A Week Reviewed

Sunday.... I don't even remember that far back. Just kidding! (Okay... maybe not) We had Missions Emphasis Sunday at church. It's the first year that I've done faith promise, which I'm kinda excited about! I still have money left from graduation and I'll be working at camp in May, so I felt that I could participate. Yay!
I was in the nursery on Sunday morning. Every time I'm in there I am even more convinced that my church has *the* cutest kids on the planet. Seriously. =)

Monday... I did not do anything for most of the day. I practiced the piano and cleaned up my room, but I pretty much kept to myself all day. Which I decided was not going to be a good thing. See, I got texting on Saturday... and I don't think my parents were too excited about it, and if I'm keeping to myself all the time they'll be even less excited about it. So yeah. Bad move there.

Tuesday... It was freeeeezing cold here! I don't think I did anything awesome with my day, but I kept out of trouble. lol

Wednesday... We went to two different libraries and did some shopping. The library part made my day! I picked up a bunch of books to read and some to just think about reading or pretend to read. LOL I don't know why, but sometimes I'll see a book and think, "This looks like I would really like it." But I'm not really interested even though I feel like I should be. But I check the book out anyhow, 'just in case' I change my mind or really need something to read. =P
Wednesday nights are AWANA night. I love going to AWANA! I think I want to be an AWANA leader for the rest of my life. Funny story:
We cut out a bunch of paper hearts and wrote "Secret Service of Love" on them. Then we handed them out to the girls. The idea is that they're supposed to take a heart for each member of their family and secretly do something nice for them this week. One of the girls, Zelda, said, "Um, how can we do this? You said to do it for everyone in the family, but we can't exactly do something secret for OURSELVES!" ;)

Thursday... I had a pretty good day. I read some of the books I checked out at the library, did some more cleaning, baked a cranberry coffee cake. =D I was texting my friend Bailey throughout the day and we were talking about blogging. Only my phone always says 'clog' instead of 'blog', and I sometimes forget to hit the 'next' button to bring up the next word. Does anyone see where this is going? LOL My post yesterday came from this typo. ;) I can't remember if it was Bay or myself that suggested blogging about clogging since my phone liked 'clogging' better than 'blogging', but I did it. =)

Today... I'm babysitting some adorable and fun little rascals tonight. I love them! I know the younger three better than the oldest, though the oldest is one of Seth's best friends. I haven't babysat since the Rockies were in the World Series... but I'm sure everything will go well. Actually, Erica reminded me that I babysat for Jr/Sr Banquet about two years ago... I was just watching kids at church, though, so that doesn't totally seem to count. Or does it?

Nothing exciting, but that's my life. =D I don't exactly consider it dull and boring. Oh, and if ya'll feel like praying for a very selfish prayer request of mine, pray that Bailey can get a car today. =) Hers broke down on Monday, so our plans to hang out this weekend are on hold. =( I was going to have several girls over tonight for a pre-birthday movie night, and everyone except Bay had something come up... and now instead of something coming up, her car broke down. Not cool.

Seth is getting more excited about my birthday than I am. His first words to me this morning were, "It's two days 'til your birthday!" I count three, but hey, I don't want to burst his happy little bubble! =) For some reason, 19 sounds kinda scary to me. Eighteen felt like the perfect age. You know, I'm kinda an adult for legal purposes. I can vote, have my own ebay account, stuff like that. But I'm still a kid. Nineteen seems so much closer to complete adulthood... and I'm not sure that I want to grow up. I'd rather be a kid who acts grown up than an adult who is supposed to be grown up. LOL

Well, I'm thinkin' this post is long enough. =D Have a great weekend, everybody!

Blogging About Clogging

Clogging is a type of folk dance with roots in traditional European dancing, early African-American dance, and traditional Cherokee dance in which the dancer's footwear is used musically by striking the heel, the toe, or both in unison against a floor or each other to create audible percussive rhythms. It was not always called "clogging", being known variously as flat-footing, foot-stomping, buck dancing, clog dancing, jigging, or other local terms. What all these had in common was emphasizing the downbeat of the music by enthusiastic footwork. As for the shoes many old clogging shoes had no taps and some were made of leather and velvet, while the soles of the shoes were either wooden or hard leather.

Irish dance, popularized in 1994 by the world-famous show "Riverdance", is notable for its rapid leg movements, body and arms being kept largely stationary. Most competitive dances are solo dances, though many stepdancers also perform and compete using céilí dances. The solo stepdance is generally characterized by a controlled but not rigid upper body, straight arms, and quick, precise movements of the feet. The solo dances can either be in "soft shoe" or hard shoe".

Clogging is similar to tap dancing, but has a different style. Cloggers perform with an up-and-down body motion and tend to make the most sounds with their heels. Tap dancers stay light on their feet and tend to dance to the melodies of music, rather than to the beats. Cloggers often dance in groups, usually in a line formation, with each dancer doing the same steps at the same time. Tappers are generally solo dancers.

The above is a compilation of information I found online. I doubt that it is 100% accurate, however, because it says that Riverdance popularized Irish tap dancing, yet tappers are generally solo dancers. That seems a little contradictory to me.

In any case, I have long wanted to be able to tap dance/clog/whatever. It think that this video is what started it:



So yeah... amazing, is it not? And SO much fun!

And...


a lot of work.


Do any of you know anything about dancing? What *is* the difference between tap and clog? From my experience I would say that upper body movement or lack thereof is a difference, but I really don't know that much.

There you have it! A really random post with a favorite youtube video... can't get much better than that, right? ;)

Unchanging

[Note: This post is from January 6. I hit 'save' instead of 'publish', so it's just been sitting around for over a month.]

My youth group is going through the alphabet on Wednesday nights, describing the characteristics of God that can be found with each letter. Pastor Jono encouraged everyone to keep a list telling just who God is to us personally. I decided that I would make a list here on my blog as God shows Himself real to me in different ways throughout the next year.

So... without further ado, I bring you the first part of God's character that has meant a lot to me over the past week.

My God is Unchanging.


Doesn't that just blow your mind? I mean, think about it. I, for one, tend to brag in my journal things like this:

Today I was very patient with Seth. All day long! I don't think I lost my temper once with anyone. Wish I had more days like this.

I was kept very busy today. I love days when I get a lot done, they make me feel more worthwhile.

Etc etc etc

Want to know something, though?

The day after I write things like that? I am very impatient. Completely lazy. Because of my changeable human nature, I cannot even be consistent in one good thing for multiple days in a row.

But God?

God is completely perfect in everything every. single. day. He is ALWAYS patient. ALWAYS holy. ALWAYS loving.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. - Hebrews 13:8

I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. -Psalm 102:24-27

It reminds me of one of my favorite songs:

Who spread out the clouds before Him?
Who fashioned the earth with His hands?
Who created the starry host, and formed the earth with His command?
Who scatters the lightning before Him, commands the rain and snow to fall?
Who makes the nations tremble?
Who is Lord over all?

He is Almighty, Unchangeable God,
King of kings, Lord of lords, robed in majesty.
He rules and reigns for all eternity,
Almighty, Unchangeable God.

He is like the light at sunrise,
Like the brightness after the rain,
Seated on His heav’nly throne above.
His glory fills the heavens;
He is exalted over all,
Yet He loves me with an everlasting love.

He is Almight, Unchangeable God,
King of kings, Lord of lords, robed in majesty.
HE rules and reigns for all eternity,
Almighty, Unchangeable God.

Speak Now

Sorry to disappoint ya'll, but this post actually has nothing to do with Taylor Swift. ;) Just thought I'd let you know at the very beginning. =)

It's been 7 years now. I was 12, she was 13. Best friends, children. I don't know how events came about for her, but I know I never even saw them coming. Suddenly I was reeling from a punch to the gut as I realized that my happy little friendship was over. I went through various stages of denial, blaming myself, blaming others, and just hurting.

In reality, I don't think anything was my fault or her fault. It was all the adults around us and their problems with each other (and maybe the world in general). In any case, her parents would not allow us to continue being friends. My mom let me write a couple of letters and send a birthday present, but it was useless. My friend and her family eventually moved away and I doubt I'll see her again this side of Heaven.

That's the back story to what I have to say today. See, the thing that has come back to haunt me over the years is a question:

Did she know?


Did she have a clue just how much I cared about her? Did she know how much I loved what we had in common?

In my friendships today I feel a nagging awareness at the back of my mind: Death or separation are always possibilities in this world. So I need to speak now. I need to tell my friends how much I care. I need to make sure that they know how empty my life would seem without them.

Sometimes life takes you by surprise. Speak now.

The JW Who Wasn't

In a recent post I told y'all that the Jehovah's Witnesses have been around lately. They came back this weekend. Mom noticed and told us to be wary of answering the door. Well, we were expecting a guy to come work on our computer that morning so I went down to the basement to clean, thereby leaving Mom to handle the door. I didn't trust myself to discern between the tech person and the JWs. =D

As luck would have it, mom ended up needing to do something upstairs, so I was left on the main floor in case the doorbell should ring. Mom made it a bit easier on me, though. She told me that the JWs had arrived in a blue suburban. If said suburban was the only vehicle out on our street, I could ignore the doorbell. If another vehicle was there, go ahead and answer. Okay... I can handle this. Right?

Moments later the doorbell rang. I peeked outside and saw a dark blue vehicle. I smugly walked into the kitchen. Ha! They weren't going to fool me into opening the door!

The doorbell rang again. Then the phone rang. I picked up the phone. It was the tech guy, calling to let us know that he was standing on our doorstep. I hurried to open the door and saw what I'd missed before. The blue suburban was parked further down the street. His vehicle? A blue yukon.

Just my luck.

Suburban V. Yukon... Why I was confused. LOL

Fine Eyes Answers

Here are the answers to the Fine Eyes quiz that I did the other day. I think these were too easy, so I'm going to have to do another one. ;)

The scoring system is: Name the movie for 1 point, the character for 2 points, and the actor/actress for 3 points. 

Picture #1: 

Colonel Brandon 

Sense and Sensibility (2008)

David Morrissey

Guessed by: Mary (6 pts.), Erica (6 pts.), and Erin (3 pts.)

Picture #2:
Mia Thermopolis
The Princess Diaries (specifically The Royal Engagement)
Anne Hathaway

Guessed by: Bailey (3 pts.), Mary (12pts.), Amber (6 pts.), Erica (12 pts.), Lindsay (4 pts.), and Erin (9 pts.)

Picture #3:
John Thornton
North and South
 Richard Armitage

Guessed by: Bailey (9 pts.), and Erica (15 pts.)

[LOL Both Lindsay and Erica told me that they could name the exact scene... Memorable moment, for sure!]

Picture #4: 

Elizabeth Swann/Turner 

Pirates of the Carribean (Specifically Dead Man's Chest)

Keira Knightley

Guessed by: Bailey (15 pts.), Mary (18 pts.), Amber (9 pts.), Erica (19 pts.), and Erin (15 pts.)

Picture #5: 

Annie James or Hallie Parker 

The Parent Trap

Lindsay Lohan.

Guessed by: Bailey (21 pts.), Mary (22 pts.), Amber (15 pts.), Erica (25 pts.), Lindsay (10 pts.), and Erin  (18 pts.)

Accusations flew with that last one, my friends. WHY did you all think I was setting you up for failure? LOL I'm not even sure which twin the picture is of, truth be told. Anyhow, fantastic job everybody! I think I'm going to have to do this again. =) You should do it, too... let me be on the guessing end. ;)

I thought about different prizes I could award... Anyone want Lindsay Lohan's signature? L.O.L. 

TaTa!

Arise, My Soul, Arise!

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
'Forgive him, O forgive,' they cry,
'Forgive him, O forgive,' they cry,
'Nor let that ransomed sinner die!'

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And 'Father, Abba, Father,' cry.

I have always loved the beautiful tune to this song. The words make it even better.


With confidence I now draw nigh.

I can't even imagine what it would be like to be unable to come before God's throne at any time and all the time. How blessed I am to live this side of the cross!

*Words by Charles Wesley

Basket Full of Thoughts

Today I'm just going to post a bunch of random things. I love those posts! =) Hopefully you like them, too.

First up:
Can you believe it's February already?! I sure can't. It feels like it should still be the end of 2010... like we should be anticipating Christmas or something. But nope... it's February already. Here's a list of the pros and cons of the month:

Pros:

• Tons of chocolate
  
  
  
• Everybody's spreadin' the love (well... almost everybody)
  
  
  
• Lot's of adorable pink-and-red going around
  

Cons:

• Coldness. Coldness with snow is fine, but without the pretty snow... not so much.
  
  

Well... okay, I only thought of one con. Actually, two. I don't usually get much (or anything) valentines-y because everyone is so focused on my birthday. Not that I want to skip my birthday or anything... it's just sad that it gets in the way of Valentines.

Next item:

I think that most of you have already submitted your answers to my Fine Eyes Quiz, but if you haven't done so yet, you should! And maybe try creating your own? =D

Also in the way of past posts, don't forget to go to Bailey's blog and say 'howdy'. Not like I'm trying to force you or anything, but if you enjoy my blog at all, I'm sure you'll love hers. As long as you can put up with two people who love Jane Eyre. ;)

Aaaaanndd... Next up:

The wonders of photoshop. Here is a picture that my sister took of me:

Wanna know a secret? I have never worn a regency dress. =) Yup. Love photoshop. I think I'd love having the dress more than I love photoshop... but I'll work with what I've got. Anyhow, the purpose behind the picture was so that I can use it on my sidebar to match my new blog theme. =D 

Well, that's all for now, my friends! 

Tata!

Becoming a Jehovah's Witness

Jehovah |jəˈhōvə|

noun

a form of the Hebrew name of God used in some translations of the Bible.

witness |ˈwitnis|

verb

[ intrans. ] ( witness to) give or serve as evidence of; testify to 

This Saturday morning as I went for my walk, I saw a large group of Jehovah's Witnesses as they spread out over our neighborhood. I paused and offered them a good morning. As I continued on my way, I was filled with sadness.

These people believe so strongly. But they're wrong.

Another thought hit me.

There are people here in my neighborhood who are searching for truth.


I have the truth.


Those who are searching are going to hear from the Jehovah's Witnesses before they hear from me, though. How wrong is that? Why am I content with having the truth for myself, not even caring that the people who live near me are suffering through a world that has no meaning? What meaning can they find without Christ? And how can they find Christ without help?

I belong to Jehovah. The living God. The Way. The Truth. The Life.

I have witnessed His greatness, His power, His love.

So it's time to get out there and testify to what I've seen and experienced.

It's time to become a Jehovah's Witness.

Request

Hey, people! I hope your are all staying warm. Our high here yesterday was somewhere between -1 and 2 degrees. :) I wish that we could get some snow along with the cold weather... 'twould certainly make the weather more worth it as far as I'm concerned. Though I suppose snow might shut us up inside, which really wouldn't be cool.

I'm here to tell you all some very exciting news: one of my dearest friends has started a blog! I would love it (and she would, too) if you would take time to hop on over to her blog. The two posts she has done so far are about Jane Eyre and "Some People" who just don't get it. I'm really excited to have Bay here in the blogosphere, so help encourage her to stay, won't you?

Fine Eyes

I know some of you are tired of my movie stuff, but others are enjoying it... so I'm going to do a movie-ish post today. =)

I saw this idea this morning and thought I'd take a whack at it myself. It's a quiz based off of a line (or three) from Pride and Prejudice.

[N]o sooner had [Mr. Darcy] made it clear to himself and his friends that [Miss Elizabeth Bennet] hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes.

Which leads to his saying to Caroline Bingley...

"I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."

And so on... Caroline mercilessly teasing Darcy about "fine eyes" at several intervals throughout the book.

After that rather long prelude, we finally come to the point. How many of these "fine eyes" can you recognize? Whoever has the highest score on Saturday morning wins.

Scoring as follows: Name the movie for 1 point, the character for 2 points, and the actor/actress for 3 points.

There you have it! Toodles!