Dec. 23, 2009 - A Savior is Born
A young woman gently rests her newborn child on the hay in the manger. Her first born, she already knows God has great plans for Him. She already knows her son, no, God's Son, would be teaching her, not the other way around. The Messiah, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, was here. Their Savior had come.
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, for there was no room for them in the inn. ~ Luke 2:7
A shepherd sits silhouetted against the night's mysterious light. His gaze remains transfixed on a star shining vividly above the town of Jerusalem. He has never seen it so bright. He turns to the other shepherds and points. He does not need to use words. Their eyes follow his finger and they marvel at the star, shining so brilliantly. An Angel of the Lord stands before them, and the glory of the Lord shines around them. They tremble in fear, and fall to the ground in awe. The Angel speaks, telling them of great tidings.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ~ Luke 2:11
Another man sees the same star the shepherd has been watching. He also calls others to look, showing them the star of the King of Jews. Their clothes are not like those of the shepherds, coarse and rough, but are fine and rich. The wise men prepare for a journey, bringing gifts and hearts ready to worship an infant King.
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." ~ Matthew 2:2
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Dec. 21, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 61 - 70
Today I'm Thankful For...
61, Christmas movies
62. Christmas anticipation
63. The Christmas story
64. Christmas wrapping paper
65. Christ in Christmas
66. Christmas decorations
67. Christmas cards
68. Christmas clothes
69. Christmas candy
70. Christmas joy
What Are You Thankful For?
And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to Thy holy name, and glory in Thy praise. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:35
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Dec. 18, 2009 - Update on Life
Christmas is a week away. I feel like it was just a few months ago that we last celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus, but then I think of everything that has happened since then and it makes it feel like a few years ago.
Last year at this time I would never have imagined that I would be living where I am now. I would never have imagined that I would meet one of my best friends, or that I would be driving across the United States. This isn't a New Year's post though so I won't go over everything that has happened.
Things haven't been so busy around here since my last choir performance last Sunday. When I got there I found out it was being filmed for television so the pressure was on, but it went really well. I miss choir and can't wait for it to start again in January, but I'm also happy for the break.
What have I been doing with the time that break has given me? Writing! Several weeks ago at a Christmas party I saw a painting and it inspired me. So suddenly, without warning, I started writing a novel with the working title Dancing in the Rain. The title will probably change because it sounds way to much like Singing in the Rain, but I'm loving the plot so far.
I'm also still working on Rejected Joy, plugging away at it. Thinking back over everything I've realized how many holes, and problems I'll have to fix in further drafts, and groaning at all the work that will entail. I'm determined to finish it though.
Other then that it's pretty much just been little things. Decoration the house for Christmas, watching movies as a family, chatting with Mum and Eyebright, and always trying to remember why this time of year is so important.
Merry Christmas!
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Dec. 15, 2009 - Book Review ~ Big Truths for Young Hearts
This is my first review for Crossway, and I was glad to discover it would be a relatively easy one.
Big Truths for Young Hearts; Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God.
Right from the beginning this book grabbed my attention. To be honest I thought it would be a boring book that would take up way to much of my oh so important time. After I started reading it though, it was like a breath of fresh air.
Bruce A. Ware does a great job of telling the facts in an easy way that kids will understand. Broken down into 10 sections which are then broken down into smaller chapters he covers things from proving there is only one God, to explaining the importance of the church.
When questions arise they are answered from verses from the Bible, and then explained further so that there is no chance of missing the meaning.
This book would be a great read aloud, but it's also nice for teens, or people with young hearts of faith to read on their own.
For myself it was great to cover some of the aspects of my faith I had not thought about for awhile. Going over why I believe the things I do, and reminding myself why I believe what I do.
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Dec. 14, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 51 - 60
Today I am Thankful For...
51. My wonderful Daddy
52. Paintings that throw inspiration on you
53. Trashy movies that make me want to write something better
54. Christmas shopping
55. The book of Luke
56. The story of Robin Hood
58. Hair clips
59. Green notebooks/green pencils/green headphones
60. The perfect sentence
What Are You Thankful For?
Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34
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Dec. 9, 2009 - Keeping My Eye on the Conductor
I've been rather busy lately with the choir that I'm in. I had two big concerts on Saturday and Sunday, and then rehearsal on Friday so my life has pretty much been music for the last couple days.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. ~ Psalm 9:2
As I was singing in Sunday's performance I realized that the conductor and the singers are much like God and His followers.
Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. ~ Psalm 9:11
When the singers eyes are on the conductor things run smoothly and they sing as one, but if eyes stray things don't go so well. Even though you know the music, or have sung it a thousand times before you still need the conductor's instruction.
Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. ~ Psalm 21:13
Although someone may know the commandments unless their eyes are on God, they can't do things on their own. They need His instruction and guidance.
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. ~ Psalm 30:12
So remember to keep your eyes on the conductor, He'll let you know when you need to keep holding on to that note, or if it's time to breath.
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Dec. 7, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 41 - 50
Today I am Thankful For... 41. Thick, warm coats 42. Christmas Caroling 43. My Bible 44. Christmas parties 45. Staying healthy 46. Chap stick 47. Thick books 48. Heavy blankets 49. Hot tea 50. The chance to spread the love of God What are you Thankful for? Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:8
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Dec. 1, 2009 - National Kylie Day
I know it's strange that I post twice in one day, even though I did it yesterday too, but I wanted to throw Kylie off the sent. **coughs, and clears throat** well, as she well knows it's actually because I forgot today was National Kylie Day, but that doesn't sound as good.
Without further ado, I give you my National Kylie day post!
Why National Kylie Day to begin with? Well after Catey and I both realized she was amazingly awesome it just kind of happened. Dec. 1, was brought to mind, and National Kylie Day it was dubbed.
Kylie is an awesome friend, an outstanding editor, an eloquent writer, and an incredibly fun blogger.
I've known Kylie since May 11, 2007 (she keeps track) and she has just gotten better and better. Some places for you to find the Kylie's amazing handy work.
Thanks for simply being you Kylie!
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Dec. 1, 2009 - Adoration of the Shepherds
This was actually going to be a rambling post about how my Thanksgiving went, what I've been up to, and how much I've been in the Christmasy spirit lately. In preparation for that rambling post I was looking for a verse in Luke 2 that would sum up how I've felt lately. I found two.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. ~ Luke 2: 13-14
I kept reading though and a certain verse seemed to jump out at me and I just kept reading it over and over again.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. ~ Luke 2: 17
They speaking of the shepherds the angels spoke to in the above verses. Wow, they heard the good news that Jesus was born and rushed out to tell others the good news.
I hear the good news of Christ every day, but I don't share it with those who don't know very often, and I've been thinking about that lately. I know that witnessing isn't just knocking on doors, or approaching people on street corners, it can also be done by living a holy life and being an example for unbelievers, but that can't be all. Maybe it's time I stepped forward and opened my mouth, instead of waiting for the unbelievers to come to me.
Life is fragile and can be yanked away from anyone when they least expect it, will they be carrying their sins to judgement, or will Jesus? God is the only one who knows, but I do know I would feel terrible if I found out someone was going to hell because I failed to open my mouth at the right time.
So don't wait for the opportune moment to come along, make one.
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Nov. 30, 2009 - Scaramouche: A Romance of the French Revolution
Scaramouche: A Romance of the French Revolution by Rafael Sabatini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story of The French Revolution unfolds as the amazing tale of Andre-Louis, or Scaramouche as he becomes. When a friend of his is murdered Andre vows to take revenge by doing the very thing his friend was killed for. Speaking out. Very soon he finds his life changing in dramatic twists and unexpected turns.
My Thoughts: I loved this book. I was constantly wondering what would happen next, and continually surprised when I found out. When I've read other books set during The French Revolution I've been incredibly confused by all the politics and although there were a few times like that in Scaramouche, for the most part it was very easy to follow. I adored the characters in this books and the many settings the scenes took place in. I do have to admit though I didn't like the ending. It was to flowery, sappy for me. All in all, one awesome book. View all my reviews >>
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Nov. 30, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 31 - 40
Today I am Thankful For... 31. A Kitty who thinks she is love starved 32. Car trips with lots of pillows 33. Time spent with friends 34. Cards 35. Christmas Tree farms and pine cones 36. Clouds 37. Guitars 38. Thanksgiving food 39. A whole day set aside for giving thanks 40. The feeling of Christmas already in the air What Are You Thankful For?
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Nov. 24, 2009 - I Feel Like Queen
I've had a strange feeling all day today. A happy feeling, although I wasn't sure why. The words, "this is the day, this is the day, this is the day," kept running through my head.
I must admit, I knew what the voices were talking about, and for once they were right.
Needless to say I could just scream. Sadly, the rest of the house is soundly sleeping so I shall restrain myself till morning. Until then I shall grin, gaze lovingly at my purple progress bar, and feel like Queen.
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Nov. 23, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 21 - 30
Today I am Thankful For...
21. 41,685 words (bigger post on this later)
22. The sound of Christmas music drifting up the stairs in November.
23. My MP3 player.
24. A great choir concert.
25. Ale 8 1
26. Fellowship filled Sundays
27. The feeling of the holidays already installing itself within me
28. Crispy hash browns
29. My attic bedroom
30. Old quilts
What Are You Thankful For?
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Nov. 17, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Day 17
Word Count: 30,842
As the leaves closed in around them they heard Blake's scream, "I'll get you Ainsley. I'll find you and your brats and hang each and every one from the nearest tree!"
Kira shivered, and urged her horse to go faster, realizing that she also was included in that statement.
So, how have I been doing with NaNo? Well I'm no longer as far ahead of schedule as I was a week ago. I am now only one day ahead, and trying to work my way up to more so I won't fall behind during Thanksgiving.
I've been surprised at how easily everything has been coming together, I haven't truly been stuck once. There was a day, or two when I had to stop and think about where I was going, but I never got that frantic writer's block feeling, I was just pondering. The other days I haven't written it was simply because I didn't feel like it, not because I couldn't.
I know November isn't over, but so far it's all gone incredibly smoothly. Maybe it's because I'm not crazy busy like a lot of my other friends doing it?
Whatever the reason, I'm glad my first NaNo hasn't given me to many challenges. Yet.
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Nov. 16, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 1 - 20
My interest was immediately perked when I noticed this banner at the beginning of Breezy's post over at a bowl of moss and pebbles. After reading the post I was even more interested.
Giving thanks for everything God has given me in my life is something I've been trying to work on. I'd much rather thank Him for the things I have then think about all the cool stuff I don't have. That just breeds discontent.
So almost the minute I saw the above banner I decided to join the Gratitude Community, and I encourage you to do the same.
Today I'm Thanking God For...
1. A roof over my head
2. Parents who love the Lord
3. Our kitty
4. My Daddy's job
5. Blogger Friends
6. Instant Messenger
7. Letters in the Mail
8. Horse magazines
9. Crunchy leaves
10. A library in walking distance
11. My contacts
12. Netflix
13. A sister who makes me laugh
14. The color green
15. My laptop
16. Being homeschooled
17. 27,300 words
18. Sunny days
19. Choir
20. A working camera
What are you Thankful for?
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Nov. 14, 2009 - Clive Staples Award
Being a writer, I love to read. Being a christian I like to read books written by other Christians, and once again back to being a writer, I like to read their blogs. After all, you never know when they'll throw out a juicy tip, or two.
So I was reading L. B. Graham's blog. Author of The Binding of the Blade series. (great books, if you haven't read them you should) His latest post was about Clive Staples Award. Okay.... what's the Clive Staples Award?
This is an award giving you the opportunity to vote for your favorite christian author/fantasy book! So, head on over and check out the website, and if you so desire, vote for your favorite.
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Nov. 10, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Day 10
Word Count: 20,903
"How could anyone throw away this happiness? How could anyone reject such joy?"
~ Wynn Ainsley
Well I'm still plugging away, boosting my word count by the thousands every night, and every day when I wake up setting myself an impossible goal I know I can't reach, but I do anyway.
The plot is coming along nicely, I've been rather surprised at how easy this story has been to write, then again it's been waiting for November for the last seven months.
Its been amazing discovering more about my characters, and the places they live in. Each day of writing I find out something knew and exciting about one of them.
I expected to grow tired of my book title, my names, and my characters, but instead they have gotten even more interesting to me, and I'm still totally in love with the name Wynn Ainsley.
There have been moments of stress, in fact just the other night I was in near panic because I couldn't get the NaNo website to load, therefor making it impossible for me to update my word count. Since I had just breached the 20,000 mark it was rather disappointing I couldn't do it right away. After a few more tries however, all was well.
So, that's how my NaNo has been going. If your interested in reading the progress of other NaNoers here are the links to friends of mine who are doing it as well.
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Nov. 5, 2009 - The Happy Things
I'm not sure why I finally decided to post about this. Maybe it was because of my Mum's post about happy memories. Perhaps.
I could say this has been on my mind lately, it would be the truth, but I could be more accurate if I said, this has been on my mind for awhile. Awhile as in, a year or two. There have been a few things going on that have really brought this thought forward, making me remember, and feel more strongly about it then ever.
So, what am I talking about? I'll put it simply, the happy things.
I have realized that many, fights, grudges, contention, feuds, arguments, rivalry, and quarrels come into being because somebody, or maybe even everybody, wasn't remembering the happy times.
Let me explain. More then once Eyebright and I have been angry with each other. There have been the times when she has taken the best for herself, leaving me with second best. There have been times when we've yelled at each other, and times when we haven't wanted to speak to each other at all.
However there have also been times when we have laughed so hard together we made each other sick. There have been long walks filled with sisterly conversation, the times when she has given me the best being content with second best for herself. There have been times when she has been so happy and excited for me she didn't have time to be jealous. Times when she has comforted, reassured, and supported me. I didn't mean for this post to be a tribute to my sister though.
My whole point in this was, there have been good times and bad times. Which paragraph was more pleasant for you to read? I would hope the second one. If it's Eyebright reading this, I know the second one. 
I have the good and the bad memories of every person in my family. When I've grown up and moved away, which ones will I want to remember the most?
Many a time I have seen, or heard of complete families breaking up because someone didn't remember those happy times. Someone didn't remember how much time the person they are angry with put into their lives. Someone was only thinking of those times when, as a human, they slipped, and did something not so happy.
I don't want this to happen to my family, I want to always remember the happy times and even if some of the unpleasant family experiences stick with me, I don't want them to blind out the other times.
So here I am today, encouraging you to remember the happy things with me.
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Nov. 4, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Day 4
I've been pretty happy with my progress with NaNoWriMo so far. I'm three days ahead of schedule, and my plot is coming together rather nicely. I wouldn't say it's one of the best things I've ever written, but I didn't expect it to be. That's what second, third, fourth, and so on drafts are for.
Before NaNo started I had this idea in my head that I wouldn't have time for anything else this month. I would just be writing. My reasonable side however kept telling myself this can't be true since people with full time jobs and children have succeeded in the challenge.
So I was not all together surprised to find out I still have time to live. It's a good thing too because I only have two weeks till my first big choir performance and practice is a very good thing. I've also been working with Kekoa on selling Christmas wreaths. We haven't sold one yet, but we haven't really done to much attempting. Not because of NaNo, but because of other things in the schedule.
An hour, or two everyday writing and I am above and beyond my word count goal for that day. Before November I thought the people shooting for 100,000 this year were crazy. Now I'm beginning to see they are simply giving themselves more of a challenge. I've been challenged, it's juts been an easy one.
So far.
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Nov. 2, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Day 1
Well the first day of NaNoWriMo has come and gone leaving me with a word count of 6,066. Since this is a good almost three days worth of writing, I decided I would be done for the night.
I am incredibly pleased with the way things are turning out so far, and was amazed to discover how much this story would write itself. There are way to many turn of events I didn't expect to count them all.
I tried to add a word count widget to my sidebar, but for some reason I'm having trouble with it. I might try again later, but for now if your interested in following my word count you can at my NaNoWriMo profile.
Now I'd love to stay and talk, but I've got a word count to keep up, and my characters are calling.
