Jessica~ A Fairytale

As most of you know, last Sunday, a kind and generous neighbor gave me his 21 year old mare, Mandy. Since then I've thought alot of how amazing it is and what a miracle it has been to get to know this gal.

Some of you may think "Good grief! It's an animal! Why think of it like that??" If you are thinking that... You just aren't right!!! :) LOL I'm joking. But, Horses are what I believe one of God's most wonderful creations!

Sunday afternoon, after my neighbor had dropped her off at our house and I had rode her for a while (By the way, bareback makes you build up calluses on places you don't want to!!) we rode up to my Aunt Mary's house so we could get her used to the place, because that's where she is staying for a while until we get our fence up.

It was getting darker and a little more cool. I was riding around the edge of the woods. The sun at our side, I saw the reflection of a little horse and a small girl whose lifelong dream came true. My insides quivered, "Wow! The one thing I've been praying and saving for, for YEARS has finally.... finally! Come true!"

I patted her rump and went into a trot. The sun, still casting those shadows that still seemed like a fairytale was slowly setting.

"Jessie!" My six year old cousin called me from the porch. I was still in my fairytale so I didn't hear her. "JESSIE!!" I started, hearing her innocent voice. "Yes, Mara?" "Jessie, I really wanna ride your horse." My insides quivered again as I repeated what she said: "your horse, my horse, MINE!!" I felt like bursting into tears as the truth seemed to overwhelm me.

That four legged thing that had always been in my dreams, sometimes at other people's houses, suddenly appeared. I heard the voice of my saviour say: "Jessica, all this time, you've prayed. Over and over I told you that I loved you. I've told you that I bless those who I love and who love me."

"Since you asked, I answered."

Grace-Girls These Days

I have the cutest across-the-street neighbors. I live in a country subdivision where each lot is a couple of acres.

Anyways, my neighbor's across the street are your book type grandparents. Mr. P gardens and wears an old hat, Mrs. P is feisty and can cook like nobody's buisness. And both love to talk at the same time. Oh, and did I forget the Southern accents!

Well, I went over to day to come'a'borrowin' for an extry pie pan. ;) We have busted all of ours except for 1, and when it is Thanksgiving and Christmas time, a girl needs pie pans!

Well, Mr. P gave me the pie pans, and then asked, "Are you a good cook?"

"I am, somewhat. I am working on it, but I can cook." I replied.

"Well that is just wonderful. You know, we have spent these last couple of days in Dallas with one of our daughters, and we have a granddaughter that is a junior and college. And she can cook like anythin', I mean, anythin'. Absolutely wonderful! Her mother(by the way, this is all in a slow, drawling Southern accent)has done a wonderful job of teachin' her cookin' and housekeepin. Honestly, girls these days just can't cook. And I don't know what they are goin' to do when they get married and can't cook. So she is just a delight to our soul."

I smile, and nod, trying not to giggle at how adorable this old man is.

"You know Conner(their grandson, also our neighbor), well, he was talkin' to his grandma the other day. And he said, "Grandma, when I move out, can I buy you a plane ticket so that you can come and cook for me?" Grandma P says, "Well aren't you plannin' on gettin' married?" And Conner says, "But Grandma, those girls can't cook! So when you said that you were a good cook Grace it was just a delight to my soul."

I could have hugged the man right then and there. He and his wife are just about the sweetest things since apple pie.

But they are right! How many girls these days know how to cook? Or how to do laundry? Or how to clean a bathroom, scrub a toilet, mend a seam, sew a button on, wash windows, bake bread? How many do? I can tell you, HARDLY ANY AT ALL!

That is because our culture has lost touch with the housewife idea. They think it is degrading to be womanly, skilled, and a stay-at-home wife and mom. They think that it is unimportant and below to stay at home. But girls, it is not!

I am not saying that women can't work at all, and I am not saying that everyone should stay at home. But it isn't degrading to do womanly things. God created two genders, male, and female. The males He made strong and brave, so that they could protect and provide for others. The females He made nurturing, tender, and beautiful. That doesn't mean that we can't be strong and brave when we have to.

But our present American culture has mixed these two genders. Boys aren't cool unless they are sick, girly, fops! And girls aren't as cool unless they have this whole feminist thing going.

We need godly, virtuous young women who can be happy help-meets to some nice strong young men.

One way to do that? Well gals, men are often touched by their stomachs. Yes. In fact, a survey was done recently about smells that get a guy's attention, and do you know what it was? Pumpkin pie scent! Of course, that wouldn't draw my brother, you would have to wear bacon scent to draw him. ;)

No, I am not telling you to go smearing pumpkin pie all over yourself, I am just saying, men feel provided for when they have a good, hot, homemade meal in front of them.

Think ahead girls, what skills do you need to be a good wife, and mother?

Lydia, Christmatized!

Hooray! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! My house is "Christmatized" as I call it. Our Christmas tree is up with all our memory filled ornaments and our little winter village is up and Christmas music is playing! What a wonderful time of the year! Benjamin and Brooke get to open up our presents to them tonight so the Christmas festivities will really start today. I am so happy to be able to snuggle under quilts and soft blankets. Winter is coming! So all we need now, I say is:

~.`~>~.`.`~~~..`~>~>`~.>~~>`..`
>~``>Let it SNOW!~~.~....~~>~
~..`~>`>`.~>~>~.`>`~~.`.~>~~
>~.`.`>`~>`~`.`>~`~>~~~~>

Celina, Grandpa's house

I am at Grandpa's house right now. Today we finished cleaning the kitchen, whew that was a long job!! It was not too bad though because there was a lot of junk that we got to go through. I really like going through other peoples junk. I got some Tic-tacs and a bunch of unopened soda flavored lip gloss tubes. Me and Jonathan (my ten year old brother) went on a walk through the lovely little town of Holly Springs Mississippi, while were walking we ate almost all of the Tic-tacs :) :) :) I love my brother he is funny! I laughed like the whole time we were walking around. (Jonathan is sitting here reading my post and he says that I only laughed 99% of the time ) like I said before love that kid :) (a Rebekah Farr saying) Today we also had a lovely thanksgiving dinner. We turkey, potatoes, Sweet potatoes, pie, and bread YUMMMMMM.

Jessica~A Perfect Thanksgiving

So, I was sitting down occupying myself this morning when my dad says, "Jess, Your mom and I have something we want to tell you." I set down what I'm doing...."Yes dad?" "You know last Sunday when you and I went to Mr. Rod's house and went horse-back riding?" "Yeah! It was fun!" "Well, do you remember how much you loved that 20 year old mare you were riding?"
"Yeah! How could I forget" "Well...Mr. Rod would like to give her to you." "Haha Dad!" "Jess, I'm serious. You now have a horse of your own!"


THANK YOU GOD!!!

Grace-A BIG Thing to Be Thankful For

This is another blog that I read that is written by 3 girls(college or upper high school age) Megan, Jessina, and Joanna.

Recently Joanna went on a mission trip to Panama. And while she was there... read this, it is a miracle!

http://www.bloomthemagazine.com/2010/11/one-scary-night.html

Jessica~Prayer

Hey girls!

I want to first, say sorry that I've not been on here for such a LONG time!!! Second, I'd like to ask a request, that you could all pray for me as I finish up this quarter in school. I've lately been having a horrible time in math, usually ending a day in either an argument with my mom or just a good cry. Most of it I know will pass, but I think right now, I'm not only fighting a battle with my studies but fighting a spiritual battle. I would really appreciate the spiritual support from you all.

Love you!!!!!

Celina, Grumpy me

I Have had a WONDERFUL life so far, yet I am always thinking of something to complain or cry about. I have had parents that love me, but sometimes I wish they would understand me better. I have always had more than enough clothes, yet I always want one more outfit. I have always had enough to eat, but all I can think of is how fat I am. I have friends that love me and REALLY care about me, but I sometimes wonder what they think about me or if they like me more than so-and-so. This is just something that has been on my mind for a while, and a blog is for sharing your thoughts so I just wanted to see what you all thought of this or if you have things to add.

Grace-Christmas Music

Do you like Christmas music? I do! It brings warm, happy, delightful memories and feelings. It makes you think about cookies, lights, warm jamies, Christmas secrets, and snuggly hugs. And my bunny. Oh yeah, another story.

So, shouldn't we be able to enjoy Christmas music for longer than just one month? I think so. That's why I am so happy that my radio station is playing exclusively Christmas music every Saturday in November.

And if people think it is unconventional to listen to Christmas music before Christmas month, go in your room and listen anyway. We need happy and warm feelings sometimes!

"That was random Gracie. No it wasn't, it is what you are thinking about, and that is what blogs are for. Oh, okay."

Grace-Still Sick

Okay girls. I am not trying to be a complainer but I am feeling down in the mouth. I got sick on Monday and have been sick since then.

Yesterday I stayed home from orchestra with one of my younger sisters. I felt pretty good then. And we had a lot of fun making Christmas presents, cleaning the kitchen, and watching Nancy Drew. But last night I got a whopper of a nosebleed, probably from blowing it so much. It was about the worst I have ever had, and I have had many bad nosebleeds.

Anyway. I just really could use some prayer. I am not used to feeling sick this long. Usually if I start to feel bad I take a nap, eat a TON of vitamins, and get better in like 2 days. So it has been a rather rotten week.

And for any of you who are sick, GET WELL SOON!

Grace-Sick

Yes. I am sick.

It is like a mixture of like 3 or 4 different things. Flu, cold, ear infection, and something else.

I had a fever, sore throat, body aches, one night. Body aches and sore throat the next. Sore throat, a terrible one that night, the next night, and tonight I have a plugged up ear that hurts.

Ugh! Oh well. At least it is not stomach flu, which I dread above all else. That is funny coming from me because I throw up like the least in my family. I haven't thrown up in 4 years! Whereas my poor younger brother can throw up like 11 times in the middle of the night. Not fun.

I have to go sing in choir tomorrow, I am usually a 2nd soprano. But tomorrow, I might be alto.

Celina, Whats up!!!!????

HI YA'LL

So I just thought that it was time for a little catch up! So Here goes: Last week was pretty busy, I got to baby-sit twice, hang out all day Saturday with some of my Great friends!!! (talk about fun) Then also on Saturday we preformed a play that we had written that was a total blast!!! So a lot of fun stuff, OH I am going to get contacts soon I am soooooo exited! I am also a little worried that I will lose them or break them, because if I do I do not think that I will get to have them again. My daddy has had contacts since he was like fourteen (he has BAD eye sight !) and he has never lost or torn one! He even dropped one in the pool when he was a lifeguard and FOUND IT!! But it will be fun to try. This week I am just working on school. On Wednesday I get to go to our SO COOL Wednesday night church, two of the sweet lady's in our church teach it and I get to provide the snacks this week! I still have to decide what to do before my daddy heads home from work today so he can get the supplies I need. Well I hope and pray that all of you girls will enjoy your week and you will feel blessed in some cool way, and if your week HAS to be bad I pray that you will use it in a time to grow!!! God Bless

Celina, Administrator

Rebekah Farr you are up!

Bekah Thanks

1. grace (no not Grace Gidman, although I am thankful for her relationship :) (God's grace)
2.His faithfulness
3.Pure joy in talking to fellow Christians
4.Jesus my savior, name above all names
5. the number three
6.desires from the Lord
7. family!!
8.peace
9."ask and you shall receive"
10. love

Bekah (Farr) Tangled

Okay, don't freak out! I am not about to write about the new Disney movie that's about to be in theaters!! "Oh my goodness I can't wait to see how they strangely twist the story of Repunsel.." No. I am about to humble myself and ask for prayer.

I went to Wednesday Night Church about an hour ago (Not Living Stones Baptist) and the teacher there talked about some things that teenagers, and sinners as a whole, struggle with, one of the main things he talked about was, he named it, "eyes". He was talking about lusting with the eyes. I am not going to make excuses like "what I have done is really not as bad as lusting because i never really thought about.. you know.. sexually" because in saying that I would be speaking heresy because the bible clearly states that if you look at some one in that kind of a way it is the same as committing adultery.

I do believe that this is something that I have struggled with before. And I will not begin to think that it is something I could not do again just because God has so clearly shown me my sin. So I am asking for prayer. I am not asking for pity, and i do not think any of you are immature enough to look at this and not understand that it is just as small as teasing your little brother and just as big as murder.

Another thing I will admit to you all so that I may be humbled and you will know exactly what to pray for is this, pride. BIG word. Specifically pray that God would in every way, everyday, humble me and set my eyes on him. And in another way is that my words would not be prideful (especially around my fellow Christians) but would benefit those who listen.

I love you all!!!!

Jessica~Thanksgiving 3

1 My education (I'm not sure if I've said that one already or not but it's worth repeating!)

2 Artists who liven up our walls with pretty pictures! :)

3 Gardens. I LOVE to plant things!!

4 My weekly activities I get to enjoy with other homeschoolers like myself.

5 Resale shops!!!!

6 Language Arts! I really enjoy writing.

7 Butterflies

8 Stars

9 The gift of giving.

10 Church!

Thankfulness

Hmm..... Lets see ten things I am thankful for

1.My family!!!!

2.Color,this world would be so boring without it

3.Cats

4.My dance lessons

5.History

6.Flowers

7.Books

8.pictures

9.The Christmas season

10.And last but absolutely not least, Eternal life from my father

Jessica~Thanksgiving 2

1 A warm fire

2 Cute dogs and cats

3 Shiny red and white candy-canes! (YUM)

4 Birds calling in the morning

5 BOOKS!!!!

6 God's gift of knowledge that he gives to people who grow up to be doctors and nurses and vets and teachers.

7 Cameras- so we can capture those perfect moments

8 Horses <3

9 Chocolate

10 FRIENDS!!!

Grace-And Idea for Biblical Courage?

Okay, I just wondered what you all thought of this. Here is a storyline that I think that I have come up with.

Colt Walsh is a state prison security guard. He has to work daily within barren walls, dangerous people, and despairing attitudes. Yet daily he walks into work with a smile on his face and love in his heart for the criminals within.

Okay, what do you think of that? It is original, which is one thing that I like about it.

Grace-Love

Love, an action verb, not a feeling.

Jessica, A Big-O Catch Up!!

Hey!! Sorry everyone! I've not been on for awhile! We are sooo busy, I don't know how in the world I am going to survive Christmas!! And sorry Celina about not picking up on that whole name before the title thing! I kept on wondering why it would do that, and ends up..you are!!! Goes to show how observant I am!! S0, enough chit-chatting, Jess!! Get on with it!!

For fun lately I have.....been able to enjoy this AMAZING weather and not be stuck inside sick!! I've been learning on the flute, "The Old Rugged Cross" so that my grandma can accompany me on the piano at church!! I am soo excited!!! So, now things I'm thankful for:

1) My Amazing Lord and Saviour!!

2) My mama who gives up her time and patience to give me an education!! And to teach me those little things that don't seem to matter but bring you to awe when you are older.

3) My daddy who doesn't mind at all sleeping on my bed with me when I've just watched something scary or just need some "daddy time" :)

4) Being able to grow up around boys...now, this one I don't think of much, but when I do, I am so thankful because they have taught me a lot of things! Whether it's how to shoot a BB gun or how to get messy the "right" way, I am so glad that I've had the privilege to grow up around boys!! Awesome brothers at that. :)

5) Being able to live in the country. Grace, you really hit that point good! I would be in misery if I lived in the city!!

6) My AWESOME, thoughtful, kind, loyal friends that are always there when I need them the most!!

7) Church camp! Even though it is November and camp is in July, I've been thinking about it alot! I am very excited and blessed to have a great camp to learn more about God and to meet new friends every year!!

8) My musical abilities!! God has blessed me (And all you girls!) with the love of music and the appreciation of his gift of music!

9) Internet access. I CAN TALK TO MY FRIENDS WHEN I WANT!!!!!!! That is ssuuuccchhh a cool thing! I almost feel spoiled by all this technology!

10) last but not least, the freedom to be thankful!!

And great picture Grace! It is very fall-ish!! I LLLOOVVVEEE IITT!!!

And glad you are back CC!!

Lydia, Today and so on

Well, I thought I would write about the things that are going on right now. Lets see, Faith is going to riding lessons *sniff, sniff,* I am out of money and can't do them for awhile. We have been having lots of fun today. Celina, thanks for chatting with me by e-mail, It has been fun although I am still waiting for your reply. There is a lovely tree outside the window. It is bedecked with cheerful bright orange leaves. I have been practicing our Christmas songs for Orchestra. Our play is coming up! I am SUPER excited even though we have had about one rehearsal and it is November 13th! Well that is about it...Have a great weekend!

Lydia~

Lydia, Thanksgiving

Ok well hear are some things I am thankful for!

1. Jesus-He makes my life whole
2. Colors-they make the whole world beautiful
3. Animals-they make me smile :)
4. Flowers-they are the jewels of the world
5. An older sister-to do special girl things with me
6. Friends-to share life with
7. Pictures-to capture memories
8. Food-they bring everyone together ;)
9. Music-It brightens my day
10. My family-so special to me

Celina, Thankful stuff

Wednesday

Fun thing- Wednesday night church

Thankfulness

1. friends
2. Miss. Megan
3. Fun Scrapbook stuff
4. Piano
5. Ipod
6. Brothers!!!!!!!!!
7. A great Family (is that the same as brothers???)
8. To do lists (even if you don't get it all done)
9. email (a wonderful invention!)
10. HUGS (I am powerd by hugs I LOVE TO HUG PEOPLE!)

Grace-Biblical Courage

I am entering a writing contest that is presented by Patrick Henry College. The topic for my age group is Biblical courage. I am supposed to write an original story only 1500 words long that portrays Biblical courage.

So I thought I would ask you, what do you think Biblical courage is?

Grace-Thankfulness

Okie dokie CC. Here we go!

1: Books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a reading addict

2: History!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ditto with reading. In fact, if you put them together, you won't see me for hours at a time.

3: The country. I have always lived in a rural area, except for 9 months, and I absolutely LOVE it!

4: Paintings. Especially Thomas Kinkade. I love beauty and seeing it created on a canvas so that it can be kept forever.

5: Snowflake pajamas. Nothin's cuter!

6: Hairbrushes. Me and my mother and 2 sisters often finding ourselves singing a classic Veggie Tales song, "Oh where is my hairbrush?"

7: A big, happy most of the time, loud, noisy, bouncy family!

8: Sewing machines. I couldn't do it all by hand!

9: Violins. I am a violinist, and proud of it.

10: Jesus!!!!!!!! His truth, His life, His purpose, and especially His purpose for ME!

Celina, Administrator

I am going to make grace the admin

Celina, GET POSTING!!!!

Come on girls! I know that you have more to say than this, but because people aren't finding things to write about I am going to have to give you something. I want you guys to right for every day one of the most fun things that has happened, and ten things that you are thankful for, kinda for thanksgiving but mostly because I am always more thankful and happy when I make a list about that every day. Girls I truly believe that God has something special in store for each and every one of us, but before we can help others we have to be at peace with ourselves and God. So here you go another one of my weird little things I want you gals to try this week. Next week there will be something different, I will start for yesterday.

Tuesday, November 2nd

Most Fun Thing- Going to a bible study Mrs. Debby does called Titus 2 Chics, the theme was a tea party and we all got to drink tea (duuuu) where fun hats and TALK!! Talk about fun


Thankfulness-
1. I am thankful for GREAT FRIENDS
2. I am thankful for a comfortable bed
3. I am thankful for enough food to be okay if I miss a meal! :)
4. I am thankful for Mrs. Debby being always so happy
5. I am thankful for my mom!!!!
6. I am thankful for fun puppies
7. I am thankful for the young children, they can always make me smile
8. I am thankful for trees that turn colors in the fall and will always change back in the spring
9. I am thankful for skirts!
10. I am thankful for fun scarfs! (I LOVE clothes)

I thank you guys can do it so at least try!

Grace-Marvelous Light

Here's a song that we sing at church. It is so beautiful, so uplifting, and really encouraging. I felt like I should share it, along with a new verse, verse 3 that I wrote for Miss Leslie. ;)

Verse 1

I once was fatherless, a stranger with no hope,

Your kindness wakened me, wakened me, from my sleep,

Now Your love beckons deeply, a call to come and die,

By grace now I will come, and take this life, take your life.

Pre Chorus

Sin has lost its power, Death has lost its sting,

From the grave You've risen, victoriously...

Chorus

Into marvelous light I'm running,

Out of darkness out of shame,

By the cross You are the truth, You are the light, You are the way...

Verse 2

My dead heart now is beating,

My deepest stain's now clean,

Your breath fills up my lungs, now I'm free, now I'm free

Pre Chorus

Sin has lost it's power, Death has lots its sting,

From the grave You've risen, victoriously...

Chorus

Into marvelous light I'm running,

Out of darkness out of shame,

By the cross Y0u are the truth, You are the life, You are the way...

Verse 3

My dark soul now is lighted,

Your lamp shines brightly forth,

You've filled me up with love,

I'm filled with love, filled with love

Pre Chorus

Sin has lost its power, Death has lost its sting,

From the grave You've risen, victoriously...

Chorus

Into marvelous light I'm running,

Out of darkness out of shame,

By the cross You are the truth, You are the life, You are the way...

It is such a beautiful, healing song. I have almost cried singing it a few times.