A young woman who is diligently working on the Lord's business while still single. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:06:00 -0500 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:06:00 -0500 Hello Everyone!!! I have been entered into a social media tour for Coming Attractions by Robin Jones Gunn. What I'm supposed to do is read the book and write a review on it and post it on my blog.  So I have read the book and here is my review...   In this book, we get to follow Katie Weldon through quite a few ups and downs. Through her last year of college, her relationship with her boyfriend, Rick, through graduation, and through tough decision-making about the future and relying on the Lord about what comes next. In the first book, I was very excited about Robin continuing the stories through Katie Weldon about all of our favorite characters. I had discovered Christy Miller when I was twelve and read the books and fell in love with everyone. And then I was able to continue on with Sierra Jensen, and then on through the college years. When it ended, I was sad. I felt like I had to say goodbye to good friends of mine that I had grown close to. Which is why when Robin started writing about Katie Weldon, I was very quick to pick up the first copy I could find.   I've enjoyed reading about Katie, and I've enjoyed both books so far, but without a doubt Coming Attractions has touched me the most in the Katie series.  I felt a connection. The book caused me to grow close to Katie and feel what she was feeling. I laughed with her, shed some tears and had more then one case of goose bumps!    This book is amazing. Definitely the best Katie Weldon book yet in the series. Robin Jones Gunn has such a heart for the Lord and He most definitely works through her to bless us with all these amazing God-filled books for teens and woman.  I highly recommend reading this book and the others in the series!!! They are very uplifting, real-to-life sort of books and I highly recommend them to any who are interested.  I can't wait to find out what happens to Katie and the gang next!   --Dallas MacKay, Minnesota     If you are interested in finding out more, or getting some the books for yourself, here are some links that might be helpful...   Link to Robin Jones Gunn's site: http://robingunn.com/   Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310276586   Link to Interviews with Robin: http://blogtourspot.com/rgunn-tour/rgunn-interviews   And here are some others who have written reviews on their blogs! Check 'em out! Go to... http://blogtourspot.com/rgunn-tour/rgunn-tour-stops/ Always in Christ, Dallas http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/722532/ Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:06:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/722532/ Oh wow. It's been quite some time since I've taken the time to even come on HSB!!! I'm sure alot of my friends on here have given up on me, huh? :-) Don't think I've fallen off the face of the planet!  Actually, I'm mostly writing because my friend, Rebekah told me that I'm due for an entry. So here, Rebekah, I'm blogging!      Just teasing.  But yes,  it's been pretty crazy around here!  So I'll try to get an update posted tonight...     The biggest thing going on right now is that I'm currently in a Easter Contata that our town puts on every year. It's a choir with about 50+ people that take part in it from the different churches in our town.  It tells the Easter story in song. It's really fun.   I was in it last year -- my first year in it-- so this is my second year.  It's been a lot of fun to learn all the new songs and hear how amazing it will all sound once we put our voices with the orchestra! We actually have only one more practice before the big performance on April 5th. I'm so excited, yet so nervous! It's really a big to-do every year and people come from all over to hear us.  Such a fun experience though!  Actually this year is exciting for me for two reasons: One, is that my wonderful friend is in it with me this year. That's really exciting for me, because last year I was in it alone, and as much fun as it was (and it was an awesome experience) I wished I had someone there that I could talk to and share the experience with. You know?  So it's been really nice to have her in it with me.   And also, the other reason is that it has been cause for learning a new skill! You see, we're supposed to wear all black-attire for the performance -- and this year I decided to make my own dress! Now-- my mom and I do not know very much about sewing. We know a little, but not enough to do a lot of it.  We both really have wanted to learn, but we've never known anyone who knows how and would be willing to teach us (much to our dismay). But a couple weeks ago (and it was a total God-thing!) we found out that a lady from our church knew how to sew and has been doing it for years, and she was more than willing to teach us what she knew!  She has just been such a blessing to my mom and I, and she has taught us so much.   Now we have the dress almost completely finished -- everything but the zipper. And it is so gorgeous! I'm so excited to wear it.    I'm going to have to tell you all how the Contata turns out. But unfortunately, as short as this is, it's all I have time to share tonight! I'll try to blog again, as soon as I can...   In Christ!  Dallas http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/674282/ Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:49:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/674282/ Hello to all!   It has been a while since I've been on the computer.  In fact, yesterday was the first time I'd been on the computer for full week, and a few minutes was all my schedule would permit me.    But I decided that today I was due for a new entry!    We've been busily celebrating my youngest sister's birthday this week. Noah (my sister) turned six years old yesterday, February 18th. I cannot believe that it was six years ago already that we were blessed with her. It couldn't possibly be that long ago!!!  She's gotten so big and learned so much. But I can remember so well the day she was born!!! And I (age ten) was so excited to be a big sister to yet another wonderful little sister.    To celebrate her birthday, on the day before her big day (the 17th) we went to the zoo. And, good gracious, was that fun!!!  We took some friends of ours [they have a little girl my sister's age that we do daycare for and she and my sister simply adore each other.] with us, and we were able to spent the entire day at the zoo looking at all of the different animals and having a blast.  I really did have so much fun! They have this spot at the zoo where you can go and look at this huge aquarium of fish and sharks, and another aquarium of dolphins, and..well, all of the sea creatures. And in one spot, there's this pool where there are these types of sharks (they're small and brown...not sure what they are called though) and quite a few sting-rays (although, they must be a different type of sting-ray, because I don't think they were the type that sting. Maybe a relative Ray? haha...Part of the Ray family, I guess. haha! Sorry. Getting a kick out of my own joke...). And you are able to pet them! I've done it quite a few times before, but I never tire of it. It was DEFINITELY my favorite part. We spent quite a while in that part of the zoo at my request. :) I have a sort of "weird" interest in sting-rays -- they are so neat! And would you believe that they are extremely friendly? They will purpousfully swim up to the surface of the water and let you pet them. And their cute little "Smile" on their underside -- I love them! But okay, I'll stop rambling on now.    Anyway, it was great fun. By the end of the day we were all so tired. :-) But it was a good sort of tired. And the Lord gave us a beautiful day to go to the zoo. It was really nice out, so we were able to look at the outside animals and be outside with a simple light jacket. How wonderful it was!  We were very blessed.   And then yesterday, my sister had a small birthday party and we invited her three friends. It was so adorable! They had so much fun.  It was a small "princess" party, so we had punch, and little treats and cupcakes, and we made little "tiaras" out of headbands, beads and pipecleaners. They looked like this:   Not exactly professional, but the girls liked them! And they looked so cute!     Then we played a couple of games and opened her presents.   She said she had a lot of fun. :-) And I think even my dog, Truly, liked the party...    Or....then again...perhaps not so much.     But all in all, I think that Noah had a good birthday, and I'm glad! =) Next up is my Dad's birthday on the 21st! Then we're done with family birthdays again until October.    Well, I'm sorry to say, this is all I have time for today. I hope you all have a blessed week!   In Christ, Dallas http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/660207/ Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:56:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/660207/  Hello There!   Well, I have finally seen the movie "Fireproof".  I know a couple entries down-- in a tag-- I said I was going to see it the next day, but that fell through, so I had yet to see it. But Monday evening I watched it for the first time with my family.  I thought it was absolutely amazing. Anyone who has not seen it yet, should run out and see it immediately. ;-) I cannot believe I waited this long to see it! It is one of those movies that touch you deeply -- no matter what your marriage status is. I cried on and off throughout the entire movie, and then at the end I couldn't stop crying -- even after the credits were rolling!!! It made me feel so happy that everything worked out for the good.  I love happy endings. But, oh, It was so very, very good. Now I can see why everyone is talking about it. :-) And you know what's so awesome? Kirk Cameron (the main guy in the movie who is also a Christian evangelist) refuses to kiss any woman other than his wife. It made me so happy to hear that. That is the way everyone should feel!!! I looked up the movie on a web-site (The internet movie database website) and I found out that in order to film a scene in which his character in the movie kisses his wife, "...The filmmakers had to dress Cameron's real-life wife, Chelsea Noble, as the wife character (played throughout the rest of the movie by Erin Bethea) and shoot the kissing scene in shadow so the difference between Noble and Bethea would not be as evident on screen."   I thought that that was wonderful. :)  Doesn't that just make your whole being happy? Maybe not. It could just do it to me because I'm a hopeless romantic. But yes.     I thought the movie was amazing and extremely touching. So I thought I would share that with you all. =D   God Bless!   In Christ, Dallas http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/657614/ Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:02:01 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/657614/  Once again, I am doing another tag! This time I was tagged by Anna93. Thanks, Anna. :)  This is an Acrostic Poem tag. I am supposed to pick a word (or short sentence) for every letter in my first and middle initial. But I have two middle names, so in my case I'll do them both. :-)   D - Diligent A - Always learning L - Loves the Lord L - Loyal A - Active S - Sings often. ;-)   M - Mature A - Accomplished C - Calls upon the Lord often K - Kindred Spirit A - Accommodating Y - Youthful   M - Modest C - Caring L - Loves my family A - Amiable R - Ready to serve E - Ever faithful to God N - Neat freak     So there you have it! Some of them are kinda silly, but they are all true. I had a hard time figuring out what to put down sometimes, and whenever I would ask my family what they thought I should put for a letter and whatnot, they would say something like, "Adorable" or "Lovely" so I just stopped asking them. I had to say, "Okay, thanks for your help, but I'm not going to say that about myself!" [haha]  So they did try to help, but I did better on my own. ;-) Thanks Mom and Raechel!     NOW I'm going to post who I'm tagging.... (Drum roll please)   Susannah (Farmgirls) Rebekah (FarmGirlAtHeart) Kris  (BeautifulSomehow) My sister, Raechel (pony)   Have fun you guys!   In Him, Dallas http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/654389/ Wed, 4 Feb 2009 08:59:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/654389/ Well, I've been tagged by Susannah (Farmgirls). The rule is that you're supposed to go to the fifth photo file in your computer and pick the fifth picture in that file and post it and explain it. Well, I only have three photo files in my computer (so that part wasn't perfect) and picked the fifth photo. And that is...   My horse, Promise, as a baby! This photo was taken a couple of days after he was born. His birthday is May 27th. He'll be three this year!!! Now he's sooooo much bigger, so to see this little horsey is so different. I have so many memories of watching as Dolly gave birth to him, and then training him as he grew up...sigh. He's my little baby. Well, I was going to try putting a recent picture on here, but when I went outside to try to get a picture of him,  he apparently knew it and therefore wouldn't allow me to get any decent shots of him. So I'm sorry. It's cold enough to get horrible frostbite outside, so I only tried for a while until my fingers went numb, then I decided to give up and come inside. So no recent picture of him! But I'll try again sometime, and I'll post a pic of him then. So there you have it, that's my horse! Always, Dallas     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/654051/ Tue, 3 Feb 2009 12:36:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/654051/ Well, here I am again. Apparently, I'm not a very good blogger. I thought I would be on here daily, with entries all the time...but instead I haven't really had time enough to breathe--let alone get on the computer and blog! My journal has also suffered miserably. I just wrote last night. So I have decided to write an entry today, and that way I can feel as though I have accomplished something --even if it's a small sort of something. (I am so sorry to those of you who are waiting for emails from me!!! That's my next project. Even before cleaning my room, so feel special! ) All right, well. Lately we have been doing a lot of this, that and the other thing-- nothing truly fun or exciting, but enough to make it hard to have the extra time to sit down at the computer.  Today we went over to a friend of ours to help her out, and visit as well. She is a mother of eight children, all under the age of twelve, and her husband has a job that takes him away frequently so she has a lot on her hands.  We went over and I watched the kids while my mom and sister helped her with house chores a bit. She really does do an amazing job considering how much work she has taking care of eight children -- one of which is only six weeks old. And oh, wow, is he is absolutely precious! It was such a joy to see and hold something so new and tiny. God is amazing! I cannot wait until a little bundle of joy is my own.    But I will patiently until it is the Lord's will and time for me.  I have a while yet, that's for sure!!! But I still look forward to that day... Yesterday I went ice skating with some friend's of ours. In answer to your question: yes, my ankle is doing much better. It's still weak, unfortunately, so I am hesitant to try out any jumps or spins that I would normally not think twice about doing. But it has healed.  Anyway, yesterday was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day. The sun was shining, and the sky was wide and blue, with soft clouds. There were even some birds out, believe it or not! We have had nothing but below-zero weather, (which is very typical for Minnesota weather in January and Febuary...and even March) but yesterday it was fourty-three degrees out, and it seemed wonderfully warm...for winter, that is.  You didn't really even need a coat, just a warm sweater! That's foreign, for this time of year, practically.  But then again, do any of you ever notice that after adjusting in below-zero climate (which you can only do to a point), you think anything above zero is warm?! Because, really, it does seem warm. But then after summer and you're used to ninety-degree weather, you go into Autumn and you're about ready to pull out the big parka. (haha) I guess it's really just the mind-set. But it really felt like a little taste of spring. :-) I know not to get my hopes up, however, because we can't expect spring to happen until at least April, and even then we get surprise blizzards! You are never safe in Minnesota. haha    But going skating yesterday was very fun and I enjoyed it a lot.  I tend to get cabin fever at times.  All throughout the winter months, I just yern to go for my beloved walks. But it's all together too cold -- that wind can be just horrible! So when nice days do come, I want to take advantage of them.   But here I am, sounding as though I am complaining about how cold it is! I do like it when it's cold-- it's a blessing at times! It sets the perfect mood for tea and a good book; Or for talking quietly with your family around the fireplace; Or for a good movie with a warm blanket... doesn't it?  Just imagine...The snow is softly falling outside the window, and you look out to a beautiful blanket of sparkling white, draping the bare branches softly. And the Ever-Green trees'  branches are also draped, but you can still see glimpses of green needles poking out. And you look around at the soft blue of the sky in contrast to the white of the ground...don't you want to grab a cup of something hot (tea, cocoa, or coffee for those of you who like it...) and sit and enjoy the view? It sets the mood perfectly! And even for how little that actually happens, (us and our busy lives!) I love imagining it.  It can pull you out of a dark mood pretty quickly.  And I love when you look at the window and you see the frost lining the glass with the intricate designs. Only by God's hand does that happen. So winter is a blessing! It's a time for things to die so that they can become re-born in the spring! So I don't mean to complain about it. It is a blessing in a lot of ways. Just cold. ;-) My goodness, that took up a lot of my computer time! I do get carried away. I should probably go now. Blessings to you all!!! In His Grace, Dallas     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/653378/ Sun, 1 Feb 2009 20:54:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/653378/ Hello to all!   Well, it's been quite a while since I've written an actual entry. It's just been kinda busy with all of the wonderful and fun comments and PMs that I have been getting lately. That's about all that I have time for in the day. ;-) And I am sure this'll probably be short, since I still am not sure of what to blog about.   But let's see...right now I am on the computer when I would normally be at another figure skating lesson. But tonight, I while I was there (For only about ten minutes or so) I tried to do a jump that I have been working on, and I landed wrong on my ankle, and twisted it. So now I am at home, on the computer with an icepack. =) Fun, huh?   I've wondered if maybe I should stop lessons because of my weak ankle, but never truly wanted to. I guess I'm one of those people who wait for something bad to happen before actually realizing what they should have realized before. I'm not too proud of that fact! ~My goodness, this thing is cold!!!~   Gracious, that really is all I can think to say. I have no interesting topics to blog about, so I guess this'll have to be it for now. At least I wrote, right?   Always in Him, Dallas http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/647519/ Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:57:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/647519/ ....I have decided to tag my friend Kris! (Her username is BeautifulSomehow. She just joined so I think she deserves a little tag...heehee) So since I said I wasn't going to tag anyone-- which made you all under that assumption-- I wanted to tell you that I have now changed my mind. Go Kris! Love you, my friend. Always His, Dallas http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/646805/ Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:22:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/646805/ Hey everyone! Well, I've been taged by my little sister, Raechel (pony). So here we go...   1. What time is it? 9:00 am 2. Whats your full name? Dallas MacKay (my mom doesn't want the rest of my name out there for the world. ;-) 3. What are you most afraid of? Afraid of? Milk. I hate milk. I don't know why...it's one of those uncommon fears that just do not make sence. I just don't like milk. (it does sound funny, but I'm being serious, unfortunately.) 4. What is the most recent movie that you've seen in the theater? I don't remember that far back...but tomorrow we're going to Fireproof! 5. Place of birth: Shouldn't say. 6. Favorite food: I don't have a non-favorite food. Besides like...uh...I'm not coming up with anything right now. I'll get back to you if I think of something. (my sister thinks that this is some sort of joke...) 7. Whats your natural hair color? It's actually been three different colors (that's not including the year I tried highlights!) but it's growing back into it's natural color (and I'm going to keep it that way! I'll never dye my hair again!) which is just a boring brown. I love brunette, but I don't think that my hair deserves that title. So it's just brown. 8. Ever been to alaska? I wish! 9. Ever been toilet paper rolling? Ummm, well if I knew what that was, I would probably have a better answer for you. As of right now...No. Is it like TPing? 10. Love someone so much it made you cry? Of course. :-) 11. Been in a car accident? No I have not. And I don't really plan to. 12. Croutons or bacon bits? I'm not actually a fan of either. But I guess I like bacon moreso. 13. Favorite day of the week? Saturday. 14. Favorite restaurant? We don't go out very often...But I guess I would choose Devani's (it's a very yummy restaurant that acutally closed down by us. =( I was so bummed!) 15. Favorite flower? A white rose and (another one that I can't remember the name of. Sad, huh?) 16. Favorite sport to play or watch? I don't really care to watch sports. And I don't really play either. I'm totally un-athletic. I do enjoy games that we play when friends are over and such! Just as long as they don't make fun of my clutzy-ness. haha :-) 17. Favorite drink? Good old water. 18. Favorite ice cream? Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!!!! Mmmmm. =) 19 Disney or the Warner Brothers? Disney all the way. 20. Ever been on a ship? Nope. I definitely wouldn't mind to try one though! Anyone got any free ship rides out there? 21. What color is your bedroom carpet? Wood flooring. We actually don't have carpet anywhere in the house. It makes for very cold feet in the winter! 22. How many times did you fail your drivers test? Umm, well I'm terrified to try, so I'm sure I will fail miserably quite a few times. (My sister is sitting next to me, and she says, "Think possatively!" Easy for her to say!) 23. Before this one, from whom did did you get your last e-mail? My last email? Besides "homeschoolblogger?" Ummm, I think it was from my (same as before) wonderful friend, Kris. (is it okay that I gave out your name?) 24. What do you do when you are bored? I love to read (lots!), write, sing, and play my harp. Oh, and go one here, of course. :-) 25. Bedtime? Gracious, that depends on how much I have to write in my journal! haha. Umm, I guess the usual time is 10:30. 26. Who will do this tag the quickest? Definitely not me. (okay, I know that's not what the question meant). So I don't know! 27. Who is the person you taged that is least likely to do it? Do I really need to put this kind of presure onto poor, unsuspecting people? 28. Who is the person that you are most curiouse to see their answers? I don't know again. 29. Favorite TV show? I don't watch TV. I don't have a favorite TV show. 30. Last person you went to dinner with? My family. 31. What are you going to do when your 31 or 32? Have a family of my own and be a Godly wife to a wonderful husband! I can't wait...=) 32. What are your favorite colors? I've never really understood the whole, "Favorite color" thing. It changes all of the time! I like  the color teal blue. And I like the color maroon. 33. How many tattoos do you have? Three. Soon four. Oh my goodness, I'm just kidding! I don't have, nor will I ever have a tattoo. Thank you for asking. 34. How many pets? Lots. 35. Which came first the chicken or the egg? Ah, the question we have been asking since the begining of time. Well, it'll now be answered...the chicken of course! Why would God just stick an egg on the earth and expect Adam and Eve to hatch it? 36. What do you want to do before you die? Bungy jump.  Okay, I'm kidding again. I just really want to be a mommy and wife before I die. But whatever God has planned for me, I will follow. 37. Have you been to hawaii? No I have not. 38. Have you been to countries out side of the US? No again. I would like to go to Scotland and see where my ansesters lived though! And I want to go to England and stay in a castle. :-) 39. How many people are you sending this to? I don't think I will keep this up. Is that allowed? 40. Time this survey ended? It's now 9:39 It's been fourty minutes! All right! I'm finished and I hope I didn't bore you all to death! (although, I suppose non of you are obligated to read any of this.) In Him Always, Dallas http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/646208/ Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:59:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWritingsByMe/646208/