Do you ever feel as if you are simply Scriptually ignorant?  I have on more than one occasion, but never more so than when reading the book Ten Peas in a Pod by Arnold Pent III.  Admiration for a man like Mr. Pent's father swelled within me as I discovered more and more of the strict disciplines that he instilled in his family's lives, the most impressive of which was his determination that no matter what, his family would read the Bible for 30 minutes after every meal AND spend 30 minutes to an hour in private devotions every morning.  Mr. Pent relates that because of the constant pouring over of Scripture so many times a day, each member of the family could recite at least several books of the Bible by heart.  His brother Paul must have been an over-achiever because he memorized the entire New Testament.  Mr. Pent says that none of their family members have photographic memories.  It was the hours spent every day pouring over the Scripture that instilled it in their hearts.

  If I would simply start reading a chapter of Scripture after one meal of every day, how long would it take for me to memorize it?  In the winter of '08 I read Psalm 139 every night before going to sleep, and even though I wasn't trying to memorize it, I eventually did because of the continuous reading.  It wouldn't hurt to try it again!

  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thous sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

~Deuteronomy 6:7

                            Is it Miss Jane Austen out for a stroll with her sister Cassandra?  Perhaps....

  You can find many more lovely and FREE etchings for your own blogging enjoyment at www.simplyvintagegirl.com.  Stop by today!

  Two weeks ago, I attended a summer leadership program in our area.  The process to apply and get into the program was rather lengthy and competitive, especially for the homeschoolers applying.  (Twenty-three homeschoolers applied, but only ten were going to be selected.)  We had to send in three references from various teachers, mentors, and adult friends in our lives, along with the typical application form.  The next step after that was to go for an interview.  That had me slightly nervous.  After all, up to that point in time, I had never been interviewed before!  About a month after the interview, I learned to my great delight that I and my dear friend Missie had been selected along with thirty-eight other teenagers of various ages and schools.

  Well, after much anticipation, the great day arrived.   The following is a brief overview of my week.

  Sunday Afternoon-Teambuilding Day. 

Learned the basic principles of teamwork by various games which included a fruit pass, obstacle course, and blindfold walk.

Monday-Leadership Day.

Listened to some very inspiring lectures on leadership, learned some interesting facts about the other participants through the game "Two Myths and a Truth," and had a delicious luncheon which taught the basics of etiquette.

Tuesday-Community Service Day.

Listened to several talks about service programs in the community and helped serve lunch at the Salvation Army.

Wednesday-Government Day

Enjoyed the opportunity of visiting both the Justice Center and the courthouse, made a yummy ice cream sundae , and listened to several talks about public works.

Thursday-Career Day

My favorite day!  Learned about interviewing skills, filling out a job application form, and had the opportunity to job shadow three public relations executives one on one which was great!

Friday-Diversity Day

Learned about the horrors of racism and heard an interesting lecture on Germany.

Friday Night-Graduation

 Watched some of the other participants present a skit and present various overviews of  each day of the week, helped set up the tableware (that was my contribution to graduation), and received my plaque saying that I have completed the leadership program.

The week of the program, I woke up at about six every morning, left the house about 8, and was home by 3:30.  Then after a rest, I went to our church's vacation Bible school at night and helped teach the 4th-6th graders Monday through Thursday.

  After all that busyness, it was a delight to head for the beach for a week the Saturday after graduation.  For the week, my sister, Marmee, and Daddy just relaxed on the beach and at the pool, rode bikes, read, shopped, walked, and ate delicious seafood.

  We hardly took any pics at the beach, so I don't have many to share, but I'll try to download the few we did take.

  So, that's a brief overview of where I've been, I hope that you did not find the account too tiresome to read. :) 

This is a little note to say that this week and next week there will be NO formal posts at Portrait of a Lady because I will be away.  This past week I have been participating in a leadership program for youth in our area.  It has been a very interesting experiance, and I am looking forward to sharing some of what I have learned with you here.  This Saturday,  I am heading to the beach where I'll be relaxing with my sweet family for a week.  I am also excited about sharing some upcoming beach pics with you! 

So please forgive my lack of comments on your blogs, and I'll talk to you in two weeks!

I was tagged byJoMarch14.  I hadn't done a tag for awhile so this was extra fun! :)

~~~~~~~~~~FOOD-OLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~

What is your salad dressing of choice? Balsamic Vingarette

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Carraba's

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? peanut butter crackers

What are your pizza toppings of choice? LOTS of cheese, onions, sausage, and olives

What do you like on your toast? Butter

Chocolate or Vanilla?  chocolate!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~TECHNOLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~

How many televisions are in your house?  4

What color cell phone do you have? purple

Do you have a laptop? Not at the present moment, but I sure would love one!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~BIOLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~

Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right.

Have you ever had anything removed from your body? yes

What is the last heavy item you lifted?  My eyelids-waking up this morning. :)

Have you ever been knocked unconscious? Noooo.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~DUMBOLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~

How many pairs of flip-flops do you own? At least three

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?  I have personally never had a run-in with the cops, and I hope I never have an unfriendly run-in.

Last person you talked to on the phone? Aunt Lori

Last person you hugged? Daddy

~~~~~~~~~~~~FAVORITE-OLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~

Season? Spring

Holiday? Christmas (gifts, family, food.... what could be nicer?)

Day of the week?  Friday (Daddy'll be home tomorrow!)

Month? May (lovely weather) and September (September's my b-day month.:) 

~~~~~~~~~~~~CURRENT-OLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~

Missing someone? My Aunt Michelle

Mood? Sleepy (It's dreary outside.)

What are you listening to? My fingers typing away.

Watching? Myself typing

Worrying about?  My EXTREMELY busy week ahead starting this Sunday.

~~~~~~~~~~~~RANDOM-OLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~

First place you went this morning? Into the bathroom

What's the last movie you saw? Left Behind

Do you smile often? Yes

Do you always answer your phone? I try to; but sometimes I don't hear it or don't get to it in time.

It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? Um...  that's not possible because we have texting blocked on my phone.

If you could change your eye color what would it be? sea green

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? I didn't know you could!  :)

Do you own a digital camera? No, I just use my family's.

Have you ever had a pet fish? Yes, may they R.I.P.  :) 

Favorite Christmas song(s)? Mary Did You Know

What's on your wish list for your birthday? A camera, books, and my own website

Can you do push-ups? Unfortunately no, but I am working on getting into shape.
Can you do a chin up? I doubt it.

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?  Excited-for the most part.

Do you have any saved texts? I hope not.

Ever been in a car wreck? nope

Do you have an accent?  Yes- I talk like a Girl Raised In The South ( G. R. I. T. S.)  I'd rather have an English one.
What was the last song to make you cry? I can't remember.

Plans tonight? resting up
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? yep

Have you ever been given roses? I think so.  A long time ago.

Current hate right now? the news (It's so depressing!)

Met someone who changed your life? Well, there are several: Mommy, Daddy, Mimi, Barkie, and Courtney and Amanda S.

How did you bring in the new year? lying in bed

What song represents you? Purer In Heart (hymn) and Sabbath Prayer (Fiddler on the Roof)

Would you go back in time if you were given a chance? definately- A.D. 30- I would love to see Christ ministering.

Have you ever dated someone longer than a year? I don't date. I am "commited to courtship."

Do you have any tattoos/piercings?  One piercing in each ear.

What songs do you sing in the shower? A Mighty Fortress Is Our God on rare occasions

Ever had someone sing to you? Yes

Do you like to cuddle?  yes, usually with my family or a little one

Have you held hands with anyone today? No

Who was the last person you took a picture of? My cousin Anna

What kind of music did you listen to in elementary? World geography songs

Do you believe in staying close with your ex's? I don't think you should have ex's.

Are most of the friends in your life new or old? I've got a nice mixture of old and new.

Do you like pulpy orange juice? Delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is something your friends make fun of you for? Laughing super hard.

Have you ever ridden an elephant? No, what do we have horses for?

Do you like to play Scrabble? I don't think I've ever played it.

What are you saving your money up for right now?  I guess college.

When is the last time you ate peanut butter & jelly? It's been awhile. 
What were you doing at 12am last night? sleeping

What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? "I don't want to get up!"

 I will tag anyone who wants to do this tag! 

Thanks Jo!

~Katie

The Road goes ever on and on

   Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

    ~ J. R. R. Tolkien

Each of us must walk the road of life with no knowledge of what might be around the next bend.  Just remember, you are not walking alone as long as your Savior is near.

  *This is one day late, but I decided to post it anyway.

   Dearest Mimi and Barkie,

  I would like at this time to give thanks to God for bringing together the two most wonderful people in the world in holy matrimony on May 16, 1964, exactly forty- five years ago.  I was just pondering how incredible the Lord's sovereignity is because as a result of your marriage, seven people have entered the world who never would have entered it otherwise.  Not only did you bring life into the world, you both raised your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, leading each one to Christ at a young age.  You have been faithful to each other "in sickness and in health" and in happy and trying circumstances.  You have each made sacrifices for each other.  Barkie, you gave up a career in the Navy so that you could spend time with your wife and children that you otherwise would have missed.  You have cared for Mimi and helped save her from many backaches by getting into the kitchen or vacuuming the floor.  Mimi, you have always supported Barkie in whatever he has felt the Lord leading him to do: whether it be six months of lonliness while he was at sea, opening up your home to the eye glass mission team, or finding a place for the beautiful Windsor chairs that he has made.  You have been faithful through thick and thin, giving everyone who knows you a beautiful picture of marriage.  I appreciate that.

In London- September 2008

   Today, in church we sang the song "Find Us Faithful."  I thought that song perfectly described you both.  You have been faithful to each other for forty- five years of marriage, you have raised up two generations of children to serve the Lord, and above all, you have been faithful servants of Christ.

This granddaughter finds you faithful.

I love you.

Your Katie ~

  I was feeling a little uninspired about what to write about until my eyes fell on my new best friend- my cheery red nano.  Since my favorite pastime, walking, often finds me with time on my hands as I trudge up and down our long gravel driveway, I've begun to carry my little red treasure along in my pocket.  Marmee and Papa purchased it for me a year ago when I was still running.  At the time, I did not get much use out of it, and it was often hastily stuffed into a drawer.  Recently, I have pulled it out and begun downloading music onto it.  One thing that I love about it is that I can put a variety of audio tracks on it ranging from Chris Rice to The Hiding Place.  I usually feel more in the mood to listen to music than speakers, when I take my walks because I like to daydream.  When I feel down, I can listen to Fiddler on the Roof.  When I feel pensive, I can listen to the soundtrack from Sense and Sensibility.  It just depends on whatever mood I am in.

  For those of you, who are not into techno gadgets, let me just say that I am not either!  If I can play around with a nano, anyone can. 

  I have also found a great site- behemoth.com that offers a variety of downloadables you might like to check out.

"I find it impossible to invent anything half so true or touching as the simple facts with which every day life supplies me."

~Louisa May Alcott

  I have recently come to the realization that I am horribly lacking when it comes to reading quality literature.  Sure, I've read Louisa May Alcott and a couple of Jane Austen's works, but I have never ventered into the world of Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Victor Hugo, or Hermane Melville.  To remedy this simply shameful condition, I have begun a list of fine literature which I will be endeavoring to read this summer. 

  Mind you this is just a start, and I would be most appreciative of any suggestions you might have.

  Classics

• A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• The Scarlet Pimpernel
• Tom Sawyer or Huckelberry Finn by Mark Twain
• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo (Lady Margaret has written an excellent critique on this book.)
• Emily of New Moon series by L.M. Montgomery
• Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (I have never finished the entire series although I have started it twice.)
• Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott
• The Curate of Glaston by George MacDonald

  Fiction

• The List and Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow
• Nikolae and the rest of the Left Behind series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
• When Calls the Heart by Jannette Oke (I'd like to read the book before the movie comes out.)
• Waiting for Her Isaac by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry

  Biographies

• The Duggars:Twenty and Counting by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
• I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree by Laura Hillman
• Dancing Under the Red Star by Karl Tobien
• In My Father's House by Corrie ten Boom
• Beloved Bride by Bill Potter  
• Lady Jane Grey by Faith Cook
• Just Jane by Nancy Moser

  Nonfiction

• How to Be a Lady by Harvey Newcomb
• So Much More by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin
• Quest for Love by Elizabeth Eliot
• Feminine By Design by Scott Brown
• Helping Them to Choose by Samuel Philips

  Revisitation

• Pearl Maiden and The Brethren by H. R. Haggard
• Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally

  Challenging Maybes

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
• Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

 Purer in Heart

by Mrs. A. L. Davison

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;

May I devote my life wholly to Thee;

Watch Thou my wayward feet,

Guide me with counsel sweet;

Purer in heart, help me to be.

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;

Teach me to do Thy will most lovingly;

Be Thou my Friend and guide,

Let me with thee abide;

Purer in heart, help me to be.

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;

Until Thy holy face one day I see:

Keep me from secret sin,

Reign Thou my soul within;

Purer in heart, help me to be.

 This is the prayer of my heart, and I pray for yours as well.  Have a blessed day!

Here are a few photos from the British Museum.  I have a lot more to share, so check back soon!

Lots and lots of mummies

Some cool Egyptian cat figures

Paintings of some lovely Greek men and women

 In the above photo, Daddy and I are examining a huge Babylonian wall hanging which was placed along the hallway leading into the king's throne room.  It portrays the king fighting lions and was used to illustrate his fierceness to those entering his throne room. 

Babylonian statue.  Pretty big, huh?

This horse head was taken from the Parthenon's frisque.

  Just for the record, I want everyone to know that I am trying to download my photos from our Britain trip!  I've been having some trouble, and I think that I will get my daddy to help me sometime this week.  So check Saturday for a glimpse of London...

  I hope everyone has a pleasant week!

  Over the past month, I have been taking Nancy Leigh DeMoss's challenge that she presented in her series on "The Counter-Cultural Woman" to read all thirty one verses of Proverbs 31 every day for thirty- one days.  I have been blessed, strengthened, and most of all, challenged through doing this.  Every day, the Lord reveals how much farther I have to go towards being that excellent homemaker. 

  I think that the Lord wants single women and (single men) to be preparing now for the roles that they will one day have as adults.  I am not married at this time, but it is my sincere desire to one day have a family.  Therefore, it is my responsibility to strive to be this woman that is described in Proverbs 31, now, so that I will be prepared to be the helpmeet of my future husband that God so desires me to be. 

  One more thought, we as sinful humans can never be virtuous in our own strength!  It is simply not possible!  But, with God, all things are possible.  One day, all Christian women will be the woman described in Proverbs 31.  Doesn't that thought fill you with joy?  Day by day, Christ is refining us as women into the woman He created us to be.  Don't give up!  Christ will see you through!

  Now, for the challenge.

• Read all the verses of Proverbs 31 every day every day for thirty-one days.  Include the first nine verses as well.  They're worth it.
• Check out some other useful resources on developing the heart of the Proverbs 31 woman.  I have found Nancy Leigh DeMoss's recorded radio broadcasts on this topic to be a wonderful eye-opener on this subject. 
• Do a post telling all your readers about this challenge and how it is blessing your life.  Leave me a comment too.  I'd love to know who has joined me in the challenge!

  Something fun you might like to check out, Miss Jocelyn has created a number of simply gorgeous graphics on the Proverbs 31 woman.  These graphics are lovely, and if you want to add them to your sidebar, they are available.  Please let her know that you have snitched a few.

  The challenge is on, Ladies! 

  March 9th, was a special day for a special friend- Missiegirl.  In order to help celebrate her birthday, I am hosting a grand ball complete with dancing, food, and gifts.

I have rented the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg, Virginia for the ball.  We will be sure to get some wonderful photo opportunities there.

I picked out these lovely dresses for us, Missie.

Knowing that lime green is your favorite color, I thought that this would be perfect!

I decided to go for more of a regency look.

Before we begin the dancing, I am going to give you your presents.

First, this lovely Vera Bradly purse.  These bright colors and flowers were shouting your name.

I know that you share my taste in music, and I think that you will love this cd by the lovely Miller sisters.

Lastly I know that you have been itching to get this adorable skirt from Christa Taylor's website.

Now, we will enter the ball room for a lovely evening of dancing.

  Dearest, I hope that this year is a precious one for you.  You mean more than you will ever know to me.  At times I have felt as if I was walking the path alone, but I haven't been.  You have been right there with me and have strengthened me with your friendship.  Two are better than one.  

Happy birthday, precious friend,  Never forget how much I love you!

After some more contemplation, I came up with some more things that I love.  Here are the last forty -one.

1. going to the library
2. craft books
3. Vera Bradly bags
4. hairbrushes
5. alarm clocks
6. cinnimon rolls
7. singing hymns in church
8. lavendar water
9. butterflies
10. the changing seasons
11. listening to my grandmother tell stories from her childhood
12. mysteries: such as who built the Easter Island statues
13. Godly role models
14. fresh bread baking in the oven
15. kissing a toddler's rosy cheeks
16. hand sanitizer
17. coupons
18. A+'s
19. finishing another year of high school
20. Reeses' peanut butter cups
21. Shakespeare's Julius Caeser
22. getting up early
23. globes
24. bowling with the bumpers up
25. air conditioning!!!
26. shampoo
27. talking on the telephone
28. finishing a project
29. Proverbs 31
30. vintage aprons
31. hope chests
32. watching the Duggar family on tv
33. sleep
34. dishwashers
35. babysitting
36. sticky notes
37. roses
38. listening to Revive Our Hearts
39. Scotland
40. praying for (Lord willing!) my future husband
41. The knowledge that one day all pain will be gone, I will be free from my sinful flesh, and that I will be with Christ for all eternity!

  My friend Breezy Tulip inspired me with her list of her 101 things.  I thought I would share some of mine.  Here are the first sixty.

1. The Lord

2. A father who is funny, compassionate, and a leader

3. A loving marmee who is a joyful wife, homemaker, and homeschool mom

4. A sister who in some ways is different than me, but yet is so similar

5. My precious grandparents

6. My horse Patriot

7. My silly dog Milly

8. My cousins Rebecca, Anna, and Timothy who live next door

9. Being an American

10. My home, Redbud House

11. My sweet, small church

12. Long walks outside on cool days

13.  Playing Chopin's "Waltz in A Minor" on the piano

14.  Warm fires crackling in the fireplace

15.  Hot apple cider

16. Yarn with personality

17.  Finding hidden truths in Scipture

18. Popcorn

19.  HIghlighters

20. Reading interesting blogs

21. Proudly saying, "I'm homeschooled."

22.  My cute purple cell phone

23. Journals just waiting to be written in

24. Heart to heart talks

25.  Holding a baby

26.  Wearing a hat

27.  Wearing make-up in a modest fashion

28.  Dreaming of the future

29.  Baking cookies

30.  Painting my toenails

31. Touring the British Museum in London

32.  Getting letters

33.  Hugging  someone dear

34.   Drinking root beer on a summer evening

35.   Taking pictures

37.   Trying a new hair style

38.  Pride and Prejudice: the book and the movies

39.  Teacups

40.  Strolling down the streets of Edingburgh

41. Wearing my regency gown

42. Going to a birthday party

43.  Bikeriding

44. Seeing a bride walk down the aisle

45. Ribbons

46.  Climbing to the tippy top of a castle in Wales

47.  Meeting new people

48. Chocolate cake

49. Focus on the Family's Radio Theatre's drama "Little Women"

50.  Shoes

51.  earrings

52.  puppies

53.  the soundtrack from the movie Miss Potter

54. colors, especially pink

55. beads

56.  holding my daddy's hand

57. Pampered Chef products

58.  art supplies

59.  calendars with pretty pictures

60.  Bible names

  Just a few days ago, our nation entered a new era with the inaguration of President Barack Obama.  Around this time, I read  Romans 13:1-7.  I have to admit that I have been feeling a little depressed and apprehensive of what the future might hold for our country with the election and inaguration of President Obama.  This passage spoke to me, and I pray that it speaks to you as well. 

  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordiance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves  ****ation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works but to evil.  Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?  Do that which is good and and thou shalt recieve praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good.  But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  For for [not a type error] this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 

                       Romans 13:1-7

  Do you have any idea who was the ruler of the of the Roman Empire at the time Paul wrote this?  Nero.  We all know what a terrible tyrant Nero was, especially to Christians; however, Paul still commanded the believers to honor and obey him to the extent that their conscience allowed.  If Paul commanded the Christians of that age to honor those in authority over them, even those who despitefully used them, can we do any less to our leaders, including President Barack Obama?

   Over the past school year, my family and I have been following the course of Zac Sunderland, who will hopefully be the youngest person to solo circumnavigate the world.  We first became aquainted with this really awesome teenager from the magazine God's World News and have been keeping up with him ever since. 

  Zac Sunderland is homeschooled and a fellow believer.  From what I've heard, he has spent all of his life around boats and has done extensive sailing with his family.  He started his voyage in June of 2008 when he was sixteen and a half with a goal to make it around the world before he turns eighteen.  From what I can tell, I think he is right on target.  In the latest edition of God's World News, which has been doing a monthly feature on him, it says that he has made it to Durban, South Africa. 

  So far, he has had many exciting adventures.  I hope that he writes a book when he comes back with more information on his run-ins with pirates and fierce electrical storms.  Right now though, you can keep up with him on his blog.  I put a link to it under my favorite places.  Enjoy!

   Now, is he a cool homeschooler or what?! 

   Meg