Maiden of Emmanuel

A Touch of Whimsy

2011-06-28T20:39:00.001-04:00

I'm really sorry for not writing. I will try to better. My summer is busier than planned but that's no excuse. I'm posting a picture that I'm entering for iheartfaces.com, a photo site that I've been keeping up with.

Anyway, hope you all enjoy. The theme is A Touch of Whimsy so I tried to take pictures that seemed whimsical to me, along with my friend and fellow photographer Bryce. :)
If you have a Facebook, check out A Twin for God Photography!

God bless,
Maiden of Emmanuel

Christ is alive.

2011-04-24T16:51:00.000-04:00

Today is Resurrection Day and we celebrate that Jesus Christ rose from the grave.
Jesus Christ is the one you saves us, who gives us eternal life, and the wonderful feeling of love and joy. He gives us a reason to live for today and all the tomorrows. To live for His glory.
He is great.

Jesus Christ died on the cross, accused for nothing, and tore the temple- then after the third day He was to be dead, He arose.
No one else has risen from the dead by themselves, and when someone did come back from the dead (like Lazarus) it was because Jesus Christ commanded him to. No one else has given life.

He is salvation :).

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Resurrection Day :).

Blessings,
MOE

The Skin Map

2011-04-17T19:31:00.001-04:00

My title is now working :D.

A promising tale of interdimensional voyaging disintegrates rapidly into a clunky and incoherent mess. Londoner Kit Livingstone and his unpleasant girlfriend, Wilhelmina, are separated and sent back to an alternate 17th-century England. There Kit's great-grandfather Cosimo reveals secretive time travelers are racing the evil Lord Archelaeus Burleigh to locate a map holding an earthshaking secret. Stranded when Cosimo vanishes into a portal, Kit falls in with the beautiful Lady Fayth while Wilhelmina struggles to survive on her own in Prague.

It has taken me forever to write this review, hasn't it? Well, I have to say, this book sounded quite intriguing. The plot sounded interesting, and I think there are different summaries so if it didn't sound interesting there, then maybe somewhere else you'll like it.
The book was interesting, and I got very far in it, but it's been a challenge to read. And I haven't even fully finished it. See Lawhead has a good idea in his head, but he can only get you so far into the book. There are about five different characters and each of them are in different places. There's a plot within a plot, and it's quite confusing, but still intriguing. It's what got me that far in the book.
The way Lawhead writes is different. He likes to be poetic, as well as tell an intense story, and also leave you to wonder more about a character until later.
Overall the book has a good storyline and the characters were interesting, but the whole book didn't capture my attention long enough.

This book was 2 1/2 stars out of 5.

I received this book for free by Thomas Nelson.

Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 31, 2010)

Have a wonderful day!

God bless,
Maiden of Emmanuel

वही इस माय तितले इन अ दिफ्फेरेंत लन्गुअगे?

2011-04-05T16:13:00.002-04:00

Every time I've pulled up a post to write, my title keeps turning to a language that I don't recognize, does anyone know what I did or how to fix it?

God bless,
Maiden of Emmanuel

Phil Wickham - Jesus Lord of Heaven (with lyrics)

2011-03-10T17:45:00.000-05:00

I love this song! You don't have to look at the pictures in order to listen to the music and understand it, proclaiming His love.

In God,
Maiden of Emmanuel

Doxology, Praise God

2011-03-02T13:33:00.003-05:00

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

This song and verse came into mind :).

Blessings,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Who wants to help Dad get in shape?

2011-02-17T17:51:00.004-05:00

EDIT: I'm making a list of those who plan on joining on my sidebar :).
I aplogize, first, for not posting often. School started, essays and exams were due, my birthday came and went, and missionaries are now visiting for my church's annual conference. But I've been meaning to post about this for a while now.
My dad, as most of yours are, is completely out of shape, and one of my new year's resolutions was for me to be able to touch my toes at some point (yes, I am inflexible for my age, or for any age), but then I thought, "Why not help Dad lose some?" I hate seeing the fact that he might become an old man sitting around. I got him interested and by mid-January we started exercising. Walking for now is fine, later we might jog, but it's all just the start and staying with it.
So why not you guys get out there too? We don't exercise for long. Our schedule isn't typical, but we fit in the three days by exercising every morning on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays.
Yes, we have missed some days. In fact, because of my birthday and just a busy week, we have missed all of last week, but we're trying not to.
Forty-five minutes to an hour every morning, so by the end of every month we have tried to exercise for twelve hours.

Starting March, would you like to join us for a whole year? You can exercise by yourself, or you can exercise with your dad or mom or any family member!
For those of you who think you don't have the means to exercise but want to, realize that it's not hard to walk around your neighborhood, or in your house, or on a track for a little while :).

So you may comment and tell me you're joining me or you can join from afar, but it's way more fun to communicate and encourage each other. Remember that we can and do use this for God's glory. We keep our bodies healthy, and who knows if we can witness while out there with other fellow exercisers :)?

You can appoint any time.
You can appoint how.
You can appoint any where :).

Blessings,
MOE

VW Commercial: The Force

2011-02-04T21:02:00.003-05:00

This video is one of the cutest commercials I have ever seen, you must watch.

Secondly, I'm sorry that I promised better of my posting and my blog has almost been nonexistant with the first month of the year, but it will get better.

Blessings,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Who are You to Tell Me I'm Beautiful?

2011-01-27T22:42:00.003-05:00

I apologize for not posting in so long. I've been really packed with school and also I spiritually I need prayer.

This was written by someone I know, and they were fine with their name being placed for credit, so if you'd like to every repost this, please give credit :).

Who are You to Tell Me I’m Beautiful?

By: Carolyn Diez

A few years ago before I really committed my life to Jesus, I was a jerk. Honestly, God has been very merciful and gracious to help turn my life around. I was rude, I lived on gossip, and I focused on what other people thought I should be. I was very insecure, so I tried to make other people insecure about themselves too, so I could feel better about myself. I knew people who were real about themselves, but I only strived for superficial.

I think what encouraged this horrible me, was the people I hung around. They weren’t awful, but they certainly brought me down spiritually. Everything they looked for was image. I grew up being mostly a tomboy, and with a lot of siblings, and with my dad being a pastor we’ve never had a lot of extra money to spend on trendy clothes or hair.

Well that’s what these kids were about. They were all about how you looked, how you dressed and who you hung out with. They were like the queen bees, and they would cast you out of their group if you did NOT fit in. Well no one was really sure that I fit in. I was good friends with a couple of them, I was nice to them, and I trash talked the people who weren’t a part of them, but did I really fit in?

The obvious answer (mostly to anyone who knew me from back then) is that I didn’t. At all. I was desperate for attention and admiration… and I wanted to feel good about myself. It didn’t click that God was the only One who could fill me up with joy and self-worth. These kids made me feel left out when I couldn’t shop at the same stores or wear the trendy clothes… They trash talked with me behind other peoples’ backs, and trash talked me with other people behind MY back. I never had the same bag as them, or my hair was never styled (--in fact, it was in a pony-tail most of the time), they told me I would be prettier with this and with that. I never wore makeup and my clothes were “too modest” at times. They indirectly stated that they were “beautiful” and I was not.

So a year later, after always coming home crying and never feeling pretty, God gave me a lot of amazing experiences; things and people who never judged me on how I looked. They took everything from my personality and faith and assumed it was who I was/am. That year I really started to commit my life to Jesus and I knew I need new friends. So I prayed to God that He would give me new friends that were striving to grow spiritually and wouldn’t be into all the junk the other ones were into…

But, of course, the newly Christ-committed person I was, wandered around looking for these friends on my own, instead of giving the search completely to God. The new friends I found were “nice”. They told me I was “SO PRETTY” and that I fit in with them. They made me feel good about how I looked and how I acted, but the gossip I had been a part of was even worse, and the trash talk seemed to be non-stop. But I seemed to be okay… No one really said anything bad about me… They had actually praised me and treated me like one of them. They had invited me to their parties and welcomed my participation. But only because it made THEM feel good about THEMselves, I realized. I looked just like them, and I acted just like them. Together we were ‘one’ for ourselves, and even though we spoke of Him, we were not FOR Him. As soon as I realized I didn’t want to be a part of something that was not FOR God, it was easy for them not to accept me, not to talk well of me, and to make me feel like a traitor.

Well that’s too bad for them, I told myself. While this process had been going on, God had started placing life-changing, life-valuable, and life-long friendships in my way. They weren’t strong at first… In fact, they were undesirable. But when I completely gave my friendships to God and He gave me noticeable changes of friends, you could tell their “worth.” You could see their love and their own starting passion for God.

They didn’t pull me down spiritually, and in their own ways supported me and helped me to become stronger in the Lord. They weren’t perfect, but neither was I. The only thing that mattered to them was your heart. How we lived our lives out for God and for each other was what mattered. These people were truly beautiful. In fact, I had never seen people as beautiful as the newly found friends I had. They seemed to glow for God and for each other. Weight wasn’t counted, specific eye/hair/skin color wasn’t specifically desired, and in fact, none of the closest of us looked the same. Our hearts matched though, and that’s what brought us together, and hopefully forever.

I was once of the world, and that’s where I found my only temporary happiness. Now, being completely of and FOR God, (of course still a sinful being), my happiness only resides in the continuing joy of the Lord, through friends and family.

The changes/differences are this:

In the dictionary, made by a worldly man, ‘beautiful’ is defined as –

— ‘having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind.’

— ‘excellent of its kind’

‘Beauty’ is defined as –

– ‘the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest)’

Other than that TINY, little, bitty ending, how horrible are these definitions of beauty and being beautiful???

THIS is how GOD defines beautiful:

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”—Proverbs 31:30.

This passage should be clear enough… But it’s not just for women, I see it in men too… Men who are looked up to for their looks and charm, who don’t seem to fear or display God in their lives are totally unattractive. I know that when I see a man, (young or old), that display God’s love, no matter what background or situation they’re in, I can’t HELP but look up to them and admire them. I know I’m not the only one.

”Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;

And confirm for us the work of our hands;

Yes, confirm the work of our hands.”—Psalm 90:17

God doesn’t favor our outward beauty, but we want Him to be rejoiced with our actions. Actions that come from love, His love, which is the most pure and beautiful thing in the entire world.

”Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able

to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”—Romans 12:2.

Once again, such a clear and commanding passage…

Our world seems to be living in this contest. Every person we meet has a ranking, and one of you is going to be higher than the other or just about the same. The rankings are categorized spiritually, mentally, popularity, kindness, etc; anything that makes you a somebody. The world always has a new trend and look, and every time we reach that lifestyle and/or look, no matter how we get there, the world throws a new look or lifestyle at us. This world is sin, and sin has standards, and every time we meet those standards, they rise higher. We’re expected to follow the expectations from sin, and LIVE it out.

People we’re intimidated by seem far higher than we are, but in reality, God’s just waiting for us to live our lives not for people but for Him. I know that this past year I’ve been intimidated by a few people because they seem SO much more prettier and stronger and everything to the more extreme than I am, and they’ve looked down on me as if it were true. Looks and lifestyles are HIS because He made US to worship Him.

I wish kids these days realized that as long as they live their lives out for God, they’ll have so much more admiration and encouragement. But it’s not to take away the fact that we are persecuted for our faith and how we walk in our faith.

“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to

the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” – John 15:19.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

—Matthew 5:11.

But we have encouragement…

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord

Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”—Acts 20:24.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is

undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ,

after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be

the power forever and ever. Amen. “—1 Peter 5:8-11.

I hope you enjoyed :).
Posting soon.
Blessings,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

You can take the World

2010-12-25T20:44:00.004-05:00

The title of this video/song is called Take the World. For Christmas, I received the album Holding Nothing Back by Tim Hughes. I recently posted a video of my favorite song by him and his songs are just great.

Anyway, when you listen to the song, think about the meaning. I was awed and wanted this attitude towards God.

"The world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, Yeah

The world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, Yeah

is not enough for me

You could take the world just give me You! you coul take the world just give me You! You could take the world just give me You! You couls take the world just give me You! yeah

The world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, Yeah

you could take the world just give me You! You could take the world just give me You! You could take the world just give me You! You could take the world just give me You! yeah

The world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, the world is not enough for me, Yeah

You could take the world just give me You! you could take the world just give me You! You could take the world just give me You! You could take the world just give me You! yeah

All I want is You, all I need is You, yeah, All I want is you, all I need is You!

You could take the world just give me You! You could take the world just give me You!

All I want is You, Jesus I love You,

all I have is You, all I want is You"

MaidenOfEmmanuel

Noche Buena, a glimpse into the Hispanic culture

2010-12-23T12:46:00.006-05:00

This is not my image.
For those who are not aware, I am half American and half Cuban. I have decided to write about Buena Noche, the Cuban part of my Christmas.

Noche Buena is spanish for Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve all of the Cuban side of my family goes to my abuela's "grandma" house around dinner time. We eat a feast, and all of the girls have to grab for spoons to serve themselves the moment prayer is finished since the boys are beats from the jungle.
Then we wait.
And wait.
And play games.
And watch movies.
And sing karaoke.
And almost fall asleep.
And watch tv.
And drink soda.
Until it is finally 12 AM!
Everyone shouts Merry Christmas. The little kids run to the gifts under the Christmas tree and everyone walks quickly, but slowly, at the same time so they don't look too eager. Gifts are opened, people are thanked, and then everything is enjoy for about half an hour to an hour.
After that we go home, and by that time it's already 2 AM. Everyone crashes and we wake up again for my American Christmas :).

Send me a link if you post about they way you celebrate Christmas :).

MaidenOfEmmanuel

Is God really that scary?

2010-12-16T13:48:00.001-05:00

"It is the Lord of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread."
Isaiah 8:13

I take that passage into account literally. Maybe too literally. I think lately I've been more scared of God than actually having a healthy fear of Him.

The passage that verse is from is a passage speaking to the people that were following the ways of man and rebelling against God. "It is the Lord of hosts whom you should regard as holy."
Think about that for a moment. Regarding the Lord as holy means what? Do you truly know what it means, or do you just read the word and move on with life?

"1. of, relating to, or associated with God or a deity; sacred" (Dictionary.com).

That, my friends, is a dictionary definition of holy.
We need to regard the Lord as holy because He is holy. There's no doubt about it. He's sacred. He's righteous. He's pure. He's loving. He's generous. He cares. He is all-knowledgable. He is omnipotent. He is everything. He is God's Son. He was a sacrifice.
Now listen to the specifics (or read).

We know there is Someone to be regarded as holy.
We know the Lord is that Someone who needs to be regarded as holy.
Who needs to regard the Lord as holy?

You need to regard the Lord as holy.

Now the next lines make you wonder.

"And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread."
The Lord should be my fear and my dread?
This part is kind of confusing. I should dread God?
And if I have a fear for God, then I should be scared of God? (The Lord is God, as the Son. I believe that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are triune. So when I say God and the Lord, know that they are the same.)

A problem I'm still half working on is the fact that I've been scared of God, hence this blog post. If there's one thing that I used to do is have a genuine fear of and for God. Which isn't at all bad, but I have always been scared that God is mad at me for things I didn't even know I did wrong and then getting punished by Him.
"I'm so sorry if I did something, and here I am being punished." That was basically along the lines of how I thought and sometimes don't catch myself thinking. If something doesn't go my way, I think it's me being punished. Honestly, it's only because I'm not in control.
The whole point is that I've been scared of God when He continues to bless me with life. I'm scared that things are punishments when I don't know how to trust.

So why shouldn't I be scared of the Lord. Where does dread come in?
Remember that I gave you a verse that was in the middle of a passage. If you read a bit before Isaiah 8:13, you'll realize that the passage was in a direction of rebuking and punishing people for not walking in God's ways.
That makes us realize that God is powerful enough to punish. Exactly the way my thinking was for a while. "I'm being punished by God, this is just great. *MOE smacks herself*"
A problem with today's society is that people either don't regard the Lord as holy or they're too afraid of God.

There's one attribute we're missing though.
God is not only just, but He is merciful and loving.

"10 He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His love for those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for He knows how we are formed,
He remembers that we are dust." Psalm 103:10-14

I don't know about you, but those are very encouraging words. If I was punished for every sin in a major way like I deserve, I'd be dead. I probably would end my life since it'd be so miserable.

Scared and fearful are two very different words.
If you don't walk with God, you better be scared. However, fearing God is one way you walk with God. Fearing is knowing that God is strong and almighty, enough to conquer anything in this world, but knowing that He's caring and loving as well.

"Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in obedience to him."
Psalm 128:1

"God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him."
Psalm 67:7

"In that day, man will have regard for his Maker and his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel."
Isaiah 17:7

"O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness."
Isaiah 25:1

"Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him."
Isaiah 30:18.

"1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."
Hebrews 12:1-4

Walking with God means we're blessed and receive God's grace. I'm encouraged by the fact that I don't need to be scared of the one true God, but fearful of His gracious, just, and loving attributes.

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Then I was senseless and ignorant...

2010-12-10T19:48:00.005-05:00

This Psalm I literally just found when I opened up my Bible and I loved these verses that I spotted.

"22Then I was senseless and ignorant;
I was like a (B)beast before You.
23Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
24With Your counsel You will guide me,
And afterward receive me to glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
26My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever...
28But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works."
Psalm 73:22-26, 28.

Blessings,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

The orange cone is back, better than ever

2010-12-01T13:50:00.005-05:00

In my last post, I mentioned that I will be changing my blog around. A little more fun, but still set in a serious tone at times. More videos, more pictures, more posting! So I hope you will enjoy, but in the meantime, just know I'm working slowly on it. You'll notice that it's changing around a bit - things taken out and things put in and things kept.

So bear with me in this hard time :P.

The whole construction process should be done before Christmas, however I do have lots of things to do. If you have any suggestions, comment away. Feeback is awesome :).

There are immediate changes, especially some that my friend (Prism (click)) has suggested.
One will be the layout, I noticed, and I'm not sure when she did, but that there are many links around everywhere, and it's confusing, even to me. Also you'll notice that the moment you click you won't hear loud music (I've taken that out for the meantime). You'll notice that I'll be posting more frequently, something I've promised this past week.

Just wait and see, you'll actually enjoy being on my blog.

MaidenOfEmmanuel

(Picture by toons4biz on www.imageenvision.com/cliparts/traffic-cone )

Clinging to the Cross

2010-11-28T16:53:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite songs at the moment. Tim Hughes rocks.

~MaidenOfEmmanuel

No, I have not fallen off the edge.

2010-11-26T20:12:00.000-05:00

I lost a follower. It made me sad, but I realized why.

Would you like to know why, or do you already know?

I realized that I don't have very many fun things on my blog, and that is about to change. Truly, I know that I tell you I'll do a lot of fun stuff on my blog, but it never beats actual fun.
Another eason of my losing a follower is that I don't blog as much as I used to, but I will try to change my posting frequency as well. I plan to blog more, I just have so much school, plus NaNo. I've had this post saved as a draft forever, but I hope to post it soon. It's on fearing God :).

Anyway, I'm putting a new poll up, I also have this really great idea to do a book giveaway on the book that I'm reading currently, but that's an if, I'm completely unsure.

Otherwise, I'll be posting more fun stuff, as well as I hope to keep up my important thoughts posted as well, and to blog more frequently.
Unfortunately, I have no fallen off the edge of the earth. Or is it the face of the earth?

God bless,
MOE/MaidenOfEmmanuel

PAKISTAN: ASIA BIBI—DEATH SENTENCE

2010-11-18T17:21:00.000-05:00

"On Nov. 8, Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a judge in Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The judge also fined Asia $1,190 (U.S.) and told her she had seven days to appeal the decision. VOM contacts reported that her attorney will appeal the sentence.

Asia was arrested by police on June 19, 2009, and charged with blasphemy after she engaged in a religious discussion with co-workers. Many of the local women, including Asia, worked on the farm of Muslim landowner Muhammad Idrees. During their work, many of the Muslim women had pressured Asia to renounce Christianity and accept Islam. Her family is one of only three Christian families in a village of more than 1,500 families.

On June 19, there was an intense discussion among the women about their faith. The Muslim women told Asia about Islam, and, according to VOM sources, Asia responded by telling the Muslim women that Christ died on the cross for our sins. She told them Jesus is alive. “Our Christ is the true prophet of God,” she reportedly told them.

Upon hearing this response, the Muslim women became angry and began to beat Asia. Then some men took her and locked her in a room. They announced from mosque loudspeakers that she would be punished by having her face blackened and being paraded through the village on a donkey.

Local Christians informed the police, who took Asia into custody before the Muslims could carry out their plan. She is currently being held at the police station in Nankana city. Christians there had urged the police not to file blasphemy charges, but police claimed that they had to go forward because of pressure from local Muslim leaders.

VOM is assisting Asia’s family and urges you to continue praying for Asia and her family during this difficult time. Pray that her appeal will be successful and that God will act on her behalf. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will continue to stand for Christ" (Stacy L. Harp "Christian Persecution").

If you'd like to see the actual article (though I copied the whole article here) then click this link: http://www.persecutionblog.com/2010/11/pakistan-asia-bibideath-sentence.html .

Pray for this lady to have courage in dying in Pakistan for her faith in Christ Jesus, the true Savior,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Beyond the NaNoLand

2010-11-09T16:53:00.000-05:00

There's a title of a novel called Beyond the Summerland, so I kinda mixed NaNo into that title and see up there how it just worked and...eh, I'm lame.

I just woke up from a nap about half an hour ago and I'm just thankful that I didn't sleep longer than an hour. I have those moments where I feel tired and fall asleep and then suddenly I'm up three hours later, completely lost in time.

NaNo is still going but extremely hard with the time I have. A blog I'm following actually posted a really funny (at least in my mind/opinion) post about her struggle with NaNo. If you want to read it, click this link: NaNo Land VS The Looney Bin.

Blessings,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

1667 words seem a lot harder now.

2010-11-01T17:23:00.000-04:00

I've officially started NaNoWriMo and I'm already stumped. Can you believe that?

I added the NaNo word count widgets but they don't seem to be working quite well - unless my problem is my computer and you can see my word count perfectly.

Why am I stumped already, you ask? (I really should stop assuming you [guys] are asking these questions)
Well, this is the beginning of my second "fantasy" novel. Technically it's not really fantasy, but more "Biblical" times (when I say "Biblical" I'm referring to the fact that people are using swords, there is a prince, and I use town or village instead of city... oh and mules, and horses, and carriages.) I've attempted fantasy before but I never got past it, which I could have written that novel, but it wasn't my favorite novel-- and I'm just typing away.

*little interruption* Here I have my Microsoft/I Stand at the Door document minimized on my laptop screen, stumped and having the hardest time for hours trying to write my NaNo novel, and then I pull up my blog and start typing away a long and lengthy ramble about why I'm stumped that is aready currently 197 words long in a matter of five-ten minutes. 197 by the time I finished writing the word currently. *finishes/quits the interruption*

Anywho, I know I can write fast, but this story's genre is way out of my comfort zone. If you have read before my synopsis's of my last two novels, I'm sure you realize that I'm not used to writing in a darker and older way before.

Maybe if I blog this much everyday, I can count it as a warm-up and it'll warm my brain to write - bogging I mean.

Are you tired of me?

Blessings,
MOE

Word count: 300.

Revelation 3:20 novel - NaNoWriMo

2010-10-30T14:23:00.000-04:00

NASB version,
"'Behold, I stand at the door and (B)knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.'"
~Revelation 3:20

NIV version,
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
~Revelations 3:20.

Those are two different transations of Revelation 3:20. The verse is great but my problem is of what translation I like best. Now you ask, "Why would MOE have a problem with the translation of this verse?" (Or maybe you didn't ask that question. You know what I mean.)

The reason why I'm having trouble picking out a verse is because I'm going to use a line from that verse as a title to my new NaNoWriMo novel. If this novel works out, then I shall create a series called the "Revelation 3:20 Chronicles". That's if the nove works out.

Anywho, now how many of you are deciding to attempt NaNo this November 2010? Well, I'm attempting but perhaps some of you know you'll be fine.

NaNoWriMo writing bar will be added soon :).
New poll.

~MOE

When I say I'm a Christian

2010-10-22T01:29:00.000-04:00

When I say, “I am a Christian” I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”

I’m whispering, “I get lost! That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian” I don’t speak with human pride

I’m confessing that I stumble—Needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian” I’m not trying to be strong

I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian” I’m not bragging of success

I’m admitting that I’ve failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian” I don’t think I know it all

I submit to my confusion Asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian” I’m not claiming to be perfect

My flaws are all too visible But God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian” I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartache, Which is why I seek His name

When I say, “I am a Christian” I do not wish to judge

I have no authority… I only know I’m loved.

This poem was written by Carol Wimmer.

God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

Over 40 Summer Reads, how about you? (Summer Reads Part Five)

2010-10-12T17:43:00.000-04:00

Suspense.

Mystery.

Thriller.

The books I wrote for my fiction-to-read list seems to be a lot of historical/"suspenseful" with the typical scenes a girl usually reads :P.
Well I wrote down pretty much over a hundred books in a Microsoft Word document.

72. Title: Dead Reckoning
Genre: Espionage thriller.
Author: Ronie Kendig
Author's site: RonieKendig.com

73. Title: Nightshade
Series: Book #1 of the Discarded Heroes series.
Genre: Military suspense.
Author: Ronie Kendig

74. Title: Digitalis
Series: Book #2 of the Discarded Heroes series.
Genre: Military suspense.
Author: Ronie Kendig

75. Title: The Long Way Home
Series: Book #1 of the The Homelander series.
Genre: Suspense thriller.
Author: Andrew Klavan
Author's site: AndrewKlavan.com

76. Title: Deception
Series: Book #3 of the Ollie Chandler series.
Genre: Mystery thriller.
Author: Randy Alcorn
Author's site: Epm.org

77. Title: Under the Cajun Moon
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starns Cark
Author's site: MindyStarnsClark.com

78. Title: The Trouble with Tulip
Series: Book #1 of the Smart Chick Mystery series.
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starns Clark

79. Title: Blind Dates can be Murder
Series: Book #2 of the Smart Chick Mystery series.
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starns Clark

80. Title: Elementary, My Dear Watkins
Series: Book #3 of the Smart Chick Mystery series.
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starns Clark

81. Title: A Penny for Your Thoughts
Series: Book #1 of the Milion Dollar Mysteries series.
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starns Cark

82. Title: Don't Take any Wooden Nickels
Series: Book #2 of the Million Dollar Mysteries series.
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starn Clark

83. Title: A Dime a Dozen
Series: Book #3 of the Million Dollar Mysteries series.
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starn Clark

84. Title: A Quarter for a Kiss
Series: Book #4 of the Million Dollar Mysteries series.
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starn Clark

85. Title: The Buck Stops Here
Series: Book #5 of the Million Dollar Mysteries series.
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starns Clark

86. Title: Secrets of Harmony Grove
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starns Clark

87. Title: Whispers of the Bayou
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starns Clark

88. Title: Shadows of Lancaster County
Genre: Mystery.
Author: Mindy Starns Clark

89. Title: The Pawn
Series: Book #1 of the Patrick Bowers Files series.
Genre: Suspense mystery.
Author: Steven James

Steven James does not have a website right now.

90. Title: The Rook
Series: Book #2 of the Patrick Bowers Files series.
Genre: Suspense mystery.
Author: Steven James

91. Title: The Knight
Series: Book #3 of the Patrick Bowers Files series.
Genre: Susepense mystery.
Author: Steven James
Author's site:

92. Title: The Bishop
Series: Book #4 of the Patrick Bowers Files series.
Genre: Suspense mystery.
Author: Steven James

93. Title: Assignment: Boydguard
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Lenora Worth
Author's site: LenoraWorth.com

94. Title: Risky Reunion
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Lenora Worth.

If you feel like you need to read a book this post is already part five and I still have more books to post of my to-read list. If you even pick up a book from any of the to-reads then tell me so I can pick the book up at the same time you read!

God bless,
Maiden :)

Stephanie Morrill book giveaway at A Girl of Many Colors!

2010-10-11T15:03:00.000-04:00

Head on over to AGirlofManyColors.blogspot.com so you can try to to win a free autographed copy of me, just different by Stephanie Morrill.

Visit StephanieMorrillBooks.com for more about Stephanie Morrill.

Maiden

Book review of Whisper on the Wind.

2010-10-04T20:51:00.000-04:00

In Brussels at the height of WWI, a small, underground newspaper is the only thing offering the occupied city hope—and real news of the war. The paper may be a small whisper among the shouts of the German army, but Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print. Meanwhile, Isa Lassone, a Belgian-American socialite whose parents whisked her to safety at the start of the war, sneaks back into the country to rescue those dearest to her: Edward and his mother. But Edward refuses to go, and soon Isa is drawn into his secret life printing the newspaper . . . And into his heart. (MaureenLang.com)

I was hesitant about this book at first but as I continued to turn the pages the book's plot had me reading as much as I could. The book was suspenseful as well as historical.

The characters in Whisper on the Wind were strong, there were barely any time where I felt that they needed help. The whole country of Belgium needed help and Maureen Lang made sure she knew her facts while she wrote her book.
I have never read a historical fiction book quite as realistic and vivid as Maureen's book.* Maureen taught me more about World War I than all that I knew about the war at all.
The war was between Germany and Belgium and what I really just wanted to know were how the people were that were affected by the war. Maureen showed how Isa and the Kirklands had to hide during the time of war while a newspaper was being printed that Germans considered illegal. Isa and the Kirklands had to hide and the Kirkland risked their lives along with Isa just to do the right thing. The characters in the book met characters that didn't think as highly as they did of their God but they had trouble in their faith just like some of their friends.
The moral of the story was how to not hate your neighbor and enemies even while troublesome times were occuring. Whisper on the Wind was a powerful book that didn't end like those typical stories.
You should read Maureen's next books right after you read Whisper on the Wind!
Whisper on the Wind receives 4 1/2 stars.

Tyndale was kind enough to send me a free reviewing copy of Whispers on the Wind.

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414324367
ISBN-13: 978-1414324364

Maiden

The Healer's Apprentice book giveaway by Prism from A Girl of Many Colors blog.

2010-09-24T17:03:00.000-04:00

A girl friend of mine is only giving away a book called The Healer's Apprentice.
If you'd like to enter her book giveaway the link to her post is Giveaway of The Healer's Apprentice!.

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

iheartfaces.com's "smirk" photo-challenge

2010-09-20T15:45:00.000-04:00

iheartfaces.com is having yet another photo-challenge called "Smirk". I decided I would participate in this funny photo-entry :).

Make sure you visit iheartfaces.com to participate in this smirky photo-challenge!

Props to my sister for begging for pictures.

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Tim Hawkins

2010-09-16T22:24:00.000-04:00

I have so many posts I want to blog about but for now I'll entertain ya'll with a Tim Hawkins video.

Tim Hawkins is a Christian comedian, most all of Tim Hawkins' videos are hilarious.

http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/tim-hawkins-hand-sanitizer

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

"The Wishful Lamb"'s children photo-contest.

2010-09-07T10:57:00.000-04:00

The Wishful Lamb is having a photo-contest! The photo-contest is on babies, go submit a photograph you took for The Wishful Lamb's photo-contest!

Comment to only tell me what you think of this photo I photographed. If you have entered the contest send me your link to your photo-contest post!

Blessings,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Over 40 Summer Reads, how about you? (This blog post is only about Summer Reads Part Four :).)

2010-08-30T23:57:00.001-04:00

I need books of the mystery genre.

Tell me how is it that I come back from the library with two books while I had returned just one book? Tell me how I tell my blog-readers that I have only over forty books to read when my list has come out to seventy books? I must find every book that an author has written when I have just read one good by that author that was written well.
I have added a few secular books to my reading list. The only books I shall be listing are in the Christian fiction genre.

On to the continuous list of books I shall read.

52. Title: Unveiled
Series: Book #1 of the Lineage Of Grace series.
Genre: Inspirational historical fiction book.
Author: Francine Rivers
Author’s site: FrancineRivers.com

53. Title: Unashamed
Series: Book #2 of the Lineage Of Grace series.
Genre: Inspirational historical fiction book.
Author: Francine Rivers

54. Title: Unshaken
Series: Book #3 of the Lineage of Grace series.
Genre: Inspirational historical fiction book.
Author: Francine Rivers

55. Title: Unspoken
Series: Book #4 of the Lineage Of Grace series.
Genre: Inspirational historical fiction book.
Author: Francine Rivers

56. Title: Unafraid
Series: Book #5 of the Lineage Of Grace series.
Genre: Inspirational historical fiction book.
Author: Francine Rivers

57. Title: The Last Sin Eater
Genre: Inspirational historical fiction book.
Author: Francine Rivers

58. Title: Leota's Garden
Genre: Inspirational.
Author: Francine Rivers

59. Title: The Priest
Series: Book #1 of the Sons Of Encouragement series.
Genre: Inspirational historical fiction book.
Author: Francine Rivers

60. Title: The Prince
Series: Book #3 of the Sons Of Encouragement series.
Genre: Inspirational historical fiction book.
Author: Francine Rivers

61. Title: The Prophet
Series: Book #4 of the Sons Of Encouragement series.
Genre: Inspirational historical fiction book.
Author: Francine Rivers

In the Sons Of Encouragement series of books I let two books from the series out of this blogpost.

62. Title: Snow Melts
Series: Book #1 of the Seasons Of The Tallgrass series.
Genre: Romantic inspirational book.
Author: Deborah Vogts
Author’s site: DeborahVogts.com

63. Title: The Carousel Painter
Genre: Historical inspirational romantic book is The Carousel Painter.
Author: Judith Miller
Author’s site: JudithMcCoyMiller.com

64. Title: A Daughter's Inheritance
Series: Book #1 of the Broadmoor Legacy series.
Genre: Historical romantic book is A Daughter's Inheritance.
Author: Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller co-wrote this book.
Author’s site: Look at Tracie Peterson/Judith Miller's site.

Tracie Peterson's site is farther down this post.

65. Title: An Unexpected Love
Series: Book #2 of the Broadmoor Legacy series.
Genre: Historical romantic book is An Unexpected Love.
Author: Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller co-wrote this book.

66. Title: A Surrendered Heart
Series: Book #3 of the Broadmoor Legacy series.
Genre: Historical romantic book is A Surrendered Heart.
Author: Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller co-wrote this book.

67. Title: Summer Of The Midnight Sun
Series: Book #1 of the Alaskan Quest series.
Genre: Historical romantic is Summer Of The Midnight Sun book.
Author: Tracie Peterson
Author's site: TraciePeterson.com

68. Title: A Love To Last Forever
Series: Book #2 of the Brides Of Gallatin County series.
Genre: Historical romantic is A Love To Last Forever.
Author: Tracie Peterson

69. Title: A Dream To Call My Own
Series: Book #3 of the Brides Of Gallatin County series.
Genre: Historical romantic is A Love To Last Forever.
Author: Tracie Peterson

70. Title: A Lady Of Hidden Intent (book)
Series: Book #2 of the Ladies Of Liberty series.
Genre: Historical romantic is A Lady Of Hidden Intent.
Author: Tracie Peterson

71. Title: A Lady Of Secret Devotion (book)
Series: Book #3 of the Ladies Of Liberty series.
Genre: Historical romantic is the book A Lady Of Secret Devotion.
Author: Tracie Peterson

Obviously all of the words in this post are about books and are books. Some of these book titles are a little weird :P. I clarified that A Lady Of Hidden Intent is a book. I clarified A Lady Of Secret Devotion is a book. Of course those last two book titles are books but typing the book titles out I was like "I'm paranoid." I'm weird.

Well the next couple books are mystery suspense. Lately the only books I've foundlately are those historical ones. The historical genres are okay to read, suspenseful books are better reads :P.

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

iheartfaces.com's "Beach Fun".

2010-08-24T15:49:00.000-04:00

A lot of people already know that I am an aspiring amateur photographer, I've been taking pictures of events for people, I take portrait pictures of people.
The site iheartfaces.com always has photo-challenges ever week of the year and the age starts from fourteen to above for amateur photographers and professional photographers.

The difference between amateur photographers and professional photographers might seem unfair for contest participants but even the site hosts made it clear that the only reason why you're a professional photographer is because you're being payed for your photos.

I decided to participate in the photo-contest this week of iheartfaces. The theme for the photo-blog is Beach Fun.
If you have any pictures of someone at the beach blessed with skill visit iheartfaces.com :).

This is my iheartfaces entry for their "Beach Fun" photo-contest :). Visit ihearfaces.com for more information to join in on their photo-fun!

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Over 40 Summer Reads, how about you? (Summer Reads Part Three)

2010-08-11T12:06:00.001-04:00

Ready for even more books? I'm still in the middle of creating and editing my list but I officially have over 50 books to read and I'm still finding more that I have put on my list and randomly find through mutual authors I've read.

All these books are in the Christian genre.
A lot of these books are either historical, romantic, inspirational, suspenseful, thrilling, and mysterious.
There are a lot of books so tighten the string on your reading glasses.

26. Title: Never Let You Go
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Erin Healy
Author’s site: ErinHealy.com

Never Let You Go is the first book written solely by Erin Healy. She has edited books and she has co-authored two books called Kiss and Burn with the infamous author Ted Dekker.

27. Title: The Face
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt
Author’s site: AngelaElwellHunt.com

28. Title: Let Darkness Come
Genre: Legal thrilling mystery.
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt

29. Title: The Justice
Genre: Inspirational.
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt

30. Title: The Awakening
Genre: Inspirational suspense.
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt

31. Title: The Truth Teller
Genre: Inspirational suspense.
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt

32. Title: The Silver Sword
Series: Book #1 of The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor series.
Genre: Historical fiction.
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt

33. Title: The Golden Cross
Series: Book #2 of The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor series.
Genre: Historical fiction.
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt

34. Title: The Velvet Shadow
Series: Book #3 of The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor series.
Genre: Historical fiction.
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt

35. Title: The Emeral Isle
Series: Book #4 of The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor series.
Genre: Historical fiction.
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt

36. Title: Critical Care
Series: Book #1 of the Mercy Hospital series.
Genre: Medical romantic suspense.
Author: Candace Calvert
Author’s site: CandaceCalvert.com

37. Title: Disastrous Status
Series: Book #2 of the Mercy Hospital series.
Genre: Medical romantic suspense.
Author: Candace Calvert

38. Title: Code Triage
Series: Book #3 of the Mercy Hospital series.
Genre: Medical romantic suspense.
Author: Candace Calvert

39. Title: Taming Rafe
Series: Book #2 of the Noble Legacy Series.
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: Susan May Warren
Author’s site: SusanMayWarren.com

I haven't read the first book of the Noble Legacy Series because I'm unsure if the book is my type but I'll mention if I decide to read the books.

40. Title: In Sheep's Clothing
Series: Book #1 of the Mission: Russia series.
Genre: Thriller.
Author: Susan May Warren

41. Title: Sands Of Time
Series: Book #2 of the Mission: Russia series.
Genre: Thriller.
Author: Susan May Warren

42. Title: Wiser Than Serpents
Series: Book #3 of the Mission: Russia series.
Genre: Thriller.
Author: Susan May Warren

The books from the Mission: Russia series do seem like thriller but they probably could also be put in the romantic suspense genre I'm guessing.

43. Title: Flee The Night
Series: Book #1 of the Team Hope Series.
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: Susan May Warren

44. Title: Escape To Morning
Series: Book #2 of the Team Hope Series.
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: Susan May Warren

45. Title: Expect The Sunrise
Series: Book #3 of the Team Hope Series.
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: Susan May Warren

46. Title: Happily Ever after
Series: Book #1 of the Deep Haven Series.
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: Susan May Warren

47. Title: Ekaterina
Series: Book #1 of the Heirs Of Anton Series
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: Susan May Warren

48. Title: Breach Of Trust
Series: Book #1 of the Call Of Duty series.
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: DiAnn Mills
Author's site: DiAnnMills.com

49. Title: Sworn To Protect
Seires: Book #2 of the Call Of Duty series.
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: DiAnn Mills

50. Title: Pursuit Of Justice
Series: Book #3 of the Call Of Duty series.
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: DiAnn Mills

Though the books of the Call Of Duty series are in the romantic suspense genre I found they seem thriller-y as covers and summaries.

51. Title: A Woman Called Sage
Genre: Historical romance.
Author: DiAnn Mills

Now tell me what you're reading!

I have so many blogging ideas currently, but I'm working on finding verses for my "important posts" posts I've been thinking of. My Summer Reads Series is more like a filler for the time. I'd love to know what you all are reading though. I've gotten comments about authors and books. I really research the books I'm going to read and I added Erynn Mangum's site on my author list on my computer's "Favorite Books" list.

God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

Over 40 Summer Reads, how about you? (Summer Reads Part Two)

2010-08-04T11:38:00.000-04:00

This post is the continuation of Summer Reads Part One. I'm posting my to-read list that I have so far, and you post your to-read list in the comments of this post. Very simple how just posting a comment of the books you're excited about works, eh?

Anywho onwards to my list of to-read books.

13. Title: A Passion Denied
Series: Book #2 of The Daughters of Boston Series
Genre: Historical romance.
Author: Julie Lessman
Author’s site: JulieLessman.com

14. Title: A Passion Redeemed
Series: Book #3 of The Daughters of Boston Series
Genre: Historical romance.
Author: Julie Lessman

15. Title: A Hope Undaunted
Series: Book #1 of The Winds of Change Series
Genre: Historical romance.
Author: Julie Lessman

I have not read the first book of The Daughters of Boston Series just because for now I do not believe that's a book I'm too interested in.

16. Title: Surrender the Heart
Series: Book #1 of the Surrender to Destiny Series
Genre: Romantic suspense/history
Author: MaryLu Tyndall
Author’s site: MLTyndall.com

17. Title: Surrenger the Night
Series: Book #2 of the Surrender to Destiny Series
Genre: Romantic suspense/history.
Author: MaryLu Tyndall

18. Title: The Blue Enchantress
Series: Book #2 of The Charles Towne Belles Series
Genre: Historical romance.
Author: MaryLu Tyndall

19. Title: The Raven Saint
Series: Book #3 of The Charles Towne Belles Series
Genre: Historical romance.
Author: MaryLu Tyndall

I haven't read the first book to The Charles Towne Belles Series , as a matter of fact I haven't read any of MaryLu Tyndall's books. I found a book of hers at the bookstore in the Christian section, wrote down the title of the book, and then looked her up on Amazon and her site. There's only so much romance I can take in and certain types of romance. We'll see how I like MaryLu Tyndall.

20. Title: The Believer
Series: Book #2 of The Shaker Series
Genre: Historical romance.
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Author’s site: AnnHGabhart.com

I have not read book one of The Shaker Series. Gabhart's books are new to me so I have yet to tell you how I like even just her second book.

21. Title: Unlocked
Genre: Inspiration (Unlocked is somewhat in the romantic genre)
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Author’s site: KarenKingsbury.com

22. Title: Ever After
Series: Book #2 of The Lost Love Series
Genre: Inspirational romance.
Author: Karen Kingsbury

Honestly I've only heard of Karen Kingsbury's books, and looking up her site it looks like her only books are fictional books of marriage and not-my-type-romantic-books. I'm giving her a try but we'll see with Kingsbury.

23. Title: Grace In Thine Eyes
Genre: Fictional history.
Author: Liz Curtis Higgs
Author’s site: LizCurtisHiggs.com

24. Title: Bookends
Genre: Inspirational romance/history
Author: Liz Curtis Higgs

25. Title: Mixed Signals
Genre: Inspirational romance/history.
Author: Liz Curtis Higgs

Liz Curtis Higgs is a new author I'll be reading and I'm not too sure whether Mixed Signals is my type of inspirational romance, but I had the book on my list so we'll see about that book and her other books.

Obviously all of the books on my Summer Reads Series Part Two are books by authors I'e never read but I'll try the books out :). You may try the books out and tell me if you do because I'd love to know your opinion on some of these books!

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Over 40 Summer Reads, how about you? (Summer Reads Part One)

2010-07-28T00:40:00.001-04:00

I decided to post about the books I am currently reading and will read. I know I'm not the only bookworm out there. Maybe I'm the most bookwormy, but I say readers unite! Find more books to read even though we're almost at the near end of summer. You can still read books in the school year, right? I know I'll be reading books during the school year no matter how busy life will be.

Let me tell you my own story,
Once upon this time, there is a girl who goes by the name of MaidenOfEmmanuel "MOE" (pronounce 'mow'). She loves going to libraries, bookstores, the library's sites, more bookstores, author's sites, and even more libraries. The best place to spy on her is when she's sitting in the middle of an aisle at the bookstore/library. She almost always loses her library card (MOE is on her sixth or seventh library card), but the librarians know her so well they already know her name the moment she walks in (literally they'll tell MOE she has books awaiting her the moment she comes in). Wherever the books are, you'll most likely be able to find MOE in the Christian-fiction section. If she doesn't have pen and paper, she'll take her camera and photograph the covers, titles, and authors of the books she's interested in. When she gets home she looks up the most interesting authors' sites and finds even more books by them, and by then her list just continues to grow and grow to a never-ending-to-read list.

Did you enjoy reading my story?
I'm actually very picky with the books I read. I mostly read books in the Christian genre. I do read secular books, but very few secular books. The books I read must be written well, have a good story line, have my intrigue by the summary and first chapter, along with being very appropriate. Kisses are fine in books, trust me when I say I love the innocent romance in books.
Can you tell I'm picky with the books I read? Even though I'm picky about the books I read I know a lot of good Christian authors who write very well.

Anywho, last time I went to the bookstore, I wrote down so many titles of books and authors of books that its not even funny - plus I visited some sites and realized I have a growing list of books that I'd like to share with you guys. My favorite genre is Christian fiction, more specifically I like suspense, mystery, historical-fiction, trhiller, and romance (which girl doesn't?).

Note: On my to-read list every book will be in the Christian genre, so honestly, these are books that shouldn't be offensive in an innapropriate manner.
Alllllll of these books I'm listing in a detailed manner I have not read yet. These books are all on my to-read list. If I list a book I have read, I will tell you I read that book.
I would post reviews, but that would give me the longest blog-posts ever, so I'm linking to about-the-books.

Here goes nothing (and a very long blog post).

1. Title: Red
Series: #2 of The Circle Series
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Ted Dekker
Author's site: TedDekker.com

2. Title: White
Series: #3 of The Circle Series
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Ted Dekker

3. Title: Green
Series: #4 of The Circle Series
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Ted Dekker

4. Title: The Bride Collector
Genre: Thriller/suspense
Author: Ted Dekker

5. Title: Blessed Child
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Ted Dekker

6. Title: A Man Called Blessed
Series: Sequel to Blessed Child.
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Ted Dekker

I haven't looked up more of Dekker's books (though I've already read Black, Kiss, Burn, Blink [of an Eye], Thr3e, and Obsessed

7. Title: An Eye for an Eye
Series: #2 of Heroes of Quantico
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: Irene Hannon
Author’s site: IreneHannon.com

8. Title: In Harm’s Way
Series: #3 of Heroes of Quantico
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: Irene Hannon

9. Title: Fatal Judgement
Series: #1 of Guardians of Justice
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Author: Irene Hannon.

There are more books by Hannon, I just haven’t looked into the rest of Hannon’s books. I finished Against All Odd which is #1 of Heroes of Quantico and really loved the book :).

10. Title: Nightmare’s Edge
Series: #3 of Echoes from the Edge
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Bryan Davis
Author’s site: Daviscrossing.com. Bryan Davis’s site was originally DragonsInOurMidst.com
Davis has a blog on Blogger you can just click “blog” on his site.

11. Title: Starlighter
Series: #1 of Dragons of Starlight
Genre: Suspense.
Author: Bryan Davis

12. Title: Whisper on the Wind
Genre: Romantic suspense/history.
Author: Maureen Lang
Author’s site: MaureenLang.com

This post is only part one of MOE's Summer Reading of '10.
Tell me about some of the books you're reading, seriously. You don't understand how much I'm honestly telling you to leave a comment about your summer reads or write a post about your summer reads - I want enoug books to last me a very long time.

Praise the Lord! YCF whaaa? 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

2010-07-21T14:30:00.000-04:00

Praise the Lord my abuela is doing so much better!

My grandmother is out of ICU and now in a regular hospital room. I saw her walking a little bit across the hall of the hospital and walking in the hospital for her is a major step. She's been in bed for days and once you haven't worked your muscles for a few days walking is very hard.

Thanks for the prayers, and her hospital days aren't over just yet so keep on praying :).
____

So can you believe that I've been part of the YCF since May 18th 2008 and I did not realize I did n't have the banner up?! My goodness gracious. I know have the banner of the YCF up but for those to who didn't know (though a lot of the oldie YCFers knew) that I have been a part of the YCF for a couple years now :). I'm not exactly sure when the YCF started but I know that when I was a part of the YCF we had very little amount of memebers and now the YCF has majorly grown!
____

Tell me what you guys think about my new blog layout (comment on my blog!)!
The new theme of this blog is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, two verses I just memorized the other day.

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Prayer Request - My abuela

2010-07-12T10:37:00.001-04:00

Today is the third day my abuela (abuela is grandma in Spanish) has been in the hospital. She has had Crohn's disease for almost her whole life and my uncles are doctors, so when she gets sick, she just stays at their house. (If you don't know what Crohn's disease is I would suggest you look it up on Wikipedia or something rather. Crohn's disease bad, but not always fatal if you treat the disease well and a person can have a long life with it - but you get sick frequently every year for the rest of your life.) Since she stays at my uncle's houses everytime she gets sick, her going to the hospital is rather shocking and nerve-wracking. She's in her seventies and very weak right now.
She went to the ER because she had a fever of 104 and the fever would not leave. The doctors found out that the infection is actually spread in her bloodstream so her whole body is infected right now and I think they were thinking of a transfusion.
I went to visit my abuela around 6 PM and found out that she would have surgery around 12:30. My dad, my twin sister, more relatives, and I stayed there till the surgery was done and a little after.
They did surgery on her because they had a feeling her intestines were blocked and her intestines were blocked. Food wasn't going down her intestines and she couldn't use the restroom for a day or two. If they hadn't done the surgery on her she would have died in a couple days. Right now her body is fighting the infection and recuperating from the surgery and the intestines that had to be painfully expanded by the food. She'll be in the hospital for at least two weeks if not more weeks at the hospital.
I didn't get home till 3:30 AM this morning but my evening and day had been productive by just visit in the hospital and spending time making her a huge banner with my cousins and siblings.
The banner my cousins and I made for my abuela says, "Las abuelas sostiene nuestras manecitas por un rato, pero nuestros corazones para siempre." The saying we put on her banner means, "The grandmothers hold our hands for a little while, but our hearts forever." All of us cousins traced our hands and signed our names.
My abuela was too incoherent at some point to see the banner but she saw it later and she seemed pretty happy about the banner. Her words don't come out loud and clear, but the adults who know Spanish very well will put their ear down and understand what she's saying.
(My twin sister is the girl in the picture.)
My abuela has been in ICU since Saturday night and she's been there all of yesterday and she's there today. Please pray she heals.

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Cast of Characters: Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God by Max Lucado

2010-07-08T15:39:00.000-04:00

I do not own this picture of the cover of "Cast of Characters: Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God".
When I ordered this book I was intrigued by the title, the cover, and the summary. It was about the characters in the Bible! I wanted to do more of a study on some of those characters - maybe I missed something about Joseph, or even more "minor" characters.
When I opened this book, I was semi-excited and I was also continuing with my intrigue. When I actually started reading the book I was disappointed.
There were questions that I've never asked myself, but then there was a reason why I neve rdid ask those questions. I was hoping for a book that would give me Bible references and interesting points on a "character" (who is/are really just a non-fiction person/people). Instead of Biblical references, there was a question I'm quoting from the actual book, "Did Jesus and Joseph arm-wrestle? Did Jesus let Joseph win a couple times?" That is pointless in my opinion-- and second, I already know that Jesus was God in a physical form. Muscle is physical. Hence when Jesus was a young boy, I bet Joseph did win. But really - this book did disappoint me. I found things fake in a certain sense, and just not my taste.
There was a positive about this book though, and the positive of this book was that Lucado pointed out that all of these people - different sins and different stories and different actions - had a chance to play a part particularly in the ultimate plan of God (even the non-Christians) for Jesus' death.

Thomas Nelson was generous enough to give me a copy of this book to review.

This book might intrigue you in the sense of the off-subject questions, so if you'd like to read the book, go for it.

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

Help me, anyone? Comment!

2010-06-30T08:54:00.000-04:00

I have been searching and searching for templates/backgrounds for my blog. I have used "TheCutestBlogOnTheBlock" numerous times, and though their backgrounds are nice... I'm thinking about trying another site for the fun of it :).

So! If anyone has any blogger template/background sites (even tutorial on how to do your own background and links and such - because I know how to do some of that!) then please leave a comment with your name/user and the link to the site :).

I can make my own background and banner and I've done links, but I'd much rather prefer to get a template that lets me have to columns on the side so no one will have to keep scrolling all the way down to search for things. I'm lazy ;P.

God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

*I would preferably like a site that has black and white backgrounds -- but the black and white backgrounds is not needed at all.*

Construction for now

2010-06-15T21:11:00.001-04:00

Note: This is not my "Under Construction" picture.

Hey guys,

I've decided that I really would like to redo my blog a bit with more links and more activities but my blog is unworthy of that right now with the layout it has currently.
I'm going to be reconstructing some areas of my blog so look out for posts but beware that I might have a few links and pictures everywhere on my blog XP.

God bless and stay tuned to my posts :),
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

21 Names of God - Part 3/3

2010-05-29T20:26:00.000-04:00

EDIT: Extra name :).

This is the last part of my trilogy of 21 Names of God. If you haven't read the first two parts of the 21 Names of God then click them now :).
21 Names of God - Part 1/3
21 Names of God - Part 2/3
They're easy and fun to read not like my paragraph after paragraph of a post ;P.

21 Names of God - Part 3/3:

15. Jehovah-Rohi
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah RO-hee")
The Lord is my Shepherd
*References in the Bible:
Psalm 23:1-3
Isaiah 53:6
John 10:14-18
Hebrews 13:20
Revelation 7:17

16. Jehovah-Sabaoth
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah sah-bah-OATH")
The Lord of Hosts, TheLord of Armies
*References in the Bible:
1 Samuel 1:3, 17:45,
Psalm 46:7
Malachi 1:10-14
Romans 9:29

17. Jehovah-Shalom
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah shah-LOME")
The Lord is Peace
*References in the Bible:
Numbers 6:22-27
Judges 6:22-24
Isaiah 9:6
Hebrews 13:20

18. Jehovah-Shammah
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah SHAHM-mah")
The Lord is There, The Lord my Companion
*References in the Bible:
Ezekiel 48:35
Psalm 46
Matthew 28:20
Revelation 21

19. Jehovah-Tsidkenu
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah tsid-KAY-noo")
The Lord our Righteousness
*References in the Bible:
Jeremiah 23:5,6; 33:16
Ezekiel 36:26, 27
2 Corinthians 5:21

20. Yah, Jah
(pronounced "Yah")
"I Am", The One who is the Self-Existent One
*References in the Bible:
Exodus 3:14; 15:2
Psalm 46:1; 68:4
Isaiah 26:4

21. Yahweh
(pronounced "YAH-way")
"I Am", The One who is the Self-Existent One
*References in the Bible:
Exodus 3:14
Malachi 3:6

*+*+*+*BONUS NAME*+*+*+*
El Quanan
(pronounced "EL kahn-AHN")
Jealous
*Reference in the Bible:
Exodus 34:14

Did you notice that the last two names for God "Yahweh" and "Yah, Jah" are very similar? Yet the references I have in my guide for the names have different Bible references. God has so many names and to think we are just little human beings with a first name, middle name, and last name!

New POLL :).

God bless
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

Second Blogoversary Today - MOE's blog under redecorating construction soon.

2010-05-07T16:36:00.001-04:00

I will post again soon. But I'd like to announce that today is my second blogoversary! My gidget-gadget gizmo thing that tells me when my blogoversary is either wrong or broken :P. Anywho, I'd love to thank all of my fellow blogger-pals for sticking with me, and I intend to have a post of everyone who's been either following me or keeping in touch old and new on here and their blogs :).

ALSO I believe I shall redecorate my blog soon, so if things seem a little messy, just hang in with my posts and blog stuff. My blog will be better I assure you after the messy posts and gadgets and pictures and colors everywhere!

God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

21 Names of God - Part 2/3

2010-04-24T17:08:00.000-04:00

A continual, part 2/3, of the twenty-one names of God (if you didn't read the first, and would like to, it's the post right before this one-- or follow this link "21

Names of God - Part 1/3):

8. El Shaddai
(pronounced "el-shaw-DIE")
The All Sufficient One, The God of the mountains, God Almighty
*References in the Bible:
Genesis 17:1-3, 35:11, 48:3, 49:25
Psalm 90:2

9. Immanuel
(pronounced "ih-MAN-u-el")
God with us, "I Am"
*References in the Bible:
Isaiah 7:14, 8:8-10
Matthew 1:23

10. Jehovah
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah")
"I Am", The One Who Is, The Self-Existent One
*References in the Bible:
Exodus 3:14, 6:2-4, 34:5-7
Psalm 102

11. Jehovah-Jireh
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah JI-rah")
The Lord will provide
*References in the Bible:
Genesis 22:13, 14
Psalm 23
Mark 10:45
Romans 8:2

12. Jehovah-Mekaddishkem
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah mek-KAH-dish-KIM")
The Lord Who Sanctifies
*References in the Bible:
Exodus 31:12, 13
1 Peter 1:15, 16
Hebrews 13:12
1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24

13. Jehovah-Nissi
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah NEE-see")
The Lord is my Banner
*References in the Bible:
Exodus 17:15, 16
Deuteronomy 20:3, 4
Isaiah 11:10-12
Ephesians 6:10-18

14. Jehovah-Rapha
(pronounced "juh-HO-vah RAH-fah")
The Lord Who Heals
*References in the Bible:
Exodus 15:25-27
Psalm 103:3
Psalm 147:3
1 Peter 2:24

I didn't respond to any of the comments over my post, but I did want to respond to Camden's comment.
@Camden: Hmm, I DID look up whether Elohim is plural, and so far I've been finding that it's not-- BUT that's just the meaning that it's not. Maybe it was meant, in how they formed the word, to be plural. I'll see if I check more into it, but I haven't found that it is yet. Thanks for bringing that up. :)

NEW POLL! It's on this post this time. COMMENT AND PICK. At the very end, I'll have ALL of the names of God on there.

Study the names more - they're interesting!

God bless,
~Maiden Of Emmanuel

21 Names of God - Part 1/3

2010-04-06T17:41:00.000-04:00

(EDIT: There's a new poll on these posts. Look at the right ---> and scroll to the top. "21 Names of God - Part 1/3, which are your favorite?". Check it out.)

I decided to do a blog post on the many names of God. Honestly, there are more than just twenty-one names for Him, we could call God many wonderful things, because He is wonderful, He's our Creator. But for now, I shall just do a blog post on some names that most people don't know or have forgotten.
**Since they have references in the Bible, and meanings, and pronunciation, I've decided to do seven per blog posts. So there will be three all together. Enjoy. :)**

1. Adonai
(pronounced "Ah-doe-NI")
The Lord and/or My Great Lord
*References in the Bible:
Psalm 8
Isaiah 40:3-5
Ezekiel 16:8
Habakkuk 3:19

2. El
(pronounced "El")
The Strong One
*References in the Bible:
Exodus 15:2
Numbers 23:22
Deuteronomy 7:9
Mark 15:34

3. El Elohe Yisrael
(pronounced "El El-o-HAY Yis-raw-ALE")
God, the God of Israel
*References in the Bible:
Genesis 33:20
Exodus 5:1
Psalm 68:8
Psalm 106:48

4. El Elyon
(pronounced "El EL-yuhn")
The God Most High
*References in the Bible:
Genesis 14:17-22
Psalm 78:35
Daniel 4:34
Acts 16:17

5. Elohim
(pronounced "El-o-HEEM")
The All-Powerful One, Creator
*References in the Bible:
Genesis 1:1-3
Deuteronomy 10:17
Psalm 68
Mark 13:19

6. El Olam
(pronounced "El o-LAHM")
The Eternal God, The Everlasting God
*References in the Bible:
Genesis 21:33
Psalm 90:1-2
Isaiah 40:28
Romans 1:20

7. El Roi
(pronounced "El ROY")
The God Who Sees me
*References in the Bible:
Genesis 16:11-14
Psalm 139:7-12

If you'd like more information on meanings and/or where they came from, I can do another post on that. These are pretty interesting and important. There are way more references in the Bible for these meanings, but four was enough. :)
I hope you did like reading about them, there's still fourteen more to go, so stay tuned in a little!

God bless,
~Maiden Of Emmanuel

Know Who You Believe IN - CANCELLED forever. I owe everyone an apology, explanation, and a new idea...

2010-03-26T21:56:00.000-04:00

READ, PLEASE.

Alright everyone, I apologize, but I am not going to continue the "Know Who You Believe In". I thought I could commit myself to a chapter for two Saturdays, but I've been committed to other things and school and lots of places to go.
ANYWHO, I hope you all enjoyed the two posts I did on it. I'm REALLY sorry for those who were reading my posts. Read the book-- it's better than my input and posts (for real, guys :P).
BUT this DOES NOT quit my blogging whatsoever. You guys are still stuck with me forever! :P

God bless-- and keep reading :)
~Maiden Of Emmanuel

"Know Who You Believe" Eight Bottom Line Truths/Truth One: Inner Direction Needed [Paul E. Little] PART TWO

2010-03-13T19:31:00.000-05:00

NOTE: The words in italics are taken straight out from the book "Know Who You Believe". They belong to Paul E. Little. :)

"This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" [Jeremiah 33:2-3]
"I need Your divine direction, Lord God." That would be the best way to ask God for His everlasting love. The call from God today has not changed. To each of us He says, "Wehre are you?" He initiates the call, He offers help to fill the "hole in our souls". This is the magnificent connection-- you can actually know personally the only true God in whom you believe!

"My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." [Exodus 33:14]
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." [Jeremiah 31:3]

What is God like?
If praying (talking to God) is new to us, we would naturally want to know who God is. Without a clear description, our alternative would be a God of our own construction or imagination. There's are a LOT of people who think God differently than who He. Several are imageries of what would most likely expect from a very confused person. But He's not those at all.

God is a person
We can talk to Him. God is not a ghost or a puff of smoke. He has personality, mind, heart, and Spirit. As human beings, He created us in His image with individual personality, mind, heart, and spirit.
"The Lord will guide you always" [Isaiah 58:11]
"Come to me ... for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" [Matthew 11:28]

God reveals Himself
God has revealed Himself to us in numerous ways. He's shown Himself in His "self-revelation" by His creation. I [also] marvel at the structure of my thumb and four fingers, telling me Someone engenious designed them. God revealed Himself specifically to the biblical writers and told them what to write and they recorded God's thoughts. He told them He had plans for their lives, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" [Jeremiah 29:11]. He unveiled His character and His will for them. The entire message of the Bible, gives numerous details of God's regularly interacting with people. He sough them out, spoke to them directly, taught them, comforted them, and brought lght to their lives.
God directed individuals. He brought Elijah to full-blown victory when enemies challenged the nation's faith in God. He gave Job strong fortitude and deep spiritual insights when trouble hit him. In the New Testament, God spoke to a Christian named Ananias and told him to go to a Hebrew-trained man named Saul, who was praying. This Saul was transformed into the vibrant apostle Paul [Acts 8:11].

"God shows Himself not only in the Bible... but also in the trees, flowers, clouds, stars." Martin Luther

Then we see God's love expressed in His sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to communicate to us. In this act, He gave the fullest expression of His love., showing His desire to keep a close connection between Him and us. "This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." [1 John 4:9].
"In all their distress he too was distressed,
and the angel of his presence saved them.
In his love and mercy he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them
all the days of old." [Isaiah 63:9]

God is love
He loves each of us personally. Motivated by love, He values what we do with our lives. Jesus tells us God numbers the hairs on our head and cares for our deepest needs. The Bible also tells us His love endures forever. He will not leave us when we face temptation. His love draws us irresistably to Himself. "His steadfast love never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning." [Lamentations 3:22-23]
His love is shown unmistakably in His actions. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son..." [John 3:16]. That was God's Son! This was love that gave!
Through the Son, God made the universe.
The Son is the radiance of God's glory.
He is the exact representation of God's being.
He sustains all things by His powerful word [Hebrews 1:2-3].
He is the One and Only, who has made God known [John 1:18].
"God's love is stronger than fire and destruction, and even in the hands valleys of deepest darkness, His rod and staff are put into our hands and bridges are thrown across the abyss." This was the moving declaration of German theologian Helmut Thielicke.

God is holy
God's natue is inherently without flaw. His instructions--His law-- are for our benefit, solely for our good.
It is not easy to fully comprehend God's holiness. Our world is shattered by senseless and vicious acts of evil that defy explanation. "God, why?" we ask. A simple answer is that God has given each of us the dignity of choice: choose to follow His path or choose to evil and defy the Lord who made us. (I have chosen to follow God's path!)
Our own standards tell us to judge and punish madd murderers and terrorists and to feel justified in it. The little white lies or cheating on taxes we might forgive and feel no guilt about them. But down deep we know little sings become big ones and a second lie is often needed to cover up a first lie. Before we know it, lying becomes a habit. All of us want the other person to be honest. The fact is, Jesus said, all of us need to learn God's standards of holiness and we need forgiveness. ANY sin separates us from our holy God. And His holiness is for our benefit.
Children feel hurt if we see them playing with a box of colored pushpins and we take the pins away. Is that fair? The child might wail and object, but you know it's right. Your desire is to protect the child. Likewise, God could not have slide-rule holiness. He knows where to draw the line.
God's standard is logical. Would God's presence and practice in heaven allow us to vote on our preference: shall we allow white lies or not? (We should NOT allow white lies!) Imagine for a moment if God God would allow even little lies into His presence in heaven. It would be certain to cause arguments, don't you think? God is %100 perfect. He is completely without evil in thought, word, or deed.
God's holiness is far above ours--total, unflawed goodness, a fixed incompatibility with inner or outer evil. His holiness is a comfort! Anything less than perfection would not be God; it would be an imperfect human.
Would God--or could God--make a difference?
"Tell everyone about Jesus Christ, God's Son, He's the best option of all!" (a friend of Little)

Where we are in our journey matters to God. He is calling to each one of us, "Where are you?" We will find His open arms and unparalleled love waiting for us.

"Joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian." --G.K. Chesterson.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." [Jeremiah 29:13]

___

The end of Truth One (chapter one). Hope you all enjoyed!

God bless,
~Maiden Of Emmanuel

"Know Who You Believe" Eight Bottom Line Truths/Truth One: Inner Direction Needed. [Paul E. Little] PART ONE

2010-03-06T12:22:00.000-05:00

NOTE: The words in italics are taken straight out from the book "Know Who You Believe". They belong to Paul E. Little. :)

"Ask any ten people what makes a person a Christian and you'll get ten different answers."

Some ideas may have a grain of truth; others give a far-from-accurate picture. People have several different ideas of Christianity. A lot of it is very far from the truth. Some reasons:
1. A Gentile: anyone not Jewish or an adherent of one of the world's major religions.
(Would an atheist like Madeleine Murray O'Hare want to be called a Christian? --O.O No.)
2. Someone who was born and raised in a Christian in a Christian home or country, or who inherited their faith.
(Can faith be passed on through childbirth? --No.)
3. A person who goes to church.
(Does going into a garage make you a car? --No.)
4. Someone who practices rituals such as baptism, Communion, and/or Bible-reading.
(These activites may have value, but is the all-wise, personal God in the picture? --No.)
5. One who follows the Golden Rule, and leads a moral life.
(Many good, moral people try to live by the Golden Rule yet make no claims to be Christians. Does merely following the teachings of Jesus give us a one-on-one connection with Him? --No.)
6. A person who abstains from specific external, so-called "worldly" practices.
(A long list of "don'ts" or prohibitions might be seen as characteristic of some Christians. How does an emphasis on negatives fit in with Jesus Christ's message, "...I have come, that they may have life, and have it to the full." [John 10:10]? --Nowhere.)
7. Someone who gives casual intellectual assent to a certain list of beliefs.
(This could be a casual assent to the idea of God and Jesus Christ, like saying, "Oh yes, I believe all that I heard in church." Is belief a tentative list of ideas without a personal interchange or connection between the individual and God? --No)
#1 is pathetic. #2 and #3 are linked together in the sense of: there are a LOT of people who think that. #3, #4, and #5 are linked in the sense of: they both re religious "rituals" people believe that will save them.
~So then we all ask the question:

What makes a person a Christian?
(*=Little's stories-->) *Some time ago I gave a talk and Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, on the reasonableness of Christianity. At the end, I opened the floor for discussion. A heavily bearded graduate student stood up, took his pipe out of his mouth, and asked, "Why do you Christians bother?" His underlying complaint of irrelevance went far beyond his words. I was riveted by the young man's honesty. Christian "bother" because truth is at stake.* None of the definitions above give the full picture of the Christian message. Our understanding of the truth is what we believe and trust.

We need direction.
Our firsty bottom-line truth is "Inner Direction Needed". "Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'?" [Mark 7:18] That was Jesus speaking the people. Who we are on the inside was (and is!) of utmost importance to Him. It is to us also. A lot--Christian & secular songs-- have a very vast amount of lyrics that have to do with a person's heart.
All of us have questions about Jesus. Several wondering what He has to do with our everyday lives. Does anything matter? Is it even true we can have a personal relationship with Him? Is there anyone we can trust?

"Is Anybody There?" by John Hiatt, 'Well, I'm out here on my own, Followin' a star, Asking on my knees, for some direction, please. And, God, You know that's hard.' If God doesn't care, who does?

God's love is more than you think.
St. Augustine described our life as our "God-shaped vacuum that only God can fill."

Asking questions defines us as humans. We feel we need help from someone outside of ourselves, but (unfortunately) too often, seeking God and praying become our last and feeblest resort.
There is hope.
Throughout the Bible we see our Creator God directing, guiding, encouraging the people He created. He intended us to be in close relationship with Him. From he beginning, He desired a "family" relationship. (Hence, the beginning of the Bible-- Genesis-- God first created a family. The beginning of our lives.) "...Where are you?" [Gen. 3:9] God didn't want to be seperated. He calls to every one of us, whom He created. "Come to me, and I will give you rest..." [Matt. 11:28]

Does a car need a driver?

We human beings were made to be directed and led in life's path in close connection with our Maker. We function best when we get our cues from God. Unfortunately, each of us has indiviudally shoved God out of the driver's seat of our livess. We continue to ratify decision and handle our lives without reference to God. Trying to live life without God, our incredibly wise Creator, is really as silly as being upset because we are dependent on air to breathe-- and then holding out breath in rebeliion! Cutting ourselves from the one available Source of divine, nurturing power is like a tree cutting off its roots. We need God. God changes our dead lives into living ones. Period!
___________________

I hope you guys enjoyed that first half of chapter one.

EDIT: I realized the whole chapter was way too big for one teeny blog post. :P No one would read it at a time. So I decided that instead of three months, this devotions thing will take six months, because the chapters will be split in TWO.

Anyway, I've been loving this book so far. :D

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

"Know Who You Believe: The Magnificent Connection" - Saturdays

2010-02-27T18:30:00.001-05:00

EDIT: I realized the whole chapter was way too big for one teeny blog post. :P No one would read it at a time. So I decided that instead of three months, this devotions thing will take six months, because the chapters will be split in TWO.

"Does your faith seem more like a routine than a relationship? Do you know in your heart that God cares about your day-to-day life? Do you want your prayer life to be personal and intimate rather than simply saying words? If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, you need to know... You can connect with God! Paul E. Little: During his ministry, Paul Little helped thousands of seekers-- young and old-- to find satisfying answers to the deepest longings of the heart and soul. This wealth of information is available to you now in this easy-to-understand book. If you've been searching, and have yet to be satisfied, maybe the question isn't whether you believe in God, but whether you know personally whom you believe!"

Best-selling author of Know Why You Believe | Know What You Believe

This devotions book is what I'll be posting about each and every Saturday. There are twelve chapters for twelve Saturdays (exactly three months) and I will be going through them all. Let's hope I can stick to that schedule! I'm excited about it actually. As I learn and read each chapter, you can learn with me-- just in a quicker form. *grins* My parents hand me books like these frequently and I actually read a while ago one of the top titles up there ^. It was good, I just never thought to blog about it. But now I'd love to seek God better, and I want to take you all (if you so desire to, as well) on my adventure of seeking Him better. This book is just the way! Of course, my posts might bore you or might be a little long. There is no reason to dedicate yourself to reading them. The only one who needs to give dedication to this is me. If you do read them all - God bless you. *laughs* I'll also be putting up polls about this just to see if anybody is interested really and if you click "awesome!" under this post... Then I'll be pretty sure you might be excited by that too. Comments are loved as always. :)

Little's books are very good and very thorough. My dad wouldn't have handed his books to me if he didn't think so. They are also easy to understand - especially if you're a Christian. I would recommend buying this book yourself. You would have a better experience with reading it on your own than learning through me.

Hope you're just as excited as I am!
God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

God IS Love, He can be your valentine, and so can another - Valentine's Day Special

2010-02-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

Song of Solomon is basically like a book about and of love in the Bible. There are also poetic books of the Bible. I'm in the middle of reading the book of Psalms for my devotions, and it has plenty of praises to God and plenty of verses that show how loving God is.

God is Love.

My reading of the Psalms have showed me He is so merciful.
My sinning nature and the fact He sent His Son shows how powerful and loving He is.
David KNEW He wasn't going to forsake him. God is also trustworthy.
Adonai answers prayers as well (and in this post I have a story on my prayer this past week :D). God listens.

There are so many more things about Him. Those are just a few.
BUT Valentine's Day is what I'm focusing on today. I would've posted this on the 14th (the literal Valentine's Day), but I wasn't feeling very well. So here I am two days after.
V-Day is a day on love. And there are different ways people celebrate this day, especially if you're a Christian and single.

Many Christian single young ladies and ladies will take Jesus as their "valentine". But you can just say He is your love. There's a difference between Jesus being the One that holds your heart-- and your valentine.

The definition of Valentine: "val⋅en⋅tine / Spelled Pronunciation [val-uhn-tahyn]
–noun 1. a card or message, usually amatory or sentimental but sometimes satirical or comical, or a token or gift sent by one person to another on Valentine Day, sometimes anonymously.
2. a sweetheart chosen or greeted on this day.
3. a written or other artistic work, message, token, etc., expressing affection for something or someone."

It's a little bit more of a physical sweetheart (that term is used for both a boy and girl) than a spiritual one. But it is true that God holds everyone Christian's heart. :) Jesus saved us, so He has us. And He does show His love.
All the time.

The difference on Valentine's Day is one for physical, but its okay to say Jesus is too. He once was physical. Though not anymore. Which is pretty cool.
I prayed two weeks ago for a cold front on my birthday (last week), when it was pretty hot. Guess what? Almost our whole contry received snow and I got my cold front -- on my birthday and Valentine's Day. You can bet I was praising.

God shows His love many ways.

God is always there for you. Even on days that aren't for a day of love. He IS love.

God bless,
MOE

Miracles happen even in the midst of disaster - HAITI

2010-02-01T19:51:00.000-05:00

Most all of you should know there was a terrible earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Very tragic and very sad. Thousands of people died, and are still dying.

But something about Haiti was pretty clear-- most all Haitians were involved in voodoo and witchcraft-- which was/is even more tragic. Our church has some missionaries there that own churches and an orphanage. One couple created and runs the orphanage, and they basically take almost every child that Hatians bring that are abandoned. Along with the orphanage, they also have a clinic there. They take care of children that ned help-- and even adults who need help. They live in Pion, Haiti. So they felt some of the tremors in the earthquake, but not much.

There was one lady, not a missionary, but she had a nephew in the earthquake and he survived in a three-story school building that collapsed during the earthquake. Her e-mail was forwarded through my church and to me. This is what is said:

I have seen many people turning to prayer as their last and only option--it should be a first choice and best choice. It does change things. I'll give you an example. My family has been sharing about more and more of their experiences. You can't tell about all the trials in a disaster like this at one time. Things keep coming out as time goes by. That first night after the quake, it was supposed to rain. The forecasts all predicted it and the Haitians said that the temperature and sky all indicated that it should have rained. Can you imagine if that would have happened? There were so many buried but still alive, the dust everywhere, and even the ones saved were sleeping outside and still in shock. It is cold for Haiti right now and rain would have killed many more people. My family said that their whole neighborhood who was outside that night prayed and prayed for the clouds to go away--as I'm sure many, many others did. It started to sprinkle just a little and everyone lifted their hands and shouted praises and supplications--and it didn't rain at all in Port that night or any other night since then. My sister, lifting up her hands as she recounted this, said that the clouds opened up and the stars showed over the whole sky. Amazing! God is good.

My nephew Louine, that was buried under his school, still suffers from the shakes. He can't sleep through the night. But, his story is a story of grace. He was on the second story of a 3-story building. His class room faced the street. He was sitting in his desk when he felt the earthquake start. He stood up immediately. It didn't take long for the building to collapse. He fell onto his desk instead of being crushed in it like others of his classmates were. But, when the quake ended his head was resting on the folding chair and one arm was under his desk and the ceiling of the 3rd floor was less than a foot above his head. He couldn't even sit up or turn his body at all. For a long time, the students didn't even know that it was a earthquake, they thought that only their building had fallen. But, after a lot of time had passed and no one arrived to help, they believed it had to be a quake and the whole city was affected. They knew they had to help themselves. It was already dark by this time and they only had the light from their phones. They couldn't call anyone. The ones that were still living encouraged each other not to cry or loose hope. They touched hands or feet or any part of the body, if possible, and sang hymns to keep their courage up. At around 9:00 PM, their professor, who was talking up to that point, passed away. He was 'sitting' right behind Louine. Then the students nearest the door were able to move the broken chalkboard to clear a hole near the doorway. It took a lot of painstaking work with their bare hands to clear even a small space. As each person was freed, it opened a small route to reach the others. Louine was one of the last. He is a tall young man and the hole wasn't big enough for him. He had to take the rubble and make the hole larger. By this time, there were people that were helping from the outside. And he made it out. One of the things that struck me the most is when he talks about the period of time when he was waiting for the others to get out. The cement ceiling was less than a foot away but it kept descending. Louine says that he kept passing his hand over his head to see how close the ceiling was to him. When his turn came, the ceiling was resting on his forehead. When he got out, the first people he saw were his dad and our cousin. They had arrived at the same moment that Louine left the building. Praise the Lord! Louine attributes his class being saved because they prayed together. The class next to his had many who survived the initial collapse but they panicked. Louine said his class mates tried to help them to be calm and pray and not to scream but they couldn't seem to stop. After a couple of hours, these students succumbed to shock and their injuries. No one was able to leave. Louine also prays that his professor was able to turn to God in his last moments because he cursed and mocked his students efforts to pray. But, Louine emphasizes that God can change hearts, even at the last moment. When one of his fellow classmates broke down, the rest of the class was able to sing and pray for them. In this way, they were able to stay encouraged and united. Louine thinks that 12-13 students were able to walk out of the rubble and 8-9 had to carried out of the building. Three students died instantly and the professor died after several hours. In all the classes, Louine's had the most survivors. Again, he attributes it to God's grace. The earthquake was at 4:45PM and Louine left the building at 10:30PM. Others followed him until into the early morning hours. Louine didn't leave the scene right away. He knew how the shock left so many tremendously thirsty. He and others went to find water and lowered it to the trapped students below. He believes that saved many others.

Louine wants me to say this to you: I want to tell my story because I didn't know for a long time whether I would die or not. I checked the time on my phone often so as to know the time of my death. But, there came a moment when God spoke to me. He said, 'You will not die, I want to show you my greatness.' Louine says it is for this reason that he not only wants to tell his story, but is able. I can attest to that as he is sitting beside me shaking. I pray that remembering God's grace and love in the midst of all the horror will heal him as nothing else can. He pleads with you to never stop praying because God does not allow anything to happen for nothing. God gives VICTORY.

God bless you, Kristie

Miracles still happen today, and they prove He exists.
God should be praised and exalted, for He is everywhere, and everyone is in His ultimate plan. :)

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

New Years 2010 - Life as we know it and DON'T know it

2010-01-04T09:18:00.000-05:00

[[EDIT: I actually didn't realize that I have at least one or two other posts relating to this topic. Your Time]]

Well its the New Year (and a little bit after it). Finally 2010 and most people have been planning on making changes and keeping their New Year's Resolutions.
And then some people aren't.
This post isn't to depress anyone, but its definitely to make you all realize some something if you haven't.

Let me start of with a fact.

According to records of births and deaths (the average): Did you know that every twelve seconds someone dies? And every eight seconds someone is born.

That's a lot of people being born-- and that's a lot of people dying.

But here's something else.

I've already heard of TWO little boys who have died right around New Years.

The first I heard, was in a bad neighborhood New Years Eve, and by the time it was New Years, someone (drunk, assumingly, since people get a bit insane) shot him.
The second I heard, choked on food.

Both were their times, but I'm pretty sure neither of them knew they were going to die. And so far only ONE of them heard the gospel and it is unknown if he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour.
But when are any of us ready to die?
--When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, believe that He died for us, and repent of our sins (becoming a Christian), we're ready to go to heaven. Truth be told, that's when we're ready. But you don't know WHEN you will.

So becoming a Christian is not something you should delay.

There are a lot of people who don't realize how much God is in control of our lives. You can die in the next moment.

Think about it.
In ten seconds you could-- if God wants you to.

The rapture.
Every Christian could be gone from this world-- whenever He wants to come back for us.

What is everyone waiting for? Those times? Because they won't be able to accept Him the moment death hits them physically.

The poor little boys. One was probably exposed to a lot of junk. Who knew if he really listened to the Gospel. The other one, the same.
I bet you that the one who was eating during lunchtime at his school (in Brazil, I think), had NO idea that the next moment he bit into whatever he had on his utensil or plate, was going to suffer (by CHOKING) and die.
It kind of makes you realize that you don't know how much time you have left.

Since when did we all think about that?
~LIFE is about GLORIFYING the One who MADE YOU~

You know that He sees what you do, what you think, what you say, what you see, what you hear, what's in your heart.
But some people don't listen and don't care. So they spend an eternity in severe incomprehensible pain. Fire, ladies and gentleman.

Which would you rather choose? Glorious golden streets -- or a lake of fire?
Yes, I would like to pick the golden streets, thank you very much.

Life as we know it-- living in peace, knowing exactly where I'm going to go (which is Heaven)-- and as we don't know it.
How long will it take to glorify His name before you lose the opportunity? And how long will it take to realize you only have so much time?

New Year's resolution - Living more for Him.

Blessings,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

P.S. Info I got from those two facts are from the site http://www.census.gov/population/www/popclockus.html .
Also, the kids I found out through my cousin, and through a missionary from my church (the one who choked was a student the missionary taught).

God - He loves and exists

2009-12-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

I was driving to my grandma's house tonight. And I was listening to this Christian radio with my mom. It was this lady, who's a Christian author (Lisa Harp? the radio just said she wrote the book "A Perfect Mess" or something rather), and she was talking about the book of Psalms. How the book is almost like a diary of David.
Complaining to praising, he just let all of his emotions out. But what she was also stating was that God loves us no matter what. That was pretty cool to hear.
He wants to hear it all.

So what about being a goody-two shoes, or TRYING to be perfect? No one is perfect, but it's nice to be Christlike. No matter what, though, God still shows His love. He doesn't want you working on yourself and not being dependent on Him. He wants to HOLD you-- tightly, and He won't ever let go of you. That's awesome.
Without His love, you wouldn't have hope to live. <-- That's even more awesome knowing He's always loved you.

--Which brings me back to tonight. My mom, after the radio ended there, asked if we wanted to hear anything (my sibs were in the car too). She'll let us listen to our music during carrides, which is pretty nice of her. :) And I think she was happy when I suggested a Chris Tomlin CD (I'm a huge fan of Christian artists and I think I've gotten her hooked on the guy's CD :P). Anywho, as we got on the freeway, the music started and I noticed a ton of car were lined up at a streetlight. We passed them and sped up and more cars we passed, but this time, on the freeway with us. And each and every person's face was focused on something. Yeah, it was their driving, but I couldn't help but think "There is no possibilty that God doesn't exist."
THINK ABOUT IT FOR A JUST A MOMENT.
What if God didn't exist and there was no heaven or hell?
What if there was no God that didn't show us His amazing love? <--[Through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Creation, and the Bible.]

We would be dead. -- But I don't feel dead because I accepted Jesus as my Savior.
But looking at all those people... There's just no possible way that you can just die and stay dead. Never go anywhere. The realization has to hit everyone.
It's IMPOSSIBLE. You've worked so har for -what?- nothing, and then just die? I don't think so. Baseball players to ballerinas to preachers to people who don't do anything. We all will be equal someday. I'll be equal with everyone in heaven, but I'm GOING somewhere. God sent Jesus Christ, His son, to earth to save us all. That's in history.
And that's absolutely cool.

I love the fact that I'm going to live forever, and spend the rest of my life (after death on earth) with Him.

Blessings,
MOE

(BTW, the song by Chris Tomlin was "Sing, Sing, Sing"... Or something liek that. Anywho, it added great affect. :D)

Historically Modest

2009-12-18T11:14:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine's sister has a blog called "Historically Modest", and it's a blog of her sewing pieces. She's made skirts and dresses that are all modest and perfect for girls. Though I'm not sure what she does with them, the blog is fun to read. :)
Today is the end of her give-away she was having, but the things she makes are really cute.

Check her blog out: Historically Modest

***POSTING MORE SOON!***

Blessings,
MOE

An answer to prayers gives encouragement to my prayers.

2009-12-07T19:12:00.000-05:00

It's been a really long time since I've posted some of my thoughts. And not that any of you would like to hear/read them, I think I'll still post this one. It's really important to me. :)

11:30 P.M--I'm still thankful, 12:00 A.M--Guess what? I'm still thankful!

So mof you have read that post of mine-- and that was last year, when I wrote terribly-- so some of you also beared with me there. I wrote more awful than I do now, it's kind of sad. But this isn't what that post OR this post is about.

The second part of that post, there's a story about a girl (Yali) and her boyfriend (whose name is Robert, actually). I was saying how Robert was not a Christian, and that it would be really nice if he became saved. But it's hard to have a reltionship when you're a Christian and someone else isn't. No I have never experienced that, but my parents have told me that. Some adults, who've experienced it, have told me that, too. So we did have a LITTLE hope. There was the fact that his girlfriend's family is a Christian, and that they would lead him to Christ.
But I also remember a remark from someone (I don't think I was dreaming, I think it was actually from my friend Prism) about how that would be really tough and most people don't recommend it. I respect that comment a lot. It's true. Just like I said up there, since it is hard, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone either.

But want to hear something really awesome?
Robert is now saved.
Oh yes, the young man is now walking with Jesus. And it's really exciting and encouraging to hear that. It happened about a few months ago, I believe, and he still hasn't gotten baptized-- but he's following God.

So prayer works most definitely.
No matter what, God listens.
And that encourages me a lot.

I told my friend, who will remain as Lu for now, about a guy that wheeled me down in a hospital the other day.
--> I got another endoscopy done for my stomach (some of you have kept up with my blog for over a year and know exactly what I'm talking about), and when it was finished and I was ready to go to my car, they told me that I needed to be wheeled down, because I wouldn't make it walking (which is such a lovely thought :P).
Now, if some of you remember, I posted about last year-- and the young man who wheeled me then.
Hospital Visit
All in all, the guy bascially didn't even give me a second thought of how I'd appreciate if he talked to me instead of texting a foot away directly across from me. :P And honestly, that's okay-- but this time the guy that wheeled me down really wanted to chat.

And I got a chance to talk to him a little about God and our religions. Now HIS fiance (yes, in a total of five to fiteen minutes, I can find out about when a person wants to get married, what's his religion, and what he wants to be without imposing :P) is a Catholic. And I was asking some questions, and in the end of our conversation he was like "We'll see how complicated it gets." (I did make a remark about that before).
Right now, even though I am most likely never ever going to meet him again, I'm praying for Felix. It'd be awesome if everything-- all of his plans he told me about for his future and stuff would work out, but it'd be even more awesome if he became saved. He's not anything. :P He just "respects [his] girlfriend's religion" but that's it.
For him to become a Christian would be awesome. And though I probably will never know, it doesn't hurt to pray for him.

Blessings,
~MOE

Are bees really this busy?

2009-11-18T16:56:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: Guys, if you're very observant, you'll se that I have actually figured out how to put links under my profile picture!!

I'll be cleaning this blog up pretty soon. ;)

Anyway, for those of you who have been following my NaNo blog, sorry that I have not posted in a few days. NaNo, stomach, school, and... well yeah-- has actually gotten me stressed.
MOE? STRESSED? Nahhhhh. :P
Well, November has been pretty busy. But it's easing up-- and I'm getting my own laptop pretty soon. So school will be done faster and easier and yeah... Hahah. :D

I've been meaning to do an important post, but I've been so busy lately... I now know the literal meaning of "busy bee". :P

Anywho, I'll blog a little later. :)

VISIT MY PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG up there! It's just a click away, guys. :P
I'm not the best, but I'd love comments. :)

God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

What in the "NaNoWriMo"?!

2009-11-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

*breathes a heavy sigh of.... exasperation(?)* I don't even knowwhat that sigh was. :P I have officially decided that I'm going to do NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).
WOOHOOO
And I'm solemnly serious with all of those O's. :P I just don't know if I'll be capable of doing it.
BUT, I will for surely give it a try!
(If you don't know what NaNoWriMo is, here's a link of my old "about NaNo": "NaNoWriMo".)
My NaNo blog: Bookie's NaNoWriMo. YES, my NaNo blog is NOT updated from last year. It still has Bookworm4God as it's logo, so oh well... But yeah. :)

I already have a title and plot.
Title: The Petals of Rose
Plot: "A foster-girl named Roseis visited by a "counselor", from a certain organization consisting of scientists who want to analyze the student body. Apparently, the sixteen year old girl has a perfect personality to attend this picky school, for she's one of the few hundred chosen. While she's trying to get used to the fact she's not alone always anymore, she's trying to discover herself, but the only way to do that is to follow God and His purpose for her in life.
Pretty soon, she makes a couple new friends, one being her "guidance counselor", and the other being her counselor's nephew. She falls into a habit of journaling her thoughts every day, and expressing herself around her new friends-- but most definitely not around her abusive uncle, who's been hiding crates in her room from who-knows. This mystery has got her curious and she'll do anything to make sure that hatever she's become "involved" with, isn't illegal.
Rose's interesting life is turning upside-down one place, and right-side-up in another. But with the helping hand of God, it'll be perfect in the end.

I hope it sounded interesting. You guys tell me what you think. :) i already started it about a month ago, but the reason I do NaNo is for motivation. I haven't gotten past eight pages. I kind of need a goal for this month to actually work through it. I was capable of finished Cured, I can be capable of finishing this book too.

On another note, I've added a couple more pictures to my photography blog, so check it out, por favor. :)
MaidenOfEmmanuel's Photography: Capturing Creation (URL addres: http://maidenofemmanuel.wordpress.com/)

God bless,
MaidenOfEmmanuel

MaidenOfEmmanuel's Photography

2009-10-29T18:49:00.000-04:00

I HAVE REDONE MY PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG. REPEAT. I HAVE REDONE MY PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG.

Hehhehh.

Okay, yes, I had one called "Crazy Bookiekins" but let's ditch that one. I will be deleting that one.
My new and improved on is called MaidenOfEmmanuel's Photograhy, and the link is:
http://maidenofemmanuel.wordpress.com/ .
The shortcut:
MaidenOfEmmanuel's Photography

I'd love it if you visited. :)
And yes, you'll figure something about me that I haven't posted absolutely publicly around here.
;)

Posting more soon and God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

My Comfort Zone

2009-09-29T15:32:00.000-04:00

OVER a month guys. Can you believe that? It's been a little over a month since I've last posted.
I know most of you are fine with tha-- but I'm sure not.
Sooooo... I'm sorry. Hah, I will make sure you update WAY more than I have lately.
I haven't even been on the forums at all, for those of you who are a part of it
School has gotten in the way, and I spend a lot of my free time doing something else.... Or yeah. I haven't spent as much time on the computer in the past month as I used to. But I'll make sure you keep in touch here again often like I used to. :)
Anyway, I've officially decided I don't need to do another "I'm Not Alright" post. There's not much more to talk about.
Buuuuuuut, I do have some little things I'd like to say.

So lately I've been a little more.... sensitive about things. And, in a certain sense, it's helping a lot. I've been convicted about some stuff, and I sooo want to be closer to God than what I am now. I want to follow Him better.
Something I realized, though, was that in order to get closer to Him, I needed to figure out some stuff and get rid of some other stuff.
Well, it just so happens that a very close friend of mine sent me a package RIGHT when I needed it about a few weeks to a month ago.

I had received this package earlier on in the day and it had letters, pictures, Christian CDs (T.A.N & other worship), and this humongous card. I was extremely happy about it, and then after went on to do other stuff. But later I wasn't having such a hot day, and I wasn't in a very good mood... I had frustrated and feeling entirely out of it with myself. So I decided I needed to do something about it. It was later on in the evening and I most definitely did not want to go to sleep feeling this way.
I went over to my bed, sat down for a moment and realized what I was really craving was a worship time. Well wait-- maybe craving isn't such a right word. I NEEDED something that would help me. Who or what could help me at such a time when I really just didn't know what I was searching for? Certainly a friend or family member wouldn't understand the inside feelings I didn't even know HOW to explain.
Who? Who?? WHO?
Oh yeah. God. That's Who. ;)
I sat down, remembered that in the package, on that very large card, were verses my friend found. She said that they were verses on peace. She also claimed that they made her feel really good, so they'd make me feel good.
A lot of verses could make me feel good.
But whatever. I decided to get a CD and look up the verses.
Crying and highlighting, I looked every single one up. And I've decided to share some with you. (By the way, I'm feeling way better. Just for everyone's curiosity sake)

[[From the NIV]]
"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 6:40
"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;"
Psalm 91:11
"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."
2 Thessalonians 3:3
"And again, 'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.'"
Romans 15:11
"Many nations will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths. The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."
Micah 4:2
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."
Jeremiah 17:7
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
2 Thessalonians 3:16
"The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion."
Psalm 116:5
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
"Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked."
Jeremiah 20:13
"A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished."
Proverbs 28:20
""
John 14:6
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Psalm 144:2
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. (23) They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23
"'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(4)Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
(5)Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
(6)Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
(7)Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
(8)Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
(9)Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
(10)Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3-10
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
1 Corinthians 9:24
"O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago."
Isaiah 25:1
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
Proverbs 16:3
"(2)He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart
(3)and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
(4)who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
(5)who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
"
Psalm 15:2-5

They may not have the same effect on you guys, but I'm sure you'll enjoy reading them. :)

God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

Your Time

2009-09-16T19:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was very tragic.
Why?

A girl in a school somewhere here in my city (I believe), got stabbed to death.
&&&&
Someone got shot, thirteen rounds put in him, and was put to death.

This reminds me of a very old post of mine, when I wasn't very good at writing. It was called Me or You?

The person who stabbed that girl to death yesterday-- he or she hasn't been found out, I don't think.
I'm pretty sure, though, that whoever shot that boy, he was arrested.
--I'm not exact on these though, because I hate reading or wtchings the news, so I just listen to everyone else telling their stories--

The point about this, though, doesn't have to do with how they were killed. It's that they died. And by some of the stories, I'm doubting they were saved. I'm not completely sure, but there was a police officer I know that saw the boy who was shot to death, the night before, assuming he was robbing a house, but didn't have proof. He just lectured him.

This is sad. Really sad.
Do you realize that neither the boy or girl knew they were going to die?
That they didn't know they only had several hours to decide where to go (heaven or hell) left?

Because I think a lot during car rides, my car ride back home last night, when I was out, was spent thinking about this.
Everyone, no matter how much someone might supposedly "hate" life, have dreams and something they're hoping for. Whether its for the end of the week, the month after, a year later, a decade later, etc.

They didn't know that they only had so much time to decide a very important life choice.

A friend of mine and I had been discussing the new school year a few months ago. We were excited, and we had worries that are small compared to the new one we both have now.
Suddenly we find out her dad has a tumor in his head, probably placed in the worst spot. And it MUST be treated right away. Must.
Yes, they're all Christians, and that's absolutely AWESOME, and if her father DOES die, he'll be heading to spend forever with Jesus. YAY!! :D
But the less yay is, what if he wasn't? He is, but if he wasn't, he now only has so much time left.

I honestly don't know what's going to happen tomorrow to me. But I do know for a fact that I'll be in heaven if I die on the spot. I DO believe in Jesus, and I've repented, and I've made a commitment to spend an eternity with Him.
But what about you? Or the people around you? It's so sad to see people you know for a fact that haven't made that positive decision I've made.
I keep thinking about it, and the only thing I CAN do is pray.

Pray for the people around you to be saved.
It CAN make a difference, even if it doesn't seem like it at first.

God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

I'm still alive!!

2009-09-14T14:08:00.000-04:00

ALRIGHT, so it's been like... forever since I've posted, and even longer, a post of my thoughts lately.
I've just been so busy with school and such!

------But, a friend *coughs and winks*, asked me to at least inform you guys that you haven't gotten rid of me yet. I know, I know, I can hear all the groans. *sighs* But nah, I'm just busy with school and the baby and church--that's all. ;)

This is NOT an "I'm Not Alirhgt" post, but my next one will be!!

Some of you actually offered nicknames for me. I think that'll be my next poll!! :D

I just decided to tell you guys that I'm still alive!! Muhahahahaha.

~MaidenOfEmmanuel

IMPORTANT: MUST READ ~MaidenOfEmmanuel

2009-08-27T19:25:00.000-04:00

WHY THIS POST IS SO IMPORTANT? I realized that I've been using the name "Bookie" for a while, and though it's been fun and all using it... I've decided to change "bookworm4god".
Guys, my new name is now MaidenOfEmmanuel.
The fun part about this? I know it's so confusing, but to lessen that up, I'm letting you guys pick nicknames. I've already thought of a couple, but I'd love to see how creative you guys are with that.
I know I've had old blogger friends (such as Prism, Ian, Araken, Sapphirra, Paris, Camden, Bryce, etc...), so this'll be a little confusing, but unless you've read this post, you'll understand. :)

Sorry for the confusion.

The baby is gettng cuter every day, and I LOVE holding her. She's so sweet!
Also, school's starting up, and I'm wondering how frequent my blog posts will be, but if you guys need prayer for that, I most definitely will pray for you! Or any other specific or non-specific prayer requests, I'd LOVE to help. :) Some of you have already asked, and I so appreciate the honor of praying for you. :)

Please do pray for me in school wise. I'd appreciate that.

I can't believe this summer is leaving already!! It's like flown by... Insane. :P

Which brings me to...........*sound effects "dun-dun-dunnnnn"*:

I FINISHED MY BOOK!!!! *happy-dances* It's called Cured, and it was for my NaNoWriMo. It took me FOREVER to write (almost a year), but I did it! And it shouldn't have taken me so long, but I got kinda lazy. *blinks*
Anywho, it's 138 pages long, and 83 or 84 thousand words long. :D I'm thrilled about it, and I've already started another book called "The Petals of Rose".
I think it'll be better than Cured actually... :P

Well, later gators! (And I'm serious about the prayer guys. :P :))

God bless,
~MaidenOfEmmanuel

The other day I officially became the oldest of six...

2009-08-06T15:54:00.000-04:00

GUESS WHAT?!
My mom had her baby, and I now have another little sister. She's SO cute.
And for the nickname that I will be referring to her as, it will be AJ (that's an official nickname around here so far...). :)
One of the reasons why I haven't posted for a little while is because of her. I'll continue the "I'm Not Alright" posts soon, but I have to get underway with helping taking care of AJ.

Want to see a picture of me and AJ?

She's ADORABLE. Like... The cutest baby I've ever seen. :D And I can't wait till she comes home (tomorrow)! *squeals*

But yeah. Just thought I'd let you guys know what's been going on a little 'round here. ;)

Have a great week(end)!
God bless,
~Bookie

"I'm broken inside, And all I go through, it leads me to you..." I'm Not Alright - Part Two

2009-07-25T09:16:00.000-04:00

The second part of "I'm Not Alright"! *cheers* Hahh, okay, you guys might not be cheering, but yeah. :D
I would've posted sooner, but I've been suffering from laryngitis and fevers. :P JOY.
Anywho, my last post was about the issue of giving in, giving up, and being "cool". This one's a little different.

If weakness is a wound that no one wants to speak of
Then "cool" is just how far we have to fall
I am not immuned, I only want to be loved
But I feel safe behind the firewall

Can I lose my need to impress?
If You want the truth I need to confess

I'm not alright, I'm broken inside
And all I go through, it leads me to You

Burn away the pride
Bring me to my weakness
Until everything I hide behind is gone
And when I'm open wide with nothing left to cling to
Only You are there to lead me on.

'Cause honestly, I'm not that strong.

I'm not alright, I'm broken inside
Broken inside
And all I go through, it leads me to You
Leads me to You
Closer to You
Closer to You
Closer to You

I'm not alright I'm broken inside
Broken inside
I'm broken inside, Broken inside
And all I go through leads me to You
Leads me to You

I'm not alright, I'm not alright
I'm not alright ... that's why I need You.

Vs.(part of)2 and chorus:

(...If you want the truth I need to confess

I'm not alright, I'm broken inside
And all I go through, it leads me to you)

Have you ever had a problem with at least two family members or friends, and the more you talked to one of them aabout it, you actually become better friends/closer with that person? It's happened to me before. I'm trying to work out a problem, and I end up becoming better friends with a person involved.
--I think that can relate to "I'm broken inside, And all I go through, it leads me to You."
*FOR EXAMPLE* There's being "...broken inside...", and that can count as "one person", there's also "...You...", and we know that's the second person, then there's "...I...", and that's you, as the third person.
In the song, You, refers to God, and I'm referring it to God too. --As the second person.
~Everytime there's an issue that involves being broken, me, and God, I always end up "discussing" it with God, and I feel closer to Him.
Look at the first verse for a moment. The last line mentions a firewall.
"But I feel safe behind the firewall."

+++Christians feel safe behind our/the Firewall. And there is absolutely no turning back.+++

When you become closer with Him, He becomes your Firewall, your Shelter, etc. Who wants to run out in the middle of a thunderstorm instead of being safe? Some crazy person.
>Well, even when it becomes stupid stuff, or just being broken inside... God will help in so many ways.<
___________

This post wasn't very long, but I didn't intend it to be. I hope you guys liked it though. :)

God bless,
~Bookie

"Can I lose my need to impress? ...I'm not alright..." I'm Not Alright - Part One

2009-07-11T16:19:00.000-04:00

Part One: The Issue of Giving In, Giving Up, and Being "Cool".

I wonder if you guys have heard the song "I'm Not Alright" by Sanctus Real. I know there's at least a couple of you that have listened to Sanctus Real. They're a reallllly good Christian band-- but that's not the point.

Read the title, por favor.

The actual song goes like this:

If weakness is a wound that no one wants to speak of
Then "cool" is just how far we have to fall
I am not immuned, I only want to be loved
But I feel safe behind the firewall

Can I lose my need to impress?
If you want the truth I need to confess

I'm not alright, I'm broken inside
And all I go through, it leads me to you

Burn away the pride
Bring me to my weakness
Until everything I hide behind is gone
And when I'm open wide with nothing left to cling to
Only you are there to lead me on.

'Cause honestly, I'm not that strong.

I'm not alright, I'm broken inside
Broken inside
And all I go through, it leads me to you
Leads me to you
Closer to you
Closer to you
Closer to you

I'm not alright I'm broken inside
Broken inside
I'm broken inside, Broken inside
And all I go through leads me to you
Leads me to you

I'm not alright, I'm not alright
I'm not alright ... that's why I need you.

The first verse really kinda... well made me think. I mean, that sounds normal compared to usual, because we all think deeply a lot. But I'm referring to the fact that most kids/teens(/even adults) we're all wounded with a weakness. And it DOES have to do with being "cool".
--I did a bunch of blog posts on creating ourselves (1, 2, && 3). They weren't written very well, but they got my point out.--
There's a lot of things haveing to do with peer pressure. And you may not think you're dealing with it a lot, and you might not, but usually in the back of your mind there's always the little "What will ____ think of me then?" or "Maybe I SHOULD do this...".
The issue is whether it's the right thing to do or not.
Yeah, I deal with that a lot. Of course, I can't think of any THING that would give someone pressure, but I know people do.

~Sometimes those people don't even realize what they're doing to you.
~Andthen, unfortunately, sometimes they do.

But it doesn't really matter if they do or not, does it? It only matters about what your decision is...
I'm not going to give some huge lecture about what you should and shouldn't do, no worries. I know you guys already have the sense of "wrong and right". It's your choice; but I am going to tell you my feelings for it.

Vs.1: It's sad to see a lot of people having their weakness like that, and "cool" IS where they fall. They DO feel safe not being criticized, and the only reason why they feel safe like that is because feeling loved is what we want most.
I know for a fact that if I don't feel loved I feel awful. It makes me want to cry that I'm not good enough for some people--that I'm NOT behind the firewall. But then, when you think about it... Well, I'm still loved by the One who's MOST important:
God
...In the end, everything will be fine. We all need encouragement sometime rather. We all face tests, whether its pressure or something else. Please, it's a lot of things.
But I finally figured out WHY there are so many tests in life.
I thought it was just how far we'd be able to get... And it is, in a sense. But it's also preperation. If I can't even last very long in one trial, I won't be able to last in the future with whatever had to do with that.
That made me realllly determined.
God won't ever give you something you can't handle-- but people give up sometimes. They think they can't make it or aren't strong enough handling something, when that's not the truth. But the only way you CAN get past whatever pressure it is or trial (or whatever you'd like to call it), you must seek God.
"Cool", I've figured out, is just a way of saying that people think you're...well, neat or fascinating. At least that's what I've noticed so far.
**But I've also noticed that not giving in to a lot of things, or not giving up, has made me still "cool"--especially to God.

And it's a pretty great feeling.

End of part one.
God bless,
~Bookie

P.S. Sorry it was ended abruptly! Gotta run. :)

"...Mountains bow down and the seas will roar, at the sound of Your name. I sing for joy..."

2009-07-08T15:47:00.000-04:00

I'm sure at least some of you guys recognize that song. I would have used ten billion others, but I already have in other posts, and this one seemed to work.

...Well, what's the main point of that title? Specifically those lines that are part of the lyrics to "Shout to the Lord".

~"Mountains bow down and the seas will roar, at the sound of Your name." --WHOA. Hey, I don't know what you think, but that's kinda intense. Even creation praises God! That's awesome.

Yesterday I went ice-skating with my youth group... And there's always been a reason why I like staying home more than going out to places. I always thought it was because, at least where I live, people can be really rude. I also don't like being in huge public places where there are TONS of people. But why? That makes almost no sense. It sounds like I'm crazy. I'm acting like a hermit... for no apparent reason.
I got off the ice pretty soon (compared to everyone else who stayed on) after, and I found my cousin and asked for money to get something to drink. She hands me some cash and I stand in line by myself. --But there was this weird looking dude in front of me. I mean, his mohawk only added to the odd look. He was just strange.
--I was trying to be polite and look around, even though I knew exactly what I was going to say to the lady when she was done with him, but he started mumbling and stuff! There was obviously something wrong with him... And though I wouldn't wanna be in a back alley with him, it was... really sad to see. His wife didn't look much better than he did. And I didn't know if those were his kids or not. All I could automatically tell was
this guy needed Jesus.
So did his "wife".
So did his "children".
It was awful. And ofcourse... as a girl and as a "teen who knows nothing", I couldn't say anything about God or Jesus, or how much his life could be so much better.

Same goes for the next guy I saw. And the other people that were there... My heart was suddenly burdened. How come mountains show more glory and praise to God than we do?!
I'm looking at these people, and though I'm not fully sure they're saved or not... I can hear cursing, and I see people doing wrong stuff, and it's just... absolutely not right.

"Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing. Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand. Nothing compares to the promise I have-- in You."

I'm so burdened with the knowledge of this suddenly--that I would rather stay home and be "safe" than out there. Though we should ALL go out there. We're here to spread the Word, not keep it locked up.

I hope you guys liked this post. It wasn't the happiest, but it had really knocked me around last night...

God bless,
~Bookie

A hot Independence Day...

2009-07-05T16:35:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had an awesome fourth of July!! It's usually always fun for us. Parade, chill, then fireworks. =) I LOVE the fireworks, and I actually got a ton of pictures and a video of the grand finale! I think I shall post it sometime later... for I'm not feeling very great.
Which brings me to the title of this post. Yeah, where I live it gets really hot, but this time it was hotter than usual. Yesterday my sister and I started up on a cold, and then we got a fever. I hardly had any sleep last night (only like, three hours), and then I thought I was all better this morning.
So I went to church. :P My sister stayed home because she still had a major fever, but I didn't have it that bad. Well when I got to church I was REALLY sore (I think from the fever), I felt EXTREMELY weak, and I looked pale. I stayed like that (in pain) for the whole time and finally got home. My twin was still feeling bad, and I was just ridiculously tired.
--Resting like a bum, I wake up and my fever is 102.-something-. JOY.
I'd really like some prayer for my family. This isn't fun at all. I DO think I'm getting better, but I sitll have to go through this process of fighting it. *sighs*

So yesss. :)

God bless,
~Bookie

Praise in our prayer

2009-06-19T20:36:00.000-04:00

It's been a LONG time since I've posted my "Important Thoughts", so I decided to do so. I was going through my comments on my first few ones, and you guys were amazing enough to take in my posts! :D Such nice things said, I'm shocked now. But anywhooo, here's another one you can choose to endure or not. ;)

Praise in our prayer
--What a topic! :P

I pray ALL the time. Do you? Or... Maybe it's one of those "every time I eat, I ask God to bless the food" or a "Lord, let me sleep well. Thanks." Is it?
I just finished a conversation with a friend today about prayer... And how you sometimes just forget about God. You may not mean to... And He may be in the back of your mind, too..... BUT, prayer is extremely important.
And if it's just repeated prayer, it suddenly becomes unimportant. Not only do you ask for the blessing of your food or a goodnight's rest, but also requests about other things, asking for forgiveness of your sins--and PRAISE.
Praise?
Oh yesssss. A very important thing. Why do you believe in God anyway? Why do you trust in Him? Hmmm?
I know, for a fact, that God is almighty and powerful. I've been taught that forever, and I completely believe it.
-I also believe that He's awesome. In everything He does, it's for better not worse.
--So... Wouldn't you want to PRAISE Him? Your joyful for even having Him in your heart! He makes you happy and different from all the others that don't believe in the One.
Another thing I mentioned already about was asking for forgiveness. We're all still sinners. No matter who we are, no matter what we do, no matter where or what time it is, we're still sinners. On this earth, we're just here to witness. Jesus' dying on the cross for us... yeah, that was amazing. Tell Him that! He sent Jesus to DIE for all of us. PRAISE.
I don't do enough of it. It's sad how a lot of us just take it for advantage.
There are way more things we could praise Him for... This could be way longer.

*What are the other things you can think of?
*I'm pretty sure we can praise Him in more ways than prayer-- so suggest! :)

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thanks for reading!

God bless,
Bookie

Boggle!

2009-06-18T22:31:00.000-04:00

Yes, the name of this game is called Boggle. You may or may not have heard of it, for I'm pretty sure it became popular, and then maybe unpopular. :P
BUT, I've been playing it lately. Especially with my dad. It's a word game.
It's almost like Scrabble, but it's not.
--[[You need to have a pen/pencil and paper in hand.]] You have a bunch of cubes with letters on it (like dice, though you just replace the numbers) in a box. You shake up the boxand they all scramble around until you stop mixing the cubes. They then fall into little squares that can hold them (there's sixteen in all to hold the sixteen cubes). Once that's over--while NO ONE is peeking, you have a sand-timer (or any timer, for that matter) that times three minutes. Flip it over the moment everybody is ready. You take off the lid of the box, then, and VOILA! In those three minutes you will have a bunch of jumbled letters to make words from!

But there's a trick!

All those letters that form words MUST connect. Either next to each other by being right across or diagnolly--they need to be connected.
Two or more players then write down each and every word they find. When the timer stops, signaling for the end of those three minutes, everyone needs to compare the words. If someone got the SAME word as you did, whether its a word with one letter even, you can't count it. It must be a word in the dictionary--it cannot be an abbreviation.
If you've crossed an E, and it's the only E out of all the cubes, and you need another E to fulfill that word--you can't cross over it again. No repetion.
Whoever has the most words in the end of that game wins. Obviously no one found that word and it's real.
My dad and I go on till who ever reaches 100 or beyond first, wins. It's a TON of fun, especially if you love spelling like I do or reading/writing. :)

Hope you guys try it!

God bless,
~Bookie

More Beautiful You

2009-06-15T14:28:00.000-04:00

GUESS WHAT?! This is crazy! I had my Crazy Bookie-kins blog (my photography blog) comment settings on automatic! So all the comments were just set to publish automatically, and I didn't know people were commenting--telling me that the pictures weren't working! BUT, I gots the comment thing fixed AND I also gots the pictures fixed! There are several new ones, and the other ones are working now too. :D ENJOY!

That wasn't the point of this post though. :P

Okay, so Prism/AGoMC introduced me to Jonny Diaz--the guy she's posted about on her blog.... And I absolutely fell in love with his songs... So I decided to post about one in particular. Or post it, actually.

It's called:

More Beautiful You

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn’t straight her body isn’t fake
And she’s always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you’ve already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you’ve got a man but he’s got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there’s a man whose love is true
And he’ll treat you like the jewel you are

So turn around you’re not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

Jonny Diaz

Here's the link to the video too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXSkd8apbWM
But I would recommend just LISTENING to it before you actually see it. That's how I did it, and read the words, but it worked. :D

Have a great week!
Posting moer soon, too.

God bless,
~Bookie

I appreciate living a little more...

2009-06-07T07:40:00.000-04:00

Okay, well... WOW. I wonder if my title brought curious visitors to those who have me in there blogroll/update thingy. ;) Hahh.
YESTERDAY was just full of excitement--and pain. I really do mean that I appreciate living a little more.
June 06, 2009, I was going to a baby-shower and I was in bascially my church clothes (except for my jeans), and all happy-go-lucky. It had just finished POURING and my mom parked the car across the house from where the part was being held, and along the street (parallel, on the grass). I hopped out of the car with my twin and while my mom started crossing the street, we were faced with a pretty long-- and kind of wide-- puddle right on the street. We basically couldn't go around it, and I didn't want to get wet, but I didn't have my sneakers on. But my sister did. She held my hand and we were about to jump, but then I hesitated and didn't. She made it across, but I was still standing on the street before this puddle.

Alright, news-fact for the people who didn't know: I'm not only scared of heights, but I'm scared of jumping things. Those kids that jump off those high stairs, making it to the ground all excited and not hurt--oh man, I could never do that. BACK to my story...

-----So then, my sister looked back at me and started laughing. And I was not happy with that, it made me look like I was just really scared or delicate--so I jumped. Here's where everyone rolls their eyes and calls me stupid, idiotic, etc.
The moment my church shoes (which DO have line 1-inch heels) hit the ground, they went flying up in the air.

[[Okay, remember in those cartoons how when a character would fall, their feet would REALLY fly up from underneath them, just making it look even more fake? Yeah, IT CAN BE REAL. Because it literally happened to me.]]

Nahh, my back didn't hit the street first. --My head did. Oh man, oh man, was it painful. All I remember is jumping and then my head exploding on me. My sister came running over to me, because while she and mom were walking away, my collision with the ground made a pretty great sound.
The first thought that came to my head was
"Oh, Lord, I love you."
-I was so thankful. Why? Not only did it not SO MUCH sense INTO me, but I hadn't died. Just a little worse and I probably would have lost consciousness.-
I had a SEVERE headache for two hours. None of the two "*starts quoting in commercial voice* Extra-Strength Tylenol" worked. I was at the baby-shower for an hourand a half, starting to feel nauscious-- I ended up at our Children's hospital, and FOUR HOURS of being there, the CAT Scan said I was clear, all I have is a mild-concussion.
Guess what I FEEL LIKE doing (because I'm not permitted to doing so) right now?
Happy-dancing. =D
I cried at how many times people called to check up on me. My sister left her Facebook status that I was in the ER, and so many people responded to it. Everyone that said they were praying/hoping I felt better and asking for updates either called or e-mailed. --And it made me feel so much better. I didn't realize that even adults cared about whether I was feeling alright or not. I also realized that life was a little more precious to me than I thought.
You know how there are some people that say they really couldn't care whether they were alive or not. How they absolutely hate life? Most people call them emo or something, but there are people that aren't even stereo-typed and they act like they couldn't care what life is. I started JOKING around with people who were like that, I would always pretend that maybe it wasn't so important as I thought--as some people would say it was.
I probably wasn't close to dying, but my head got hit pretty ridiculously hard. When I had left I had rushed out the door, but this morning I just sat with my youngest sister because I was making up for the time I hadn't said goodbye to her yesterday.

God IS awesome, amazing, powerful, merciful, great, all-mighty, and everything else great you could ask for. He's BIG and He can carry you anywhere, anytime.

*~*~*~*~*~*
So there's my story. :P It's okay if you didn't even read the whole thing, it was pretty long... I'm stuck here at home while everyone's at church, so I had the time. ;)
Though if you did, I hope you got my meaning in the whole thing. It's pretty clear. I used to love life. I just love it even more now.

God bless,
~Bookie

Cured

2009-06-05T19:13:00.000-04:00

GUESSSSSSSSS WHATTTTTTTTTT?!?!
I'm practically finished with my book Cured! I'm super excited. A few more scenes, and I'll be done. I see the ending coming near, and that has me extremely excited. =D
So far I have 116 pages. In book format, it'd probably be 210 pages. (I'm using Micrsoft, and I clicked the "Read" button)
I have, so far, 70,741 words. :) That's the FARTHEST I've eveer been, and it feels pretty great.

Anywho, I know, short post... but yeah. I'll post soon some more!

Later gators!

God bless,
~Bookie

"Creation's revealing Your majesty..."

2009-05-28T15:54:00.000-04:00

I decided that I'd share a quick post on a picture I edited.

Remember that song I REALLY loved called Indescribable, by Chris Tomlin? WELL, I decided to touch up a picture I took some time I was in Honduras and added a quote from that song into it.

I hope you like it. Other than writing, photography and photo-editing is one of my hobbies. :) I love 'em all. =D

CLICK HERE RIGHT NOW. ;)

God bless,
~Bookie

Not ANOTHER stereotype-- just people. :)

2009-05-23T13:16:00.000-04:00

Alright, I finally decided to write another serious(ish) blog post. :)
Yessiree, either stop reading now or continue with a warning. ;)
___________

Today we had a work day--with my church. Or at least some of my church. And everytime we have a work day, I find it SO much fun. Otherwise I'd just find a way to stay with my mom or something. But I love helping people. And if you [guys] have been reading my blog for a while, I'm sure you have noticed my Honduras posts. I love the whole fact that I'm not being lazy and I'm actually doing something worth while. =D
Anywhooooo, we were working at a Child Ministry building that an "elderly" (they honestly aren't that old...) couple owns. They do a Bible school during the summer and a ton other stuff. But they go to my church, and that's one of the reasons why we were helping. :)
--The building is pretty big, but we were just doing the front lawn (since there's really no other lawn), and it was on VERY busy street. There were not only adults, but kids and teenagers working! It was fun, and we no one is ever excluded from any type of work unless it's children with dangerous tools. :P
Some of the young-adults and kids were out on the sidewalk trimming and raking a hedge. I had a pair of clippers and I noticed there were people looking at us from the bus stop that we had to pass in order to get to the hedge on the outer side.
I wasn't proud of them staring, but I was happy.
Wanna know why?
After our work we had a devotion. And usually at every event/gathering (whatever) we have we have a devotion. It's really nice.
Well this one was about missionary work-- and how we seperate people, even if we're Christians. There are the missionaries. And what's so different about them? Well people just seperate them by saying they go out to a foreign country and start preaching the gospel. This might be missionary work--but... it's not about leaving the country. The work is about preaching/witnessing (because ladies should not be preachers, thats why I added the slash) EVERYWHERE we go.
Some of the greatest work of telling people about Jesus could be inside your neighbors house! It does NOT have to be somewhere special. It's already special enough that you witnessed.
The people watching us... Some us were asked what we thought about the devotion. And everyone's answers were great. I also found that we were doing missionary work ourselves. See, what I saw was people standing by a building that ministers to children about the gospel--with a huge sign saying "Children Evangelistic Ministries", which was INCREDIBLY obvious to others-- looking at Christian kids to adults working and helping another person.
It was a great feeling. And I loved it. And I learned that we don't need to do something extremely important in order to tell people about Christ. :)
_____

God bless!
~Bookie

(P.S. I saw on the poll that most people wanted a new layout--and I couldn't agree more. It wasn't the best, even if I did like it some. So I hope you guys like this one better!! :))

It's MOTHER'S DAY! nudges a reminder

2009-05-10T15:59:00.000-04:00

It's Mother's Day today!! And guess what? I almost forgot. *smacks forehead* My mistake. :P BUT, we did do stuff with my mom and it was fun. Church was great, we handed out small journal-type notebooks to all the mothers we have. It's been nice. =]

AND HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the mothers out there reading this blog, too. :) I hope it's been a God-blessed day, and will continue to last.

_______

OKAY, so guess what? My blogoversary came and went! THREE DAYS AGO. I've been so buys with my school, I just totally did NOT notice.
Anywhoo-IT"S BEEN A YEAR!! A very great year! I've created new friends, just by posting on a dinky little blog I have. I'm happy that the friends I have on here, penpals or not, you guys have stuck with me. :P And the new ones.... Let's just hope you have just as much of ednurance as they do--'cause you're gonna need it with me. ;)

I need some prayer, I'm going back tot he doctor's for a chek-up with my stomach. I just ran out of my medicine that I've been taking for about I-forget-how-many months now. But yeah.. I can tell my gastritis is better, but I'm not fully sure it's gone away. I went with it for quite a WHILE not knowing and not treating it... so yeah.
I had my test, thanks for the prayers about that! I truly appreciate that. :) I think I did pretty well, but I'll have to get my resuts before I get my hopes up WAY to high. :P
My mother is due in July with another SISTER. I'm going to be the oldest of six, and part of five girls plus a boy. What FUN! :D

OH, I reached the 65,000 word mark of my book! I'm so happy!!!! =D

Thanks for reading.
God bless,
~bookworm4god [AKA: Bookie]

Test TOMORROW!

2009-05-07T20:03:00.000-04:00

This is going to be a short post. Sorry, guys...

I'm asking for prayer for tomorrow. I'll be taking my final test, and as a homeschooler I'm taking the IOWA test, but it's just like the FCAT.

Please pray I do well. :)

I'll post some more sometime soon!

Thanks guys.
--God bless,
~Bookie

Some AWESOME posts by fellow YCFers &&&&&&& A question asked by YOURS truly. ;)

2009-05-01T14:55:00.000-04:00

So there have been some really great posts from some fellow YCFers! And I've enjoyed reading them lots, because mine could never get that good, I'm linking to the ones I've especially liked. ^_^

One that helped me think a lot was Ian's post, Challenged Faith I've actually had that same phase, even though my dad's a pastor. It's just a super sudden thought that comes, and the thing is, I STILL believe, I just want to find more proof that way I can witness better. Gracias, Ian! :)

Another one I really enjoyed reading was Sapphira's post, Loneliness The verse is COMPLETELY true (there's probably more in the Bible like that), and it shows that there will always be Someone there for you, no matter the circumstances. *grins* Thanks, Sapphira!

And part of a little series he's been doing, Camden (who was originally Elliot Reed) has been posting about love. :)

Love: Part 1: What Is Love?
Love: Part 2: Kinds of Love
Love: Part 3: When Love Fails .

Thankies, Camden! ^_^

Check 'em out! AND I picked the blog posts concerning faith in Jesus and love. The other recent blog posts that others have been doing, it's not to offend, I'm just picking a certain theme. =] I'm moved by a couple of them!

God always loves us.
He'll never forsake us.
And He is there.

________________

On another note:
I have a test this next Friday. The 8th. I'd love prayers. It's the final test of the school year for me, whether I pass this grade or not. I REALLLLLY need to. :P

I've finished the WHOLE entire O'Malley Chronicles(by Dee Henderson)!(WELL, I'm in the prequel right now...) If you don't get this, then read The O'Malley Chronicles .

I've been keeping up with the polls, and I noticed that there are votes on changing my layout. Prism/aGoMC has asked me to change the font color because she had a hard time reading it--which I did! BUT, if that's not the only thing you feel like my changing, then TELL me. I'd love to know exactly what. There's always room for more improvements, no need to be shy. I love HONESTY. *grins and winks*

I'll be doing more important posts. Lately it's just been lyrics or about me, and I liked doing my "Important Thoughts" that are there in the sidebar.

My blogoversary is COMIN' UP! 6 more days, thanks to a reminder! (I hadn't been keeping up with it, but WOW. I can't wait!) :D

Again, tell me if you want something different going on for the blog. Especially the kind of stuff I should do to express my Christian faith and things. This blog is to honor Jesus.

God bless,
~Bookie

Even When =]

2009-04-29T20:45:00.000-04:00

Hey!! So I had some time to post right now, and I decided to post about this song I have come to love by a band called Seven Places. The lyrics are great, and it's the 4th song on my playlist. :)

"Even When"

This week, I prayed, one time
My phone, it rang, I put You on the other line
And now my thoughts they drift around
My knees remain unacquainted with the ground
Unless my faith is put to the test and I am forced to bow
Although I'm in this flesh it doesn't mean You shouldn't have the best
from me, from me

[Chorus:]
Even when my eyes are dry
even when my soul is tired
even when my hands are heavy, I will lift them up to Yu
It's not about how I feel, oh Lord I am here for Yu
I exist for you

I close my eyes but all I see
Is a background of black, bouncy squiggly lines
And this week's mistakes coming back to mind but
I will lift my voice and make a joyful sound
Forget about me, I only get me down
Although I cannot see it doesn't mean I shouldn't sing to You, to You

[Chorus]

You've given me Your life and have held mine together yet I find
Excuses to slouch in my pew
But when glory divine
Is sitting in my very presence, the least that I can do
Is give my all to You, give my all to You

[Chorus]

ANYWAY, hope you enjoy!
~Bookie

The best weather, plus MORE! =]

2009-04-22T10:17:00.000-04:00

It's the end of April, right guys? NORMALLY we'd be getting rainstorms--well, at least where I live. And it'll be super-duper hot too.
AND IT HAS.
But last night, we just got a "cold" [AKA: cool] front, AND it's been sunny all day.
Though I still love the rain. Thudnerstorms and cold fronts AND sunny days are the best kind of weather. :D

I was writing in my journal the other day while it was pouring outside, and I found PART of it worthy enough to type ot in this entry:

April 20, 2009--*<3:)
It's raining right now- and I love it. It's like the sky's opening up, drenching the world and making it clean. Brand-new. It makes me eager to go outside when its sunny and just enjoy the life and colors, that are now more vivid than before. The song, 'Indescribable' comes to mind. 'From the highest of heights, to the depth of the sea-- creation revealing Your majesty... You placed the stars in the sky, and You know them by name. You are amazing, God." <3

Now, I know I'm not the best writer--AND I added lines from a song just to help myself out, but it says basically everything. God IS amazing. He IS awesome. And I'm tired of hearing and making complaints. The slightest things tick all of us off, and there's no point.
I find myself praying way more than ever before, and it helps. God's SO powerful. He can HELP you. He MADE you. He LOVES you. He loves you so very much, that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you. Now what does that say? Surely someone who hated you wouldn't do such a thing. He's full of passion. Kind, merciful, loving are all words that describe Him--but are way too much of an understatement. He deserves better than the complaints, whining, grumbling, etc--that we make. The weather we have now is just great towards us. I'm pretty sure that we should praise and thank God with great attitudes toward Him.
=]
_____________________

On another note: GUESS WHO IS COMING TO SPEND FRIDAY NIGHT [yes, a sleepover!] WITH ME?!
Miss Brycie-kins/Twin4God!!
:D I'm so uberly excited. WE're gonna have a blast [no worries! ;)]! :D
I'm already going to start clearing my camera so I have more memory on it than I do now. :P Preparing for an evening full of FUN and craziness. xD

I hope you guys have a tremendous weekend!
God bless,
~Bookie

My writinggg =D

2009-04-17T12:13:00.000-04:00

I NOTICED...that I have not posted about the story I've been writing--since November 1st (remember guys? NaNoWriMo...:D).
There's been part of a reason called "writer's block". :P Hah, I've been experiencing it on and off, and it's been extremely annoying. <_<

AND, I'm experiencing it now.
lol. But, it'll leave soon. I've been inspired by Miss AGoMC/Prism (AKA: DoTella to me) with some parts. :D I'm now very excited to start my writing gain, and I officially have 101 pages && 61k words. :D That's exciting. I'll at least have 70k, I believe... Probably more.

So prayers are needed. This is not only for my enjoyment, but I'm dong this to praise God and His awesomeness. =D

Thanksss for reading! =]

Have a great weekend,
~Bookie

UPDATES! cues the DUN. DUN. DUN. DUNNNNNN.

2009-04-15T14:07:00.000-04:00

BLOG UPDATES:
There have been things updated--and I'm sure that some of yo have noticed the new layout. BUT, now that I think about it, I probably have blogged about that one. =D

So, besides the 1) template, what else??
WELL, I just made a 2) new poll, that I'd LOVE for you to to check out. ;) Suggestions are always wanted. =]

I ALSO added a playlist. And what is that?? Well for those of you who are completely unaware of what that is, scroll all the way down to the bottom of this blog and you'll figure it out. Just a box full of songs that'll play unless you pause the music, OR get out of my blog site...:P

BOOKIE UPDATES:
I apologize for not posting as much as I used to. School has been all over the place that I just forgot for a week, and then when I have posted--the posts aren't very meaningful. I'll try harder on that. Though, in May I do have a test. And I've been prepping for that lately. Not fun at all. :P

My pal, Stomach, has had some "words" with me lately. :P My gastritis has been getting better. I haven't gotten extremely nauscious like used to, which is SUCH a relief. Those were the hardest of nights and days for me for about a year. BUT, I haven't felt like my total self at some points. I need some prayer for that. I've been too stupid at times, and have forgotten to take my medicine in the morning. And I'm supposed to take it half-an-hour before I eat breakfast, so when I'm spooning cereal into my mouth I cry, "Oh snap!" And then yeah... :P

I HAVE POSTED IN MY NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG: Crazy Bookie-kins
My friend Phoebe and I have created a photography blog, for she wanted one of her own and decided she'd like to share a little with me:
Sporadic Moments

That's pretty much it, I believe. =]

Dun, dun, GOD BLESS!
~Bookie

Happy Resurrection Day! =]

2009-04-12T12:26:00.000-04:00

IT'S EASTER, guys!!! Woo-hoo! =D
The day we remember Jesus died and then rose up again on the third day.

I love listening to the story of the Resurrection. It's an amazing story.

Like I said, to remember this special event in our lives, on Good Friday we watched "The Gospel of John". Which was an awesome movie.
And today was church, which is always a beautiful day. =]

It's so cool to think about too....

ANYWAY, that was my contribution to today's holiday. :)

I was listening to one of my favorite songs too... And I thought it was beautiful for today too. The song's called "Legacy".

Legacy
What will they say when I'm gone,
In words that are written in stone?
Under my name, what will they claim about me?

Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered.
More than just a memory that fades away
Because we only, we only get one life

Free me, my hands are tied
I'm so tired of wasting time
These endless inventions
Steal my attention from real life
And when its done, when its over

Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered
More than just a memory that fades away
Because we only, we only get one life

And will the world see Christ
When they look at my life?
Oh, will the world see?

Mmm, come on, give me, give me, give me real life
And no more, no more, no more wasting time
Because we only, we only get one life (Just one Life)

Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered
More than just a memory that fades away
Because we only, (Get one shot, at this one life) We only (One moment in time)
Because we only, we only get one life

_____

BY THE WAY, I've started a photography blog (I knwo I've already posted about this)--ANYWHO, the url: http://crazybookworm4god.blogspot.com/
=]

Have a great Easter!
~Bookie

Good Friday

2009-04-10T23:15:00.001-04:00

WELL, today is Good Friday, or the last part of it at least... And I decided I'd share wth you what I did to remember it!

Tonight my church held a movie night. We watched "The Gospel of John", and it was a pretty good movie. I recommend anyone that is capable of handling a smidge of vivid violence (the crucifixion), to watch it. =]

It was basically the whole book of John. And though we watched the two-hour version, there is a three-hour version that's WORD for WORD in the whole book. It was pretty easy to understand too.

IT IS rated PG13. And I myself had to close my eyes... Even though I'm past that part. It just depends if you're mature enough to handle it--or if your kids are. But my whole family watched t. =]

ANYWAY, yeah. It was great to actually remember the day Jesus died for us that way. =D

Have a blessed rest of Good Friday, and Easter!
~Bookie

The O'Malley Chronicles

2009-04-06T14:02:00.000-04:00

WOWEE. I've been reading and reading, and I'm going to now post about one of my new favorite series. :D

The O'Malley Chronicles
Introducing the O'Malleys, an inspirational group of seven, all abandoned or orphaned as teens, who have made the choice to become a loyal and committed family. They have chosen their own surname, O'Malley, and have stood by each other through moments of joy and heartache. Their stories are told in CBA best-selling, inspirational romantic suspense novels that rock your heart and restore strength and hope to your spirit.

Dee Henderson is truly an amazing author. She writes extremely well. And the stuff she puts about faith is great! =]
*
I think I've gotten Bryce/Twin4God also into them, SO, it's not just me that thinks this. ;)

The O'Malley Chronicles has seven books in it, including the prequel. So far I'm on the fifth one. :) (BUT, I have yet to read the preqeul!) Each time I finish each book I'm truly charmed and I'm dying to read the next book!

I'm giving two summaries of the first book and the prequel (that way there are no spoilers. =D)

The prequel is called Danger in the Shadows.
Reclusive author Sara Walsh hides from the public for a reason. As a child, she was kidnapped (with her twin sister, Kim) and locked in a root cellar for nine days. Their father, a diplomat, balked at paying the ransom, and Kim died on the eighth day. Twenty-five years later, one of the kidnappers, who remains frustratingly elusive, regularly torments Sara by sending momentos of their time together. Sara is locked in a gilded cage, and the potential key, retired football player Adam Black, may be too explosive for a life lived in shadow, but he is convinced Sara is the answer to his prayers.

The first book is called The Negotiator. --And it's the one that had me truly getting obsessed with these books. (*rolls eyes* Alright, not obsessed, but REALLY into them. :D)
Veteran hostage negotiator Kate O'Malley has seen humankind at its worst. In fact, she has become something of a legend for her ability to parlay a successful outcome from even the most desperate situations. FBI special agent Dave Richman, introduced in Henderson's Danger in the Shadows, has every reason to have lost faith. But he hasn't and Kate has. From their first encounter during a bank holdup, these two very disparate people are inexplicably drawn to each other. But can they overcome the obstacles? Dave's Christianity is as much a part of him as his desire for Kate, while Kate claims no particular belief in God. And can Dave relinquish his need to protect Kate when it is her job to place herself in danger? But Dave may not have a choice when a secret from Kate's past returns to haunt her--or kill her. Full of surprises, Dee Henderson's The Negotiator is a walk on the wild side and readers will love every thrilling minute!

The second is called The Gaurdian.
One of the many siblings, Marcus O'Malley, a U.S. Marshal.

The third: The Truth Seeker
One of the many siblings, Lisa O'Malley, a forensic pathologist.

The fourth is named The Protector.
Another one of the seven, Jack O'Malley, a fire-fighter.

Fifth is The Healer. --I'm currently on this one right now.
Rachel O'Malley, one of the four sisters, a trauma psychologist.

SIXTH- The Rescuer.
The fourth brother, Stephen O'Malley, a paramedic.

*
I have read another book she's written, called True Courage, but I think I'll wait on that one for another post. :D

Have a blessed week and a great spring break, guys!
~Bookie

"By Your Side"

2009-04-01T23:01:00.000-04:00

I was searching for some new Christian bands/singers, and I came across this band called Tenth Avenue North. And I always listen to at least a couple of songs by whatever, just in case.

WELL--I loved this song called "By Your Side" by them. The lyrics were beautiful, and I liked the music. So I decided I'd share them with you guys. =]

"By Your Side", by Tenth Avenue North

NOTE: MAKE SURE THAT YOU PAUSE THE "INDESRIBABLE" SONG AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE PAGE, in order to play it.

God bless,
~Bookie

Books and life! :D

2009-03-21T16:10:00.000-04:00

WOW, so I've been going on this crazy reading streak, like I always am. :D ANYWAY, so I've had ten billion books on my hand, when, just last month, I had none!!! :P So, I'm gonna make a list of the "Have Read" AND "Is Reading".

Have Read
1) True Courage, by Dee Henderson
2) The Negotiator, by Dee Henderson

Is Reading
1) Thr3e, by Ted Dekker
2) The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls
3) The Protector, by Dee Henderson

Sometime when I have time, I'll give you the list of my ten ABOUT TO READ's.
---------
Sorry that it's been so long since I've posted. I've gotten really busy with school--and I have to do a test prep for my IOWA test in May, which is gonna drive me nuts. :P
BUT--GUESS WHAT?! Mom's going to find out if she's pregnant with a boy or girl tomorrow!! I'm so excited!! :D

Talk soon, pray for me,
~Bookie

Material Possession Addiction - M.P.A

2009-03-08T18:32:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while since my 100 post/100 facts-about-me entry--BUT I wanted people to actually know that I wrote something like that. I know people who scim through, and it's fine... But my own mother is shocked I got to 100, just because I was having trouble at number 20. :P

ANYWAY, I've finally come up with something to post! And what is that?? WELL, I recently started thinking about how people are....obsessed, addicted, so involved, ETC--in material things.

So yeah-- the other day I was noticing how easily people get offended. And I was really wondering why. And the answer that came to me was: We try so hard to be liked. AND HOW do we try? We try dressing super nice, [for a female] most of us tend to fix up ourselves with make-up, we show people we have money, we try to act like the people we want to please--you get the point.
If someone that I was trying to please said "I hate you" to me, yeah, I think I'd be pretty upset. WHY? Because I worked pretty hard to make that person like me, and here my "friend" is telling me that they don't like me.

Last night I went out with my uncle, and little did we know that there was a carnival going on RIGHT where we went to. And that was fine--it was busy, but fine. And we looked at some art pieces and such, and we noticed that there were more than a few paintings (by different people), that had someone smoking a cigar. And then MORE THAN A FEW TIMES, in that crowded place, someone blew a puff of smoke from their cigar, and ungaurded, we walked right through the smoke. Yes, it was gross. And that brought up the discussion of a couple reasons why people smoked those stupid things.

Have you ever noticed that in some movie, when someone's having a problem, they pull out a packet of cigar(ette)s and they start smoking--and then they offer the packet to their friend? And etc. The whole point. They had a problem (and it's mostly men who do this in the movies), they start smoking. The world's a better place.
Or is it?
Are they really problem free?
Did they just FIX the problem by smoking?
Haha NO.
They just caused an extra problem called LUNG CANCER. --BUT, they think it's fine and that it looks manly and whatever.
Some material object they love for no reason. NICE.

Remember that cathedral I visited? The one really nice, and I had a post all about it? That there was a man kissing these pictures of whatever those people/saints were? POINT AGAIN. It's SOME other MATERIAL possession. --NO WAIT, some IDOL. It's one thing to like whatever object--the other is to WORSHIP it.

Girls and clothing/hair/jewelry/etc.
Boys and video games/movies/hair-product(oh yes)/etc.
You get the point.
In the Bible (somewhere, though I forget right at this moment), it says not to make objects idols.
What people have done these days. It's SO easy to hurt someone's feelings now these days because we spend all of our time working on ourselves for other people, but never for God.
Most people wouldn't care if God told us in person whether he liked this or not about us.
But as Christians we should. If He told me, "Bookie, I hate what you're doing and how you look." I think I'd be on my knees sobbing and repenting.
--Though some people wouldn't care. I hate how the world's turning. It's sick and wrong. Material possesions addiction is only the beginning of it.

*sighs*
Oh well.

Anyway, since I have a little sister begging to use the computer, I'll leave it like that!
:D lol

STAY IN SCHOOL KIDS!
~Bookie

P.S. SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO POST THIS ONE! (For some reason, I didn't realize that I hadn't pressed PUBLISH. *smacks forehead*)

100th post!

2009-03-02T17:31:00.000-05:00

WHAT'S SO AWESOME ABOUT TODAY?

WELL, it's my one hundredth post! lol. ANd though it's nothing special, I planned it out to do it along with ~Prism~/aGoMC/DoTella to do it on the same day. And it turns out that Twin4God/Bryce's 100th post is today too! :D

HOW COOL. haha

So yeah, I'm linking to them....

1) ~Prism~
2) Twin4God

:D SO yeah... YAY.

ANYWAY, ~Prism~ and I decided to do a hundred things about ourselves, so this is mine. =]

1) I love to write
2) I'm homeschooled
3) I play the violin
4) I love math
5) I can play my own songs (I've created) on piano
6) I'm addicted to M&M's. Their my drugs, basically. :P
7) I'm a Christian through and through
8) I can't draw anything very well
9) I doodle a ton
10) 2009 is the best year so far =]
11) Princess Aurora (AKA: Sleeping Beauty) is my favorite Disney princess
12) I ran out of books a couple months ago, and now I have ten that are awaiting my eyes
13) I'm writing a book
14) I don't know Spanish, and I should
15) I love photography
16) I love to talk
17) My favorite type of movies are sappy, historical, and mystery ones. =]
18) I'm into drama
19) I love music
20) I only have a few best friends, but they're all pretty amazing
21) My favorite food is lasagna
22) I love Italian food
23) My favorite colors are brown, gray, and blue.
24) I'm half American/Cuban
25) I can get pretty crazy, but some people like it... :P (They're crazy)
26) I like wearing jewelry
27) I really like Sprite and Coke
28) I love DISNEY WORLD :D
29) I have a 100 paged book right now
30) I'm usually a loner....
31) I love friendship bracelets, though I dislike making them
32) I love roses
33) My favorite movies are Amazing Grace, National Treasure, Pride and Prejudice, and Meet the Robinsons
34) I used to play basketball
35) I like nailpolish
36) I used to act like a tomboy, but now I embrace my girlness a LOT
37) I'm pretty blunt
38) I'm nice
39) I've gotten closer to God in 08 and 09 then ever before
40) I got baptized on Easter
41) I almost died twice
42) I am so forgetful, I call it short-term memory loss. I can literally forget a day later what you say
43) I like The Beatles and U2
44) I wish I could learn how to ride a horse
45) Even more, I wish I could ballroom dance--even though that sounds so strange. I REALLY do.
46) I'm extremely unflexible
47) I had people sign their names on my sneakers I have currently
48) I have a digestion problem
49) I'm pretty random
50) I don't think I'm interesting enough to have 100 things about me
51) My favorite season is winter
52) I hate being cold, but I get cold way easier than most people. It's weird. O.O
53) I hate tomatos
54) I journal a LOT
55) I love giraffes and monkeys
56) Snakes scare me
57) I'm terrified of the dark and some PG movies
58) I love how my brother likes being with me
59) I like Valentine's Day a lot because people alwaysgive me chocolate sometime rather =]
60) I'm pretty good in school
61) I correct some people's grammar
62) I want to see Dark Knight, but I heard it'd scare me
63) I have a secret chocolate stash that know one knows where it is
64) My dad and I are pretty close
65) I used to think police were Christians when I was little
66) I've dissected a worm and a crayfish without getting sick
67) I love dressing up
68) I like photo-editing
69) My favorite president is Abraham Lincoln
70) I wish I was the child that sat in Jesus' lap
71) I want to live to one-hundred
72) I love challenges
73) I honestly think you should do Bryce's Scavenger Hunt (Look it up in my sidebar)
74) I keep my emotions locked up a lot
75) I used to be able to do the ABC's in sign-language, but no I'm not so sure
76) I wish I owned some library books... (maybe I should just steal some!)
77) I love to smile and laugh, but I honestly think I look weird laughing
78) I can get pretty serious at times
79) I wish I could fly sometimes
80) I love posting on my blog
81) I love meeting new people
82) I have an amazing Christian family <3
83) I like to chew gum
84) My dad wants me to learn Hebrew, but I don't
85) I have four siblings, and about to have a fifth
86) I have a twin sister
87) I don't look like her as much as I used to
88) I love winning :P
89) I like caffiene, but I try not to drink coffee much
90) I love the O'Malley Chronicles, and I've been trying to convince Miss Brycie-kins to read 'em for a while
91) I love mysteries
92) I doodle while note-taking
93) I don't think I see the world like most people do
94) I'm a tree-hugger
95) I like art
96) I don't watch movies very much...Only the ones that are my favorite
97) I volunteer in my church's nursery
98) I'd rather read then watch TV
99) I love spending time with my WHOLE family. Cousins and aunts and such
100) I love holidays

:D

Happy Monday!
~Bookie

My favorite Christian songs currently =]

2009-02-28T19:10:00.000-05:00

So I decided to make a post of my most current favorite Christian songs. :D
(These are not in order. =D)
--AND, DoTella, this is my 99th post, so tell me when you wanna do the 100th one!! :P

Indescribable - Chris Tomlin
By Your Side - Tenth North Avenue
Belly of a Whale - Newsboys
Learning to Fall - This Beautiful Republic
Awesome God - Rich Mullins
Unaware - MercyMe
Hold My Heart - Tenth Nort Avenue
Shout to the Lord - Darlene Zsech
Beautifully Broken - This Beautiful Republic :D
Reborn - Rebecca St. James
Unfailing Love - Chris Tomlin
Joy - Newsboys
Take Me - Hawk Nelson
Love Is Here - Tenth North Avenue
Crazy - MercyMe
Fingerprints - Steven Curtis Chapman
Fallen Man - Relient K
Whatever - Steven Curtis Chapman
Beloved - Tenth North Avenue
The Surface - This Beautiful Republic
Let It Go - Tenth North Avenue
He Is Exalted - Twila Paris
Amazing Grace - ?
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever - Delirious? (that is the name)
Thy Word - Amy Grant

There's probably tons more, but those are the ones I have for now. :D

Hope you enjoyed. :)

Have a great day,
~Bookie

IMPORTANT NOTE: Following me blog--arg! holds up pirate hook...or whatever that is

2009-02-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

GUESS WHAT?!?!?!?!?!
A couple people told me that they tried following my blog, but they said it didn't work. *sniffs*
SO, I went on a Following Gadget Hunt (FGH, guys ;))--AND I figured out how to make my following gadget work!

CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE

HENCE, I am telling you, if you'd LIKE TO FOLLOW MY BLOG (which is preferred, of course. :D), then the link is there in my sidebar. =]

CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE

WHICH MEANS YOU! *looks up evilly, clasping hands together* MUAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!!!

CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE

Have a nice day, :)
~Bookie

CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE

Ooh, oh! raises hand I have a prayer request!

2009-02-24T11:36:00.000-05:00

Hi guys! :D Look at me posting almost everyday, I'm proud of myself. :D Just kid...But yeah, to the point.
I have a prayer request I'm asking of you guys. Some of you guys know me in person and know that I've been kind of struggling with a stomach/digestion problem. And even those that don't know me in person, if you've kept up with my blog since way before, you should know what I'm talking about. ;)
Well, it takes away a LOT of my appetite. If I get sick I won't want to eat more than I can survive on basically. But I've been on medication and just recently (last Friday maybe), I had this sudden urge to eat everything I saw in my sights. And, yes, to some people that's a very bad thing, but for everyone that saw me and KNEW how weird this is--it was great. I had my entire appetite I had more than a year ago before my gastritis started happening. I've been actually losing weight through this, and it's gotten a little scary at times, but prayer helps a lot. I've been constantly reminded how great God is when he answers my prayers. =]
ANYWAY, Sunday I wasn't feeling so hot, and I didn't eat much, but yesterday was a little better. And I'm asking for prayer that I get my appetite back again. It was a great feeling that I could eat till my stomach was full and I didn't have to freak about getting sick. =D

BY THE WAY, I've only noticed that a couple of you have visted T4G's/Bryce's blog. Her Scavenger Hunt his gonna start soo nand hse needs a couple more participants! You don't even need to have a blog in order to do it. She's provided her e-mail, go ahead and just ask to join. Stranger or no stranger she'll welcome you anyway! :D
(Besides, I need a little competetion and ~Prism~/DoT/aGoMC is the only one that knows how competetive I can get. ;) :D)

Have a great week,
~Bookie

P.S. Now I have to go get ready to dissect a Crayfish!! BLECH. We have Biology today....*sighs*

My experience....At a Greek festival and a cathedral. :P

2009-02-22T17:07:00.000-05:00

TODAY is Sunday. And not only did I go to church--but I was also taken to a Greek festival.... :D And it was interesting--but different.

The moment I get inside the building/church/cathedral, still in my church attire, I find that it's CROWDED with people. I was starving, but there were so many people, and so this lady, my sister, and I looked some jewelry (while my cousin did some other stuff). And I'm not going to go on about how unigue and pretty some of the rings, necklaces, and bracelets were...But Im going to tell you something EXTREMELY interesting (and I guess not good to Chirstians, like me--but I was just learning. *HOMESCHOOL MOMENT*):
There was SO much jewelry, but most of them had a specific design like each other. And that design was a solid color, and then a dot in the middle of it.
And so this lady (my friend), P, asked about it with some lady there at the table, and the lady said "Oh, that's an eye! If you wear a bracelet with that, it just shows that it's protecting you."
WHA?!?!
WELL, then everywhere I went besides that, I kept seeing tons of beautiful jewelry, and then amidst the many bracelets and necklaces, I would see some specifically with that design, just in different colors. A while later it started freaking me out. :P The superstition people used to have and have now....

The second thing I noticed was how colorful everything was! It was beautiful... I'd love to visit there Greece someday, but I don't think I'll ever get that chance. Oh well!

THIRD thing, that was also itneresting/not good...Was I went inside the cathedral next to it (that was also part of the festival), and this was my first time.
I was pretty stunned.
It was BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I had never been in one before, and I was like "WHOA".
So we sat in there for a while, just looking at the colors and whatever. The ceiling was so high, there were pillars everwhere. It was COOL. And then I noticed tons of candles...I mean TONS. And when we finally started leaving, I asked why there were candles, because I didn't know what they were all about. I've seen them in movies, but I neevr thought to ask about them. No one explained it to me. But P did. She told me that they were for worshipping idols and such....I was like, "Oh?" And then she told me to walk with her to the foyer to leave, but when we were, she walked slowly and deliberately and told me to watch the man.
I had seen all the picture of people/angels/saints/whatever, and I was like why are those in here?? But when P told me to watch the man, I finally realized what was going on. They'd light a candle, set it down in some sandy part, and then he'd go up to this picture that was angraved or just there on some little stand/set and he'd do that cross motion Catholics do, and then kids the picture.
I just stood there.
I hadn't ever realized....I mean, I knew idolotry was still going on--I just never....thought I'd SEE it.

Ex 20:3-4 (NIV) "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below."

Goodness gracious...I mean, I couldn't do anything about it, but I was like "WHA?"
The first time I saw him do it, it shocked me. Second time, right before I left, I wanted to smack him. The church was beautiful, but what went ON in that church... Stupid stuff.
God is the only one you should worship. Period. There's nothing more to say.

But other than that, I had a great day. :) Just thought I'd share with you my experience. :D

ACK. Tomorrow's MONDAY! *grimaces* Have a great week--do well in school kids! (*looks at self*)
~Bookie

Mhmm

2009-02-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

Mhmm, you DID come to the right blog!
I just changed my template and picture, that's all. :D
I had three options, and when this one's finally gotten tiresome to me...I'll change it. The black and white one was really nice (thank you, Bryce), but I needed a new one for now. :D

I sincerely hope you like it--and if you do, TELL ME! Mucho appreciation :D

I also added words...because I have no idea if anyone ever reads my About Me...so yeah. :D

Prism/aGoMC, I'll get closer to #100..this is what? My 95th post?? :D

Have a great day,
~Bookie

Indescribable

2009-02-17T17:16:00.000-05:00

I have a NEW favorite song/Christian-song! :D lol. So I know this is my second post of the day, but I was jsut reminded the name of the song, and I jsut listened to the song, and now I'm going to find more by him....
But at my church's Missions Conference, we kept sining a bunch of songs/hymns. And one of them stood out a lot. Maybe not to the other people, but I LOVED the lyrics. Except, the thing was, this was my first time hearing it, and I didn't know if I'd forget the name, the lyrics, AND the song. You have to remember, even if I've said this before, that I have a TERRIBLE memory. And I mean, no lie, I can forget five minutes after you tell me whatever....I have forgotten tons of things, and this was what made me kind of upset while I Was singing the song. Would I remember ANY part of this song? So when I realized that this part was the last verse to the song, I sang it over and over in my mind even when the congregation was singing it slower and only once.
GUESS WHAT?! I remembered that last part!!! :D lol. I later on found out the name, and I listened to it again. But yeah, you may have heard it before, so you'll probably agree with me how amazing this song is. =]

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

WELL, I loved it!
~Bookie :D

My crazily wonderfultasticallishicouslyness week!

2009-02-17T11:45:00.000-05:00

Hip-hip-hooray! I had an amazing week last week. :) Why, is your question?? :D
1)I had no school for five days.
(Why did I have no school for five days?)
2)Thursday was my birthday!

And I'm such a girl, I asked for jewelry, nailpolish, and sunglasses. And I got them! :D haha--oh well

3)Friday was PACE, my co-op. But it was also a terrific day because that was the beginning of our Missions Conference!!!

Which was amazingful, we had a certain pastor there. And he was great!--(Except I didn't get to hear Friday night's wonderful sermon...because something happened. ~EMBARRASSING MOMENT~ *sighs*)

4)Saturday was VALENTINE'S DAY!

And oh gosh, even months before February, I was dreading that day. BUT I still had fun. I didn't dread it as much because it was still the Missions Conference!! :D Which was still amazingful.

5)Sunday, my good friends, was church!
I love Sundays :)
6) PRESIDENTS DAY!!!!

I found out some people weren't doing school on that day (other homeschoolers), and my siblings and I were able to convince my mom that one more day without school wouldn't make much of a difference! :D So my friend, who I'll nickname Shlee, came over. =]

So yes, awesome week. And now I just finished my school.....So I'm in for a not so fantastic, but still fantastic (because God made it) week. haha
_____
On another note--WHO IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD HAS NOT VISITED BRYCE/Twin4God's BLOG?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
And--WHO IN THE UNIVERSE HAS NOT DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE IN HER SCANGER HUNT?!?! I think I'm gonna change my poll to vote on her Scavenger Hunt... Guys, she asked for fifteen people, only a few (including me) have decided to participate in it (including GoMC for sure, and I'm not sure about some of you others).... But this isn't just to get people to visit her blog--trust me, she has people--but it's a way to have fun. All of us just sit around on our stupid chairs reading posts and writing them. It's time to have some MORE fun! It won't last forever. She changed some of the rules around, so I'm giving you guys the link to her updated version. And trust me, you may think these rules are great, but I kinda liked the older version. It was more challenging. :D
LINKS:
MY post about the Scavenger Hunt
Bryce's post about HER most totally awesome Scavenger Hunt
People, there is a reason why I have the icon in my sidebar! Do you see that adorable little boy and the spyglass? Yeah, click that button. Get to advertising her Hunt on your blog, and JOIN it yourself! It's gonna be super fun! :)
(and no, I'm not asking for points on this one, Bryce. It's super okay...:D)

Have a great week,
~Bookie

YCF and other

2009-02-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

I have added a link to the YCF picture, guys! The question is: Where does it lead to? WELL it leads to the YCF blog! WOO!
We have so far 25 active and non-active members of the YCF. And I'm thrilled to have been in it for almost hte beginning (I believe--maybe not :P).

BUT there's a matter Araken brought up and if you haven't visted the YCf blog recently OR his blog, you should go! He's in my blog roll.
He's brought up the matter of having a leader or council. And I think it's a very good idea to have a YCF council. *nods*

BUT it's up to the other YCF members to vote on it...So we'll see.

ALSO, we have 2 NEW members! YAY. They'll be announced over the blog.

Have a great day...!
~Bookie

P.S. TODAY is my BIRTHDAY! :D

T4G's SCAVENGER HUNT!!!

2009-02-11T12:44:00.000-05:00

GUESS WHAT?!
Are you tired of being bored and having nothing to do but post on your blog? (AND READ OTHERS) WELL, Twin4God, she's in my blog roll, and I'll post her link anyway, is having a SCAVENGER HUNT!
She needs at LEAST 15 participants, but I say, let's give her more than 15!!! :D
It's really easy, she'll have winners, prizes, and it'll be tons of fun!

Go to her blog to see more information, please. :)

Twin's Scavenger Hunt!

This is just all the stuff advertising it.
GO TO HER BLOG AND GET MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN THROUGH YOURS! That's an order! =D

I'll be definitely joining!

Have a great day,
~Bookie

P.S. GUESS WHAT?!?!?!??!!?!?!?!?! Tomorrow's my birthday!!!!!!! :D

Happy Birthday!!! =]

2009-02-01T12:04:00.000-05:00

Alright, so this post is gonna be pretty short, because all I want to do is wish Araken:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

:D I hope you have a wonderful day, Araken.

And for those of you who haven't visited his awesome blog, he's in my blog roll. :)

Have a great Sunday.
~Bookie

Updates =] (Don'tcha just love 'em?)

2009-01-29T20:30:00.000-05:00

YAY. So I've been just giving you boring old blog posts lately--but just this week I updated a LOT.

As you can see, from my LAST poll, I had several things I needed to do, and a lot of them were voted on the most. A lot, I believe was on my black template. It was cool for the time being, but it was only cool for 6 months apparently, so I updated my layout/template. And most of you know I did that a while ago, but some of you guys haven't been on my blog in a while (and that's totally cool, but yeah).

ALSO, I showed some pics of myself, but that's not really an update--I HAVE changed my "About Me". It's way different from my soft/quiet/shy about me to totally different. :P lol

I made myself an AFFILATE!! Woo-hoo! My affie is the icon of me, my name (bookworm4god), and the last sentence f my about me (Come at your own risk). And if you don't understand why I put that last sentence its because of the tons of people who are afraid of talking about or to Christian people/Christianity. So yeah, come at your own risk, for this girl has some opinions. :D (The affie is right there on the side. Just scroll down a little and you'll see.)

I added an icon for my blogoversary!!! :D lOl, in (*runs to check the icon*) ninety-eight more days, it will be officially a year sicne I've been posting on my blog. WHOOPEE! :)

I've added other icons. Most of them have to do with me, my blog, and whatever. So yeah. I also have links to my other blogs. But I think pretty soon I'll just make affies for those instead of links, and but all of my affies together.

My "Important Thoughts" list has grown longer! Whoa. Way longer than the few it was before--but I'm happy about that. =D

I added a little penguin icon. It's flapping it's wings, but no one can really see it. So I'm wondering how long it will stay up.

I've updated my poll. And I promise the next time it finishes, I will sooooooo be ready! Because I know I wasn't last time, but yeah. I will be!

~I'm still part of the YCF and I've been trying my hardest to live up to the group. If you'd like to be part of it, (and if you have no idea what it's really about, but you're interested in joining the now-bigger-than-ever-before group) ask! :D I'll tak to you about it! :)

I'm searching to improve this place more and more. If you don't like something, tell me... I might just understand you. If you do like something especially tell me! I'd love to know what looks great to you! I've already had someone say they like my little icons, and that made me happy. :D
_____
Pray Por Favor:
1. I've been taking medication for my old pal, Stomach. He's been great (*rolls eyes*). Not really... I feel like some old person having to pull out an orange bottle and waiting half-an-hour before I eat breakfast. Makes me feel weird, but it seems to be helping. I haven't upchucked anything since. :)
2. MOM's PREGNANT! :D lol. We've told everyone now, so I'm really excited. She's two or three months--I forget, sorry. But I'm really excited. I'll be the oldest of six, instead of five. '=] x2' lol.
3. I never did go see Twin4God for her birthday. We're planning on it soon, but so far she and two other siblings have gotten sick with the stomach virus, so pray for her and her family please!
4. I really want to grow more in my wak with the Lord. Sometimes I feel like I need to more than ever, and I feel on the right track, but everyone needs prayer for that, and I'm asking now for you guys to do that for me.
5. My church's Missions Conference. I'm really excited about it, but some of our missionaries that are elderly aren't doing too well.

Have a great weekend,
~Bookie

When? How? I'll never know... But that doesn't matter.

2009-01-25T14:38:00.000-05:00

WOW. I never thought I'd be posting this much on one topic. Everyday I keep thinking back about my "Creating Yourself" posts, and I've already put the links into my "Important Thoughts" section, but this, my friends, is part THREE of the whole thing.
I'm now asking questions, and I'm almost sure I won't keep going after this--but I'm not fully positive. Every day I have new questions. (*sighs*--lol).

If you haven't read my other posts on this, it's fine. And you'll probably still be able to understand everything--for I pretty much try not to go back a lot onto other posts when I blog, but if you'd LIKE to read them, here's PART ONE and PART TWO.
______________________________________________

Oki-dokes, just like my title of this one I've been thinking. Is there going to be a time when I actually know I've fulfilled WHATEVER it was I was supposed to fulfill? How WILL I ever know? I mean... Here we go about our business, doing the things God wants us to do (or at least we all try, right?)--and as a young lady/man (lol) we can only do SO MUCH, right??
*Whistles and looks away* And since we, for now, can't be the President or can't be a famous person, how do we know we've done something useful? When will we find out we've done something useful?
The other day I was asking myself, "I wonder what it'd be like if 'POOF' I just didn't exist. I was never born." I still wonder that. "How would so-and-so have done this, if I hadn't helped that person?" And then I think, "Nah, she/he would've survived. It wasn't THAT big of a deal." And there I go--the world can move along without me.
But then somewhere around my existence, I will do something. And if my death is the only thing that will effect someone, then so be it--but I'm still trying to figure that out.
Have you ever thought that?? . . .
What if I never started this blog? I wouldn't have the friends I have today.
What if I decided that you weren't worth my friendship? So, nah, we never became the best of pals. (lol)
What if God decided that I didn't need to be born? So therefore--it was just my twin sister, who would be the oldest of everybody.
Would you be able to cope if your best friend was never alive? Would you say, "It's fine, Bookie didn't make much of a difference."? Ha, maybe you would, but there are tons of other people, besides me you could think about--if they never existed. There is you, y'know. :P
POOF! You're gone. What now?
You might figure it out--I'm sure all of you are very smart people, with great noggins.
Or you could still be Einstein/Eisteinette and never figure it out. It's all according to God's plan, just make sure He's proud of you.
--If you decide to get back at someone, you're not showing mercy. They could've done without you for that one time.
--If you decide not to be strong about someone that's bugging you, you're not showing honor. That person could've done without you for that one time.
--If you decide to leave a friend in a time of need, you're not showing love. That person could've done without you for that one time.
There's more, but the point is, even if somebody could've done without you for that one time--I'd feel awful. One time's enough for me. It's the fact that I wasn't acting like a maiden of God, I wasn't making Him proud of me.

No matter what, glorify Him. :)

Have a great Sunday (and week :D)
~Bookie

P.S. BY THE WAY, TODAY IS TWIN4GOD'S BIRTHDAY! WISH HER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Even if you've never commented on her blog before, you don't know who she is--I'll bet anything she knows you read my blog. Just say hello and happy birthday!
*HAPPY BIRTHDAY TWIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D*

Pictures! :)

2009-01-22T22:31:00.000-05:00

Alrighty, so I know this is my second post of the day, and SHAME be brought upon me--because I want you guys to see pictures of me and my twin (and just me, too :P).
And a couple other people are putting up pictures of themselves on their blogs, so I felt left out. :D So here are about ten (out of the million I was tagged in by some people! [on another site--FB]) pictures!

(Read my first post too, by the way!)

At the beach, at a park.... At a house. :D

You get the idea.

I'm the one with no glasses (lol), and my twin sis had the glasses... :D

Have a splendid weekend,

~Bookie

What Am I Going To Create Myself?

2009-01-22T14:33:00.000-05:00

This is a slight continuation of my last post. Meaning it's got part of what I said in it from my last one.

FAVORITE QUOTES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THIS (in a sense) :
1)"Happy moments, Praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God."
2)"Be a fruitloop in a world full of cheerios."
3)"No Jesus, No peace.--Know Jesus, Know peace."
4)"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)

My last post was talking about how first, instead of FINDING yourself, you need to do more of creating--and I think I got the fact straight out when I mentioned we shouldn't be committing any suicide, murder, other crimes. It's a fact--EVERYONE knows that.
But it's not just those three things... I mean, come on...That's pretty easy. I pretty much have fully created "myself", because I haven't done any of those.
Nuh-uh. Don't even go there. You haven't even gone to do anything. So you know some right from wrong things. WHOOPEE.
BUT, how DO I know that I'm... you know... Bringing about a person that is unique? I, personally, haven't even fully done that. I'm just a teen who happens to be realizing that.
(Numbers are referring to the numbered-quotes up there)
Starting with 1), I think that has to do with everyone--but not everyone knows that. I know tons of non-Believers who would want nothing to do with something like that quote, and they've already created themselves (in a sense). It's the thing that you ARE creating.
WHAT is it?
WHO are you now?
Seek God all the time, sure--but does that help? Heck, yes. No duh, you're reading scripture, talking to God, listening to Him--OF COURSE it's creating who you are.
What's 2)? Oneof my favorites. Everyone wants to be different from everybody else. It's something that's always inside. You want to be so unique, people will always remember you.
I'm sure you've found that a smidge hard.
*winks* Just a tad, eh?
I'll tell you guys something I never really told anyone. It's something EVERYONE want(ed/s), and not just me. It's kind of selfish too--at least my version of wanting it.
Have you ever wanted to be President? (If so--) WHY? Was it the power?
Have you ever wanted to be a singer/actor/actress/musician? (If so--) WHY? Was it the money?
Have you ever wanted to be known for something (ANYTHING) important? WHY? Was it both the power AND the money? I've always wanted to be the second. Doesn't it kinda look cool to be up on a stage? Uh YEAH--it kinda does!
My reason wasn't really the money (I could be a doctor if I wanted the cha-chings), it was the fact that all these options meant you'd be famous. Known for whatever. I'd create myself to be someone IMPORTANT. But it doesn't come easily. Being a fruitloop in a world full of cheerios is extremely hard.
I've wanted to fit in with groups that I might not have wanted to fit in. But they were the popular ones. (I never did--only maybe for just a little while...but then I said no...END of that) I wanted people to know me for whatever. But everytime--it was me becoming just another cheerio. Does that make you or me feel good? Sometimes... I mean, if you think about it--is it really so bad?
Uh, yeah. Sorry to break it to you, honey, but it is sometimes. I wanted to be President. I wanted people to remember me for doing things right, for making that stuff happen, and then when I died, EVERYONE would be sad. (WELL, at least the country. ;) Then Hillary Clinton crushed my dreams...JKJK. ----> But you can still be a fruitloop even if you don't make it that high.
Wasn't 3) cool?! Haha, I saw it on an icon, but I decided to save space in this entry. :D
If there was absolutely no Jesus in you--there would absolutely be NO peace. If you KNOW Jesus, you do, absolutely-positutely have peace. PERIOD.
And I think that 4) is really neat/cool/whatever-positive. I mean, I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!
Oh yeah, that's pretty awesome. And since you can do ALL things (except for the fact that it's in CHRIST--you can't do wrong things), you can CREATE yourself to be more involved with him. I mean, you can be a GOOD fruitloop, you can do ALL things, you can HAVE peace, and all that good stuff when you're with God. Be known for the great things.
:D

God bless,
~Bookie

Life Isn't About Finding Yourself, It's About Creating Yourself

2009-01-20T14:48:00.000-05:00

I saw this icon on some site, and I don't know... I just loved it. I'm always hearing about everyone say they don't know who they are, they don't know what to do in life, they want to find themselves, etc. You really get into it after a while. I used to think things like that--and, honestly, sometimes I do. I don't know what God has in store for me in the future. I could die tomorrow, or I could live till I'm a hundred years old. You never know... But what I do know is that I'm here for a reason. Obviously you may not be sure of it right now, but you could be sure soon or never. I started thinking the other day, of how random I'm placed. Of just how perfectly I fit in with my family, friends, everyone.

The way I was created--I'm a girl, not a guy.

The family I was born into--most everyone's Christian.

The friends I have-- enough to be able to be myself.

Sure, there are problems everywhere. Does no ever not go through trials? We do! All the time. Dude, read the Bible and figure out that God tests you. He won't NOT test you. He'll never give you anything you're not capable of handling. Never. He's better than that. Some people commit murder, some people commit suicide, some people just commit crimes, and a lot say "Sorry, God just made me this way."

EXCUSE ME?!

OR, they say, "I found what my purpose was in life."

I don't think it was to destruct.

WHAT, so you think that since you don't know what to do in life now, there's never going to be a purpose, mine as well live it out doing what your sinful nature wants?

Ha, yeah, "(*mockingly, of course*) I don't know what to do with myself, so I mine as well die, kill, or do something wrong. There's no point in living anyway."

Uh, no.

I don't think so. I actually remember this one specific conversation with my mom when we were in her room. I was younger then, but I was thoughtful. I asked her the time when you finally find out what you're here for.

And I forget the answer right now, but I can tell you this moment, that you've already done what you're called to do, you're already DOING what you've been called to do. There are probably more than a hundred reasons why you were born, why you're family with so-and-so, and why you're friends with whomever. You've probably established more than what you thought you COULD do. I just started realizing that my past friendships with a couple people, that didn't make it until now--only a few years, still had an effect on both me and the person involved.

Everything you do, everything you read, everything you think about, whatever it is, you're CREATING yourself. You may be finding yoursef too... The talents inside you never knew about, but they HAD to be created first.

Never would I have thought I'd do NaNoWriMo and be writing an over-55k-story when I was younger.

Never would I have thought I'd be playing the violin.

Never would I have thought I'd know people I didn't know before, today.

It's crazy to think about, but every moment you're just more and more involved. There may be one MAIN reason why you're here, but I'm sure there are several others that haven't caught your attention yet.

Stay creating,