A Letter from Your Children

This is a letter that our pastor shared last week to illustrate a sermon. Names have been removed to protect the young person's and his/her family's anonymity. What he/she has written is so very true. If you are a parent, especially, please read this!

Dear Pastor _______,

A few years ago, I read your books. I found them to be extremely encouraging and instructive. These books showed me that not only do you have a real heart for young people, but you also understand us well. I am writing to ask you to consider writing a book to our parents and youth workers. Let me explain. 

I am a junior at a well-known Christian college. I grew up in highly respected fundamental independent Baptist churches, and went to excellent Christian schools. My father has been a Christian worker since before I was born. 

One would think that my testimony would go something like this: I was saved when I was about 5 and I had dedicated my life to God and I have been growing a lot and serving Him and now I am studying to serve Him full time. But that isn't my story. Actually, though I did make a profession of faith when I was very young, I didn't get saved until I was 17. Since I was 12 and now on into college I have struggled with some serious issues. And I found out when I went to college that I am not the only good kid who is or has struggled with or is still struggling with serious stuff. We struggle with issues like eating disorders, depression and suicide, cutting, pornography, gender identity, homosexuality, drugs, drinking, immorality, and the list could go on. We listen to wild music, we idolize pop culture's heroes, and we watch dirty sitcoms. We have no discrimination in our entertainment, dress, or any aspect of our lifestyle. Obviously, I'm generalizing our problems you would not find that every Christian young person from a conservative background struggles with all of these issues; and praise God, some of us do not struggle with any of these issues. 

My point is not simply that they don't know what we struggle with or how to deal with it. I think there is a pretty simple reason why good kids struggle with such serious stuff. And that there is a solution. At the risk of being blunt, I am going to be blunt. 

Our parents did not spend time teaching us to love God. Our parents put us in Sunday Schools since K4. Our parents took us to church every time the doors opened, and sent us to every youth activity. They made sure we went to good Christian colleges. They had us sing in the choir, help in the nursery, be ushers, go soul winning. We did teen devotionals, and prayed over every meal. We did everything right. And they made sure that we did. 

But they forgot about our hearts. They forgot that the Bible never commanded the church to teach children about God and His ways. That responsibility was laid at the feet of our fathers. Unfortunately, our fathers don't have time for us. They put us where we are surrounded by the Bible. But they didn't take time to show us that God was important enough to them to tell us personally about Him. So to us, Christianity has become a religion of externals. Do all the right stuff, and you're a good Christian. So, some of us walk away from church. Some of us stay in church and fill a pew. Many of us struggle with stuff that our parents have no idea about because they hardly know us. 

I think these problems stem from first, our detachment from our parents, and second from our misunderstandings about the essence of Christianity, a relationship, not a list of rules. I worry that many young people like me are not even saved because of their misunderstandings about Christianity. 

I know that this has not been a well-articulated treatise, but it comes from my heart. If you are able to help us and our families, we would be so grateful. I realized that probably, there is no way to fix the fact that kids my age are detached from our parents or to straighten out the crazy stuff that we struggle with. The alienation is fixed, the scars are permanent. I know our situation is not hopeless. God is at work in my life and my generation, among those of us who have struggled and are struggling. But maybe our younger siblings can have some help that we never had. Maybe you can write a book for our parents that will grab their attention and help them see that this is serious issue that their kids need them, desperately. 

I guess I've run out of things to say. I must say I am a little hesitant to share my name with you because that attaches me with my parents, who are, by the way, good people. Thanks for everything you have already done to help Christian teens and their families. I am eager to see what else God will do through you. 

Sincerely, 

_______

Voices Without A Vote

Sighs. Aspirations. Breath

I long for the glistening, august mountains of the frigid northern lands;
For the white, shimmering innocence of the fresh, unspoiled snow;
For the crisp, celestial glimpse of the pristine midnight sky;
For the clear, glassy splendor of the flowing crystal ice,
Its delicate strength transparently captivating.

I ache for the wonderful rush of wonder, joy, fear, as I fly
Down the soft, slippery slopes with practiced ease and deliberate movements
And watch as the magnificent landscape flees before me
With soft and quiescent swiftness.

I yearn for the richly splendid radiance and the vibrant, resonant eminence;
I thirst for the cold, majestic beauty and the divine, serene glory
That heaven deemed christen Winter.

                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                      July 4, 2012

Father's Eyes

Passion for Poetry: Father's Eyes

Father's Eyes

I may not be every mother's dream for her little girl

And my face may not grace the mind of every one in the world

But that's alright as long as I can have one wish, I pray

When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say

She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes

Eyes that find the good in things when good is not around

Eyes that find the source of help when help just can't be found

Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain

Knowing what you're going through and feeling it the same

She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes

Just like her Father's eyes

On that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done

Good and bad, they all be had to see by every one

And when you're called to stand and tell just what you saw in me

More than anything I know, I want your words to be

She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes

Eyes that find the good in things when good is not around

Eyes that find the source of help when help just can't be found

Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain

Knowing what you're going through and feeling it the same

Just like my Father's eyes, my Father's eyes, my Father's eyes

Just like my Father's eyes, my Father's eyes, my Father's eyes

Just like my Father's eyes

                                     --sung by The von Trapp Children

Happy Father's Day everyone!

Day 5: A Favorite Quote

BIBLE QUOTE

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city. So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Joshua 6:16, 20

Notice, Joshua told the people to "Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city." They hadn't yet taken the city. Faith, trust. Joshua had faith in God, and trusted Him to do as He had said he would. It didn't make sense - since when did anyone win a battle by walking around the city for a week? But God had said He would deliver the city into their hands, and Joshua trusted Him enough to not only do as He had said, but when it was time to shout, to tell the people to shout because God had already given them the city!

OTHER QUOTES

Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do--then do it with all your strength.

George Washington

Never give in. Never back down. Never lose faith.

Facing the Giants

American Trucker for a Week

a company's driveway; on our way out after picking up a load of sand in Rhode Island

So my dad has been a printer all his life -- since he was 15 years old, when he helped a friend out in his shop. But back August, after over 20 years in the printing business, he got laid off, and was having trouble finding another job. Printing, after all, isn't exactly on the rise. However, trucking is. So he managed to get the necessary training and now has a job with TMC. After working with them for about three months, he's now able to bring each of us (three of my four sisters and I, as the youngest is one year too young according to the company's rules) with him, one at a time. Because of his schedule, each turn will be about a week long, sometimes two. I, being the oldest, got the first turn the last week of March. It was an easy week, so it was actually more like three days, but I still had a great time. Because of the schedule, I'm sure all of us will eventually have half-weeks and two weeks and everything inbetween -- we just never know!

Anyway, I posted a few Facebook statuses that I think summed up my trip pretty well, so I'll copy them (rather than trying to describe my trip all over again, especially since I'm not exactly very good at it). Of course, the picture wasn't part of any of them, but it looks good in the blogger post. =) My dad took both the photos in this post.

So just found I'm gonna go with Dad in the semi THIS WEEK. TODAY. IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS. Epicly awesome! Needless to say, I'm excited. ;) Now I gotta go get packed...



Love trucking! =D Okay, minus tarping that load, ugh... like three guys in a row finished before we did. One guy pulled up, strapped & tarped his load in 10 MINUTES. It took us 2 HOURS. Our load was kinda odd-shaped, but still. -_- Other than that... AWESOME!!! We didn't actually go into Canada, but we did eat at Pizzaria Uno about a half hour from Quebec. Mmmmmmm. A couple older French guys sat at the table next to us. We walked around Long Island City in NYC for like an hour Thursday night looking for somewhere to eat. It wasn't even 6 yet, but everything was closing, and we ended up having to eat at an Irish bar & pub. -_- It wasn't too bad though, there weren't many people there and the food was pretty good. They had a soccer game on and we watched about the last half hour. Don't tell mom... pretty much all I drank all week was Mountain Dew, and I mostly had pie & Dorritos & Starbursts -- if anything -- for breakfast & lunch. ;) Trucking was awesome, I can't wait for my next turn. =D

sunrise from a little street in Long Island City, NYC, where we spent the night in the truck

Monday - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut
Tuesday - Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York
Wednesday - New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Thursday - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York
Friday - New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Yes, of course we love New Yuck traffic -- that's why we went there every day. lol



Has anyone ever noticed that Peterbilt is missing the "u" in "built"? I just noticed that this week lol

Day 4: A Favorite Television Program

Okay, don't freak out, but the answer for this one is probably The Dukes of Hazzard. Now, I am NOT talking about the many, many movies that have been made. There are two movies that the original actors are in which, though I haven't seen them, look just as good as the episodes. Besides the fact that the women could use a few more clothes (and a "mild" word every now and then), it's basically an innocent, funny, awesome show. I love watching the chases.

Resurrection Sunday: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Passion for Poetry: Resurrection Sunday: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

As much as Resurrection Sunday is the designated day to especially celebrate Jesus's resurrection, it is also a specific day to especially remember His crucifixion. After all, He couldn't have resurrected for us if He hadn't died for us in the first place! So this Resurrection Sunday, I'm posting the story of the Crucifixion. (Of course, the fact that some of my favorite "Bible stories" are actually part of the Crucifixion account had something to do with it, too. For example, the story of the second thief on the cross, or of the centurion who believed.)

In order to get as much of the entire story as possible in one "reading" or "telling", I've taken the different parts of the story from each of the four Gospel accounts of the Crucifixion and compiled them all into one.

(References can be found at the end of this post, in the order in which they are written in the compilation.)

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and plaited a crown of throns, and put it about his head. And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the [thieves], one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief preists of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am the King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, [They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.] These things therefore the soldiers did.

And they that passed by railed on him wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour the disciple took her unto his own home.

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive to due reward of our deads: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. And one ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he [cried with a loud voice], It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled. A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

Mark 15:16-22; Luke 23:27-34 [Matt 27:38]; Mark 15:28; John 19:19-24 [Matt 27:35]; Mark 15:29-32; John 19:25-27; Luke 23:39-43; Mark 15:33-35; John 19:28; Mark 15:36; John 19:30 [Mark 15:37]; Matt 27:51-53; Mark 15:39; John 19:31-37

Day 3: A Favorite Book

(besides the KJV Bible)

Probably The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I read the unabridged book in October/November 2011 (it took me about 30 1/2 days to read it). It's 1462 pages long, but despite being a classic, it isn't boring (some of you will understand what I mean). There are a few times when he does get a bit descriptive, but not often. It's actually very exciting and fast-paced... and complicated. If you've seen the 2002 movie (which is absolutely amazing), you know that it's far from being a simple movie -- but when compared to the book, it is. Overall, it's an absolutely epicly amazing book -- and it's being a classic makes it even better!

30 Day Challenge

Remember that challenge a bunch of bloggers took last year? Well, I started it, promised I'd finish it eventually... I can't believe it's already been over a year! So I've decided it's probably about time I actually finish it. Sorry it took so long. =( My answers will be more brief, because I'm afraid if I think about it too much, I'll take ANOTHER year to finish it. Not interested. ;)


Here's the list again. I only answered the first two so far, so I'll include the links to those posts. I might add links for the new posts I make as well.

Day 1: A favorite song -- I have a new answer for this, though. Although I still don't have a favorite song, I DO have a favorite CCM band, Tenth Avenue North. I actually discovered them last year when Joshua posted their song, "By Your Side", as a favorite song. (By the way, their new album, "De Struggles", is coming out in August! =D)
Day 2: A favorite movie
Day 3: A favorite book
Day 4: A favorite television program
Day 5: A favorite quote
Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive
Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without
Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
Day 9: A photo you took
Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently
Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding (or was played)
Day 13: A guilty pleasure
Day 14: A vacation you would like to take
Day 15: A person you admire
Day 16: A song that makes you cry
Day 17: An art piece
Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive
Day 19: A talent of yours
Day 20: A hobby of yours
Day 21: Somthing you know you do differently than most people
Day 22: A website
Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered
Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love
Day 25: A recipe
Day 26: A childhood memory
Day 27: A physical feature you love
Day 28: A scar you have and it's story
Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans you have for the next 365 days
Day 30: A motto or philosophy

Changes for Passion for Poetry

Hey everybody, I've made some changes over at Passion for Poetry. Go check it out!

Illustrations of Persecution

A guest pastor at my church preached a message called "Keep On Keeping On" a couple weeks ago, and told us the following two true stories about two martyrs, about the time just after Rome received Paul's letter (Romans). I thought they were really good, especially the last one, and so I asked him to email them to me:

One example of their suffering comes to us from history, just a few years after they received this letter. In 155 AD, the Bishop of the church of Smyrna, a man named Polycarp, who was a disciple of John the Beloved, was martyred for Jesus. This man was arrested at the request of an angry mob that cried, "Away with the Atheists; let Polycarp be sought out!"

The old preacher, he was 86 at the time, was given the opportunity to renounce Jesus. The magistrate, who did not want to see the old man die, said, "What harm is there in saying, Lord Caesar?" But, Polycarp refused! When they entered the stadium, where the executions took place, they tried again, saying, "Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent, and say, 'Away with the Atheists.'" Polycarp fixed his gaze on the crowd, waved his arms at them, and said, "Away with the atheists!" The magistrate again attempted to get Polycarp to renounce his faith and said, "Swear, and I will set thee at liberty, reproach Christ." To that, the old man cried, "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?"

After a few more attempts to get the old preacher to renounce Jesus, they led him away to the stake to burn him alive. They were about to nail him to the post and Polycarp said, "Leave me as I am; for He that giveth me strength to endure the fire, will also enable me, without your securing me by nails, to remain without moving in
the pile." So, they left him loosely bound and they lit the fire. As the flames rose around him, he was heard to pray and rejoice in Jesus. He died for his faith and in doing so he left an indelible imprint on the fabric of time.



There was a believer who was arrested during these same terrible days of tribulation. They attempted to threaten him to cause him to recant his faith in the Lord Jesus. So they said to him, "If you do not recant your faith, we are going to banish you." And the Christian said, "Do what you will with me because my Jesus said, 'I'll never leave thee nor forsake thee.'" The magistrate then said, "We'll take all of your property and your possessions away from you." That faithful saint said, "No, you can't do that either, my treasures are laid up in heaven where no human hand can touch them." The magistrate then said, "If you do not renounce Jesus, we will put you to death." He said, "You can't do that either. I've been dead with Jesus for 40 years, my life is hid with Christ in God and you can't touch it."

A Father's Prayer

Alot of this could be placed under the title "A Single Girl's Prayer" too:

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a son who will know Thee--and that to know himself is the foundation of knowledge.

Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength.

Then, I, his father, will dare to whisper, "I have not lived in vain."

--Douglas MacArthur

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

Patrick Henry
St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia
March 23, 1775

Mr. President: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to so lace themselves, and the House? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ouselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free, if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have so long contending, if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight out battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable, and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace, but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Source: Colonial Williamsburg


History repeats itself. Wake up.

"A free people..."

Day 2: A Favorite Movie

I couldn't choose just ONE favorite to post, so here's FIVE favorites instead. Listed listed in no particular order:

Courageous


Karate Kid


A Knight's Tale


The Count of Monte Cristo


Prince of Persia

Jessie

Earthquake in PA?: Update

I've gained some new information about the earthquake via a variety of online & newspaper news articles. The earthquake tremors were apparently felt all the up to Toronto and all the down to Atlanta. Also, it was recorded as a 5.8 magnitude, rather than 5.9. According to mcall.com, the U.S. Geological Survey shows that the largest earthquake in central Virginia was a 4.8 magnitude in 1845.

Matthew 24:7 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." (emphasis added)

Jessie

Earthquake in PA?

Right now, I'm in Allentown area, Pennsylvania. And I just felt a small earthquake. WOW. Apparently, the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.9, with it's epicenter in Virginia, and it's vibrations felt all the way from Virginia to Boston, Massachusetts (according to mcall.com). This was the first time I've ever felt an earthquake. It only lasted a few seconds, but it's amazing how fast you can think--I was sitting here, at my computer, when I heard a small creak (which I didn't pay attention to, because our house will creak a little every now and then from the wind), and then the table starting shaking. I thought that was strange, but didn't pay attention for a second. But then it kept shaking, and my so was the screen of my laptop. So then I was like, "What in the world?" For some crazy reason, I thought it was a really hard gust of wind that was shaking the house. Yah, makes perfect sense. Anyway, then I realized it wasn't even storming, so that didn't make any sense. Then the thought occured to me the maybe it's an... no, an earthquake? Here? I mean, even just to feel the vibrations of an earthquake. So I looked around to see if anything really permanent was moving, or if I was going nuts & was shaking the table myself. The ceiling fans are shaking... okay, that doesn't really count--ceiling fans aren't exactly the most stable items. I looked at my cat in the armchair for a minute. She didn't look too distressed. But then I noticed the windows were shaking (we have the kind that open kind of like a door, and ours were open at the moment). Okay, so I'm not nuts. Maybe it was the edge of an earthquake? Well, it's stopped now, anyway. Maybe I'll ask mom or dad about it when they get home. Or maybe it'll be on the news. Of course, I'm still thinking, Here? But, it happened. I guess a lot of unusual things have been happening lately. Welcome to the beginning of the end times.

jessie

Day 1: A Favorite Song

Okay, finally, here's a favorite song. This actually might be my favorite song. Angela showed it to me a little while ago, and I thought it was just excellent. Enjoy! =D



Jessie

The 30 Day Challenge

Okay, I thought I had posted this a long time ago with promise to complete it at least before 2012, but somehow it didn't get posted or something. The promise is still a promise, though. So, here's the list, and I'll be posting the first day in just a minute here, I think. Sorry it took so VERY long for me to get started in the first place...

Day 1: A favorite song.
Day 2: A favorite movie.
Day 3: A favorite book.
Day 4: A favorite television program.
Day 5: A favorite quote.
Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive.
Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without.
Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.
Day 9: A photo you took.
Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago.
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently.
Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding (or was played).
Day 13: A guilty pleasure.
Day 14: A vacation you would like to take.
Day 15: A person you admire.
Day 16: A song that makes you cry.
Day 17: An art piece.
Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive.
Day 19: A talent of yours.
Day 20: A hobby of yours.
Day 21: Somthing you know you do differently than most people.
Day 22: A website.
Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered.
Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love.
Day 25: A recipe.
Day 26: A childhood memory.
Day 27: A physical feature you love.
Day 28: A scar you have and it's story.
Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans you have for the next 365 days.
Day 30: A motto or philosophy.

Jessie

This or That? (Again!)

YOURSELF
1. Would you rather be able to run 100 miles per hour or swim 100 miles per hour? Run. I like swimming a lot... but I like sports (soccer, hockey, football, etc) way better!
2. Would you rather have fangs or a tail? Um, fangs, I guess.
3. Would you rather have hair that grew an inch every day or fingernails that grew an inch every week? Hair, definately. Nails would be WAY too impractical--more than the hair.
4. Would you rather have to sing when you talk or dance when you walk? Hm... dance, I guess. But it would depend on what kind of dancing I would be doing.
5. Would you rather be able to kick a field goal or dunk a basketball? Totally kick a field goal all the way!!!!!!! No doubt about that--I absolutely love soccer!!!


FOODS
1. Would you rather eat a chocolate hamburger or a strawberry pizza? Okay, a chocolate hamburger just sounds plain GROSS. As for the strawberry pizza... you would be surprised at all the different pizzas that can be made. I ate somewhere once where they had all kinds of pizzas--including 'dessert' pizzas: They were more like pies or pastries than pizzas. So, definately the strawberry pizza!
2. Would you rather eat only tacos for a month or only spaghetti? I love both, but in this case I'd choose tacos... there's way more variety in tacos than spaghetti!
3. Would you rather have a lunch in a library or a lake house? Library. I could eat and read at the same time--in peace and quiet, too! (I have 4 younger sisters. And for those of you who know Emma, well... =D).
4. Would you rather eat a salad with salsa on it or chips dipped in salad dressing? Well, a salad with salsa on it actually sounds pretty good... I might try that sometime! Chips dipped in salad dressing, however... yuck!
5. Would you rather have popcorn-flavored candy or candy-flavored popcorn at the movies? Candy-flavored popcorn, definately. Popcorn-flavored candy woulodn't even be worth eating... I like popcorn, but really only for the butter (or whatever else that's on it--caramel, chocolate, etc.) and the crunch (but especially for the flavoring)!


FUTURE
1. Would you rather go places in a helicopter or a limousine? Helicopter sounds cool... limousine sounds impractical. Besides, if I travelled in a helicopter I wouldn't ever have to wait in traffic!
2. Would you rather have a gymnastics trick or a constellation named after you? Constellation, definately--I love astronomy & looking for constellations at night. Gymnastics... well, I think it would be cool to be that flexible and have the ABILITY to do it--but I'm not exactly into all that. I'd much rather do a REAL sport!
3. Would you rather win an award for your acting performance or for a song you wrote? Acting, totally!
5. Would you rather own a toy store or a candy store? Hm... I'm not really sure. Probably a candy store.


ANIMALS
1. Would you rather tell a joke to a parrot or to a laughing hyena? A laughing hyena maybe.
2. Would you rather meet a blue dog or a purple cat? Well, as I've already 'met' the Cheshire cat (1951), I guess I'd have to say a blue dog. Oh, wait--I think I've 'met' a blue dog before, too...
3. Would you rather be able to speak squirrel language or bird language? Um... well, squirrel, I guess.
5. Would you rather ride a giraffe or an ostrich? Ostrich! That would be sooo cool to ride the fastest bird on earth! Only better animal would probably be a cheetah...


ADVENTURE
1. Would you rather slide down a mountain on a plastic saucer or float down a river in a giant teacup? Um, both!!! But, if I had to choose, I'd pick the mountain.
2. Would you rather spend the night in a mall or in your school? Well, seeing as my school happens to be my house, I'd have to choose the mall. besides, in the mall there'd be PLENTY good places to sleep!
3. Would you rather find out that you were royal or magical? Of course, it would be cool to be both, depending on 'how' royal I am... I wouldn't want to be anybody too important--I wouldn't be able to do much of anything anymore! Choosing... magical--if it existed, which it doesn't.
4. Would you rather go to school in your pajamas or to the movies in a rabbit costume? Well, as I said before... my school is my house, so... Okay, okay, I'll pretend for a moment that I actually do GO to school. Well, I would rather go to school in my pajamas, but not the ones I have now... they're WAY too girly! (At least the t-shirt has a soccerball on it... but that's as good as it gets. The rest is all girly purple & yellow crowns... =\)
5. Would you rather slide down a super-long banister or swing from a jungle vine? Hm... slide down a super-long banister. I wonder how fast I could go? Hm... lol. And Mom says, "Now, don't get any ideas, Jess!!" Okay, not really... she doesn't even know this quiz exists, but she might say that if she read what I just said about how fast I could slide down the banister! =D


Jess

Almost Persuaded

This is a poem that I posted not too long ago, but I've noticed some (okay, a LOT of) spelling/gramatical typing erros (type-Os) in it. (I guess I was in kind of a hurry to type it in last time.) So, rather than changing it, I've decided to just re-post the poem, though I'm not going to include the introduction/explanation I gave on my last post. To read that, click here. So, here's the "updated" poem:

Almost Persuaded
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. Acts 26:28-29

"Almost thou persuadest me to
be a Christian." King Agrippa said.
Why Agrippa? Why almost?
Why not all the way?
Why not, like Paul, completely there--
Why must "almost" you stay?

You know the prophets' words are true--
You believe without a doubt.
So why can't you be all the way?
Why at "almost" you choose to stay?

You have a choice, you know 'tis true.
Why must this choice be hard for you?
You know the prophets and their words,
You know the things from Paul you've heard
Are all true, completely proved.

Yet still you choose to say "almost"--
Don't you know you've now been lost?

You've chosen to reject the LORD--
Chose to ignore what you have heard.
You know this is your one last chance--
You've rejected Him before.

You now face hellfire at your death--
You've chosen to reject Him and
He'll plead with you no more.
God pleads, but will not beg--
He'll not nag at anyone.
He gave us a free will to choose--
This He'll not ignore.

He asked your final answer--
This you've given Him.
When you said to Paul "almost",
You really only told God "no"
For the last time--ever.

When in hell at last you plead
To be let in, to, please!, be freed!
You'll say to God, "I said 'almost'!
I believed your prophets and their words,
I knew the things from Paul I'd heard
Were true, and were all proved.
I said 'almost'--can this not do?"
God will reply with soft, sad, broken voice,
"You said 'almost'--this is true.
But now I say the same to you."
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear reader, young or old,
Please remember what you've read.
Don't say "almost", or even "later"--
You may not have that chance.
You may live a hundred years more,
But maybe just a minute.
You never know how long 't'will be
Until you stand before your maker.

Remember now what you have heard,
Never, ever forget.
Lest from heav'n God must reply
To you, now scorched in hell,
"Almost" or "Not quite yet".

Jess

The 30 Day Challenge

Sorry everyone--especially if you've been waiting for me to post. I've been pretty busy lately & COMPLETELY forgot about this! So, I'm just going to post a few every day I get the chance to until I've completed the challenge. I'm going on a trip for about a week soon, and there's certain other days I probably won't get a chance to get on here, so it'll be pretty sporadic, but I'll finish it eventually. Maybe next year I'll do it again--only the way it's supposed to be done! Well, here goes... =D

Jessie

Almost Persuaded

This is a poem I wrote on January 13, 2011, after our mid-week service. Agrippa was mentioned as an example for one of the points. Honestly, I really didn't know what I was writing until after wrote it. I've written tons of poems, but this one is completely different from any of them, as in the style, rhyme scheme, line length, etc. I never would have written this poem. I think, really, I didn't write it, the Holy Spirit did through me. What I'm saying is that, really, the credit belongs to God, not me. Anyway. . .

Almost Persuaded
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. Acts 26:28-29

"Almost thou hast persuadest me to
be a Christian." King Agrippa said.
Why Agrippa? Why almost?
Why not all the way?
Why not, like Paul, completely there--
Why must "almost" you stay?

You know the prophets' words are true--
You believe without a doubt.
So why can't you be all the way?
Why at "almost" you choose to stay?

You have a choice, you know 'tis true.
Why must this choice be hard for you?
You know the prophets and their words,
You know the things from Paul you've heard
Are all true, completely proved.

Yet still you choose to say "almost"--
Don't you know you've now been lost?

You've chosen to reject the LORD--
Chose to ignore what you have heard.
You know this is your one last chance--
You've rejected Him before.

You now face hellfire at you're death--
You've chosen to reject Him and
He'll plead with you no more.
God pleads, but will not beg--
He'll not nag at anyone.
He gave us a free will to choose--
This He'll not ignore.

He asked you're final answer--
This you've given Him.
When you said to Paul "almost,"
You really only told God "No"
For the last time--ever.

When in hell at last you plead
To be let in, to, please!, be freed!
You'll say to God, "I said 'almost'!
I believed your prophets & their words,
I knew the things from Paul I'd heard
Were true, and were all proved.
I said 'almost'--can this not do?"
God will reply with soft, sad, broken voice,
"You said 'almost'--this is true.
But now I say the same to you."
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear reader, young or old,
Please remember what you've read.
Don't say "almost," or even "later--
You may not have that chance.
You may live a hundred years more,
But maybe just a minute.
You never know how long 'twill be
Until you stand before you maker.

Remember now what you have heard,
Never ever forget.
Lest from heav'n God must reply
To you, now scorched in hell,
"Almost" or "Not quite yet."

Jessie

"Aslan's Meditations: True Beauty" (for Narnia fans)

by AslansLily @ AslansCountry.com
Click here to go to the original

Susan Pevensie has always been considered "the pretty one" and "the beauty of the family" (Voyage 5, 154).* While she reigns as Queen Susan during Narnia's Golden Age, Prince Rabadash of Tashbaan seeks her hand in marriage. And when Shasta meets her, even he believes Susan is "the most beautiful lady he had ever seen" (Horse 61).

However, Lucy Pevensie seems to be rather plain, in comparison to her older sister. Except for a few suitors during the Golden Age of her reign, Lucy never receives the attention that Susan does -- at least from her family.

So when she is tempted with a beauty spell, while on Magican's island, Lucy nearly succombs. She has visions of being "throned on high at a great tournament in Calormen and all the Kings of the world [fighting] because of her beauty" (Voyage 153-54). Lucy then envisions herself "back in England" and Susan returning from America, but the older sister is "plainer and [has] a nasty expression" (154). Lucy rejoices that because of her "dazzling beauty," "no one care[s] anything about Susan now" (154).

Yet which is the truly beautiful sister? And what is true beauty?

In this modern age, surrounded by images, we women are told that physical appearance is what matters. We may not be told that beauty is skin deep, but that is the subtle message our modern culture is sending to women. So from the time we're teenagers, we worry about our weight, our hair, our clothes -- everything that makes up how we appear physically to others, especially boys and our peers. We buy expensive clothes and makeup. We go on diets -- sometimes endangering our lives. We do all of this just to appear beautiful to thers. Yet the same is true for men, even more so today. Neither gender is immune to our modern culture's polluted conception of beauty.

My mother has had a weight problem all her life -- unlike her thin and pretty younger sister. While she was growing up, her parents were not very kind to her about her physical appearance. That she had great faith in, and love for, Jesus Christ (unlike her sister) did not matter. That she knew and obeyed to Bible (unlike her sister) did not matter. As a result, my mother likes to equate weight (and fat) with sin. She thinks if she doesn't eat certain foods on a given day, she's being "good." My mother wonders why God made her with a certain body shape, why she doesn't look like a model or can eat anything she wants without gaining weight. My mother has bought into the lie that in order to be beautiful, or be considered such by the world, she must worry about (and manage) her physical appearance.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be and feel pretty. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy physically. Yet I fear that we have missed what true beauty is.

Do not let your adomment be merely outwad--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves... ~ 1 Peter 3:3-5**

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is not law. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

True beauty is faith, gentleness, quietness, and holiness. It is obedience, humility, and sacrifice. True beauty is producing the fruit of the Spirit in one's heart. So which is the more beautiful sister? Lucy. Unlike Susan, she has faith in Aslan. In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Lucy faithfully follows Aslan to the Stone table and stays by his side after he dies. In Prince Caspian, she sees Aslan when the others don't. In The Voyage of the Dawn Trader, even Edmund remarks to Eustace that "Lucy sees him most often" (111). Aslan reveals himself more often to her than to anyone else on the ship's voyage. Also in Dawn Treader, it is Lucy who prays to Aslan.

As a result of such faith, Lucy is obedient, humble, gentle, and loving -- to her friends, family, and Aslan. In Wardrobe, Lucy insests on rescuing her friend Mr. Tumnus, even though the way is paved with great dangers. In Prince Caspian, she obeys Aslan's voice when he wants everyone to cross the gorge on their way to Aslan's How. And in Dawn Treader, Lucy shows compassion for her cousin Eustace and Lord Rhoop.

Yet this is not enough. Lucy still believes that in comparison to her sister Susan, she is plain. We have no evidence of this in the books. I personally don't think Lucy was unattractive by worldly standards, yet many in her family did not consider her as pretty as Susan. This is what Lucy believes and it affects how she sees herself, and what she says and does.

So, while on Magician's island, Lucy is tempted by the attraction of physical beauty. In a moment of weakness, she takes her eyes off Aslan and puts them on herself -- and on Susan. Lucy is tempted to see herself in the wrong mirror and say the spell that will "make beautiful her that uttereth it beyond the lot of mortals" (Voyage 153). The first Dawn Treader trailer rephrases it this way: "An infallible spell to make you she the beauty you've always wanted to be. Lashes, lips, and complexion / Transform my reflection." Is this true beauty? No. And somehow deep inside, Lucy knows this. She fights the voice of her conscience that says saying the spell in wrong. So Aslan intervenes with a fierce growl to turn Lucy from her wrong intention.

After she later succombs to the eavesdropping spell, Aslan reminds Lucy what true beauty is. In a "spell 'for the refreshment of the spirit,'" she reads "about a cup and a sword and a tree and a green hill" (Voyage 156-57). It's like she's overhearing the events at the Stone Table in Wardrobe. Lucy must be reminded of who Aslan is and what he did for Narnia. She must be reminded of his sacrifice. In this is true beauty.

He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. ~ Isaiah 53:2

When Jesus Christ was hanging on the cross, bloody and scarred and beaten, there was no physical beauty evident to the spectators that they should desire Him. Yet there was great spiritual beauty. Over and over in the Bible, the word "beauty" is used in conjunction with holiness, humility, and praise. God will give us "beauty for ashes" (Isaiah 61:3). We must worship Him "in the beauty of holiness" (1 Chronicles 16:29, Psalm 29:2, 96:9). Our praises to God are themselves beautiful (Psalm 33:1, 147:1). So are the feet of those who tell others about Christ (Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15).

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18

But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. ~ James 1:25

When Lucy finally says the spell that will "make hidden things visible," in obedience to the Dufflepuds, Aslan reveals himself as "the highest of all High Kings" (Voyage 157-58). When he is made visible with the others, Lucy learns the Aslan "obey[s] [his] own rules" -- and so should she (159). She also learns what true beauty is: obedience to the voice of Aslan, and faith in him. Lucy already possesses these virtues but Aslan must reinforce them, in the context of true beauty. When he appears in the doorway and Lucy turns around to face him, "her face [lights] us till, for a moment . . . she looked almost as beautiful as that other Lucy in the picture" (158). Why? Because Aslan himself is true beauty. He defines beauty. And Lucy's focus in that moment is rightly on him. Her identity and value come from knowing and loving Aslan -- not from what the world calls beautiful. And when she looks at Aslan with the eyes of faith, Lucy herself become beautiful. She is gazing on the right mirror.

Don't worry about or focus on what the world calls "beautiful." If you have living faith in Jesus Christ, and follow and obey Him, you are beautiful. Take time each day to see yourself in the mirror of the Word, not the mirror on your wall. When we look at Christ, through this divine mirror, we are also transformed into creatures of true beauty.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. ~ 1 John 3:2

In The Last Battle, the differences between Susan and Lucy is obvious. Because of her faith in Aslan, along with the six other friends of Narnia Lucy enters Aslan's country, wearing a crown and "glittering clothes" (Battle 152). Like Eustace and Jill, she has been changed (153). Lucy becomes the true beauty, in her physical appearance, that she has always been in her heart.

Susan, however, "is no longer a friend of Narnia" (Battle 154). She likes "nylons and lipsticks and invitations" to parties (154). And she compares Narnia to a children's game. Susan may think she is pretty, but she does not have true beauty. As a result, she is not on the train with the others. Susan does not enter Aslan's country. And she is not changed. the ugliness of Susan's heart is revealed for everyone to see.

Which sister has faith in Aslan -- and sees him the most? Which sister enters the Narnian heaven? Which sister has true beauty? Lucy. I know which sister I would rather be like. What about you?

*Quotations taken from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Horse and His Boy, and The Last Battle (HarperCollins, 1994)

**Bible quotations taken from the New King James Version (NKJV)

Photos: VDT screencaps, LWW screencap (via Totally Georgie)

This is me now. The above essay is used with permission (thanks, AslansLily). AslansLily included 3 pictures from the LWW & VDT in the essay, but they wouldn't download onto here for some reason, so I wasn't able to include them in my post. I've also put the KJV bible verses below, in the order they appear in the essay:

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves... ~ 1 Peter 3:3-5

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is not law. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

...he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him. ~ Isaiah 53:2

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. ~ James 1:25

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. ~ 1 John 3:2

The Star Spangled Banner

I wrote something for 9/11 this year--but it's not ready to post, so I'll probably post it next year. Instead, I'm posting "The Star Spangled Banner". My favorite verse is the fourth verse. I especially like the line, "And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust'". May this always be America's motto, and the motto of each of her individuals.

The Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the swilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

America for Me

America for Me

'Tis fine to see the Old World, and travel up and down

Among the famous palaces and cities of renown,

To admire the crumbly castles and the statues of the kings,--

But now I think I've had enough of antiquated things.

So it's home again, home again, America for me!

My heart is turning home again, and there I long to be,

In the land of youth and freedom beyond the ocean bars,

Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars.

Oh, London is a man's town, there's power in the air;

And Paris is a woman's town, with flowers in her hair;

And it's sweet to dream in Venice, and it's great to study Rome;

But when it comes to living there is no place like home.

I like the German fir-woods, in green battalions drilled;

I like the gardens of Versailles with flashing fountains filled;

But, oh, to take your hand, my dear, and ramble for a day

In the friendly western woodland where Nature has her way!

I know that Europe's wonderful, yet something seems to lack:

The Past is too much with her, and the people looking back.

But the glory of the Present is to make the Future free,--

We love our land for what she is and what she is to be.

Oh, it's home again, and home again, America for me!

I want a ship that's westward bound to plough the rolling sea,

To the blessed Land of Room Enough beyond the ocean bars,

Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars.

--Henry Van Dyke

A Creed for Americans

We believe in the dignity of man and the worth and value of every living soul, no matter in what body housed, no matter whether born in comfort or born in poverty, no matter to what stock he belongs, what creed he professes, what job he holds.

We believe that every man should have a free and equal chance to develop his own best abilities under a free system of government, where the people themselves choose those who are to rule them and where no one man can set himself up as a tyrant or oppress the many for the benefit of the few.

We believe that free speech, free assembly, free elections, free practice of religion are the cornerstones of such a government. We believe that the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights of the United States of America offer the best and most workable framework yet devised for such a government.

We believe in justice and law. We do not believe in curing an evil by substituting for it another and opposite evil. We are unalterably opposed to class hatred, race hatred, religious hatred, however manifested, by whomsoever instilled.

We believe that political freedom implies and acknowledges economic responsibility. We do not believ that any state is an admirable state that lets its people go hungry when they might be fed, ragged when they migh tbe clothed, sick when they might be well, workless when they might have work. We believe that it is the duty of all of us, the whole people working through our democratic system, to see that such conditions are remedied, whenever and wherever they exist in our country.

We believe that political freedom implies and acknowledged personal responsibility. We believe that we have a great and priceless heritage as a nation--not only a heritage of material resources but of liberties, dreams, ideals, ways of going forward. We believe it is our business, our right and our inescapable duty to maintain and expand that heritage. We believe that such a heritage cannot be maintained by the lacklustre, the selfish, the bitterly partisan or the amiably doubtful. We believe it is something bigger than party, bigger than our own small ambitions. We believe it is worth the sacrifice of ease, the long toil of years, the expense of our heart's blood.

We know that our democratic system is not perfect. We know that it permits injustices and wrongs. But with our whole hearts we believe in its continuous power of self-remedy. That power is not a theory--it has been proven. Through the years, democracy has given more people freedom, less persecution and a higher standard of living than any other system we know. Under it, evils have been abolished, injustices remedied, old wounds healed, not by terror and revolution but by the slow revolution of consent in the minds of all the people. While we maintain democracy, we maintain the greatest power of a people can possess--the power of gradual, efficient, and lawful change.

Most of all, we believe in democracy itself--in its past, its present and its future--in democracy as a political system to live by--in democracy as the great hope in the minds of the free. We believe it so deeply rooted in the earth of this country that neither assault from without nor dissension from within can ever wipe it entirely from that earth. But, because it was established for us by the free-minded and the daring, it is our duty now, in danger as in security, to uphold and sustain it with all that we have and are. We believe that its future shall and must be even greater than its past. And to the future--as to the past of our forebears and the present of our hard-won freedom--we plede all we have to give.

--Stephen Vincent Benét

Oh, it's home again, and home again, America for me!

This or That?

YOURSELF
1. Would you rather be able to run 100 miles per hour or swim 100 miles per hour? Run... that's more useful when playing soccer. =D
2. Would you rather have fangs or a tail? Um, could I just have both?
3. Would you rather have hair that grew an inch every day or fingernails that grew an inch every week? Hair... fingernails would definately be much more of a hastle!
4. Would you rather have to sing when you talked or dance when you walked? Hmm. Dance, I guess.
5. Would you rather be able to kick a field goal or dunk a basket ball? Field goal, DEFINATELY!!!


FOODS
1. Would you rather eat a chocolate hamburger or a strawberry pizza? YUCK! Probably the strawberry pizza. Maybe.
2. Would you rather eat only tacos for a month or only spaghetti? Probably spaghetti.
3. Would you rather have lunch in a library or a lake house? Lake house.
4. Would you rather eat a salad with salsa on it or chips dipped in salad dressing? Salad w/ salsa. I'm actually not sure that would taste all that bad. Maybe I'll try it sometime.
5. Would you rather have popcorn-flavored candy, or candy-flavored popcorn at the movies? Candy-flavored popcorn, definately!


FUTURE
1. Would you rather go places in a helicopter or a limousine? Helicopter! That definately sounds like more fun!
2. Would you rather have a gymnastics trick or a constellation named after you? Hmm... probably the constellation. That'll last longer, anyway, and, besides, I love astronomy, so that would definately be more fitting.
3. Would you rather win an award for your acting performance or for a song you wrote? Acting perfomance, DEFINATELY!!! Although a song I wrote wouldn't be bad either.
4. Would you rather like on a houseboat or in a penthouse? Hm, that's a hard one. The house boat. Less people=more sleep at night, as far as noises go! And I wouldn't mind the rocking either--I don't get seasick or anything like that.
5. Would you rather own a toy store or a candy store? I'm really not sure.


ANIMALS
1. Would you rather tell a joke to a parrot or to a laughing hyena? Interesting... Maybe a parrot?
2. Would you rather meet a blue dog or a purple cat? Weird. What difference does it make?
3. Would you rather play patty-cake with a monkey or go skating with a gorilla? Skating.
4. Would you rather be able to speak squirrel language or bird language? Hmm again. Probably a squirrel.
5. Would you rather ride a giraffe or an ostrich? Ostrich. I could race it! But I guess a giraffe might be cool, too.


ADVENTURE
1. Would you rather slide down a mountain on a plastic saucer or float down a river in a giant teacup? Slide down a mountain on a plastic saucer. That sould like a lot of fun! Speed--here I come!
2. Would you rather spend the night in a mall or in your school? Well, since my school is my home (I'm homeschooled), a night a the mall might be interesting.
3. Would you rather find out that you were royal or magical? Although it doesn't exist, magical. Of course, royal would be neat too, but I think magical would be better. I guess it would depend in either case, though.
4. Would you rather go to school in your pajamas or to the movies in a rabbit costume? School in pajamas. The rabbit costume would probably be way too hot & uncomfortable!
5. Would you rather slide down a super-long banister or swing from a jungle vine? Swing from a jungle vine.

Anyone that wants to, take the quiz! This would be a fun group activity, too. Let me know if you take it (if you want to)... it'd be fun to see your answers, too! Have fun!


Jess

Riddle

This is a riddle my dad thought of that actually happened:

We (well, my cousins, really) walked down the marriage aisle together twice, but we've only been married once. Nothing went wrong. How is this possible?


Jess

They Didn't Die in Vain/D-Day

The following is a poem, written by a WWII Veteran, that I saw in a newspaper article. Written as seen in the article.

'THEY DIDN'T DIE IN VAIN'
Pvt. E. Duncan Cameron of Company C, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, wrote this poem in his pocket diary a few days after D-Day. At the time, he was in a foxhole amid Normandy's hedgerows. In 2003, he donated his diary along with other writings to the Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.

D-DAY

The invasion had finally started.
We were off on a cruise of doom,
A mask of a smile on lips parted,
But a heart beneath full of gloom.

We knew it a big undertaking --
We all understood our job.
A beachhead was in the making,
A showdown with Hitler's mob.

Sam was thinking of England.
Johnnie, his wife at home.
A joker put on a swing band;
My thoughts began to roam.

Our boat cut thru the gray mist
And sped us on our way.
Many who looked at the watch on their writst
Knelt down and began to pray.

Out of the mist loomed a murky wall --
It was Hitler's western defense.
Here was our goal and it had to fall
Was the flash to our inner sense.

The cry, "Saddle up," was the go sign.
The deck suddenly filled with men.
We were headed straight for the coastline;
God! Don't let this happen again.

Thru smoke we saw many sunken ships,
Proud in their ghost-like hue.
For they had scored their winning hits --
What more could you ask them to do?

The air reeked of death all over,
The water a blood-dyed red.
For a minute our heads seemed to lower,
A silent prayer for the dead.

Our craft didn't make it the first go.
She maneuvered to try it again.
The minutes seemed like ages, though,
Ere the prow of the boat hit the sand.

So into the icy water we jumped
As the shells whizzed overhead.
Many a pack and rifle dumped;
It was either that or be dead.

The beach was a literal graveyard.
The Jerries had taken their toll.
For the lads before us the road had been hard,
But they had continued to roll.

A deadly barrage from his 88s,
And the Boche had us eating sand.
It was there that some of our boys kept dates
With the Boss of the Promised Land.

John took the count -- God save his soul!
War is terrible, I know.
But maybe it's best, he's reached his goal --
He's gone where the brave men go.

Sam, he got it below the knee.
A million-dollar wound, I guess.
And thus my partner was taken from me,
At least for a while he'll rest.

Joe and Robbie were caught there too,
And Sergeant Doe in the legs.
So onward, boys, it's for me and you
To grind these Nazis to dregs.

Yes, the beach was won at a terrible cost,
But they didn't die in vain.
If it wasn't for them, the day'd been lost
And we'd had to start once again.

So raise the Stars and Stripes on high,
Ring praises thru our land --
For the valiant fightin' men who die
On a Flanders field of sand.

We're marching forward, the Fightin' First.
We're out for some Nazi blood.
And we won't stop till we stop this curse,
This nation ruled by a dud.

Yes, we're driving onward, this mighty team,
To meet a beaten foe.
And the valorous boys we left on the beach
Are with us wherever we go.

This story, though not completed,
Leaves a message in its wake:
We have never been defeated,
And we can give more than we take.