Dec. 29, 2009 - Young Maiden's Daybook!

Outside my window… It's dark and probably cold.
I am thinking… I hope everyone got home safely from SSC
I am thankful for… SSC, it gives you a renewal in your spiritual life! It helps you to remember to incorporate God in our everyday lives.
I am wearing… a brown tee and jeans
I am reading… The Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall
I am creating… nothing at the moment
One of my favorite things… Music
For education this week… Haven't did school b/c I've been at SSC.
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning … Tidiness
A spiritual lesson I’m learning… To obey my parents and honor them
A godly character trait I plan to work on… living a life of holiness
Scripture I am memorizing… Not memorizing any at the moment b/c I had to memorize so many during SSC. LOL! I'm talking about SSC a lot aren't I?
I am praying for… my future husband
For the rest of the week… It'll be a pretty lax week!
A picture I’d like to share…
God Bless,
Dec. 29, 2009 - The Trail Ride (Part 1)
Berkley Creek Series: Book 2 Part 1
The annoying alarm clock sounded to say it was time to wake up. Alaina reached over to turn it off, it was five o’ clock, she and her sister, Faithie, were supposed to be going to the barn to collect the eggs, feed the chickens, milk the goats, and then be back to start making breakfast. She was getting used to their farm and all of its chores but it was still hard to get up so early. They had lived in Newport News, VA until the house sold and her dad, Ken Berkley, found a fifteen acre farm with two small houses, which they have extended to make bigger since they moved, a barn, a small pond, and a creek in the back of their property in Texas.
“Wake up, Faithie, it’s 5 o’ clock.” Alaina said shaking Faithie gently. Faithie moaned and pulled the covers off her head and climbed out of bed.
“So, which chores do you want to do today, the goats or the chickens?” asked Alaina tiredly.
“I guess I’ll milk the goats while you feed the chickens and gather the eggs.” Faithie answered while yawning.
“Kay.” responded Alaina.
Alaina and Faithie hurriedly threw on some old jeans and a sweater, pulled back their naturally curly hair and tip toed downstairs.
“Burr! It’s freezing out here.” Faithie stammered as she threw on her coat.
“I know.” said the shivering Alaina while she opened the door and looked at the snow. “I didn't know it even snowed in Texas! I heard it could get cold, I just didn’t think this cold!”
After they had done their early morning chores they ran inside and started a breakfast of monkey bread, potatoes, scrambled eggs, baked oatmeal, turkey bacon and sausage, coffee, and freshly squeezed OJ.
“Mmmmm” said Alaina’s big sister, Lanye, as she walked into the house. She, Charles, and Darrell live in the other house on their property. Every morning they all gather together for breakfast and bible study, do whatever needs to be done as far as chores, eat lunch together, do fun stuff together as a family or with friends, and come back to the main house to eat dinner and dessert. That was a typical day at their farm, Berkley Creek.
“There’s nothin’ like a big country breakfast!” Lanye continued.
“And we can’t wait for your big country breakfast tomorrow!” Alaina said smiling. “It’s your day, remember?”
“Yep, sure do.” Lanye replied.
"We eat huge a huge breakfast every morning like the Amish do!" Alaina added.
"Yeah, but the Amish can cook!" Lanye joked. " Better than I can, probably!"
"Oh, don't say that! You're one of the best cooks I know!" Alaina said as she walked out of the kitchen.
When breakfast was ready, Alaina went out to ring the loud meal bell which told everyone from everywhere on their property that it was time to eat. When everyone was around the table, they bowed their heads for grace.
“Heavenly Father, thank you for this meal we are about to receive and we ask that you make it nourishment for our bodies so we can work the land, and please bless the hands that have prepared the food. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Charles prayed.
“Amen” came the voices of the family of eight in unison as they raised their heads.
“So, how’s everyone’s morning going?” Ken asked. Before anyone could answer Darrell, Alaina’s eleven year old nephew, blurted out excitedly.
“I saw a huge frog down by Smith’s pond today, Papa!”
“Did you now?” Ken replied.
“Yeah, I tried to catch it but I almost fell into the water.” Everyone burst into laughter. Smith pond was the pond on their property that was named after Charles, Lanye, and Darrell.
“That's not as bad as what happened to me. Buck kicked over the bucket of milk twice when I was milking her, I had to start over each time!” Faithie added. Again everyone was almost dying of laughter. Buck was their female goat who has a bad habit of kicking over the bucket of milk just when it’s almost full, which they all think is on purpose. She was named Buck because every time Darrell went into the pen she bucked him.
“Well the chickens are doing good, Ivory is laying on her eggs, if I’m guessing correctly we should have about seven new chicks soon.” Alaina replied.
“That’s good, we can always have fresh eggs when they grow up.” Lanye commented.
“Or more shake n’ bake chicken!” Brad added playfully giving Alaina a knowing glance because she doesn’t like the thought of killing any of their animals. Even though she did love shake n’ bake chicken. “Right, Alaina?” Brad continued.
“Whatev….” Alaina started until Dian, Alaina’s mom cut in.
“That’s enough.” They ate in silence for a while until Alaina spoke up.
“Mom, Dad, when I’ve finished my chores and some schoolwork can Lina, Lana, and I take a trail ride and go down to Smith pond for a swim?” Alaina asked.
“I’d rather you not go swimming by yourselves, but you can go on the trails.” Ken answered.
“Kay!” Alaina responded.
“And can I go over to Mariah’s house after lunch? Mrs. Gomez invited me and Emily to watch a movie at their house and eat pizza for dinner but Mariah asked if I could come early so we can ride around her arena.” Faithie asked.
“Don’t you have to help cook dinner?” Dian reminded.
“It’s okay mom, I’ll be back in time and I’ll fix it.” Alaina offered.
“Okay, you can go too.” Ken replied. “But just remember you guys are good Christian kids so please act accordingly.”
“Yes sir” they said in unison.
“I might take you guys swimming later, if you want me to, Lanye and I.” Charles suggested.
“Could he, daddy?” Alaina asked.
“Sure! I‘ll go too” Ken replied. “ But only if you are done with all that in time to fix lunch and dinner.”
“No problem, I probably won’t even hit the trails til after lunch. I still have a lot of chores. Me and Faithie have to muck out the stalls, and groom and feed the horses, and water our garden, not to mention picking apples for tonight’s apple pie.” Alaina reminded them as she ate a spoonful of baked oatmeal.
"Faithie and I." Dian corrected.
"Yes, I'm sorry, Faithie and I." Alaina said with a smile. "Thank you teacher."
* * * * * * * * * *
Hours later, Alaina went into the barn to saddle her horse, Flicka. When she went into Flicka’s stall, Star, Flicka’s colt whimpered loudly.
“Not this time, Star, you’re not quite old enough yet.” Alaina said rubbing him on his nose. “But it won’t be long now, you’re almost ready to get your own stall” Alaina reminded him gently. Then Alaina stepped away and started to saddle Flicka.
“Ready for a long ride with your friends Skittles and Lightning, girl?” Alaina murmured softly. Flicka neighed and threw up her head excitedly.
“Whoa, pretty girl, I guess that’s a yes, huh?” Alaina smiled. Skittles and Lightning were Dessalina and Solana’s, her best friends, horses. Their nickname was Triple L because of their nicknames.
“Come on girl.” Alaina said while leading Flicka out of the barn. She mounted onto Flicka and left. When she was close to Dessalina’s house she realized she had forgotten her helmet. She had never left her helmet before. She was about to turn around when she thought about how if she goes back to get her helmet and then ride all the way back to Lina’s house and then to Lana’s it would be time to go home before they even got to ride. “Nah, I won’t go back, every time I wear a helmet nothing happens to me . So I’m sure nothing will happen this time.” Alaina whispered to herself. But what if something does happen this time. She pushed the nagging thought out of her head. When she reached Lina’s house she was relieved to see that Solana was already there. Great that’s one less stop, more riding time. Alaina thought.
“Hey, Laina!” Solana said when she saw me.
“Hey!” Dessalina said.
“Hey guys, ya ready?” Alaina replied.
“Yep!” they answered in unison.
“Hey, but what about your helmet? Where is it?” Solana asked.
“Oh I forgot it, so I figured if I go back there wouldn’t be any point of going at all.” Alaina continued. “Do you guys have any extra?”
“Nope, just this one!” Dessalina responded pointing to the helmet on her head. Lina is an only child. She had a twin who fell sick and died two days after birth.
“Not unless you want to use my 7 year old brothers.” Solana replied laughing.
“I’ll pass!” Alaina replied smiling. “Let’s just go, we’re losing daylight!”
“Are you sure, Laina?” Dessalina asked worriedly.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine!” Alaina answered.
After they had ridden awhile Alaina saw a knocked over tree in the distance.
“Hey you guys, watch this!” Alaina yelled.
“Laina, I don’t think this is a great idea, you don’t have a helmet remember?” Lana yelled back. But it was too late Alaina was sprinting over to the log. Right before she was about to jump Flicka saw a snake and reared into the air.
“Whoa, Flicka!” Alaina yelled trying to calm down the horse but hold on at the same time, but Flicka wouldn’t stop. She could hear Lana and Lina screaming her name telling her to hold on. But she went flying off making Flicka slip and fall as well. As she hit the ground she could hear the sound of footsteps and her friends voices. Are they praying for me? They were indeed praying for her she knew that. Alaina tried to pray a prayer herself. Heavenly Father, I’m sorry that I went out without a helmet……that was stupid and careless………She was trying to continue but was losing consciousness fast, she managed to finish the rest. Please……forgive me……Lord……please let……Flicka b-be………alright. Then everything went black.
To be continued…………
Dec. 29, 2009 - I'm so excited!
Okay, so, if you look in my last entry which is the tag! Under Favorite Books I put one of them as A gift of Grace by Amy Clipston! Well, guess who left a comment on my blog? Amy Clipston! I am so honored that a real author would read my blog! So after I read the comment earlier, I got so excited and searched for her blog so I can leave a comment for her! That's when I found a blog by 4 different authors, including Amy Clipston and Beth Wiseman ( another author of one of my favorite books)! The website is : amishhearts.com .So I just wanted to share that little highlight of my day! I just thought it was so cool to get a comment from an author especially because I want to be an author and publish my series ( as mentioned in the tag also, under " Things I want to do before I die") :P So anyways, I encourage everyone to read those books! Amish fiction is really good! I've even considered trying to write an Amish fiction story but don't think I have enough experience! I mean I've read about all of the Amish fiction stories there are but have only really seen the Amish once when we went to Lancaster. But it's my all time favorite genre! Well I'm gonna sign off now! If you're reading this Mrs. Amy, thanks again!
Soli De Gloria,
Dec. 28, 2009 - Tag!
I got this tag from Animaltalk.
What are your ten favorite fiction books? (Not necessarily in order).
1. Summerhill Secrets by Beverly Lewis
2. Abram's daughters series by Beverly Lewis ( well, that's 5 books!)
3. Anathema by ? (I forgot! :P)
4. A gift of grace by Amy Clipston
5. Diary of a teenage girl: Caitlin O'Conner by Melody Carlson
6. A Cousin's Promise by Wanda E. Brunstetter
7. Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
8. Love Come Softly by Janette Oke
9. When the heart cries by Cindy Woodsmall
10. Sister's Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter
What are the five most influential books on your life?
1. The Bible
2. Treasury of miracles for teens by Karen Kingsbury
3. I kissed dating goodbye by Joshua Harris
4. A girl who serves by Shannon Kubiak Primicerio
5. When teens pray by Cheri Fuller
Who are your five favorite authors?
1. Beverly Lewis
2. Wanda E. Brunstetter
3. Cindy Woodsmall
4. Melody Carlson
5. Janette Oke
Who are your three favorite heroes?
1. Jesus (my Hero)
2. Spiderman
3. Aslan (from Chronicles of Narnia)
Who are your three favorite villains?
1. I don't really like any villians! Ha Ha!
2. .....
3. ....
What are your three favorite movies? (hard question)
1. Step Up
2. Step Up 2 : the streets
3. Confessions of a shopaholic
What are your three favorite sports?
1. Basketball
2. Volleyball
3. Football ( watching not playing :P)
What is your favorite non-sport activity outside?
Taking pictures
What is your favorite animal?
Horses
What is your least-favorite animal?
Hmm... a snake.
Do you like to write stories?
Yes! I love to! I have my own series going called Berkley Creek
What is your favorite genre to write or read?
Christian fiction and Amish fiction
What is your favorite vehicle?
Convertibles (newer ones of any kind really)
What are your five favorite games?
1. Apples to Apples
2. Clue
3. Mafia
4. Taboo
5. Yatzee
What character in any book or movie describes you best?
Probably Caitlin O' Conner in the Diary of a teenage girl series. We are alike in a lot of ways!
What’s your favorite food?
Chicken and Dumplings ( I get this question every tag! :P)
What are your ambitions?
To live a life pleasing to the Lord, to raise a family and be a house wife, and to get to heaven
What ten things do you want to do before you die?
1. Become closer to God
2. Bring others to Christ
( wishes from here on out)
3. Write more Christian songs and make an album
4. Get married to the love of my life and have kids
5. Go on a mission trip to different places
6. Go to New York City, Florida, and Hawaii
7. Get a Yorkie!
8. Play a lead role in a Christian movie, I've already been an extra.
9. Own a ranch with horses!
10. Make multiple series and have them published
Who are you going to tag?
Anyone who wants it! Just comment of PM me first so I know you used it! God Bless!
To Him be the glory,
Dec. 18, 2009 -
This is a new graphic I made! You're welcome to take it! Just comment first! Thanks!

God Bless,
Dec. 17, 2009 - New Template
I got a new template that I really like! Comatose made it for me and it's awesome! How do you guys like it? It also has inspired me to start writing again! And for the winner of my contest a while ago, I haven't forgotten about you! I'll still make the story with your plot. So bear with me everyone! I'll try to post soon, but as you know, life has been extremely busy lately. But it's slowing up! I actually get about 2 weeks off of basketball this month so I should have more time! So again, I apologize for not posting Berkley Creek that much but I'll get better!
To Him be the glory forever,
Dec. 15, 2009 - Young Maiden's Daybook!
Today… December 14, 2009
Outside my window… It's a nice day!
I am thinking… Not that long until it's 2010!i
I am thankful for… My basketball season which is going really well! Our record is 7 wins and 1 loss!
I am wearing… My practice clothes!
I am reading… Nothing at the moment! Except my college work!
I am creating… A music video! Christian music of course! It's become a hobby of mine to make videos! Also I'm thinking of making a basketball highlights video for each of us, showing the best clips of the season!
One of my favorite things… Kettle Corn!
For education this week… I am learning medical and animal terminology.
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning … Sewing...making things to sell!
A spiritual lesson I’m learning… To let God lead in all aspects of my life!
A godly character trait I plan to work on… sharing my faith more and shining my light so that others automatically know that Jesus dwells in me!
Scripture I am memorizing… I don't think I have a verse this week! Sorry.
I am praying for… My future husband.
For the rest of the week… I will be busy as always!
A picture I’d like to share…

I took this one not long ago when I went on a photo taking frenzy! LOL! I seriously did! I just took the camera and started snapping out of the blue! :P
Your sis in Christ,
Dec. 14, 2009 - RainbowCupcake gave me a tag!......She just doesn't know it yet! :P
I got (actually stole....I'm sure she doesn't mind!....I'm not a bad person! LOL) this tag from RainbowCupcake. 1. When do you feel your best? That's all for now! It's kind of late! Adios mi bloggers! :P (I'm in a pretty silly mood)LOL! God Bless!
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon and early evening
c) late at night
2. You usually walk...
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly
3. When talking to people you.. .
a) stand with your arms folded or
b) have your hands clasped (a hand holding a wrist, actually)
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or play with your hair (I don't really do either.)
4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you
5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile
6 When you go to a party or social gathering you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed
7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes
8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black (I'm not gothic or anything! I just like it!)
c) yellow or dark blue
d) green
e) aqua or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray
9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are...
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out with your face to the side on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm that is under the pillow
e) with your head under the covers
10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant (Well...most of the time anyway! :P)
Dec. 13, 2009 - Another Video!
This is another interesting video that contains girls talking to their future husbands. Not really but it's like a video letter to your future husband. I really like it and am considering making a letter myself. Well anywho, here it is:
Hope you like it!
God Bless,
Dec. 11, 2009 - Two great songs! Check them out!
The first one is a very pretty song by Jordan Sparks and its about purity and it being worth the wait when she finally meets the love of her life! And the second one is Nick Jonas singing a song called "Dear God" that he wrote when he was younger that's really good. I think everyone will like these songs! I really want your feedback, so please vote in my poll under the video.
God Bless,
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