The second list should include those people who played the most significant role in your life in 2009.

Write a brief, meaningful letter to each of them. Be specific in your gratitude. Explain what they did for you and why it was important to you. Show them how they were God’s instrument of blessing in your own life. Pray over each letter, asking God to grant you rich insights on the character qualities of each individual and on the way those qualities changed your own life. Where appropriate, include a check or special token of appreciation that reflects your desire to show them, tangibly, that you recognize that you are in their debt. You cannot imagine the joy this will give to someone from your past who may think you have forgotten them. Give generously and without concern for getting a tax deduction. I strongly recommend sending money to your parents. Keep in mind that you will never be able to return their personal and financial investment in your life, except through your testimony of faithfulness, covenant keeping, and honor to the Lord.

Also, your children need to know the people who have blessed their parents. They need to see that Mom and Dad are grateful and generous. Share your letters with them. In our household, we ask our children to write to some of the people who have blessed Mommy and Daddy, because our children are the indirect recipients of these blessings on their parents.

This will take a day or two to complete. You may have twenty letters to write, but you will never regret saying “thank you.”

One last thought: One reason why Christians are often limited in vision, energy, and blessings is that, contrary to the Lord’s command, we are ungrateful, unforgiving, and bitter. Far too many who profess the name of Christ spend more time obsessing on those who have wronged them than rejoicing in those who have blessed them. Letters and tangible expressions of gratitude are not only pleasing to Christ, but an antidote to heart-sickness.

III. Forgive Those Who Have Wronged You

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

In the course of a year, it is possible to build up many offenses and personal grievances at others. Left unaddressed, these grievances fester and grow. They turn the heart black and the body weak. They foster a spirit of vengeance and misguided self-righteousness. The short of it is this: Unforgiveness leads to bitterness. Bitterness curdles the mind and the spirit.

Fresh starts and new years should begin with forgiveness for others. Having a genuine spirit of forgiveness towards those who have wronged us is a mark of biblical Christianity. It is an evidence that we have been redeemed, and that we are praying lawfully: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

Successful Christians are men and women who are free from bitterness. They have learned the principle modeled by our Lord Jesus Christ who, while suffering death at the hands of people he had never wronged, was able to say “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24).

I have a dear preacher friend with a sterling reputation who was once grievously slandered. When asked about the wicked actions of the slanderers, he replied something to this effect:

Oh you don’t understand — I am far, far worse than my detractors realize. They may have gotten a lot of the specific facts wrong, but I am just thankful they don’t know how bad my heart truly is. God have mercy on me a sinner.

This man had victory over bitterness.

My father is another man who always appeared to have victory over bitterness. In fact, from my earliest days to the present, I have watched lesser men “twist the truths [he’s] spoken to make a trap for fools.” ^[i]

Early in my life when I was still in government schools, I would listen to my own teachers criticize before my class the work my father was doing for the President to dismantle a government agency which was at war with the family. I read untruthful articles and saw derogatory comics on the pages of theWashington Post picturing him as a caveman for his “prehistoric” views. When my father was a leader in the Republican Party in Massachusetts, a gangster repeatedly threatened the life of his family. I remember being a boy and having my father shield me from homosexual picketers and protesters that would follow him and our family around at public locations.

Most painful and difficult for many to forgive is betrayal and dishonor. But that is a mistake. Betrayal and dishonor probably exist in the lives of most men. And why should any Christian be denied in their lives what past generations of Christians — and our Lord and Savior Himself — patiently endured? To our shame, most of us have been on both sides of that coin. From a son’s perspective, however, it is highly instructive to watch a father act honorably in the midst of such conflict. It has been a great blessing in my own life to observe my father nobly respond even in the face of barbs from former allies and friends, once loved and nurtured by him.

Eternally optimistic, Dad would always say: “Never be bitter. Life is too short. Thank God for your blessings. Press on!”

Bitterness comes from being unwilling to forgive. Bitter people are small people. They are unsuccessful people. They are people who cannot move forward. They are people who believe that the personal wrongs against them are so great that they — the offended — are entitled to do to their offenders what they pray the Lord Jesus Christ will never do to them: refuse to forgive.

Here is my recommendation: Think through every grief, minor and major, caused by others to you in the year 2009. Now add to the list any other personal offenses that continue to linger from past years. Write these down as bullets on a sheet of paper.

The first thing you will likely realize is just how many offenses are polluting your thought life and, probably, your spirit. This is a sign of latent bitterness. Bitterness will kill you. It renders you completely ineffective.

Now prayerfully walk through the list — bullet, by bullet. With each offense, remind yourself that the most despicable action taken against you by another utterly (and infinitely) pales in comparison to the least of your offenses against the Lord Jesus Christ.

And yet He has forgiven you.

Before 2010 begins, adopt a spirit of forgiveness towards your insensitive friends as well as your hateful enemies. Forgive your imperfect father for whatever it is you need to forgive him for (and pray to the Lord that your own children someday forgive you for your failures). Quit devoting untold precious hours to commiseration, mental replay of the wrongs done, and thoughts about just how badly you were wronged. Stop blaming everybody but you for your problems. Look to yourself. Once you start chronicling your own sinful attitudes and crimes against God and man, you simply won’t have time to worry about the wrongs done to you. You will stop being bitter, and you will start being thankful.

Wipe the slate clean. “Press on.” Forgive.

Conclusion

As 2009 comes to a close, take time to remember and to say “thank you.” Take time to examine yourself for bitterness. Forgive others. Finally, as you love God with all your heart, soul and might, trust Him, too. Really trust him. Trust God with all your heart, your soul and might. You and I can not solve every problem. What we can do is be kind, forgiving, and patient before the Lord. We can not “fix” everything that is broken. Only God can do that. In His time and His way, the Lord can not only bring peace, but He can give you the very desires of your heart as you seek Him with integrity. He can redeem the years the locusts have eaten, and He delights in blessing his faithful children. “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).

It is appropriate that we stop and thank God at the birth of a new year. Remember that God gave man the stars on Day Four in part so that he could order and structure his life based on a clock/calendar system of days, seasons, and years (Genesis 1). He tells us to “remember” acts and to “number” our days. In Scripture, the formal act of remembering providences of God in our life is linked to hope, honor, and generational success (e.g., Psalms 44, 78, etc.). By February 2010, the year 2009 will be a distant memory. Strike now while the iron is hot. The opportunity to remember and to say “thank you” may never come again. And can you afford even one more day in which your prayers are hindered — because you were refusing to forgive? Trust the Lord. He is in charge: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5).

	Persevero,

	Doug Phillips President, Vision Forum Ministries

Wordle.net :D This Is Mine!

2009-11-10T20:14:00.003-05:00

I saw this on Do the Write Thing so I thought I would give it a try.

Some pictures from around here.

2009-11-05T15:13:00.005-05:00

The Fourth Command of Christ

2009-11-04T21:21:00.003-05:00

Let Your Light Shine

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"

(Matthew 5:14-16 KJV)

Memorization and Meditation

John 8:12

Ephesians 5:8

Ephesians 2:10

Philippians 2:14-15

I Peter 2:12

Titus 3:8

Personal Application for Command 4

Our Light and Glory- Exodus 13:21; Isaiah 60:19

Light of the World- John 8:12; John 1:9

Examining My Heart

What good works am I doing to show Christ's light?
How have I displayed generosity?
How have I shown others that I am grateful?
Have I hindered my light by murmuring?
Does my life contrast with those in the world?
What darkness do I need to remove from my life?
Have I forgiven offenders so that I am not in darkness?
Do I spend time in God's presence so that I can reflect His glory?
Does God get the glory for the good works I do?

Developing Character

Generosity vs. Stinginess

Generosity is demonstrating the nature of God by

wisely reinvesting the resources that He has entrusted to us.

O MY WORD!!! THIS IS GOING TO BE ME!!! Lord Help! xD

2009-10-27T22:01:00.002-04:00

FINALLY! The Third Command of Christ!

2009-10-25T22:36:00.006-04:00

Rejoice
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you"
(Matthew 5:11-12 KJV)

Memorization and Meditation
1 Peter 4:12-14, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 2
Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:4,6

Personal Application for Command 3
Praying the Names of God

Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord Your Banner
-Exodus 17:8-16; Deuteronomy 20:4

Jesus Christ Is Our Life
-John 14:6; John 10:10

Examining My Heart

Do I see trials as God's means of bringing me to spiritual maturity?
Have I found Scriptures to strengthen me in trials?
How have I overcome reviling with good works?
Have I thanked God for trials and persecution?
Do I keep my eyes on eternity when trials come into my life?
Am I willing to join in the sufferings of Christ?
Have I identified benefits in the trials I am facing?
What qualities are my trials building in me?
Developing Character

Joyfulness vs. Self-Pity
Joyfulness is the bright spirit and radiant countenance that come by being in full fellowship with the Lord.

FOR THE STAR WARS JOHN WILLIAMS FANS OUT THERE THIS IS HILLARIOUS!!!!! xD (pause music in sidebar)

2009-09-12T14:08:00.004-04:00

lol Oh how sad!

2009-09-01T13:55:00.001-04:00

Thank Heaven for Little Boys

2009-08-22T21:53:00.003-04:00

Some updates on my photography blog.
Click Here

A Gift From God!

2009-08-22T20:45:00.003-04:00

Psa_6:9 The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer.

I have been praying for a new violin so I could teach my siblings better, and perhaps give myself an upgrade. Well after about two weeks the man that we are renting our house from said his daughter (who is grown) had a violin and hasn't played it in years. He called her and asked her about it and handed mom the phone. Mom wanted to buy it but his daughter said
"I was never able to play that thing anyway and obviously you guys will put it to use and so there is no reason why ya'll shouldn't just have it!" :O

Psa_66:19 But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.

I was sooo excited!
It's a Stradivarius copy, made in Germany in the 1940's.
(when it comes to violins German made is the best) so it's a nice violin and
it has a beautiful tone. Sooo I got an upgrade and can now teach my siblings much better!
God is so good!

I LOVE IT!

Have you thought?

2009-08-12T15:50:00.009-04:00

First I would like to say that Paul is my FAVORITE Apostle! It was brought to my attention last Sunday that in this passage Paul is in prison and writing back to his church. Instead of complaining about his circumstances he says:

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,

10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,

13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.

14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.

16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,

20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.

23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.

29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

This is why I love Paul!
He is not perfect and did not BY NO MEANS live a perfect life but God still choose him for this task and used him in a mighty way.
It encourages me because at times I feel like I have to be perfect in order for God to use me and when I fail I feel hopeless! Then I remember Paul and know that we can't be perfect. Only Christ is and he helps us through life and empowers and gives us the courage to stand up and fight! I also remember James 1 it is also a source of encouragement to me.

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,

10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.

11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.

24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.

25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

The first part of this tells us not to be discouraged by trials
but to be thankful for them.
because......

Proverbs 3:11-12 says.....

11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof,

12 for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

We so often tend to think that because we have hard times (trials) that God is forsaking us or not near. It is either one of two things....We moved , leaving our First love (Christ) Or He is trying to grow us. As we learn anything, doesn't whatever it is, get a little more difficult ? It's hard in the beginning but as we learn, it gets easier . Then we move to the next level. Make Sense ?? We don't have to be perfect (not that we shouldn't strive to be) or dread trials!
We don't have to FEEL religious either.
(mom brought this to my attention today)

Mat_5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Think about it....If we "feel" religious (like the Pharisees) we should most likely do some heart searching, because doesn't "feeling" like something most of the time mean we are proud of something??? Soooo if we are "feeling" religious would that mean we are proud of something we have done?? Yes?.....No?....
Paul under this subject said

1Corinthians 15:9-11
9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Oh shouldn't we all be that way! sigh......

It's amazing to me how some things just fall together all of a sudden and leaves you with that feeling "DUH!!! WHY DID I NOT SEE THAT BEFORE!!"
Happens on and off with me! I LOVE IT! <3>
Hope this was encouraging to you.

My First Violin Student! My own lil Bro!! :D

2009-08-06T19:57:00.006-04:00

After just one day of lessons from big sis he plays his first song!
:D
I'm so PROUD!!!
Being we don't have a small enough violin for him yet we are working on pizzicato.
:)
(Pause the music on the side)

Spiritual Gifts

2009-07-29T15:51:00.002-04:00

Free Spiritual Gift Analysis

This questionnaire will help you identify your God-given spiritual gifts. While there are many spiritual gifts, this evaluation covers the nine task-oriented gifts used in daily life to do the work of Christian ministry. Every Christian has a dominant gift and many possess more than one. Through this analysis, you will find out in which areas you are "less" gifted and will also discover your dominant task-oriented gift. You can then begin to concentrate on further developing your dominant gift as you exercise it in daily life and in your local church ministry.

Click here to find yours!

Here are my results:

Spiritual Gifts Test Results

God imparts spiritual gifts to believers through his Holy Spirit to enable each believer to play a productive role in His Kingdom. A spiritual gift is a significant ability given to each believer to equip and move them to serve in unique ways to perpetuate the growth of the church.

Following are the top three results of your Spiritual Gifts Test:

Score	Spiritual Gifts	Scripture Reference

100%	Servant/Helps	Acts 6:2-4
89%	Hospitality	Acts 16:14-15
89%	Exhortation	Acts 11:23-24

Happy 4th of July!!

2009-07-04T14:08:00.003-04:00

Hear are the lyrics to
The Star-Spangled Banner!
ALL OF THEM!
I had no clue that we only sing the first verse!!
The rest is so awesome!!!

O! say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Second Command of Christ

2009-07-02T00:16:00.005-04:00

"Follow Me"

"And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men"
(Matthew 4:19)

Memorization and Meditation :
Psalms 63:8
Matthew 19:28-29
II Corinthians 4:1-4
Proverbs 11:30

Personal Application for Command 2

Praying the Names of God

Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord Your Shepherd – Isaiah 40:11
Good Shepherd– John 10:11, 27

Examining My Heart:

Am I willing to set aside my goals and follow Christ's directives?
Have I exchanged my priorities for the priorities of Christ?
How am I attracting others with the light of Christ?
Have I developed a relationship with Christ so that I can hear His directions?
What opportunities have I seen to win others to Christ? Have I taken these opportunities?
What methods of bringing people into the church should I reject?

Developing Character

Meekness vs. Anger

Meekness is yielding our rights to God so
He can demonstrate His peace and power through us.

The 1st Command of Christ

2009-06-15T23:51:00.014-04:00

"Repent"

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17) Scripture to memorize and meditate on: Revelation 3:19 Psalms 51:1-4 Acts 3:19 Acts 8:22 Proverbs 1:23 2Corinthians 5:10

Personal Application for Command 1

Praying the names of God

Holy God - Joshua 24:19-21
Advocate- 1John 2:1

Examining My Heart

Have I cried out to God for Salvation? Date____
What is God convicting me of right now?
Have I confessed sin?
Do I have the spirit of repentance rather than just the a feeling of regret?
Have I turned from my sins of which the Holy Spirit has convicted me of?
Have I asked God for a clean heart that follows after Him?
Have I spent time in prayer over my sin?
How can I demonstrate my repentance?

Developing Character

Humility vs. Pride

Humility is recognizing that in myself I am nothing and have nothing, therefore, everything in life is a gift from God's hand.

Rewards of Keeping Christ's Commands

2009-06-15T21:32:00.005-04:00

God will reveal Himself to us. (John 14:21)
God will dwell in us. (John 14:23)
We will receive God's Love (John 15:10)
We will know we love God. (1 John 2:3, 5 and John 14:15)
We will love others. (1 John 5:2)
Christ will be our friend. (John 15:14)
Our prayers will be answered. (1 John 3:22)
We will be disciples (John 13:34-35)
We will have true joy. (John 15:11)
We will be purified. (John 15:3 and John 17:17)
We will have peace. (John 16:33)

WOW!!!!

2009-06-14T14:47:00.007-04:00

Ok I lost my metronome while moving (don't ask how i have noooo clue!!!)
So anyway went online and found this site http://www.metronomeonline.com/
And it's FREE!!!!

WAAAY COOOL!!!!

and you can get a metronome for your cell!!!!
for $5.99
I haven't done that yet praying about it.....
Found this was pretty awesome and thought
I would share with my musical viewers!!!
:D

Some more pics till I can get more up!! :)

2009-06-01T23:58:00.002-04:00

A view from our house!!

House Teaser!

2009-05-21T23:53:00.001-04:00

This picture was taken last winter things are way more green and
the yard look much nicer now! :)
More pics to come!

A New Find!!!!!

2009-05-14T12:47:00.006-04:00

My grandmother bought this magazine at a local health food and brought when she came to visit.Mom and I got to reading it and fell in love with!
This lady has so many great ideas.

Check out this site!

Mary Janes Farm

Upadte

2009-05-13T12:37:00.000-04:00

~Click~
VS Photography

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

2009-05-10T01:25:00.000-04:00

I love you Mom!!!

This stuff is AMAZING!!!!!

2009-04-29T13:29:00.002-04:00

Our Experience with this:

My dad came down with the flu (really bad) last year just before we left for home after our trip to Florida! So, after being stuck in a car with him for 9 hr and home for a day we started taking this!!

No one got sick! I had only a slight body ache for a day!!!

THIS STUFF IS AWESOME!!!!!

Oscillococcinum®

Nature's #1 Flu Medicine™

For relief of symptoms of flu such as fever, chills, body aches and pains.

Take Oscillo at the First Sign of Flu. Non-drowsy, no drug interactions Oscillococcinum (o-sill-o-cox-see-num) is
Safe, natural and easy to take. Oscillo works best when taken at the first sign of flu. So make sure you have some on hand to
fend off your flu symptoms at their onset. Used by millions of people in 43 countries The First Thing to Take at the First Sign of Flu™

Advantages:

	No drowsiness or stimulant effect.
	Safe for the elderly and those at high risk when exposed to seasonal flu.
	Safe for use if you are currently on prescription medication.
	Safe for use if you have any of the following diseases: cardiovascular disease, prostate disease, hypertension, glaucoma, thyroid disease.
	Safe for use by occupations that prohibits the use of traditional OTC flu remedies such as truck drivers, machine operators, pilots, etc...
	Safe for use for people with kidney or liver disorders.
	Can be used with caution in diabetics.

Active Ingredients

Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200CK

3 Doses - Our Price $7.18 Suggested Retail $8.25

6 Doses - ~~Our Price $13.15~~ Suggested Retail $14.29 Winter Sale Price $11.99

Clinical Research:

Oscillococcinum has been shown to decrease symptoms of flu for a significant number of patients.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of 100 patients showed that, when given at the onset of influenza-like symptoms, Oscillococcinum worked better than the placebo in reducing the symptoms of chills (85.7% vs. 57.1%), stiffness (72.5% vs. 41.9%) and fever (79.1% vs. 40%). Also 80% of patients given Oscillococcinum’ reported the treatment to be a success vs. 38% in the placebo group.’

In a double-blind, clinical trial of 300 patients with influenza-like symptoms, 55% of the patients taking Oscillococcinum’ reported no chills after four days, compared with 27% of the placebo- controlled group. More patients in the Oscillo’ group also reported no aches after four days-70% were ache-free compared with 48% in the placebo group. Fever in the Oscillococcinum’ group was significantly lower starting on the I second day of the treatment, compared to the placebo group.’

In a double-blind, clinical trial of 478 patients published in The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 1989, researchers studied Oscillococcinum’s effect on nine influenza-like symptoms-fever, headaches, stiffness, lumbar and particular pain, shivers, cough, coryza and fatigue - versus a placebo. The proportion of patients who recovered within 48 hours of treatment was significantly superior among the Oscillo group than the placebo group.

A recent double-blind, clinical trial of 372 patients performed by f researchers at a German University and published in April 1998 yielded results similar to those published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (above). The complete disappearance of symptoms after 48 hours was significantly superior among the Oscillo group than among the placebo group. This clinical trial also showed that treatment of influenza-like symptoms with Oscillococcinum’ has positive effect on the decline of symptoms and on the duration of the disease.

Doug Phillip's "Freedom at Risk" TEA Party Speech

2009-04-18T22:30:00.002-04:00

The Widows Might

2009-04-16T13:04:00.004-04:00

Best of Festival Jubilee and Audience Choice Award Winner in the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival!

John Moore and Cameron Cavillo are buddies and aspiring filmmakers with the dream of winning the prestigious American Viewfinder film festival. When an acquaintance of Cameron’s, an elderly Widow, faces losing her home to the outrageous property taxes in her area, the Moore family takes action, along with their friends, the Morton family. Through political smears, on set mishaps, and a wild western ride, these families band together in a classic black hat/white hat tale of heroism!

I LOVED this movie!!!
I encourage everyone to see it!
Heart warming, comical, and can I shout it loud enough......
CLEAN!!!!

Definitely one of the best independent christian films I have ever seen!
My family and I really enjoyed it!

~Alyssa

Happy Resurrection Day

2009-04-12T11:03:00.002-04:00

2009-04-12T11:03:00.001-04:00

Happy Resurrection Day

My Trip to see Morgan! :D

2009-03-30T22:27:00.015-04:00

Ohio was pretty cool!

Morgan giving me tour

asking directions to the castles

The Castles

back at the house I got to watch them make bonnets for the Pride and Prejudice play!

My new friend Cass (this girl was a hoot!)

Beautiful!

My coat that I got for a STEAL!!!

Cass's brother trying on Jared's costume for the play!

swooning

Then Mr.Coy gave a small concert!

My first trip to Indiana

And Olivia joined us!

WOOT!!!

Back in Darke County

LOVE THIS TOWN!!!

after play practice the next day I got a golf cart tour of their property

the play

MY NEW FAVORITE DRINK!!!!!! WOOOOT!!!

2009-03-27T18:24:00.002-04:00

YUMMOOOO!!!!

IZZE Beverage Company is the name of the company that produces and distributes the Izze line of fruit-derived carbonated soft drinks commonly sold at Starbucks and other coffee shops, Chipotle, Whole Foods, Target, CostCo, other health food stores, and grocery stores. IZZE is made of 70% fruit juice and 30% sparkling water. All of the sweetness comes directly from the fruit. The company was founded in Boulder, Colorado by Todd Woloson and Greg Stroh in 2002.

IZZE

As you can tell I suggest the clementine flavor!
Mmmmm.....

O MY WORD IT'S US!!!!!! :O

2009-03-20T16:21:00.004-04:00

Us after our winter.
(although is wasn't white the whole time but it was shtinkin cold and very gray) and the only thing I would have added to this commercial would have been "hold me!" :0

or at least it seemed that way to us being we grew up in the Sunshine state!

Hhmmmmmm.....??? Most interesting...

2009-03-20T13:52:00.005-04:00

We found this story on the Fox News site.

Photo Allegedly Shows Putin Undercover During Reagan Visit

Friday, March 20, 2009

A picture has emerged apparently showing Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in his former days as a KGB officer.

The 20-year old photo depicts two world leaders – U.S. President Ronald Reagan and the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev — in Moscow.

But, according to the man who took the photo, it also captures Putin disguised as a tourist.

Pete Souza, now President Obama's official photographer, captured the moment when he worked for President Reagan during the political thaw that soon ended the Cold War.

Reagan took a stroll around Red Square accompanied by the Russian leader, who then introduced him to a group of tourists.

In an interview, Souza recounted being surprised at the "pointed" questions these supposed tourists asked the U.S. leader.

They included searching inquiries on the state of human rights in the U.S.

The identity of the man on the left of the photo — complete with camera round his neck — was later revealed and "verified" to Souza as none other than Putin.

The planting of KGB officers as bystanders was a common practice in Soviet times.

During the tense stand-off of the Cold War, they would be used to challenge foreign leaders during visits to Russia.

But, while acknowledging this practice, a Russian political analyst and author of books on Vladimir Putin dismissed Souza's claims as "nonsense."

"Vladimir Putin was a major serving in Dresden and he wasn't important enough at that time to be brought to Moscow,"said Andrey Piontkovsky.

(further down more about the story and the picture from the SKY News site)

A picture has emerged apparently showing Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in his former days as a KGB officer.

Does this picture show Putin pretending to be a tourist? (pic: Pete Souza)

The 20-year old photo depicts two world leaders - US President Ronald Reagan and the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev - in Moscow.

But, according to the man who took the photo, it also captures Mr Putin disguised as a tourist.

Pete Souza, now President Obama's official photographer, captured the moment when he worked for President Reagan during the political thaw that soon ended the Cold War.

Mr Reagan took a stroll around Red Square accompanied by the Russian leader, who then introduced him to a group of tourists.

In an interview, Mr Souza recounted being surprised at the "pointed" questions these supposed tourists asked the US leader.

They included searching enquiries on the state of human rights in the US.

The identity of the man on the left of the photo - complete with camera round his neck - was later revealed and "verified" to Mr Souza as none other than Mr.Putin.

The planting of KGB officers as bystanders was a common practice in Soviet times.

During the tense stand-off of the Cold War, they would be used to challenge foreign leaders during visits to Russia.

But, while acknowledging this practice, a Russian political analyst and author of books on Vladimir Putin dismissed Mr Souza's claims as "nonsense".

"Vladimir Putin was a major serving in Dresden and he wasn't important enough at that time to be brought to Moscow", said Andrey Piontkovsky.

Mr. Putin served as a KGB officer in the East German city of Dresden.

He was stationed there from 1985 until the fall of the Berlin Wall. He was later called back to Russia.

Not a huge amount is known about his work there, but it is widely believed he was a middle-ranking agent on his first and only foreign posting.

Sorry for the delay!!! Here it is you Weekly Laugh!

2009-03-17T10:33:00.003-04:00

And our scripture this week!
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;

yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5

UPDATE! HELLO!!!

2009-03-10T22:59:00.000-04:00

I have updated the Family Blog with Florida pics.

Aren't you proud of me!!!

:D

Baby Panda Sneezes

2009-03-03T17:39:00.000-05:00

Post Teasers

2009-03-02T09:20:00.000-05:00

ARE YOU JUST ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT OR WHAT??????
lol

To My few viewers who still check my blog!!!

2009-02-18T23:41:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry for not posting!!!
Pics are coming soon!!
As you can see my blog is under FRILLY construction!
I am working on some posts and the ever changing look!

Thank you for your faithfulness to this blog!

~Alyssa

New

2009-02-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

Maddie has a new blog, because of email trouble she changed her email and had to get a new blog I'm not sure really why now that I get to think about it BUT, this is the link you will replace her old one with =D www.maddiemblog.blogspot.com

I hope your all having a good day? =D

Alyssa

Merry Christmas to Me from Morgan!!

2009-01-30T11:06:00.000-05:00

Hand-made!! By my dearest friend the perfect gift!
I had forgotten that I needed this!
Some many times I would go off with my camera and the strap would hurt my neck!

WELL NOT ANYMORE!!!!

TADAAAA!!!!
lol

and it's one of my favorite colors!!! GREEN

I LOVE IT!!!

(Oh and i get the gag gift!!!!)
hahaaa!!

Update

2008-12-31T09:30:00.000-05:00

I have Updated my Photography Blog!!
Check it out!
www.vitascenaphotography.blogspot.com

~Alyssa

HEY VIEWERS!!

2008-12-29T22:42:00.000-05:00

Hey Guys!
My little sisters have created Photography Blogs!
(i am so proud *tear*)
Check them out!

Maddie M. Photography
www.maddiemphotography.blogspot.com

and
Photography by Abigail
www.photographybyabigail.blogspot.com

Our SALT LAMPS!!!!!

2008-12-23T16:26:00.000-05:00

The picture got a lil backwards half th

YAAAAAY!!!

Maddie is telling you it's good for you brain!!! =o

Himalayan Salt Shop on "Living In Style"

2008-12-22T00:28:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone I know I have been so bad about posting on my blog and I apologize!
I have been able to post on my VSP blog.
Check it out VS Photography

Scripture Songs!

2008-12-21T01:56:00.000-05:00

We just bought this album called Scripture Songs and it is so good!
It is word fro word scripture put to music vocal,piano and guitar!

You can hear some clips of each song here!

By the way Behemoth is an awesome site!
Browse around and check it out!
www.behemoth.com

I hope you enjoy this as much a we do!

Alyssa