Merry Christmas!!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Baking!
This evening my mom and I made some raspberry lemon thumbprint cookies for our neighbors! We plan to make ginger snaps and sugar cookies as well! The raspberry lemon thumbprint cookies turned out great and their smell makes our mouths water!
Daily Devotion!
Kevin listened politely as his elderly neighbor chattered on. "You and my grandson Allen would get along so well together," Mrs Crane was saying. "He really enjoys skating. And did I tell you that he plays football?"
Kevin nodded. "And that he's in my grade in school," he said, "and that he has a baseball card collection."
Mrs Crane nodded happily as she left.
Kevin turned to his mother. "I don't know how often Mrs. Crane has told me about her grandson," he said. "I think I must know just about all there is to know about him. He sounds like a nice guy, but to tell the truth, I'm tired of hearing about him. I wish she'd either introduce us or forget the whole thing."
The next Saturday, it happened! The doorbell rang, and there was Mrs. Crane and a boy about Kevin's age. "Hi, Kevin," said Mrs. Crane. "This is Allen, my grandson." She smiled at Allen. "And this is Kevin," she added.
Allen was visiting his grandmother for a week, so the boys played together often. Both had a great time.
"I'm glad Mrs. Crane finally introduced Allen and me," Kevin told his parents one day. "I knew all about him for a long time, but now I actually know him."
Mom smiled. "You can 'know about,' or you can 'know.' The elimination of one small word makes a lot of difference, doesn't it?" she asked.
Dad nodded. "It's like that when it comes to Jesus, too," he said. "Some people know about Him, yet they don't know Him personally."
"I often think of that at this time of year," added Mom. "Many have heard the Christmas story over and over. But knowing about Jesus isn't enough. It's as useless as knowing about Allen."
Kevin nodded. "I was really tired of hearing Mrs. Crane talk about him," he said. "Knowing somebody personally is so much better than just hearing about him. I'm glad I know Allen now, and I'm especially glad I know Jesus."
MEMORY VERSE: You may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
HOW ABOUT YOU? Have you heard over and over how Jesus came to earth as a baby? Perhaps you've also heard how He died on the cross to save sinners. Is it getting boring to hear the same stories again and again? Maybe that's because you only know about Jesus, but you don't know Him personally. You need to realize what He did for you and get to actually know Him. Accept Him as your Savior and friend today. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)
THE KEY: You can know Jesus personally
Kevin nodded. "And that he's in my grade in school," he said, "and that he has a baseball card collection."
Mrs Crane nodded happily as she left.
Kevin turned to his mother. "I don't know how often Mrs. Crane has told me about her grandson," he said. "I think I must know just about all there is to know about him. He sounds like a nice guy, but to tell the truth, I'm tired of hearing about him. I wish she'd either introduce us or forget the whole thing."
The next Saturday, it happened! The doorbell rang, and there was Mrs. Crane and a boy about Kevin's age. "Hi, Kevin," said Mrs. Crane. "This is Allen, my grandson." She smiled at Allen. "And this is Kevin," she added.
Allen was visiting his grandmother for a week, so the boys played together often. Both had a great time.
"I'm glad Mrs. Crane finally introduced Allen and me," Kevin told his parents one day. "I knew all about him for a long time, but now I actually know him."
Mom smiled. "You can 'know about,' or you can 'know.' The elimination of one small word makes a lot of difference, doesn't it?" she asked.
Dad nodded. "It's like that when it comes to Jesus, too," he said. "Some people know about Him, yet they don't know Him personally."
"I often think of that at this time of year," added Mom. "Many have heard the Christmas story over and over. But knowing about Jesus isn't enough. It's as useless as knowing about Allen."
Kevin nodded. "I was really tired of hearing Mrs. Crane talk about him," he said. "Knowing somebody personally is so much better than just hearing about him. I'm glad I know Allen now, and I'm especially glad I know Jesus."
MEMORY VERSE: You may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
HOW ABOUT YOU? Have you heard over and over how Jesus came to earth as a baby? Perhaps you've also heard how He died on the cross to save sinners. Is it getting boring to hear the same stories again and again? Maybe that's because you only know about Jesus, but you don't know Him personally. You need to realize what He did for you and get to actually know Him. Accept Him as your Savior and friend today. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)
THE KEY: You can know Jesus personally
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Snowing Again!
The snow covered bushes in the garden
It's snowing!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Daily Devotion!
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"This is such fun!" exclaimed Tracie as she tramped along through the snow with the other kids from her church.
"Yeah," agreed Sarah. "It's cool. Mr. Bailey is a good camp director."
Soon they came to a fork in the path. The kids ahead of them took the path to the right. "Wait!" called Tracie. "Mr. Bailey said to turn left at each fork, and then we'll end up back at camp."
The other campers hesitated. "Yeah, but look! This path on the right is full of footprints. There aren't nearly as many in the path to the left," argued one of the boys. "I think we should take the one everybody else used." Most of the kids agreed, and they all continued down the well-trodden path.
Tracie and Sarah didn't know what to do. "Mr. Bailey said to take the fork to the left," insisted Sarah. "I think we should do that."
"I do, too," agreed Tracie. "Let's at least take it for a little way. If we don't get back to camp soon, we can turn around." Sarah nodded, and they started off.
To the girls' delight, it wasn't long before they did, indeed, arrive back at the camp. They explained to Mr. Bailey why the other campers weren't with them. He shook his head. "They'll come to a dead end and have to turn around," he said. "I'll send someone out on a snowmobile just to make sure they're all right. I guess I should have sent a guide along, after all."
During camp devotions that evening, Mr. Bailey grinned at the group. "We have some tired campers tonight," he said. "Most of you took a longer hike than you planned. You didn't follow the directions you were given. You chose, instead, to follow where others had gone." He opened his Bible. "I believe there's a lesson for you in your afternoon hiking experience," continued Mr. Bailey after he read aloud some verses from Proverbs. "The people whose footsteps you followed this afternoon probably didn't know where they were going. Fortunately, they only led you out of your way and not into any danger. But I want you to remember that when you're tempted to forsake the teachings of God's Word in favor of following the crowd, that well-worn path may lead to disaster. Choose God's way every time. The crowd could be wrong, but He is always right!"
MEMORY VERSE: Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Proverbs 4:14
HOW ABOUT YOU? Is it hard for you to go a different way from others around you? Do kids tease and call you "chicken" if you don't go along with what they're doing? Sometimes it's easier to join in with the crowd than it is to stand up for what is right, but in the long run, it doesn't pay. The Bible says "the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1:6).
THE KEY: Follow God, not the crowd
"This is such fun!" exclaimed Tracie as she tramped along through the snow with the other kids from her church.
"Yeah," agreed Sarah. "It's cool. Mr. Bailey is a good camp director."
Soon they came to a fork in the path. The kids ahead of them took the path to the right. "Wait!" called Tracie. "Mr. Bailey said to turn left at each fork, and then we'll end up back at camp."
The other campers hesitated. "Yeah, but look! This path on the right is full of footprints. There aren't nearly as many in the path to the left," argued one of the boys. "I think we should take the one everybody else used." Most of the kids agreed, and they all continued down the well-trodden path.
Tracie and Sarah didn't know what to do. "Mr. Bailey said to take the fork to the left," insisted Sarah. "I think we should do that."
"I do, too," agreed Tracie. "Let's at least take it for a little way. If we don't get back to camp soon, we can turn around." Sarah nodded, and they started off.
To the girls' delight, it wasn't long before they did, indeed, arrive back at the camp. They explained to Mr. Bailey why the other campers weren't with them. He shook his head. "They'll come to a dead end and have to turn around," he said. "I'll send someone out on a snowmobile just to make sure they're all right. I guess I should have sent a guide along, after all."
During camp devotions that evening, Mr. Bailey grinned at the group. "We have some tired campers tonight," he said. "Most of you took a longer hike than you planned. You didn't follow the directions you were given. You chose, instead, to follow where others had gone." He opened his Bible. "I believe there's a lesson for you in your afternoon hiking experience," continued Mr. Bailey after he read aloud some verses from Proverbs. "The people whose footsteps you followed this afternoon probably didn't know where they were going. Fortunately, they only led you out of your way and not into any danger. But I want you to remember that when you're tempted to forsake the teachings of God's Word in favor of following the crowd, that well-worn path may lead to disaster. Choose God's way every time. The crowd could be wrong, but He is always right!"
MEMORY VERSE: Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Proverbs 4:14
HOW ABOUT YOU? Is it hard for you to go a different way from others around you? Do kids tease and call you "chicken" if you don't go along with what they're doing? Sometimes it's easier to join in with the crowd than it is to stand up for what is right, but in the long run, it doesn't pay. The Bible says "the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1:6).
THE KEY: Follow God, not the crowd
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
As You Can See
As you can see I've customized my blog differently! I'd always wanted to have blues on my blog but the way that I had it, it didn't look very good with blue! So now I have blues like I wanted and a pretty star! I hope you like the new design!
Finally Winter Break!
On Tuesday my winter break started! Everyone was excited to begin the break! We get two weeks off, repeat TWO weeks off! I've been having a great year so far at school, but I feel like I definitely could take a break from the daily homework, fractions and all of the assemblys that make you feel REALLY sore afterwards! Now I get to sleep in, wear my glasses all day and stay up late reading! Oh yeah!!! Have a great break everyone!
Didn't Winter Come Fast!
Didn't winter come fast! I love looking out side and seeing everything covered in snow! It looks like a winter wonderland! Winter is a great time to go skiing, go sledding and sip hot cocoa! Whenever I thought of what winter would look like, this picture is the kind of thing that pops into my head! I'm so excited for all of the memories that we'll create this holiday season and the ones that we already have!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Camp Bay Scenery Shots
This weekend I enjoyed taking beautiful pictures at Camp Bay. I looked out the windows every couple of hours to see if there was any eyecatching view! My mom and I were on a walk and when we saw the mountains we jogged back to the cabin to get my camera! I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures!Monday, November 26, 2007
Daily Devotion!
The long procession of cars moved slowly from the school auditorium to the little country cemetery. When they arrived there, Laura stood between her parents, holding a damp, wadded tissue. She struggled to keep her tears from overflowing again as some final words were spoken.
"Kim is in the presence of Jesus," said Pastor Drew. "Just think of how wonderful it is for her. Perhaps even now she sees Jesus' kind face and hears His gentle voice. A crippled body is no longer hindering her-her pain and sorrow are gone. And God's Word says that those who belong to Jesus will see her again in heaven." The minister's thoughtful words were stated with positive assurance as he spoke to the family and friends who had assembled after Kim's funeral service.
For as long as Laura could remember, she and Kim had gone to school and Sunday school together. They had learned about Jesus when they were little, and each had accepted Him as Savior. But now Kim was gone, and Laura's heart was sad and lonely. The morning sun shone in a clear blue sky, and a breeze scented with flowers brushed the upturned faces of Kim's listening classmates. Each carried a single, brightly-colored balloon.
The minister's quiet words broke into Laura's thoughts. "These balloons are to picture for you the freedom of Kim's spirit today. The Bible tells us that the body is laid to rest in the earth, but the spirit of the person who believes in Jesus goes to be with Him until the Resurrection. Kim's spirit is already at home with Jesus. It's a joyful day for her."
The pastor lifted a pink balloon and held it a moment. "Let's release our balloons together in celebration of Kim's new happiness," he said. A moment later, all eyes were raised skyward as a cloud of vividly colored circles danced in the summer breeze.
"Goodbye, Kim," Laura whispered. She smiled through her tears. "I'll see you in heaven some day."
MEMORY VERSE: We shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
HOW ABOUT YOU? Have you known someone your own age who has died? Perhaps you wonder what it would be like to die. It's natural to be afraid of the unknown, but Jesus promises to take Christians to heaven when they die. Have you trusted Jesus as Savior? If so, you don't need to fear death. The Bible says that for a Christian, death is to be "absent from the body" and "present with the Lord." Make sure that you will live with Him forever in heaven. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)
THE KEY: You can live forever in heaven
"Kim is in the presence of Jesus," said Pastor Drew. "Just think of how wonderful it is for her. Perhaps even now she sees Jesus' kind face and hears His gentle voice. A crippled body is no longer hindering her-her pain and sorrow are gone. And God's Word says that those who belong to Jesus will see her again in heaven." The minister's thoughtful words were stated with positive assurance as he spoke to the family and friends who had assembled after Kim's funeral service.
For as long as Laura could remember, she and Kim had gone to school and Sunday school together. They had learned about Jesus when they were little, and each had accepted Him as Savior. But now Kim was gone, and Laura's heart was sad and lonely. The morning sun shone in a clear blue sky, and a breeze scented with flowers brushed the upturned faces of Kim's listening classmates. Each carried a single, brightly-colored balloon.
The minister's quiet words broke into Laura's thoughts. "These balloons are to picture for you the freedom of Kim's spirit today. The Bible tells us that the body is laid to rest in the earth, but the spirit of the person who believes in Jesus goes to be with Him until the Resurrection. Kim's spirit is already at home with Jesus. It's a joyful day for her."
The pastor lifted a pink balloon and held it a moment. "Let's release our balloons together in celebration of Kim's new happiness," he said. A moment later, all eyes were raised skyward as a cloud of vividly colored circles danced in the summer breeze.
"Goodbye, Kim," Laura whispered. She smiled through her tears. "I'll see you in heaven some day."
MEMORY VERSE: We shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
HOW ABOUT YOU? Have you known someone your own age who has died? Perhaps you wonder what it would be like to die. It's natural to be afraid of the unknown, but Jesus promises to take Christians to heaven when they die. Have you trusted Jesus as Savior? If so, you don't need to fear death. The Bible says that for a Christian, death is to be "absent from the body" and "present with the Lord." Make sure that you will live with Him forever in heaven. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)
THE KEY: You can live forever in heaven
Friday, November 23, 2007
Maestro!
Whenever we go to Diamond Lake Jacob always loves to play the keyboards! He makes up some very nice songs! Just earlier today I was up on my bunk just laying around and he started playing some pretty music on the keyboards that made me feel so peaceful I could have fallen asleep! Like I said he is a Maestro!
Happy Thanksgiving!
We spent this Thanksgiving at Diamond Lake with Nana and Boppa!
We stayed there for two nights and had a great time!
On Thanksgiving day we made our food including a delicious turkey, home-made mashed potatoes, broccoli with cheese, cranberry sauce, dinner roles and sparkling cider! Yummy!
We have so much to be thankful for!
We had an absolutely great time and hope every one else did too!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The Revolve Tour!
The screen during the break
Just messing around during the break
Ayiesha Woods
Jenna Lucado 
Hawk Nelson
Natalie GrantOn Friday November 16th my mom and I took a plane at 9:10 to Portland, Oregon! As soon as we got there we went to get our rental car. We had a few issues but got around them and ended up with a Toyota Hybrid! My mom said that it felt like she was in a toy car because all you did was put a plug into the dashboard and press the power button. We went to Jack in the Box for lunch. Yummy! Once we got to the hotel we couldn't get our room yet because it wasn't available until 3:00. So we went shopping! We went to Barnes and Noble first and I got a few non-fiction horse books and a horsey bookmark! Next we just walked around the mall for a while. We got some See's Candy and an Orange Julius. I got a Webkinz husky at one of the stores called Suncoast! After the mall we went to Pier One Imports for Mom! When we got there my feet were really sore from walking around so I just plopped into a chair and read one of my new books while she did her looking around. After shopping we went back to the hotel and since it was well after 3:00 we got our hotel room. We ordered pizza and got into pajama bottoms. Then we turned on the TV and watched King Kong until our food got here. Then we changed the channel because that movie is sort of gross. Then we got ready for the conference that would go from 7:00-9:00. There was Natalie Grant who sang Held and told us a few stories and the meanings of her songs! There was Chad Eastham who was extremely hilarious talked about how girls should value themselves and make good choices about what they wear and how they act. There was Ayiesha Woods who sang a lot of my favorite songs of hers like Happy and The Remedy. There was Hawk Nelson who I had no idea who he was until I recognized some of the songs he sang. He had a little four year old friend named Indy. They played their kazoos together! There was Kj52 who was a Christian Rapper who before this conference I had no idea who he was. He had us do some dances and the only one that Mom said she was good at he said was terrible! There was Jenna Lucado (Max Lucado's daughter) who talked to us about being Daddy's little girl a.k.a. God's little girl. There was Rachel Hockett who used to be Natalie Grant's backup singer talked about the struggles in her life like her eating disorder and not feeling accepted when she was younger. But God has changed her life! Then there was Brie Reed who was our hostess. She was from Australia and had an Australian accent which I thought was awesome! I had such a great time with my mom and hope to do many things like this with her in the future!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Happy Birthday Daddy!
My Daddy is now 38! He is awesome no matter the age! He's a teacher at Arcadia Elementary and is a great role model! He has been so great to me all of my life. Taking me out to dates, loving me so much and just taking me with him to the dump or to get bark. I love every second I can get with him! He's so caring and was just made to be a dad! I love you Daddy! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Maisie!
November 2nd. The wonderful day that little Maisie Rose was born! I remember on the day that she was born. I was so excited that I was running up and down the halls of the hospital saying "I've got a little sister" over and over again! Maisie has grown so much! Maisie is three years old now and I look forward to the many years that we'll get to spend together! Happy Birthday Maisie!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Daily Devotion!
"Look at this odd plant," called Kelly as he and his fellow campers made their way around the swamp.
"Hm-m-m," murmured Mr. Pete, the counselor. "That's called a pitcher plant! It's one of North America's most interesting insect-eating plants."
"What are all those flies doing down in there?" asked one of the boys as they crowded around and peered into a cluster of leaves.
"That plant has caught them for food," explained Mr. Pete. "It has a substance-kind of like nectar-that attracts insects. They easily enter the opening at the top of the leaves, but the sides are slippery and have thousands of tiny hairs that all point downward, and the flies and bugs can't get back out."
"So they drown in that pool at the bottom, I guess," remarked Kelly. "Those flies thought they were getting something good, but instead they got caught."
"That's right," said Mr. Pete. "The nectar that draws insects to their doom reminds me of how narcotics, or drugs, pull so many young people down. They think they're getting something good, but instead they get caught and become addicted to drugs."
Kelly looked thoughtful. "A kid gave my brother free samples of drugs, so he tried them," he said. "Before Jon knew it, he was hooked pretty bad."
"What happened then?" asked one of the boys.
"Mom and Dad sent him to a drug rehabilitation center. He's there now, and I can't even send him a bag of potato chips or cheese curls because the people are afraid someone might try to sneak him some drugs that way," explained Kelly. He shook his head. "I'm never going to try drugs," he declared. "Not even for free."
"I hope and pray you won't," said Mr. Pete. "It's a very foolish thing to do."
"My dad says alcohol is a kind of drug, too," said one of the boys.
"I agree," said Mr. Pete. "Sometimes it's hard to say no when someone wants us to join in an activity, but God urges us to 'come boldly' to Him for help. Ask Him each day to keep you from ever acting like those foolish flies by giving in to the temptation to try any kind of drug-other than what doctors prescribe for you, of course." As he spoke, they heard a buzzing sound. A fly was circling the pitcher plant, drawing a little closer with each pass.
MEMORY VERSE: The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations. 2 Peter 2:9
HOW ABOUT YOU? Are you attracted by the world's drug culture? By its music? Its way of dressing? The fun some kids using drugs seem to have? Don't be foolish. Keep your distance! The closer you get, the harder it is to turn away. Choose to spend time with kids who hold the same values you do and want to avoid dangerous habits. Ask the Lord daily to keep you safe from the evil influence of anyone involved with drugs. With God's help, say no if drugs are offered to you.
THE KEY: Say no to drugs
"Hm-m-m," murmured Mr. Pete, the counselor. "That's called a pitcher plant! It's one of North America's most interesting insect-eating plants."
"What are all those flies doing down in there?" asked one of the boys as they crowded around and peered into a cluster of leaves.
"That plant has caught them for food," explained Mr. Pete. "It has a substance-kind of like nectar-that attracts insects. They easily enter the opening at the top of the leaves, but the sides are slippery and have thousands of tiny hairs that all point downward, and the flies and bugs can't get back out."
"So they drown in that pool at the bottom, I guess," remarked Kelly. "Those flies thought they were getting something good, but instead they got caught."
"That's right," said Mr. Pete. "The nectar that draws insects to their doom reminds me of how narcotics, or drugs, pull so many young people down. They think they're getting something good, but instead they get caught and become addicted to drugs."
Kelly looked thoughtful. "A kid gave my brother free samples of drugs, so he tried them," he said. "Before Jon knew it, he was hooked pretty bad."
"What happened then?" asked one of the boys.
"Mom and Dad sent him to a drug rehabilitation center. He's there now, and I can't even send him a bag of potato chips or cheese curls because the people are afraid someone might try to sneak him some drugs that way," explained Kelly. He shook his head. "I'm never going to try drugs," he declared. "Not even for free."
"I hope and pray you won't," said Mr. Pete. "It's a very foolish thing to do."
"My dad says alcohol is a kind of drug, too," said one of the boys.
"I agree," said Mr. Pete. "Sometimes it's hard to say no when someone wants us to join in an activity, but God urges us to 'come boldly' to Him for help. Ask Him each day to keep you from ever acting like those foolish flies by giving in to the temptation to try any kind of drug-other than what doctors prescribe for you, of course." As he spoke, they heard a buzzing sound. A fly was circling the pitcher plant, drawing a little closer with each pass.
MEMORY VERSE: The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations. 2 Peter 2:9
HOW ABOUT YOU? Are you attracted by the world's drug culture? By its music? Its way of dressing? The fun some kids using drugs seem to have? Don't be foolish. Keep your distance! The closer you get, the harder it is to turn away. Choose to spend time with kids who hold the same values you do and want to avoid dangerous habits. Ask the Lord daily to keep you safe from the evil influence of anyone involved with drugs. With God's help, say no if drugs are offered to you.
THE KEY: Say no to drugs
A Visit From Ms. Howland!
Today I was sitting in a corner of the classroom reading my book when my teacher came over and told me to go out into the hall. I didn't know what it was about. Am I in trouble or is there something really fascinating in the hall, I thought. I started walking toward the door and there was Ms. Howland, my old P.E. teacher from Ridgeview! I started speed walking toward the door and finally into her arms for a big hug. We chatted for a little while. Maybe about ten minutes. We talked about how the schools are without each other and found out that we both missed each other a LOT. She asked what the chances were of me going back to Ridgeview for 6th grade. I told her that the chances really weren't that great. I'm glad that I got to spend the three years that I did at Ridgeview and will always have a clear memory of Ms. Howland!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
The End Of The Season
The soccer season has ended! I'm glad that I'll get to sleep in on Saturdays and not have to keep track of all of my gear, but I will miss my teammates, punting the soccer ball and congratulating my teammates when they score a goal! Thank you all who have been to even one of my games to support me! I look forward to the spring when I'll play with my teammates for the last season and then move onto Scotties select soccer. Soccer will always be my favorite sport even if I don't continue to play it in the future.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Daily Devotion!
Joanna skipped along beside her mother. They were going to an "open house" at her sister Kaylynn's school. "How will we find Kaylynn?" asked Joanna.
"She said she'd be in her pottery class," answered Mom, "and she gave me directions to get to it." Joanna and her mother soon found the place where Kaylynn was working, and they sat down quietly at the back of the room.
The class instructor was at his potter's wheel, demonstrating how to make a clay vase. The students watched and then began work on their own projects. "Kaylynn's good, isn't she?" whispered Joanna, watching her big sister at work.
"Yes," agreed Mom. "The vase she's making will be lovely filled with flowers."
"She's making it for her Sunday school room," said Joanna. She sighed. "Jon teaches Sunday school, Whitney sings in the choir, and Kaylynn makes pretty things for church and Sunday school. But me . . . I'm like . . ." Joanna gestured towards the instructor's table. "I'm like one of those ugly lumps of clay."
"Joanna," said Mom gently, "the vase Kaylynn is making was a lump of clay like those. And so was the one the instructor is making. Those lumps are the clay the potter uses to make beautiful things."
Joanna looked at the instructor, who was again at the potter's wheel. A tall vase was being shaped by his skillful fingers. "Imagine one of those ugly lumps ending up like that!" exclaimed Joanna.
"You know, honey, we're all somewhat like the lumps of clay," said Mom gently. "On our own, we can do nothing. But God is our 'potter,' and He skillfully molds and shapes us into something useful. All He requires of us is that we be pliable and . . ."
"What does plia . . . plia . . . pli-whatever-mean?" asked Joanna.
"Pliable! That means being soft and easy to mold," explained Mom. "If the clay is hard, it's also hard to mold it, and if we are stubborn and our hearts are hard-if we're not willing to do the things that please God-He can't shape our lives into something beautiful." She smiled at Joanna. "You're not like an 'ugly' lump of clay," added Mom. "You're like a pliable one. You're a thoughtful little girl, and I'm sure Jesus appreciates your kindness to your friends and all the errands you run for me and Grandma and your teachers."
MEMORY VERSE: O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter . . . we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8
HOW ABOUT YOU? Are you learning-and willing-to do the things that please God? Do you try to please Him in all your thoughts and words and actions? You don't have to feel less important than others even if you can't speak or sing or draw or study as well as your brothers or sisters or friends. The important thing is to be willing to do what God wants you to do. Then you'll be like pliable clay, and God will use you to accomplish His work on earth.
THE KEY: Yield yourself to God
"She said she'd be in her pottery class," answered Mom, "and she gave me directions to get to it." Joanna and her mother soon found the place where Kaylynn was working, and they sat down quietly at the back of the room.
The class instructor was at his potter's wheel, demonstrating how to make a clay vase. The students watched and then began work on their own projects. "Kaylynn's good, isn't she?" whispered Joanna, watching her big sister at work.
"Yes," agreed Mom. "The vase she's making will be lovely filled with flowers."
"She's making it for her Sunday school room," said Joanna. She sighed. "Jon teaches Sunday school, Whitney sings in the choir, and Kaylynn makes pretty things for church and Sunday school. But me . . . I'm like . . ." Joanna gestured towards the instructor's table. "I'm like one of those ugly lumps of clay."
"Joanna," said Mom gently, "the vase Kaylynn is making was a lump of clay like those. And so was the one the instructor is making. Those lumps are the clay the potter uses to make beautiful things."
Joanna looked at the instructor, who was again at the potter's wheel. A tall vase was being shaped by his skillful fingers. "Imagine one of those ugly lumps ending up like that!" exclaimed Joanna.
"You know, honey, we're all somewhat like the lumps of clay," said Mom gently. "On our own, we can do nothing. But God is our 'potter,' and He skillfully molds and shapes us into something useful. All He requires of us is that we be pliable and . . ."
"What does plia . . . plia . . . pli-whatever-mean?" asked Joanna.
"Pliable! That means being soft and easy to mold," explained Mom. "If the clay is hard, it's also hard to mold it, and if we are stubborn and our hearts are hard-if we're not willing to do the things that please God-He can't shape our lives into something beautiful." She smiled at Joanna. "You're not like an 'ugly' lump of clay," added Mom. "You're like a pliable one. You're a thoughtful little girl, and I'm sure Jesus appreciates your kindness to your friends and all the errands you run for me and Grandma and your teachers."
MEMORY VERSE: O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter . . . we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8
HOW ABOUT YOU? Are you learning-and willing-to do the things that please God? Do you try to please Him in all your thoughts and words and actions? You don't have to feel less important than others even if you can't speak or sing or draw or study as well as your brothers or sisters or friends. The important thing is to be willing to do what God wants you to do. Then you'll be like pliable clay, and God will use you to accomplish His work on earth.
THE KEY: Yield yourself to God
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Greenbluff!
Christian and Zac chowing down!
Mom, Maisie and Christian on the tractor ride!
The horses from the HAYRIDE!!!!!
Me on the HAYRIDE!!!!!!
The tractor ride!
The caramel apples!
Just today we all went to Greenbluff for the harvest festival! We ate caramel apples, went for a HAYRIDE, went through a corn maze, went for a tractor ride and got pumpkins! I got an ice cream cone and everyone else got pumpkin pie or apple crumb. I just don't understand why I chose ice cream over pumpkin pie on a day like this! After our Greenbluff adventure we went to Rancho Chico and had linner! We had a great time at Greenbluff and look forward to going again next year!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
