Jul. 4, 2009 - A Treasure!
While cleaning out my sewing cabinet, I found some really interesting things! One of the treasures that I found was a 1957 pocket dictionary.
I have been wanting a pocket dictionary for some time, but I'm glad I didn't go out and buy a new one, because this one is just too cute! I love it!
Now, I just wish I had a matching Thesaurus. Boy, do I love Thesaurus'! Isn't it fun to go and find a different word to put in place of a plain one? Or maybe a word that is more appropriate?
Well, anyway, I just wanted to share my find with you all, because it is so awesome! I am going to keep it with me in the motorhome. It might be handy, you never know!
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Jul. 2, 2009 - Our Local Homeschool Group
Our homeschool group is amazing. Actually, it is the best homeschool group that I have ever been a part of. I just realized, as we are preparing for our move, that I'm not going to be able to take that totally awesome group with me.
Granted, there may be a perfectly wonderful group in our new location, but it won't be the same. I will have to get to know everyone first, and what if they turn out to be one of those goofy groups that encourages the help of the state in their homeschool.
Or maybe they will be a group of what we call "public school homeschoolers". For those of you who don't know this term, it means, loosely, a homeschooler who looks, acts, and talks like a public schooler. Their education may be based at home, but their hearts are in the same place as those lemming-like, state educated public schoolers!
Did that make any sense?
Moving on.
So, our homeschool group is simply awesome. Why? I'll tell you. In our group, nobody is excluded. The older kids play with the younger kids. Girls and guys get along with no crushes to hinder their spiritual relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ. Even graduates are always welcomed back, and invited to parties and activities.
It will be sad to leave them, but it is a comforting thought that I already know some people who only live a few hours away from where we are hopefully going. When we finally get word for sure that we are going to Kentucky, then I am going to shout for joy, and notify my friends right away!
Maybe that wasn't a really great description, but I am going to remember this homeschool group forever. You guys are terrific!
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Jun. 29, 2009 - Young Maiden's Daybook ~ June 29
Today…
Just packing, packing, packing.
Outside my window…
It is very hot. Daddy is weed-whacking, and I think everyone just wants to go back to bed.
I am thinking…
I hope we are not continually packing and cleaning throughout July. I don't think I could stand it!
I am thankful for…
Things to pack, I guess. If I didn't have things to pack I suppose we would be dirt poor, and hungry all the time. The Lord has really blessed us.
I am wearing…
A tiered denim skirt, a pink tank top with a light and lacy sweater to cover it, and my leather belt that features my middle name.
I am reading…
North & South ~ Elizabeth Gaskell
I am creating…
Not much at the moment. Everything seems to be on hold.
One of my favorite things...
Music from musicals!
For education this week…
How to fit eveything you have into one box?
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning …
Utilizing tight spaces?
A spiritual lesson I’m learning…
Contentment no matter what.
A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Cheerfulness no matter what.
Scripture I am memorizing…
Romans 12
I am praying for…
that we will move to KY, and that the Lord gives us all wisdom.
For the rest of the week…
Packing, packing, packing.
A picture I’d like to share…
I took this on the road, and this is how it turned out. I thought it was pretty cool!
If you would like to participate in the Young Maiden's Daybook, you can find more information at Firmly Fixed on the Father.
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Jun. 27, 2009 - Moving the Little Things
When I was little, I used to love moving. Not that we did it that often, but I loved running around in the stacks of boxes, and re-stacking the boxes to make hidey holes. At least, that's what I remember.
Then there came a point when I was old enough to start helping. I think I enjoyed it at first, but after moving several times more, I began to dread it several times more than before.
The worst bit is when you get down to the little bits and pieces that didn't go anywhere else. You finally just throw them all in a box, and forget it.
When you get to the other end, then you have to unpack. In one way, that isn't as bad as packing in the first place, because you mostly have time, and take as long as you want. Also, it is fun to decide in what new place do you want to put all of your belongings.
Then, you get down to that last box. You remember it, the one with all of the trinkets that didn't fit any other category. The box that you just threw everything into because you were fed up and wanted to be done!
Usually, what happens to me, is I find a new place for all of those bits and pieces, and they sit there for a very long time. Finally, one day I will approach them with a groan, and piece by piece find a new and hopefully permanent home for each item. It is painstaking work, but I usually survive.
So, why is it that the little things are harder to put away than big things? Little things like chapstick, safety pins, figurines, hair ties, and loose buttons. Miscellaneous items like, dreamcatchers, pushpins, handheld games, or a deck of cards. Ugg! Little things are the bane of my moving experience!
Ah, well. Like I said, I do survive, and it must be done. What an inspiring motto, is it not? It must be done. Or a meloncoly one. I like the first idea better! An inspiring motto it is!
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Jun. 24, 2009 - Sewing For Myself
Mine has always been a love/hate relationship with the sewing machine. I love old sewing machines, and what you can do with them, but something always go wrong when I put my foot to the pedal.
However, face with the possible prospect of living in a motorhome with limited space, and having to make every piece of clothing count, I decided it was time I make sew myself some clothes.
Oh, and Shannon from A Maiden's Musings always inspires me, too.
I have one project to finish, though, before I can truly begin work on my
blouses, skirts and dress.
I really can't wait, though, and I hope they turn out as lovely as I imagine them in my head. They usually don't, but I always hope they do.
I will definitely post pictures of my finished garments. That is, if I like them.
I am so excited! I love getting new clothes!
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Jun. 23, 2009 - Food for Thought...
What a mighty God we serve!
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Jun. 23, 2009 - Book Review ~ The Good Earth
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
My review
rating: 3 of 5 stars
Title: The Good Earth
Author: Pearl S. Buck
Pages: 385
The Good Earth follows the life of Wang Lung, a Chinese farmer about 1890-1930. He starts out as a poor man's son, who is going to the great House of Hwang to pick up his bride. The story follows the rise and and fall of their fortunes. Once, their circumstances become so bad that they have to go to the city and beg for money to buy food. However, they do return to their land, which is Wang Lung's anchor through the years. He always feels safe and sure of himself, as long as he has his land. In the last half of the novel, Wang Lung's fortunes improve so much, that he is able to build a new house, buy servants, and concubines, and finally he moves into the great House of Hwang where he had shivered in his shoes waiting for his wife-to-be. In the very end, near Wang Lung's own death, he discovers that his children have no regard for his beloved land, and that it will be sold when he dies. It breaks his heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was intrigued by this tale straight from the beginning. It kept me reading, although there were no exciting fights, or cliff-hangers. I always wanted to find out what happened next.
I did not appriciate Wang Lung's morals. He, and everyone around him, did things to cater to those around them. They wouldn't do such and such, because of what people would think. He justified his taking a concubine, because other men of his social standing did.
However, my aunt did point out that The Good Earth is a wonderful portrayal of peasant life in China at that time. I did completely agree with with my aunt on that.
There were some parts that I wondered if I should read them or not. The got a tiny bit more detailed than I was interested in.
One thing that I did like, was that whenever Wang Lung was troubled, he would go out to work his land. Physical labor on the earth always helped him calm down, see things more clearly, or work through problems. In our own lives, when we are troubled, there are things that we do to forget for a time, or to calm down. When hard thoughts come, physical work is always a good remedy.
Overall, The Good Earth was good, but not one I would want to read again and again. I would not dissuade you from reading it, but I would not encourage you to read it either. I think there are much better books!
If you would like to learn more about The Good Earth check out The Good Earth Website!
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Jun. 22, 2009 - Find Me On...
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Jun. 22, 2009 - Young Maiden's Daybook ~ June 22
Today…
Not much...just here and there.
Outside my window…
A gorgeous blue sky, and weeds!
I am thinking…
I am hungry, and need toast.
I am thankful for…
Open doors.
I am wearing…
A lightweight blue skirt, a white shirt, and a green fleece jacket.
I am reading…
North & South ~ Elizabeth Gaskell
The Fallacy Detective
I am creating…
Yikes.
An afghan
Fingerless Gloves
Sun Hat
Washcloths
One of my favorite things…
Buttered toast with jelly.
For education this week…
Some algebra and Fallacy Detective.
I also need to write some articles.
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning …
Time management
Keeping things clean! :D
A spiritual lesson I’m learning…
Not my will, but Thine be done.
A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Contentment, and cheerfulness!
Scripture I am memorizing…
Romans 12
I finally finished 1 Corinthians! Yay!
I am praying for…
Open doors
Joyful and content hearts
hearts opening to hear His word
For the rest of the week…
Probably not a lot, I just need to accomplish some things.
A picture I’d like to share…
I have been wanting cupcakes lately, so yesterday I made some! It is cream cheese frosting, and I think they are really good!
If you are interested in participating you can find more information at
Firmly Fixed on the Father.
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Jun. 19, 2009 - Spur-Of-The-Moment Activity
This week has definitely been an interesting one. Last Saturday, Mommy and Daddy woke us up and said we were going on a camping trip. None of us kids takes kindly to being woke up, so we were all thrilled. You can read more about our little trip at Bluejane's blog.
After coming home on Monday, we had a day of resting, before we found out that our cousin was coming to spend two nights with us. We were so excited! On one of the days she was here, we went to the swimming pool, which was much colder than Ka-Nee-Ta. Again, you can read about that on Bluejane's Blog.
Then, completely spur-of-the-moment, and because of certain circumstances, after dropping our cousin off at home, we picked up a friend, and she is also staying two nights. So, tonight, with Bluejane, and Smartyjones, I am going to see Up in our local theater.
Our entire week has been spur-of-the-moment activity, but it has been really fun. Bluejane and I will probably crash when it is all over.
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Jun. 15, 2009 - Young Maiden's Daybook ~ 5
Today…Got home from an awesome vacation with my family, and is just catching up and relaxing. I am also making cookies.
Outside my window…
Daddy is weed-whacking. The weeds have really started to take over!
I am thinking…
That Stress-y O Cookies are simply delicious!
I am thankful for…
A forgiving Father, and a forgiving family, and Ka-Nee-Ta resort!
I am wearing…
One of Bluejane's denim skirts, a leather belt, and a pink blouse.
I am reading…
Till We Have Faces ~ C.S. Lewis
It is quite interesting so far!
I am creating…
An afghan,
A sun hat,
Washcloths,
Fingerless Gloves
One of my favorite things…
Talking about books and movies with my friends
For education this week…
Some algebra,
and handwriting practice. My handwriting is atrocious!
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning …
Just plain ole good habits!
A spiritual lesson I’m learning…
Being cheerful no matter what
A godly character trait I plan to work on…
Cheerfulness
Scripture I am memorizing…
I need to find a passage. Any suggestions?
I am praying for…
That the Lord would provide for us
For the rest of the week…
My cousin might be coming over to spend the night, but other than that...I don't know.
A picture I’d like to share…
If you would like to participate in A Young Maiden's Daybook, then you can find out more at Firmly Fixed on the Father.
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Jun. 12, 2009 - The Greatest Gift
I just finished memorizing a beautiful passage of scripture. I thought I would share it with you.
1 Corinthians 13Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself; is not puffed up;does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues they will , they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
An now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
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Jun. 11, 2009 - Book Review ~ The Importance of Being Earnest
Little did I know, when I said that I would try to write a review on every book on my summer reading list, that I would begin with The Importance of Being Earnest.
I knew that it wasn't going to help me grow spiritually, but it is a classic, and a play. The only other plays that I have read are Much Ado About Nothing, and parts of Cyrano De Bergerac, and I wasn't terribly entertained by either.
However, The Importance of Being Earnest was a delightful read, full of hilarious wit, and satire.
This play was written by Oscar Wilde, and has three acts.
John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff both have created fictional identities that allows them to escape their respective abodes. One goes up to town as Mr. Earnest Worthing, and the other descends upon the countryside as Mr. Earnest Worthing. After they each propose to the love of their lives, Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, problems arise, and each party becomes incensed and indignant. Add to all this a plate of muffins, an old handbag, and a lost baby, and you are sure to smile the whole way through.
The Wikipedia page of The Importance of Being Earnest, says that the play satirizes the hypocrisy of Victorian society. I didn't exactly see that as I was reading it, but I knew that it was "making fun" of something.
If you want a funny, quick read, then you should pick up The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde.
A rather short review, I know, but I hope served it's purpose, mainly, to make you want to read the book.
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Jun. 9, 2009 - Don't Waste Your Time!
Time is very important. The true importance of it, however, is only seen by Christians. Sometimes we don't even see it.
Actually, it is not even the actual time that is important. It is what we do with that time that makes the time itself so sought after.
The Bible tells us, plain as day, that our time needs to be spent with eternal value.
See then that you walk circumspectly,
not as fools, but as wise,
redeeming the time,
because the days are evil.
Jesus tells a parable that talks about this subject.
Luke 12:16-21
Then He spoke a parable to them, saying:
"The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.
And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?'
So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.
And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."'
"But God said to him, 'You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'
"So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Movie stars only have their mind on things of this world. Vast amounts of time and money are spent on making them more beautiful, or comfortable, or happy.
Most teenagers are another group that waste copious amounts of time. Their entire life has been spent in wasting time. "You're only young once!", and, "Boys will be boys", are phrases that I hate, because they are so wrong! In history, kids our age were practically considered adults, and were mature and responsible.
Do Hard Things is all about this, and if you haven't already, I highly recommend that you read it. It is very inspirational in that it inspires the reader to do exactly what the title says.
I have been wasting my own time lately. I spend way to much time on the computer, hoping that I have a new e-mail, something interesting happened on Facebook, or maybe someone posted a new tweet. I check those over and over again, all day. Do you know how much time that wastes? I could be cleaning the house, crocheting, writing articles or my book, playing games with my family, or finding other ways I could bless and help those around me. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter. There is something wrong if you think it is the only thing worth your time.
One way I am choosing to not waste my time this summer, is to read books that will hopefully help me to grow spiritually and mentally. It is a really exciting list, so you should check it out!
Time is precious. I only have so much time on this earth. Do I want it to vanish, like a passing breath of wind, or do I want my time to count for something? Do I want to be "rich toward God", or have only earthly treasures? Do I want instant pleasure, or eternal bliss?
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Jun. 8, 2009 - Laptop Giveaway!
Yes, I already have a laptop, and I love it, but when you see a laptop like the one in THIS GIVEAWAY you can't help but fall in love! It's pink, it's portable, it has cool designs, what more could a girl want? So, if you are interested, head on over to the giveaway, and enter before 11:59 tonight!
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Jun. 8, 2009 - Young Maiden's Daybook ~ 4
Today…
A beautiful blue sky, scattered with clouds. We are going to some friend's house for dinner tonight, so hopefully it doesn't rain!
Outside my window…
The above mentioned blue sky, and scattering of clouds. Oh, and sagerat heaven to the left.
I am thinking…
I should work harder at keeping my room clean!
I am thankful for…
Grandparents who love me, and who don't appear to be annoyed when we bug them day after day. 
I am wearing…
My denim skirt, and a tan, pinstriped blouse.
I am reading…
Harmony at Home ~ Tim Fisher
Mrs. 'Arris Goes to New York ~ Paul Gallico
Emma ~ Jane Austen
I am creating…
Crochet-
Sun Hat
Knit-
Fingerless Gloves
Washcloths
One of my favorite things…
Good friendships
For education this week…
Some Algebra
The Fallacy Detective
My Reading List
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning …
Time management
Keeping the house Clean
A spiritual lesson I’m learning…
Ephesians 5:15-16
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
A godly character trait I plan to work on…
1 Corinthians 13:5
" [Love] does not seek it's own"
Scripture I am memorizing…
1 Corinthians 13
I am praying for…
My family
My friends
12-year-old Huma
For the rest of the week…
Not much, hopefully we'll get to the library so I can pick up my holds. I also want to write and post several articles.
A picture I’d like to share…
On Saturday, Mommy, Bluejane and I got to go see the World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions. It was really neat! Well, the parts that I got to see, I had a camera held to my face for a good portion of the show. You can read Bluejane's account HERE.
If you would like to join us, or find out more about the Young Maiden's Daybook, you can go to Firmly Fixed on the Father.
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Jun. 5, 2009 - Summer Reading Program
- Till We Have Faces ~ C.S. Lewis
- Foxe's Christian Martyrs of the World
- Hamlet ~ William Shakespeare
- A Midsummer Night's Dream ~ William Shakespeare
- The Good Earth ~ Pearl S. Buck
- North and South ~ Elizabeth Gaskell
- King Solomon's Mines ~ H. Rider Haggard
- So Much More ~ Anna Sophia & Elizabeth Botkin
- An Experiment in Criticism ~ C.S. Lewis
- Gone With the Wind ~ Margaret Mitchell
- Before You Meet Prince Charming ~ Sarah Mally
- Answers to Tough Questions ~ Josh McDowell
- Eats, Shoots & Leaves ~ Lynne Truss
- From Playpen to Podium ~ Jeff Myers
- Millstones & Stumbling Blocks ~ Bradley Heath
- 70x7 and Beyond ~ Monty Christiansen
- An Urgent Call to a Serious Faith ~ Dave Hunt
- Harmony at Home ~ Tim Fisher
- Can Man Live Without God ~ Ravi Zacharias
- The Seduction of Christianity ~ Dave Hunt & T.A. McMahon
- Beyond Seduction ~ Dave Hunt
- The Importance of Being Earnest ~ Oscar Wilde
- How to Read a Book ~ Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Can Doren
- John G. Paton
- Jane Austen and Her Times ~ G. E. Mitton
I hope this got you excited as well. I would really encourage you to not waste your reading time this summer, and to create a list of worthwhile books to read. If you do, please, please, PLEASE, share it with me! I would love to know what you are reading, what you thought of each book. That way, I can get more book titles for me to read!
So, if you create your own "Summer Reading Program", sign the Mr. Linky, and link to your list, so we can all benefit from each other.
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Jun. 5, 2009 - Oh, Lovely Summer!
~Henry James
To see the Summer Sky
Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie -
True Poems flee.
~Emily Dickinson
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Jun. 4, 2009 - Little Visitors
Bluejane and I looked out of our bedroom window a few days ago, and to our great delight we saw that we had visitors!
Genesis 1:24
"And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and the creeping thing, and the beast of the earth after his kind; and it was so."
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Jun. 2, 2009 - A Synopsis for Success!
I love writing! Well, maybe not love, because I don't really write that often, but I do enjoy it, at any rate.
I have always liked writing. Writing on my own time and inclination. I never liked writing for school. I have started at least ten different stories, and I don't think any of them get past the fifth chapter, and that might be generous! I just never stuck to a story long enough to get anywhere.
Another part of my problem, I think, is that I never completely had my story figured out. In some ways, I like that, but on the other hand, I would get to a point where I didn't know what to do next, and so I would set it aside and not come back to it.
Well, at our last writers meeting that we went to, the exercise was to either write a cast of characters for a book or story idea, like old mystery books would do, or to write a synopsis. The topic of the meeting had been about synopsis' and how they could be helpful to while you are writing, or you could write them after you have finished your book, or what have you.
I grabbed at the idea, because I have though before that I needed to outline to keep myself on track, but this seemed to be a more exciting way of doing it. So, yesterday, I sat down and finished a short synopsis for a book that I hope to write. I am really excited because this is the first book that I have ever had the entire plot for. The others, I just started without knowing where I was going.
Now, on to the actual writing bit! I started a little bit today, but it was going very slowly. Not to encouraging, but that's okay. I really want to succeed this time, and so I am really going to work on it.
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