Life through the eyes of Sparkles....



Gee, it's been a while...


. Wow...I'm kinda embarrased.  It's been like two weeks since I last posted.    It's not that I don't have anything to blog about (because I actually do) it's just that things have been a little busy...but I guess that's not really a good excuse, because there were several times I had the chance to blog and decided not to.  Well, anyway, moving on...

This week I have been helping with our church VBS.  Lets just say, everyday I have come home with a headache (weird cause I never get headaches).  But I guess it's because I am working with 4 & 5 year olds!  Wow, they can sure be a handful!  I feel especially bad for the two elderly ladies that are the leaders of the class!  I don't think they knew what they were getting themselves into!  These kiddos can be as sweet as pie one second, giving you hugs and telling you that they "really like you," then the next second they're bouncing of the walls and won't even listen to a word you're telling them!  Also, one thing that is just crazy is these little boys have to constantly go to the bathroom!  I'm serious!  I get back from walking one to the bathroom, then another one has to go, then I get back from taking that one to the bathroom, then the one that I just took two minutes ago has to go AGAIN!!!  It's really weird.  Maybe it's just a manipulation tactic...I don't know.  Yeah, so I'm having an interesting time with VBS, but it's sort of entertaining in a different way.

Also, I started reading the book I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris.  We bought it a couple months ago, but I just now began reading it.  I have a strong conviction to guard my heart and purity for my future spouse and I believe dating is incompatible with that conviction.  I want to read this book to broaden my understanding of what true purity encompasses.  I want to share a powerful story that Joshua Harris shares in the introduction of this book.  I think it's a good picture of the baggage we can carry into our future marriage if we don't guard our purity now.  Here is what he says in his book...

"It was finally here-Anna's wedding day, the day she had dreamed about and planned for months.  The small, picturesque church was crowded with friends and family.
    Sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows, and the gentle music of a string quartet filled the air.  Anna walked down the aisle toward David.  Joy surged within her.  This was the moment for which she had waited so long.  He gently took her hand and they turned toward the altar.
    But as the minister began to lead Anna and David through their vows , the unthinkable happened.  A girl stood up in the middle of the congregation, walked quietly to the altar, and took David's other hand.  Another girl approached and stood next to the first, followed by another.  Soon, a chain of six girls stood by him as he repeated his vows to Anna.
    Anna felt her lip begin to quiver as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Is this some kind of Joke?" she whispered to David.
    "I'm...I'm sorry, Anna," he said, staring at the floor.
    "Who are these girls, David?  What is going on?" she gasped.
    "They're girls from my past," he answered sadly.  "Anna, they don't mean anything to me now...but I've given part of my heart to each of them."
    "I thought your heart was mine," she said.
    "It is, it is," he pleaded.  "Everything that's left is yours."
    A tear rolled down Anna's cheek.  Then she woke up.

I don't know about you, but I want my wedding day to be a celebration of my purity.  I want to give my whole heart to my husband.  I don't want to offer the remnants of a heart that has been given away to several others before him.  I want to no regrets that day.

Well, I hope you all have a great day, and I promise I will try to start posting on more of a regular basis!  Oh, and if you haven't got a comment from me in a while, I'm not ignoring you!  I've just been a little bit busier that usual lately, but I'm going to try to do some commenting right now! 


Sparkles





Comments from my visitors...


Thanks!
Posted at 11:38 PM on Jul. 11, 2007

Antelope says...
I've heard that Harris' book is supposed to be awesome. I was planning on starting it soon, myself. It sounds like we have similar opinions on dating and the like. Thanks for sharing!

BTW, my name is Jess. =D Come by sometime!

Jess



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Posted at 11:56 PM on Jul. 11, 2007

thector87 says...
That story was so sad!! :-(

Although it was a good representation of how dating can change your life... In a not so good way of course...

My parents dated, and by the time they had children (a.k.a. my two brothers and myself) they realized that it was not a good way to start a relationship. I am glad they had a change of heart...

Try not to get anymore headaches! Not that you have any control over them... but try not to!

See ya'



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Posted at 7:52 AM on Jul. 12, 2007

Chris says...
hey yeah i have heard of that book. yep, from what i've heard it isn't as radical as some books on the subject so that is cool :)

hey yeah thanx for the comment. you made a great point. and i agree, God didn't mean for people to end of gay...but i think they still do thanks to the world being cursed.



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Posted at 10:01 AM on Jul. 12, 2007

Cassydoodle says...
Hey! It was great talking to you and Jess last night!

I've read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" and I must say that I like his book "Boy Meets Girl" much better because he's more experienced ( 'cause he's married. ;)) and it's much more realistic. It's funny; because he hardly followed his dating theory when he met his wife. It's a good book, don't get me wrong, but just be prepared.



Oof!
Posted at 10:08 AM on Jul. 12, 2007

Scary story in that book. Do you think the book is appropriate for young people?

And the reason the children at VBS act like little heathens is because socialized childcare is ALWAYS a bad idea. You are learning that first hand. Enjoy the rest of the week. You'll be scarred for life. ;)



Yo!
Posted at 11:03 AM on Jul. 12, 2007

EyesonAslan says...
Yeah, headaches... no fun. Cool. I've read "I kissed Dating Goodbye," already. A very good book. I just recently started the sequel "Boy Meets Girl." Also a good book. He has a lot more experience in the next book. Later.

Peace Out



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Posted at 11:35 AM on Jul. 12, 2007

01charger says...
Jenna~ You are ROCKIN'! I am glad that you like the award, and I hope that you can think of people to give the award to yourself!
Love and Hugs,
Ashley



Untitled Comment
Posted at 11:48 AM on Jul. 12, 2007

Kadeesis says...
that age can be so crazy and tireing.
KD



Hi
Posted at 12:21 PM on Jul. 12, 2007

PinkFlamingo says...
I totally agree with you that typical "dating" does not go with guarding your heart. I'm 20 1/2 and have never had a boyfriend... but that's okay because I know God will bring the man He has for me in His perfect time. Thanks for sharing - stay committed!! :-)
Have a wonderful week,
Ashley



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Posted at 2:17 PM on Jul. 12, 2007

babyrach91 says...
That was really good. I totally agree.



YAY!!
Posted at 3:36 PM on Jul. 12, 2007

SuperAngel says...
Oh don’t feel bad. I am so happy you posted, but when you have other things to do, you just gotta do them.
I didn't write my goals on paper, I did it on my blog. Its almost like I have alot of accountability partners helping me finish them.
Just post when you can. I think this is the most comments I have ever left on one post before. LOL!!
I just posted a post for daddys and daughters. It talks about what a daughter needs from her daddy. It is titled: What a Girl Needs, Er...
Being a daughter, could you please tell me what you think??
Thanks.
As Always...
Love,
!!SUPERANGEL!! !!Amanda!!



Oh...
Posted at 5:28 PM on Jul. 12, 2007

Jocelyndixon says...
You posted! YAY! I've been waiting...

maybe we can ring ring each other later?!

Jocelyn

Read my latest posts...
My Hope Chest Part II: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Jocelyndixon/355849/
Rockin' Girl Blogger Award: http://www.homesteadblogger.com/Jocelyndixon/62438/
8 Things ‘Bout Me: http://www.homesteadblogger.com/Jocelyndixon/62440



Untitled Comment
Posted at 7:06 PM on Jul. 12, 2007

Free2bme says...
I've read that book several times. I need to do it again. Another really good book is When God Writes Your Lovestory by Eric and Leslie Ludy.Good stuff~
That story is very attention grabbing!
That is so awesome that your working in VBS. You get to speak into those little kids lives and that is a major thing. You might be the only Jesus those little ones ever see. Really awesome and keep it up!



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Posted at 9:37 PM on Jul. 12, 2007

IloveyouGod says...
This is such a wonderful post!! I agree all with what you said, and I think it's so precious to know there are girls out there, like you, who take purity as something special.

Like you, I want to keep my heart for my husband. I don't want any past regrets or any other man I gave my heart to but my future husband.

Have a great day!
Brooke



Untitled Comment
Posted at 8:26 AM on Jul. 13, 2007

Ebell1993 says...
Yeah we have that book also except that I haven't read it yet but I plan to.
I added a new entry!!
Love, Elizabeth



Untitled Comment
Posted at 1:49 PM on Jul. 13, 2007

Nate says...
Is this a book for guys and girls... Jarod is reading that same book...sounds to me its a girls book, but I maybe wrong! Anyways anything new?



Hey!
Posted at 4:16 PM on Jul. 13, 2007

10jellybeans says...
Hey. I found your blog a couple weeks ago!!!! It is soo cool!. I just wanted to let you know that I gave you the "Rockin' Girl BLogger Award" . Go to my blog to check it out.



Untitled Comment
Posted at 9:08 PM on Jul. 13, 2007

babyrach91 says...
Yeah I know... I`ve never seen the movie... Can you play "A Thousand Miles" ? I love your comments! :) TTYL!



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Posted at 2:25 PM on Jul. 14, 2007

babyrach91 says...
My mom won`t let me see Titanic because of the umm... Parts in it. Sooooo... I love the music though! And once you learn how to play "A thousand Miles" You will LOVE it! It is soooooo fun to do! TTYL!



Untitled Comment
Posted at 10:08 PM on Jul. 14, 2007

Kadeesis says...
That is ok. I didn't expect u to comment me back. I like reading your blog.
I know. My cousin and my sister look like twins. Everybody thinks that. he he
Thanks for stoping by
KD



:)
Posted at 3:20 PM on Jul. 15, 2007

andidandi16 says...
what an amazing clip from that book! i really want to read it now. it's so true, and isn't it nice to know that there are others out there with the same views and opinions as you?
tee hee your VBS sounds very similar to the theater camps that nicky and i are volunteering at! why can't kids just hold it a little longer?? ;)
what church are you guys attending now?
-Andrea



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Posted at 4:32 PM on Jul. 15, 2007

totustuus says...
That's awesome - I have read I Kissed Dating Goodbye a couple of times, and also Boy Meets Girl: An Introduction to Courtship. They are both really wonderful books about both sexual and emotional purity!! I was really challenged by both of them.
Regards,
Sylvia



<i>Untitled Comment</i>
Posted at 10:52 AM on Jul. 16, 2007

i am so ..hmm...what's the word?...inspired doesn't really cover it...but i'm really inspired to live a pure life. I signed two chastity cards-one last year, one a few days ago...and i intend to keep to my promise. I can't wait to meet my future husband and i hope he's made the same desision as i have to wait for eachother. you rock, btw lol
thanks so much for this entry

oh yeah. i read pure womenhood by Chrystilina Evert. It was really good

Edited by ForeverConfused on Jul. 16, 2007 at 9:54 AM



Untitled Comment
Posted at 2:15 PM on Jul. 16, 2007

IloveyouGod says...
Oh, I love what you wrote in your blog!!
I read I Kissed Dating Goodbye last year, and I'm actually planning on reading it again because it is so good. At the momment, I'm actually working on reading "Boy Meets Girl," Joshua Harris' sequel. I recommend that one too; It is soo good.

But yes, I agree with you; I think dating is a compromise to my standards, and I also want my wedding to be a celebration of my purity. Very well said Jenna! I loved your post, and it is encouraging and wonderful to have people like you--who actually cherish their purity.

God bless you!!

Luv, Brooke



Jenna...
Posted at 4:35 PM on Jul. 16, 2007

SuperAngel says...
You are just awesome!! I read your post again and you are SOO on the right track!!
I love you!! Can’t wait to meet you. I have been so blessed to come to know you!! God Bless you!!
Thank you for your comment. You are very encouraging.
I know I need to respect and honor my dad. I do mostly.
I am so happy you took the time to read the post and tell what you thought.
I actaully did not PM you yet. =0) But will be.
As Always...
Love,
!!SUPERANGEL!! !!Amanda!!



Wow!
Posted at 4:42 PM on Jul. 16, 2007

Jocelyndixon says...
Sparkles, you are one of the most loving and encouraging bloggers i know... I am blessed to call you friend!

Your comment, on both blogs, was wonderful!
Love you,
Jocelyn

Read my latest posts:
Life Goals: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Jocelyndixon/357849/
A Day In The Life Of A Milk Maid: http://www.homesteadblogger.com/Jocelyndixon/62748/



Untitled Comment
Posted at 6:55 PM on Jul. 16, 2007

Luvs2Sing says...
That is a very good representation of how dating can ruin things. I am so glad that my parents have brought me up teaching me that. I am 18, have never had a boyfriend and I am so glad. That just means that my future husband is getting all my heart and I plan on keeping it that way!

Sometimes it's hard when you see all of your friends and family (my cousin has had 3 boyfriends in the past 5 months) with guys but then you look at how they are and quickly change your mind!

Anyway, great post. Stop by my way some time.

Liz



Untitled Comment
Posted at 3:53 PM on Jul. 17, 2007

Sweettunes says...
I totally agree with u on that comment on chrises blog!



Artichoke
Posted at 5:47 AM on Jul. 18, 2007

DeusPrimus says...
(Sorry, I couldn't think of a good subject line. That is all that I came up with!)

Thanks for the well wishes. It is comforting to know that I will see him again.

VBS is so fun! Well, fun in a quirky self-inflicted pain sort of way. At our last church I was in charge of the recreation for all of the classes. It was great, since we had a theme each year, and got to dress up. One year I was a retired Royal Air Force pilot, and got to dress up in plaid golf shorts and a monocle. It was hilarious!

Good reading choice; that is a very thought provoking book. I hope you get good ideas from it. Nice to know there is a better way than the world's way!

Later,

BFH



#30!
Posted at 4:07 PM on Jul. 18, 2007

Jocelyndixon says...
Had to!



Untitled Comment
Posted at 3:34 PM on Jul. 19, 2007

Free2bme says...
I awarded you something, come to my site to see!
Debs



tag your it!
Posted at 2:09 AM on Jul. 20, 2007

Sweettunes says...
u have been tagged come 2 my blog and see



Untitled Comment
Posted at 10:49 PM on Jul. 20, 2007

Free2bme says...
Well, you deserve it! You are very sweet and I am blessed to have your friendship! Lord knows I don't deserve it!
Love ya!
Debs



Untitled Comment
Posted at 11:13 PM on Jul. 21, 2007

BlogBoy says...
I started this whole Chris discussion by asking Chris about his religion. Now I have written post about the Homosexual issue, and Chris’s “statements.”

I am not doing this to be mean, or to cause problems, but Christians are supposed to stand up for biblical truths.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Please read my blog at this link, and feel free to post a comment:

http://ericnovak.com/?p=9#comments

Eric Novak



Hey
Posted at 8:30 AM on Jul. 23, 2007

dixiebeauty says...
I've been wanting to come check out your blog for awhile now but I never have time. :-) I have never read that book but I've wanted to. Want to be friends?

Jordan Lee



:)
Posted at 2:26 PM on Jul. 23, 2007

Cassydoodle says...
Wow girl! You're popular! 35 comments... WOW! :D People can't resist a gorgeous and intelligent person like yourself. ;)

Yes, I drive! It's REALLY scary,though. I have yet to master it! Will you be getting your permit sometime this year since you're seventeen almost eighteen?

Is it scary for you to think that you'll be a legal adult next year? :) What are your plans?

I know! I boggle people down with loads of questions!! Thank you for writing me back. :)



Untitled Comment
Posted at 10:03 AM on Jul. 25, 2007

IloveyouGod says...
Thank you Jenna for your sweet comment! I appreciate it so much! And thanks for the great idea---I love it and I think I'll do it as well ;-)


Hope you are having a great week too!

Blessings, Brooke



Untitled Comment
Posted at 2:59 PM on Jul. 25, 2007

babyrach91 says...
LoL! Yeah my friends have seen it and LOVE it but I don`t think I`ll get to see it. :*(
But anyways... Yeah I post when my little brother takes his naps, But right now I`m taking a break from a essay I had to write for school. It had to be at least 3 pages long and between 750 and 2500 words! It took me forever to think of something to write on but finally I wrote it on women of the Bible. I just sort of told some of their stories in my own words. But here I am going on and on and boring you to death...
Oh I saw your sister sing and Caron play the piano on YouTube. Are you going to put you singing on? You need to I would love to hear you sing. My mom sings and sometimes I sing with her but not very often.... Anyways I`ll ttyl! Ray<3



Jenna~
Posted at 3:16 PM on Jul. 25, 2007

01charger says...
Thanks for the comment. Oh~ I know~ I love the Zac Efron thing too~ I got that off of a website~ but I am not sure where.
I am glad that you stopped by~ I am sorry I haven't stopped by in a while either!
Ashley


Edited by 01charger on Jul. 25, 2007 at 2:17 PM



Untitled Comment
Posted at 4:00 PM on Jul. 25, 2007

LifeSong says...
Hey sis!
Wow, I'm the fortieth commenter! Do I get a prize? LOL! sorry I couldn't resist.

Delaine :-)