Feb. 4, 2010 - Book Review ~ The Big Picture Story Bible
The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm
My rating: 2 of 5 stars I've never been big on story bibles. I don't know why, but they've always slightly annoyed me. So, as it turns out I was slightly annoyed when I found out this is the book I would be reviewing this month for Crossway. This picture Bible I felt was just like a lot of the others I've seen. Cute pictures that depict the stories of the Bible. I enjoyed looking at the pictures, and it was fun to go back over the stories. All in all however I would say it is just like any other picture Bible. I wouldn't recommend over another, or tell anyone not to get it. It's just another picture Bible. View all my reviews >>
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Feb. 3, 2010 - Baking Day
A good section not to visit in the library is the cook books section. You'll leave with a stack of books full of how to make wonderful things and you'll get the urge to have a baking day. You will make all those wonderful things, but become sick on sugar, and have aching feet.
Cinnamon Roll anyone?
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Jan. 22, 2010 - Ladybug Invasion
It's the strangest thing, wherever we've lived Eyebright and I have shared our room with some kind of creature. In one house it was cockroaches, in several others it was spiders, but we have never had to deal with a ladybug invasion. 
Before the cold weather started we could glance up at the lights of the sealing and count the clusters of ladybugs that crowded around it.
Now that Winter has started there isn't as many (at least, not as many where we can see them) but it's stil normal to find a ladybug crawling over your book, or laptop keyboard.
One morning I woke up to discover one crawling up my blankets towards me. Rather a strange face to see first thing in the morning.
Although we think it a little strange, it hasn't really bothered us. As I remind myself every time I brush one off my arm, or leg, it's better than spiders!
~~~
Also please remember those in Haiti who are in need of our prayers. Join The Ignition in a prayer vigil for those in need of the Lord's comforting love.
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Jan. 19, 2010 - Multitude Monday ~ 71 - 80
Today I am Thankful For...
71. The gift of writing
72. Funny choir instructors
73. His Word
74. The legend of Robin Hood
75. Enchanting music
76. Fairy Tales to twist
77. Romantic Classics
78. Lady bugs in the place of spiders
79. Big, thick, warm coats
80. New skirts
What Are You Thankful For?
And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. ~ Ezra 3:11
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Jan. 17, 2010 - Praying for Haiti
I'm sure by now the earthquake in Haiti is old news to anyone reading this. I know I've heard a lot about it.
Maybe you've thought the same thing I did when I first heard of the situation. Well that's really to bad, but I can't do much. I'm still in school.
It was after that when I was chatting with my friend Sam, and she reminded me of something I can do.
Let my prayer come before Thee: incline Thine ear unto my cry. ~ Psalm 88:2
I thank the Lord for friends who remind me that I can help, and I encourage you to do the same. Join The Ignition blog in its prayer vigil for Haiti. Join us as we raise our voices to our King to help those in need.
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Jan. 9, 2010 - Finished! What Do You Mean I Still Have to Write Book Two?
It happened last night. I was feeling rather bored and looking for something to do. Something exciting. On a whim I asked my friend for a challenge.
"If I finish Rejected Joy by noon tomorrow, you dedicate the next book you finish to me. Deal?"
"Deal."
Game on. I looked through some pictures before opening the document. Just to calm myself down. Then I opened my "manuscript" and started to write.
I stopped once in four hours. My water bottle was empty and I needed a bathroom break. Then ran back upstairs to continue writing.
As I merrily typed away, sticking with my outline getting closer and closer to the end something happened that I did not expect. Telor.
"Wait... where did you come from?"
"I'm that boy Kira picked up that you wrote as a wimp.... by the way, your going to have re-write that part."
"What are you doing here? You were just supposed to be a passing character. There and gone."
"Well someone needed to save this story."
So just like that, he took over. A few choice words and he had Kira on his side and before I knew it...
"What are you doing in Aanoor? Your supposed to be saving Wynn!"
"We are saving Wynn. We're just getting a little extra help."
"Extra help! What extra help!"
"King Jaykith's help."
"Wait a minute! Slow down!"
It was hopeless though, they weren't listening to me anymore. I was just a tool. A way for them to get from point A to point B.
As 3 o'clock drew near Telor started whispering again. Planting ideas in my tiny little writer's brain, convincing me the novel would be so much better if King Jaykith...
"isn't there? Gone missing? If King Jaykith goes missing there is no way I'll be able to get him back in this book. There would have to be a sequel!"
"That is something to consider."
"Wait, just wait! This is my story. Stop telling me what to do."
"Okay, but don't say I didn't try."
So now I have a book two.
I finished the first draft of Rejected Joy at 3:30am, January 9th 2010. It's a jumbled mess of 62,121 words. Now all I've got to do is figure out why King Jaykith is missing, how to get him back, and keep Wynn alive long enough to get rescued.
"Got any ideas Telor?"
"No, it's your job to think of stuff like that. After all, you are the author."
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Jan. 7, 2010 - My Guitar
The light from my lamp shines off me the pick guard. and the two top strings. Creating glare that add the glitz to such a simply instrument.
The strings stretch across it. Beckoning my finger tips. Begging me to run the point of my pick across them. Silently asking to be transformed into a beautiful singer.
The wood grain gives it a character of its own. The darkened sides stand out next to the white border line between the colors. It's waiting. Wishing for me to pick it up and convert it.
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Dec. 30, 2009 - Good, or Bad? You Make the Choice
It's amazing to me that 2010 is almost here. I think about how I was spending my last Christmas and it seems like just a few months ago at the most.
My 2009 has been filled with big changes that I didn't see coming. They were just around that bend in the road and there wasn't even a sign telling me to slow down. I whipped around that corner and found myself slamming on the breaks.
God as certainly taught me a lot in the past year though. He taught me to trust Him in winter 2008 when my Daddy was laid off from his job. He taught me to be patient while my Daddy searched for a job for so long. He taught me to "Prepare for Rain" as my parents made the choice to put our house on the market. When Daddy was finally hired He taught me to praise Him. As we packed up and began our trip across America he taught me that He has a plan. As we lived in our motor home for several months He taught me about selfishness. When we were offered a house and furniture he taught me about love.
If you had told me in June that I would be on my way to Kentucky within a month I would have laughed in your face.
I think the lesson I've learned the most this year is that so much can happen in so little time.
Now God is teaching me to be happy with what He has given me, and I have not been a straight A student, but then again... I haven't been for any of the lessons He has given.
I have high hopes for 2010. So much can be done in just one year. So much good, or so much bad, it's your choice.
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Dec. 23, 2009 - A Savior is Born
A young woman gently rests her newborn child on the hay in the manger. Her first born, she already knows God has great plans for Him. She already knows her son, no, God's Son, would be teaching her, not the other way around. The Messiah, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, was here. Their Savior had come.
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, for there was no room for them in the inn. ~ Luke 2:7
A shepherd sits silhouetted against the night's mysterious light. His gaze remains transfixed on a star shining vividly above the town of Jerusalem. He has never seen it so bright. He turns to the other shepherds and points. He does not need to use words. Their eyes follow his finger and they marvel at the star, shining so brilliantly. An Angel of the Lord stands before them, and the glory of the Lord shines around them. They tremble in fear, and fall to the ground in awe. The Angel speaks, telling them of great tidings.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ~ Luke 2:11
Another man sees the same star the shepherd has been watching. He also calls others to look, showing them the star of the King of Jews. Their clothes are not like those of the shepherds, coarse and rough, but are fine and rich. The wise men prepare for a journey, bringing gifts and hearts ready to worship an infant King.
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." ~ Matthew 2:2
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Dec. 21, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 61 - 70
Today I'm Thankful For...
61, Christmas movies
62. Christmas anticipation
63. The Christmas story
64. Christmas wrapping paper
65. Christ in Christmas
66. Christmas decorations
67. Christmas cards
68. Christmas clothes
69. Christmas candy
70. Christmas joy
What Are You Thankful For?
And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to Thy holy name, and glory in Thy praise. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:35
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Dec. 18, 2009 - Update on Life
Christmas is a week away. I feel like it was just a few months ago that we last celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus, but then I think of everything that has happened since then and it makes it feel like a few years ago.
Last year at this time I would never have imagined that I would be living where I am now. I would never have imagined that I would meet one of my best friends, or that I would be driving across the United States. This isn't a New Year's post though so I won't go over everything that has happened.
Things haven't been so busy around here since my last choir performance last Sunday. When I got there I found out it was being filmed for television so the pressure was on, but it went really well. I miss choir and can't wait for it to start again in January, but I'm also happy for the break.
What have I been doing with the time that break has given me? Writing! Several weeks ago at a Christmas party I saw a painting and it inspired me. So suddenly, without warning, I started writing a novel with the working title Dancing in the Rain. The title will probably change because it sounds way to much like Singing in the Rain, but I'm loving the plot so far.
I'm also still working on Rejected Joy, plugging away at it. Thinking back over everything I've realized how many holes, and problems I'll have to fix in further drafts, and groaning at all the work that will entail. I'm determined to finish it though.
Other then that it's pretty much just been little things. Decoration the house for Christmas, watching movies as a family, chatting with Mum and Eyebright, and always trying to remember why this time of year is so important.
Merry Christmas!
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Dec. 15, 2009 - Book Review ~ Big Truths for Young Hearts
This is my first review for Crossway, and I was glad to discover it would be a relatively easy one.
Big Truths for Young Hearts; Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God.
Right from the beginning this book grabbed my attention. To be honest I thought it would be a boring book that would take up way to much of my oh so important time. After I started reading it though, it was like a breath of fresh air.
Bruce A. Ware does a great job of telling the facts in an easy way that kids will understand. Broken down into 10 sections which are then broken down into smaller chapters he covers things from proving there is only one God, to explaining the importance of the church.
When questions arise they are answered from verses from the Bible, and then explained further so that there is no chance of missing the meaning.
This book would be a great read aloud, but it's also nice for teens, or people with young hearts of faith to read on their own.
For myself it was great to cover some of the aspects of my faith I had not thought about for awhile. Going over why I believe the things I do, and reminding myself why I believe what I do.
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Dec. 14, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 51 - 60
Today I am Thankful For...
51. My wonderful Daddy
52. Paintings that throw inspiration on you
53. Trashy movies that make me want to write something better
54. Christmas shopping
55. The book of Luke
56. The story of Robin Hood
58. Hair clips
59. Green notebooks/green pencils/green headphones
60. The perfect sentence
What Are You Thankful For?
Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34
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Dec. 9, 2009 - Keeping My Eye on the Conductor
I've been rather busy lately with the choir that I'm in. I had two big concerts on Saturday and Sunday, and then rehearsal on Friday so my life has pretty much been music for the last couple days.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. ~ Psalm 9:2
As I was singing in Sunday's performance I realized that the conductor and the singers are much like God and His followers.
Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. ~ Psalm 9:11
When the singers eyes are on the conductor things run smoothly and they sing as one, but if eyes stray things don't go so well. Even though you know the music, or have sung it a thousand times before you still need the conductor's instruction.
Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. ~ Psalm 21:13
Although someone may know the commandments unless their eyes are on God, they can't do things on their own. They need His instruction and guidance.
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. ~ Psalm 30:12
So remember to keep your eyes on the conductor, He'll let you know when you need to keep holding on to that note, or if it's time to breath.
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Dec. 7, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 41 - 50
Today I am Thankful For... 41. Thick, warm coats 42. Christmas Caroling 43. My Bible 44. Christmas parties 45. Staying healthy 46. Chap stick 47. Thick books 48. Heavy blankets 49. Hot tea 50. The chance to spread the love of God What are you Thankful for? Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:8
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Dec. 1, 2009 - National Kylie Day
I know it's strange that I post twice in one day, even though I did it yesterday too, but I wanted to throw Kylie off the sent. **coughs, and clears throat** well, as she well knows it's actually because I forgot today was National Kylie Day, but that doesn't sound as good.
Without further ado, I give you my National Kylie day post!
Why National Kylie Day to begin with? Well after Catey and I both realized she was amazingly awesome it just kind of happened. Dec. 1, was brought to mind, and National Kylie Day it was dubbed.
Kylie is an awesome friend, an outstanding editor, an eloquent writer, and an incredibly fun blogger.
I've known Kylie since May 11, 2007 (she keeps track) and she has just gotten better and better. Some places for you to find the Kylie's amazing handy work.
Thanks for simply being you Kylie!
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Dec. 1, 2009 - Adoration of the Shepherds
This was actually going to be a rambling post about how my Thanksgiving went, what I've been up to, and how much I've been in the Christmasy spirit lately. In preparation for that rambling post I was looking for a verse in Luke 2 that would sum up how I've felt lately. I found two.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. ~ Luke 2: 13-14
I kept reading though and a certain verse seemed to jump out at me and I just kept reading it over and over again.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. ~ Luke 2: 17
They speaking of the shepherds the angels spoke to in the above verses. Wow, they heard the good news that Jesus was born and rushed out to tell others the good news.
I hear the good news of Christ every day, but I don't share it with those who don't know very often, and I've been thinking about that lately. I know that witnessing isn't just knocking on doors, or approaching people on street corners, it can also be done by living a holy life and being an example for unbelievers, but that can't be all. Maybe it's time I stepped forward and opened my mouth, instead of waiting for the unbelievers to come to me.
Life is fragile and can be yanked away from anyone when they least expect it, will they be carrying their sins to judgement, or will Jesus? God is the only one who knows, but I do know I would feel terrible if I found out someone was going to hell because I failed to open my mouth at the right time.
So don't wait for the opportune moment to come along, make one.
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Nov. 30, 2009 - Scaramouche: A Romance of the French Revolution
Scaramouche: A Romance of the French Revolution by Rafael Sabatini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story of The French Revolution unfolds as the amazing tale of Andre-Louis, or Scaramouche as he becomes. When a friend of his is murdered Andre vows to take revenge by doing the very thing his friend was killed for. Speaking out. Very soon he finds his life changing in dramatic twists and unexpected turns.
My Thoughts: I loved this book. I was constantly wondering what would happen next, and continually surprised when I found out. When I've read other books set during The French Revolution I've been incredibly confused by all the politics and although there were a few times like that in Scaramouche, for the most part it was very easy to follow. I adored the characters in this books and the many settings the scenes took place in. I do have to admit though I didn't like the ending. It was to flowery, sappy for me. All in all, one awesome book. View all my reviews >>
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Nov. 30, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 31 - 40
Today I am Thankful For... 31. A Kitty who thinks she is love starved 32. Car trips with lots of pillows 33. Time spent with friends 34. Cards 35. Christmas Tree farms and pine cones 36. Clouds 37. Guitars 38. Thanksgiving food 39. A whole day set aside for giving thanks 40. The feeling of Christmas already in the air What Are You Thankful For?
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Nov. 24, 2009 - I Feel Like Queen
I've had a strange feeling all day today. A happy feeling, although I wasn't sure why. The words, "this is the day, this is the day, this is the day," kept running through my head.
I must admit, I knew what the voices were talking about, and for once they were right.
Needless to say I could just scream. Sadly, the rest of the house is soundly sleeping so I shall restrain myself till morning. Until then I shall grin, gaze lovingly at my purple progress bar, and feel like Queen.
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Nov. 23, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 21 - 30
Today I am Thankful For...
21. 41,685 words (bigger post on this later)
22. The sound of Christmas music drifting up the stairs in November.
23. My MP3 player.
24. A great choir concert.
25. Ale 8 1
26. Fellowship filled Sundays
27. The feeling of the holidays already installing itself within me
28. Crispy hash browns
29. My attic bedroom
30. Old quilts
What Are You Thankful For?
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Nov. 17, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Day 17
Word Count: 30,842
As the leaves closed in around them they heard Blake's scream, "I'll get you Ainsley. I'll find you and your brats and hang each and every one from the nearest tree!"
Kira shivered, and urged her horse to go faster, realizing that she also was included in that statement.
So, how have I been doing with NaNo? Well I'm no longer as far ahead of schedule as I was a week ago. I am now only one day ahead, and trying to work my way up to more so I won't fall behind during Thanksgiving.
I've been surprised at how easily everything has been coming together, I haven't truly been stuck once. There was a day, or two when I had to stop and think about where I was going, but I never got that frantic writer's block feeling, I was just pondering. The other days I haven't written it was simply because I didn't feel like it, not because I couldn't.
I know November isn't over, but so far it's all gone incredibly smoothly. Maybe it's because I'm not crazy busy like a lot of my other friends doing it?
Whatever the reason, I'm glad my first NaNo hasn't given me to many challenges. Yet.
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Nov. 16, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 1 - 20
My interest was immediately perked when I noticed this banner at the beginning of Breezy's post over at a bowl of moss and pebbles. After reading the post I was even more interested.
Giving thanks for everything God has given me in my life is something I've been trying to work on. I'd much rather thank Him for the things I have then think about all the cool stuff I don't have. That just breeds discontent.
So almost the minute I saw the above banner I decided to join the Gratitude Community, and I encourage you to do the same.
Today I'm Thanking God For...
1. A roof over my head
2. Parents who love the Lord
3. Our kitty
4. My Daddy's job
5. Blogger Friends
6. Instant Messenger
7. Letters in the Mail
8. Horse magazines
9. Crunchy leaves
10. A library in walking distance
11. My contacts
12. Netflix
13. A sister who makes me laugh
14. The color green
15. My laptop
16. Being homeschooled
17. 27,300 words
18. Sunny days
19. Choir
20. A working camera
What are you Thankful for?
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Nov. 14, 2009 - Clive Staples Award
Being a writer, I love to read. Being a christian I like to read books written by other Christians, and once again back to being a writer, I like to read their blogs. After all, you never know when they'll throw out a juicy tip, or two.
So I was reading L. B. Graham's blog. Author of The Binding of the Blade series. (great books, if you haven't read them you should) His latest post was about Clive Staples Award. Okay.... what's the Clive Staples Award?
This is an award giving you the opportunity to vote for your favorite christian author/fantasy book! So, head on over and check out the website, and if you so desire, vote for your favorite.
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Nov. 10, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Day 10
Word Count: 20,903
"How could anyone throw away this happiness? How could anyone reject such joy?"
~ Wynn Ainsley
Well I'm still plugging away, boosting my word count by the thousands every night, and every day when I wake up setting myself an impossible goal I know I can't reach, but I do anyway.
The plot is coming along nicely, I've been rather surprised at how easy this story has been to write, then again it's been waiting for November for the last seven months.
Its been amazing discovering more about my characters, and the places they live in. Each day of writing I find out something knew and exciting about one of them.
I expected to grow tired of my book title, my names, and my characters, but instead they have gotten even more interesting to me, and I'm still totally in love with the name Wynn Ainsley.
There have been moments of stress, in fact just the other night I was in near panic because I couldn't get the NaNo website to load, therefor making it impossible for me to update my word count. Since I had just breached the 20,000 mark it was rather disappointing I couldn't do it right away. After a few more tries however, all was well.
So, that's how my NaNo has been going. If your interested in reading the progress of other NaNoers here are the links to friends of mine who are doing it as well.
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