<*-My Friends-*>

This morning, three of my little friends came over and played cars with my sister, my brother, and me. And these are some pictures from the fun time we had.





























































( 1st, their little shoes!; 2nd, their coats, all in a row; 3rd, the cars; 4th, the boys and their cars; 5th, Ana and the boys; 6th, Ana, R and my feet; 7th, R's little ear! Cute!)

_-'-At Calvary-'-_

At Calvary

Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified,
knowing not it was for me he died on Calvary.


Refrain
Mercy there was great, and grave was free; pardon there was multiplied to me;
there my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary.


By God's Word at last my sin I learned, then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary.


Refrain
Mercy there was great, and grave was free; pardon there was multiplied to me;
there my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary.


Now I've given to Jesus everything; now I gladly own him as my King;
now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary.


Refrain
Mercy there was great, and grave was free; pardon there was multiplied to me;
there my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary.



WORDS: William R. Newell, 1895
MUSIC: Daniel B. Towner, 1895

I'm still here!

Hey! I'M STILL HERE! Wow! It seems like forever since I posted last! Well, let's see, I'll go over what happened since the last time I posted. Saturday (3-10-07) we had a funeral and then after that we went to a friend's house about two hours away and spent the night there. We had a wonderful time! It was good fellowship and very Christ-centered. Then the next morning, Sunday, we drove about 30-45 minutes to go to their church were my dad taught because their pastor was gone. And again and very Christ centered and wonderful fellowship! It was so warm that day! It was in the 50's or something, if I remember right. I'm sorry but I don't have any pictures to show you how wonderful it was, but you can imagine. :)







<---This is the Thank You card that I made for our friends.






Monday I started softball and we practiced really hard! I was pretty sore. But thanks to Mr. M. I wasn't as sore as I would have been if he hadn't worked out with me for a few weeks before practice started! And everyday after that I've been at softball practice all afternoon, so that's why I haven't posted! So if I don't post for a while, no worries, I'm still here! Just bear with me. :) And Lord willing I'll have the strength to continue with softball and be a witness to the girls around me.

Well, until next time! Bye!

~*Charlotte's Web and Pictures*~

"Will you please play with me?" he asked.
"Certainly not," said the lamb. In the first place, I cannot get into your pen, and I am not old enough to jump over the fence. In the second place, I am not interested in pigs. Pigs mean less than nothing to me."
"What do you mean , less than nothing?" replied Wilbur. "I don't think there is any such things as less than nothing. Nothing is absolutely the limit of nothingness. It's the lowest you can go. It's the end of the line. How can something be less than nothing? If there were something that was less than nothing, than nothing would not be nothing, it would be something- even though it's just a very little bit of something. But if nothing is nothing, then nothing has nothing that is less than it is."

-from Charlotte's Web by E.B White, pg. 28-










<--- The material for a baby blanket I'm making.

Sunday

Satisfied

All my life long I had panted for a drink from some cool spring
that I hoped would quench the burning of the thirst I felt within.


(Refrain)
Hallelujah! I have found him whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings; through his blood I now am saved.



Feeding on the husks around me till my strength was almost gone,
longed my soul for something better, only still to hunger on.


(Refrain)
Hallelujah! I have found him whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings; through his blood I now am saved.



Poor I was, and sought for riches, something that would satisfy;
but the dust I gathered round me only mocked my soul's sad cry.


(Refrain)
Hallelujah! I have found him whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings; through his blood I now am saved.



Well of water ever springing, bread of life so rich and free,
untold wealth that never faileth, my Redeemer is to me.


(Refrain)
Hallelujah! I have found him whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings; through his blood I now am saved.


WORDS: Clara T. Williams, c 1875
MUSIC: Ralph E. Hudson, c 1875





Psalm 3

O LORD, how my adversaries have increased!
Many are rising up against me.

Many are saying of my soul,
"There is no deliverance for him in God."

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me,
My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

I was crying to the LORD with my voice,
And He answered me from His holy mountain.

I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me round about.

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God!
For you have smitten all my enemies on the cheek;
You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.

Salvation belongs to the LORD;
Your blessing be upon Your people!


-NAS-

Let it Go

She leaned gently against the door and sighed. It was going to be nice to be outside after being cooped up for so long. She hugged the book in her hand. She just wanted to read and be by herself. She pushed against the door and started walking towards the back door. She put her hand on the handle and felt the coolness of it slightly numb her hands. Shivers of anticipation ran up her spine. She was going to enjoy this. She turned the handle and forced the door open. Sunshine poured in and bathed her body in warmth. She stepped outside and closed the door behind her. She stopped and just listened. She could her the birds chirping their gay song from the tree tops. They were happy, why couldn’t she be?
She started walking on the driveway and eventually onto the gravel road. She turned to see the apple tree. It’s blossoming flowers looked so delicate. She wandered over and picked one. She held it up to her nose and twirled it as if the very act of twirling would cause it to give out more scent. The soft smell filled her nostrils. She carefully tucked it into the button hole of her corduroy shirt.
She turned to continue her walk. The Weeping Willow tree was in site. She walked gingerly over to it. She hadn’t fully recovered from her illness and so was left with little strength. She had been sick with a very bad case of the flu and it had left her bedridden for almost a week. Now she had finally gotten a chance to get out of the house.
The Willow tree swayed in the wind. It‘s branches like little unbound hair being freely tossed by the wind. She put out her hand to move away the branches so that she could be in the middle surrounded by beauty. It was like her own little room. Surrounded by the long tender branches all around. She walked around the trunk her hand tracing its grooves. She stopped after she had gone around once. She looked around her, past the willow tree. Was this her home? Was this where she wanted to be? After her family died she had gone and lived with some friends. They were very dear to her, there’s no doubt about that, but lately she had been feeling like there was a hole growing in her heart. What was it? She knew that her family was in Heaven. She knew that her Heavenly Father was caring for them, and she knew that they were in place that was perfect and that they had perfect heavenly bodies now. No more pain. But why then did she feel the hole getting bigger? Why had her family died in the car crash and not her?
As her thoughts wandered the wind picked up suddenly. A piece of her hair came free from the tight bun she had it in. Her hand automatically went up to stop it. She took the bobby pin out and readjusted it so that the hair was back in place. She didn’t want her hair blowing all over the place. No. It was supposed to stay where it was. The wind blew harder, more of her hair blew free. She put her book down and was now trying very hard to get her long jet black hair back in place. Then, on the wind, she could almost her the someone whisper her name. She stopped. There it was again but this time it was a little different. She turned. She didn’t see anybody around. Something began to tug at her heart. Let it go the wind said. The tugging was harder now. What was going on? Let go of what? The wind picked up and more of her hair was free. Let it go Child. “I don’t understand” she thought. Then it hit her. Maybe it was her hair? She had kept it up and tight for so long she didn’t remember the last time she had let it down. But why let my hair go? The wind blew harder. Lord why must I let my hair down? She knew. Ever since her family died had decided that she wouldn’t let her hair down because it would remind her of them and how they liked it when she let it down. No. She wasn’t going to do that. It was the last thing she had to remind her of them. Why would she let that go? All of a sudden it was like somebody had stuck a needle in her vein and had injected a spark of energy. She needed to get someplace high, off the ground. She looked around. The grain bin would work she thought. She took of her shoes and the shawl that was keeping her warm. She didn’t need those flying away. She ran over to it and started climbing up the ladder. She finally got to the top and leaned over the railing. Let it go, It came again. She felt the tugging again. The one thing that she could keep to herself and help her remember her parents was her hair. Somehow keeping it up and back was her way of keeping it for her parents.
Let it go Child.
“Father! You took everything else away from me. My family, my house, the life that I knew. Why do you have to have this? Haven’t I given you enough?” She prayed out loud.
I must have all of you Child. Her heart throbbed and it felt like it would break. “Please Lord. No.”
When you are weak then you are strong my Child.
Her legs grew week and she knelt on the stairs. She knew she had to give Him everything. Even her hair. She had hardened her heart to Christ and she felt like she had to have at least one thing she could keep for herself. But she knew that it was the only way for her to have complete peace. He knew what He was asking for. He would protect and comfort her.
She slowly stood and started taking the bobby pins from her hair. Piece by piece her hair fell. Soon it was all down. Her waist length hair blowing in the hair.
Very good my Child.
Tears started streaming down her face. She had given Him everything. What was she going to get in return? She started to pray out loud.
“Lord Jesus my Savior. You have taken my family, my life, and everything that I have ever known. I pray that you would forgive me for being stubborn and keeping this one thing for myself. I know that I am wholly yours. I pray that you would comfort me as a Father comforts his child. Lord I have no one to go to. Please, give me peace.” She murmured between sobs.
Suddenly peace washed over her and settled in her heart like somebody had thrown a bucket of water on her. The tears still rained down. “Thank you Lord.” She felt complete. She felt comfort. It was the first time in a long time she had felt happy.
She ran her fingers through her hair. It sure did feel good! She spread out her arms and just let the wind wash over her. Is this what birds feel like when they fly? It was beautiful. Why had she been so stubborn?
Her tears started to subside. The wind started to die down, her skirts fluttered gently beneath her. She turned and started the climb down, being careful not to trip on her skirt.
Once she reached the bottom she had a strength she’d never felt before. She felt strong. Content. She returned to the willow tree and retrieved her things.
“Lord I thank You for this day and for Your grace to me a sinner.” She smiled and looked up to the sky. She stood there and just let the sun bathe her in warmth. She was truly happy. She had given everything to Christ, even right down to her hair. She put her shawl back on and tucked the book underneath her arm and started for the house with a spring in her step. She passed the apple tree and entered the house. This would be a shock for her friends.
She entered the kitchen. The mother stopped kneading her dough and looked up. A gentle expression on her face, she smiled.
“Kristen, you look beautiful with your hair down.” She said whipping her hands on her apron. It was like she could see straight into me.
“Thank you,” She hesitated. “Mom.”
She looked up and stared straight into the Claire’s eyes.
“Is that all right if I call you that?” Kristen hesitated.
“Oh, Yes dear!” Claire hugged her.
She felt love. These were no longer her friends, they were her family. HER family.
Thank you Lord! She prayed silently.
“Shall I go get my brothers and sisters for supper Mom?” Kristen said with gentle confidence.
“Yes, go get your siblings.” Claire answered and returned to her dough.
Kristen walked away with an extra bounce in her step and a smile on her face. How good the Lord was to her! She stepped outside and went in search for her family. Yes. Family.

For when I am weak, Then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10

I Surrender All

Text: J.W. Van Deventer
Music: W.S. Weeden

1. All to Jesus I surrender;
all to him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust him,
in his presence daily live.
Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all,
all to thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

2. All to Jesus I surrender;
humbly at his feet I bow,
worldly pleasures all forsaken;
take me, Jesus, take me now.
(Refrain)

3. All to Jesus I surrender;
make me, Savior, wholly thine;
fill me with thy love and power;
truly know that thou art mine.
(Refrain)

4. All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to thee;
fill me with thy love and power;
let thy blessing fall on me.
(Refrain)

5. All to Jesus I surrender;
now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to his name!
(Refrain)

~*The Wind in the Willows*~

(I took this picture.)
He thought his happiness was complete when, as he meandered aimlessly along, suddenly he stood by the edge of a full-fed river. Never in his life had he seen a river before- this sleek, sinuous, full bodied animal, chasing and chuckling, gripping things with a gurgle and leaving them with a laugh, to fling itself on fresh playmates that shook themselves free, and were caught and held again. All was a-shake and a-shiver -glints and gleams and sparkles, rustle and swirl, chatter and bubble. The Mole was bewitched, entranced, fascinated. By the side of the river he trotted as one trots, when very small, by the side of a man who holds one spellbound by exciting stories; and when tired at last, he sat on the bank, while the river still chattered on to him, a babbling procession of the best stories in the world, sent from the heart of the earth to be told at last to the insatiable sea.

-from The Wind in the Willow by Kenneth Grahame, pg. 6-

It was a cold, still afternoon with a hard, steely sky overhead, when he slipped out of the warm parlour into the open air, The country lay bare and entirely leafless around him, and he thought that he had never seen so far and so intimately into the insides of things as on that winter day when Nature was deep in her annual slumber and seemed to have kicked the clothes off. Copses, dells, quarries, and all hidden places, which had been mysterious mines for exploration in leafy summer, now exposed themselves and their secrets pathetically, and seemed to ask him to overlook their shabby poverty for a while, till they could riot in rich masquerade as before, and trick and entice him with the old deceptions. It was pitiful in a way, and yet cheering- even exhilarating. He was glad that he liked the country undecorated, hard, and stripped of its finery. He had got down to the bare bones of it, and they were fine and strong and simple. He did not want the warm clover and the play of the seeding grasses; the screens of the quickset, the billowy drapery of beech and elm seemed best away; and with great cheerfulness of spirit he pushed on towards the Wild Wood, which lay before him low and threatening, like a black reef in some still southern sea.

-from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, pg. 59-60-



When at last the Mole woke up, much refreshed and in his usual spirits, the Rat said, "Now then! I'll just take a look outside and see if everything's quiet, and then we really must be off."
He went to the entrance of their retreat and put his head out. Then the Mole heard him saying quietly to himself, "Hullo! hullo! here-is-a-go!"
"What's up, Ratty? asked the Mole.
"Snow is up," replied the Rat briefly; "or rather, down. It's snowing hard."
The Mole came and crouched beside him, and, looking out, saw the wood that had been so dreadful to him in quite a changed aspect. Holes, hallows, pools, pitfalls, and other black menaces to the wayfarer were vanishing fast, and a gleaming carpet of faery was springing up everywhere, that looked too delicate to be trodden upon by rough feet. A fine powder filled the air and caressed the check with a tingle in its touch, and the black boles of the trees showed up in a light that seemed to come from below.

-from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, pg.69-70-

_-*Quote*-_

Unless I am convicted
by Scripture and plain reason-
I do not accept the authority of
popes and councils, for they have
contradicted each other-
my conscience is captive to the
Word of God. I cannot and I will
not recant anything, for to go
against conscience is neither right
nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do
otherwise, God help me. Amen.


-Martin Luther-
-from Follow Me, pg. 6-