Posted: November 8, 2009
Subject: Happy Happy Joy Joy, Here's The Boy!
Samuel and Me
Isn't he just so handsome?! I'm taken yet again! :) He is so very precious and I am just so happy to have another baby brother to love and hold! :D I know that picture isn't enough, so here is more:
I'm In Love
Isn't he the CUTEST?!
©AmandaDixon2009
Posted: November 7, 2009
Subject: Tickled Blue!
I am so excited and very proud to say I am now officially the oldest of 9 children! :) Samuel Ira was born today! We are 20 years and 12 days apart. He is just precious and sweet! A true gift from God! I'm tickled there is another newborn in the house! :D Altho... there are so many people to share him with. LOL! Trying to snatch him anytime I can! ;) Will get some more up about him and pictures soon! :D I am just soo happy he's here!
I am so blessed by God to have another sibling to love, to watch grow up and to TRY to be an example of how to live as our Messiah did!
Thank you God for the blessing of this precious babe! Such an awesome Shabbat this has been!
©AmandaDixon2009
Posted: Nov. 7, 2009
Subject: My 4th Blogoversary
Yes, three cheers for me for blogging for four whole years, right? I think so. I don't really remember what I thought of blogging when I first started, so I won't go into any of that. All I know is that now I love it.
So instead of all of the usual sap that people post about for their blogoversaries, I am just going to post link to some of my favorite posts that I have written over these past four years. Does that sound like fun? I hope so!
2006
- The Books Are Always Better
- Central Oregon 101 ~ A brief introduction to my hometown.
- None Other Than My Mother ~ A poem I wrote for Mother's Day
- Humans and Habits ~ Have a habit that you need to break? Read this!
- Avoiding Foolish and Ignorant Disputes ~ with a Lord of the Rings flavor.
- Another Poem ~ I wrote a lot more poetry several years ago than I do now!
- A Thoughtful Journey ~ Yes, another poem.
- Analogies and The Great Critical Thinker
- I've Got a Plan! ~ What do you plan on doing after you graduate?
- The Better Blogging Movement #1
- The Better Blogging Movement #2
- How Important is the Pencil ~ Do you take the pencil for granted? Read this and gain a new perspective on one of the most little thought of writing instruments.
- Protecting Little Knees ~ Older siblings, we have a responsibility towards our little sisters and brothers.
- My Graduation Speech
2009
- No Fishing Allowed!
- Lament of the Stars ~ Are there no, truly good actors out there?
- Hardships of Friendships ~ Another lament, of a more serious sort.
- Only Jesus...
- Don't Waste Your Time! ~ Do you waste time of things that only have worldly value?
- Sweetness is...
- Living on Charity ~ Did you know that we are all living on charity?
Finally, these last two are from the last two months.
- The Church in the Wildwood ~ How I long to hear those old hymns sung in a church setting!
- Whose Leaves Were Fair
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
Posted: Nov. 6, 2009
Subject: NaNoWriMo: Progress and Location
It is now day 6 of NaNoWriMo, I believe. For the most part is is gong very well, and I am rather pleased with my progress. I have written almost every day, and I am well above the average word count per day, which is a good thing. It means I'm ahead of schedule.
There was one day that I wrote hardly a thing. I wanted to write, but I wasn't sure what to write next. I keep harboring suspicions that my plot isn't big enough for 50,000 words. Yet here I am, still plugging away. Well, plugging isn't exactly the right word; I am enjoying myself.
Just in case you wanted to know, there is now a meter on my sidebar that will tell you my current word count. It updates when I do, so, if you are interested, be sure to keep checking back!
I am quite in love with my bedroom/studio. I would like to think of it as my studio, at any rate. It's where I do almost everything! I wanted to show it to you, so here it is!
This is my entire room. There is a desk in the lower right hand corner that you can't see. If you look beyond the two closets you can see Bluejane's room, as well as Bluejane herself, studiously playing games.
If we come a little closer to the lower left hand corner of the picture above, we can see a comfortable looking, little chair and it's ottoman. I actually switch between here, the bed, and the desk, when I am using my computer, but I decided that I would only showcase the chair.
Finally we get close enough to see my "paper". Yes, it's Google Docs, and I like it that way. Although there is undoubtedly a charm and comfort to writing on real paper, with real ink (or lead, as the case may be), this method saves time, and, in the event that my computer crashes, most of my documents will be saved online.
So, that's it! You had a peek into my charming attic bedroom and workspace. The poor thing is simply yearning for Christmas decorations, but have yet to make any. I have an idea for a garland...but that is not what this post is about.
So, that's it! You had a peek into my charming attic bedroom and workspace. The poor thing is simply yearning for Christmas decorations, but have yet to make any. I have an idea for a garland...but that is not what this post is about.
Posted: Nov. 4, 2009
Subject: Whose Leaves Were Fair...
.:Daniel 4:21:.
...whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation.
...whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation.
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
Posted: November 3, 2009
Subject: Wordless Wednesday: Two Decades
Posted: Nov. 2, 2009
Subject: Noble Rose Press Interview!
Today is a special day here at Defective Compositions, because this is my first interview. Not only that, but I had the pleasure to interview two of the nicest girls of my "acquaintance", Miss Breezy Tulip, and Miss Emily Rose.
These lovely ladies have recently started Noble Rose Press, and are currently selling some of the neatest and most beautiful paper dolls you will ever find.
What inspired you to begin making paper dolls in the first place?
We were working on paper dolls for the Girlhood Home Companion Magazine, when Mom came up with the idea that we could sell our own historical paper dolls of Christian women from history. We planned to sell them in an Etsy shop, but as things progressed plans changed. A friend suggested that we try to see if Vision Forum might be interested in them and then began the process of having to answer many questions, such as how the dolls would be packaged, printed and priced to name just a few. Through that process we were able to develop a larger entrepreneurial mindset for the project (and future projects).
Will you please share about the actual process of designing and creating the dolls?
Breezy started by looking up the lady's dates and researching the clothing the lady would have worn, and then decided what dresses would be in the collection. Using watercolor, Breezy painted each lady first, and then her wardrobe.
As soon as Breezy would finish a doll or dress, Emily Rose would get to work on cleaning up the artwork, which included adjusting the coloring, removing blemishes, and smoothing rough textures and edges. After the dolls and their dresses had been enhanced, Emily Rose laid them out in a program and then we both collaborated on the design of the book layout. From there they went to the printers.
Did any problems arise? If so, how were you able to work through them?
We had a few extra long days, which at times would make us weary, but those were the days that God was especially using to teach us that He is our strength and we need to lean on Him. There were a few complications with the printing, which was a little discouraging at times. Through those complications we learned more
about how the process of printing works, which we would not of learned if everything had gone smoothly the first time.
Why did you decide to do the dolls that you did? (Katherine von Bora and Idelette Calvin, Abigail Adams and Sarah Edwards, Pocahontas, and Priscilla Mullins.)
We wrote out a list of women we had read about in history, women we admired and that had particularly left an impression on us. The list grew as we looked through books, talked with friends and were reminded of more and discovered others. We started with Katharina von Bora and Idelette Calvin because they were the wives of two Reformers in the 1500's, their hospitality and strength encouraged and blessed their husbands. Abigail Adams and Sarah Edwards are two of our heroines from the 1700's, both of whom showed fortitude while their husbands were under a great deal of stress. In collection three is Pocahontas and Priscilla Mullins, hailing from Jamestown and Plymouth, respectively, who were just two of the women who God raised up in the very earliest day's of our country's beginning to bless their communities.
Are there plans for more collections in the future?
You'll just have to wait and find out! :)
I'm sure that I would have become tired of the project at times. Did you have any struggles, and if you did, what helped you through them?
It was truly by the grace of God that we were able to complete the paper dolls. Our days were long and sometimes wearisome, but we knew that our work would not be in vain. It was (and still is) our prayer that the Lord would use our paper dolls and the stories of these ladies to inspire young ladies. The thought of what the Lord might accomplish with them and the strength He granted us made us persevere.
Finally, do you have any encouraging thoughts for the readers, or helpful tips for aspiring artists or entrepreneurs?
Seek God. Follow God. Obey God. Developing the talent(s) that the Lord has given you is very important so that that gift does not fall to the wayside, but is instead nurtured. You never know to what extent the Lord may use your gift for the furtherance of His kingdom.
Our mother was a great help to us as she did most of the business-side of the research as we worked on the paper dolls. Two of the most helpful tools that we were blessed by as we began our new business was The Best of the 2006 Entrepreneurial Bootcamp produced by Vision Forum and the information and articles on the New Venture Lab website.
We also encourage you to seek out wise counsel from your parents. The wisdom of Proverbs 11:14 proved to be invaluable as we were so blessed to have
wise godly counsel.
I know that Breezy and Emily have inspired me numerous times, and have inspired me yet again with their dedication to their work, not to mention their talent and good taste!
You can find these girls blogging on their personal blogs, A Bowl of Moss and Pebbles, and Simply Vintagegirl. You can also go check out and buy their paper dolls at Noble Rose Press, and I highly recommend doing so!
As soon as Breezy would finish a doll or dress, Emily Rose would get to work on cleaning up the artwork, which included adjusting the coloring, removing blemishes, and smoothing rough textures and edges. After the dolls and their dresses had been enhanced, Emily Rose laid them out in a program and then we both collaborated on the design of the book layout. From there they went to the printers.
Did any problems arise? If so, how were you able to work through them?
We had a few extra long days, which at times would make us weary, but those were the days that God was especially using to teach us that He is our strength and we need to lean on Him. There were a few complications with the printing, which was a little discouraging at times. Through those complications we learned more
about how the process of printing works, which we would not of learned if everything had gone smoothly the first time.
Why did you decide to do the dolls that you did? (Katherine von Bora and Idelette Calvin, Abigail Adams and Sarah Edwards, Pocahontas, and Priscilla Mullins.)
We wrote out a list of women we had read about in history, women we admired and that had particularly left an impression on us. The list grew as we looked through books, talked with friends and were reminded of more and discovered others. We started with Katharina von Bora and Idelette Calvin because they were the wives of two Reformers in the 1500's, their hospitality and strength encouraged and blessed their husbands. Abigail Adams and Sarah Edwards are two of our heroines from the 1700's, both of whom showed fortitude while their husbands were under a great deal of stress. In collection three is Pocahontas and Priscilla Mullins, hailing from Jamestown and Plymouth, respectively, who were just two of the women who God raised up in the very earliest day's of our country's beginning to bless their communities.
Are there plans for more collections in the future?
You'll just have to wait and find out! :)
I'm sure that I would have become tired of the project at times. Did you have any struggles, and if you did, what helped you through them?
It was truly by the grace of God that we were able to complete the paper dolls. Our days were long and sometimes wearisome, but we knew that our work would not be in vain. It was (and still is) our prayer that the Lord would use our paper dolls and the stories of these ladies to inspire young ladies. The thought of what the Lord might accomplish with them and the strength He granted us made us persevere.
Finally, do you have any encouraging thoughts for the readers, or helpful tips for aspiring artists or entrepreneurs?
Seek God. Follow God. Obey God. Developing the talent(s) that the Lord has given you is very important so that that gift does not fall to the wayside, but is instead nurtured. You never know to what extent the Lord may use your gift for the furtherance of His kingdom.
Our mother was a great help to us as she did most of the business-side of the research as we worked on the paper dolls. Two of the most helpful tools that we were blessed by as we began our new business was The Best of the 2006 Entrepreneurial Bootcamp produced by Vision Forum and the information and articles on the New Venture Lab website.
We also encourage you to seek out wise counsel from your parents. The wisdom of Proverbs 11:14 proved to be invaluable as we were so blessed to have
wise godly counsel.
I know that Breezy and Emily have inspired me numerous times, and have inspired me yet again with their dedication to their work, not to mention their talent and good taste!
You can find these girls blogging on their personal blogs, A Bowl of Moss and Pebbles, and Simply Vintagegirl. You can also go check out and buy their paper dolls at Noble Rose Press, and I highly recommend doing so!
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
Posted: October 28, 2009
Subject: Wonders...
Is it polite to randomly break into loud strains of Waltzing Matilda complete with tear-wiping at the end...
at a birthday party?
What do you think?
Posted: Oct. 26, 2009
Subject: The Church in the Wildwood
It was a quiet, peaceful Sabbath morning. The birds sang sweetly in the trees, praising their maker, just as the people who were making their way to the church would be doing soon.
As the people entered the church yard, beautiful song wafted out through the open windows. It was a hymn, as the people of this church always sang. Hymns that even the smallest child could sing, albeit with a lisping accent. Hymns that had been sung by their ancestors for hundreds of years, and yet still held truth.
Many churches in the town had begun to integrate newer, more contemporary songs into their worship services. Gone were the sweet, beautiful tones of a church raising it's voice together. Now, churches had drums, and guitars, and all manner of noise makers, that served only to drown out the voice of it's brethren. Why bother singing if your voice cannot be heard?
The people heading to this church, however, had joy in their hearts. Even now, the organ was gently humming a song about that very thing; Joy to the World, the Lord has come. These people did not have their ears blasted by too-loud music. These people did not have a "worship" team, and yet their souls were soothed every Sunday.
Even the young people would remember all of their lives, with lovely fondness, the sweet songs that they had heard as children. Someday, those tuneful words would be more to them than just nostalgic memories.
There is a need for beautiful music to be played in church. My heart aches to hear a body of people raise their voices to sing Amazing Grace, Blessed Assurance, The Church's One Foundation, and other dear songs. I desperately want to hold a volume of hymns that has a well worn, but loved binding; to turn through it's pages simply taking in the titles.
Perhaps I am the one being nostalgic. Perhaps I don't really know what I'm talking about. However, there is one thing that I do know. I miss singing old hymns in church. I don't believe I have heard one, real, old hymn sung in church since last December.
I leave you with--a hymn. The Church in the Wildwood is the first song that came to mind when I thought about writing this post. Someday it would be nice to visit The Little Brown Church in the Vale, but for now, the song will do. You can listen to its loveliness HERE.
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
As the people entered the church yard, beautiful song wafted out through the open windows. It was a hymn, as the people of this church always sang. Hymns that even the smallest child could sing, albeit with a lisping accent. Hymns that had been sung by their ancestors for hundreds of years, and yet still held truth.
Many churches in the town had begun to integrate newer, more contemporary songs into their worship services. Gone were the sweet, beautiful tones of a church raising it's voice together. Now, churches had drums, and guitars, and all manner of noise makers, that served only to drown out the voice of it's brethren. Why bother singing if your voice cannot be heard?
The people heading to this church, however, had joy in their hearts. Even now, the organ was gently humming a song about that very thing; Joy to the World, the Lord has come. These people did not have their ears blasted by too-loud music. These people did not have a "worship" team, and yet their souls were soothed every Sunday.
Even the young people would remember all of their lives, with lovely fondness, the sweet songs that they had heard as children. Someday, those tuneful words would be more to them than just nostalgic memories.
There is a need for beautiful music to be played in church. My heart aches to hear a body of people raise their voices to sing Amazing Grace, Blessed Assurance, The Church's One Foundation, and other dear songs. I desperately want to hold a volume of hymns that has a well worn, but loved binding; to turn through it's pages simply taking in the titles.
Perhaps I am the one being nostalgic. Perhaps I don't really know what I'm talking about. However, there is one thing that I do know. I miss singing old hymns in church. I don't believe I have heard one, real, old hymn sung in church since last December.
I leave you with--a hymn. The Church in the Wildwood is the first song that came to mind when I thought about writing this post. Someday it would be nice to visit The Little Brown Church in the Vale, but for now, the song will do. You can listen to its loveliness HERE.
The Church in the Wildwood
by Dr. William S. Pitts
There's a church in the valley by the wildwood,
No lovelier spot in the dale;
No place is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale.
Chorus
Oh, come, come, come, come,
Come to the church in the wildwood,
Oh, come to the church in the vale;
No spot is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale.
Second Stanza
Oh, come to the church in the vale,
To the trees where the wild flowers bloom;
Where the parting hymn will be chanted,
We will weep by the side of the tomb.
Third Stanza
How sweet on a clear Sabbath morning,
To list to the clear ringing bell;
Its tones so sweetly are calling,
Oh come to the church in the vale.
Fourth Stanza
From the church in the valley by the wildwood,
When day fades away into night,
I would fain from this spot of my childhood
Wing my way to the mansions of light.
by Dr. William S. Pitts
There's a church in the valley by the wildwood,
No lovelier spot in the dale;
No place is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale.
Chorus
Oh, come, come, come, come,
Come to the church in the wildwood,
Oh, come to the church in the vale;
No spot is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale.
Second Stanza
Oh, come to the church in the vale,
To the trees where the wild flowers bloom;
Where the parting hymn will be chanted,
We will weep by the side of the tomb.
Third Stanza
How sweet on a clear Sabbath morning,
To list to the clear ringing bell;
Its tones so sweetly are calling,
Oh come to the church in the vale.
Fourth Stanza
From the church in the valley by the wildwood,
When day fades away into night,
I would fain from this spot of my childhood
Wing my way to the mansions of light.
Posted: October 24, 2009
Subject: Peace Like A River
"I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river in my soul."
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river in my soul."
Growing up that was a song I always loved to sing. Everyone wishes to have peace in their lives. Everyone is searching for:Philippians 4:7People want to have a peaceful life. There are different ways people try to get peace from: watching streams or waterfalls, watching the sun set, reading a book, listening to music, drinking their favorite beverage, watch the snow falling, or listening to the rain, taking a drive, etc. Each person tries to find a way to receive peace in their lives. We all know those will never really give us the peace we long for. They are not the way to have peace in your life. They will not last!
"Then God's shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua."
Scriptures tell us that peace is a fruit of having the Holy Spirit in our lives:
Galatians 5:22-23Letting the Holy Spirit in our lives gives us so much fruit and peace is another one of those wonderful fruit! We will have peace and life when we live in the Spirit and have a mind of the Spirit:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self control. Nothing in the Torah stands against such things."
Romans 8:6I don't want to have a flesh-ly mind. I don't want death. I want everlasting life and peace that passes all understanding. Before you can have true peace in your life, you have to know Christ.
"Having one's mind controlled by the old nature is death, but having one's mind controlled by the Spirit is life and shalom."
John 14:27Jesus is the only one who can give us true peace. His peace is something that only He can give. It is a peace that is like no other. The world's peace will not last. It is a temporary fix. If you do things to get peace, they are just temporary... You can only watch a stream or waterfall for a while. You can only read a book til its over. You can only listen to music til the song ends. You can only watch the sun til its down. You can only drink your favorite beverage til its gone. You can watch the snow falling til it stops and melts. You can only listen to the rain til the sun comes out. And you can only take a drive til the road ends! There is only one way to have peace and a peace that lasts and that is the peace that you can only find in our Savior... its eternal! It is everlasting, and it is perfect!
"What I am leaving with you is shalom -- I am giving you my shalom. I don't give the way the world gives. Don't let yourselves be upset or frightened."
Isaiah 26:3When we trust in the Lord and do what He wants from us, then we shall have peace! I have found that it doesn't matter what we are going through in our lives... no matter what it is... we can find peace. Even in the midst of the hardest time of your life and you cannot see the end of the anxiety you have, its already there in our Savior. He has it!
"A person whose desire rests on you you preserve in perfect peace, because he trusts in you."
The only satisfying peace that we long for comes from God. He wants to give us peace.
Psalm 29:11Not only will the He bless us with peace, but when we have peace its much easier to make peace and that is another blessing:
"May ADONAI give strength to his people! May ADONAI bless his people with shalom!"
Matthew 5:9We all know how much we need peace, when you have it, don't you want to make sure everyone can have peace too? When Jesus gives us His peace, our lives will be so enriched! When you have peace in your life it is very easy to share peace with us and live in peace.
"How blessed are those who make peace! for they will be called sons of God."
Hebrews 12:14See? When we live in peace the world shall see that it is from God. What a wonderful testimony to the salvation of Christ! When people see us living in peace and have peace in our lives, people will want it and wonder what makes us so peaceful. We can share Christ with them and tell Him that we have His peace. And sharing the salvation, love, and peace that comes through Christ is our mission as a child of God.
"Keep pursuing shalom with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."
Everyone wants peace to flow like a river that never stops moving! I think the true meaning behind the song is to have the peace that will never end. Rivers don't usually end... they are always flowing with water. I want my life to be flowing with peace all the time!
Shalom to you!
©AmandaDixon2009
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