Doodlebug

Broken Vessel.

2012-02-13T16:45:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Mama and I have been reading the book Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman.

I definately recommend that book! In case you didn't know, in 2008, the Chapman family (family of Steven C*rtis Chapman, the Christian singer-songwriter) lost their then five year old daughter, Maria, in a car accident at their home. Will, their oldest son, didn't see Maria when he was pulling in the driveway.

Since then, the Chapman family has used their harships and struggles to shine a light for Jesus.

And as I was reading the book the other day, I had a thought.

We are all broken vessels. Some have faced tougher times and have a few more cracks, but when we get down to the nitty-gritty of things, we are all broken. Broken, empty, dusty pieces. But, we can allow God to pour Himself, His glory, His grace, His...stuff, shall we say, into us, and we can let it wash us and pour through our cracks and fill up the world! Isn't that a beautiful, awesome picture?

So, no matter what you've been through (or what you haven't), let God pour Himself through you. It doesn't take anything special. You just have to be willing. Available. Just be there and be open to whatever God tells you to do. He'll give you the nudge when it's time.

Lucia's Photo Challenge + A Giveaway

2012-02-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is my first time entering Lucia's photo challenge!

Here is the photo I'm entering:

"Like Father Like Son"

Lucia is also hosting a giveaway for an English Country Dancing DVD that teaches you step-by-step those lovely old-fashioned dances. Click HERE to visit the giveaway post.

Have a wonderful day!

Faithful Fridays ~ The One

2012-02-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi again, Friday!

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

My mama participates on her blog, Country Girl at Home...

Ms. Patty participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond...

and Rachel participates on her blog, Stand Out Don't Fit In.

~*~

It can often seem like you can't really do anything to make a difference in someone's life as a Christian, right? I mean, I know sometimes I feel like I can't really be doing anything significant unless I'm in C*ina lavishing love on babies and silently letting Him show through me.

But, we often don't realize how we can make a difference in someone's life without knowing it. Yes, you hear this a lot, but...just being nice to that girl that seems unaproachable; handing out smiles to random strangers at every chance you get--a kind word here or there--can make a difference! But we have to try.

I love the song The One by Brandon Heath.

If I see one more light that's fading

Hear about one more broken dream
Pray for just one more faith that's dying
It's one too many

And if I see one more child walking
Just one more mile for water
If I wait one more minute longer
It's one too many
When I think of what could be
If we let our hearts believe
That it takes just one
Just one could turn this all around

And if we're living history
How will they think of you and me
If it takes just one, just one
What if, what if, what if I'm the one?

It takes one, takes one, one
It takes one, takes one, one
It takes one, takes one

If I hear one more widow crying
'Cause there's no one by her side
And if I see one more family breaking
It's one too many

If there's one thing that I'm sure of
If there's one thing that I know
You could be one in a sea of faces
Or you could be one more chance for hope

When I think of what could be
If we let our hearts believe
That it takes just one
Just one could turn this all around

And if we're living history
How will they think of you and me
If it takes just one, just one
What if, what if, what if I'm the one?

I see a nation without any walls
A beautiful haven for one and for all
I see a day when people are free
When shackles are broken and fall to the street
A voice, a cry, call out from on high
The first one of many, go lay down your life

When I think of what could be
If we let our hearts believe
That it takes just one
Just one could turn this all around

And if we're living history
How will they think of you and me
If it takes just one, just one
What if, what if, what if I'm the one?

It takes one, takes one, one
What if you're the one?
It takes one, takes one, one
It takes one, takes one
What if I'm the one?

It takes one, takes one, one
What if you're the one?
It takes one, takes one, one
It takes one, takes one

I love that--we could be one in a sea of faces or we could be one more chance for hope. It's our choice. And honestly, it's not that hard. You don't have to ship off to another country (although you certainly can, if that's where God calls you!). You don't even have to stand on a street corner and preach! Just love. Show love. I don't mean smiling politely and helping someone up when they fall. I mean really loving. Loving the people we don't really want to be around. The shy ones. The "weird" ones. The seemingly unapproachable ones.

For instance, there's a girl I know. We'll call her Mila. Well, Mila has a bit of a complicated family background. She's shy and I think she's kind of insecure. Anyway, every once in a while she comes out of her shell a little bit and on one such day she started talking to me. I found that she is such a sweet girl and kind of read between the lines and realized that she was made fun of in public school before she homeschooled.

I began to see how we can make a difference just by being friends to the people we don't exactly "click" with. Make an effort. You can make a huge difference. You might never know just how huge until we meet Jesus!

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

Matthew 25:45

*I also recommend the movie The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry as it really relays this message.

God bless you!
Joy :D

Faithful Fridays ~ Constant

2012-02-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

It's Friday again! Today's been a bit of a full day, so I'm just now publishing my Faithful Fridays post! Sorry about that! We're headed to Chinese class in a few minutes--my teacher is going to let us make sticky rice balls today! :)

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

My mama participates on her blog, Country Girl at Home...

Ms. Retha participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles...

Ms. Patty participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond...

And Rachel participates on her blog, Stand In Don't Fit Out.

~*~

This world is constantly changing, isn't it?

In prices; grocery prices, gas prices, prices on everything!

In technology; laptops, iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touches.

In fashion; short skirts, torn jeans, low-cut shirts.

In morals...well, I don't think I even have to elaborate on that one!

But yet, there are some things that don't seem to change--the sky, the moon, the stars...

And most importantly, God never changes.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

-Hebrews 13:8

Yesterday, and today, and forever--isn't that awesome? And when we realize just how much God loves and cares for us and how He is totally and ultimately in control and will do good to those who obey His commands (isn't that an amazingly comforting thought when we tend to try to rely on our human circumstances?), we have a lot more peace of mind!

I love the song Constant by Francesca Battistelli--please don't just skim over these lyrics; really read them!

I'm just a little bit afraid of where I'm going

And it feels like a hurricane is blowing over
Though I can't find the ground below
I've lived enough to know
I've lived enough to know

You're my constant in every moment
Constant
You've never failed me
All my life
You have never left my side
You are my constant

Hear that? He has never left our side, even when it feels like he has. I love line from Fireproof, "Don't just follow your heart, because your heart can deceive you." We are so often told to follow our heart when really that's not the point--we are to follow Jesus and His Word, His teachings and His commands--which are so awesomely laid out for us in the Bible. Don't you love the Bible? It's our own instruction book for life!

Okay I really don't like change but I can't stop it
I'm moving forward anyway with the promise
You are my anchor for my soul
That's all I need to know
That's all I need to know

Just trust that God is in control and that He can handle it even when you can't. God doesn't promise to give us all the answers to our problems, He just promises to carry us through the struggles and sufferings, no matter what method He chooses.

You're my constant in every moment

Constant
You've never failed me
All my life
You have never left my side
You are my constant
Before I was a thought on earth
You knew me then and You gave me worth
When all of this is said and done
You will be the One I'm standing on

You're my constant in every moment
Constant
You've never failed me
All my life
You have never left my side
You are my constant

He is our never-changing, always comforting, ompletely reliable, always responsible, ultimately in-control God. He is our Constant.

Faithful Fridays ~ The Story of the Two Farmers

2012-01-27T13:51:00.000-08:00

Hi again! Welcome to Faithful Fridays!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-26T06:12:00.000-08:00

The Chinese New Year (or Spring Festival) celebration is underway! It started on the 22nd (our time). The Spring Festival has so many traditions.

On the eve of the Spring Festival, children put on their best clothes for the eve's feast. Everyone must be reunited with their families at the New Year if there is any way possible--the must be around the same table. In the south, wontons are prepared along with rice cakes, cooked rice (mǐ fàn), fish (yú), and maybe sticky rice balls (yuán xiāo) and bamboo shoots. In the north, dumplings are prepared instead of wontons.

Perhaps the mother or grandmother of the house allows one of the children to polish a silver coin and then put it in boiling water--and then slip it into one of the dumplings, wontons, or rice cakes. The "lucky" person who gets the coin-ed food is supposed to have good luck for the rest of the year.

Another Chinese tradition--when eating the fish, you do not touch the tail or the head--only the middle. It's considered a very bad omen and, in our teacher's words, "people will be very angry with you".

The Chinese have a lot of stories that go along with their traditions for the New Year.

But, let me back up--the reason the Chinese New Year is different from ours is that while we go by the sun calendar, the Chinese go by the moon calendar--which means there are 28 days in every month. Sometimes, though, several days will add up and an extra month will be sprinkled into the Chinese calendar!

You don't really know when the Chinese New Year is going to be until it's close to it. My Chinese teacher said that if you ask her when their New Year is, she will have to tell you she doesn't know--let her check! :)

This year is the year of the dragon--the year something big is supposed to happen. It's said that if something big doesn't happen in the year of the dragon, it'll happen in the year of the snake (which is 2013). Funny--isn't there a movie about the world ending in 2012? :P

Getting back to the stories--red is a very, very popular color in China--it's on the flag, it's on just about every decoration you see, and it's considered "lucky". It's popular year-round, but it's especially popular around Chinese New Year.

The story behind it is that a great, eat-everything-he-can-see monster, Nián, would eat all the days of the old year and then come to your house and eat you. :) But, one year, a very wise old man decided he would go kill Nián. He found the monster and said something like this:

"You're a big monster, and you could eat an old man easy, but could you eat that poisonous snake over there?"

And Nián said, "Of course!"

And he ate the snake. When he returned, he said, "Now it's your turn to be eaten!"

"Oh," said the man, "that was just one snake. There are lots of other beasts on the mountain. Can you eat them?"

"Of course," exclaimed Nián. And off he went to eat the other animals.

One depiction of Nián.

When he came back to the man, he once again said, "Now it's your turn to be eaten!"

The man said, "Okay, but let me take my clothes off."

"What? Why," asked Nián.

"Because," replied the wise old man, "I taste better without my clothes on."

So off went the old man's clothes--but his underclothes were red! The monster immediately ran away, terrorized--and the old man had just figured out his fear--the color red!

Everyone puts new decorations on their house and door to protect it from Nián. They leave these decorations up year-round. And if you'll notice, most Chinese restaurants in America change their decorations (like the ones on the door) around the New Year.

In China, the decorations are red and often have Chinese characters written on them--I'm thinking things like joy, happiness, good luck, good fortune, wealth, etc.

Ther are also wooden signs with characters written on them--peach wood signs, to be exact. The story behind that is that there are these two warriors on an island (these two warriors, by the way, also appear on the decorations and signs--I'm envisioning something similar to the picture below--a more mascular form of a sumo wrestler).

When people die, they come to this island and the warriors look at their life and decide if the people will turn into gods/become people again/stay alive or if they will turn into ghosts. There is supposed to be a peach tree on the island that the ghosts are scared of--therefore Chinese people decorate their house with peach wood signs.

Ever heard of Yīn and Yáng?

Yīn and Yáng represent extreme opposites--sun and moon, day and night, dark and light, good and evil, etc. Yīn also represents the ghosts in the story and Yáng represents the "alive people".

So yes, the Chinese are very superstitious--as my teacher put it, "They don't have Jesus". And that's why they need missionaries!

Lots of money goes around during the New Year. :) Your boss doubles your pay and, if you're single, you also receive money in a red (what else?) envelope, because if you're single, you're still considered a kid. Also, in the five days after the New Year, you might try giving a gift to your boss in hopes of a promotion. :)

Kids and their families visit their elders in the five days of the New Year. They also call on other family members--aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.--and get hundreds of dollars in red envelopes from almost all relatives. Kids sometimes get up to a thousand dollars from their relatives!

So, with that as a background, we went out for lunch on Monday at a favorite Chinese restaurant to celebrate the New Year.

I am amazed at how kind the Chinese people are! We went in there with a couple of cards for our buddies with a bit of money stuck in them and came out with $5 each and a special dish of shrimp that isn't even on the buffet! They cooked it especially for us! The $5 came about when we gave a new waiter a card and he came back with these cards...

...and said that he had never receieved money on the New Year from a child before, so he gave Luke and me money!

Oh, how I long to go to China! More and more I see that God's placed a special passion in my heart for its people--spefically its orphans! At any given moment I would be glad to go to a Chinese orphanage and just love on some kids. Or even better, bring one home. :)

Have a wonderful Thursday! :)

Faithful Fridays ~ Free of Regrets

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day!) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

My mama participates on her blog, Country Girl at Home...

Ms. Retha participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles...

Ms. Patty participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond...

And Rachel participates on her blog, Stand Out Don't Fit In.

~*~

Everyone sins. Everyone makes wrong choices. Therefore, everyone has regrets, right? Wouldn't it be awesome, though, if we could live a life completely regret-free?

We may not be able to live fully regret-free, but we can try really hard, can't we?

Regrets can haunt us so long, so dauntingly long. They can bring pain, sadness, tears, anger--they're bad memories! Regrets can hold us back, make us insecure, and put limits on our lives.

So what do we do to try to avoid regrets?

WWJD--What Would Jesus Do--may seem kind of overused, but it really can help if we keep in mind. Or maybe, instead of WWJD, WIJWW--What If Jesus Was Watching. Another sure-fire way is listening to our parents. :) Or maybe if we think about how when we get to Heaven, we will be held accountable for everything--every single word, every single action, every single thought--everything. Isn't that kind of scary?

So as you go about your daily business, keep in mind that goal--to try to live life without regrets. Because, after all, we all want to stand before God with as little on our conscience as possible, don't we?

Movie Quote Challenge Part 1

2012-01-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a blog the other day and thought it was a great idea.

Here's how it works. In part 1, I list several quotes from different movies and you guess what movie they're from by commenting. Whoever guesses correctly the most wins--which will be revealed in part 2! :)

Here are the rules:

1. No cheating. Don't look it up on the internet!
2. You are allowed to ask family members for help, but make sure you give them credit in your comment! :)
3. You must name the movie and the characters' names.

A few of the quotes may be from the same movie.

Ready? Go!

Quote 1

Character 1: Do you know how to use that thing?
Character 2: Yes, the pointy end goes into the other man.
Character 1: *sighs* This is going to take a lot of work.

Quote 2

Character 1: If you accept defeat, (Character 2's name), then that's what you'll get.

Quote 3

Character 1: I don't need easy. I just need possible.

Quote 4

Character 1: Sorry I'm late, it's a jungle out there. I had to beat an old lady with a stick to get these cranberries.

Quote 5

Character 1: And keep the stitches small!

Quote 6

Character 1: Why a spoon, cousin? Why not an axe?
Character 2: Because it's DULL, you twit. It'll hurt more!

Quote 7

Characer 1: Well. We'll see what the man's sellin'. THEN we'll shoot him.
Character 2: Good plan.

Quote 8

Character 1: You look like two marshmallows trying to get out of a hotwheel.

Quote 9

Character 1: What is it you want, (Character 2's name)? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, (Character 2's name).
Character 2: I'll take it. Then what?
Character 1: Well, then you can swallow it, and it'll dissolve, see...and the moonbeams would shoot out of your fingers and your toes and the ends of your hair...am I talking too much?

Quote 10

Character 1: Really, (Character 2's name), suppose that man had shot you? Is it worth risking your life for ten dollars, two credit cards, a hairbrush, and a lipstick?
Character 2: How did you know that?
Character 1: Know what?
Character 2: You just described the exact contents of my purse.
*Character 1 peeks in purse*
Character 1: Hmm. Uh...wild guess.

Think you know any of these? Leave a comment and let me know!

God bless you!
Joy :D

Free to Love

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

I had a thought the other day--I think it was when we were listening to music in the car.

We are free to love anyone we choose!

Isn't that awesome? We aren't restricted. I mean, isn't love a beautiful thing? It makes you feel so great inside to love someone--to make them smile, to hug them, to give them a compliment, help them, give them a special gift for no reason except that--what else--you love them?

I think it is.

And we are free to love anyone we choose. Wouldn't it be awesome if we looked at love as a privilege, a verb, an action, a deed, rather than something we get, something to write about, something to absentmindedly tell your family that you feel towards them? Wouldn't it be awesome if we looked at love as a Person? As Who it really is? God?

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

-Matthew 22:34-40

We are free to love anyone!

Our family.
Our friends.
Our ~~enemies~~ not-so-much-friends.
Our fellow Americans.
People from other countries.
That lady in the nursing home.
The homeless man on the sidewalk.
The child in the nursery.

Isn't that such a privilege? Isn't it a privilege we should accept daily, happily?

Faithful Fridays ~ Food for the Senses

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Happy Friday! Today, I want to encourage you guys with some suggestions of good, wholesome, Christian family movies. It seems like it is so hard to find good ones from the stuff that Hollywood dishes out! But we're beginning to see more and more awesome movies that are not put out by Hollywood, but are put out by small production companies and even churches! But before you roll your eyes and dismiss the idea with a "Churches can't make movies" kind of response, please read on! :)

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

My mama participates on her blog, Country Girl at Home...

Ms. Retha participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles...

Ms. Patty participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond...

And Rachel participates on her blog, Stand In Don't Fit Out.

~*~

What we see, what we hear, and what we read about, is ultimately going to be what we think about, and what we think about is ultimately going to be what we do.

So, if we want to keep our actions godly, what do we do? We find good, wholesome food for the senses. Movies. Books. Music.

This week, I want to share with you some great movies that we've watched recently. These are the kinds of movies that need to be seen by Christians all over the world to show the world (and Hollywood) that this is what we want!

First of all, Courageous.

Courageous will come out on DVD on January 17th, 2012. Some of you might have seen it in theaters and pre-bought it. My brother and his girlfriend did that for my daddy. About the movie:

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, David Thomson, and Shane Fuller are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.

While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they're quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.

When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children?

Filled with action-packed police drama, COURAGEOUS is the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Riveted moviegoers will once again find themselves laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children.

Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That's courageous.

I have to say that Courageous is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Really. The only movies that could even compete with it are To Save a Life, Flywheel, and maybe Soul Surfer (see below for all three). Flywheel is made by the same church! It was their first movie. Sherwood Church has really improved their movie quality and the actors and actresses have, too! And to prove to you just how great of a movie Courageous is, I saw it 3 times! I saw it first with my parents and then begged my grandparents to take me to see it (and that, my pop said, was his movie for about the next 10 years--they don't go to the movies much! :P). And then, when we were at our cabin getaway with my friend Christina, we went out to the little two-theater cinema there and saw it! I balled like a baby the first time I saw it. I'm not one to cry much in movies, but the tears were pouring at some points! But don't get the wrong idea--this isn't a sad movie.

With Courageous, one minute you're crying, the next minute you're laughing like crazy, and the next you're at the edge of the seat as the officers (dads) head off to catch a criminal. If I could use 3 words to describe this movie, they would be encouraging, convicting, and inspiring. Encouraging, because for one thing it's encouraging and refreshing to see godly, biblical movies like this one for the whole family. It's convicting and inspiring because that's the essence of the movie--to call fathers up all over the world to a higher standard of fathering--raising up godly children for this next generation!

Courageous is rated PG-13 but has no foul language or anything unacceptable. I think this rating is for the minor violence and drug references (they're cops). You can visit the movie's website HERE.

Also from Sherwood Films is Facing the Giants.

This one came out in 2006...and may be one of my favorite movies by Sherwood besides Courageous. About the movie:

An action-packed drama about a Christian high school football coach who uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure. In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season. After learning that he and his wife Brooke face infertility, Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation. When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. What transpires is a dynamic story of the fight between faith and fear.

I love this quote from the movie:

Facing the Giants has so many things that so many people can relate to--disappointment, failure, not being able to have kids. Facing the Giants is rated PG.

And the third movie from Sherwood Pictures that I want to share with you is Flywheel. Flywheel was the first movie that Sherwood Church made. The quality in picture and acting isn't as great as in the other movies, but still--the movie is awesome! Flywheel came out in 2003. About the movie:

Weary of the masks he wears and the lies he tells, an unscrupulous used car salesman resolves to win back his wife, become a better role model for his son, and stop ripping off his unsuspecting customers in the inspirational feature directorial debut of Facing the Giants director Alex Kendrick. Jay Austin (Kendrik) is the kind of used car salesman that customers fears most - dishonest, manipulative, and constantly smiling as he sends another lemon driving off the lot. Eventually Austin's deceptive ways catch up with him, prompting him to take serious stock of his life from the ground up. Now, as Austin begins working to get his classic convertible back on the road, the repairs he performs under the hood begin to reflect the personal transformation that he is going through at home and at work. Determined to turn his life around for good this time, Austin soon finds out just how good things can get when he begins applying the teachings of Jesus Christ to everyday life.

(Synopsis written by Jason Buchanan, Rovi)

I got Flywheel for Christmas. We love this movie! Every aspect of Jay Austin's life is failing--his relationship with Jesus (if he has one), his relationship with his wife, his relationship with his son, and even the car lot he owns. But God impresses upon his heart and changes him and Jay Austin sets out to right everyone he's wronged--Jesus, his wife, his son--and the customers he has ripped off. And that's where it gets fun. :)

The Grace Card was also made by a church--a church in a city not far from us. And this movie has the greatest quality--I had no clue that it was made by a church until I watched the behind the scenes features! About the movie:

Everything can change in an instant ... and take a lifetime to unravel.

When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God ... and just about everyone else.

Mac's rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he's partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.

Mac's home life is as frightening as anything he encounters on the streets of Memphis. Money is tight and emotions run high as he constantly argues with his wife and his surviving son Blake, who is hanging with the wrong crowd and in danger of flunking out of school.

Sam Wright also never expected to be a police officer. He has a calling—to be a minister like his Grandpa George. But leading a small, start-up church doesn't always put enough food on the table for a young family, so Sam doubles as a police officer. With his new promotion to Sergeant, Sam starts questioning if his real calling might actually be police work rather than the pastorate.

Can Mac and Sam somehow join forces to help one another when it's impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one?

Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God's grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD ... and never underestimate the power of God's love.

The Grace Card stars Michael Joiner, Michael Higgenbottom, and Louis Gossett Jr.

This movie shows how God's grace and foregiveness can help us with things like hurt, racism, tragedy, and loss. You can visit the movie's website HERE.

To Save a Life is another favorite.

Every tween/teen that is 12 or 13 and up should see this movie. They really should. And honestly, so should every adult! Because it shows so sincerely what teens today are dealing with and what they will come across in kids their age--and how they can deal with it...with Jesus Christ!

I will warn you that it is rated PG-13 because of some language and a "cutting scene" and a "bedroom scene" that are both very short and okay for tweens/teens if a parent is watching the movie with them. Parental guidance is really great when watching this movie not only for these parts but because a parent can add words along the way that will help the tween/teen understand and apply it better to their life. There is a kit for groups, congregations, and youth groups that includes the "church version" that shortens these scenes even more and has less language--only what is needed for the story line and there is one minor word that is important to the story line. However, when you buy it on DVD and not with the group kid, you get the "theatrical version". You can read more about that below.

You can see the review and the follow-up review that my mama wrote HERE and HERE.

I beg you though, please don't let this scare you off--this movie needs to be seen! Here's what's written about the movie:

Addressing the real-life challenges of teens and choices they face, To Save a Life dares to ask, “What’s your life going to be about?” Its powerful message speaks to those who desire to develop a life lived deliberately for Christ.

To Save a Life has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America "due to mature thematic elements involving teen suicide, teen drinking, some drug content, disturbing images, and sexuality." Unfortunately, teens today are hurting and facing challenges like never before—we see it in our own youth groups and local schools. (So does the film's writer, Jim Britts, who is an experienced youth worker.) Because of that, To Save a Life doesn't shy away from tough topics. It deals with social divisions, school violence, cutting, suicide, teen pregnancy and divorce–not in a graphic way, but in a way authentic to too many teens' real lives. And it points to a way out of these problems through following God's path and reaching out to others. Ultimately, it asks the question "What's my life going to be about?" and dares teens to answer with boldness, honesty, and open-handedness.

To Save a Life is teens' story, told in their voice with their music. Unfortunately, teens today are hurting and facing challenges like never before. This movie takes a realistic view of teen life and addresses themes of acceptance, choices, consequences, hurt, and love. It also deals with critical issues such as social divisions, school violence, cutting, suicide, underage drinking, teen pregnancy and divorce. The movie shows in practical, authentic ways how every action has ripple-effect on others. That's why we're working to make To Save a Life more than just a movie. The movie demonstrates the power of reaching out to students who are hurting. We want to see every teen have the opportunity to address these issues in a safe environment like a group study and recognize that his or her choices and actions can bring hope and love into a world of pain.

From my understanding, there are two versions, the “theatrical” and the “church”. Here’s what it has to say about that:

A few pastors felt that some families may be concerned with seeing certain content in To Save a Life at a church. With a desire to keep the reality of the film without sacrificing the story, we've developed a version of the movie with a decreased amount of bad language, a shortened bedroom scene and removal of more than half of the cutting scene.

The party scenes have been left as is and some bad language remains, but only where it was absolutely necessary for the story line or where editing it out would have created a noticeable gap in the flow of the movie.

Synopsis: When his childhood friend’s life ends in tragedy, Jake Taylor decides to use his influence as big man on the campus to make sure that it never happens again. Crossing social barriers, he befriends a loner, Johnny Garcia. When Johnny’s life quickly spirals out of control, will Jake have what it takes to stop him from the same tragic fate?

Like I said--everyone needs to see this movie! You can visit the movie's website HERE.

And we love the movie Soul Surfer!

You have probably heard the story of surfer Bethany Hamilton. When Bethany was just 13 (less than a year older than me), she lost her arm in a tragic shark accident. But, she--with her faith in Jesus Christ, as she proclaims often--conquered fear and the odds and everything else that was against her and began surfing again and using her now national platform to make a difference in the world under the name of Jesus! More about the Bethany's story:

It came, literally, out of the blue.

I had no warning at all; not even the slightest hint of danger on the horizon. The waves were small and inconsistent, and I was just kind of rolling along with them, relaxing on my board with my left arm dangling in the cool water. I remember thinking, "I hope the surf picks up soon..."
That's all it took: a split second. I felt a lot of pressure and a couple of lightning fast tugs. Then I watched in shock as the water around me turned bright red. Somehow, I stayed calm. My left arm was gone almost to the armpit, along with a huge crescent-shaped chunk of my red, white and blue surfboard...
I remember most clearly what the Kauai paramedic said to me in the ambulance: He spoke softly and held my hand as we were pulling out of the beach parking lot. He whispered in my ear, "God will never leave you or forsake you." He was right.

I believe in God. Nobody made me believe; I don't think you can or should try to force someone to believe something. And even though my parents taught me stuff about God and read Bible stories to me from as early as I can remember... it was my choice to become a believer in Him. The way I see it, putting our faith in God is something that each person has to come to on his or her own. It's your own personal relationship with Him; a bond that's as unique as a fingerprint.

And about the movie:

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany's feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.

You can visit Bethany Hamilton's website HERE.

~*~

I hope you all have a great Friday! My cousin, Trey, and his wife Shauna are coming down here today to spend some time for their anniversary.

1945

2012-01-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Lookin' at the radio caught up in a dream,

Source: flickr.com via Joy on Pinterest

'Bout the days gone by when no one had a TV.
Hopin' that the weatherman would say good things,
Like no rain on Friday for the drive-in movie.

Source: polyvore.com via Joy on Pinterest

Little kids didn't have a care,
There was love growin' up everywhere.
But when I open my eyes and the dream stops playin',
You can still find me somewhere sayin',

I should've been born in '45.
In '54 I would've been 9.
White shirt, poodle skirt, silk hair tie,

Source: thehighheeledhostess.com via Kim on Pinterest

Dancin' in the moonlight...
That woulda been nice.
Ooo ooh,

Source: flickr.com via Joy on Pinterest

That woulda been nice.
Ooo ooh
Boombox on my shoulder with my favorite tape,
I'm reppin' my 8 tracks and my buckle up skates.
How do I know about that,
You say.
You say.

Source: Uploaded by user via Joy on Pinterest

You wear bell bottom jeans, get a double take
From all the guys and the girls who look your way.
Back then people didn't always agree,
But the love goin' round was revolutionary.
And even though the world was crazy,
I'd still go if my dreams could take me.

Oh, I should've been born in '65,
In '74 I would've been 9.

Source: amazon.com via Joy on Pinterest

Tryna' get home after playin' outside,
Racin' street lights, racin' street lights,
I shoulda been born in '65,

Source: weheartit.com via Joy on Pinterest

I woulda been a teenager 'round '79.
Teasing my hair so it looks just right,
On a Saturday night, yeah.
That woulda been nice.
Oo Ooh,
That woulda been nice.

Growin' up, I never really had a care.
There was love all the time and everywhere.
Even though my world may get a little crazy,
I find myself bein' proud when I say,
I could've been born in '45,

Source: stylemepretty.com via Joy on Pinterest

But the truth is I got here right on time.
And I thank God for every day of life.
It suits me just right,
It suits me just right.
And lovely ~~1991~~ 1999
~~That's the year that I come from.~~ That is my time,
And I wouldn't wanna trade it for another time,
I love this life, yeah,
I love this life.
Ooh ooh,
I love this life.
Ooo ooh,
I love this life.

(1945 by Jamie Grace--with a little edit by me :D)

Faithful Fridays ~ Be Still

2012-01-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

How is everyone this Friday? I have a special post for you today!

But before I begin, I want to invite you to join me, my mama, Ms. Retha, and Ms. Patty (see below) in posting about our Faith every Friday...it doesn't have to be long, or deep (but it can be); it can be a verse or a passage of Scripture, or maybe just some encouraging words that the Lord has laid on your heart or maybe a devotional you've read lately!

~*~

My mama participates in Faithful Fridays on her blog, Country Girl at Home.

Ms. Retha also participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles.

Ms. Patty also participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond.

You could be next!

~*~

There are tons of things that we as Christians can do and use to draw closer to God. Two of those things are, of course, our Bible, and then a devotional book.

Whoever came up with devotional books was a genius. :)

I love the way the books combine Scripture and a short, daily message to give you encouragement for the day! As my friend put it, "It's like what you read about is what you face during the day!"

For Christmas, my parents gave me two devotional books. One of them was the kids' version of the devotional by Sarah Young (adapted by Tama Fortner), Jesus Calling. Jesus Calling is written like Jesus is talking directly to you! I love it! I've read the adult version and I like the kids' version better, even for adults as it could go for both levels.

And like I told my mama the other day, sometimes it's like God sticks my face in the devotional and says, "Read this, Joy!" :) This is one of those. It was my devotional for January 2nd:

Choose Me

But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will never be taken away from her."

-Luke 10:41-42 (ICB)

You are so very busy. But I want you to stop for a minute. Put down the game, hang up the phone, turn off the computer. Spend some time with Me.

Even now your thoughts are racing ahead to today's plans and problems. But put those thoughts and worries aside. Just think about Me and how much I love you. I know exactly what is going to happen in your life today. Don't worry. I will give you everything you need to face your day.

Please don't skimp on our time together. The computer and the telephone and the homework will still be there when our time is through. Choose Me first--and the blessings I give you will not be taken away.

(Read on your own Scriptures are Psalm 105:4 and Luke 10:39-42)

~*~

Have you ever heard the song Word of God speak by Mercyme?

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

Sometimes, when our thoughts are racing and everything is going wrong and we need to straighten things out and pour it out to God, it's great to just go into a room by yourself and pour everything out to God. Tell him exactly how you feel; if you're angry, confused, torn, or sad. Or maybe you're jubuliant, happy, joyful, excited, and anticipative.

And then, sometimes, we need to just sit in the still and quiet, maybe write in a journal, or maybe just listen and ask God to speak to your heart; just be still and know that He is God! Sometimes it's hard to hear Him (I remember thinking that when I was little!), but if you try really hard, you can feel Him laying different thoughts on your mind. It's such a wonderful feeling to be talked to by God! You may not be able to hear Him out loud, but you hear him in your mind and in your heart and it feels great! Sarah Young wrote in Jesus Calling:

As a Christian, I have prayed, kept prayer journals, and spent quiet time with God for years. But I came to realize that I was doing all the "talking" when I wrote in my journal. I really wanted to hear what God had to say--not only in the Bible but also in my mind and heart. So I decided to listen to Him and write down whatever I thought He was saying to me. At first this felt a big strange, but I did "hear" something from him. The message was simple and short; it was biblical, and it helped me with things that were going on in my life.

Since then, I have practiced listening a lot. Usually I write his messages in a notebook, but sometimes I just spend time with Him for a while--and write nothing.

...I hope that you will find a quiet place and read these messages slowly each day. You might even want to keep your own journal, to record your thoughts and any words Jesus whispers to your heart.

You have probably heard that Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. If you have never asked Him to be your Savior--forgiving all your sins--I encourage you to do that very soon.

Remember, Jesus is Immanuel--God with us. So he is God with you. I pray that you will feel His presence and His peace as you spend this time with Him.

I could not have said it better myself! Matthew 6:6 says:

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

So take some time today and just sit quietly with God; maybe write down what you think He is softly saying, or just listen! Please don't make the time something you dread, but don't skimp!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy (Almost) New Year!

2011-12-31T13:23:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I missed Faithful Fridays yesterday...time really just slipped away! But, I will be posting my Faithful Fridays post sometime this week hopefully.

So, it's almost 2012! Rachel over at Rachel's Blog gave me the idea of listing the "important" things I had done in 2011 and the things I hope to do in 2012.

So, in 2011 I/we:

Volunteered at our local nursing home's Christmas party--so fun!
Got back on the Faithful Fridays horse. :)
Spent Labor Day with friends from China (Mr. Chuck and Ms. Kim).
Began reading my Bible and doing devotions more often/everyday.
Got on Pinterest.
Stopped drinking so much carbinated drinks (that's something I feel proud of).
Learned to knit (partially, anyway).
Got an iPad.
Started listening to mainly/only Christian music.
Started on a book that I have a passion for.
Started the Anne of Green Gables book series.

And in 2012 I want to:

Witness more.
Go on a mission trip to China.
Read my Bible and/or read a devotional every day.
Write in my journal every day or every other day, even if it's only a few lines
Continue volunteering at our local nursing home.
Pray more.
Keep working on my book.
Finish the Green Gables series.
Be nicer to people that I don't particularly "like".
Be nicer to people period (Take up Operation NiCE--click HERE).
Continue to blog 2-4 times a week.
Spend more time with my family, especially Luke.
Keep my advocacy website up and running.

So what about you? What are some things you have done/hope to do?

Have a Blessed and Happy New Year! God bless you!

Heaven is for Real ~ Booksneeze Book Review

2011-12-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

"Heaven is for real, and you're going to like it!"

I was able to review this book by Todd and Sonja Burpo through Booksneeze.

Heaven is For Real (for Kids) is, of course, the kid version of the book Heaven is for Real by Todd and Sonja Burpo. In this book, Colton Burpo (who is now twelve years old), tells at a child's level how, when he was just about four years old, he "closed his eyes and opened them"--and he was in Heaven!

I read this book to my 3 year old little brother. I think this was a bit of a new concept to him and he was still trying to process it. He didn't ask me any questions, but we did do a quick review at the end and I think that helped him. I am a teen and I think this book is great for both kids and teens alike because of it being written on a child's level. There is Scripture at the bottom of almost every page that show that Colton's accounts of Heaven do coincide with the Bible's accounts.

Colton also remembers that Jesus told him how you get to Heaven--"believe in Him and follow Him". Colton also remembers that Jesus told him that "that makes God very happy".

Last but not least, Colton emphasizes that "Jesus really, really loves children. And Jesus really, really loves you!"

I highly recommend this book for any child! There is a wonderful section in the back that answers questions that a lot of kids ask about the book--things like "Can you get lost on the way to Heaven?" and "Do we really get wings in Heaven?"

This review is my opinion of the book Heaven is for Real (for Kids).

Faithful Fridays ~ Jesus.

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

Mary’s Song

And Mary said:
   “My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
   of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
   holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
   from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
   he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
   but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
   but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
   remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
   even as he said to our fathers.”
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

-Luke 1:26-56

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christthe Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
  “Glory to God in the highest,
   and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Jesus Presented in the Temple

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
   you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
   and for glory to your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Luke 2:1-40

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christwas to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
   who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The Escape to Egypt

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”

The Return to Nazareth

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

-Matthew 2

Without Jesus, there would be no reason to celebrate Christmas--because beneath all the trees and twinkly lights and the baking and the parties, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Beautiful Dresses

2011-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

What girl doesn't love big, poofy, shiny, beautiful dresses? I know I do.

I found these over the past few days and I thought I would share them with you (sorry about the weird layout of this post--I think Blogger is acting up).

Source: one-beloved.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: inpursuitofglamour.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

I LOVE this dress!

Source: flickr.com via Joy on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Joy on Pinterest

This one has a bit of a Spanish flavor, doesn't it? If only the neckline was higher...

Source: google.com via Joy on Pinterest

Again, I wish this one's neckline was higher.

Source: Uploaded by user via Joy on Pinterest

This one is actually a halter-style, even though you can't see it.

Source: Uploaded by user via Joy on Pinterest

Doesn't this one remind you of Belle from Beauty of the Beast?

Source: Uploaded by user via Joy on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Joy on Pinterest

If the neckline on this one was higher, it would be almost perfect--I love the style and the sparkly-ness of it!

Source: Uploaded by user via Joy on Pinterest

And that concludes my post of pretty dresses! Which one was your favorite?

God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Joy :D

Faithful Fridays ~ Can You Imagine?

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I was thinking yesterday about how long it had been since I posted and how I needed to post and how I had no idea what to post about...

...until it dawned on me that today is Friday and that means it's time for Faithful Fridays!

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

                                                       ~*~
My mama participates in Faithful Fridays on her blog, Country Girl at Home.

Ms. Retha also participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles.

Ms. Patty also participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond.

You could be next!
                                                      ~*~

I have been thinking about this subject recently and I saw this post on Rachel's Blog.

There are people--humans--all through the Bible. While they certainly aren't what the Bible is all about, they often have have big roles in the accounts of the Bible, don't they?

They may have lived in a different time,
under different circumstances,
in a different country,
and speaking a different language,
but they are humans, like us.

They were born into sin, like us.
They want truth, like us.
They want hope, like us.
They want happiness, like us.
And they want love, like us.

They suffered, like us.
They went through sadness, like us.

They had happy times, like us.
And most of them found Jesus, like (hopefully) most of us have.

It's a bit of a different concept, isn't it? Sure, we all know they were people, but it can be really hard to relate to them, can't it?

I think this is one of the reasons that God gave us imaginations. So we could at least try to understand and relate to the people of the Bible.

For instance, when Mary found out that she was going to become pregnant with Jesus. Can you imagine the crazy sea of emotions she must have felt?

Shocked, because it was just, well, a shocking prospect?
Scared, both of the unknown and of what Joseph and her family would say or do?
Happy, because she was going to be the earthly mother of God?
Bewildered, because it all hit her so fast--and she was a virgin?

Then, after she went to visit Elizabeth (which probably made those waves of emotions roll harder), she began to sing a joyful song of praise to God. Can you imagine how full her heart felt at that moment?

Mary’s Song

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.”

-Luke 1:46-55

And then, the children when God welcomed them into his presence. As a kid myself, that is just...amazing to think about. I love seeing the pictures of Jesus, shining with glory, smiling welcomingly to the children in his arms. Can you imagine being one of the children? First being rebuked--shyly stepping back into your parents' safe arms, then being gently nudged forward by them again when Jesus tells the disciples to let you and the other children come to him. Then standing at his side, staring up at his face as he preaches to the people.

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

-Mark 10:13-16

Or consider the girl who was raised from the dead. How amazing and utterly confusing that must have been! To be in fear and delirium and then seem to slip away from all life, then to suddenly "awake" to the beautiful, shining face of Jesus, a man maybe you had never seen in your life and yet hearing mourning voices outside your house. And then, after Jesus left, suddenly being told and comprehending what had just happened to you. I don't know about you, but I'd probably want to run after Jesus and thank Him from the bottom of my heart and probably fall at His knees, too. This girl is especially dear to my heart because it says in the Bible that she was about twelve, which is how old I am.

While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”

Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.

After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

-Mark 5:35-43

Or maybe the woman, who, just before He left for Jairus's house (the father of the girl above), Jesus healed. She had such faith. She was certain, absolutely, positively, without a dobut, over-the-top, 100% certain, that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus's cloak, she would be healed of her terrible disease which had been making her suffer for 12 years.

When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him.

A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

-Mark 5:21-34

Can you imagine, can you feel, her happiness? Her faith? To be told by Jesus (in other words), that she had great faith? To be healed after 12 years of terrible suffering?

                                                ~*~
I don't know that today's post is an encouraging post, or a convicting post, but it certainly gives us something to think about. And somehow, it makes me feel a bit closer to God. We share many things in common with the people of the Bible, and one of those things is that with most of them, we share the same God. Maybe by their experiences with God and His Son--by trying to put ourselves in those situations--we become closer to God.

God bless you and Merry CHRISTmas,
Joy :D

Faithful Fridays Announcement

2011-12-09T10:40:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!

I'm sorry to say that we won't be able to participate in Faithful Fridays this week. We will be picking it back up next week, though! Feel free to go ahead and participate if you were planning to this week and link up in your comment to this post!

Oh, and don't forget to check out my mama's blog--she has just posted her new Christmas giveaway! You can visit her blog HERE.

God bless you!

Christmas Tree Ornaments: New and Old!

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wow--can you believe there are only 18 days until Christmas? That's crazy! I did, though, get all my Christmas shopping done on Monday. Mama and I made a mother/daughter date out of it. I didn't have much money to spend (as in, $21.25) and I had to buy for six or seven people, but with Mama's help, I managed to stay on budget! I'll be making a lot of the presents and just using items from the dollar store. The sweet, sweet dollar store. :)

Anyway, I wanted to share with you some of our favorite and most sentimental Christmas ornaments. Some are new, some are old; some are store-bought or have been given to us, and some we've made ourselves. Oh, and I'm sorry if some of the pictures are blurry! Some of them were okay to take with the flash, and some weren't...I didn't get it right on all of them! :)

These ornaments...

...were made by my mama. She made one first for Colt, then for me. It's a star (much like a King David Star) made out of popsicle sticks coated in glitter (gold or silver). In the center, you put a picture of the child. We're planning on making one for Luke this year!

These were made recently--last Christmas--by Luke and I. We like to make at least one type of Christmas ornament each year if not more, and this

Of course, it is nothing other than a train!

was the first Christmas tree ornament Luke ever made. I made these two last year:

And salt dough ornaments...oh so easy and oh so cute!

This one was made by Colt WAY before I was born.

And I just LOVE this ornament that my mama found for me at K*hl's on B*ack Friday--she knows how much I love Asia!

Have any of you seen the movie It's a Wonderful Life? A while back (before I was born), my mama and older brother, Colt, went to meet "ZuZu" (George Bailey's youngest daughter in the movie) at our local library. Of course, she was all grown up (It's a Wonderful Life was made in 1946). She signed out copy of the movie and signed the ornament that we bought--it had her picture on it. Anyone remember ZuZu's petals? :)

These ornaments are ones that my mama bought for she and my daddy's first Christmas together as a married couple. It's possible that one of them might have been my great-grandmother's--Mama said she doesn't remember which ones she bought and which ones were my great-grandmother's. She says that she had so much fun shopping that first Christmas!

These are some more fun, homemade ornaments. Make a triangle out of popsicle sticks and put a piece of triangular paper behind it; then let the child draw and/or color a manger scene inside. Attach ribbon and hang on the tree! You can even add straw/raffia at the bottom of the triangle and a star/star sticker at the top!

Every year, my grandmama and pop give each granddaughter (this year, there are four of us) an angel ornament and each grandson (this year, there are four of those) a snowman ornament. This year, I got this angel:

And Luke and Colt got these snowmen:

Have you ever seen these ornaments? Take a Prin*le lid and cut out a Christmas-y picture in a circle that will fit onto the lid. Glue it on, and then outline it in glitter and stick a hanging-hook through it and you've got yourself a cute, homemade ornament!

Our friend Kim and Chuck, whom we traveled with in C*ina (they were adopting their daughter, Shiloh, from Luke's province), sent us this ornament last year. It has Merry Christmas written on it in both English and Chinese.

This is from when I played the part of Gladys in the play The Best Christmas Pageant ever. I was five and I LOVED it! Our local theater is putting on The Little Princess this Spring and I'm hoping to try out for one of the parts. :)

I insisted on writing my name and the name of my part in the play at the bottom.

And I love these little booties from my first Christmas...they're so delicate and pretty!

My mama made these ornaments in 2008. She is so talented--she made these herself!

And last but not least, every tree needs a topper--whether it be a star or an angel!

So what about you? Tell me about your ornaments!

God bless you!

Joy :D

Faithful Fridays ~ DO it!

2011-12-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

I have been so terrible about my Faithful Fridays posts! The usual cycle is: I forget about it until Friday morning, and once I realize that I should have had my post ready, the day has started and it's go, go, go. But, I'm back now, and I'm hoping to get back into the normal groove!

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

                                           ~*~

My mama participates in Faithful Fridays on her blog, Country Girl at Home (she will be posting later today--she's had a lot of appointments and we've been going non-stop since this morning).

Ms. Retha also participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles.

Ms. Patty also participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond.

Ethan participates on his blog, Ethanseverydayblog.

You could be next!

                                          ~*~

Have you ever been taken over with this feeling that you have to DO something? DO something about the poverty we see in those photos of Africa? DO something about the homeless? DO something about the direction our country is headed? DO something about the numbers of lost souls over the globe?

That's a sort of holy heat, isn't it? :)

There are things in this world that make me want to stand on the side of the road and yell at the top of my lungs for people to DO SOMETHING!

And these videos are two of those things.

The first is a video that I found on Ms. Annie's blog.

Hope is Fading – Orphan Sunday from Allan Rosenow on Vimeo.

This video makes me cry.   How can we stand by and let orphans lose hope and do nothing about it?

The second video is actually a short documentary movie that is put out by Ray Comfort. I LOVE this video.

Those are the two videos I wanted to share today!

Have a great day and God bless you!
Joy :D

Thanksgiving!

2011-11-29T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I've been quite absent from the blogging world lately, haven't I? I guess my excuse is Thanksgiving and the fact that my stomach was bothering me for almost a week--including while we were gone to Alabama for our family's Thanksgiving get-together! Not fun, although it did start getting better on Friday.

Thanksgiving was great! We had our usual family dinner and then on Black Friday, Mama, Grandmama, Aunt Missy, and my cousin's wife, Shauna braved the madness and went shopping. They were gone a total of fifteen hours!

The night before, my little cousin, Laci, said something that my mama and I laugh. I said something to mama about Black Friday, and Laci says (insert astounded tone), "Your mom goes to Black Friday?"

I said, "Yes, and so does yours!" We then explained to her what Black Friday is and she understood. But it gave us a laugh! :D

Our Christmas decorations are up...

And the crafts are now making their appearance around the house! I've been making paper chains for the residents at our local nursing home...

And a friend of ours gave us the template for these cute little goodie holders. We plan to fill them with candy and leave them by the door for guests to take when they leave!

We're going to try to make some ornaments for the Christmas tree in the Cedar Loft this evening. Material chain garlands, candy canes tied with fabric, and popsickle stick icicles are on our list right now!

And of course, all this hubbub filled with Christmas spirit just wouldn't be complete without some of our favorite Christmas movies, old and new!

One of the best Christmas movies out there! It's refreshingly Christian and has a great story. It's also very funny! :D

It's a Wonderful Life--made in 1946! We LOVE this movie! It is a Christmas season must-watch! We actually have a Christmas ornament that has a picture of ZuZu, George Bailey's daughter in the movie. A while back, my mama and my older brother, Colt, met the lady that played ZuZu in the movie. She signed the ornament and our copy of the movie!

We watched this one last night!

Hearwarming story + Cozy log cabin + Snow + Christmas = Perfect Christmas movie!

And to top off our Thanksgiving, we got our first snow of the year last night!

Snow in November! In the SOUTH! Can you believe it?? If you read THIS post on my mama's blog about the persimmon seed weather forecast, you remember that for our area the persimmon seed showed a It melted pretty quickly, but still, it was pretty while it lasted. We all curled up on the couch with blankets and popcorn and watched a Christmas movie!

As Christmas draws near, let's take time to just stop and thank God for the gift of His son.

So there you have it! That's what we've been up to lately.

And to finish off the post, I would like to remind you of a quote that you may have heard before. I actually never had until I saw it on THIS blog the other day. Thank you, Lucia, for posting this quote!

"What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today?"

So here is a list of the things that I would not want to be without, both big and small.

-Jesus and His love, sacrifice, protection, provision, and comfort
-The Bible
-My family
-My extended family
-My family's and my health
-My mama's and my close relationship
-My parents' and my close relationship
-My family's and my close relationship
-Our friends
-Our house
-Our protection
-Our food
-Our car
-Freedom in America
-Freedom of religion in America
-Our right to homeschool
-Love
-Hope
-Coziness
-Christmas Trees
-Electricity
-Air conditioning and heating
-A warm bed
-Warm clothes
-Good, Christian, wholesome movies
-Christian music
-Tracts
-Music
-Pianos
-Guitars
-My voice and others' voices
-Pens and pencils
-Paper
-Books
-The God-given ability to read, write, and learn
-Snow
-Ladybugs
-Adoption
-Christmas decor :D
-Cars
-Trains
-Airplanes
-Trucks
-Stoves
-Refrigerators
-Microwaves
-Toasters
-Cameras
-Computers
-Phones
-Internet

What about you? What are you thankful for? What did you do over Thanksgiving? Have you had any snow?

God bless you!
Joy :D

Simple Christmas Pleasures!

2011-11-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ahhh...it's that time of year again! I absolutely LOVE it!

It's that time when you pull out the Christmas tree...and the decorations...and the brownies!
It's that time when we take on the Christmas songs (I'm waiting for Luke to get his Christmas singing on full-fledge) and it's that time when we celebrate our dear Savior's birth. I read a book to Luke today about when Jesus was born and when I told him about the manger and why Jesus slept there, he said (in a concerned voice), "Why? There might be spiders!" Talk about cute! :)

Yes, it's just November, but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here (and it's definately looking like Christmas at my cousin Trey's house...he and his wife put up their tree the day after Halloween). The Christmas tree is up, the fall decorations are going into storage and the Christmas decorations are coming out (and so is the mess that comes with them!), Christmas lists are being formed, and Christmas sweets are being cooked up!

Speaking of which, I found a simple "recipe" for cinnamon toast the other day and I had never made it before, so I tried my hand at it. I made it another time since then and had help from Daddy and Luke. It's so pretty and really gets you in the Christmas mood with that cold wind blowing outside and the cozy Christmas tree lights glowing.

I took this with my daddy's camera--we call it "rinky dink". I was suprised at how well it turned out!

Again, I was suprised at how well the pictures turned out! Isn't it pretty? Mama and I have always thought cinnamon smelled so yummy!

The traditional advent calendar is up...what a joy!

I always had so much fun with this. You leave all the little dolls in the pockets until the first day of December.

I always start with the trees and end with Baby Jesus, so I guess you could say I add them to the scene on the calendar in order of importance. The funny thing is, when I added the Wisemen....

I always added this one first, because for some reason to my child mind, he looked meaner than the other Wisemen...therefore, he was less important! I think it's his eyes, don't you?

This one came in the middle, because he wasn't the nicest looking fella, but he wasn't mean looking, either.

And this one came last, because I thought he looked very kind.

Don't you love memories like that? I always liked the Little Drummer Boy for some reason, too. Maybe it was because he was so small and I liked his clothes.

On Friday night, we watched A Smoky Mountain Christmas (starring D*lly Parton) and The Saunta Clause (starring Tim A*len). We didn't like The Saunta Clause much...it doesn't quite give you that Christmas-y feel--the parents are divorced and Tim/Scott seems to always be yelling at his kid.

But, A Smoky Mountain Christmas is such a cozy and Christmas-y movie! It also stars Lee M*jors.

Fun fact: My older brother, Colt, was sort of named after the character that Lee M*jors played in The Fall Guy, Colt Seavers. That's where my Mama first heard the name, anyway.

More favorites of ours are It's a Wonderful Life, A Holiday for Love (starring Me*issa Gilbert), A Holiday Romance, and of course, Prancer. But a post of Christmas movies is coming soon!

And of course, if you've seen the movie Prancer, you probably have come across this article that Jessica Riggs reads in the movie. Well, Mama found it in a magazine one year and tore out the page. We just recently framed and hung it, but before that, it had a place of honor at the piano.

Sorry for the glare!

So what are your Christmas traditions and memories? Favorite Christmas movies?

God bless you!
Joy :D

~*~

Please keep Luke in your prayers. His stomach is bothering him and he's already thrown up once. He needs prayers for feeling better quickly and we also need prayers that the rest of the family won't get whatever he has! We realized last night that Luke has actually never thrown up in the year and five months we've had him.

Thank you for your prayers!

Faithful Fridays ~ Who Will Love Me For Me

2011-11-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! It's Friday again, so it's time for a Faithful Fridays post! This post will be a little shorter today, because I have a lot of school to catch up on. :)

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

My mama participates in Faithful Fridays on her blog, Country Girl at Home.
Ms. Retha also participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles.
Ms. Patty also participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond.
Ethan participates on his blog, Ethanseverydayblog.
You could be next!

~*~

I shared with you earlier this week about a girl named Blossom, who is (still) waiting for her family. :(

I want to share with you another little boy God has laid on my heart--he is so precious. I also want to share a song I love about those who have been hurt and need love--we Christians are just the ones to give it!

This is 12 year old Levi. Levi is on the Shared List. He was born in August 1999. He is my age. All alone. No mama. No daddy. No hugs. No love. Just a cold, dreary orphanage. No Jesus.

Doesn't he look sad?

You see, Levi** was abandoned when he was six years old. Six years old. Think about that. Think about your six year old. Think about the six year olds you know.

He was found outside by himself, crying, saying his parents didn't want him anymore.

Despite this hardship, Levi has grown into a more outgoing and active boy. He loves playing soccer and he loves to be outside. He gets along well with other children. He likes to read picture books.

Levi is healthy.

He sits on a list.

And waits.

And waits.

And waits.

In less than two years, he will age out. He will forever lose his chance of finding a family. He will probably never know Jesus. He will live a tough and lonely life, with the brand of an orphan forever on his name.

He will never know the love of a family.

Of a mommy.

Of a daddy.

Of Jesus.

When thinking about Levi's situation, this song comes to mind. Please listen and feel inspired...

It is What Love Really Means by JJ Hell*r.

When we look around, though it is unspoken, can't we see the hurt that people are carrying around? Look closely. Think. Pray. Then act!

As Christians, we are God's hands and feet. We need to show love, and stop hiding in a shell and pretending that the world is okay.

(I Refuse by J*sh Wilson.)

We need to step up and do what God has called us to do.

I recently found this video and I'm so glad I did. I clicked on this vido that was on the sidebar of an adoption blog because I thought it looked like some sort of gymnastics video. It was a Christian speaker named F*ancis Chan, and I love his message!

(Haha, did you catch that about homeschooling? I could write a book on that subject, but I'll leave it alone. :))

We could do SO much through small things.

Like..

A smile.

A hug.

A few sweet and uplifting words.

A letter or note.

An e-card.

An email.

A tract.

It is so simple.

And it's not just that we show love to those who are hurt, it is also that we are letting God's life illuminate through us and shine like a lantern to those around us.

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

-John 12:46

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

-Matthew 5:15

So go be a lantern for God today--don't hide in your shell and pretend the world is okay. Refuse to let your part go undone.

**If you are interested in Levi, please contact us at countrygirlathome@att.net

Two Wonderful Giveaways!

2011-11-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

Blogworld has a lot of great things in it, right?

Giveaways are one of them!

And speaking of which, there are two giveaways going on right now. The first is over at Lucia's blog, Umbrella Girl.

This is a 21-prize giveaway. Yes, 21! You can view the giveaway HERE.

And the second giveaway is over at Raquel's blog, God's Daughter.

This giveaway has a lot of different prizes--from hair clips to jewelry to soap to personalized gift cards! To visit the giveaway, click HERE.

Check them out! :D

Have a wonderful day and God bless you!

Joy :D

Please Pray for Blossom!

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have a special prayer request today--a girl that God's laid heavily on my heart.

This is Blossom.

She's frequently referred to as "Bubbly, Beautiful Blossom", and I think you can see how she got that name! Look at her smile--it just radiates out from her face!

Blossom is thirteen years old. She has spina bifida and her left leg is amputated above the knee.

Despite this, Blossom shines.

Blossom is being cared for at Shepherd's Field, a wonderful home for orphans in China.

Some of you may know that in the Chinese adoption process, once a child turns fourteen, they are not allowed to be adopted--this is commonly called "aging out". It's a very sad thing--in some cases, a child must spend the rest of their life in the orphanage (until they are able/want to leave). And, I've heard of cases where a child is made to move out of the orphanage on their own--to fend for themself. Either way, a child that has aged out will never know the love of a family and will forever carry the title of "orphan". That title is considered "unlucky" and quite scorned upon. It could keep Blossom from getting a good job or education (to read more about this, please click HERE. I love this article that was posted on the Love Without Boundaries blog).

So Blossom has several strikes against her.

-She has a more significant special need.

-She is an older child.

Halloween Cowgirl Blossom!

And, to top it off, Blossom's paperwork is not even ready yet--it never has been. Therefore, that could very well be the reason she has not yet found her family. I have confidence that Blossom has a few families waiting for her file. I think that when she does hit the Shared List, there will be more than one family ready to begin considering and praying over her.

But, Blossom will age out in about seven months. If a family worked very hard and pushed to get their process expedited, they could bring her home in time before she ages out.

I have access to a wonderful, lengthy video of Blossom where she speaks in her wonderfully poised way, shows off her amazing artwork, and writes her name. If you would like to see the video and/or get more information on Blossom, please email us at countrygirlathome@att.net.

Read about Blossom:

"She has spina bifida and her left leg is amputated below the knee, so she's in a wheelchair. She has been at Shepherd's Field since July (thanks to some wonderful sponsors!!) and a specialist there has evaluated her and thinks that she would be able to eventually walk with a prosthesis! I have pictures of her swinging on the swings and playing on playground equipment with the other kids (going up the steps and sliding down the slide) so she can certainly get around on her own and has the muscle strength!

Until she came to Shepherd's Field in July, she'd never had any schooling. She had a nanny who taught her some things and she is bright, and she is now learning at Shepherd's Field."

Blossom needs our prayers. She needs prayer, first of all, that she will come to know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. That's the most important thing. Secondly, Blossom needs to have her file completed and sent to the Shared List--now! And then, Blossom needs a family to sprint to her and scoop her up and love her like only a family can.

Will you join me in prayer for this sweet girl?

God bless you!

Joy :D

Photo Caption Contest by Rebekah Brielle!

2011-11-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a friend's blog and thought it looked so fun!

Rebekah Brielle is having a photo caption contest on her blog, It's a Love Story. If you would like to join the fun, click HERE.

Click HERE to visit the contest post!

So here are my entries for the contest:

This is William Mosley, Gorgie Henley, and Ben Barnes.
Or, Peter, Lucy, and Caspian. :)

My caption:

William: Smile for the camera!

Ben: CHEEESE!

Gorgie: NO, WAIT! It's a centaur, not a cameraman! I'll take him down!

Next picture:

Taylor Swift and Random Man

My caption:

Taylor: Talking to a friend

Random Man: Comes up behind Taylor sneakily

Taylor: Talking

Random Man: Picks up a lock of Taylor's hair and begins to finger, pull, and play with it

Taylor: AHHHHH!

Random Man: Pretty hair...

(This is just too much fun...)

Next picture:

Carrie Underwood

My caption:

Carrie: Approached by a person

Person: Is that flower on your dress real? It's awful poofy.

Carrie: No. Look at my manicure!

Next picture:

This is Anna Poppwell, William Mosley, and Gorgie Henley.
Or, Susan, Peter, and Lucy.

My caption:

Anna: Aww, look at the talking beaver!

William: I know, isn't he cute?

Gorgie: AHHH! He hissed!

Next picture:

This is AnnaSophia Robb and a dog on the set of Because of Winn Dixie.

Or, Opal and Winn Dixie. I just loved this movie!

My caption:

Opal: Ooohh, Danny got in trouble again.

Winn Dixie: Woof!

Opal: I know...he's going to the dog house tonight.

Winn Dixie: Woof!

~*~

And that is it! Hope you enjoyed! Have a great day! My family is putting up the Christmas tree today. Oh yes, at the beginning of November! We are Christmas people! :D

God bless you!

Joy :D

Faithful Fridays - Your Choice

2011-11-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm a bit late doing my Faithful Fridays post today, but here I am! Today's post will be a little shorter than usual as we are hurrying to get school done and everyone ready--we're having school pictures taken this afternoon so we have to look extra nice. :D

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!
My mama participates in Faithful Fridays on her blog, Country Girl at Home.
Ms. Retha also participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles.
Ms. Patty also participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond.
Ethan participates on his blog, Ethanseverydayblog.
You could be next!

                                                                                ~*~

I think that a lot of people seem to forget that God has promised us something (okay, He's promised us a lot more than the promise you'll find below):

Blessed is the man
   who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
   or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
   and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
   which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
   Whatever he does prospers.
  Not so the wicked!
   They are like chaff
   that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
   nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
   For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
   but the way of the wicked will perish.

-Psalm 1:1-6

Wow--let that sink in! God's promising us that if we follow His ways, His rules, His Word, then he will bless us, lead us, guide us, and watch over us. So many people think that following God is boring and not fun. They think that God's rules are just made to, ahem, cramp their style.

But God's Word says differently. And so do plenty of people who have had experience with following Jesus. If you choose to honor Christ and be a light for Him, He enhances your life. He makes it special. He makes it a LOT better. God says in His Word that a man (or woman) whose delight is in the law of the LORD is like a tree planted by streams of water.

That's a pretty smart tree, isn't it? And it's probably going to yield its fruit in season like the Bible says, isn't it?

I mean, naturally, everyone knows that a tree planted by water is going to do much better than a tree planted in a desert or near rocks or among thorns, right?

Well think about this--God's Laws are streams of water.

The further away we get from

HIS Word,

                                  HIS Laws,

and HIS counsel,

the more our tree--our life--will wither.

And people wonder why their life is going so wrong?
So today, I encourage you to get closer to God.

Okay, so that could take up a whole other post, but let's take a quick look at what it means to get closer to God.

So bear with me as we get extremely simple here.

This is not a trick question. Answer this (as you're reading) with a plain answer.

How do you get accquainted with someone?

My answer would be, "by talking to them".

So there you have it--you want to get accquainted with God?

Talk to Him.

Read about Him.

Learn about Him.

And then, the best part, showing off our Friend--talk about Him!

I myself tend to struggle with reading my Bible everyday. I love to read, though, so that's not my problem. I guess it's taking time out of my (often busy) day to sit down and read a chapter or so of the Bible.

-But-

when I do, I feel so good.

So please, please try--read a chapter, or even just a few verses in your Bible. After all, a little is better than none at all!

Be a tree planted by streams of water.

                                                                          ~*~

Have a great weekend!

God bless you!
Joy :D

Faithful Fridays ~ Displayed

2011-10-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! My Faithful Friday post is a little bit later today because I had to get some school done before I posted. I usually write my post on Thursday night, but it didn't happen. :)

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

My mama also writes on Faithful Fridays on her blog, Country Girl at Home.
And so does Ms. Patty at Blessings Beyond.
And Ms. Retha at Retha's Rambles.
And Ethan at Ethanseverydayblog.
And Ms. Sherry at He{art}.
And you could be next! Come join us at Faithful Fridays! :D

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I saw a part of Scripture on a blog the other day. It was at the bottom of the page and it's a wonder (ahem, a miracle?) that I noticed it. I've read about (and have been told about at church) the accounts of Jesus and the blind men he healed. But I never read this part of when Jesus healed a blind man in the book of John:

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

-John 9:1-3

Christ says it right there--it's not the blind man's fault that he's blind, it's not the parent's fault, and it's not anyone else's fault. His being blind is not a punishment, it is a blessing.

When I was younger (and I admit--I still like to imagine it), I imagined that the world was this giant dollhouse or playset and God reached down and moved everyone around made the cars move. It creates a fun picture, doesn't it? But honestly, it mirrors how things really are--God is in control of everything--from the sand to the giant blue whale, and from termites to humans.

There are no accidents (and, ahem, no big bangs or explosions), no things that God does not know about or can't control. God chooses to do what He chooses to do, and it's all in His divine plan--whether we understand it at the moment or not. And eventually, whether God reveals it to us on earth or in Heaven, we will understand why God did what He did.

So, for people who have lost a loved one, who have a bad sickness, who have lost a limb, or have a learning disability, or were born with Down's Syndrome--they are blessed. There is a song that comes on our local Christian radio station, K-Love, quite often. It's called Fall Apart and it is sung by J*sh Wilson. I love this song because it explains that when we go through something hard, when we fall apart, those are the times that we become really, really close to God, and our relationship with him grows wonderfully. Check out this part of the lyrics:

Blessed are the ones who understand
We’ve got nothing to bring but empty hands
Nothing to hide and nothing to prove
Our heartbreak brings us back to You

If you are broken in any way, if you are going through anything--it's not punishment. The hurt is not from God. God can use these trials to display His works in you. How awesome is that? God is going to display HIS works in you! You lucky duck. Yes, you are blessed. I'm reminded again of song lyrics. Have you ever heard the song Blessings by Laura Story? Those lyrics also fit with this post:

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

If you've been reading my blog for a little while, you probably remember me talking about a Ms. Mozelle from the nursing home we visit. Ms. Mozelle has lost all of her children and her husband (she only has grandchildren left) She has had several back surgeries and numerous other surgeries and is now in a nursing home--and through it all, she's glorifying the Lord. Ms. Mozelle is such a jewel. She kept on saying to me, "The Lord's kept me here for something, and I'm going to do it." She said that she talks to him all the time. How awesome is that? You can tell that she has a very special relationship with the Lord. God is truly using her through her trials.

We've also known a lady that lost her husband. She used her widowed life after that to serve the Lord--she moved and is now serving a wonderful ministry and reaching people. God is truly using her through her trials.

So if you're going through something, remember--find what it is in this trial that the Lord is using. Decide in your heart that you are going to find out what God wants you to do through these trials--how He wants to use you--and do it.

A-Z About Me

2011-10-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I found this tag thingie on Ms. Gina's blog and thought it looked fun. :) My mama is also doing this--you can visit her blog HERE. So here I go...A-Z about me!

A - Age: I am twelve years old. I'll turn thirteen this February (hey Mama--after that, I'll be fourteen, then fifteen, then sixteen! :P Believe me, right now she's shaking her head and grinning and telling me not to rush it. And don't worry, I'm not!).

B - Bed: A twin size bed that a certain wiggly 3 year old little boy shares with me. He tells Mama that he'll keep me warm and Daddy will keep her warm. :D

C - Chore I hate: Cleaning windows/doors, cleaning the litterbox, folding clothes, need I go on? :D

D - Dogs: Nope. We had a dog, Cassie, when I was a baby, but we had to put her to sleep. Later, when I was about six, we got a (Jack Russell Terrier) puppy. And that lasted for a few weeks before we had to give him away. He lives in our town now, right down the street from one of my friends.

E - Essential to start my day: Hmmm...well, normally (at least on a week day), Mama, Daddy, Luke and I get up and Daddy gets ready for work. Mama gets our breakfast ready--during the week, we have cereal bars, poptarts, toast, or cereal. We pray with Daddy and he leaves for work (he takes a cereal bar with him on the road). Mama, Luke, and I eat our breakfast, then Luke plays or watches TV while Mama and I get started on school. We start off with our read-alouds. We read for about and hour and a half. It's my favorite part of school!

F - Favorite color: Blue! It's changed so much. When I was really, really little, I liked yellow. And then for a very long time, I liked pink. Now I like blue, lime green, and pink.

G - Gold or silver: Hmmm...I like silver jewelry better--or at least the way it looks. If it's white gold, I like that too.

H - Height: I'm over 5' now! Woohoo! :D

I - Instrument I play: I play a little bit of guitar and a little bit of piano. I hope to expand on either one or both.

J - Job title: Hmmm...Christian (because that's my biggest job), babysitter, big sister, daughter, granddaughter, orphan and adoption advocate, writer, and assistant to Mama. How's that? :D

K - Kids: I'm twelve. But, when I do have kids, I want to adopt from China, and I want at least six kids. Preferably up to twelve. Before I get married, I want to work in an orphanage in C*ina, and I'll love the orphanage kids like my own. :D

L - Live: In the SOUTH--oh yes, I'm a hillbilly, southern belle, hick, southern girl, whatever you want to call it. :D

M - Make of car: I don't have a car, but the family car is a black Mazda 3.

N - Nicknames: Sweetpea (by my pop), Princess (by Daddy), Jiejie (by Luke).

O - Overnight hospital stay: None so far, thank Jesus! I hope and pray not to have any in the future!

P - Pet peeve: Over-animation, immaturity, teenage-y (disrespectful and such) acting kids/teens...I can't think of any more right now!

Q - Quote from a movie: "If you accept defeat, that's exactly what you'll get." -Facing the Giants

R - Right- or left-handed: Right-handed in almost everything, but especially in writing.

S - Siblings: An older brother, Colt (22), and a younger brother, Luke (3). And just as I typed that, Luke (who is lying at my feet because he's sleepy) told me that 1. I'm his favorite person and 2. I'm his best friend. :D

T - TV shows: We don't have cable/satellite (thank Jesus!), so I don't watch any TV except for Netflix and DVDs/tapes.

U - Underwear: What kind of question is that??

V - Veggie I hate: Mushrooms!

W - What makes me late: Hmmm...I get distracted and side-tracked.

X - X-rays: Not many in my life.

Y - Yummy food: Chicken nuggets!

Z - Zoo animal: I like the monkeys--they're entertaining! I also like the pandas.

What scares me: Losing my family or anyone else I love, an ungodly and anti-Christian America, fire, big spiders, pain, and communism.

5 things you don't know about me:

1. I've never tasted coffee.

2. I don't like pizza.

3. I think L*dy G*ga is absolutely NUTS.

4. I've seen the latest movie by Sherwood Baptist Church, Couragous, THREE times! And it ROCKS!

5. Early on in Mama's pregnancy, my parents were told I would have Down's Syndrome. My parents prayed and felt peace about it and didn't worry--they trusted God.

************************************************************

Have a blessed day!

God bless you!
Joy :D

Faithful Fridays ~ K-Love

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!
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Have you ever heard of K-Love? It's a nation-wide commercial-free radio station that plays nothing but encouraging, challenging, and convicting Christian music, as well as encouraging Scripture and news and such. I believe it even broadcasts overseas in some countries.

I really encourage you to check out their website and find the station near you! K-Love recently had one of its pledge drives (they have a few every year). I wish I had posted about it during their pledge drive, but I guess it just didn't click with me!

But K-Love made an announcement that is just really challenging--of all of K-Love's listeners across the nation, only 5% ever donate to K-Love. The other 95% don't do a thing.

Isn't that sad? A great Christian ministry isn't supported by all of its listeners; just a mere 5%. The reality is, a lot of Christian ministries have this same issue.

So today, I encourage you to give--somehow. Whether it be to K-Love or to foreign missions or to a neighbor in need or to something else, just give.

Today's post will be pretty short because my friend Christina will be here at about 10:00. Like I said on my last post, we're going to go stay in a cabin! Yippee! :)

I want to share a few of my favorite Christian songs with you--a lot of which I've heard on K-Love. Some are encouraging. Some are convicting. Some are challenging. Other just make you think and/or praise our Awesome Creator.

So first, an all time favorite at our house, is Hold Me by J*mie Grace (featuring T*bymac)

Next is This is the Stuff by F*ancesca Ba*tistelli. Can I get an amen? :)

And then there is Do Ever*thing by S*even Curtis C*apman. We LOVE this song!

And this song is SO convicting and inspiring. It's Give Me Yo*r Eyes by B*andon Hea*h.

And here is another one by B*andon Hea*h. It's Yo* Put the Light in Me.

And this is Move by M*rcyme. Doesn't have a great tune and great words? It's so catchy! In fact, my daddy just started dancing to it! :)

And last but not least is M*de to Lo*e by Tobym*c. This is another great, convicting song!

Have a blessed rest of the week!

Joyfully,
Joy :D

~Photo Shoot With Luke~

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I had a photo shoot with Luke the other day. It was that point in the afternoon/evening when the sun hasn't really started setting yet and it's really bright on one side of the sky, so some of the pictures didn't turn out so great, but here are some favorites that I played around with on my favorite photo editing website, Picnik:

And here's one that I did the other day...I thought it was cute. :)

We're leaving tomorrow to go stay in a cabin for a few days. I'm very excited! My friend Christina is coming with us.

Have a great week!

God bless you!
Joy :D

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2011-10-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a little bit late, but I wanted to write a birthday post for my daddy.

Daddy's birthday was on Friday, October 14th.

Daddy--thank you! Thank you for being a godly example. Thank you for working hard so we can stay home and homeschool. Thank you for playing Roughest Toughest with me. Thank you for teaching me about a little bit of everything. Thank you for being sweet and gentlemanly. Thank you for being a Christian. Thank you for taking us to church every Sunday. Thank you for being a Courageous Daddy. :)

Happy Birthday and God bless you! I love you! 3!

Love,
your little girl,
Joy :D

Faithful Fridays - Starting Point

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Welcome back to Faithful Fridays! It seems like it's been a while! Boy, I (as well as my family members) have been under the weather. It started pretty badly last Thursday night and all through Friday (yes, I've been sick for a week). It's mostly been sinuses--nose stuff and very severe (miserable) headaches. I'm usually not one to get headaches. I just never really complain of them. But these headaches I've been getting get me to where I can't function! Anyhow, we went in to the doctor's office today and they gave me a shot (which I had dreaded...I have a fear of shots and such) and some medicine...I'm already feeling better!

Anyway, enough about me! Let's get on with the post!

Have you ever heard the song by Casting Crowns, Slow Fade? It's a great song. There's lyrics in that song that coincide with this post very well.

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

Imagine (visualize) this. Your mind is a starting point (insert red flag on top of brain). Whatever abides there starts oozing through your veins, down through your body, towards your heart and your hands. It goes faster and faster, until it's zooming through your body and comsuming you.

Now, there are only two types of this stuff that goes through you--this "fluid".

1. Dark fluid. This represents all the evil things that Adam and Eve introduced to the world through their sin. Lies, deception, pornography, bad language, and all other filth. When this fluid reaches your hands and heart, it makes them cold, black, and icy.

2. Light fluid. This represents all of the godly things that still abide on this earth (although there seem to be less and less). This light fluid wonderfully changes, revives, and lifts you up. You become closer to God. His light begins to shine through YOU, like a lamp shade.

Which fluid will you choose? I come across people (goodness...at one time I might have been one) that claim to be a Christian, and they usually are, but they allow filth and dark fluid to enter their bodies--starting with their mind.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

-Philippians 4:8

Yes. This is the light fluid. These are the godly things. True things. Noble things. Right things. Pure things. Lovely things. Admirable things. Excellent and praiseworthy things. These are the things to think on.

I mentioned this to a girl once. She tends to have a stronger mouth than most people do. Don't get me wrong, she is a good person. Anyway, after she used some of her vocabulary, I asked her not to say those things around me. I explained this whole thing to her.

Please, please examine yourself carefully. Think about what you watch on TV (including commercials and such), what music you listen to, what you do on the internet, what blogs you visit, everything. Please make sure that no dark fluid may be oozing through you, or even heading toward your mind. Because the journey from your mind to your hands is shorter than you're thinking.

Have a great weekend!

God bless you!
Joy :D

Giving You All Of Me.

2011-10-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Happy Friday! We're off this morning to some yard sales. :) It's been a little while since I got up very long before the sun.

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

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I love this song that I heard on our local Christian radio station. It really struck a chord, you know? It's All of Me by Matt Hammitt. I ask that you listen to this, because it goes along with today's post.

The song is actually supposed to be like you're speaking to your child, but when I first heard it, I was thinking, you know, this could go for God, too. We can't just give half of ourselves to God and then hope that God can somehow make it equal to all of us. We can't just half-heartedly serve God (and I say "we" because I'm guilty of doing this, too). We have to give God all of us. That's where we start.

How do we do that?

1. Our thoughts. Thoughts are a step down from actions. They're very important and they're the deciding factor for a lot of things we do (or don't do).

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

-Philippians 4:8

So how do we give all of ourselves to God through our thoughts? You have the answer right up there. ^^ Think about true things. Think about noble things. Think about right things. Thing about things that are pure, that are lovely, and that are admirable. Kind of reminds you have Peter Pan or The Sound of Music, doesn't it--think happy thoughts!

2. Our actions. "Duhh," you say. "That's kind of the point." Yep. But there are SO many different ways to give ourselves to God and honor God through our actions. Just mentioning God here and there and giving him credit when the chance arises, or maybe using some kind of object lesson to witness with while you and your friends are hanging out.

3. Our talents. All of us have talents (or at least one). We can very well use those talents to honor God--whether it be singing, dancing, writing, playing ball, acting, drawing, etc. Whatever it may be, you can use it to glorify God.

4. Our love.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

-Deuteronomy 6:5

Think about that--do you love God with all your heart? All your soul? All your strength?

Absolutely, Postively, Without a Doubt,

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Definately, ultimately, THE BEST MOVIE EVER!

My mama posted about Couragous on Friday, two days before we went to see it. She wanted to direct people to it and let them know it was coming out this past weekend so that they could go see it.

We went to see it. And I'll put it this way: I talked my grandparents into taking me to see it again this week. I could watch this movie over and over and over and over and over again!

This movie is great. The quality of the films that Sherwood Baptist Church make has been improving so much! Their first movie was Flywheel. The second was Facing the Giants. The third was Fireproof. And the fourth film they have made is Courageous!

If you aren't bawling during this movie, you are laughing, and if you aren't laughing, you're at the edge of your seat! It's a very convicting movie, especially for men, but still, it's very convicting for the whole family.

Courageous covers all bases. And that's all I'm going to say, because I don't want to spoil anything for you.

But I think this analagy I recently read in a email forward coincides with the movie Courageous. NOTE: I'm kind of retelling this by memory. :)

A rich man's son (a young man) was cruising along in his new, shiny convertible. He was making sure to go slowly enough to watch out for kids playing in the street. Suddenly, he heard a bang and stopped the car. He quickly realized that someone had thrown a brick at his car. He looked around and saw a boy nearby. In a fury, the young man began yelling at the boy. "Did you throw tht brick at my car? Do you know how much it will cost to fix that? Why did you do that?!" The boy began to cry. "I'm sorry sir, but no one else would listen, and that was the only way I could get your attention. My brother fell out of his wheelchair and I can't get him back into it by myself. The rich man suddenly felt bad as he followed the boy toward where his brother lay. He helped put him back into his wheelchair and made sure he was alright. "Thank you, sir," said the boy gratefully, tears streaming down his face. The young man swallowed hard. "You're welcome." He made his way back to his car. He never fixed that dent in his car, because he wanted to always remember: Don't go so fast through life that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention.

Please, please go see Courageous, and take everyone you know and their second cousin with you! Show Hollywood that movies like Courageous are the movies we want to see, not the filthy trash they produce all the time.

God bless you!
Joy

Faithful Fridays - Majestic

2011-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Faithful Fridays!

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

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I love that word--majestic. It just sound so...so...majestic!

But think about it--God made the starry skies we see above at night, the clear blue sky and beautiful, bright sun we see during the daytime. And think of the beautiful ponds, lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans God made that beautifully accompany that sky! And don't forget the blazing sunsets He painted! Not one person has been able to paint a better one since.

He made the plants--from the Lamb's Ear (we felt the leaves of this plant yesterday at a field trip--I kid you not, if you were to blindfold me and have me feel it I'd tell you up and down that it was a plush toy or pillow of some sort! It's that soft!) to the Venus Fly Trap.

He made the birds, from the soaring eagle down to the tiny hummingbird.

He made the fish, from the enormous blue whale down to the little goldfish.

He made all the animals and bugs--from horses to cats to spiders to pigs to hamsters to ladybugs and so on!

And he made people. I think we all know how diverse they are--just think of all the different characteristics of humans--not just in their appearance but in their actions as well! The human body is so complicated. Think of even the human ear--it's a small part of the body but it is so amazing, from the shape of the ear to its function!

Now, a Creator who can make such things in just six 24-hour days by just speaking them into existence (or forming them with His own hands) can certainly handle a human life, can't he?

Whether we want to face it or not, really, compared to God and all He has done, we humans are feeble. We are like grass--here today, withered tomorrow. We depend solely on God, though we may not want to admit it. God holds our lives in His hands. Why are we so afraid to hand over our lives to Him willingly? Can't he handle it?

Of course, God has always recognized this attitude in humans.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

-Matthew 6:25-34

But there's this passage in the Bible. It's a Psalm by David. A more modern song is modeled after it. "Oh Lord, Oh Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!" I love this passage.

O LORD, our Lord,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth!
   You have set your glory
   above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants
   you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
   to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
   the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
   and crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
   you put everything under his feet:
all flocks and herds,
   and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
   and the fish of the sea,
   all that swim the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth!

-Psalm 8

Doesn't that just hit home?

So, take a little bit of time to praise God for His Creation. Think about His power. He doesn't need us, yet He chooses to love us unconditionally. Because to me, God is the definition of majestic.

(This is one of my recent favorite Christian songs from the radio station we listen to. It is S*arry N*ght by C*ris A*gust.)

Boys and Girls

2011-09-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

My three year old little brother, Luke. I think he's the most adorable kid ever known on earth...wait, no--I KNOW he is! :)

Boys
Joy S. 9/22/11

Mud and bugs.
To the backyard they lug
Treasures of every sort.
Cars and trucks,
Big bear hugs.
Cheesy grins,
Boys.

My cousin, Laci, on Easter 2010. Boy, how she's grown since then! She turned eight in August. She is (and always has been) a beautiful little girl!

Girls
Joy S. 9/22/11

Sugar and spice,
Sweetness and fiest,
Girls.
Dolls and tea,
"Mama come see!"
Girls.
Tutus and dresses,
Radiant faces.
Girls.

**Boys and girls SO different, aren't they?

Faithful Fridays - The Joy of Children

2011-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's Friday again and you know what that means! :)

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

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Most of us at least like kids, right? The majority of people don't just despise them or anything. In fact, a lot of us love to be around them and want to have lots of kids! This may all seem like a personal thing--I mean, does God really care if we like kids or not?--but really, it's talked about in the Bible.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
   children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
   are sons born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
   whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
   when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

And do you remember this in the Bible?

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Luke 18:16

What is are a Christian's two main goals? To be like Jesus and witness about Him to others, right? Jesus loved children. It is clearly seen in His Word. And a Christian parent that trains their child up in the Lord and His Word is such a ministry to that child.

And sometimes it isn't God's Will that someone has marries and has children. Sometimes it's God's Will that a person have twelve kids or more!

My point is, we are to love children, older and younger, because today's schoo lchildren are tomorrow's presidents, senators, principals, children's church teachers, and pastors.

And children are so ever rewarding. They are so loving. They basically love you no matter what. In fact, as I was just typing this, Luke walked up to Mama and said, "Your earrings are beautiful" and then he walked to me and said "Your hair looks perfect. Your earrings are beautiful." How sweet is that?

Did your child spill their drink? Make you hit a button on your computer that messed something up? Mess up your hair? Make a mess of the living room with their toys? Try to brush past it. It's so hard sometimes--we just get irritated and tired of all that we have to do. And then that child turns to you and plants a big, warm kiss on your cheek accompanied with a bear hug from chubby little arms and all that irritation melts away.

So go love a child today (and every other day). They look up to adults so much! You can make so much of a difference in their lives.

Faithful Fridays - And They Wait, and Wait, and Wait...

2011-09-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Welcome back to Faithful Fridays! Friday has come again so quickly!

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc. To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too. After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog. I'd love to come read your post!

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I've posted many times about orphans and I've posted the pictures and information of some kids in C*ina that are waiting to be adopted. I ended up moving my advocacy to a website. But today, I'd like to bring some waiting kids up to attention again...because they still wait and wait and wait.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

I don't think we can even imagine what these kids go through. I've come across kids that were abandoned at eight and six. One little boy who was abandoned at six was "protecting himself" when he first came into the orphanage and would not let anyone get close to him. Now he really wants a family.

You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
   you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
   so that mere earthly mortals
   will never again strike terror.

Psalm 10:17-18

Before you go on to read the pictures and information of these kids, please, think hard. Think really, really hard. Try to imagine what these kids feel like. What they go through. At fourteen, they will "age out" and no longer have even a chance of getting a family. And then what? In China, orphans are not looked upon in a good light.

All they want is a family. No matter if they have a speical need. I don't think people would have much of a problem with a child that has a special need if they gave birth to the child. They'd love the child just the same. And that's great! But why can't we do that with orphans?

Children are a heritage from the LORD,
   offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
   are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
   whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
   when they contend with their opponents in court.

Psalm 127:3-5

So please, think really really hard. Try to imagine what these kids go through.

This is precious Jessi.

She is ten years old (born in February 2001) and her special need is scoliosis. Isn't she pretty? Here's a little bit more about her:

"This little girl was about 8 years old on admission, normal intellectual development, able to take care of herself, but walked slow and easily fall down because of the illness. She was integrated into the life in the institute soon and now studying in Peizhi Class of this institute, she could be concentrated in the class, and she is a kind girl, can get along well with caretakers and kids and living a happy life in the institute.

She likes the fine arts, writing, paper folding, also loves watching TV, listen to the music and play games, etc.
She is introverted, likes doing things quietly, she is polite to teachers, can greet teacher actively, she likes to be beautiful and always keeps herself clean, everyone loves her. Now she is living a happy life in the warm family. She understands she is just living in the institute for time being and one day she will have her own family, so she expressed she is willing to be adopted."

This is determined Scott.

Scott is thirteen (born in January 1998). This means that he will age out in less than a year! He needs a family to step up quickly to adopt him. Scott's special need is repaired club feet. Here's what's written about him:

"Scott is a shy, honest and responsible boy. He has been in the orphange for 4 years now and has adjusted well. He gets along with others well and is very caring. He buys snacks with his allowance and shares with the other children. He does a good job with his chores. Before he came to the orphanage he had not received proper education, so he has some difficulty in school from his lack of foundation. He gets extra help is very studious and determined. He likes to draw is currently learning to draw in the big sisters program. He likes to read all kinds of children's books and novels. He is honest and a good and sensible boy."

This was also written about him:

Scott is an incredibly determined and brave child. Through his rehabilitation training, he never gave up, even when he was covered in sweat. He takes the role of monitor at school and helps the other children. At the orphanage he also helps the other children with basic daily living tasks, like washing their faces. He is extremely generous and shares his delicious food and favorite toys with others. He is part of the Half the Sky program and cherishes his opportunity, so he studies hard. He has an excellent memory and can remember what he is taught. In his free time, he likes to read poems and sing. He is excellent at math. He didn’t think he could draw very well, but saw a beautiful picture and the teacher encouraged him to try to draw it. He tried after some convincing and drew a beautiful picture. He sees his foster brothers and sisters get adopted into families and very much wants a family of his own."

There is a $5,000 grant for Scott's adoption through the adoption agency ASIA.

This is beautiful Beth.

Beth is seven (born in March 2004). She is a Special Focus child. Here's a little bit written about her:

"She is described as being a little shy around strangers, but when she becomes more familiar with people she is very talkative. Her caregivers are obviously quite fond of her because they describe her as "naughty" which is seen as a very positive trait in a young child and is often used to describe a child who is inquisitive, active, and curious. She likes to sing. She enjoys going to school where she can play with toys, especially the bikes. When we asked her what her favorite animal was, she said that she likes little dogs. She was born with a cleft lip and palate as well as other facial abnormalities. Her speech is very clear and her nanny says that she is just as smart as all of the other little children. She lives in a foster family. She is very affectionate and we saw her take her caregiver's hand several times for comfort while we asked her questions. By the end of our interview, she had warmed up enough to pose for the camera."

It's also been said that "she is an affectionate child who needs the love that only a permanent family can give her."

There is a $4,200 Promise Child grant for eligible families for this adoption and a possible additional fee reduction. You can contact me about Beth for more information (email below Timothy's information).

This is sweet Timothy.

Timothy is six. Isn't he a cutie? Here's what's written about him:

"Timothy's special need is corrected bilateral clubfeet and deformed shoulder joints. His clubfeet were corrected successfully at the House of Love with the Ponsetti casting method. He walks and climbs independently without problems. Timothy has blossomed into a smiling, joyful and happy little boy. He is polite, social and loves to build things. Timothy is fostered in a family that is teaching him English. He speaks many English words, writes words, draws pictures and has a very pleasant personality. Timothy is well adjusted to family life. He attends school and does very well in school. Timothy has some joint deformity in his shoulders but he is very high functioning and independent. He has great use of his hands and fingers. Timothy also eats well without digestive issues. Timothy is a smart little boy and there are no limits to what he could accomplish with a forever family. Just look at that winning smile. Look at the kindness in his eyes. Can you see the potential in this little boy? Could he be your son?"

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If you are interested in any of these kids, send an email to my mama's email address and I will get back to you. Her email address is countrygirlathome@att.net.

God bless you!

Joy

If...

2011-09-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

...you could go to any country in the world, where would you go and why? Let me know in your comment!

I would go to--suprise--C*ina! And my reason for that is because I LOVE C*ina and I really feel called there, so visiting it again is definitely something I want to do! I'd love to volunteer in an orphanage.

Faithful Fridays ~ Why

2011-09-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody!

It's time for Faithful Friday again!

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians would have one designated day of the week (although we shouldn't limit it to one) to share something about our Faith--a prayer request, praise report, special Scripture, something God has laid on your heart, etc. If you would like to participate in Faithful Fridays, type up your post and link up to my blog in it somewhere. Also grab the above button for your post! After your post is published, let me know in your comment on my Faithful Fridays post that you participated and leave the link to your blog!
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If you saw my post a little farther down titled "What" then you will understand this post. This post explains why I think I changed so much after we came home from China...isn't it funny how two weeks in a foreign country could change me forever, for the better?

Many a time I've tried to put into words the way I feel about China. I can't seem to do it.

So many aspects of my life involve China in some way. The necklace around my neck. The books I read. My computer time. Even my school. My thoughts and words, too. And especially my little brother. :)

You've probably already noticed my love for China. You've probably gotten tired of the numerous posts that involve it.

When I think of China, my heart just feels...full. Overflowing. Bursting. Bubbling over. I feel inspired. I can so see myself working over there in an orphanage or children's home.

And to think I might not have gone..well, that's just awful to me! You see, I'm very, very, very (VERY) afraid of shots. And nose and throat swabs. And doctor visits in general. I'm just sort of afraid of pain. And so, when I found oiut that to go to China, I had to have three shots (like my parents, just different kinds of shots), I seriously considered staying home with my grandparents. Well, I braved it out. And I'm so, so thankful. Thank you God!

China changed me.

When I got home from China, I went through a bit of a rough maturing phase. We've been home with Luke for over a year, and I can still see slight traces of that phase sometimes, although it is nothing, and I mean nothing like the issues I had during the first 6-8 months.

This phase had one big issue--thoughts. I had doubts and just thoughts that I did not want. And couldn't seem to get them out of my head. Worse than that, I felt a pressing need almost 100% of the time to tell my thoughts to my mama. Like almost all of them. It was a conscience thing--I felt super, super bad if I didn't confess my thoughts. Saying them to God just didn't seem to be enough. I know that was just me giving myself a hard time (along with the devil of course). There were very few thoughts I had that I didn't tell my mom.

These doubts and thoughts began with my Christian Faith. That was short lived and taken care of quickly by my awesome, wise parents and my mighty, all-knowing God.

The next hit was really bad, too. Almost worse because it lasted so long.

My family.

I was sad all the time. I call it "that deep down feeling." It's sort of like a constant sinking feeling reminding me of my thoughts. I cried a lot. I asked my mama over and over and over and over again--"Is this going to end? When? Why am I going through this?"

My mama was so awesome during this time. She read a books to me, prayed with me, hugged me, talked to me, and encouraged me. She carried so much for me during that time. She has such a beautiful, compassionate, loving soul. I thank God for her! And I thank you, Mama, for doing what you do!

I couldn't escape my thoughts. I guess I was just weak spiritually. I had a ridiculous consicence. And after all this, I still loved China! Mama recently commented that she believes that my desire to work in China is God-given. I believe so, too.

Now, looking back, I can see that God used this time to mold me into what I am now. I'm not trying to brag or anything, but I do think that I've changed. Sometimes I can't believe the things I did before China. They weren't terrible things, just the teen stuff that can sometimes lead to other things--boy craziness, internet addiction, etc. And the words I spoke along with my attitudes and actions. The websites I spent my time on weren't bad in theirselves, but the things that went on on those websites were not pleasing to God, I'm sure and I wish I hadn't had any part of those. Yes, I was a Christian. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was five. But I wasn't acting like a Christian. I was kind of conforming to this world--slowly. I thought--this is the part that really shocks me--that I was being a pretty good Christian girl. But I knew deep (deep) down that some of the things I did were not right.

So, God used that hard phase after China to change me. Actually, God saved me, from the way I was becoming. He set me apart. I understand now why I went through that. And I'm thankful for that time in my life.

Faithful Fridays - Favorite Scriptures

2011-09-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

This will be a quick post because Mr. Chuck and and Ms. Kim are here visiting us. Mr. Chuck and Ms. Kim are the couple that adopted their little girl, Shiloh, from Luke's province at the same time we adopted Luke. We were the only two families there at the time and we became really close friends! Shiloh is a darling 3 year old little girl (turning four in November). Mr. Chuck and Ms. Kim also have a beautiful six year old little girl, Dakota. I tell you, I'm having too much fun doing Dakota and Shiloh's hair, putting perfume and nail polish on them, and dressing them up with jewelry and purses...I think they love it, too!
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I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day of the week (although I don't think we should keep it to one day) to share something about our Faith--a prayer request, praise report, something God has laid on your heart, etc. If you would like to participate in Faithful Fridays, just type up your post and grab the above button for your post. Please link up to my blog in your post and then, once you have published your post, please come to my blog and let me know in your comment that you participated.
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Have you ever come across a verse in the Bible that just sort of jumped out at you? Maybe something that makes you say, "Wow, that's a really good verse!" I wanted to share some of my favorite verses with you today.

So God created man in his own image,
   in the image of God he created him;
   male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:26-27

Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
   children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
   are sons born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
   whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
   when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Psalms 127:3-5

God sets the lonely in families,
   he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
   but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Psalm 68:6
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That's it for today!

God bless you!
Love,
Joy

~ What ~

2011-08-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday, Mama!

So what is this 12 year old, brown haired, brown eyed girl all about?

First of all, I'm a Christian. You might say that I'm crazy about God. I actually became a Christian when I was five. BUT, I just recently began acting like one. Before, I was basically like all the other girls my age. Don't get me wrong, I was a good person, but I wasn't a Christian person. There's a difference. I talked about boys, text-talked, emailed and texted ridiculous forwards, and I was sort of a typical tweenager. And then we went to C*ina. I cannot thank God enough for sending us to C*ina. Not only did we get the most beautiful little boy on earth, but I was changed. I actually got what my parents had taught me for all of my eleven or twelve years. It sank in. I went all out for God. The reason for this change after C*ina? That will take a whole other post. That post will be titled ~Why~.

I love my family.

My mama is my all-out best friend (besides God). I tell her everything. I cannot live without her! She holds the whole family together. She's raising me up in the Lord and encouraging me to live for Him in everything that I do and say. She is completely selfless, thoughtful, and compassionate. She's understanding and so wise! I treasure her words and most of all I treasure her.

My daddy is super supportive and teaches me how to do a lot of things. He's a wonderful Daddy and he's very godly. He's super smart, too. He keeps us laughing! I'm so thankful for his working so hard. Otherwise, Mama would have to work and I wouldn't get to be homeschooled and spend time with her. Daddy knows a little bit about everything and he never gets tired of answering our sometimes endless questions. He's always ready to give hugs!

My older brother, Colt, is so musical. He can play the guitar, bass, drums, and some on the piano. He can also sing really well! We're all proud of him. He's a hard worker and he's an entertainer. It's fun to have him around! He's twenty-two so he's not home very much, though.

My younger brother, Luke, is three. I adore Luke. I admire him. When Luke was a few days old, he was abandoned. He was sent to an orphanage, and, at a few months old, he underwent surgery on his back. Just shortly afterward, he was placed in a foster family. He lived with this foster family until he was 27 months. At that point, he was moved back to the orphanage because it was just a month after that we came to get him and take him home and love him forever. But, before we could go home, we stayed in three hotels, rode three airplanes, and rode a train. Then we came home. But how did Luke know we were home? How could a two year old go through so much grief without hating someone? Luke doensn't hate anyone. He is an extremely lovable, polite, and pleasant little boy--he keep us laughing! He's super smart, too. Again, Luke doesn't hate anyone (I'm not saying he loves everyone he meets, but he doesn't hate anyone). He is very secure and speaks English very well to have been here in America only one year. What I ultimately have to say about Luke is that he is beautiful--inside and out.

I love C*ina. I want to go back so much! I like the culture and the history and I love the children. The people there are wonderful. I think that God gave me the desire to work in C*ina. I would like to work in an orphanage there. I have a dream of taking kids in off the street, feeding them, bathing them, and letting them sleep in my bed and live with me for as long as they like. I would, of course, stay in constant contact with my parents through email and S*ype. I also have a dream of walking through an orphanage and picking up kids from cribs one by one and just loving on them! I know that may be a little unrealistic, but I would love to do that!

I love reading and writing. I like words and the sound of words--words like accomplish, polish, cinnamon, vanilla, spicy, and lavendar. I love sharing a book with my mama.

Some more things about me: I'm taking Chinese classes every week. My favorite color is blue. My favorite songs (at the moment) are two that I've heard on K L*ve (my favorite radio station--Mama and I turn this on every time we get in the car)--This Is the Stuff by F*ancesca Ba*tistelli and I Love the Way You Hold Me by Jamie Grace. My favorite sport is probably soccer or baseball.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27 NIV

And that is, in a nutshell, what goes on in this 12 year old's head.

P.S. Today is my beautiful mama's birthday!

Mama, you are my best friend! I love you so much! Happy birthday! Thank you for always leading me in the Lord and giving me your awesome advice and wisdom!

Faithful Fridays ~ ALL

2011-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

It's time for Faithful Fridays! Doesn't it go by quick?

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day of the week (although we shouldn't contain it to just one day a week) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, something God has laid on your hear to share, etc. If you would like to join in on Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above, link up to my blog in your post, and then let me know in your comment that you participated! You can see my mama's Faithful Friday post here.

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"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV (One of my favorite Bible verses)

All nations. All nations. All. Every single one of them. Yes.

That means every single country on every single continent. North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Every country from A-Z.

I myself have issues with this one. Oh sure, I want to go to C*ina and work with orphans and witness to people, but, I'm too shy to give a tract to a cashier! Do you know how contrasting that is? Mama took me to a local Bible bookstore and bought me two packs of tracts. I've kept most of them in my purse and we have a few in the car for when we go by the drive-through. When I do give out a tract, I get shy.

Wait.

Me?

Shy?

Meeeee?

Yes, me. The girl who never met a stranger when she was little! And yet somehow I'm too shy to just hand someone a tract and say, "Can I give this to you?"

I wonder why that is. Why can't we just be bold?

Mama and I just finished reading a biography about Corrie ten Boom. Corrie wrote a book (along with a couple of other folks who partnered with her to write it) called The Hiding Place. You may have read it. I believe it's in our homeschool curriculum this year. Anyhow, Corrie took a box of those books with her everywhere she went. When she rode planes, she would turn to a stewardess and say, "Can you give this to the pilot?" and hand her two copies of The Hiding Place--one for the stewardess and one for the pilot.

Why in the world can't I be brave and bold like that?

I really hope and pray that I can be brave enough to share the Gospel boldly and freely. I am given the perfect opportunity--I live in a free nation (free for now anyway), thank God, where I will not be persecuted because of my Faith. Others don't have this opportunity, yet they share the Gospel, no matter what the consequences.

We Christians tend to be shy, timid, and reluctant about sharing the Gospel with others, whether it be handing out a tract or traveling to another country to preach to its people (and everything in between). We worry about what others will think, how they will react, or how we will look. But as Christians, we ought to seize the opportunity that I mentioned above.

For now, I'll leave you with this wonderful song by B*andon Hea*h:

Suggestions?

2011-08-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty blank about posts lately.

I either

1. Can't come up with good posts

2. Come up with posts ONLY about China (and I can't post about China all the time)

3. Can't come up with good posts

Did I mention that I can't come up with good posts?

Do you have any suggestions? You guys are the readers--so what would you like to read?

Faithful Fridays ~ Beautiful

2011-08-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm a little bit late on my Faithful Fridays post this week. I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day (although we of course shouldn't limit ourselves to just one) of the week to share something concerning their Faith--a prayer request, praise report, something encouraging, something inspirational, etc. If you participated in Faithful Fridays, please let me know in your comment and give me the link to your blog--I'd love to stop by! Also, don't forget to grab the above button for your post!
My mama has already posted her Faithful Fridays post on her blog, Country Girl at Home.

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What is beautiful? It's been determined in different ways throughout time. If you google "define beautiful," you will see this:

"1. Pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically.

2. Of a very high standard; excellent."

Hmmm...I didn't quite understand the "aesthetically" part, so I googled "define aesthetically." Here's what came up:

"in a tasteful way; 'this building is aesthetically very pleasing.'"

In Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary, you can find beautiful defined like this:

"1. Elegant in form, fair,having the form that pleases the eye. It expresses more than handsome.
A beautiful woman is one of the most attractive objects in all nature's works.

A circle is more beautiful than a square; a square is more beautiful than a parallelogram.

2. Having the qualities which constitute beauty, or that which pleases the senses other than the sight; as a beautiful sound."

In China, fair skin is considered beautiful.

In America, we've come to consider beautiful as a girl whose skin color is as tan as roasted chicken, whose hair is long, thick, and lucious, and whose waist is about the size of your calf. Note: She also wears itty bitty shorts and a tube top with gigantic pumps and loads of flashy jewelry with three layers of eyeshadow and five layers of eyeliner.

At one time, plump girls were considered beautiful.

At another point, itty bitty, short, fairy-like peanuts were considered the "in."

You see? It changes. It always will. And not only does it change from time to time, culture to culture, country to country, but it changes also from person to person! You could line up four people, and every single one of them might have different perceptions of beautiful.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth,and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created man in his own image,
   in the image of God he created him;
   male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:26-27 NIV

God made us in His image. He is beautiful itself. He is all things good. He is the one that made each and every one of us (not to mention, ahem, the entire universe and everything in it). And if He made us, don't you think He knows what's best for us--how we should look? And if we were made in His image, don't you think that we are beautiful? God defines beautiful. Not humans. Not culture. Not Hollywood.

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

That says it all, doesn't it? We dumb humans look at the outward appearance--the shell. God looks at the heart. He looks at the inside. I want you to remember--men are fallible, dumb, dirty, sin-filled, mortal, and unreliable, and God is infallible, wise beyond all, pure, perfect, immortal, and the Creator of All. Men and their bodies will soon pass away--and if they haven't accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they will spend eternity in flaming d*ath.

for like the grass they will soon wither,
   like green plants they will soon die away.

Psalm 37:2 NIV

And really, some of the people today in America's culture that are considered beautiful have filthy, dirty, yucky hearts. And believe me--they feel it. I know it. Those bad things may see "fun," but they make you feel dirty and used. When you live for God--even if it's hard at first--you feel good. You feel pure and clean. You can forget the bad things you've done and try to move forward in Jesus Christ.

So girls--I encourage you to not worry about your looks. We're girls, so we naturally tend to do that (especially with the pressure put on us by our culture and the girls around us that we need boyfriends). I'm not suggesting that we let ourselves look bleh, and I think it is totally okay for a girl to get dressed up from time to time (like to church on Sundays, etc.) because I think that a girl needs to feel pretty sometimes. BUT, there is a line that you have to draw. You have to keep your priorities straight.

Just remember--God looks at the heart. We're supposed to be like Him. So are we looking at our looks and outward appearance (and the outward appearance of others--this applies with others, too) or are we looking at the heart?

My Favorite Things

2011-08-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

God moments

My family

Mama-and-me time

Freshly baked brownies

Sprinklers

China

Sleeping children

Tiny toddler bodies

Luke's chubby legs

Old books
Journals

Perfume bottles

Fall scents

Sparkly things

Rainbows

Old furniture

Words

The sound of scissors cutting paper

The sound of someone biting into an apple

Blue, cloudless skies

Juicy fruit

Beautiful sunsets

Kids

Fluffy, sparkly, aqua dresses

Simplicity

A cool, clear glass of water

Lemons

Lemonade in a clear glass

Freshness

Spirited eyes that are filled with personality and shine

Muffins

Cinnamon rolls

Cookies
Tutus

Cupcakes

Tulle

Moist, freshly mown, green lawns

Orphans (although I wish they were not orphans!)

What are yours?

Faithful Fridays~Radical

2011-08-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Phew...yesterday, Mama said, "What are you doing for your Faithful Fridays post?" It had completely slipped by me! So I'm a bit later than I usually am, but I wanted to make sure I posted!

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have a special day of the week, Friday (although I don't think that Christians should limit themselves to once a week) that they post about their faith: prayer requests, praise reports, encouragement to other Christians, Christian songs, etc. If you participate in Faithful Fridays, please let me know in your comment and give me the link back to your post (I don't have that Linky thing figured out yet). Also, don't forget to grab the button above for your post!

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Last Friday, Mama and I went to the nursing home to help out with giving the ladies manicures (VERY fun!) and I sat down to do a lady's nails. She was a bit plump, she had very gray hair, and I wondered if she might now be all...you know, there. Believe me, she was. I began talking with her. This woman has lost both her sons--one didn't make it through a heart surgery and another was a bad diabetic. She has lost her husband. She has lost all of her family except for her grandchildren. But she told me over and over how the Lord must have her here for something. She's in her ninety's. She has had both hips replaced, both shoulders replaced, and two back surgeries..."And the Lord's brought me through it all," she said. "He's got to have me here for some purpose and I'm going to do whatever it is!" This lady is a gem. She's so sweet. When I heard what all she's gone through, I said, "Wow...the Lord must really have you here for something...and maybe you've already done it!" And she said, "Well maybe it's just telling people about Him!" Later on, she said, "I talk about Him, talk to Him, all the time."

And all this got me to thinking the other day. Take a look at my Mama's post here. It's called "Every Little Thing." She played a song by S*even Curtis C*apman called Every Thing. It talks about how no matter what you're doing...sweeping, working on your house, taking care of your kids, teaching (blogging) or whatever, it all matters just as long as you do it to the glory of God somehow. And then I think of that lady at the nursing home...Ms. Mozelle. Everywhere she goes, I'm sure she tells EVERYONE about what God's done for her. Why can't I do that? That would be really radical. And you know, sometimes I love radical.

Mama was doing some shopping on C*aigslist the other day and called someone about a refrigerator for The Cedar Loft. She got the guy's voicemail, and in it he said: "I care about why you called, but I care even more about where you'll be spending eternity." And he goes on to say that "We'll be talking real soon." And Mama turned around to me and said, "I love it when people are radical like that!" I love it too.

The other day I thought of this: Radical Glorification to God. That's what I'm shooting for.

What if we took up the challenge from my Mama's post? What if we sought to find some way to glorify The Creator Of All in every.single.little.thing.we.do.? What if we were radical?

The Simple Woman's Daybook 8/8/11

2011-08-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... The same view as always from our dining room bay windows! I see one side of my grandparents' house, some trees, our fence, the top of my grandparents' garage, and the bushes right outside our window. I see a blue sky.

I am thinking... About what I'll do for my next blog post! I have a couple of ideas...I've been all out of them lately!

I am thankful... For what Jesus did for me. I recently read an article that was written by a physician (Tommy Mitchell, I think). It was called "Our Suffering Savior." It told what all Jesus really went through. This little bit stands out to me: The whip used on him had pieces of broken glass and metal attached to it. It made awful wounds. And when the scarlet robe was put on him, it became even worse. Every single time that he moved, the robe rubbed up against his wounds. It was so.miserable.

From the learning rooms... Not much, really. Mama did finish reading When God Writes Your Love Story today (see our most recent Faithful Friday posts).

In the kitchen... I got a new cookbook! Mama and Daddy's anniversary was July 31st. They stayed in a cabin and brought me back a cookbook from the visitor's center in that area (and they brought Luke a little car). Also, I'm going to be cooking supper for a whole week sometime soon. I have plans already!

I am wearing... Pink shorts and a flowy tie-dye blue/pink/purple shirt. I'm also wearing one of the necklaces I got from C*ina. :)

I am creating... Plans in my head! Plans for supper, plans for blog posts, etc.

I am going... To my first C*inese lesson on Friday (I'll tell you more about that later)! I'm so excited!

I am wondering... When I'll finally get to go to C*ina again.

I am reading... A book about--guess what--C*ina! It's a novel about a girl growing up during the C*ltural R*volution.

I am hoping... To sell lots of hairbows!

I am looking forward to... C*inese lessons on Friday!

I am hearing... My daddy talking.

Around the house... Luke is taking a nap, Mama's working on her computer, Daddy's working on his computer/talking, and I'm working on my computer.

I am pondering... Hmm...I'm mostly pondering what all I've been writing here. I'm sort of lining up in my head what I need to do here on the computer.

One of my favorite things... Writing!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tomorrow, Mama, Luke, and I are going to get up early and head over to the Antique Mall! Woohoo!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Lots and Lots of Hairbows!

2011-08-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Some of you may know that I'm fundraising for what I call my "China Fund." The money that I raise (I'm aiming for $10,000 by next summer/fall) will be used either for a family trip to volunteer in an orphanage/children's home or (if I can ever convince my dad to let us adopt again) for our own adoption fund. Either way, the money will be spent on Chinese waiting children. :)

I've fundraised before by writing sentimental short stories for folk's kids, grandkids, etc.

My newest fundraiser is making and selling hairbows! The bigger bows measure between 4 1/4" and 4 1/2" across. The flower bows have three different sizes. The large is approximately 3" across (this one is best for little girls) the medium is approximately 2 1/2" across (this one is best for toddlers), and the small is approximately 2" across (this one is best for babies).

Here they are! All profit goes to the mission trip fund!

Oh and sorry for the poor picture quality...my camera isn't just great.

#1- $5.00

#2-$5.00

#3-$4.00

#4-$4.00

#5-$4.00

#6-$4.00

#7-$4.00

#8 (Medium size)-$3.00

#9 (Small size)-$2.00

#10 (Medium size)-$3.00

#11 (Medium size)-$3.00

#12 (Medium size)-$3.00

#13 (Small size)-$2.00

#14 (Small size)-$2.00

#15 (Large size)-$4.00

#16 (Large size)-$4.00

#17 (I have this one in Large, Medium, and Small)-$3.00

If you would like to order, send an email to my mama's email telling us the number of the bow you want and your zip code so that we can figure shipping costs. Paypal preferred. Her email is countrygirlathome@att.net.

If you would like a different color bow, I can make custom bows.

God bless you,
Joy

Faithful Fridays~Matthew 11:25-30

2011-08-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

My mama and I made Faithful Fridays so that once a week, Christians could post something about their Faith--prayer requests, praise reports, etc. If you participated, please let me know in a comment so that we can come and visit you! And don't forget to grab the button above for your post!

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Hi everyone!

I was reading this in my Bible today. I thought it was a really great passage.

Maybe you're just down in the dumps today. Or maybe there are day-to-day battles going on in your life. Or maybe you've lost someone you loved.

Whatever it is--well, just read this. I think it says it better than I ever could.

Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

~The Journal of Lucy Lyn Hart~

2011-07-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

June 2nd, 2011. 2:30 PM Ch*na time and 1:30 AM America time.

We are halfway into the flight to B*ijing.

On my right is Mama, and on my left is Daddy.

In front of us is an absolutely adorable little girl and her mama and daddy...this girl is like a number ten on the cuteness scale! She's probably about five. We met this family in the airport. They live in the states but are visiting their family in B*ijing. They haven't been since their daughter was born. Her name is Emily. She is five years old.

Behind us are two student girls, probably about seventeen. My guess is they are coming from another part of Ch*na where they go to school to Beijing to visit their family for the summer. Or maybe they are exchange students on their way back to Ch*na.

I have a secret...we stuffed Bibles into our carry-on bags! If we had put them in our checked baggage, they would have, ahem, disappeared. Mama and Daddy gave me permission to try to slip the student girls some Bibles. I don't know what their reaction will be, but I'm hoping all goes well!

I'll write as soon as I can from B*ijing. Here come the snacks and drinks!

Faithful Fridays~The Dating System

2011-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Welcome to Faithful Fridays! My mama and I started this so that Christians could post about their Christian Faith; prayer requests, praise reports, etc.

If you participate this week, please let me know in your comment, and I will stop by your blog! And don't forget to grab the button above for your post!

*******************************************************************

Mama has been reading two books aloud to me. One we have finished and one we are working on. The first, which we have finished, is Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally. This one is great for younger girls, say, nine or ten up to about twelve. The second, the one we're working on, is When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy. This one is better for older girls and boys. Both are great! What I'm about to write is based off of these two books.

Have you ever thought about the dating system?

"Um, duh," you reply.

Have you ever really thought thoroughly about the dating system?

-You "ask the person out," which makes girls become WAY too bold and forward.

-And then you date for a while. You go strong, and during that time, people have a knack for giving themselves away--both emotionally and physically.

-And then, usually, the breakup comes, and both people are heartbroken (or maybe just one) and they become rather depressed for a while.

Repeat. Repeat. And repeat.

How is that preparing teens for marriage? It is teaching them that you marry, go strong for a little while, then you "break up." You divorce.

And, when you give yourself away--emotionally (spilling out your dreams, emotions, desires, and sorrows to the person) and physically (Because once you give yourself away emotionally, the physical things are not far behind. Things such as holding hands, kissing, and more) what does that leave for your marriage? For your husband or for your wife? You are stealing something that doesn't belong to you--it belongs to your future spouse.

And it starts so young. In the past, thirteen or fourteen and on up have been the usual dating ages. But it has slowly sunk and sunk and sunk to where now, eight and nine year olds are in the dating game! And that's all it is--a game. They use the dating terms--"going out," "breaking up," "hot," and "ex." When it starts at eight or nine, it slowly grows and grows, until, at the ages of fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen, girls and boys are completely giving themselves away.

And there are so many things that influence people to do this.

TV is a big thing. Ugh. I am SO glad we got rid of our Direct TV. There is SO much romance on TV...specifically Disney. Yes. The one TV channel you think your kids can watch and corrupt things won't enter their minds.

Well it will. It will sneak in slowly and soon, they will be slowly slipping into the pattern of this world.

Another thing is music. I would say that 50% if not more of songs these days are about love, boyfriends/girlfriends, and dating. Some are ok, but I think that the majority of them make kids want to date or at least have a boyfriend.

And one thing, something that probably isn't expected to produce bad results--having friends that are guys. I'm not saying that girls should shun boys. But, when you start emailing, texting, calling, and hanging out with guy friends too much, your attachment--romantic or not--will grow without you realizing it. And you tend to give yourself away, especially emotionally, during close friendships with a guy. Don't be fooled by people who say it will help you understand guys. It's dangerous. Stay at a fairly distant length.

And, may I add one more thing? Grown ups--please stop asking kids, tweens, and teens if we have a boyfriend or girlfriend. I know you don't mean harm, especially when you make a comment to a girl like, "You're so beautiful, I'll bet you have a lot of boyfriends" or something like that. But, it doesn't help a girl keep her purity (both emotionally and physically).

"What's this emotional stuff," you ask?

Well, it's staying on the phone for an hour (or more) with the guy you're dating and spilling out your heart--your dreams and your sorrows--to him. It's giving yourself away emotionally. And after you do that, the physical stuff comes soon. Take a look at this quote from a unmarried girl concerning a guy she had been "in love" with for years (I took this from When God Writes Your Love Story):

"I gave my heart to Matt. I poured my life into him. I couldn't imagine giving my virginity to anyone else--he already had the rest of me, so I decided to give him the whole package."

And believe me--that's what it is. You--your physical self and your emotional self--are a package deal. You give one away, and the other follows. If you save your virginity, but pour out yourself emotionally and physically in every other way, you are not pure. You may think you are, but you're not.

Proverbs 31:12 says this concerning the wife of noble character.

"She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life."

All the days of her life. All the days of her life.

Ok, has any woman ever been married "all the days of her life?" No.

So, before you get married, all through your life, through the years that most girls are dating, you should consider your future spouse. What if your future husband or your future wife could watch you--everything you did, everyday, all the time. Would they walk away saying, "Man, she is truly saving herself for me," or would they come home wondering why you are acting as if they don't exist?

Imagine this--You have saved yourself both physically and emotionally for your future husband or wife. You see them go on a date. They put their arm around this date, or they they lean there head over on this date's shoulder. Maybe they even go farther.

How does that make you feel?

Here you are, saving yourself, and your spouse is giving himself away.

How does that make you feel?

You want to be a Proverbs 31 woman? Be a one-man woman.

The dating system encourages the exact opposite. The dating system encourages you to date around and find the person you want to marry--after all, isn't that the only way you can find someone? By dating around?

No, it's not. First of all, God will bring you the man or woman you're supposed to marry, and he will confirm it.

Second of all, when you date around, you give away pieces of your heart and pieces of the rest of yourself.

And thirdly, the pain that you experience when a relationship ends may seem like a natural part of the dating system, but it's not natural at all. God did not mean for us to deal with that pain.

"So what do I do if I can't date?" Have you ever considered courtship? I know it sounds radical, but good Christian people are doing it these days...consider it!

So all you girls out there--please, please be a pure pearl for your husband. Be a one-man woman. Do your husband good all the days of your life.

The Many (Many) Faces of Luke...

2011-07-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's like my mama has said before. Around here, there's never a dull moment. Luke has a full time job of entertaining us and making us laugh!

He is always suprising us with his English. He's been here for a little over a year now. The other day, after leaving the bank, Luke plainly told us, "that's 'dickinus!" (That's ridiculous!) He can spot buildings he recognizes from a mile off! He pointed to a building the other day that had the emblem of where my dad works and said, "That's daddy's claim!" He also commented, when he saw me on top of a dirt mound, "You da churchkeeper!" He must think our pastor is the churchkeeper!

And, he has VERY many facial expressions. I'll leave it at that.

This is his "I'm not cooperating" face...otherwise known as "ornery." :)

But then, it usually changes to something like this...so adorable! Imagine this face saying, "Puh-neeeeeeese!"

"Look at my muscles!"

Awww...

I think he saw this on a movie advertisement...not quite sure what to put here!

I think this is a 50 on the cuteness scale!

Needless to say...WE LOVE LUKE!

Faithful Fridays~Adoption

2011-07-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Welcome to Faithful Fridays! My mama and I started this so that Christians can weekly post about their Faith...prayer requests, praise reports, etc. If you participate, please let me know in a comment and give me a link to your blog so that we can come visit you!

Now, you know me with my adoption craze. I can't help it...those kids need homes and they need them fast!

I would like to share a few videos and a few of my thoughts on adoption and why we should pursue it, especially as Christians.

So this first video...by Eric Ludy (who, by the way, is awesome! Mama has been reading the book that he and his wife wrote, When God Writes Your Love Story, aloud to me), is one of my favorites. It's so worth it to watch it. It will truly move you.

Next is a video by Randy Bohlender, from the Zoe Foundation. I'm really not familiar with that organization, but I found the link to this video on an advocacy Yahoo group.

I've shared some things about adoption before, but I would like to bring my points up again.

1. Money

This is a BIG thing with people...they say, "I'd love to adopt, but we just don't have the money." Let's rephrase that statement. "I'd love to go get my child who is stuck in an institution on the other side of the world, but we just don't have the money."

"Now wait a minute," you exclaim, "that is NOT the same thing." Are you sure? When my mama and I saw my little brother's face in his referral photo, we KNEW he was ours. He just was. And he had been our child from the very beginning. God had known all along, even if we hadn't.

As Mr. Eric Ludy said, what if that was your child over there? Your Emily? Your Jacob? Your Ellie? Your Jack? Your baby boy or your baby girl?

Don't you see? "I'd love to adopt" is the same as "I'd love to go get my child from across the globe." And you wouldn't dare say that. You would hop on that plane and you would fly over to your child as fast as you possibly could. You would do whatever it takes. You wouldn't worry about money. Money would be nothing to your concern at that moment. It would be your child.

And if you are concerned about living expenses for when you get home...think about this: If God wants you to have this child, won't he take care of living expenses?

Matthew 6:25-34 says

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lillies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that dot even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

And if it is God's Will that you adopt, don't you think he'll provide the money?

2.

Too old.

How many times have I heard this? "Oh, I want to be around for them." Yes, you want to be around for them. You want to be there for them. You don't want someone else to have to take care of them. And yes, that's understandable.

But even young people can die. A 30-something year old could adopt and then months later die in a car accident. You never know what will happen.

And don't you think that if God wants you to adopt, he will make sure that either you are around for them, or that they have someone there for them who can watch over them and train them? Stop worrying!

3. God's Will.

Really, I can't argue much over this one. Because I think that God's Will is different for each person's life.

So, you must seek God's Will. You may find it by seeing a specific child's face and just knowing. Or it may be that several events just happen to occur at just the right time (I don't call that coincidence, I call that GOD), or it may be that God makes all the pieces fall into place. Or it may be something completely different.

But if it isn't any of these things, what if--well, what if you were to let the ball start rollin' and just see if God opens the doors? If He closes them, you know that it is not God's Will that you adopt. If he opens them, you know that He wants you to keep moving on. He will show you. You just have to trust Him.

Really, in all of the adoption process--the consideration of adoption, the beginning of the process, the middle, and the end--through all of it, you have to trust God. Trust the Creator of the universe. The Deliverer. The Savior. The Author of Salvation. The Implementor of Mercy. The Giver of the Ultimate Happiness.

I think he can handle it.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 7/18/11

2011-07-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY 7/18/11

Outside my window... It's getting close to 10:00 AM and the sun is shining!

I am thinking... That I'm starting to get hungry for lunch!

I am thankful... For air conditioning and life in America

From the learning rooms... Well, school's out, but today we're starting our Science. It's Creation science curriculum from Answers in Genesis. Awesome ministry!

In the kitchen... We finished eating breakfast about an hour ago.

I am wearing... My pajamas!

I am creating... A story.

I am going... To Dragon China with my mom on Wednesday. We're going to meet the lady residents from the nursing home for their ladies' day out! And then probably on Thursday to the carnival with my friend.

I am wondering... Why we can't get the font we want for my mom's blog!

I am reading... When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy (read aloud with Mama), George Muller by Geoff and Janet Benge, and the Diary of Ma Yan by Ma Yan

I am hoping... To go to China.

I am looking forward to... The Ladies' Day Out on Wednesday and the carnival.

I am hearing... Barney's Camping Trip. Lol! Luke's watching it...I think. :)

Around the house... Mama and I are on our computers, Luke's watching Barney, Dad's at work, Colt's at work, and who knows what the cat's doing!

I am pondering... This world is so evil. The whole deal with Casey Anthony and her family, teens these days, etc.

One of my favorite things... Spending time with my Mama and the rest of my family.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tuesday we're working on the Cedar Loft, Wednesday Mama will teach piano lessons and we might work a little bit and maybe go to Lowes, Thursday we might work a little and go to the carnival, and on Friday and Saturday I'm not sure.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Listen to your God GPS!

If you would like to join in the Simple Woman's Daybook, go to this URL: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Blessings,
Joy