..::Patricia::...(Week 14)

Well, my first post from Florida has to be about my Grandparents.

They are the two people who make it fun! They have our family reunion, they send us to Disney, take us on bike rides and to the beach, and they are so hospitable and interested in our lives, even though we live so far away.

So Grandma and Grandpa's House, is, and always will be, the bestest place on earth<3

These three pictures are from the surprise anniversary party we did for them!

They celebrated 5o years of marriage.

Grandma and Grandpa, you two are the greatest example.

I love you.

Au Revoir,

Patricia

Esther ~Week 14~

Anna and Me.

This picture is 12 years old!  That seems like a lot when I've only really been alive 18 years! This was my best friend when I was growing up.  Her name is Anna.  My Mom bought us a matching outfit and I remember how cool I thought we were!  It's good to look back sometimes and remember how the Lord really blessed me through giving me friends!!

Proverbs 27:17 says
"As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

Rebekah

Now that the weddings passed we've

been catching up on our summer.

I chased this Monarch around the yard

and finally got some pictures of it.

Sand soccer.

Chatfield reservoir.

fish... in a wave.

~ Revelation 21:6 ~

...I will give unto him that is athirst

of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Elaine-week 13

Hello! Right now, I am in Canada with my grandparents, so I am not able to post any pictures this week. Vacation pictures to come next week!!

Natalya~Week 13~Boys Will Be Boys....

Job 5:20 In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.

Today (in fact the last guests just left) was my brothers birthday. (he turned 11 on Monday!! Such a big boy!) My brother wants to be a reenactor. He loves history. His favorite historical characters include Stonewall Jackson, Joshua Chamberlain, Robert E. Lee, and others from his favorite time in history. So, what's more appropriate then a Confederate Civil War themed birthday party?

Here are some things perhaps you don't know about the War Between The States:
It was NOT about slavery. Though this was one of the causes in the northerners mind, it wasn't really one of the big ones. The war was over States Rights vs. Centralized Government. Centralized Government is sure causing us a lot of problems today, so maybe good ol' Johnny Reb got it right...

The Confederate soldiers were usually respectful of the peoples rights in the towns they were fighting in. They were fighting for their rights, shouldn't they respect the rights of those around them? Even if they were on another side? There are always exceptions, yes, but for the most part the confederates were well behaved. More then the Union. In fact after Sherman's ruthless burning of Atlanta (which was mainly populated by women and children by the way) Lee ordered his troops to march through a town (which they were going through anyway) without touching anything. They were to march in, through, and out like southern gentlemen, and they did.

Stonewall Jackson and eight other men were out on a scouting mission when things went wrong. We all know he was shot by his own men, but he was also wounded by the union. The shot that caused him to lose his arm was a Confederate bullet. Jackson didn't die of that wound however. He caught pneumonia after giving his blanket to a soldier who needed it "more." His famous last words (which, though you probably know them I will post because I love them) "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees." He is also reported as saying, when told that it was a Sunday: "Ah, I have always wanted to die on a Sunday."

Both Lee and Jackson were Christians.

Jackson was said to pray "as much as he breathed."

Once one of Jackson's officers had forgotten his sword where they had made camp the previous night. As he went to retrieve it he saw Stonewall kneeling on the grass praying for his soldiers. The officer waited until Jackson was finished, and heard most of the prayer. He said it changed his life and he came to Christ after hearing that man pray. Are your prayers so rich? Are your prayers so full of love and grace? Are you prayers so God-Centered? Mine aren't. Why not? Shouldn't they be? Let's all work on that...

Long after the war Lee was seen talking to an old man by his friend. When Lee's friend asked him who the man was Lee replied: "That was one of our soldiers, who is in necessitous circumstances. He fought on the other side, but we must not think of that."

One of Robert E. Lee's friends memorized one of the prayers he heard Lee pray. Here is that prayer: "Help me to be, to think, to act what is right because it is right; make me truthful, honest, and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me."

Once when Lee was told of the Chaplin praying for him he replied humbly: "I sincerely thank you for that, and I can only say that I am a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone, and that I need all the prayers you can offer for me."

Lee and Jackson were not perfect. They could be ruthless in battle too. Was it necessary? Yes. Was it worth it? In the end? That I will leave for you to decide. My answer is "Yes." For everything they went through, for all those who died, never to be given a grave stone, it was worth it in the end. They lost the battles, they lost the war, many lost their lives, most lost their homes, all lost something, but the lessons they can teach us make it all worth it.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the war. Remember those who died, and that is on both sides. "The war is over," You might say, "It doesn't matter what 'side' we're on." Or does it? Big Government? Big Government spending Big Bucks? (which happen to come from us, the people, and outlandishly high taxes were another cause of the War Between the States) Or Freedom? Freedom for all people black or white, it doesn't matter. Lee wanted the slaves freed. That wasn't what he was fighting for. Neither were most of the Confederates.

Why are the Confederates portrayed in such a bad light? As the cruel slave owners who wanted to keep their slaves at all costs? Why? Really, Why? I have an idea. Maybe their ideas are a threat...a threat to what others want America to be. Plenty of what America was and stood for was lost on the battlefields of the Civil War. Will you Remember? Will you stand as firm as they did? Until every way out has been closed and it's time just to trust that God knows what He's doing? Will you do that? I know I don't, but I'm sure willing to try.

I know this was very serious, so to lighten it up, here's another photo from the Birthday Party...and it's of our Silly String "war"!!!

Be blessed and remember those who fought and died for the freedom you have (or don't) today.

Job 5:20 In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.

...::Patricia::...

Hello everyone. I am now back from Florida...(sadly) I could definitely live there:)

So now that I'm back I really need to start practicing guitar again.

My skills are a little rusty after a five week break! Naturally.

So I need to get back into life.

Vacation always seems so unreal, because it hardly ever has much to do with the usual things. (That's why it is so fun!)

These pictures are of my beautiful guitar. I absolutely love it, even though I have only started to REALLY play it recently.

Enjoy.

Au Revoir,

Patricia

P.S. As soon as I get my Florida pictures all organized and edited I will start posting them:D

Esther ~Week 13~

Last month I got to can Pickles the first time ever!  It took a long time but it's Definitely worth it.  My Mommy has been teaching me to do stuff even though it's hard! This passage is in honor to her! Love you Mom so much!

Proverbs 31: 11-31
Who can find a virtuous wife?
      For her worth is far above rubies.
       ¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
      So he will have no lack of gain.
       ¹² She does him good and not evil
      All the days of her life.
       ¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
      And willingly works with her hands.
       ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
      She brings her food from afar.
       ¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night,
      And provides food for her household,
      And a portion for her maidservants.
       ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
      From her profits she plants a vineyard.
       ¹⁷ She girds herself with strength,
      And strengthens her arms.
       ¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good,
      And her lamp does not go out by night.
       ¹⁹ She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
      And her hand holds the spindle.
       ²⁰ She extends her hand to the poor,
      Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
       ²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household,
      For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
       ²² She makes tapestry for herself;
      Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
       ²³ Her husband is known in the gates,
      When he sits among the elders of the land.
       ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
      And supplies sashes for the merchants.
       ²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing;
      She shall rejoice in time to come.
       ²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
      And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
       ²⁷ She watches over the ways of her household,
      And does not eat the bread of idleness.
       ²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
      Her husband also, and he praises her:
       ²⁹ “ Many daughters have done well,
      But you excel them all.”
       ³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
      But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
       ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands,
      And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Rebekah

Its been so long since I'v posted

because my older brother just got married ;) ...

and I got to make their wedding cake!!

I made the layers ahead of time and froze them,

then put it all together a couple days before the wedding.

I used food coloring gel just like you would water colors

to paint wild flowers on the fondant.

I was grateful it didn't melt and fall apart while it

sat in the sun for a few hours during the reception.

The wedding party.

My friend and I.

We love you always Luke and Sveta.

~ Proverbs 18:22 ~

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing,

and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Elaine-Week 12!

For this week's "people" theme, I picked some of my good friends from Bible quizzing! From L-R, Me, Mary and Sarah. We were on our way to regionals in Iowa when Mary's sister Rachel took this picture :)

Proverbs 18:24-Many companionships come to ruin, but true friends stick like brothers.

Picture by Rachel in February, 2011


(I'm sorry Rach, I couldn't use the picture of you! :( It wouldn't download)

Week 12~Natalya~People Theme!!!

Photo credit: Valerie

Ok, I didn't take this one, I just edited it. :) This photo is of Kimberly, taken by her sister, Valerie. Two years ago (or has it been three now...) she was diagnosed with a very dangerous brain illness (gotten via bug bite). For almost 2 months she was at Gillet Children's hospital. For one week she fought for her life, then doctors said she may never do more then twitch her fingers and open her eyes. She is now a normal, happy, 9 year old girl. :) We love you Kimberly

Here's a link to a video I made using pictures of Kimberly. I made it just after she got out of the hospital. The song is "Held" by Natalie Grant and all rights go to her (she deserves it!) This song was a blessing to Kimberly's mom when we all thought she might die.


Psa 94:9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

God made Kimberly. God made you too. God made the ear, He hears your struggles. When Kimberly's mom, and all of us thought Kimberly could either die, or be disabled forever, we met every Tuesday at 1:00pm and prayed for her. I will never forget the time when the secretary at the church we were meeting at came to us at the end of that first scary week and ready to us Kimberly's mom's note from the hospital. "Kimberly opened her eyes today." Kimberly's father and most of her siblings were there with us. Her dad started singing "Amazing Grace" and we all joined in.

God heard our prayers. God heard our Song. God hears yours too. When you can't breath, choked with sorrows and worries, run to the only one who can take them all way. Hide under his shadow, He will not cast you away.

God Bless,
Natalya