We will be taking a break from now until after New Year's (Jan. 5, to be exact) as we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, NEW YEAR'S, etc., not to mention the most important birthday, JESUS!!! Be sure to leave us lots of comments and private messages so we'll have plenty to catch up on when we get back!!
Dec. 18, 2009 - Four Songs... to look for in my story!!
Posted by Morisaki
They won't show up for a while, though. Anyway; hey, everyone!!
So, how to introduce this entry...when in doubt, tell the truth. These songs are all on my iPod (or will be soon). I've been planning on using present-day music in my story for a while now, and I picked these four out of the 108 Christian contemporary and 24 pop songs currently occupying my iTunes library. (I also have 103 classical songs, 1 music video, two choir concert CDs and my vocal practice stuff. Total: 346. I sure hope I get iTunes money for Christmas!! *hint, hint, nudge, nudge, PUSH, PUSH* RENEE ;) Anyhoo...
You've already seen me mention I Am, by Mark Schultz. Here are more songs I intend to use. Four songs, three artists: Jeremy Camp, Tenth Avenue North, and Gavin Rossdale (and if I feel generous, maybe I'll give you a bonus ☺).
The first song is Let It Fade, by Jeremy Camp. It's a great theme for the story; let your old life crumble, let this new life offered be your saving grace (excerpt from the chorus). Matt, and later Ariana, will be listening to this song a lot. Great job, speedsk8r4God08, with the background!
You should also check out the official music video; what a great storyline for the song!
This next song is This Man, also by Jeremy Camp. It's about Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross; and it questions if we "would take the place of this man". What an amazing song...Jesus is the Reason for the Season, people. And it's the reason we do what we do. Everyone should listen to this song at least once a day, not just the characters in my story. SoldierBelow, you did awesome! I can read the words clearly and everything!
The next song is By Your Side, by Tenth Avenue North. It's pretty self-explanatory, don't you love how music does that? Ariana gets Matt to listen to this song later in the story, when...I don't know, I'll come up with something. I LOVE your pictures, giulianoaugusto! And the lyrics you missed I couldn't figure out either (until I looked it up haha).
This song (Love Remains The Same, Gavin Rossdale) isn't Christian. It's just cool. That's all. I fell in love with this song a while ago, which resulted in me singing nothing else for a week. I wanted someone to use it for something, so I'm using it for one of the only romantic scenes I'll put in this story. I blocked it last night, I'd better write it before I forget! Anyhoo...enjoy! It's SO cute...I meant the scene that goes with it. Thanks for the video and the very accurate lyrics, lyricsboii!
I am feeling generous, so...BONUS SONG!! Wahoo!! There Will Be A Day, by Jeremy Camp. Whenever you feel like you can't take life on earth anymore, just remember...there will be a day...(great job, MusicforHISMission!)
I'm scared for this part. I wrote it, I rewrote it, I've agonized over it because it sets up the rest of the entire story. I've been so incredibly worried; been delaying this as long as possible, but finally yesterday Jacob said "Put it up!" and I decided he was right. So here goes *gulp*:
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“Hold on, Matt. Help is on the way.”
The voice --- Nathan’s voice --- seemed to come from very far away. It was telling him to hold on.… To what?? Matt wondered glumly. I’ve already lost…control of myself?? How can I be thinking?? I thought people who fainted were unconscious.
“They are,” he thought he heard. OK, this was just getting weirder. “What’s going on?” He was past caring how he did anything now.
“Well, I could tell you, but I don’t think you can handle it.” said the voice again. It sounded very small, and if a voice could weigh anything, he’d say it was almost featherweight.
Something clicked in his mind. He remembered something his mother had told him before he found…Darrell. “God doesn’t tell us what he’s doing sometimes.”
“Why not?” he’d queried. “It would make life so much easier.”
“I know, Matt.” He’d never figured out how she could remain so calm. “But if God told us what he was doing, there’s no way we’d survive. Remember, his ways are not our ways. We couldn’t handle the knowledge.”
That did it. “God?” said Matt nervously. He couldn’t see Him, but he didn’t want to.
“I AM. You were brave to call me after all this time.”
Matt thought of Mark Schultz’s song “I Am”.
“And when you cry I AM,
The Savior and Redeemer of all the sin of man,
The Author and Perfecter,
Beginning and the End.
Yes, I AM.”
He must have sung, because God said, “Mark Schultz is a great artist, isn’t he? Most of his songs glorify Me.”
“He’s one of my favorites, sir.” Matt was completely bewildered, which made him even more tongue-tied than usual, and that was saying a lot. “I didn’t know what else to do. I was so scared… but You must have many other more important things to do besides listen to me.”
“You are more important to me than anything. Remember everything you learned in AWANA?” And Matt did, the lessons flocking back to him like so many sheep. God made us to glorify Him…God made us to rule the earth…We are his people, the sheep of his pasture…I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.
“I remember, Lord.” Matt breathed a sigh of relief. He still knew how to talk to God. And he thought he knew what God wanted from him. “Listen, I know I haven’t talked to You in a long time. And I haven’t listened to You, or even acknowledged Your existence.” He stopped, unsure.
“Go on.” God’s voice was kind.
“I lost my dog. I couldn’t find him for two weeks. My family had given up, but I was trusting You and believing to find him again. I did.…” Matt choked up. “He was dead. Darrell meant the world over to me. I loved him so much, I ---” Matt stopped again. He hadn‘t mentioned his dog‘s death since it happened.
“Keep on. You will feel better for it.” Even kinder now.
Matt forced back a sob. “It was hard. I was so disappointed in You, I thought you weren’t for me.”
‘But now you know, right?”
God was always right. But… “won’t it take time? I mean, well…”
“The best things take time. Do you remember 1 John 1:9?”
Matt swallowed his tears. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
“And do you believe that?”
Matt couldn’t answer. It was all too wonderful. Yes, he thought.
God was satisfied. “Ask Nathan to help you. I’ve already given him the instructions.”
“One more thing, Lord. My piece? You’ll help with that too?”
“Do you remember Hebrews 13:5?”
Matt recited that, too. “Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. For He himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ”
“That’s right. Remember…”
His voice faded away. But Matt knew it would be alright. He fell asleep again, satisfied.
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Oh, boy. There you have it. I think I'm justified. I mean, God can do anything, right? And he'll do whatever it takes to get through to us, right? So why not have this? I don't think God minds me manipulating him a little for my story; trust me, I've prayed about it so much. Now to see what y'all think: Please comment!
In Him,
~MoRiSaKi ♥☺♪
EDIT:
This is the last part I have saved on my computer, so there won't be any more for a little while. I'm working on getting the rest of the first chapter on my word processor. As soon as I get through with that, there will be more on here, I promise! In the meantime, anticipation!! ☺
Don't you hate it when those two words are used in the same sentence? ...Especially the day before your two-page story is due? *sighs* Unfortunately, I am experiencing this dreadful problem right now. It's a disease beyond all others. Your creativity and imagination are cut off, expelling you from a life of happiness, while you simply sit and wait for an idea to come to you -- your patience is tried, and your self control is tested.
Who decided to call it writer's block, anyway? It makes me think of a butcher, taking all of his anger out on his meat.
Maybe it's just me, but I feel alot like that butcher right now... I just feel like punching something, and so that's what I'm doing. I'm punching the keys in hopes of getting my brain thinking of a topic to write about... a story that happened to me... a true story. Now that's the hard part. I could whip up a two-page fictional story in no time, but my life is just so boring... Maybe I'll write about the symphony concert and Amy's Ice Cream afterward... I don't know. Creativity has slipped between my fingers, and I am only capable of dwelling on my misfortune.
My Bible club leader has comissioned our club to read Hebrews 11, otherwise known as the Faith Hall of Fame. SO I figured, why not share it with the world-wide web?? Here goes:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed be the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was translated so that he did not see death, "and was not found because God had translated him"; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would afterward receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude --- innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months be his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king, for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again.
And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented --- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and in mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
Wow. "And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise..." My leader said that meant that they did not have a Savior or the Holy Spirit, like we do, because all of these people were Old Testament people. So they did all these things without the Holy Spirit as a guide. We have that, and without Him I would sin so much more. But the fact that they did all this without that; isn't it amazing?? "...God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us." We have the Savior and the Holy Spirit, so we can "be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16)
17 has been my favorite number for quite some time now. I recently asked myself why 17 is my favorite number, but I was unable to answer that question until yesterday.
2009 (the year Obama was elected president)
+ 4 (how long Obama's term lasts)
--------
=2013 (the year Obama's term ends)
-1996 (the year I was born)
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= 17 (how old I'll be when Obama's term is up!!)
There you have it, all spelled out in mathematical terms for you left-brained people like myself.
Posted by Morisaki
Here's more!! (I did pretty good, huh alizona?) Did y'all know that Morisaki means purple in Japanese?? My username in another book is MorisakiPsychic, that's why I write by Morisaki.
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“All right, Matthew, let’s hear your piece.”
He nodded and started to set up his music. He took a deep breath. Nathan did too. Matt’s lesson had gone well so far. So well, in fact, that he’d had quickly forgotten his fears and was soon completely at home. Their teacher, Mr. Wood, was in a jovial mood as always, and he had even let himself laugh. Nathan had watched his friend with pride and grinned at the sky, which was clearing faster, it seemed, the more Matt relaxed. But he knew that it all came down to this. As soon as their teacher said those dreaded words, Matt visibly tensed up. Nathan, beginning to grow worried, took another glance at the sky. It had stopped clearing, but it didn’t get darker. He took this as a sign of help from God. No matter what happened....He never finished his thought. As Matt stumbled he took another glance at the sky. The sun, which he had not seen for days, was just coming out, and he could see the ‘rays’ that looked like healing spreading over the area. Healing! Hold on, Matt, Nathan grinned as he hurried to his friend’s side. Help is on the way.
Matt, however, had been feeling no such assurance. He'd thought his fears were gone, but they'd come flooding back. He'd been so nervous he thought he would be sick. His brain was on overload. His legs, no longer his to control, collapsed under him, landing him in a nearby chair, light-headed, losing air every second. And suddenly a blackness seemed to come over him from all sides, out of nowhere, just coming. He was too weak to do anything but give in and let it take over. And at last he realized, as he was fading away, that prayer was the only tack he hadn’t tried, and dimly that it was the only thing left to do, so he sent up a mental cry for help before his brain shut down. God, I know you’re out there. Help me, please! I know I don’t deserve it, but please…
The last words faded on the head of the blackness. He had completely shut down.
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Wow. I credit that to be the best cliffhanger I've ever written. I bet you were so into it that you didn't realize how bad my writing was. It's epic. ;) And he DIDN'T faint because he was nervous. I'll explain later.
Alright, I'll stop tantalizing you. Please comment, I'd love to hear what you think!!
"Hurry up, girls -- we were supposed to leave ten minutes ago!!" Renee's father cried out as they rushed out to the car.
"Sorry, dad -- but I seriously think that we'll be okay time-wise," Renee replied as she was shaken by the cold.
Renee, Emma, and their friend Taylor threw their stuff into the trunk of the little white Toyota Corolla, and hopped in and buckled up. As Mr. C. put the car into reverse, he backed out of the driveway and zoomed off down the neighborhood's main street. Upon entering the parking lot where the other symphoniteers were supposed to be waiting, he noticed that the Harley Davidson guys were giving a motorcycle-driving lesson right where they were supposed to meet up. Shortly after they had found a parking spot close to the original meeting area, Renee received a call on her phone from Mr. F. She handed it off to her father who proceeded to tell him where they were parked.
"What kind of car does Mr. F. drive?" Taylor's question drifted on a curious wind from the backseat.
"A teal van -- kinda' like Micah's," came Renee's concisive reply.
Renee dove right back into Evil Genius as the younger girls continued to color. I figured it was Dr. Vee that was hacking into Cadel's computer... after all, they do call him "The Virus"... Renee's eyes flitted back and forth across the pages, while her mind tried to figure out what was written between the lines, and if Dr. Darkkon really did have good intentions for his son or not...
"There's his car!" Emma announced as Renee was quickly snatched from her reading.
So Mr. F. and Mr. C. discussed the route, and Renee waved at Emily (the cellist) whose dad had just pulled into the parking space beside Renee's.
When they finally did set out on their adventure to Six Flags, Renee (once again) had her nose in that book of hers.
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... "Dad -- where are we supposed to turn?" ... "Are we there yet?" ... "This is a really nice road!" ... "Didn't Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs go to that snake farm?" ...
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"Man, it would stink to have that job. All you do is sit there, in the cold, take people's money, and give them permission to park." Renee said as Taylor agreed.
They drove around to the performers/staff/etc.'s parking lot, got out, put their instruments into Mr. F.'s car, and wished that it would warm up a little bit. Then they all piled back in and went to the regular parking lot, where they quickly bundled up and set out for a day of chilly enjoyment.
After they had been standing at the front gate, waiting for the park to open, for about ten minutes, they heard the National Anthem being played.
... They're going to open soon! ... I feel like a holiday black Friday shopper just waiting for the store to open! ... I don't think I can stand the cold much longer!
Then they heard the gates open, and that was when it started to sound like an amusement park. People were talking, and laughing, and The Goliath whizzed by as it carried its screaming passengers to their doom.
When it was finally their turn, they retrieved all of their metal items from their pockets so that they wouldn't beep. Then, the whole orchestra posed for a quick picture, and set off to enjoy their day! (though, personally, I think that they were all a bit apprehensive about the loop-dee-loops :) The older kids went together in a group of about ten, and the younger kids went off together.
The first ride that Renee rode was The Boomerang, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. She related it much to The Flashback at the Six Flags up in Dallas. As their carts were being pulled backwards by the obviously-strong chains, she held her breath along with everyone else, and then let out a quick scream as she was dropped. She went through two loops, and many twists and turns. Her riding buddy, Emily (the cellist), had her eyes closed the whole time.
Then they were pulled up again, and dropped backwards right back the way they came.
So that's why they call it the Boomerang!
After riding many other roller coasters, it was finally time for the orchestra to play. They arrived at the "Sundance Theater" and were taken back around to retrieve their instruments, music, and stands.
As the two flutists, Suzanna and Renee, unpacked their instruments, they mentioned (quite a few times) that their flutes would "go despairingly flat in this kind of weather" and "that their fingers would be playing, but they wouldn't know it since their hands were so cold..." Luckily, Emily (the violinist) had some gloves that Renee wore while the intermediate symphony were playing their pieces.
Then it was time for the advanced orchestra. Oh, boy... Renee thought, This oughta' be fun! *wink, wink*
So they made their way up the six-or-so steps, and took their seats. All seven of them. Two first violins (Rachel & Liz), two seconds violins (Peter & Emily), two flutes (Suzanna & Renee), and one cello (Becca).
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After the concert, Renee and Emily (the violinist) decided that for 'dinner', they would split a pretzel. And y'all know how those theme park pretzels are... HUGE!! It was probably ten inches in diameter. Renee, Suzanna, Peter, and Emily (the cellist) each ordered a hot chocolate which felt so good against their ice-chilled hands.
They returned to Sundance Theater where they sat and hungrily devoured their purchases as they listened to a junior high band play. And, much to Renee's dismay, you couldn't hear the flutes...
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After 'dinner', they went to meet up with their friends at the restaurant. Then they walked over to the ferris wheel and boarded -- Renee, Emily, and Emily got their own cage/basket/thing.
As they were swinging back and forth, the conversation drifted between things such as how cold it was outside, and how the Six Flags people could improve their ferris wheel.
Once they had made eight-or-so revolutions, they got off and Renee, Emily, and Emily went to go ride, "Tony Hawk's Big Spin" while the others went to ride something else.
"It doesn't go too high, does it?" Emily (the cellist) questioned Renee.
"No -- this one's not bad at all," Renee answered in a calm tone.
"It looks like a lot of fun!" Emily (the violinist) remarked.
"That's because it is!" said Renee.
They made their way up the ramps to the where the 'line' was. But, due to the time of year, there was hardly a line at all. (which they were ever so thankful for!) Since each car could hold four people, Emily, Renee, and Emily all rode in the same one. As they were pulled up the incline, Emily (the cellist) closed her eyes and then there came the drop. It was quite sudden, and as it happened, the car began to spin. After many of these surprises, the ride was (sadly) over.
Walking over to catch up with Suzanna, her sister Virginia, and Peter, Renee made the accident of running.
"Hey, no running!" the Six Flags worker announced.
So Renee slowed her pace to a quick walk, and finally caught up with them.
"We're going to ride this one," Suzanna said as she pointed to the giant boat in front of them.
"Who wants to ride in the middle with me?" Virginia asked, and Suzanna volunteered.
Emily (the cellist) decided not to ride this one, so Renee and Emily (the violinist) sat down in the row behind Suzanna and Virginia.
The ride started out slow and not very high, but increased over the course of about a minute, and then once it was up to speed, it began to decrease, and then stop.
Once they were done on that ride, everyone went over to ride Tony Hawk's Big Spin. Renee was in a car with Suzanna, Peter, and Kira this time around. And they all had so much fun that they decided to do it again.
After that, they rode the Wave Breaker one last time, and Renee purchased a funnel cake (which actually wasn't a cake -- it tasted like it -- but it looked more like curly fries) that she was going to split with Emily (the violinist). But then the younger kids caught a glimpse and they all wanted a piece. Then they thought it was so good that they wanted another piece. And Peter and Daniel had a few bites, so Emily (the violinist) and Renee ended up not getting anywhere close to half of the funnel cake. (which was actually for the better, since they probably couldn't have eaten that whole thing, anyway :)
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And there you have it! My recap of Six Flags in too many sentences. :) I had a really good time, and if you were to ask me which ride was my favorite, I wouldn't be able to answer since they were all so amazing.
This is my favorite version of the world's best Christian song since Amazing Grace. "Mary, Did You Know?" moves me to silent praise every time I hear it. This is Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd.
Here are the lyrics:
"Mary, Did You Know?"
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? This child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand? Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby you kissed the face of God.
Oh, Mary did you know?
The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The dead will live again. The lame will leap. The dumb will speak The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? The sleeping child you're holding is the Great I AM.
Thanks SO much, Renee, for telling me how to do this!! I owe you a lot!
I am thinking…that we need to get my display board for my science fair project.
I am thankful for… my Savior
I am wearing...Jeans and a purple top that has black flowers on it
I am reading…Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks
I am creating…(soon to be, anyway) a science fair project display board.
One of my favorite things…my kittens.
For education this week… Algebra 1, Biology, history, etc...
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning …cleaning.
A spiritual lesson I’m learning... patience
A godly character trait I plan to work on...patience
Scripture I am memorizing…Philippians 3:7-11
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
(it'll probably take me a while...)
I am praying for…my friend to come to church.
For the rest of the week…I am extremely busy with music. :)
Posted by Tabby
I know this is totally off the subject, but Renee and Emily94 went to Six Flags today because our symphony played there. I , however, did not go, due to performance conflicts. Actually, our choir director had to give us special permission to miss a choir performance today. She thinks I'm with the orchestra. I'm not. They're not even back yet. So, they got to perform with about half the orchestra, since 7 people out of 13 had conflicts. Thank God for a certain multi-talented musician named Elizabeth for stepping in and helping us out!!! Point is, Renee will be bubbling over with joy someday in the near future about her amazing time at Six Flags. Just giving you fair warning!! ;)
Back to the main stream:
So, I found another amazing chapter in the Bible. Philippians 4 rocks, and here's why....Never mind, just read it.
Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntycheto be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound, I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
I know for a fact that there are many prayer requests out there. All the time. But so is God. And He can help you with whatever your struggle may be. Whether it is math, your family member is sick, or you have an english test coming up. God is there for you -- all the time. He is your everlasting, ever-constant companion and friend.
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging."
~Psalm 46:1-3
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
~Philippians 4:6
So do you have any prayer requests that you would like for us to pray for? If so, send them to us or post a comment telling us what it is. If you have a personal prayer request which you would like to keep private, just tell us that you have an "unspoken" prayer request.
And praising God is also important! The book of Psalms is filled completely with praises to God. How much does God appreciate a simple, "Thanks," for what He's done?
So if you have anything that you would like to praise our wonderful Lord for, please comment or PM us.
Now if you'll turn your attention to our sidebar, underneath the "Check Out..." section. You will see two sections, "Prayer Requests" and "I praise you because..." This is where y'all's prayers or praises will be displayed. Remember that if your prayer request is personal, then just tell us that it is "unspoken".
They scrolling boxes will be updated each week, and the prayer requests will be diligently prayed over, and we will thank God for the praises.
God bless~
~Renee
p.s. -- please included a link to your blog if you have one.
Hey there! Just a quick note before you read our summary... the purple paragraphs were written by Tabby, and the blue paragraphs were written by Renee. The green is pretty much both of us.
So, in the whirlwind of excitement that is the visiting of our friends from Pennies From Heaven, we sit down to tell you about our fantabulous night at the opera.
After playing Clue for an hour or so, we dressed ourselves in the proper attire 'required' to attend an opera. Renee donning a fall-colored button-down shirt, jeans, and boots which are studded with three hundred and forty-four studs. (yes, we counted on the way there. :) Tabitha adorned herself in some lovely black slacks, black shoes and a lovely turtle-neck, short-sleeved red top.
Here's the scenario: Tabitha was long an opera fan, depending on the opera. Renee was apprehensive about the whole thing. Tabitha hoped to convert Renee. But first, you can't go to an opera on an empty stomach, so we loaded up and went to Cracker Barrel, where we coincidentally ordered the same meal. (Actually it was no coincidence, Tabby had no idea what to order.)
So after our delicious meal of chicken'n'dumplings, green beans, and carrots, we hopped back in the car, and set off for La Boheme. One the way there, we reminisced about our rollicking round of Clue, and how we had all exclaimed in unison of having solved the mystery at precisely the same time!
We also tried to translate one of Renee's Latin sentences, which we failed at. Anyway, when we got there, we were, more or less, thrilled to see unexpected friends. Tabby accompanied Emma onto the disco floor for a few minutes. Renee refused to jump around wildly in public. ☺ We went over the synopsis before entering.
As we mosied on over to our seats (which, by the way, gave us an amazing view of the stage, I think) we waved to our friends and exclaimed about how beautiful the stage was. I silenced my mother's cell phone, and wondered if I was really making the right decision to sit through this whole thing... but, boy, am I sure glad I did!
There were a lot of high points to the opera, the first being that it was very well staged, the second that the comedy was very well done, the third that the not-so-comic moments were very well acted, and the fourth was that the scenery was AMAZING!!!!!!! You could almost see the rest of the street out the window. After the first act, Tabby disappeared on some mysterious errand and just barely made it back before the next act started.
(you'll discover what that errand was later. :)
Once the second (or third... TABBY! HELP!) act had ended, my mother and I talked to some old friends, and when I turned around... Tabby had vanished! (yes, again. :) But then I saw her over with some friends from choir camp, talking about who-knows-what. So I made my way over there to join them. Our conversation was mostly about the opera... what we thought would happen, how we'd liked it so far, and so on. We all concluded that the lovely lady named Mimi would die in the end, because that's the way most operas are concluded... and because poor Mimi was very ill.
It was the third act, Renee. AND they were from a place you go regularly, admit you know Philip!! Anyway, Renee forgot to mention that the orchestra DID stop to work after the third act. (WHAT?? You thought we were at an actual performance?? I've been in enough summer productions to know that a dress rehearsal is as good as a performance, but still, this was a dress rehearsal. A FREE dress rehearsal. There's nothing like free, is there?) And THEN we had intermission. Jumping now to the fourth act, we found we were right. Mimi did die, and everyone was quite sad. R...Rodolfo?? (What was his name?? RENEE! HELP!) was heartbroken, and the so-called bad girl of the opera turned out to have a good heart.
(Since this is Renee's favorite part, she will tell it. ☺)
Yes, Tabby... I admit it... I do know Philip and Miriam -- and their sister Tanya. Anyways...
*clears throat*
And, Tabby... I'm afraid I've now forgotten which part we're currently at... oh, wait. Now I remember. *evil laugh*
WE GOT TO LEAVE!! (am I right??)
As we walked over to the parking garage while weaving between the crowds, we reminisced once more. This time, it was about the fun time we'd had at the opera, and how it was the classic ending... where the lovely lady dies. *sighs...*
Right on, Renee!! Once we got in the car, Renee asked for her cookie. The theater we went to has giant (and I do mean giant) chocolate-chip cookies, which are also insanely good. I make it my business to get one every time I go. Now, they're also $3 each, but it's money well spent, I assure you. Back to the story, Renee asked for her cookie and proceeded to get it. I had mine with me. Emma (Renee's little sister) whined about not having one, to which I said that I'd gotten her one too. (Remember the 'mysterious errand' after the first act???) You see, Renee's mom had already said she wasn't going to buy any cookies, and since I was planning on getting one for myself, and I had ten bucks, I wasn't going to have this insanely amazing taste to myself. SO I bought three, one for each of us. (I would've bought another one for their mom, but that was two dollars more than I had, so...). It made my cookie taste that much better!!
...I'm oh so glad you made your cookie taste better Tabitha! And, never fear, Emma and I each shared our cookies with our mom. Tabby and I savored our cookies, while Emma saved half of hers for later. (I do that with money -- not delicious cookies!) As we turned into Tabitha's neighborhood, my mom remarked that the way we had come the last time we dropped her off (when their car wouldn't start) was much more difficult than this way. So we said our temporary goodbyes, and Tab hopped out of the car. My family and I stayed until we had made sure that she had made it inside, and then set off for home... and a good night's sleep.
(Hey, for the record, Tabby didn't get to sleep until after midnight. She never does on opera nights.)
We hope you enjoyed our retelling of this night as much as we enjoyed reliving it!!!!
Dec. 3, 2009 - As You Sing: A Story by Me, Morisaki
Posted by Morisaki
Hey there everyone! I am Tabby, just so you know.
SO, remember when I said I wrote out-of-the-blue too?? (Click HERE if you don't.) Here is a part of my out-of-nowhere story.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Matthew (Matt) Hendrix
Matt stared out the window of his mom’s red Tahoe as it rolled along I-35 that dreary Monday morning. The weather perfectly matched his mood: stormy. Technically, he was nervous. He had a violin lesson today on his most difficult piece yet, formally known as the Concerto No. 1 in A minor for Solo Violin and Orchestra (commonly known among violinists as the Bach A minor), and he was more than a little worried. Among all the thoughts competing for attention in his head was one that said, You haven‘t prayed yet, but he pushed it down angrily, knowing in his heart that it was right, and it wouldn‘t stop bothering him until he complied. He was a Christian, yes, but lately God had seemed so far away that he honestly didn’t think praying would do him any good. He also wished he could break the silence, but that didn’t come naturally to him.
“You’re pretty quiet today. What are you thinking about?” The voice came from the other side of the temporary back seat.
Matt found he’d been holding his breath (why? he wondered), audibly let it out, and turned away from the window -- and his problems -- feeling a bit relieved. He knew Nathan would listen to him. Nathan was Matt’s most opposite but respected friend, next to his older brother Samuel. Nathan was 17, which made him two years older and two inches taller than Matt. He had straight blond hair, as supposed to Matt’s dark curls, and gray eyes that seemed to change shade with his mood (temporarily soft gray), which contrasted dramatically with Matt’s dark blue ones. And he was seemingly never without his favorite pair of cowboy boots, which gave him another half-inch over everyone, as if he wasn’t tall enough.
Nathan also possessed an amazing gift that Matt longed for: He had a way with words. He could make them do whatever he wanted, always knew exactly what to say and when to say it, and how to say what he meant. He could read a person’s face and know what to say. Matt, on the other hand, could not make words work for him, except when talking to certain people. Nathan was one of them, although if asked neither guy could say why. “I’m a little worried about my lesson today.” Matt confessed.
“So am I.” Nathan scanned his friend’s worried face. No dice. He tried a new tack. “You’re playing the Bach A minor, right?” A nod, a look of dread. “That piece sounds like a nightmare!” Another nod. “I bet you can ace it. You‘re an amazing violinist!” A slow smile crossed Matt’s face. Nathan grinned in reply. He’d found the right tack. “Besides, if you can play the Tarantella, you can definitely play this.”
“But that was on piano!” Matt protested.
Nathan rolled his eyes. At least he had gotten Matt to talk. “That’s not the point, and you know it. It’s music!! HARD music. But,” he said, because he couldn’t resist teasing his friend, “weren’t you the one who said playing piano was harder than playing violin?”
Matt rolled his eyes and turned back to his window, but not before his friend saw the twisted smile on his face. Nathan grinned with satisfaction as he contemplated the fact that he’d done quite well, considering that you never really knew when Matt would feel like talking. Some days he really needed to talk, but couldn’t bring himself to do it. Other days he was like a floodgate, when words would pour out in a useless jumble and no one knew exactly what he was saying (and most of the time, he didn’t either). But on days when Matt could control his speech, like today, Nathan noticed something extra special about his friend’s conversation: his sentences were short and to the point. He didn’t waste breath or time on unnecessary words. Why say in fifteen words what you can say in five? was his motto (or, Nathan thought, if it isn’t, it should be). He sighed and shifted in his seat. At least he’d gotten Matt to talk.
Matt, on the other hand, wasn’t happy at all. He’d found that he just made a terrible mistake in turning back to his window. For as he stared out the window again, the thoughts came back, bouncing around inside him as if his insides were nothing but a trampoline. You haven‘t prayed yet, said that nagging thought, stronger now. Be quiet, he answered, I need to listen to Nathan and shut all other thoughts OUT!!! It didn’t work. He didn’t really think it would. All the rest of the way to Angel’s Dwelling Church, lovingly known as the ADC, he battled with his mind. He was so busy, however, that he couldn’t see the patches of blue sky that were beginning to break through the drab quilt of gray clouds.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So, what do you think?? This isn't the end of the first chapter, it's just all I could post without the entry being miles long. ;)
Renee, do you recognize any of these people or places?? Micah?? Here's some cool info. I based this story in my hometown. The church is based off of where we have choir/symphony (you'll see later). Matthew is based a little off Jacob, and Nathan is most like David from orchestra. Matt lives in my house (with a few minor improvements). In a later section there enters a character that's a mixture of me and my friend Wade (I know it's weird, but it works) plus some stuff of my own imagination. The next official chapter is pretty much all my imagination. The other main character, Ariana (I've always wanted to name a character that), is a mixture of my imagination, my friend Daniella, who moved on my birthday four or five years ago and lived fairly close to me, and my real-life friend Ariana, who has a gorgeous voice, just like my character. Ariana lives in Daniella's house (to the best of my memory), but her family and struggles are all my imagination.
So it's not truly out of the blue, but I write really well when I go from what I know. I hope you like it!!
SO, lately we've been about things we're singing/playing. Here's one more. I'm singing Christmas Canon by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra with five of my friends from choir. Here's a neat video I found on YouTube where someone lighted up their house to go along with the song. Ignore the cars driving by.
Here's the link to the official music video. It's missing the beginning, but it's still amazing!!
"Renee, can you get my cell phone and see who's calling me?" my mother asked while the hair stylist's scissors whizzed around her head.
"Sure thing, mom." I replied as I reached for my mother's purse and sat back down in the waiting area. Upon opening her phone, I recognized our home phone number and supposed that it was my dad. So I dialed it up and, just as I had suspected, heard my dad's voice on the other end.
"Hello?" my dad questioned.
"Hi, dad." I answered in a hushed tone so as not to disturb the other customers.
"I've called y'all twice, why won't your mother pick up?" he asked in a clearly-irritated tone.
"She's getting her haircut." came my simple reply.
"Well your friends, the Halls, called to ask if they could stop in for a visit this evening. Can you have your mom call me back as soon as she can?" Dad asked.
"Okay... bye"
"Bye."
I hung up the phone and flipped through my book of crosswords. I was fascinated when I came to a puzzle titled, "Crossnumbers". But I was whisked away to my turn in the stylist's chair and my fantasy was quickly set aside. Bummer, I thought. I would've liked to do that crossnumbers...
"So what do you want?" the stylist (Melanie) asked.
"I'd like my hair to be shoulder-length with some long layers." I replied with hesitation.
"Mmm-hmm... And I see these bangs here -- what do you want to do with those?" she sounded like she was not impressed with the condition of my hair... for good reason.
"I'm just going to let them grow out."
"Okay. Let's go on back and I'll wash your hair."
So after she had thoroughly washed and conditioned my hair, she set to work. I hadn't been in the torcher chair long before her two daughters came in. They talked about all the great deals that Walmart and Target had going on, and how the burnett had purchased all five seasons of "The Office" (whatever kind-of show that is) for $30.00! I must admit that it was a little intimidating having them sit there, but their conversation was very interesting.
All the time that I was getting my haircut, I was thinking about what we would do with the Halls that evening... We haven't had them over in a year and a half, because of their move to Washington. Should we play Apples to Apples or Squint Jr. or Clue... Then I heard it. Those words which brought happiness, and those that brought... the opposite of happiness.
"Alright, Renee -- I'm just going to style and blow dry your hair, and then you'll be done!"
As she walked over to get some "styling gel" I quickly turned to my mom and mouthed the words, "I don't want my hair styled!"while shaking my head furiously. I'm sure any girl would think I'm nuts, but, well... I am nuts, okay?
Anyhoo, as she rubbed that nasty stuff in my hair, powered up her blow dryer, then she grabbed her round brush and... Oh, no... here we go.
"Your friends are all gonna' think you look so good! Oh my goodness -- this cut looks so good on you!" the stylist praised her work as she continued...
Clenching my teeth, I probably looked real mean -- You better not mess with me!
But then she was finally done and I was able to leave. I loathe the hair salon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Now don't get me wrong -- I love my haircut, and the stylist did a great job. But it's just the overall experience that I despise...
Posted by Tabby
I firmly believe that everyone should do one of these. SO, here goes nothing (which is actually a lot)!
1. My real name is Tabitha
2. My middle name is Deanna
3. My last name you will never know. ;)
4. I was born on Monday
5. The twenty-fifth
6. Of March
7. In 1996
8. Which makes me 13.
9. My birthday is two days after Renee's
10. Which is not important, just cool. ☺
11. I play violin
12. And have been for 5 years.
13. I've made Region orchestra the past two years
14. But I don't have the patches to prove it. :(
15. I sing alto in choir
16. But I'm auditioning for Region as a second soprano
17. Which I'm enjoying very much.
18. I made Region choir last year
19. And I DO have the patch to prove it.
20. I'm in 8th grade
21. But I'm behind in math
22. And ahead in music. ☺
23. I am a Christian.
24. Nothing more needs be said.
25. I'm one-quarter of the way there!
26. I'm secretary of my orchestra
27. I try and help Emily94, who is historian
28. And Suzi, who is president.
29. I've never read any of the Twilight series
30. And I don't wish I had.
31. I do wish I had iTunes on this computer!
32. My favorite color is purple
33. My favorite sport to watch is football
34. I don't play sports.
35. I do dance!
36. And have for 10 years in May.
37. Hmmm, what else?
38. I have no pets
39. Except online
40. But they're probably dead now.
41. I actually have two blogs at HSB.
42. The first is AwesomeAlto
43. But you have to be a friend in order to read it!
44. The second is weheartmusic
45. And I'm here now!!
46. I'm in AWANA
47. In Trek, more specifically
48. And I love it!!
49. Check out 2 Timothy 2:15
50. I'm half-way there!
51. I like assisting my choir director
52. I might end up helping her more in the future
53. And it'd be MY idea!!
54. I own an iPod
55. In purple, of course!
56. It's nano generation 4
57. I want the iTouch
58. But not the iPhone.
59. Don't ask me why
60. Because I don't know.
61. I know Dora the Explorer better than most kids my age.
62. I watch The Fresh Beat Band
63. And The Upside-Down Show
64. And iCarly
65. SEDDIE!!!
66. And True Jackson, VP
67. And The Troop
68. And Avatar: The Last Airbender
69. KATAANG!!!!
70. It was supposed to be Katazuko
71. But the writers changed it.
72. I hoped for Katazuko
73. But I'm perfectly fine with Kataang.
74. And SOKKI!!
75. I'm three-quarters of the way there!
76. Let's see....
77. I like writing
78. The hardest part is starting.
79. It's a lot easier when the characters are already mapped out for you
80. Which is why I write fanfics.
81. I also write out of the blue
82. I'll post it sometime!!
83. I'm in a book
84. That my friend Ruby is writing
85. It's anime.
86. And I'm MorisakiPsychic
87. Or Purple psychic
88. The other characters are rubysakurambo (Ruby)
89. Mizukiswan101
90. I kinda forgot the rest
91. But there are two more!!
92. I'm almost done!!
93. This is fun!
94. I never knew this much about myself!
95. Well, I did, but...
96. You get it.
97. I'm in the Chuy's Parade tomorrow!
98. I'm really random at times.
99. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!! 100. See???
Hey, that was fun!! You now know as much about me as you ever will!!!
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Welcome to our humble blog! Our names are Micah, Tabitha and Renee and we've known each other for as long as we can remember. We're best of friends, though we're more like sisters. :) Feel free to browse around our blog to learn more about us, and in what ways we express our love of music!
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...You were born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again the third day. ...I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
...You are on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? ...You love me!
All of these books have been read by at least one of us, and are all highly reccomended!
A Wrinkle In Time :: Madeleine L'Engle
A Wind In the Door :: Madeleine L'Engle
A Swiftly Tilting Planet :: Madeleine L'Engle
Many Waters :: Madeleine L'Engle
The Young Unicorns :: Madeleine L'Engle
Percy Jackson & The Olympians - The Lightning Thief :: Rick Riordan
The Great and Terrible Quest :: Margaret Lovett
Grace :: Richard Paul Evans
Jane Eyre :: Charlotte Bronte
The Mysterious Benedict Society :: Trenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey :: Trenton Lee Stewart
The Phantom Tollbooth :: Norton Juster
The Magician's Nephew :: C.S. Lewis
Peeled :: Joan Bauer
Hope Was Here :: Joan Bauer
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe :: C.S. Lewis
Little Pilgrim's Progress from John Bunyan's Classic :: Helen L. Taylor
Beyond the Desert Gate :: Mary Ray
Bridge to Terabithia :: Katherine Paterson
The Bronze Bow :: Elizabeth George Speare
Black Horses for the King :: Anne McCaffrey
A Series of Unfortunate Events :: Lemony Snicket
Evil Genius :: Catherine Jinks
[beware -- there is some language] A Single Thread :: Marie Bostwick
[again, beware of the language]
We Heart Movies...
All of these movies have been seen by at least one of us, and are all highly reccomended!
The Princess Bride Faith Like Potatoes Facing the Giants Up Kung Fu Panda Mary Poppins The Sound of Music Enchanted Ratatouille WALL-E Fireproof The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Race to Witch Mountain Bridge to Terabithia G-FORCE Aquamarine
