March Musings - Day 25

The more I think about Saturday the more I think of how important and awesome friends are. I truly am so blessed to have such amazing friends to surround myself with. Especially my fiance, She is such an encouragement to me whenever I need it. Today me and a few of my guy friends got together with my fiance Moriah and had just an awesome time. From just chatting to playing games we enjoyed each others company and man was it refreshing!

You know during times that I get a bunch of people together it reminds me how important friends are in life. True you could try to get through life alone but it is so much easier when you have others to help you and keep you going.

Also as i think more about it having a close group of friends around you is a great way to get stuff out. I know how obnoxious it is to hold in thoughts and emotions and having some close friends around to vent or talk to is such an incredible feeling. Especially if you have someone as close as a girlfriend or boyfriend then it seems almost sweeter in a way.

By, John Schairer

A Reflection in Latin

After 12 years of school, I've graduated! In the past 12 years, I've learned many things in which I'll go into detail below in Latin.

Dancing: As of now, I've been dancing for 15 years! Dancing has become an important part of me as I use it for ministry. I'm thankful for a talent I can use to glorify God! On my email signature, I have the saying:

Semper Saltantem! Always Dancing!

Perseverance: I've learned to keep working at things, and to not give up. Countless times, I gave up on math or some other hard assignment. But when I picked it up again, if I kept at it, I was able to conquer it!

Vene vidi vici! I came; I saw; I conquered!

Thinking: I learned how to think outside the box. Whether with schoolwork, dancing, or teaching, I've learned that there isn't just one way to do things. So why not be creative?! 

Creativum cogitandi magnam habet remunerationem! Creative thinking has a great reward!

Life: It will have many roads, many choices, and many opportunities. God's way, is obviously the best one to take, but quite often it isn't the most popular or a well-worn route. Nevertheless, it's the way to go!

Ambulate in via iter minus! Walk on the road less traveled!

And finally:

Non scholae sed vitae discimus! We learn not for school but for life!

Even though I'm done, I won't stop learning! There are still adventures, and things to learn in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead!

Carpe diem! Seize the day!

Join me in this adventure ahead!!!

Guess who graduated??

Phew! I have graduated!! 

12 years in our house and 12 years of school!! I started this blog at the beginning of my high-school "career". It seems impossible that it was 4 years ago this August. I digress....

So now what?? Well, I plan on working for at least the next year! After that we will see where God takes me. No plans for college for now, which is alright with me. :~) I also plan to continue my letter ministry now that I have more time. I'm really excited about that!

All in all, God is good! The fact that school is behind me took a cloud off my head. Now I am finding time that was there before that I am now aware of for spending time growing closer to God, reading again, and anything else that comes my way!

*parties* ;~)

Work Heartily

Life has seemed to have sped up now that I am 18! 

Work has started,

school is getting finished up so I can graduate,

and it just generally seems busier!

I've also been getting to bed earlier due to want and need,

and I've been getting up earlier as well!

You know I've become an adult when sleeping in, means sleeping till 9:30!

Other things have changed as well. Who I talk to, and on what level, seems different even if it's people I usually talk to!

I've found that I really am as flexible as I thought I was while working. 

Sunday, we had an open house at work, to get a feel for things, and to get feedback from customers before our big opening!

In Sunday School that morning, one of our elders who teaches the class I help in, prayed for me and my new job, quoting Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): 

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ"

So, as I head off to work today, with this in my head, I pray you will all do the same! Whether it be work, or leisure, remember to give glory to God through your actions! 

The Eagle

on a frigid February morn
a bald eagle above did soar

a day in which we did celebrate

the life of a man who was great

people came from far and wide

for a man who stayed at the side

of those he cared and loved so dear

and that is why we are here

the next day we gather again

this time it is the end

the time in which we say goodbye

in our grief we sigh and cry

as we head to the grave side

we look up to the cloudy sky

and in the sky soaring above

is the eagle with the heart of a dove

a reminder of this special man

who was a father, son, and friend

a firefighter to the core

that is why the eagle soared

so as we said our last goodbyes

we kept our eyes to the skies

the eagle brought us hope and peace

even though his life did cease

and so we continue with our day

and for the family we pray

that comfort from the Lord above

shall remind them of His love

~ Isaiah 40:28-31 ~
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understand is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

I will miss you, Mr Schairer! I'm so thankful I got to meet you! <3

My Life in a Nutshell

My poor neglected blog. I have an indescribably desire to write but alas the kindle is charging right now so I'm making do by typing it up on an email to transfer later. What's up with me? Well tomorrow marks a year since I was diagnosed with pneumonia. And Sunday is Valentine's day! And then next Sunday is Mom's birthday! I have been slacking on my blog, but I have good excuses like: - sorting and deep cleaning out closets and rooms - planning a short show for next Wednesday - sewing up some baby hats I made this past fall so I can donate them - writing lots of letters for my R.L.O.E. ministry (Random Letters of Encouragement) - sending in an application for a new job (and praying I get it!) - figuring out what I have left to finish to graduate this spring - knowing I need to get my permit soon so I have an ID again and so I can learn to drive like a normal person lol - drinking iced coffee because I really really needed it today - catching up with my dance teacher, Colleen, who has been a big encouragement with reigniting my passion for dance (a few small sparks...just need to fan them to turn them back into a flame) - forgetting to turn on crock-pot until 3ish this afternoon when I put the food in around 10:45 this morning XD - enjoying yummy chocolate that someone sent my sisters and I as a thank you for a Christmas present I delivered to them quite late  - being incredibly thankful for the USPS and the internet for being able to reconnect with people I havent talked to in at least a year and a half - teasing my cat with kitty treats - becoming a Trekkie by watching through the original Star Trek series (I just started season 2) - and being called a nerd for the first time ever which made my day XD -  and who knows what else! I really should do an obligatory post about Valentine's day...but I dont want to! :P I could tell y'all that a local school helped us make 400+ valentines to send to a army base in Oklahoma :) Which is awesome!!!! Well, I suppose I should end this so I can post it. Thank you for your prayers! I shall post again soon! :)

What I have been up to! And other Ramblings

I took a bit of an impromptu blogging break this month with life being so crazy! I was getting stressed out Saturday night so my friend Neona suggested that I journal to sort things out and destress myself. I then came up with the brilliant idea of using a journal T-Tot gave me to make myself a to-do list/day planner so I can mentally see everything I need to do.

It wasnt until I started working on this that I realized it wasnt Paris but Venice! And I have had it for a whole year lol

This is my verse for the year!

I split up everything into seasons!

I am also sprinkling in Bible verses just because! :~)

Its already been a huge help! And if you notice in the picture before this, blog is checked off....and you guys are the lucky ones to receive that checkmark!

The back of it has the note T-Tot left for me Christmas 2014, and the calendar for this year in case I need it! :~)

I shall resume Beautiful Blessings now that I have a journal to remind me about it. ;~) And someday Ill continue the hats...someday lol! We shall just wait and see!

Today's Beautiful Blessings:

~ A journal to keep myself sane!

~ Verses that mean a lot to me!

~ Seeing God's hand in many a thing recently!

~ And growing a bit stronger in my faith each day <3

~ Remembering the lovely Saturday I had this past weekend!

Beautiful Blessings - Great Grandma's Life

1922-2015

My Great Grandma passed away late Tuesday night. We have been taking care of her for the past 3 years, and although we knew she was dying, it was startling when I first heard. It took me a day to realize she truly was gone. It honestly didnt seem possible. 

I loved my Great Grandma. <3 Even though I inheirited her stubborness. ;~) On the bright side, I also inherited her love of cheddar cheese! Heehee!! ;~) 

Im so thankful she is no longer sick. She is in Heaven with Jesus! And I expect, Great Grandpa met her there when she arrived. <3 

She lived through the Great Depression, & WWII; from horses and buggies to people living in the International Space Station! 

With 4 children, 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild, she was truly blessed!

My beautiful blessing is? Great Grandma! If it werent for her, I wouldnt be here! Thank you God for the 17 1/2 years Ive had with her so I could get to know her. God is so good! <3

I love you, Grandma!

Hats for the Holidays! Day 27 & Today's Blessings

One of the few hats Ive actually boughten for myself in the past year! I bought it because I have an indentical one (minues the netting) that is cream!

I love the rich brown hues! Perfect for the holidays!!

Beautiful Blessings:

~ Being reminded of how important goodness is in the movie "Going My Way"! So sweet <3

~ Being reminded of how important art is! I went to see an art exhibit today: "From Monet to Matisse: The Age of French Impressionism"!

~ Being reminded of how important it is to send letters! T-Tot got a sweet one today from a lady who attended our Church for a while. It was very encouraging <3

~ Being reminded of how precious our lives are here on this earth! We should use them for good and to bring God glory!

~ Being reminded of how precious prayer is!

The Rock - A Word of Encouragement

Psalm 18:2 (ESV)

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

When life is crazy, busy, swirling, and chaotic, remember this:

When you find yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place, remember God is your rock, and He will get you through the hard place!

Psalm 94:22 (ESV)

But the Lord has become my stronghold,

    and my God the rock of my refuge.

100 lbs of Apples and other Beautiful Blessings

~ Watching "The Wizard of Oz" with the girls. I love this movie <3 Its one of my absolute favorites <3

~ Realizing Lil' G is dressed like Dorothy

~ Picking apples from our tree!

~ Getting 100lbs or so of apples!

~ Having Heidi and her sis come over to help pick apples!

~ Seeing T-bug having fun with her Sunday School teacher...aka Heidi lol!

~ Going on a mini vacation to the Y to go swimming afterwards!

~ The girls being brave with ice skating and swimming!

~ Seeing how big T-bug is now <3 T-Tot wore that dress when she was little. 

~ Realizing that all the girls were wearing dresses from Aunt N! I love this one on L-Jo!

~ Being amazed by how big Lil' G is getting! She looks like a big girl!

~ Knowing I cant imagine life without my sisters <3

~ The fields being harvested!

~The beautiful fall leaves! <3

~ T-Tot getting compliments from an art teacher on her work! The lady told her that her paintings/pictures are better than some of the kids in her class.

~ T-bug's creativity for sleeping lol!!

Blog Neglect = Rambling Post

I stop doing a series and poof! I disappear from the face of the blogosphere. I'd start another series but I havent decided what yet ;~) I could bring back one of my old ones but I'm still not 100% yet so I'm not sure how consistant I'd be. Hmm....

I can always do one of those thinking, feeling, and so on posts! :~D

So without further ado!

Right now I'm...

...enjoying a spot of tea on the sunroom porch!

...wearing my fantabulous new apron which I'm madly in love with!

...happy because my hair is super curly today....gotta love humidity!

...looking forward to some delicious homemade bread with dinner tonight!

...gazing at the beautiful blue sky,

...and watching the wind blowthrough the trees!

...listening to the birds twitter, 

...a plane fly high overhead, 

...and the delightful sound of keyboard keys clacking!

...feeling the cool air from the overhead fan!

...thinking about how my friends are doing,

...and praying for them!

...marveling at how big my sisters are getting!

...thanking God for Lil' G's cast for her arm!

...reminiscing about going to CYIA camp for 4 years in a row!

...being absolutely silly with my friend(s)!

...seeing birds flit about,

...along with a few butterflies!

...hoping the lovely weather lasts all of today!

...remembering I forgot to take my vitamins! (oops! lol!)

...taking my vitamins!

...laughing at this rather random blog post!

...wiggling my feet,

...and tootsies!

...wishing I felt up to reading!

...wondering who is going to read this allllll the way to end!! lol!!!

(a random post needs a random picture lol! this is a couple months old but hey! it works, right???? lol!!)

So voila!! My life in a nutshell! XD

Photo-A-Day - Day 22!

"Life" -  Matthew 10:39!

(I took this yesterday, but I wasnt able to post it lol!)

Valuing Life: Beginning to End

Our guest post today is from the lovely Eden. She is 15 years old and enjoys studying God's Word, spending time with family and friends, dancing, singing, and much more! You can visit her blog at:

www.edensevaluations.blogspot.com

Life... the very word brings so many pictures, thoughts, and ideas into my mind.  One of these thoughts would, of course, be my life. I have one amazing family consisting of seven awesome brothers and sisters and two incredible parents.  I also have lots of fun cousins, aunts and uncles, and dear grandparents.

As I look over my family tree, I see a picture of a generational, pro-life family, who has always valued life, from conception to life’s completion.

All of this reminded me of the quippy Dr. Seuss quote, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”* But to me, it seems like something is missing from that quote... something that we are going to discover in just a moment.

Life is defined by the one who created it... God.  Life begins at conception and continues until God decides that time is up.

Sadly, many people today do not believe that life is a precious gift; they don’t seem to understand that life is a blessing from the Lord. Unfortunately, from times past until now, we have seen the destruction and devaluing of human life through abortion, extermination, and euthanasia.

All around us, innocent lives are being purposefully killed and eradicated.

People are deceived and tricked... they do not see that every stage of life, from the womb to the end, is absolutely priceless.  Lisa Wingate quotes, “...Every child, no matter how tiny in the womb, must be welcomed into the world, for each child is a gift of love from God. Therefore, abortion is never the answer, for abortion kills.”* Nobel prize-winning author, Pearl S. Buck says,“Euthanasia is a long, smooth-sounding word, and it conceals its danger as long, smooth words do but the danger is there, nevertheless.”* Just like abortion and extermination, euthanasia is murder as well.

Now, looking back at Dr. Seuss’s quote, I would add, “A person’s a person, no matter how small... or big.”  Life is a miracle and a tremendous gift from God. We see this in Psalm 139:14 which says, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” We are knit together in our mother's womb, formed by the very hand and in the image of God Almighty! That is indescribable!!!

We have, are, and will always be in a battle for life.  So in closing, I urge you to continue the fight for the gift of life... to publicize to the world that life is incomparable, and therefore, we must always value it; from beginning to end.

Footnotes:

*“Horton Hears a Who!” By, Dr. Seuss

*www.miamiarch.org

*www.quotes.dictionary.com

Interconnected

Interconnected

"To connect with one another."

Before I really understood what it meant to be a Christian, I viewed life like this.

God was one thing in life, life was the other. 

They don't touch, they don't mix, they don't go together.

And then, I learned the Power of Prayer.

Prayer connects life, with God and creates something beautiful.

When you go through your day, praying, praising, and glorifying God through ordinary things, your life is interconnected. 

Each detail and piece is important.

As I go about my life, I'm praying for the people I encounter.

God and life.

Interconnected.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is important.

Prayer is powerful.

Prayer was something I never payed much attention to until I realized how important and powerful it is. 

Here are a couple examples of how powerful prayer can be:

Several nights ago, one of the girls came down stairs around 10pm, crying. She had a nightmare and was shaking like a leaf. We cuddled her, and gave her hugs & kisses. After a few minutes, she and Daddy went upstairs. As she headed up the stairs, she asked Daddy to pray for her, because she knew Daddy would.

Yesterday was a long day. I was watching the girlies while Mom went to physical therapy for her ankle. Us girls were rehearsing some dance pieces for an upcoming show. While we were doing this T-Tot hit her ankle extremely hard on our wooden hope chest in the living room. She fell to the floor in pain. As I gave directions to the other girls, grabbed ice, and the phone in case I needed it, my first thought was "God. I need help." I flew through my mind of people who I could call, but no one (in my head) would be available. As I sat on the floor, rocking her, and icing her ankle, I was praying so hard. I was praying so hard. Within minutes I hear our door open. Mom wasn't supposed to be back for at least another hour, and I hadn't been able to get a hold of her. Who came in? Grandpa! Grandpa had to drop of his trailer at our relative's mechanics, and thought he would stop in to say hi! I was so thankful that God had provided for our needs. He looked at her ankle, and suggested we elevate it on the couch. He helped me make lunch, and he stayed  at the house with the girls while we took her to get x-rayed. Thankfully she just has a bad bone bruise.

Prayer is so powerful.

Matthew 21:22 

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

It's becoming such a big part of my life, that I can't imagine life without it. 

How does prayer effect your life? 

(I drew the picture a few years ago)