The Messiah

We arrived safely home from our trip to Chicago! Participating in "Handel's Messiah" at the Civic Opera House was a marvelous experience and such fun was had by all! The participants were Mrs. Sanford, Melinda, Peter, Ashton, Anna Price, Tiffany, Melissa, Caleb, Daniel, Christa, Joshua and myself. We all headed north ot invade...er....stay with the VERY hospitable Erber family! :-)

It was all perfectly lovely, though very cold. Chicago was exciting and the Civic Opera House was absolutely GORGEOUS! I have always dreamed of stepping foot into an opera house and that dream was so beautifully fulfilled on Monday night! My next ambition is to visit one in Europe! :)

The train was also exciting! I've never been on a train so that was also a new experience for me. I was so very glad that I was able to experience all of this with some of my nearest and dearest friends...there's nothing like trying something new with the people you love and know so well! I'm so glad that all of y'all could come!!

A HUGE thank you to the Erber family for hosting our crowd and for giving us warm beds to sleep in on that very cold winter night! Also for the huge delicious breakfast that greeted us in the morning before we left for the long, icy trip home! And another HUGE thank you to Mrs. Sanford for her care and protection! Thank you for taking us, Mrs. Sanford!!

Remember the true reason for the season, as you admire those sparkling lights on the trees, the snow outside, and the Christmas music resounding through your ears. Remember that God sent His Son, who emptied himself so that he might become a babe...fully God and yet fully Man, so that he might grow to be a man, and die for our sins. He did all of this for us, unworthy and ungrateful creatures that we are. How very humbling. And exciting...that God loves us so much that He would empty Himself for you and for me! No amount of jolly men in big red suits and "Season's Greetings" can ever take away the glory of His birth!

Chicago

In Christ Alone, Jessica

I'm Feeling:Pleased

Some Pictures. :)

I only have a moment as a few of us are leaving soon, but I thought I'd post some pictures of the past week for y'all's enjoyment! :)

Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

Christmastime 2008

Franklin Springs Media Contest!

Hello Y'all!

I pray that everyone is having a lovely Christmas Season!

I was told about this Essay Contest/DVD Giveaway, and thought that y'all might be interested! I have watched several of Franklin Springs Media's DVD's and have been very impressed with them! The Stonewall Jackson one was my personal favorite. :-) Oh, and the entry deadline has been extended until the 19th of December.

Franklin Springs ESSAY CONTEST: Why I love being homeschooled (250 words or less.)

One essay will be selected to receive the ten-pack collection of DVDs from Franklin Springs Family Media ($199 Value). Send entry to contests@franklinsprings.com – Subject “Essay Contest”

All Entries must be received by Tuesday, December 16, 2008. Winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2008. All entrants will also receive a $5 gift certificate for any film in the Franklin Springs Family Media catalog.

Franklin Springs Family Media is committed to producing God-honoring DVDs that encourage and inspire families. Produced by award-winning Director Ken Carpenter, our films are suitable all audiences.

In Christ,

Scott Eash

You can visit the Franklin Springs Website HERE.

Merry Christmas and may your days be filled with the Joy, Love and Peace that can be found only in Jesus Christ!


In Christ Alone, Jessica

I'm Feeling: Happy

The Real Blogger Award

I apologize for this post being sooo late. I was tagged sometime ago. But here is the post! :-)

I would like to thank Ella for awarding me with the Marie Antoinette Real Blogger award! I feel so honored and so humbled to have received this! Thank you very much, Ella! I wish I could award you in return!

Here are the blogs I award for the "real" blogger award:

My Mother
Mrs. Davis
Mrs. Pickle

I have also been awarded by The Editrix! Thank you very much! I am so honored to receive this!!


"THE LEMONADE AWARD: The concept behind this award is that the blog creators have shown an uncanny knack for silver linings and making the best of bad situations (i.e., lemonade from lemons)."

Rules: Name ten blogs that reflect this silver linings philosophy.


I award the following blogs:

The Hector Family

Joyfully At Home

Lazy D Ranch

Proverbs 31 Maiden

Life In the Country

Three Things Very Dull Indeed

My Point of View

The Same Anonymous Dude

All Because of Grace

Daniel and Christa Blanchard


A new post should be coming up pretty quickly after this, all about the Sing-It-Yourself Messiah, Candlelight Service Practice, etc.

Merry Christmas!

In Christ Alone, Jessica


I am feeling: Busy

Getting to Know Me -- Christmas Edition

I was tagged by The Editrix! Christmas happens to be my favorite time of year, so how could I pass up a "Christmas Tag"? *smile*
Here I go...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper! I love spending time with my family (those of whose gifts are not out.) while wrapping presents...the fire crackling, the Christmas Tree glowing and sparkling, ribbons, scissors, decorative paper and tape scattered about. Various gift boxes are piled up nearby and smiles light up every face as Harry Connick Jr. plays softly in the background. Beside me is a steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with a generous helping of whipped cream and peppermint flavoring. *yummy* Stuffing gift bags just doesn't give one those same delightful feelings. Dost thou not agree? :-)

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. I always thought that having a "real" tree would be exciting, but as I've never had one I can't say. Artificial has always worked well enough for us...and at least I can be sure there are no creatures and/or bugs hiding in its branches. :-) Someday I'd like to try out a real tree, methinks.

3. When do you put up the tree? The day after the day after Thanksgiving. :-) We generally set it up directly after Thanksgiving, but this year, due to Black Friday shopping, we had to abstain and commence the following day. :-)

4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime in January, I believe.

5. Do you like egg nog? Yes. In moderation, mind you. After a while you just feel absolutely stuffed...egg nog is a bit too thick in my mind, but I still savor the delicious taste of it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My American girl doll, I think. I got "Felicity" when I was...oh...9 or so. I had wanted her so badly for a good while and then when I received her from Mom and Dad on Christmas morning, I was simply thrilled to pieces! :-)

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes! Several, actually. I personally own a Precious Moments set, and my parents have a gorgeous antique-ish looking one. :-)

8. Hardest person to buy for? My parents, I think. Not because I don't know what they want, but because I have sooo many ideas of what to get them but cannot decide between the several. lol.

9. Easiest person to buy for? William. He would enjoy anything I got him. Even a tea set. Of course, he would use it as cannon balls or something, but still. Hehe. At least it would come into use. :-D lol...

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Both! Mail is preferable though as I love looking through old Christmas cards that have been so sweetly bestowed upon me. It's this special feeling that emails can't give, I guess. But email's tend to be cheaper and as money doesn't grow on trees anywhere near me, I have to generally resort to emails.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I won't say on here as it was rather embarrassing...*cough*

:-)

12. Favorite Christmas movie(s) ? That's a hard decision! But here's a few, "White Christmas", "The Nativity Story", "It's A Wonderful Life" and "The Ultimate Gift"!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? August?

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I think maybe once or twice.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Dark and White Chocolate Swirled Macadamia Nut Bark. *happy sigh* Nothing has yet beaten it. :-)

16. Clear or colored Christmas lights? Clear on the Christmas tree (well, they have these "flash" settings on them, though...) and colored outside on the deck and in my room!! :-)

17. Favorite Christmas song(s)? TOO many to count! But here's a few,

"For Unto Us A Child Is Born" (Handel's...of course. :-))
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Andy Williams)
"Home for the Holidays" (Perry Como)
"Joy to the World"
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" (Third Day)
"Bethlehem Dawn" (Todd Agnew)
"Two Thousand Decembers Ago" (Joy Williams)
"What Child is This?" (Caedmon's Call)
"Sleigh Ride" (Diana Krall)
"Let it Snow!" (Michael Buble)
"Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella"
"I Saw Three Ships"
"The Twelve Days of Christmas"
"The Holly and the Ivy" (Bing Crosby)
"Here We Come A-Wassailing"
"O Come O Come Emmanuel"
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (Newsong)
"Winter Wonderland"
"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" (Perry Como)
"Feliz Navidad" (So I'm from Texas...*grin*)
"Little Drummer Boy" (Josh Groban)
"The Christmas Waltz" (Michael W. Smith)
and lastly, "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" (Frank Sinatra...of course. :-))

Well, hehe, it did ask for my favorite song(s)!! :-D

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home!! Though if I was traveling to spend Christmas with my family then that would be an absolutely different matter all together.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Dixon, Comit and Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph! (Not sure if I got them all. Hehe.)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have an angel on the top of ours! But I like both. :-)

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Some on Christmas Eve (ornaments and pajamas) and then the rest on Christmas morning!

.22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? When the roads are too icy for our friends and Church family to get together with us. :( And I absolutely hate it when people at stores and such greet me with a "Happy Holidays". I always make sure to answer them with an enthusiastic "Merry Christmas!" :-)

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love my family's tree which is decorated in the colors of gold and a deep red (almost maroon). We have crosses, stars, golden balls and such.

24. Favorite dinner for Christmas? I can't quite decide. I hardly notice what I'm eating as I'm generally just so thrilled about the day. :-)

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Love, Joy, Peace and Happiness! What else? :-D And to see my Sister, Brother in law and Nephew! :-) I'm so excited that we get to be all together for the Christmas season! Is there any felicity in the world superior to that?

26. Do you bake lots of goodies during the holidays? Yes! We make Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bark, Pine Nut Brittle, Truffles, Snowballs, Pralines, Cheescakes, homemade egg nog...(the list goes on.).

27. Do you decorate different rooms of your home? Just the Living Room. We used to decorate the upstairs balcony with garlands, beads and lights, but we haven't done it yet this year.

28. What decorations do you put outside? Only lights on our deck, usually (and they looks so festive to me!). I was never really "into" those inflatable Santa Claus Figures. Sorry. :-)

29. How do you spend Christmas Eve? With my family. When we lived in Texas we spent it with my extended family, but as we are now in Illinois we either spend it as a family or with a family from Church that also doesn't have relatives in Illinois! :-) The older ones of us generally stay up late, enjoying some snacks and such while having a good old late night chat. :-)

30. Is Christmas your favorite holiday? Yes, without a doubt! Christmas, Easter and the Fourth of July rank as my top three favorites. Then, of course, comes Valentine's Day, May Day, Epiphany (Twelfth Night), New Years Eve, etc. :-)

I tag anyone and everyone! :-)

Oh, and as an aside, if you have not seen the film, "The Nativity Story", you truly should do so this Christmas. HERE is my (rather short) review of the movie that I wrote when it first came out in theatres.

Have a very blessed Christmas season this year, y'all!! And though it is said too often to count, remember not to forget the real reason for the Season...Jesus!

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of ,there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it,
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
-Isaiah 9:6-7

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

Imagine it.

You get in the car making your way to the consistary meeting that happens often. You're a bit confused as to why your sisters insisted that you wear your new white dress and put your hair up. After all, it is just a casual meeting. Isn't it? Oh well. You dress up, add a bit of pearls to finish off the outfit, and put on those opal earrings that were so graciously given to you by your Great Grandmother.

You pull up to the church, get out of the warm car and into the frigid night air. The snow crunches beneath your black ballet flats as you hurry into the church beside your father, brothers, and sister. You make your way down the stairs and through the hall that leads to the strangely dark fellowship hall.

Are they trying to scare us? You wonder, as you realize how quiet it is.

Slowly you step into the room. Immediately the lights flash on and there, before you, are dozens of smiling, loving faces, each mouth announcing "Surprise." Their voices full of laughter and mirth.

You stand still. Perhaps you go numb for a moment, the shock of it all. The blessed, delightful surprise! Then the tears come. Why am I so blessed? You are so, confused, sohappy, and so tearful all at the same moment in time, you utter a timid, "Hello." Tears come and a smile lights up your face, "Hello!"

Hugs follow. Mother is first. You hug her tighly, "Thank you." You choke out, so thankful. So very, very thankful.

Laughter, comes next. You embrace everyone you possibly can, greeting them merrily as you do. Is this really happening? Or am I just dreaming all of this? No, it is very real. The cake is beautiful. The cupcakes are adorable. Everything is decorated to perfection and to top it off, a smile graces every face. Perfection?

What follows is like a dream. Your parents both go up and speak loving wise words to you. Tears? Encouragement from your sister. From your friend. Two letters are read by your mother from two dear friends that live out of state. A slideshow filled with photos of your life. Feasting. Dancing. Laughter.

Joy. Oh, I know there was an abundance of that in my heart.

Love. It filled my heart as I surveyed those around me. Those who had come. So many of my friends.

My family.

Yes, you are correct in your assement. The entire recitation above truly happened to me, last night. I am so humbled and so full of joy!
I wish to thank everyone that blessed me last night, from the depths of my heart! Those who put their hard work into making the evening special, to those who attended, to those who blessed me with gifts, and to those who blessed me with letters of encouragement. Thank you, y'all...for everything.

Did I not say that God is good?

My dear sister, Tiffany, has posted photos on her blog and My beloved Mother has posted the slideshow presentation on her blog, if y'all care to see them.

I pray that each of y'all have a blessed week and that you enjoy the grace and joy of of the Lord more each and every day!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

P.S. I should be uploading the photos to my web album soon! *EDIT* Here is the web album!!

My Surprise 18th Birthday Party!

I'm Feeling: Surprised

I'm Feeling: Thankful

I'm Feeling: Loved

Garr's Going Away Party...

Well, last night was the going away party our good friend, Garrison Sanford.

We weren't really surprised to hear that he was (finally. *grin*) joining the United States Marine Corp, but to say we weren't saddened to lose his company and to see him go, would be an untruth. One thing is very sure, and that is that we are extremely proud of him and we know he will serve his Country with honor and integrity! We support our troops!!

Goodbye, Garrison, we sure will miss you! Know that you will be in our prayers continually as you serve the Lord far from home.

SEMPER FI!

So here are some photos of the evening (an evening with mixed feelings...both joy and sadness). I hope that y'all enjoy them and get a bit of a taste of the friendship and close-knit relationship that our Church family is so blessed to be able to enjoy! Also, I'm including a rather *fuzzy* video clip of a skit/song that Melinda, Melissa, Tiff and I did for Garr to commemorate his leaving. We enjoyed creating the song and the ad lib was especially fun! (One disclaimer, as you can see, there are two videos, parts 1 & 2. In the middle a small section was cut off, where we said "counting those years out loud and strong, 2, 3, 4, hut 2, 3." But that is all that it's missing.) Hope y'all like it! :-)

Have a wonderful week y'all, and remember to give thanks to the Lord for the friends that he as given you, though they may only be with you for a short season of your life. God is good.

In Christ Alone,
Jessica


The Video:




Photographs:

Garr's Going Away Party

Oh, and I decided to add two extra youtube videos, just because they make me cry as they remind me of the bravery of those men who are fighting for our freedom!

Letters from War- Mark Schultz




An American Soldier- Toby Keith
With our good friend Garrison going off to war, emotions are high in our family. This song reminds me of the sacrifce that is displayed by our troops in Iraq. Regardless of whether or not we agree with every policy of the federal government, God still allows free worship in this land and has used the blood of American Soldiers to secure that right! God bless our troops!

I am extremely, wildly, gleefully, excited to annouce that....

*drumroll*....

I reached 50,000 words tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am ridiculously happy and very pleased! When I first began NaNoWriMo, I did not think that I could actually reach 50,000...and I thought, that if by some insane chance I actually did, it would be becaause I was up until 12 on the 29th of November writing feverishly.

Never, in a million years did I imagine that I'd actually finish early. I am very, very, very, very happy. (can you tell?) I feel like dancing and singing and standing on my head all at the same time. Isn't God so good??

Hm...maybe I'll go buy myself something special now. Like that dvd of "Northanger Abbey" that I've been wanting so badly. :-D hehe... Actually, maybe I'll just go dance around the living room singing opera at the top of my lungs and driving my family crazy. *cough* Alrighty, I won't. :-)

Thank y'all so much for your kind comments about my novel and for your encouraging words! I am not quite finished writing the book yet (I'm still reaching the climax of it) but when I am completely finished I will let y'all know.

Y'all have a tremendously vibrant week and I pray that the Lord blesses each of you beyond your wildest dreams! Toodle Pip!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

Current Mood: Ecstatic

Graphics are from www.olde-fashioned.livejournal.com

NaNoWriMo...once more. :-)

I'm still getting an award post together (it's taking me a bit longer than I'd thought. And my brain has been really *out* since November 1st. Go figure.), so please, bear with me.
Until then, I though I would share a NaNoWriMo calender that I made in my spare time. :-) I kind of went crazy with it-but it was fun and will work great as the desktop picture for the computer. :-)

Here it is:


By the way, I *love* those sunglasses. I must get some, methinks. :-D


Ah yes! And so I thought, that while I'm posting about NaNoWriMo I'll share a small excerpt from my book with y'all. First, the synopsis:

It is the year 1811 when the McKie family decides to visit London for the season and leave their home in the hills of Scotland to find husbands for their daughters. They are utterly unprepared for the adventure, romance, scandal and mystery that await them. The three eldest girls find themselves wrapped up in the intrigues of London far too swiftly...

There is Bella, the eldest at home, with a clear head on her shoulders and a heart that is far away with the man she loves who is working for the King against Napoleon.

Then Ada, who though she dearly loves her sister, Emmy, she is extremely disapproving of her shocking ways. And don't ask her about Mr. Stanbury. For she is determined to reject his love suit.

Emmy McKie, at age fifteen loves a good romance novel and has decided that the man she marries must fight a duel for her. On top of it all she takes far too much delight (according to her sisters) in shocking everyone. And of course, she finds her own love, but he doesn't seem to return her feelings. And does he fight duels?

The season looks disastrous so far. And one wonders if any of the McKie girls will make it home the same?

And the excerpt: (This is the same excerpt from my NaNoWriMo page.)

Emmy wasn't sure of what to say, knowing that she was not his choice partner and he was only asking her as not to appear rude, she felt the slightest bit snubbed. After a moment of silence she stood up gracefully. "Indeed you may, Mr. Scott. I hope I am a descent replacement for my sister." Better to dance with someone who didn't precisely want to dance with you, but would, then to be a wallflower and look dejected by the wall speaking to strange gentleman whom one's sister has instructed one not to speak to ever again. Yes, this was the right choice. She tried to ignore the fact that Mr. Henry Scott was the ideal gentleman. I wonder if he would fight a duel? She shoved her foolish thoughts away.

He looked utterly surprised. "Oh, Miss Emmaline, you are nothing of the sort! I would enjoy dancing with any of the McKie sisters many times. I am profusely apologetic if I have offended you in any way. It truly was not meant." He looked honestly concerned.

She smiled, as if to reassure him, but more so to reassure herself. He offered her his arm and led her to the dance floor. She noticed his eyes dart to glance at her as they walked along. Is something wrong with my appearance? She thought to herself. Why does he keep looking at me? My hair must look dreadful... They swept into a round of Mr. Bevridge's Maggot and Emmy felt herself positively enchanted by the music and steps of the dance and marveled at the perfect footwork and grace of her partner. His eyes stayed on her nearly the entire time, and she felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny. But as she danced her mind wandered and flew back to her novel. Which made her wonder once more, if Mr. Scott would be the type to duel?

Please forgive the fact that it is not edited yet. Thus the *messy* writing. :-)

And lastly I give you this just because (I found this on Michael Thomas' blog and could not stop laughing. The song is "All You Really Need is Love" by Brad Paisley):




Have a marvelously blessed week!


Cheerio!

~Jessica

Current Mood: Good

15 Things I'm Not Afraid to Admit

*edit* Sorry about my missing number three! :-D I HAD a number three but...I suppose something happened to it! lol. Anyways, I fixed that... :-D *end edit*

So I've been tagged by Ella to do the 15 things that I am not afraid to admit! :-) Thank you Ella for tagging me! Let's see if I can think of 15 things...

Here goes:

1) I am a Christian! A Reformed Presbyterian, to be exact. :-) (And because I love this quote sooo much, I'm going to add it to my answer!) I am not afraid to admit that, "I believe on Jesus Christ, who truly is the King that comes to me with gentleness and grace, rescuing me from sin, death, devil and hell. Into Him have I been baptized, in Him I believe, with Him I remain, and unto Him I will die and rise again." (Martin Luther)

2) I love History! Whether that be historical books, historical movies, historical clothing, historical museums, historical art, historical music...whatever (don't you just love the word 'historical'? *grin*). I love it all! And as for the clothing part. Well... :-) Everyone should know that the clothing "back then" was by far more attractive than clothing today. :-) And Regency and 1950's attire happen to be my two current favorites. :-)

3) I have no qualms about singing wherever I am. And maybe dancing to it, too. As a matter of fact just recently I served an entire meal while singing.
Example: Me- (to the tune of a song) "William! What would you like to eat!" and "William what do you say now that I've given you your food!"
William- (same tune, sung with a VERY deep voice) Thank you.
Hehe. It was hilarious...

4) Like Ella and Jasmine, I enjoy "other" music! :-) Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy Hymns, Psalms and Christian music very much, but I also love Opera and Musicals (and Broadway Musicals such as Les Miserables and The Scarlet Pimpernel). And of course, I also love singers such as Michael Buble, Nat King Cole, Amy Adams, Kiri, Riverdance, Josh Groban, Kate Rusby, Patrizio Buanne and the like. :-)

5) I love acting and drama!! Someday I would love to be in a stage production of a musical just for fun! :-)

6) I could never and would never join any branch of the military. Besides the fact that the entire notion of women in the military is against my beliefs, I would be absolutely impractical to the poor people. And I would drive them absolutely crazy. ("Where's the outlet so I can plug in my curlers?" "Um...how does this gun work again?" "Okay, this camo outfit looks sooo dumb on me! Can I make myself a historical 1776 uniform?" etc.) HeHe. ;-D

7) I am writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days! And I only have about 15,000 more words to go! *does the happy dance*

8) I cry during movies. I simply cannot help myself. And I also give running commentary during a film as well. Another thing I cannot seem to help. :-) But good heavens if I waited to say all that stuff until afterwards I would have forgotten it all and then what would be the use? No, no. I must say it during and that is all there is to it. ;-)

9) I do so love a good costume drama! The Importance of Being Earnest, all the Jane Austens, Victoria and Albert, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Ruby in the Smoke, Twelfth Night...Yup. The whole package. :-)

10) My favorite poem is "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes. And no, it has nothing to do with Anne of Green Gables. :-) And Loreena McKennit has a gorgeous "song" version of it, by the way.

11) I hope to someday go overseas and visit all the places that I've heard and read so much about! Scotland, Venice, Rome, London...the list goes on. Anywhere that has history? I'd love to go! :-)

12) I am the ultimate tooth brush loser. As in, I am constantly losing it. Or one of my younger siblings is constantly taking it by accident. ;-D (you can decide which.) It is a good thing that my mother always has extras on hand. HeHe.

13) I LOVE Shakespeare's works! "Twelfth Night", "Romeo and Juliet", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Much Ado About Nothing" and "A Comedy of Errors" are my favorites! (I like "Hamlet" too but it is so very sad. *sniff*)

14) I love the movie "Hot Lead and Cold Feet"...a fact which no one in my family can really understand. It is a dumb, ridiculously brainless movie...but I think it is one of the most hilarious movies I've ever seen! :-D Oh, and love it when the missionary brother sings "Something Good is Bound To Happen"...lol. I wish I could find it on youtube so that y'all could listen to it! :-D

15) I am not afraid to admit that God gave men and women different roles in life. We are different...no matter how much the liberals say otherwise. I consider it a blessing to be a woman...a blessing to conduct myself in a feminine manner, to train to be a stay-at-home wife and mother...to be a homemaker. I do not consider it a shame to spend my life being a helpmeet to a husband and raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord (as I pray I will someday have the opportunity to do.). I consider it a high calling, and one which I am eager to be called to someday (Lord Willing).


And as I finished with that *grin*, I Tag:

Laura
Emil
Elissa
Jeremy


Have a *marvelous* week, y'all, and may the Lord bless and keep you!


In Christ Alone,

Jessica Nicole


Current Mood: Chipper

Feeling Hyper 'n Happy :)

What ho, Y'all?

So Sunday night we (as in the Candlers, Sanford's, Price's and us) decided to stay late at Church and enjoy some extra *fellowship time*. :-) We ordered pizza (from Domino's, of course.), the Candlers brought some games from their house, and we goofed off and of course had a *marvelously* insanely happy time! :-)
I thought that since it was SO much fun that y'all might enjoy viewing some photos of the time we spent together!
Now don't get TOO freaked out over the *crazy* pictures...you have to understand that when you take our particular families (and certain members of those families who will remain un-named. *grin*) and add caffeine and late hours it equals CRAZINESS. Really. ;-) So honestly, please view at your own risk. :-D

PK_DK_Fun

Have an *exuberant* week!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica



Current Moods:
Hyper
Happy
Giggly

Can a person be in three moods at one time? :-)

A Giveaway!!

A giveaway from Miss Jocelyn courtesy of Christa Taylor (be sure to check out the C-T site and take a look at the gorgeous and feminine clothing she has on there!)!
Leave a comment on Miss Jocelyn's blog to enter!!

"...You've gone and looked at C-T and now you're wanting to put some of the items on your wish-list... well, how about a chance to get something early with a $25 gift credit from the C-T store?

You can enter a chance to win the $25 GC by leaving a comment, and, if you want to enter again tell your friends and when they come to enter make sure they say who directed them here because if they say YOU did then you get ANOTHER entry! So if you tell 15 friends and they say "Sarah told me" then you get 15 more entries."


Current Mood: Cheerful

This is the Short and Long of it...

So Dad has been wanting to stain our deck for some time now. So Caleb and I helped him a bit and we got the floor of the screened-in porch stained. Dad had some work to do (and Caleb and I couldn't move ALL the deck furniture alone!) for Sunday so we went ahead and went inside.
That evening we discovered that a wonderful friend had gotten a group of guys together to come and stain our deck the following morning! Thank you so much to each of you, the work you did for us was truly a blessing!!!
Here is the album with some photos of the day:

Deck Painters!

And also yesterday Melissa, Caleb, Emma William and I decided to go out, enjoy some fresh air on the lawn and finish raking up the leaves and dumping them by the garden with our John Deere Tractor! It was a delightful time spent together and we got a good deal of work done as well. :-)
Afterwards Melissa shot some photos of William and I. Then we happened to notice that the Chickens were crossing the road (of course! lol.) so we chased them back to the yard and after that was done, I got a few more photos! :-)
So here they are for y'all to enjoy as you weren't able to be there with us! :-D

The Wonders of Fall

Have a marvelous week!

Cheerio! ~Jessica Nicole


Current Mood: Tired

*edit* I'm also going to be putting "mood" pictures at the bottom of my posts from now on. I found them on a site and thought they looked fun (they're all from Jane Austen films). I guess I'll see how they work! :-) *end edit*

If y'all are wondering what in the world is going on with my blog, I'm working on a new design! :-) So don't worry, I should have it done soon!

Current Mood:Working

Thoughts on the recent election...

Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
“Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.”

He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure:
“Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.”
“I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me,
‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”

Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
-Psalm 2

Well it looks like the people of this nation have finally gotten what they have longed for...or rather who they think they need. Barack Hussein Obama will be the president of my beloved country. How could this happen? I fight the tears that threaten and my heart cries out to God, WHY?
I must say truthfully that I never thought that Obama would actually win. I proudly voted for McCain and I was sure he would win, hands down. I convinced myself that the people of this country would never, knowingly, vote for a man who upholds everything that we, as Christians are so vehemently against. I am very sadly dissapointed.

What I am at a complete loss to understand is HOW the people of this nation could actually vote for a man that stands for so many horrible and wicked things? Do they not even flinch when he says that mothers have the right to kill their babies? Do their consciences' not scream "MURDER!"?

I was reading a book about Rome recently and I had to shudder. It was way too familiar. Too close to home. Why? Because we are going in the exact same direction. Rampant abortion, sodomy, complete government control...that was Rome. And I'm afraid that that is soon to be America too. And Rome eventually fell. And it was a great fall indeed. What will happen to the United States of America?

Our forefathers, those who fought for this nation, would weep if they could see it now.

But I remind myself of what my Father so rightly reminded me of last night, that God is in control! God will always be in control and He loves His people with a never-ending love. That will never change, my friends! Have courage! Have Faith! And look forward to voting Obama out of office in 2012!

I can only pray that God has mercy on us and changes the hearts of our new leaders!

Also, both Ella and Jasmine have excellent blog posts on this election that y'all might appreciate reading!


In Christ Alone,

Jessica

P.S. On a lighter note, anyone interested in moving to Venezuala? :-)

NaNoWriMo

This month is National Novel Writing Month! So guess what I'm doing:

Why, writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days, of course. :-)

Now before you fall over, or faint, or scream, or stare at your computer screen incredulously, take a moment and check out the website: NaNoWriMo.

*edit* If anyone is interested in viewing my profile here is the link: CatherineMoreland! *end edit*

I realize this is going to be quite a challenge. I'm pretty nervous to tell y'all the truth. I'm also excited at the same time. Really excited! But truly, even if I don't win, I still want to give it a try...who can resist a challenge, anyway? :-)

The main reason I'm telling y'all that I'm going to do this is because I know y'all will keep me going. Don't let me quit...really. And those of you who have my email address, in November please send me emails reminding me to work on my novel! I'd really appreciate this, as it could be possible that I'll be tempted to just give up at some point.

If I'm not on my blog/email very often in November, this would be why. :-)

God bless y'all's week!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

P.S. A HUGE thanks to my wonderful friend, Elissa, who introduced me to NaNoWriMo! We're in this together! Wahoo! :-)

Happy Reformation Day!

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted a proposal at the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany to debate the doctrine and practice of indulgences.

And so in celebration of Reformation Day, here are two of my favorite Martin Luther quotes:

"So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: "I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!"
- Martin Luther

"Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason and not by Popes and councils who have so often contradicted themselves, my conscience is captive to the word of God. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I cannot and I will not recant. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me."
- Martin Luther

And if you haven't seen "Luther: The Movie", I must take this moment and highly recommend it (it's rated PG-13 for some violence). Here's the trailer:




God bless your week!


In Christ Alone,

Jessica

Reformation Day 2008

"Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, Give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The LORD is over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; The voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars, Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes them also skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth, And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!” The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood, And the LORD sits as King forever. The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace." - Psalm 29

Well, Reformation Day Faire 2008 is officially over.

What a wonderful two days it was! A spirit of joy pervaded the air and smiles lit up so many faces! The Lord was gracious in giving us beautiful sunny weather on Saturday and a massive amount of attendees- most of whom came in costume! (You can only imagine how happy that made us. *grin*)

The day consisted of soooo much! Here's a few examples: Food, Fellowship, Singing, Dancing, Boffer Wars, Caber Tossing, Stone throwing, singing from Nathan Clark George, two talks about John Knox by my Father (in one I was able to do a short skit as Mary Queen of Scots!), music, more feasting, booths (where amazing crafts were done!), photograhs, and more! What an exciting celebration I found Reformation Day 2008 to be!

A special thanks to everyone who made this event possible...especially my Father (who spent many nights staying up late working on getting everything prepared!) and Mrs. Bandy (and family) for making so much food that we might enjoy and for sacrificing so much of their time so that others might be blessed! And to everyone else (there are so many to name!) for your sacrifice and for the love you put into this event! God bless each of you!

I pray that others may join us next year for Reformation Day Faire 2009! See you (hopefully) there!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

Here are various photos of the event. If you know of some blogs that have more photos please let me know and I'll put a link up!
Enjoy!

Reformation Day 2008

Here are some photos that friends took:

The Sanford Family (part 1)

The Sanford Family (part 2)

The Candler Family

The Creath Family

The Yen Family Blog

The Ryken Family Blog

Emil Bandy's Blog

The Riggenbach Family

The Serven Family

Hopefully more are coming! :-)

Whew! I can't believe I'm already 18. 'Tis quite scary, really.

Well, the year is 2008. I turned 18. You know what that means, don't you? :-)

I VOTED!

Yes, yes, you heard that right. I'm a big girl now! :-)

And I even got a nifty little sticker that says...

For...

On a more serious note, I'm still trying to take in the fact that I am actually another year older. Life brings with it many, many changes; and let me tell you, I've had plenty of those. Some of those changes have been good; and some have been trials so difficult that without my Savior I never would've been able to endure them. But through it all, God has remained steadfast in His love and He has never failed me.

I am determined that in this new year of my life I will strive once more to be more like Jesus. To walk in His footsteps. Sometimes it seems so impossible and, so very often, I stumble and I wander, but God is full of mercy and love and holds tightly to me, even when I can't feel Him there.

God has blessed me so much more than I could ever deserve! I thank Him for blessing me with a wonderful family, for giving me so many like-minded friends, and for saving me from my sinful self and for filling my heart with His love! He opened my blinded eyes that I might see Him and He is molding me and shaping me more each day, each year, and each moment. He is reminding me of my sinfulness, and showing me how much I need Him. What would I be without my precious Jesus, the lover of my soul? I would be nothing, and I would be living a life of emptiness and futility. Through Him, I can truly live. And that is what I will strive to do in this new year of my life...I will strive to truly live...through Jesus.

Happy Birthday, Christa!

I have the most wonderful sisters in the world. Have I mentioned that before? :-) And today is the birthday of one of those wonderful sisters.

And that sister is Christa Marie (McDonald) Blanchard. She turns 24!!

We've shared a lot together, from arguments to agreements, from laughter to tears, from talking to dancing to music and bike riding!
I have so many memories that bring tears to my eyes...and though I miss her terribly I am so glad that she has a wonderful husband and beautiful baby now! :-)

Thank you for being such a blessing to me, Christa...and for being a true sister to me. I love you.

HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY!!!


Love,

Jessica

Christa and Tiffany on Resurrection Sunday in 2001 or so.

Christa and Mom at Old Sturbridge Village!

Tiffany, Christa, Melissa and I at the hotel we stayed at for a month in Peoria
when we first moved up to Illinois.

Dad and Christa the evening before the wedding of Daniel and Christa!

The Rehearsal. :-)
(Everyone thought it would be funny to do it "Fiddler on the Roof" style. *grin*)

The Wedding Day!
Daniel and Christa Blanchard!

Christa, William and Daniel when we visited Texas a few months after their marriage!

Christa, Joshua and I!
(the day after Joshua's birth!!)

Myself, Melissa, Tiffany, Christa and Joshua on Independence Day of this year!