In Christ Alone!

Twenty-One and Still Young!

Howdy Y'all,

IT'S MY 21st BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!!!

I'm so excited!!!!

2007 is HERE!!!!

so.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Sorry I haven't been on here in a while folks.... lots going on. I hope you all have had a very blessed Christmas season and have remembered the reason for it all! We have so much to be thankful for! Have a blessed and wonderfully joy filled new year of 2007! And have a great week celebrating it!

~ Stephanie

Thanksgiving......

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!!!!

I wish I could say something grand and profound on this glorious day of Thanksgiving, but I think I'll let one of my more wise friends do that this time.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. I love Christmas and New Years Day and Independence day, but the day of Thanksgiving, I believe, is my favorite. Why? I don't know, but everything that goes into and comes out of it is wonderful. We get our entire house cleaned, and being a cleany it's a wonderful feeling. We get to cook a LOT of delicious food. We get to share all the tasty food with our relatives, whom I love. We have a marvelous time eating, talking, having fun, playing games, eating pie, and just having fun. I just love the whole "Giving Thanks" atmosphere as well. And all throughout the week I am constantly sending up extra special little "Thank you, God" prayers. It's beautiful.

In addition to the wonderful holiday itself, we have also had a tradition for the last eight years that thrills me. The annual "Thanksgiving Sleep-over!" I guess I was twelve when we started it, and we've been doing it ever since. Two family friends' older kids come over and ....... after all the eating, games, movies, talking, having a good time ........ sleep! The guys sleep OUTSIDE, in the barn, (the first year there was no barn, just stars), while the girls sleep inside where it's warm! haha We have a blast. Only.... this year.... two of my good friends can't make it, so it'll be Josh's two friends, and one of mine. I'm still thrilled though!!!!! It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the following Friday-Saturday Sleep-Over, but I'm sure some people might think it's a bit odd to continue now that we're ranging in ages from 18 to 23.

So, slightly more serious, what are some extra special things that I am thankful for this year?

• my family
• the opportunity to work for the lady with Alzheimer's and watching how God worked throughout the whole thing, and His timing, incredible
• being single yet satisfied
• friendship, lots and lots of good Christian friendship (you guys don't know how much of a blessing you are to me, really)
• my hair
• my health
• the way God has provided me with income throughout the year
• my relatives, especially my Grandma (Mom's Mom)
• the way God has worked in my brother Caleb's life with both jobs and relationships
• my Mom
• we now have no horses, no cows, no turkeys, no chickens, no dogs, and only one cat
• the way news about our family singing has spread and how busy we've become sharing our talents with others and sharing Christ's love wherever we perform (we now have a booking that is over a year away)
• we sold our first CD already, but since it's not actually made yet, we have good reason to get one made first thing in year 2007 (I'm pumped!)
• we have at least two stores willing to sell our CD's once they're out

Oh, I could really go on forever couldn't I? I just start thinking positively and ......... it's never-ending. haha

I would love to hear a few things that you guys are especially thankful for this year!

Have a great weekend!
Stephanie

What a day!

What a day! I wish I had the time to go into detail, but I don't at this time. The highlights of my day were:

1) My sister REBEKAH turned 16 today, Happy Birthday, Bub!!!!! Yeah!

2) The Lord was with us as we ministered unto a pastorless church in Oelwein today. Walking in without a service order and without a clue about the congregation, the Spirit of God was present and touched nearly every heart. WOW!

3) A sad, yet very touching moment of my day.... I said goodbye to a very dear friend, mentor, leader, ensample of Christ; the best youth pastor I have ever had the honor and privilege of meeting and getting to work with. He wasn't a part of our church, but he was and is a part of God's church. He will be missed dearly by many, but he leaves following God's calling to become the shepherd of his own flock. Praise God!

And lastly, (I don't think this should be considered a point) I can't describe the amazing feelings and emotions and thoughts and words that are overflowing within me at this very moment.

Goodnight and God bless!

For Him,
Stephanie

Pictures coming soon! / Slow Dance!

     Alas, I did not win the summer picture contest. Oh well. I must admit the two who did win had great photos, very beautiful and special. And maybe next time I'll keep in mind that sisters and children are more lovable than dragonflies.  hehehe

     I am doing well. It has be a great week. This week we have been tackling the garage. We totally cleaned it out, swept the floor, washed the floor, washed the walls, dusted all the cob-webs, then painted the walls and garage door solid white. Boy did it look clean and sharp and new. WOW!

     Yesterday, we did some artistic work. I am excited to take pictures of our work and share them with you. We are converting our garage into our work-out room. Having a family of 12 it is still necessary to work-out and keep your body healthy, but the house just doesn't have room for all the equipment to be used properly and on a regular basis. And having a membership at some fitness club has proved expensive and impossible.  

     So, in an effort to create our own fitness/exersize room atmosphere we needed something. My Mom has a love for interior decorating, and her true joy is with painting. She has done some truly amazing paint jobs in many many rooms. But this room is different still. I'm not going to say anything else, until I post pictures. It is just something you have to see to understand.

     And now, I want to share a poem with you all that I always find so neat. I get this aproximately once every three months in a forwarded email from someone. And everytime I read it I am inspired. So without further ado, here it is.

     I hope you all have a great week. I know I am, and will.

     God Bless! ~ Stephanie

Just Some Last Minute 19 YR OLD Random Thoughts

Hello Darling Friends,

If I may call you all darling. haha My birthday is tomorrow and I'm attempting to be in my bestest mood. *sigh* Yes, it was another long day/week AGAIN, but such is MY life. hehe

On a flat note (to get it out of the way) I haven't been feeling well. It's not like I'm sick, I'm just more "sick and tired." If you know what I mean. Sick and tired of a lot of things. I don't know if I could point them all out however. Lack of finances, procrastination and too many interruptions resulting in being late on my third writing assignment, coming in contact with people that take advantage of you, insecure & immature teenagers, lack of guitar practice..... those are just a few that come to mind. But I'd rather not dwell on such depressing stuff right now. I have an hour til my Birthday DAY starts. And as many of you probably know, my favorite days of the year are my, and other people's birthdays. hehe Ok... moving on.

Speaking of birthdays there have been a TON this month! On the 25th, Saturday, one of my best friends turned 18. She is so great! Anyway, her awesome brother who is.... 22 now I think.... for a birthday present to his sister, took her flying (along with their other sister, 20)! How cool is that? Having your brother take you flying day of your 18th birthday? Anyway, he let her hold the wheel and all for a while, she said it was a bit scary but a lot of fun. Then he played around with them (his sisters) ...... flying it up at a rapid speed then doing something that shut off the engines (or something, can't remember exactly) that caused the plane to give the roller-coaster effect.... and immediately the plane began going almost straight down. Her brother said she freaked out and was like slapping him and screaming, he said it was great! haha

Another best friend of mine (Kezi) had her birthday on Sunday, the 26th. She turned 20 also!!! Whoo Hoo! Monday, we (Me, Kez, & another Stephanie.... who is another best friend of mine) ate out at a beautiful Tea Room to celebrate mine and Kezi's birthdays. (They paid for my meal..... THANKS!!!) It was so awesome. I took pictures and I'll try to post some later, but I'm to tired to worry about that now. It was great fun! We went to the all-so-famous Walmart afterwards and did what girls do best. (If you don't know already, it's for your own good. HAHA)

Then yesterday was another guy's 22nd birthday. I forgot to call him, but it's ok. I haven't actually seen him in...... too long. (All the more reason to wish him a happy B-day I suppose, but.... oh well.) There have been more..... my sister was the 5th, uncle was on the 4th, another best friend on the 10th, another awesome lady on the 9th, another wacky lady on the 24th, and another guy's 20th birthday on the 31st! Whoo.... it's time for some CAKE! haha

All who vote the year 1986 is the BEST!!!! Say Aye!
"AYE!" said me.

I like know so many awesome friends born that year. It is so sweet! And cool! And fun! And awesome! And ...... it just makes me smile! haha I'm so obsessed with the love of birthdays. I can't wait to have a family of my own, then I'll have a husband's birthday and lots of beautiful children to add to my Birthday collection! HAHA I'm waking up... oh dear.

Speaking of children, I wish I could have some while I'm still young. But, that requires (according to my standards and beliefs) a husband first. And before he's my husband he'll be my fiance'. And before he's my fiance' he'll be my very Best Friend! And before he's that ...... well I have absolutely NO idea! haha I die to know every day who it is. Crazy? I'm sorry. I just want to marry early, have a bunch of kids at a young age, and then raise them and finish growing up with them. My Mom and I are so close I KNOW we share a brain. Neither of us function well without the other in some way or another. LOL And I want my daughters (and sons, gotta love the boys too) to be very close to me. And to love and respect and honor me like I do my Mother Dear.

But dwelling on THAT everyday isn't exactly what God has in mind for me, I know. So patience gets well used day after day after "lonely" day. I can't really say lonely. Like I mentioned above, I have more interruptions by darling siblings than I can count! It's bitter-sweet. hehe

So alas, I never thought it would be, but I'm about to be a 20 year old single young lady. haha Without even a single prospect. I'm too picky. That's what I keep telling myself. Then I think .... No! .... There IS someone out there that is waiting for me, and someday we'll meet and ....... ahhh! haha (If you're laughing, be quiet. A girl has a right to dream a little. ) Anyways, I'm blessed with many friends and family that have kept me from being the pitiful lonely single young adult many become. And Praise God for filling the emptiness in my heart, daily. Without Him in my life, I know I would go crazy! "Thank you, Jesus!"

Hmm, I'm guessing this is getting pretty long. And I'll be surprised if anyone reads all of it and actually gives me a worth while comment afterwards, but these are my last words and thoughts being 19. I'll probably end up submitting this after midnight, and I started a while ago, but I'm just having fun writing this in a slow, thoughtful, dreamy state.

I wonder if I'll get any birthday emails, or cards, or phone calls, or even if someone will message me tonight/tomorrow? How much do my friends love me? j/k Just because I'm obsessed with birthdays doesn't mean YOU have to be. But returned favors always mean more to the person who gave it in the first place. (in my opinion)

I love music. I am so obsessed with music. I watch people sing well and I just get excited. I watch people perform instruments (mainly... guitar, keyboard, bass, drums, & violins) well, and I get even MORE excited. I used to cry when we sang as a family for people, or as a church special or something. But now? Wow have I escaped my once oh-so-shy box. I LOVE singing! In front of people, I don't care. Last Sunday I was in charge of the whole music side of the service because Pastor was ill. It was so sweet! Anyway, amongst other heart touching songs that our ensemble did and that we led ect. me and my sister Anna (16) did a duet special just before the service. We sang the song "Breathe" and I played my acoustic guitar. It was SOOOO Lovely! We'd barely practiced so it was pretty natural, but being sisters we did awesome. I was so excited. Standing there, singing for the glory of God, with my sister, playing my guitar, seeing the smiling faces of my mom and other dear friends and church family members...... Ahhhhh!!!! I must marry a man in love with music as well. That is a must that I have yet to find in so many guys I meet. *sigh*

I suppose I should stop writing now. I will be utterly shocked, surprised, and thrilled if anyone has made it to reading it this far. haha

Hmm.... I'm not sure what my very last words should be. No pressure though, 20 hopefully won't hit me TOO hard. All my "already 20" friends say it's pretty much no different. But, for me it's going to be different. 20 is half of 40 ya know. (Thanks to one of my youngest siblings pointing that out for me.) My brother wrote "Steph's 20... OLD MAID" on his calendar. How nice and considerate he is, isn't he? LOL *I'll just keep laughing*

Ok. By the grace of God I will live til I'm 100, and this is only a fifth of my lifetime. And by the patience and love of Christ I will grow into the best Christian .... follower of Christ .... that I can be in the rest of my lifetime. And by the love, support, prayer, encouragement, and kindness of all my friends....... I will become an even better single young lady throughout this next year of my life. Hopefully I will leave all sources of procrastination behind me and focus hard on what is solely important in my life. God! Family! Friends! Music! Income! Writer/Author/Published! and many more.

Thank you all, I love you all, God Bless you all, and have a great week! (I may not post for the rest of this one.) Adios! Ciao! See-ya!

BEWARE: Suspicious Subject Spotted Again!

Thank God we have such a large family, someone is always at home, and Praise the Lord he has and continues to protect us, all of us, everyday!

Almost home, only half a mile away, distracted with the text message I had just sent her, Mom saw him. All of the sudden, unexpectedly, when she looked back at the road she saw the suspicious man, in dark clothing, walking in the direction she was coming from. She thought he was carrying a large object, but was uncertain due to his sudden appearance. A little freaked out, she tells us about him when she got home. Immediately, we all start talking. (This is at 9:30 PM.) We soon realize that each of us, at different times, has seen this suspicious man, in dark clothes, hooded jacked, in the blackness of night, alone. Once walking south, away from our home; once walking north, directly in front of our property; another time through our front yard and in our apple trees.

We decide to call 911 (since we couldn't find the correct dispatch number to call.) They said they would send out a few people to look for our suspicious looking man, walking alone, in the dark, on the side of the road. We also called a few of our other friends/neighbors who are or have connections, (scanners, inside info thanks to volunteer work w/ the FD, ect.) We found out that someone living nearby has had thousands of dollars worth of stuff stolen from them in the last month or two also. I KNOW that this guy is the culprit!

The night Josh and I saw him, a few weeks ago, Mom and Dad were gone. Caleb, Anna, and Rebekah were at play practice. And we were on our way home from a joy ride of sorts with the rest of our younger siblings. We were shocked when we saw him as we went over the last hill, not 10 seconds from our home, boom there he was! We saw the back of him, walking on the right side of the road, hood covering his head and face. He didn't pause for a moment, didn't even glance as we drove by. We pulled into our driveway, hurried the kids inside, and locked the doors. We watched as he walked past the house on the road. Josh felt so uneasy about the suspicious character he made sure ALL the doors were locked (himself), the lights were on, and Dad's 9MM (I think that's what it was) was hidden, but "ready." I didn't even know about the gun part til tonight, but you know this man is bad when my big brother gets freaked out. Praise God he kept his cool on the outside... who knows what I'd have done if I saw him get worked up.

Eventually several cop cars drove past our house, looking for the creep. But I fear they were to late and he had made his escape yet again. Someday "we" will catch him, but until then... Keep your eyes and ears open, doors locked, guns "ready," and your prayers for protection updated!

This is Night-Watch 713 -- Over and Out!

Spring is Here!!!

What do you choose? / The foreign phone call!

Alas Dear Friends,

I dare say it is time for another post. How art thou all? I am doing wonderfully. I have many things I could complain about, such as: my cold, the right side of my jaw, my left ear, and.......
But you know what? I choose today not to focus on my illness, or my conflicts, or my uncomfortable situations. BECAUSE! I have so much to be thankful for. I have been so blessed! TODAY, I choose to be cheerful, and in good spirits, and have a great attitude about life, because Christ has given me way more than I deserve.

          He has given me:

• the opportunity to spend eternity with the Lord and Creator of Life itself.

• a Proverbs 31 woman for a mother, whom any daughter would be proud to call her friend.

• a Dad with a heart and true passion for living out the Will of God in his life and helping his children to do the same.

• 9 brothers and sisters with multiple characteristics that keep me humble and keep me going.

• a warm home, cold as it gets sometimes, it is warm.

• a soft bed, a place to rest my head.

• friends that encourage me when I'm frustrated or depressed, and that I encourage when they are having a rough time.

• a church that I can minister to by utilizing and developing my talents week after week.

The list could go on and on. But these are just a couple of the things that I am truly truly thankful for. I am so blessed, and I don't want to ever forget it or take any of it for granted.

Do you ever get odd phone calls? Of course you do. Well, we got one the other day. Yesterday maybe, I can't remember. It came up on the caller ID as "Unknown Caller" and the phone number was 172-300-1100. How weird is that? Mom answered, and since I was sitting close to the phone I could hear the man on the other end. She answered, "Hello?" The foreign non-American voice repeated, "Hello?" She said again, "Hello?" Then he proceeded to say "Hello" again and again and again. A little differently each time, as if he was asking 'hello' then sad to say 'hello' then excited to say 'hello' then confused about 'hello' and so on. Mom asked, "Hello?" once more then hung up with, "That was weird!" I agreed. She then went on the Internet and after a lot of looking around, we realized that that number was from Gonabad Kavous, IRAN!!!!! AHHH!!!!! We got a call from some guy in Iran?!!!?!!! Terrorist maybe? Did he randomly dial our number? How and why in the world would someone from Iran call us like that? Rather mind boggling.

Anyway, I hope you all are having a great day.

Keep the Sabbath day Holy and God bless!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

Hey Everyone!

How have you guys been? It's been forever since I actually wrote something new, huh? I promised some friends that I'd post various different things, and I have yet to get around to it. (Sorry Myklin) I will get around to it sometime.

Last night was so awesome! But to give you a tad bit of exciting context here I go. LOL Our family loves to sing right? Well, last Christmas we were asked to sing for like three different Christmas events. That was so awesome. We worked up a little grouping of songs and then did them at each "concert." Then we sang about four other times last year for people. This year however... starting before Christmas, we have been singing quite regularly! I'm so thrilled! We did several Christmas events, some stuff in between, and starting last night we have several Valentine's Day concerts to do. Wow! It was so much fun. We did a great variety of songs. Some were just our trio, some a quartet w/ keyboard, some guitars/drums/contemporary, some slow country with acoustic guitar/violins ect..... it was just so cool! I was having doubts about our performance two hours before we sang. So I got down on my knees, prayed for a while, then I visualized us doing a perfect job! It worked! I love my God so much!!!!

At the place settings for the dinner preceding the concert, everyone got a little 'sweetheart' candy on their little jello dessert. REALLY CUTE!!! And guess what mine said? It was so appropriate.... it said, "EMAIL ME!" How cute huh? So I took that advise and emailed someone.  hehe No more about that though. LOL

Let me think.... Well, I've decided to search the scriptures as fine silver, or for hidden treasures. I've never actually done that before, so I'm excited. I've started a notebook to jot down my findings as well. I am going to get wisdom and understanding. I am also going to obtain the faith that Jesus taught his disciples about. I can't wait! I used to have great faith as a child. And I do truly believe that is why Jesus said, "I would that you were like these little children..." Kids have faith! I used to, and I am going to get it once again. We had an awesome week last week at a convention. Sunday was the best of all of them though. One man, whom we've known for a bit, told us how he asked God to show him all of the miracles Jesus performed in the Bible. So far he has seen or done several of them. Wow! Goose bumps! Chills! But it shouldn't be uncommon for us who are Christ's children should it??? Nope! I am truly learning and growing! YEEEEE HAWWW!!! lol

Ok, Well, I really need to go. May God's will be done, God Bless, and Good-day!!!

~His Truly~

Stephanie

Waiting on the Lord / Called by God

Hello Friends,

I am so glad that God is patient and kind and loving and forgiving everlastingly. I have been testing it today, and for the past week at least. My computer, that I love (maybe a bit to much), that I spent my graduation money on.... GOT A VIRUS!!!!   It was the new one that went around right after Christmas and through New Years Day. I fretted and worried and stressed horribly over it. And for some stupid reason I let those emotions take control of me instead of trusting in the Lord and remembering to read my instruction manual or calling tech support.

Saturday, I finally DID something about it. I took it to a computer geek friend of mine and he reformated it, and reinstalled windows for me, (thinking I had the driver CD's available.) At first I thought he knew what he was doing completely (which he did) and that everything would be fine after that. (Would have had I had the CD's.) I got it home and turned it on to find basically nothing but the recyling bin icon. Talk about depressing! I had saved all my important documents, music, and pictures, but I hadn't backed up any of the actual important hard drive information. (I now know better.)

It was after that disheartening discovery that I FINALLY decided to get out my Product Information Guide.... to find a piece of cardboard shaped like a cd that said that I didn't receive (or need) an operating system CD or drivers CD's. Because.... all I had to do was go here, click on this, that, and the other thing, and boda-bing I could've restored it to it's settings previous to my virus and everything would have been fine. I think I slumped into depression really fast. I feel so bad for my family having to put up with my attitude today.

Anyway, after almost crying a gazillion times, I decided to look up some alternative information on the net (using Mom's comptuer.) I maybe could have found what I was looking for had I visited long enough, but I just decided to chat with the Dell Technical Support people and see if they could solve my mistakes quicker than I could on my own. After about ten min. of waiting someone became available. And considering there were 40+ people ahead of me, I didn't think that was too bad. After a simple conversation and a willing techy, I will receive my Driver and Application CD's in the next 24 hours. Wow! I was so relieved. How simple it turned out to be too. Why couldn't I just Wait upon the Lord??? and have reduced my depression/stress level drastically.

So, tomorrow I will be reinstalling the neccessary drivers and what not, and then my computer will be back to "normal" minus some stuff that I will have to add later. What a breath of relief, and a HUGE learning experience.

Lesson Learned: BACK UP YOUR DATA PEOPLE..... oh, and READ YOUR MANUALS!!!! . . . But most of all . . . WAIT UPON THE LORD!!!!

Here is something that I got in an email today. Read it!  It's awesome!

(Sorry, I couldn't change the font color, if you highlight it with your mouse it may be easier to read.)

Called By God

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ’Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ’Here am I! Send me’
—Isaiah 6:8

God did not direct His call to Isaiah— Isaiah overheard God saying, ". . . who will go for Us?" The call of God is not just for a select few but for everyone. Whether I hear God’s call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude. "Many are called, but few are chosen" ( Matthew 22:14 ). That is, few prove that they are the chosen ones. The chosen ones are those who have come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and have had their spiritual condition changed and their ears opened. Then they hear "the voice of the Lord" continually asking, ". . . who will go for Us?" However, God doesn’t single out someone and say, "Now, you go." He did not force His will on Isaiah. Isaiah was in the presence of God, and he overheard the call. His response, performed in complete freedom, could only be to say, "Here am I! Send me."

Remove the thought from your mind of expecting God to come to force you or to plead with you. When our Lord called His disciples, He did it without irresistible pressure from the outside. The quiet, yet passionate, insistence of His "Follow Me" was spoken to men whose every sense was receptive (Matthew 4:19). If we will allow the Holy Spirit to bring us face to face with God, we too will hear what Isaiah heard-"the voice of the Lord." In perfect freedom we too will say, "Here am I! Send me."

Ok... Ya'll have a great day now. God Bless Always~ And Wait upon the Lord .... he WILL renew your strength. (I've proved it.)

Hello! I'm new! =)

Hello! I'm new.  I don't really have anything to say, but my goodness are those emotions (smileys) cute! Quite the variety. This will be fun.  And since you probably don't know me, one of my most favorite things to do is jam out with my family!  I take care of the  guitar part. My brother Caleb does the drums and Mom does the  keyboard. Occasionally Josh graces our presence with his electric bass guitar, and my sisters Anna and Abigail on their  violins. Oh yes, we have LOTS of fun!

A bit of info on my family (of which I still live at home with) is: I have wonderful parents of whom I love, cherish, and adore. I have four brothers (only one is older than I), and five sisters! I am the second born, and I'm 19 years young. (Why be old when you're not?)

Yesterday I had a friend over and we (my five sisters, Lucy, and I) all baked and decorated over 18 dozen Christmas cookies. That was fun! It's such a wonderful memory that I will forever cherish as well.

And to save you from future nonsence ramblings, I will end this entry. :) Many blessings to all of you.
(And to my Dear friend Myklin Vinson [oh, it's so hard to get used to that last name] I love you girl, you are a huge blessing in my life!)

~God Bless~