Christmas is.

   up at dawn to wake the rest.  searching for presents because we don't have a tree.  delighted sqeauls and giant grins.  new clothes and toys and torn-up paper.  sparkly things to write with and in.
   sitting in pj's with family, peppermints, and Bible.  laughing, and loving, and singing whatever carols pop into mind.  not caring about messy hair, time of day, or perfect pitch.  thanking God.


ohh yesss. please refrain from asking why this is the only photo I include in my Christmas post. it is truth. thank you.

Merry Christmas all!

Love Languages

   How do you show love?  In what ways do you best receive it?  Do you know?  The five love languages can help.
   The languages are Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Quality Time.  They are how you speak love.  They are how you understand love.  The five love languages help you understand your friends, family, and that special someone.  Learning your language and the languages of your loved ones helps you show love in ways that mean the most and to appreciate how other people love you.
   My primary love language is Words of Affirmation.  Words mean a ton to me.  I will remember the things you say to me longer than anything else.  Words bring me huge amounts of joy, but, in turn, they also hurt me the most.  No matter what you to me, your words will touch my heart.
   Click the picture below to go to 5lovelanguages.com and take the quiz to "Discover Your Love Language."  Learn more about yourself and those you love, then leave a comment or answer the poll question in my sidebar to let me know what your love language is!  Believe that God knows you better than you know yourself, and know He speaks your language.

Preparing

   I wait for my future husband.  Yes, I wait, but this is not idle expectation.  This is more than sitting alone daydreaming.  This is more than anticipation.
   This is saving myself for him.  This is preservation.  Paying attention, actively guarding, patiently protecting.  This is handing over to God all the keys that open me up.  He's good at safe-keeping.  This is careful conservation.  Heart, mind, body, and soul.
   This is learning.  To feed him, to clothe him, to take care of his children.  To love him as best as I can.  Learning womanhood - the virtuous kind.  Learning to love God more than I could ever love anyone. 
   This is preparation.

via



Just Because I Love You {Giveaway} Winners!

   The first ever Princess in a Foreign Land giveaway is officially closed!  Honestly, I was rather disappointed in the turnout, but I am so excited for the recipient of these adorable prizes.  And the winner is......

Dahlia Reyes!! :D

 

 

The runner-up prize goes to..

Erin Prigge!

 



 

 

   Congratulations, from the bottom of my heart, to both of these lovely ladies.  Dahlia and Erin, e-mail your address and I will get your prizes to you as soon as I can. ♥

Loving Yourself

   Do you love yourself?  This may seem like an odd question, but I don't mean in a selfish or prideful way.  Do you see yourself as a beautiful, valuable child of God?
   We are called to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.  How can we love others if we have only hatred for ourselves?  If we can't look in the mirror and be happy with what we see, how will we ever look at those around us and see the good in them?
    Do you love yourself enough to realize your shortcomings?  Do you let them discourage you, or do you see them as an opportunity to become better?  Do you love yourself enough to accept love from others?  Do you let God shower you with His love for you, or are you too busy denying your worthiness?
   Focus on the positive.  Like who you are, and be who you like.  Accept constructive criticism and compliments alike.  Love others.  Love yourself.

In His Presence

   When you come into the presence of God He becomes so real to you.  You're breathing so hard that only half the notes you sing come out - and when they do they flat.  Still you sing, because you just want be heard.
   Your pulse jumps and you are overcome with emotion and you can no longer stand in the presence of your Lord.  You fall to your knees, but still you feel presumptious, because there is no way you deserve to know this awesome God.  Finally, you end up flat on your face, prostrate on the floor.  The tears are flowing and the snot is running, but you don't care.  He is all-encompassing.  He is all that matters. 
   When you surrender yourself to the presence of God, He takes your heart - your dirty, abused, hard-as-a-rock, scribbled-upon, torn-to-shreds heart - and He washes it white as snow with the bright, red blood of Jesus Christ.
   After you have experienced the presence of God, you cannot stop smiling.


Based on my testimony after going on retreat with my youth group.



Giveaway - extended!

   Only two people have entered my very-first-ever giveaway (featuring superly cute cards made by my fantabulous friend).  And so.  I am giving all of you another chance, and extending the giveaway through the end of November.  That means you have three weeks, so get on over there and enter!  I mean, what do you have to loose?

^^Just click on this picture. :)

Her Song

   There once was a little bird who lived in the park.  The little bird had a song, and she also had a dream.  She dreamed that her song would make a difference.  That her song would change a person, and change the world. 
   And so everyday she flew to tree in the middle of the park and landed in tangle of branches.  Everyday she would sing her song.  She would sing with joy, and courage, and determination.  She would sing to whoever would listen.
   But it seemed that no one was listening.  No one paid any attention to the little bird with a big heart and a song.  The little bird saw this, but still she did not give up.  Other birds had given up on their songs, because no one paid attention.  The little bird saw this, too, but still she chased her dream.
   Everyday for months upon months she sat in the park and sang her song for the people passing by.  Everyday she left without knowing she had made a difference.  Discouragement tried to take over, but she knew God had given her her song.  She knew He had plan.
   One day as sat and chirped, cold was setting in.  The little bird knew she had to move somplace warm, but she was loath to leave her dream.  This was her last chance.  Her last day.  She stayed on her branch minutes longer than usual, hoping and praying to make a difference.  She belted out the last few bars, delaying her departure as long as she could.  Just as she started to open her wings, a young woman looked up and smiled at the little bird's song.  Just one person, just one day that was brightened.  But that one smile made everything worth it.  

 

 

You can change the world

if only you will have the courage to open your mouth

and sing.

 

God Bless the People - and the President

Dear Father God,
   It's election day down here in America.  I suppose You already knew that, didn't You? Along with knowing how big of a deal it is.  In this place I call home, it's already 6:51.  That leaves 9 minutes of voting left in my time zone, and still two hours for those on the West coast. 
   I ask that You would stir the hearts of the people standing in line.  Touch them in such a way that it will remind them of You.  I pray that they will think of You, think of Your word, and think of our country.
   God, bless all those elected tonight.  Give them sound minds and hearts for You.  Give them visions for the future and memories of the past.  I pray especially for our president of the next four years.  Put Your hand on him and give him peace and wisdom.  Bless our nation, Lord.  Your will be done, in all things. 
   I know that no matter who wins tonight, You remain in control.  Thank You for Your sovereignty.  Though You have all the power, You still take the time to love me.  I love You, Father.
   With all my heart,
     ~Michaela :)

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12

 

 



Greater Than Fear

"The moment that you feel that just possibly you're walking down the street naked, exposing too much of your heart and your mind and what exists on the inside, showing too much of yourself, that's the moment you might be starting to get it right." - Neil Gaiman

   There are times when I scare myself.  I grow close to someone.  I tell a secret.  I write about what stirs me up.  I reveal myself, and I let someone else see what has always been hidden inside of me, and I get scared. 
   There are others times when I am too scared to even get to the point where I could scare myself.  I carefully contain the volcano within me before it erupts.  I disguise my heart with another layer of papier mache.  I am safe.
   I am scared of rejection, afraid to fail.  I fear that if I bring the smallest part of me out of hiding, then the whole world will tear it pieces.  I am scared that if I let someone get close enough to know me, truly know me, they will let me down.  I am afraid that if I take a chance, I will fall on my face.

   But there are times when my desire to live and my need to be known overcome.  My courage overtakes my fear.  And though I am scared, I flee my cage, I lift my voice and sing, and I tear off my mask.  My heart beats and lives and loves freely.  I am me.  And I am greater than the fear.

This Girl

   There's this girl I know.  She goes to my school, and she's pretty much in all my classes.  She's the kind of girl who can be nice to almost anyone, but also has a smart comment for most anything.  Maybe sometimes she acts like she doesn't care, and maybe sometimes she's lazy, but grades (among a long list of other things) are super important to her. She's kind of girl people like to ask for the answers, but sometimes she doesn't give them. Sometimes, she doesn't know them.
   She tries hard to make everyone like her, and it kinda seems to work. I think she's grown to like herself and to be herself, but she still has those days when insecurity slithers back into her brain, and she slides inside her hard, protective shell. She's the kind of girl who watches and listens. She takes her time getting to know people. She's the kind of girl who hesitates to call an event "First Annual", because she's afraid to make that kind of committment. She takes her time letting people get to know her.
   Loyalty is an enormous deal to this girl.  She can't stand when people lie to her, and she cries when friends don't seem as much like friends.  She's the kind of girl who would never last a week playing the dating game, because the first breakup would tear her apart, piece by piece.  She doesn't like to give up on people.
   She's the kind of girl who makes a mess every time she bakes, randomly drops things, and manages to wear a white shirt every chili, taco, or ketchup day.  She is the kind of girl who wonders what purpose there is to raking leaves, besides to jump in the piles.  She feels a strong desire to straighten the things that are crooked, plus fix all the other problems in the world.
   This girl grows attatched to the characters in the novels she reads.  She's the kind of girl who knows a word's spelling and meaning, but can't say it right because she's only seen it in books.  There are some things she is too afraid to say, but she writes them down because they have to get out somehow, before they explode from the depths of her heart.
   She's the kind of girl who prays about the people who tick her off, the people who are sick, the people who are boys, the people who need love, and the occasional football game or snow day.  This is a girl who knowswhat it is to be stuck, to be trapped in the deep, dark pit of depression.  This is a girl who has been resced by God, and she will never, ever go back.
   This girl. Is me.
  

A Day of Silence

   Last Tuesday, on the Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity, people all over the world gave up their voices for one day for those babies who have never had a voice.  I was one of those people.  We, just a few students from our little high school in Northeast Missouri, took a stand.  We made a difference.  This is us:

 

 

 

silentday.org

P.S. There were more participants than this, but I couldn't get a picture with everyone. Many thanks to all you amazing people!

Just Because I Love You {Giveaway!}

  Yes, folks, it's here!  The "Just Because I Love You (and I Really, Really Want To)" giveaway!  Are you excited?  'Cause I'm really super-duper excited.  Yeah, it has a long name.  But have you seen the prizes?
   Ok, here's how it works:
    First and only required entry:

1. follow this blog.

    For additional entries (and I would totally get some of those if I were you):

1. Share on Facebook your favoritest post that I ever wrote.
2. Like the page.
3. Write about this fantastic giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

   Now wouldn't you like to know what you can win?  Many, many, and lots of thanks to my bestie for creating these oh-so-cute prizes.  She never told me she was so good at quilling!  One lucky first place winner gets ten cards that look something like this:



 (may also include penguins, pears, sheep, and more)

 

   If you are the second person drawn, you will receive all three of these magnets that will make your fridge or locker the envy of all your friends.

 

 

   The giveaway ends Novenber 8th ('cause that's my brother's birthday), so enter now!  And tell your friends. :)



P.S. I'm excited. ^^

 

P.P.S. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.



Just the Way You Are

   I can envision God on the day He created you.  I see Him obsessing over every detail, loving every second.  He makes your nails and your hair and your toes.  And when He gets to your eyes, I imagine the Lord of creation going all Bruno Mars on you, because they outshine the stars in the sky.
   He creates your lips and your smile and perfects your laugh. He gives your hair just the right color and makes it fall just right (without you tryin').  Your fingers, ears, legs and lashes are samples of His best handiwork.  He makes your heart to love and to live and to beat for Him.  He gives you feelings and opinions.  He creates every single part of you in His own image, and when He is done He stands back to watch - and to say that you are good.
   He catches sight of your first smile, and stops and stares for a while.  You are His favorite of all His creations.  Every time He sees your face there is nothing He would change.  He wishes you could see yourself through His eyes, because then you would see your beauty.  You would realize that you're amazing, just the way you are.  You would understand that the God of the universe loves you.

 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

-Psalm 139:13-14

this song :)

My Heart Is Broken

   I have stood in church and sang the words, "break my heart for what breaks Yours."  I have cried out to my Lord, and He has given me what I asked.  My heart is broken.  As I sit in this chair in my house in this big, big world, my eyes fill with tears and my heart is overwhelmed.
   Father God is grieved over abortion, and He has laid this same burden on me.  When I think of the tragedy that occurs every day, of the lives lost, of the women traumatized, of the would-be fathers, and of the passive attitude we have towards this atrocity, I am outraged.  I am filled with so much emotion that if I don't let it out, I feel my heart might burst.  Abortion breaks my heart.
   Father God longs for each person to see her beauty and His love.  I cry for those who do not.  I consider the people who think so poorly of themselves, and I see them live their lives in depression and defeat.  I am totally overcome with a desire to show them their value, to let them see that the God of the universe loves them beyond measure.  My heart is broken.
   So be careful what you wish for.  And what you ask for.  Because if it's God you're asking, He will grant your wish.  Your heart might end up like His.  Broken.

Find Your Inspiration

   I was babysitting five of my little cousins yesterday.  And we got bored.  So we watched Chicken Run.  And I was inspired.  By this:

Bunty: Oh, face the facts, ducks. The chances of us getting out of here are a million to one.

Ginger: Then there's still a chance.

 

   So many times I find myself complaining that there is nothing new to write about, nothing to ignite my passion, nothing to inspire me.  I blame my apathy on my surroundings, when in reality it's not the things or the people around me, it's simply the way I look at them.
   When I look for inspiration, I find it.  I find it in the colors of the leaves on the trees, a laughing child, or worship.  Inspiration is lurking in the kind words of a stranger, hiding out around each unexpected twist and turn of the road, and right out there in the open of the big, bright, blue sky.
   Don't sit there and wait for something big to happen.  Get out there and make it happen.  Keep your eyes and your heart open.  Be inspired.

Becoming

   I look back on the me of yesteryear, and I surprise myself with who I've become.  I have grown older and perhaps wiser.  I'm a freshman with some kind-of friends and some new friends and some forever friends.  I've grown my hair longer, and I've come to a deeper realization of God's love.
   My life is a string of becoming, each day a pearl slipped onto my necklace.  Some are smaller than others; a few have lost their luster.  Still I strive to become.  To become a better friend, a stronger  athlete, a Proverbs 31 woman.  To become courageous despite my fears, joyful in all things, and loving to all people.
   And in the midst of all this, I hope to become... myself.

The Rain Comes

   The sky grows dark, and I am filled with expectation.  I feel this show was put on just for me.  I thrill at the greatness and glory of my God.
   The storm takes over, and my brother, full of fear, comes running, but I am not afraid.  I hear the rolling thunder and watch watch the brilliant lightning show, and I am reminded of His infinite power, His constancy.  He holds the universe in the palm of His hand.  He fills my every need.
   I stand in the rain and I catch it on my tongue.  It soaks my shirt and rests on my eyelashes.  I am drenched in the presence of my Lord and Savior, my lover.

via Pinterest. (but doesn't it almost look like me?)





I hope.

I hope for:
   unwavering courage
    life for the unborn
     Holy Spirit fire
    whole families
   a horse
    more of Him each day
     revival in my school
      like-minded friends
     healing for my baby cousin Josiah
    King Jesus' return
   victory for our football team
    a man to love me
     realization of value, worth, and beauty
      unconditional love
       stylish modesty
      overwhelming peace
     prophecy and miracles
    unity
   empty notebooks to fill
    soft hearts
     empathy
      purity
       snow days
        passion
       renewal.
I hope for more hope.
  

Hope

   Hope.  We search for it, we crave it, we need it.  Without hope, we never change, we never grow, we never live.  We never smile.  Hope is what keeps us going.  Hope gives us strength.  Hope is our sustenance.

   We must hope for more.  If we hope for what we are already sure of we truly have no hope.  We must hope for above and beyond.  We must hope for more than anyone else will dare to hope for.  We must hope for so much that we surprise even ourselves, but we must hope anyway.

   When we feel everyone is against us, we will hope.  When we have nothing else left, we will hope.  When it seems impossible, we will hope.  Against all odds, we will cling to hope, and we will be victorious.

 



Hope is what we crave, and that will never change.
It's written on my soul:
Hope's what we crave.

~For King and Country

 

 In this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

~Romans 8:24-25

 

A Penny For Your Thoughts

   What are you thinking?  No, forrealz (<< just pretend that's a word).  Tell me what's been on your brain.  The homework due tomorrow that you forgot about?  That certain person who may or may not like you back?  What you're gonna wear?  Sports?  Food?  God?
   Do you spend your thougths on things worthwhile?  Our thinking should be focused on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable.  The Creator of all good things knows your thoughts.  Is He pleased?  Keep Him always on your mind.  Put your thoughts to good use.

We Welcome Fall

   Fall, we welcome you.  We look forward to the crisp newness you bring, the holidays you usher in, and the gorgeous colors you paint our world.  We welcome you, Autumn, and all that comes with you...

• falling, crunching, color-changing leaves

• hoodies

• friday night lights

• bonfires and s'mores

• youth retreat

This one's from camp this summer :)

• wishing I had a fireplace

• turning on the Christmas music

• Thanksgiving

• wearing jeans and boots

• my15th birthday

• hot chocolate

 

Pictures via Pinterest.

 

 

 

 

I Was Little

   When I was little, I always drew the sun in the corner of the paper.  I sorted my Skittles by color, and I sang the wrong words to worship songs while alone in my room.  I was a princess, an army nurse, a cowgirl, or an orphan, depending on my mood.
   When I was little, I memorized John 3:16 and went to church every chance I got.  I loved school, and I hated getting in trouble.  I moved as many times as most people do in their whole life, and each time it got harder, but I got stronger.
   These years of littleness shaped who I am as a young woman. Sometimes I wish I could go back.  Maybe not to change things.  Maybe just to remember, to re-enjoy the carefree days of naivete.  Maybe because when I was little, I didn't realize how fast I would grow up.

So Fake

   I look around me and I see them playing pretend.  Fake hair color, fake happiness, and fake confidence.  Make-up to cover blemishes.  Smiles to cover pain and problems.  Friends to cover insecurity.
   I see them adjusting their disguise at every turn.  They adapt to each situation and each group of people.  They do their best to impress everyone.  They try to fill the gaps in their performance. 
   I see them going to church, being good on Sunday no matter what the rest of the week will look like.  They think it's enough.  They try to impress God.
   I see them acting like they've got it all together.  They put on an "I'm-doing-just-fine-and-I-don't-need-your-help" attitude.  They pretend that they're obviously confident. They are breaking on the inside, falling apart, crying.
   They are so fake.
  

She Cries

   The sadness. The guilt.  The fear.  The despair.  The hate.  They envelop her, trap her, take her captive, and won't let go.  She feels unworthy, unlovable, unable to help herself.  There seems to be no escape, no plan B, no chance.  No one to turn to.  She is crying out for someone, anyone, to hear her, to notice her, to love her.  But her tears remain unseen, and her pain stays hidden deep within the jail of her soul.  She is overwhelmed.  She can't numb the constant pain.  She can't take anymore.  She is lost.  She has run out of options.
   She sits on her bed, razorblade in hand. 

On Bullying

I sent this to my local newspaper as a letter to the editor and it was published past month.

To the adults - parents, teachers, administrators, board members:

   School is about to start.  What's on your mind?  Are you thinking about bullying?  It was such a hot topic last year.  You talked a lot and tried to do a lot.  Bullying was a big deal.  Will it be any different this time around?
   You see, that's the problem.  All your discussions and committees and educational videos and policies and talks aren't getting the results you're looking for.  It's wonderful that you are working for change, but your efforts really aren't getting you anywhere.
   I'm fourteen.  I go to public school.  You can consider me your insider.  I've sat through the movies that will change the way we look at life, and I've heard the talking and laughing while they play.  I've heard what the counselor has to say and I've been a part of the group discussions where we all talk about the bullying problem at our school.  I've listened to kids spout the right answers and share solutions, and I've seen the teasing, the exclusion, and the rude comments ten minutes later.
   You have taught our heads well, but it's our hearts that need an education.  What if instead of going to the meeting where they talk about us, our parents stayed home and talked with us?  What if our teachers would call out another teacher's kid for treating others like less?  What if our parents taught us the value of others, and what it is to be a hero?  What if instead of creating more rules and policies took make it look like they did something,our administrators took real action?  Can you imagine if the adults in our community displayed for us the respect, equality, and honor they so wish we had?
   Talk with us, be an example for us, and expect more of us.  Be the change, to help us make a heart change.

Here I Am To Worship

   When you read the title of this post, what came to mind?  What do you relate to worship?  What is worship?
   Is is music?  Is it a church santuary?  Is it standing there singing (or not), or raising your hands (or not).  What does worship mean to you?
   We are told to worship in spirit and in truth.  Worship is more than a song.  It is more than the 15 minutes before the sermon.  Worship is living your life in a way that pleases God.  It is praising Him with everything you say and everything you do.  It's having God on your mind all day.
   Worship is living in constant awe of Yahweh.   It is turning to Him in your weakness, because He is the only One strong enough.  It's realizing how small and unworthy you are, and attempting to grasp His power and holiness.
   Worship is daily dying to self.  It is offering yourself up as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to the Lord.  It is giving Him everything.  It's focusing every thought, every word, every action, every facet of your existence on Him.  Worship is a desire to honor Father God above all else.

   How have you worshipped today?

pic from Google

 

 

I Am a Coach's Daughter

   I have grown up watching football, talking football, and loving football.  Jerseys and pads were thrown in with the dresses and jewelry when playing dress-up.  I got used to coaches and boys showing up at my house to hang out with my dad.  I learned the difference between a blitz and a different kind of blitz, the importance of "Drive your feet!", and how to draw plays.  I joined the games in the yard and the street and showed off my bruises, jammed fingers, and competetive spirit.
   To me, being a coach's daughter means a lot of things.  I've witnessed practices, film sessions, and pep talks.  My titles include, but are not limited to, videographer, manager, spectator, water girl, write-this-down-for-me girl, stand-on-the-sidelines-and-do-whatever-I-need-you-to-plus-cheer girl, and "Aren't you the coach's daughter?"  (I actually do like my name, though.)
   I have developed an intense love for going to "Daddy's games."  I will find a way to get there.  I have sat through the rain and gone numb from cold.  I'm the one who answers, "What just happened?"  I have yelled and cheered 'til I lost my voice.  I forget my friends are sitting there next to me.  I have shed tears over high school football.
   Being a coach's daughter means a lot to me.  People wonder why I voluntarily show up to help, why I care so much.  I guess you could say it's because I love the game of football.  I love the adreneline rush on Friday nights, the teamwork and comraderie, the thrill of victory.  I love that courage is made real, and that true character is revealed on the football field.  But even more, I really love my daddy.

Guys! I'm Back!

Dear beloved Readers-of-my-blog,
   I have not died and gone to Heaven, given up writing, disappeared off the face of the earth, been kidnapped, decided you guys weren't cool enough to read my writing anymore, or fallen victim to any other horriffic atrocity.  It's just that our computer crashed and burned (crash-and-burned?  crash/burned?  Language Arts teacher, please help) and I have been cut off from the outside bloggy world for a month.
   But.  We just bought a new computer. (!!) Therefore, I am back*.  You can be expecting posts on school, love, and identity in the near future.  Plus, keep your eyes peeled for a giveaway! Yes, finally.  Get excited people! I know I am.
   I am eagerly looking forward to the future and what God has for me and PIaFL**.  Pray for me as I pray for all of you.  Know that you are loved beyond measure and that Father has a crazy-awesome plan for your life.  May you be blessed with grace, joy, and peace.  To God be the glory!***

*picture a goofy grin on my face here
**Princess In a Foreign Land. Yupp, first time I've abbreviated the name of the blog.
***Forever and ever.  Amen

His Love

   His love is true.  More than a feeling, this love won't fade.  It will never leave, it will never decide you aren't good enough.
   His love is overwhelming.  It is beyond anything you can imagine.  It is more than you can ever understand or comprehend.  This love will blow your mind.
   His love is intimate. It's not just an emotion or a routine. This is relationship with your Lover, the ultimate groom.
   His love is powerful. It conquered death and defeated sin. Because of love, we are more than victorious. Because of love, all things are possible.
   His love is loud. It's like a rock concert in your soul. It cannot be contained. It is so much that you have to share it.
   His love is here. His love is now. His love is for you.

I Was Thinking About Freedom

Yeah, ^^that's pretty intense.  You don't have to watch if you don't want to.  Especially if you don't want to cry.

   I was thinking about William Wallace.  And I was thinking about how "Every man dies. Not every man really lives."  And I was thinking about Brave Heart.  And I was thinking about him dying.  I was thinking about him yelling.  "Freeeeeddoooooooommmmm!!"
   And it got me thinking.  I know someone greater than William Wallace.  One who was beaten, spit upon, scourged, humiliated, and nailed to a cross.  One who gave His life for freedom.  Freedom for the Scots, and freedom for the English.  Freedom for you, and freedom for me.  Freedom for the whole world.  Everlasting freedom.

P.S. Mel Gibson is pretty awesome.



Forgive My Quaint Old-Fashionedness

   I like porch swings.  A lot.  And so, someday, when I have a porch of my own, I will put a swing on it.
   And picnics.  I have a great desire to go on a picnic.  I even put it on my "To Do Before School" list.  A real, authentic, with homemade food, out-of-doors picnic.  Picnis are awesome.
   I read books.  All the time.  For fun.  Books are my friends.
   Plus, I believe that every word of the Bible is true.  I do my best not to cuss and sometimes I use big words.  I respect my parents.  I believe that cleavage belongs inside your shirt and your rear should be far out of sight.  I am firmly pro-life.  I am saving myself for my husband - I only plan on one.  I enjoy going to church.
   So call me old-fashioned.  But this is me.  And I will stay true.
   Oh.  And there's that part where I spent a third of my 6th grade year in a pioneer dress and barefeet.

Awkward +Awesome {6}

Awkward:

• biting into a cookie expecting complete chocolate-chip-awesomeness and ending up with raisins - which, if you ask this girl, are nasty
• not being able to roll my r's, or trill my r's, or do anything with my r's except say "rrrr"
• looking like an uneducated dunce in this post because I left the s off of "Marine Corps".  I fixed it.  two seconds ago
• failing at the whole getting-people-to-buy-stuff thing.  gold cards + cougar football fundraiser + major determination to win prized = changing that
• realizing in the middle of heated sibling rivalry that we are in a public place.  meaning people can see and hear us

Awesome:

• all the amazing new friends I've made this summer - like 20-somethin'.  just ask Facebook
• my grandpa and grammy coming in from New York to see us
• getting this bag with the tie-dye that I love - for $25

Shopko

A little bit of both:

• the comments I get as the girl with the water bottles at football camp:

"you think you look cool in those glasses?"

"you guys should call yourselves the water angels"

"I like my water at 73.62 degrees farenheit"

"so you're gonna help me in Spanish this year, right?"

"hey can I get some of that angel pee?"

•  watering the garden with Titus.  I told him to go get a bucket.  he finds the only one with a gaping hole in the bottom.  I tell him to put his hand under the hole to keep the water in.  he starts singing.  "my have a hand-hole, my have a hand hole..."

I Shall Emerge From This Summer Victorious

   These summer months are slipping away.  There are only 26 days left to savor before school starts, and I am determined to make the most of them.  Therefore, I have created this finish-during-the-last-days-of-summer-before-school-completely-takes-over-your-life list.  I'm sharing it with you all to keep me accountable - and possibly to offer inpiration for killing summer boredom.

• finish reading the New Testamant (currently in Philemon)

• write at least 15 blog posts - only counting the ones I actually do post

• sew myself a dress

• go on a picnic

• complete David Copperfield

• share my testimony with at least 3 people

• run a total of 25 miles

• begin learning Spanish

• win a game of Risk

• make a plan to start ThinkFAST at my school